In the Notation, the term “Partners” is used to denote the pairs as they stand fronting or abreast, Nos. 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6.

The term “Opposites” is used in referring to couples when they must change places, or re-change, as in Corners and Capers, Nos. 1 and 6, 2 and 5, 3 and 4.  The latter couple, the centres, it will be noticed, will have both terms applied to them, according as the movement described is Corners or Capers, or another, such as hand-striking.

In some dances, as, for instance, in “Bean-setting,” the side forms a ring, and many dances end in this formation.  Instructions for this, as and where it occurs, will be found in the Notation, and will be marked under Formation, thus:—­Ring.

EVOLUTIONS.

Here follows a detailed description, with diagrams, of the various evolutions necessary to the dances which we have embodied in this series; to each evolution a Notation word is attached.

The best way for a teacher who has never seen the dances performed, yet wants to teach them from the book, is to study the diagrams and learn by heart the Notation word for each.  He should then stand a side upon the floor, make them go through the evolutions by word of command, or Notation word, slowly, as described; counting the beats, but without music.

This manner of beginning is advised only when the teacher has nothing but the book for guide:  where an experienced dancer is available we have found it best for the novices to set to at once upon the dance; the practised one showing steps, evolutions, &c, as they occur.

DOWN-AND-BACK; AND UP-AND-BACK.

This movement occurs at the beginning of so many dances that to simplify matters it will be described here, and symbols will be attached to the description and used in the Notation.  The movement is executed as follows: 

The side stands in Column, and starts by advancing for the first two bars, and retiring for the second two bars.  Each file advances and retires its own length; that is, Nos. 1 and 2 will move ahead, the others following, until Nos. 3 and 6 have come to the places of Nos. 1 and 2; in the next two bars all get back to position.

The two bars’ advance is made always according to the time of the music, either at 4/3 or 6/3 step:  the two bars’ retiring is always made at 4/2 or 6/2 step (see p. 48).

The whole movement is made in eight bars.  In one dance, the second four bars are danced the same way as the first four; but in all the others the Column is reversed at the end of the first four bars.  The two ways of executing the movement will be marked in the Notation as follows: 

When the side is to advance and retire twice, without reversing at end of fourth bar, and is to form Front at the end of bar 8, this will be marked in the Notation, so: