Bristol Fashion

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s dance ½ Fig of 8 round 2s; 1s turn 2s 1½ times (1M+2L with LH, 1L+2M with RH), 1s finish in centre in 2nd place, 2s on sides facing in
9-16 2M+1L+3M dance RH across and LH back as 2L+1M+3L dance LH across and RH back. 1s curve away from each other, ready for...
17-20 1L+3M turn LH 1½ (4 bars); 1M+3L turn RH 1½ (4 bars) to finish on sides. 23(1)
21-24 1s cross up to dance ½ Fig of 8 round 3s. 231
25-32 2s+1s petronella turn into centre, face partner and set; 2s+1s turn partner 2H 1¼ to finish on own sides

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Bristol Fashion - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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Dance Information

It is most commonly encountered in the phrase "shipshape and Bristol fashion", which describes a state of good order and efficient organisation. The expression became well established in British English during the nineteenth century and was particularly associated with seafaring communities.

The phrase is generally linked with the historic port of Bristol, which for centuries was one of Britain's most important maritime trading centres. Before the construction of Bristol's Floating Harbour in 1809, vessels in the harbour experienced exceptionally large tidal changes. Ships often settled on the riverbed at low tide, making careful construction, maintenance and cargo stowage especially important. As a result, vessels connected with Bristol gained a reputation for being well managed and kept in good condition.

The expression combines two older nautical terms. "Shipshape" has been recorded since the seventeenth century and originally referred to something arranged as it should be aboard a ship. "Bristol fashion" was added later, and by the early nineteenth century the combined phrase was appearing in print. Today, "shipshape and Bristol fashion" is used figuratively to mean tidy, efficient, well organised or in excellent order, even when there is no connection with ships or the sea.

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