Arthur Or Martha

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

ARTHUR OR MARTHA (S4x32) 4C Set Pat Charlton Counting Sheep

1- 8 1s and 4s set, 1L followed by 1M and 4M followed by 4L chase clockwise ½ round, 1L casts up to 3rd place Men's side as 1M dances up middle to 3rd place Ladies' side while 4M+4L dance similar to end in 2nd place opposite sides (2s/3s step down/up 7-8). 2(4)(1)3
9-16 4s+1s dance Mixed Chain (as Ladies' Chain but 4M+1L cross RH and turn Lady/Man on sides)
17-24 All dance RSh reels of 4 on sides
25-32 2s+4s also 1s+3s dance RH across; 4s+1s dance LH across. 2(4)(1)3

Repeat 3 more times from new positions to end in original places

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Arthur Or Martha - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Arthur Or Martha - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction Video

Dance Information

The title Arthur Or Martha takes its name from the Australian expression "not knowing whether you're Arthur or Martha", meaning to be confused.

Pat Houghton chose the title after observing that some male dancers were uncomfortable when required to dance on the opposite side of the set from their usual position, whereas female dancers were generally accustomed to dancing either role.

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