The Birks Of Lafayette

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s dancing in cast to 2nd place, 2s+1s dance RH across
9-16 1s dancing in cast to 3rd place, 3s+1s dance LH across
17-24 1s lead up to top (LH), cast to 2nd place, 2s+1s+3s turn RH
25-32 2s+1s+3s circle 6H round and back

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

Bars 1 - 4 First couple dance toward each other, and touching nearer hands, cast off into second place. Second couple step up on bars 3 and 4.
Bars 5 - 8 First and second couple dance right hands across in a wheel.
Bars 9 - 12 First couple dance toward each other, and touching nearer hands, cast off into third place. Third couple step up on bars 11 and 12.
Bars 13 - 16 First and third couple dance left hands across in a wheel.
Bars 17 - 20 First couple, left hands joined, dance up to the top and cast into second place. Third couple step down on bars 19 and 20.
Bars 21 - 24 Second, first, and third couples turn partner with right hand.
Bars 25 - 32 Second, first, and third couples circle six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

(Dance crib compiled by Claudette Sigg, November 1999 - copyright 1999 by Claudette Sigg. All rights reserved)

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Dance Information

Although "birks is meant to be an allusion to "Berkeley", the word itself has a number of interesting definitions: the first definition given in The Concise Scots Dictionary says "birks" are birch trees or a small wood consisting of birches. The second definition uses the word as a verb meaning to move energetically or restlessly! The third, a noun, describes a stout, well-built boy or lad. "Birkie" can also refer to a smart fellow, a conceited fellow, or a sharp-tongued, quick tempered person, usually a woman. As a adjective, "birkie means 'lively and spirited' - or a sharp tongued tart! "Birkie" is also a card game, namely beggar-my-neighbour. Pick whatever amuses you!

Recommended music: Harvester's Jig, second tune in Set of Jigs on Barbara McOwen's Dances frae the North, Volumes 1,3,3.

(Dance information by Claudette Sigg - copyright 1999 by Claudette Sigg. All rights reserved)