Figures Of Eight
This plural form, Figures of eight, is used to indicate that two or more dancers follow paths with some form of symmetry (parallel or mirror), each of which is a Figure of eight. If their paths intersect, Precedence will apply and the paths will not be completely symmetrical (see Diagram 38 for an example).
In a Scottish Country Dance Strathspey, a Man and a Lady should Take hands at every opportunity when meeting on the Centre line in the mirror form of Figures of eight on the Side and when their paths intersect as they Cross up or Down in Figures of eight across; in Quick tempo dances, it may only be practical to touch hands briefly. In Double figures of eight across, it is probably wiser not to try to Take hands, even in a Strathspey.
While this Figure mostly occurs in Longwise sets and so is described for those, the term can also be used for any similar movement in a Circular set.
See also Figure of eight, in which one dancer performs this Figure alone, and Double figures of eight across, in which four dancers perform.
For example, here are some Scottish Country Dances in which the term, Figures of eight, is used in either the Minicrib or the Maxicrib Dance instructions or both -
Fisher Blue
Acadian Jig
Ardgilzean
Blooms Of Ben Lawers
Celtic Crossing
Contraflow
Maidenhead Golden Medley
Miller Of Sessnie
Summer Assembly.
Wigtown Cross
- Figures
- Arches
Casting
Chains
Chasing
Cross And Cast
Crossing
Dance
Drop
Exchange Places
Exchange Positions
Figure Of Eight
Figures Of Eight - Hands Across
Hands Round
On The Spot
Petronella Movements
Polite Turn
Poussette Movements
Pull Left Shoulder Back
Pull Right Shoulder Back
Reel
Reel(s) Of Four
Reel(s) Of Three
Set And Cast
Setting
Standing
Step Down
Step Up
Tandem
Travelling
Turn And Cast
Turning
While
Additional search terms; Figs of 8 (In Minicrib).
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