Dargason, also called Sedanny.
Source: The English Dancing Master, written by John Playford and published in 1651.
Uses a later period fancier version of siding than our group uses,
but gives a great feel for the whole dance, despite the chattering.
but gives a great feel for the whole dance, despite the chattering.
Steps.
Men form a single file, evenly spaced, line facing a single file, evenly spaced, line of women. The couples are determined by their order in these lines. 1st man and 1st woman should be the first in line facing each other directly, with the 2nd man and 2nd woman standing behind each respectively, and the 3rd couple behind them, etc.
- Side on the LEFT. 8 BEATS.
- Set (Step to the right, then back to the left). 4 BEATS.
- Turn clockwise, passing your partner on the right. 4 BEATS.
- REPEAT until the end of the set.
- At this point turn clockwise, pass your partner on the right and end when
you are facing the same person you just danced with. 4 BEATS. - REPEAT the above pattern until you have returned to your original spot.
- Arm on the LEFT. 8 BEATS.
- Set (Step to the right, then back to the left). 4 BEATS.
- Turn clockwise, passing your partner on the right. 4 BEATS.
- REPEAT until the end of the set.
- At this point turn clockwise, pass your partner on the right and end when
you are facing the same person you just danced with. 4 BEATS. - REPEAT the above pattern until you have returned to your original spot.
- Take your partners RIGHT hand and pass them on the RIGHT. 2 BEATS.
- Take the next person by the LEFT hand and pass them on the LEFT. 2 BEATS.
- Take the next person by the RIGHT hand and pass them on the RIGHT. 2 BEATS.
- Take the next person by the LEFT hand and pass them on the LEFT. 2 BEATS.
- REPEAT until the end of the line. Turn around and take the next person by
the same hand you last used (RIGHT or LEFT). - REPEAT on ALTERNATING hands until the end of the set.
Resources.
- Articles and Letters on Dargason. If you're lost, check out this website. It has some incredibly helpful diagrams for understanding the turn, which is confusing on a good day until you get the hang of it.
- The Renaissance Dance Database entry for Dargason. Has links to sheet music, articles, music downloads and step guides.
Music.
Ensemble Rigodon recorded a version of Dargason for Tape of Dance V. II. It is free for non-commercial use by historical reenactment groups.
The songs I found for the playlist on the right are also available to buy from Amazon in MP3 format. Wandering Hands: Shepheards Holyday
Dulcimers & nice tempo, not too fast. David Spalding Sharp: The Oaken Leaves Recorder and guitar. The Christmas Revels: In Celebration of the Winter Solstice Sounds like a concertina, possibly a bit on the fast side. Lyrics to the song The Hawthorne Tree, which can be sung easily to the same tune that Dargason uses.
Score and tabs for the song so you can enjoy live musicians while you dance if you have the luxury. |
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