The Knot For 3 Couples

The Figure The Knot For 3 Couples is used to invert the order of adjacent Couples in a Longwise set Strathspey; the Strathspey Travelling step is used throughout. Blessedly, it has not so far appeared in any Quick tempo dance; like the Allemande for 3 couples, it often degenerates into an untidy scramble.

In the first 4 bars, the Figure has the same close similarity to an inverted Allemande for 3 couples as does the 2-Couple version to the Allemande for 2 couples.

When performed by 1st, 2nd and 3rd Couples, from their Original Places, the movements for 3rd Couple, who are the leaders, are as follows:

Bars 1-2
Turn By the right halfway, 3rd Lady continuing to Turn on the spot, clockwise, under her Partners' arm, Finishing on the Centre line, Facing Down in Allemande Hold;

Bar 3
retaining Allemande Hold, Turn By the left one quarter (3rd Man Turning on the spot) and Dance Out to the Ladies' side line, 3rd Man Finishing in 3rd Lady's Place;

Bar 4
retaining Allemande Hold, Turn By the left one quarter (3rd Man Turning on the spot) and Dance Up the Ladies' side line one Place;

Bar 5
retaining Allemande Hold, continue to Dance Up the Ladies' side line until 3rd Man reaches 1st Lady's Place and Turn By the left one quarter with an Open hold, 3rd Man Turning on the spot;

Bar 6
releasing the right hand, Turn By the left one quarter with an Open hold, at the same time moving Across the set to Finish on Opposite Sides of the Centre line in 1st Position;

Bars 7-8
retaining the Hold, Turn By the left halfway and release the Hold to Finish on Own sides in 1st Place.

For 2nd Couple, who follow 3rd Couple, the movements are as follows:

Bars 1-2
as for 3rd Couple;

Bar 3
retaining Allemande Hold, Dance Down the Centre line to 3rd Position and Turn By the left one quarter with an Open hold, 2nd Man Turning on the spot;

Bar 4
retaining Allemande Hold, Dance Out to the Ladies' side line and Turn By the left one quarter (2nd Man Turning on the spot and Finishing in 3rd Lady's Place);

Bar 5
retaining Allemande Hold, Dance Up the Ladies' side line one Place and Turn By the left one quarter (2nd Man Turning on the spot and Finishing in 2nd Lady's Place);

Bar 6
as for 3rd Couple but Finishing in 2nd Position;

Bars 7-8
as for 3rd Couple but Finishing in 2nd Place.

For 1st Couple, who follow 2nd Couple, the movements are as follows:

Bars 1-2
as for 3rd Couple;

Bar 3
retaining Allemande Hold, Dance Down the Centre line to 2nd Position;

Bar 4
as bar 3 for 2nd Couple;

Bar 5
retaining Allemande Hold, Dance Out to the Ladies' side line and Turn By the left halfway (1st Man Turning on the spot and Finishing in 3rd Lady's Place);

Bar 6
as for 3rd Couple but Finishing in 3rd Position;

Bars 7-8
as for 3rd Couple but Finishing in 3rd Place.

Covering is especially important in bars 6-8 since all three Couples are performing the same Figure.

Note that the Allemande Hold is retained for one more bar than in The knot for 2 couples and so the reference point (all the dancers in the Ladies' side line, Ladies above their Partners, occurs at the end of bar 6).

Note also that the above instructions differ slightly from those in the RSCDS's "The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing" in the same respect as for The knot for 2 couples.

For example, here are some Scottish Country Dances in which the term, The Knot For 3 Couples, is used in either the Minicrib or the Maxicrib Dance instructions or both -
Cataraqui Woods
Derwent Strathspey
From Ochtertyre To Amulree
Jordanhill Strathspey
Lassie From Stirling
May Yarker's Strathspey
Melrose
Misty Isle In Summer
Montrose Dancers
Shores Of Solway

Complex Figures

The Knot

The Knot For 2 Couples
The Knot For 3 Couples

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