The Pentangle

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s dance down nearer hands joined below 4s/3s, separate and cast round outside to place
9-16 1s dance DoSiDo with partner; all 5 couples set, 1s cross down LH to face out (between 4s/3s) while 2s+3s+4s+5s turn partner RH into prom hold all facing in
17-24 Reels of 3 on "sides", 1M+2s+3s (1M+3s pass LSh to start) and 1L+4s+5s (1L+4s pass RSh to start). Bar 20: 1s pass LSh to swap to other reel. All end in original places facing in
25-32 All set and link twice with partner, Ladies face out
33-40 All dance modified ½ Schiehallion reels - 2 "loops" to end 1 place clockwise round from start
(Each dancer crossing the set must let 2 dancers pass in front from their right).
41-48 All circle 10H round and back

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

Dance Information

Its history spans various cultural and historical contexts, with notable appearances in mathematics, art, and symbolism. In geometry, the pentangle is often associated with the pentagon, a five-sided polygon.

Symbolically, the pentangle has been employed in various cultural and religious traditions, including medieval Christianity, where it is known as the "Endless Knot" or "Pentalpha." In this context, each point of the star is said to represent different virtues such as friendship, generosity, courtesy, chastity, and piety.

The pentangle's significance extends beyond geometry, encompassing a range of meanings across diverse disciplines and cultural frameworks.

Pentangle

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