Mrs. Casey

Back to Border dances

History:

An original border dance for four, with steps based VERY loosely on the Chingford style. Created under the creative leadership of Nat Case. Why we chose to do different figures to this from the above, I do not recall.

Tune:

Fieldtown Mrs. Casey

Stepping:

Double steps, with the free foot hooking across the other shin before the bell shake. Figures are punctuated with three stomps in the last bar.

Verse Figures:

Rounds: Face corner and back out on the first double-step; circle clockwise about, twice around if time allows, and space is tight; end facing partner.

Crossing-over: Face partner and back up, pass right shoulders clashing, move forward one more double-step, turn around into partner's place; pass right shoulders again, move forward, turn around into own place, and three stomps.

Back-to-back: Face partner and back up, pass right shoulders clashing, double-step moving slightly to the right, back up into line; double-step forward, to the left, back to original place, and end with three stomps.

Squires-out: Move to right shoulder with partner, middles circle halfway around each other by the left shoulder, all continue the hey with right and then left shoulders, trying to get home in time for the three stomps.

Rounds off: Starts like the first, but at some point in the middle of the figure the squire leads off. Musicians follow the dancers, repeating the "A" music.

Chorus:

Face partner, holding sticks 2-handed. Take two marching/stomping steps toward partner across, then Clash! clash-Clash! (tips). Turn to face up-and-down, and repeat (Stomp! Stomp! Clash! clash-Clash!). First corners clash high, withdraw sticks; seconds clash, withdraw; firsts clash, seconds clash ON firsts' sticks, and all clash together, forehand, high in the center, and withdraw sticks to start the next verse.

Note:

This dance has traditionally begun in a tight square with all sticks high in the center, Teepee style. Someone yells "There is no joy in Mudville," and all reply "Mrs. Casey has struck out!" All clash forehand, and the music starts immediately with a pick up to the first figure.