Couples and Sets

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• we dance in couples, with one partner nominated as the man, one as the lady

• we change partners between each dance

• each dance is designed for a particular number of couples, usually 3, 4 or 5. These 3,4 or 5 couples make up a set

• usually, but not always, sets are arranged longwise, the men on one side, the ladies facing them.

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Repeats​

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• typically the steps and music are repeated  a number of times so that each couple gets a chance to dance twice from each position

• for each iteration one couple is designated the dancing couple, the others are either supporting couples or the resting couple who take no part in this iteration

• usually 1s start as the dancing couple with 2s and 3s as supporting couples and 4s as the resting couple. In this example just 3 couples dance each time and by the end they will be in new positions . This is called progression. 

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Steps and Formations

 

• there are just 5 basic steps to learn, 3 fast and 2 slow. All dances use a  combination of these. 

• all dances are made up of a series of formations or figures combined in a particular order and danced in one of the 5 steps.

• once you know the most common formations you can dance a wide range of dances, without having to remember the individual rules for each one. Then you can add new formations gradually as you come across them.  

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