Alice The Camel

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s cross down (2s step up) to dance Double Triangles (6 bars). 1s finish on own sides, 2nd place. 2s face 1s and 3s face 4s
9-16 Reels of 4 on sides, Ladies pass LSh, Men RSh
17-24 All set, Men make arches and all cross passing partner RSh. Repeat with Ladies making arches but 1s+2s remain in centre 2H joined ready for...
25-32 1s+2s dance Poussette
33-40 1s cross RH, cast to 4th place and turn RH 1½ times (2s+3s+4s step up 35-36)
41-48 All circle 8H round and back

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Alice The Camel - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

The well-known children's counting song about a camel with humps exists in two versions, one called "Alice the Camel" and the other "Sally the Camel". Both share identical lyrics and melody, differing only in the name used.

The song's origins appear to go back to early 20th-century camp traditions in the United States, where "Alice the Camel" was the more common form sung in scouting and classroom settings. When the song was included in Barney in Concert in 1991, the producers used the name "Sally the Camel", introducing that version to a new generation through television and home video.

Since then, the two names have coexisted in print and online, with "Alice" remaining widespread in nursery and educational materials, while "Sally" is generally associated with the Barney franchise.

Alice The Camel Scottish country dance was devised during the Aurora weekend at Dunolly Centre, Aberfeldy in February 2003, where Alice The Camel was the theme song for the weekend.

Alice The Camel Song - Information Video