Ladies And Gentle-Hobbits

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 2s set, cast right to finish 2M between 1s, 2L between 3s facing opposite sides; 2s dance ½ LSh reels of 3 across
9-16 2s dance LSh round partner to end BtoB in centre, 2M facing up, 2L facing down; 1s+2M also 2L+3s circle 3H round to the left. 2s finish in 2nd place own sides. (1)2(3)
17-20 1s+2s+3s set and link for 3 couples, 3s and 1s end facing partner
21-24 2s Petronella to 2nd place own side and set while 3s+1s set to partner and cross RH to own sides. 321
25-32 2s+1s dance the Knot. 312

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Ladies And Gentle-Hobbits - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

In the writings of J. R. R. Tolkien, hobbits are a fictional people who are typically about half the height of humans. The title of this dance refers to these well-known characters from Middle-earth.

In The Fellowship of the Ring, the character Bilbo Baggins is described as a "gentlehobbit". Within the context of the story, the Baggins family is relatively prosperous and respected. The term is modelled on the English word "gentleman", which historically referred to a member of the landed gentry, the lowest rank of the hereditary social classes traditionally recognised above ordinary freeholders.

Given the hobbits' desire for a quiet, normal, and peaceful life, the term gentle is apt.

Gentle Hobbit

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