Piccadilly Circus

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1-8 1s+2s dance RH across for 3 bars, LH across for 3 bars. 1s cast into 2nd place while 2s dance up and cast into 1st place. At the same time 3s+4s do the same beginning with LH across and 4s cast into 3rd place, 3s dance down and cast into 4th place. 2143
9-16 1s+4s face diagonally in and set, Petronella turn 1 place anticlockwise, set and Petronella turn one more place. To finish 1s and 4s on opposite sides, 4s facing up, 1s facing down. 2(4)(1)3
17-20 4s turn 2s also 1s turn 3s (on sides) dancing between 2s/3s to start
21-24 4s and 1s dance ½ Fig of 8 around end couples
25-32 All dance 8H round to the left for 6 steps, pivot and chase back to places. 2413

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

Dance Information

Originally constructed in 1819 to link Regent Street with Piccadilly, the term "circus" in this context refers to a circular open area at the intersection of streets.

In its current layout, the Circus seamlessly connects Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, the Haymarket, Coventry Street (leading to Leicester Square), and Glasshouse Street. Situated in popular shopping and entertainment areas in the West End, Piccadilly Circus has become a busy meeting spot and a notable place for tourists. Its importance as a central traffic hub adds to its charm.

Notably, Piccadilly Circus is renowned for its vibrant video display and neon signs adorning the corner building on the northern side. Additionally, the site features the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and a statue commonly, albeit inaccurately, thought to represent Eros, but is actually a depiction of Anteros.

Situated directly beneath Piccadilly Circus, the London Underground station bearing the same name boasts entrances at each corner of the bustling junction. Falling within Travelcard Zone 1, the station is on the Piccadilly line, between Green Park and Leicester Square, and on the Bakerloo line, linking Charing Cross and Oxford Circus.

Piccadilly Circus 1908

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