Eynsham (abridged)

(Oxfordshire) There are 5 dances, of which 1 jig and 1 processional.

Sources

Morris Book III; Bacon’s film (1937); Roy Dommett (Sharp's MSS, Francis Pryer, and local inquiry)

Figures

Once to yourself, Foot up, Foot down, Advance meet retire, Back to back, Walk round and Ring.

 

Once to yourself is Cross apart caper.

 

Foot up and Foot down are on the spot turning to face the other way at Cross apart caper.

 

Advance meet retire is 2 bars 4-step in position,  1 bar 4-step to meet, Step and caper, 2 bars 4-step backwards and Cross apart caper in position.

 

Back to back is right shoulders only. 4 bars Side step forward,  2 bars Side step backwards to place and Cross apart caper.

 

Walk round is clockwise first, with a springy walking step, Cross apart caper.  repeat.

Ring is on the spot, facing in.

 

Finish is Ring and all in throwing smallest man into air.

Steps

Mainly Closed side step.  Some 4-step.

 

All figures end on Cross apart caper. | Cross Apart Cross LEFT |. The weight is on the left foot and the right foot is Forward, Side, Behind and Kick high forward.

 

Right foot lead where possible.

Arm-movements

Down back and out wide, crossed on front of chest. Hands cross to following feet.

 

Cross apart caper is arms crossed at head level, down back and out wide, out at head level and high forward. Always start dancing with Cross apart caper.

Handkerchief Dances

BRIGHTON CAMP

Once to yourself, Foot up, Foot down, Corners, Advance meet retire, Back to back, Walk round, Ring and all in.

 

Corners is Back to back. 4 bars Side step forward,  2 bars Side step backwards to place and Cross apart caper.

CONSTANT BILLY

THE EYNSHAM MORRIS

FIGURE EIGHT