ARMAGH LANCERS SET

Newcastle Irish Set Dancers was first introduced to this dance by Patrick O'Dea, set dance instructor from the UK, in November 1999. Other published instructions for this dance may differ slightly. Other sources include Pat Murphy's "The Flowing Tide".

FORMATION

Square Set of four couples, Gents on the left of their partners. First Top Couple have their backs to the band, with Second Top Couple opposite them. First Side Couple are on the left of First Top Couple (when facing into the set) and Second Side Couple are opposite them (to the right of First Tops).

The figures are all danced to Jigs. The step work uses an "Up Jig".

FIGURE 1: JIG (136 BARS)

FIGURE 2: JIG (136 BARS)

FIGURE 3: JIG (152 BARS) - Christmas

See the notes below on the Little Christmas and Big Christmas (= Basket) formation and movements.

FIGURE 4: JIG (136 BARS)

In this figure the Gent's progress to each Lady in turn (to the left) by returning from the chase around and swinging with the Lady on their left and finishing on her left in her position.

FIGURE 5: JIG (168 BARS)

In this figure couples form up for the cross-over/cast with the lead couple doing a half turn and facing out with the couple who were to their left in second place immediately behind them, the couple who were to their right in third place, and finally the couple who were opposite them in the the rear.

Notes

Christmas

• Little Christmas - 2 Couples (One Top and One Side Couple)
• Big Christmas - 4 Couples (Both Tops and both Sides alternating)

Linked hand hold for the Big and Little Christmas: Place your right hand on the waist of the person on your right. Your left arms goes over the right arm of the person on your left with your left hand holding the next wrist behind the small of the back of the person immediately to your left. Place your left foot into the set.

Changing from Little Christmas to Big Christmas:

• When Tops are the leading Couple - Top Lady has hold of the right wrist of the Side Lady and Top Gent has hold of the right wrist of the Side Gent. To change to the Big Christmas both Top Lady and Top Gent should release the right wrist of the Side person then the Top Gent moves the semi-circle from the Little Christmas around to join with the other Side Couple using the same hold.
• When Sides are the leading Couple - to change to the Big Christmas both Side Lady and Side Gent should release the right wrist of the Top person then the Side Gent moves the semi-circle from the Little Christmas around to join with the other Top Couple using the same hold.

For the Big Christmas:

• Move 4 bars to the left pushing with your right foot (1-&-2-&-3-&-4-jump)
• Jump changing feet to put your right foot into the set

• Move 4 bars to the right pushing with your left foot

Page created by: Arthur Kingsland