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 Diagrams

Ask Miriam - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

This jig, Ask Miriam, was devised by Gordon Thomson in memory of Miriam Lochner, who danced at Cambridge.

In the original publication, Gordon writes:

"Ask Miriam, very appropriately I think, was devised whilst walking in the Cheviot hills, north of Alwinton, with members and friends of the Cambridge Scottish Society during a holiday organised by Nicola Howarth.

Dancing it should allow the dancer to display elegance in the moves whilst enjoying the smooth flow, perhaps employing a little improvisation in the reels or burling in bars 29-32, with a smile and a twinkle in the eye!

In addition to her elegance in all things, Miriam is remembered by many as a source of advice and information on all things practical. Whether on the hills or at home people would always say "Ask Miriam".

So, wherever this is danced, people continue, in a sense, to... "Ask Miriam"."

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