Grimaldi 700

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+3s dance R&L
9-16 2s and 4s in prom hold dance reels of 3 on sides (start LSh to person on left)
17-24 2s+4s dance R&L
25-32 1s and 3s in prom hold dance reels of 3 across (start LSh to person on left)
33-40 All set to partner and change places RH, Ladies dance LH across ending in partner's place facing out
41-48 Ladies dance out behind partner and loop LSh all the way round next Man to end in original opposite Man's position
49-56 All set to new partner and change places RH, Men dance LH across ending in own place facing out
57-64 Men dance out behind new partner and loop LSh all the way round next Lady to end in original opposite Man's position
65-72 1L+3M also 1M+3L dance in and dance RSh once round other partner, 1M and 3M followed by own partner dance out between facing couple and cast clockwise to original places
73-80 2s and 4s repeat above figure
81-88 All circle 8H round and back

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Grimaldi 700 - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

The family traces its origins to Grimaldo Canella, a Genoese consul active during the era of the early Crusades, whose descendants became prominent in maritime trade and politics. By the late thirteenth century, the Grimaldis were leaders of the Guelph faction in Genoa, supporting papal authority against the Ghibellines who favoured the Holy Roman Empire. In 1297 Francesco Grimaldi and his supporters seized the fortress of Monaco, an event that marked the beginning of the dynasty's rule. Although the story of his disguise as a friar is often repeated, it is regarded as anecdotal rather than a definitive account.

During the fourteenth century the family consolidated its position, despite setbacks such as the naval defeat of 1353 when Anthony Grimaldi commanded Genoese forces against a Venetian and Aragonese fleet. Over time, branches of the family established themselves in Antibes, Beuil, Nice, Puget, and Sicily. In 1395 the Grimaldis secured Monaco as a condominium, laying the foundations of the modern principality. By the sixteenth century they were recognised as one of the twenty-eight alberghi, or corporate families, of Genoa, alongside other leading houses such as the Dorias and Pallavicinis.

From 1532 to 1641 the Grimaldis ruled the town of Campagna in southern Italy, granted to them by Emperor Charles V as the Marquisate of Campagna. This period saw significant development, including the construction of palaces, monasteries, and bridges, as well as the establishment of a university and one of Italy's earliest printing presses. Although their rule ended in the seventeenth century, architectural and cultural legacies remain, and links between Campagna and Monaco were renewed in the late twentieth century.

The family's ties with France grew after Provence became part of the French crown in 1486. Marriages into French nobility, the inheritance of estates, and residence in Paris strengthened these connections. From 1642 to 1715 the Grimaldis held the title Duke of Valentinois. Monaco itself was annexed by revolutionary France in 1792 and remained under French control until 1815, when the principality was restored by the Congress of Vienna.

Succession within the dynasty has often passed through female lines, with husbands adopting the Grimaldi name and arms to preserve continuity. In 1715 Louise Hippolyte, the last direct Grimaldi heir, married Jacques Goyon de Matignon, whose descendants ruled Monaco from 1731 to 1949. In 1911 Charlotte Louvet was legitimised and made heir, and her husband Pierre de Polignac adopted the Grimaldi name, ensuring its continuation. Until 2002 a treaty with France stipulated that if the prince left no dynastic heirs, Monaco would revert to French sovereignty. A revised agreement now guarantees independence by extending succession rights to collateral relatives of the reigning prince.

Today the head of the house is Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, son of Rainier III and Princess Grace, formerly Grace Kelly. His children, Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco, and Princess Gabriella, are the next generation of the dynasty. Other prominent members include his sisters Caroline, Princess of Hanover, and Princess Stéphanie, along with their children.

The family's coat of arms is a simple red and white diamond pattern, described heraldically as fusily argent and gules. Over the centuries the Grimaldis have produced doges of Genoa, cardinals, diplomats, and military leaders, maintaining their position as one of Europe's most enduring noble houses.

The Grimaldi Family's Seat In Monaco - The Prince's Palace Of Monaco, c. 1903
The Dynasty Itself Is Known As The House Of Grimaldi

Back to the top of this Scottish Country Dancing Instructions 'Grimaldi 700' page