Merrily Danced The Quaker's Wife

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s with nearer hands joined set to 2L twice and set to 2M twice
9-16 1s lead down the middle and back
17-24 1s cross and cast 1 place, cross LH and cast round 3s and lead up to face 1st corners
25-32 1s set and turn 1st corners, set and turn 2nd corners
33-40 1s dance reels of 3 with corners (LSh to 1st corner to start) and cross to 2nd place own sides

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Merrily Danced The Quaker's Wife - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

The tune "Merrily Danced The Quaker's Wife" was printed in No. 7 of "Bremer's Collections Of Scots Reels, Or Country Dances" published in 1760. Many lyrics were written to accompany the tune, notably Merrily Danced The Quaker's Wife - Song, which was printed in Chambers' Scottish Songs in 1829.

The title humorously refers to a "Quaker's wife" dancing, which playfully contrasts with the Quaker tradition of simplicity and restraint.

The tune is classified as a reel, which is a fast-paced dance tune in a 4/4 time signature. Reels are common in Scottish and Irish folk music, often played on instruments like fiddles and bagpipes.

The origins of the melody are rooted in folk traditions, having been passed down through generations.

Merrily Danced The Quaker's Wife Song - Information Video

Merrily Danced The Quaker's Wife, From Glen Collection Of Printed Music, Scotish Minstrel, Volumes 4-6, Page 30, 1820-1824

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