Allemande for 3 Couples (RSCDS Definition)

Note that these instructions are for the Phrasing in formal RSCDS teaching (as in the 2013 edition of "The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing"); for our preferred, slightly modified Phrasing which deviates less from that for our preferred Phrasing of Allemande for 2 couples, see Allemande For 3 Couples.

Adaptation for 3 Couples is achieved by speeding up bars 1-4; then, using a Travelling step throughout the 8-bar Figure, for the 1st couple:
in bar 1, Dance diagonally forwards and rotate (i.e., combine bars 1 and 2 of Allemande for 2 couples (RSCDS definition));
in bar 2, Cross The set to the Men's Side and rotate;
in bar 3, Dance Down the Men's Side to 2nd Place;
in bar 4, Dance Down the Men's Side to 3rd Place;
in bar 5, rotate into the Men's Side line (Man in 3rd Man's Place).

This enables the 2nd couple to follow one bar behind:
in bar 1, Dance diagonally forwards (as in Allemande for 2 couples);
in bar 2, Dance Up The set one Place and rotate;
in bar 3, Cross The set to the Men's Side and rotate;
in bar 4, Dance Down the Men's Side to 2nd Place;
in bar 5, rotate into the Men's Side line (Man in 2nd Man's Place).

Similarly, the 3rd couple can follow one bar behind 2nd couple:
in bar 1, Dance diagonally forwards (as for 2nd couple in Allemande for 2 couples);
in bar 2, Dance Up The set one Place;
in bar 3, Dance Up The set one Place and rotate;
in bar 4, Cross The set to the Men's Side and rotate;
in bar 5, Dance down the Men's Side to 1st Place and rotate again into the Men's Side line (Man in 1st Man's Place).

All 3 Couples move in unison on bars 6-8 as in Allemande for 2 couples.

To avoid a sloppy start, it is especially important that all three Couples move in unison on bar 1; to avoid a sloppy Finish, they must all be in the Men's Side line at the end of bar 5 and then move in unison on bars 6-8.

In some dances, bars 7-8 for one or more Couples may have to be modified to suit the subsequent Figure.

The following examples show forms with a modified ending or Inverted:
Whistlin' In The Kitchen
Greyfriar's Bobby
Song Of The Waves
Two Up, Two Down

Dance Video Clip Which Demonstrates Allemande for 3 Couples

Links To Pages Related To 'Allemande'

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