THE RUG BEATER
32-bar Reel for 3 couples in a 4-couple longwise set
 |
1-8 | 1s dance down the middle for 4 and up for 4, ending at the top in the middle of the set, facing up. (2s step up on bars 3-4 and face down) |
| 9-10 | 1st man turns 2nd man (LH) ¾ way round to end in second place WHILE 1st woman turns 2nd woman (RH) ¾ way round to end in second place. |
|
| 11-12 | 1st man turns 3rd man (RH) WHILE 1st woman turns 3rd woman (LH), 1s finish in 2nd place own sides. |
|
| 13-16 | 2s, 1s and 3s advance for 2 and retire for 2. | |
| 17-24 | All three couples set, cross (RH). All three couples chase ½ way round, clockwise | |
| 25-32 | All three couples set, cross (LH). All three couples chase ½ way round anti-clockwise. | |
| Repeat having passed a couple. |
Music: Suitable Music: Scottish in Salem #3 (Reel Set - Caberfei)
Note: The link between the name and the actual dance, the pattern that is described on the floor when the first 12 bars are danced, is the shape of the old-fashioned wood-and-reed (or some other flexible woody material) rug beaters, with its long handle and lobed head. The rest is the swaying of the rug on the line, the beating of the rug, and the ensuing swirling dust
Devised by Sue Kashanski ( skashanski [at] ns.sympatico.ca), Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
3 comments
Comment from: Bob McMurtry Visitor
Comment from: Loretta Holz Visitor
Our group in Fanwood, New Jersey, USA, had fun doing this dance tonight. I noted that the first couple have to do the turns quickly during bars 9-10 and 11-12 in order to be on time for bar 13 advance. I like those quick turns but some dancers were struggling trying to make it in time. In contract the next 4 bars are very leisurely. We enjoyed the dance and will do it again.
Thanks– Loretta
Comment from: Wendy Grubb Visitor
We danced this on Friday evening in our class in New Orleans. Everyone enjoyed themselves although we also have a couple of dancers who don’t move very quickly and when they danced as first couple had difficulty making the turns. It was fun and I am sure we will do it again.
Wendy
Nice dance. Easy enough for beginners and flows nicely. Also very good symetry. That makes the dance easier to remember. Bravo!