Jack Pumpkinhead

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s dance down and cast up round 2s back to place; 1s set advancing, ½ turn 2H and pull back RSh to finish BtoB in centre facing opposite sides while 2s set and cast up to 1st place facing in
9-16 1s+2s dance reel of 4 across (1s pass 2s RSh). 2s finish in 1st place, 1s do not complete reel but join nearer hands in centre on own sides facing down
17-24 1s cross down between 3s, cast up to 2nd place opposite side; 1L+3s (at bottom) and 1M+2s dance RH across. 1s end facing 1st corners
25-32 2s+1s+3s dance 6 bar reels of 3 on sides (1s LSh to 1st corner to start), 1s cross RH to 2nd place own side. 213

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

1- 8 1C dance down between 2C and cast back up to 1st place. 1C set advancing then turn both hands halfway and pull RS back to end back to back in the center facing opposite sides. On bars 5-8, 2C set and cast up to 1st place facing in.
9-16 1C and 2C dance a RS reel of 4 across the dance. 2C end in 1st place; 1C doesn't complete the reel, but meets in the center in 2nd place on own sides facing down, nearer hands joined.
17-24 1C cross down between 3C and cast up to 2nd place on opposite sides. 1W with 3C and 1M with 2C dance RH across.
25-32 1C and corners dance 6-bar reels on the side, 1C passing 1st corners LS to start. 1C cross RH on the last two bars.

Repeat.

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Sue McKinnell, Apr 2018)

Dance Information

Suggested music: The Rendezvous from Ghillies on the Golden Gate.

(Dance information by the deviser, Sue McKinnell)

The character first appeared in the novel Ozma Of Oz, published in 1907, and became one of the best-known non-human inhabitants of Oz. Jack Pumpkinhead is depicted as a tall wooden man with a carved pumpkin for a head. In the stories, he was brought to life using magical Powder of Life.

Jack Pumpkinhead is generally portrayed as kind, polite and good-natured, although he is often worried about the condition of his pumpkin head, which must occasionally be replaced as it decays. The character travelled alongside other famous Oz characters including Dorothy Gale, the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman.

The Oz books became highly influential in children's literature during the early twentieth century and inspired numerous stage productions, films, television adaptations and illustrations. Early illustrations of Jack Pumpkinhead by artist John R. Neill helped establish the character's distinctive appearance.

Jack Pumpkinhead Illustration From The Oz Books

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