Ask Miriam

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

ASK MIRIAM (J8x40) 3C (4C set) Gordon Thomson

1- 8 1s+2s dance the Espagnole:
1- 2 1s+2s cross (Ladies lead across RH passing between Men) with Ladies changing places RH
3- 4 1s+2s cross back (Men lead across RH between Ladies) with Men changing places RH
5- 8 2s turn RH as 1s turn LH to face 1st corners
9-16 1s dance ½ diagonal reel of 4 with 1st corners and pass RSh to face 2nd corner, 1s dance ½ diagonal reel with 2nd corners and end facing 3rd corners
17-24 1s dance ½ diagonal reel of 4 with 3rd corners and pass RSh to face 4th corner, 1s dance ½ diagonal reel with 4th corners and end 2nd place own sides
25-32 2s+1s+3s chase clockwise ½ way and turn partner RH 1½ times
33-40 3s+1s+2s dance Allemande

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Ask Miriam - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

This jig was devised by Gordon Thomson in memory of Miriam Lochner, a dancer with the Cambridge Scottish Society.

Thomson recorded that the dance was devised during a walking holiday in the Cheviot Hills organised by Nicola Howarth and attended by members and friends of the Cambridge Scottish Society. He noted that Miriam was remembered for her elegance in dancing and for providing practical advice and information to others.

The dance title derives from the phrase "Ask Miriam", which was commonly used by those who knew her.

The Cheviot Hills immediately south of the Scotland/England border

Cheviot Hills From The Air

Image copyright Thomas Nugent under this Creative Commons Licence 2.0.

Back to the top of this Scottish Country Dancing Instructions 'Ask Miriam' page