[Illustration:  DIAGRAM OF STICK-TAPPING.]

The steps are the same for all.  When tapping is continued (see Notation) for eight bars, then, in the last four, all start on the left foot, and step thus:  L.L.R.R.L.L.R.L.  Tapping is the same in first and second four bars.

In tapping, of course, odd numbers do as No. 1 in diagram, even numbers as No. 2.

RIGS O’ MARLOW (STICK DANCE).

In this the sticks are held throughout by the middle, in the manner explained (see p. 60).  In all single-tapping passages, to “A” music, sticks are held slanting upward, like a single-stick, but with the upper arm close to the body.  In Column formation, odd numbers—­that is, leading file—­hold the forearm to rightward; even numbers—­right file—­hold the forearm across the body, so that the sticks cross between files, ready for tapping.  Leading file always taps the other file, which holds the sticks firm.

In the double-tapping, to “B” music, sticks are held in the middle, hand below stick, which is now held straight, parallel with the ground, advanced towards partner, and raised about as high as the neck.

The following diagram will show how sticks are tapped in this movement.  Angles and numbers, as in p. 54, &c., represent the leader and partner, Nos. 1 and 2:  the other pairs, of course, tap precisely as these two, odd and even numbers respectively.

The arrows between angles represent sticks.  As tapping has now to be done with both ends of the sticks, these are shown in this way.  The barbed end is the top, the feather the butt-end.  The top is held always to the right—­butt, or barb, to leftward of each dancer.  The tapping will be shown bar by bar.  The steps shown apply to all the dancers.

In the first bar of “B” music, No. 1, with top end, taps the butt of No. 2, on beats 3 and 4, thus:—­

[Illustration:  DIAGRAM OF STICK-TAPPING.]

In the second bar of “B” music, No. 2, with top end, taps the butt of No. 1, on beats 3 and 4, thus:—­

[Illustration:  DIAGRAM OF STICK-TAPPING.]

In the third bar of “B” music, No. 1 taps No. 2 precisely as in bar 1. 
Same step.

In the fourth bar of “B” music, No. 1 taps No. 2 on every beat, as follows: 

    First beat, No. 1, with butt end, taps No. 2 on top end. 
    Second beat, with top end, taps butt. 
    Third beat, with butt, taps top. 
    Fourth beat, with top end, taps top of No. 2. 
    Thus:—­

[Illustration:  DIAGRAM OF STICK-TAPPING.]

This double-tapping looks complicated, both in dance and diagram, but is really very simple.  A few hints upon the most difficult bar, the fourth, will explain the whole.  In this, on beat 1, No. 1, to tap with his butt the top of No. 2’s stick, raises the wrist and hand till the stick is above and at right-angles to No. 2’s, then thrusts outward till his butt strikes No. 2’s top.  On beat 2, No. 1 lowers his hand, keeping the stick perpendicular, moves hand to right and taps his top on No. 2’s butt.  Beat 3 is as beat 1; on beat 4, No. 1 simply lowers hand and taps No. 2 on his right, or top end.  This explains all the taps that occur.