Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

Pinball Wizard

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

Pinball Wizard 8x32 Reel for 3C by Sue McKinnell

1-4 1W turn 2M RH once round.
5-8 1W turn 3W LH ½ way and dance up behind 3W and 2W to original place; 3W dance all 4 bars to return to original place.
9-12 1M turn 2W LH once round.
13-16 1M turn 3M RH ½ way and dance up behind 3M and 2M to original place; 3M dance all 4 bars to return to original place.
17-24 Reels of 3 on the sides, 1W give LS to 2W, 1M give RS to 2M.
25-32 1C and 2C dance a zigzag change: 1C and 2C set to partners for 2 bars, then 1W set to 2W
WHILE 1M set to 2M for 4 bars, on bar 28, all set advancing to pass RS and change places; on bar 29, all turn over RS
WHILE setting to face up and down in changed places; on bars 31-32 2C and 1C set to partners.

Repeat.

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Sue McKinnell, Apr 2001)


Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams


Dance Information

The figure in bars 1-16 reminds me of the physics of the ball bouncing around in pinball; thus the name of the dance.

Suggested music: Set of Reels (Hornpipes) on Muckle Carfuffle.

(Dance information by the deviser, Sue McKinnell)


Pinball is a popular arcade game that involves manipulating steel balls on a playfield within a glass-covered cabinet.

Players launch the ball using a plunger and control its trajectory using flippers, which are small bat-like devices on either side of the cabinet. The playfield is equipped with features such as bumpers, ramps, and targets, and points are scored based on interactions with these elements. Modern pinball machines incorporate electronic components for scoring and additional features. Despite facing challenges from regulatory issues and the rise of video games, pinball has maintained its appeal as a form of arcade entertainment, known for its mix of skill and chance.

Historically, pinball has a rich heritage, evolving from early games like bagatelle. It gained substantial popularity in the mid-20th century, reaching its zenith in the 1970s and 1980s. The game typically continues until the player exhausts a set number of balls or achieves specific goals outlined by the machine's design. Appreciated for its engaging and dynamic gameplay, pinball remains a timeless and enduring form of recreational gaming.

"Pinball Wizard" refers to a song by The Who, featured in their 1969 rock opera album "Tommy." The song tells the story of a "deaf, dumb, and blind" boy named Tommy who becomes a virtuoso at playing pinball. In the narrative of "Tommy", pinball skill becomes a substitute for traditional forms of sensory experience for the protagonist. The term "Pinball Wizard" has since become a cultural reference for someone exceptionally skilled in playing pinball, denoting a masterful and instinctive ability in the game. The song, written by Pete Townshend, gained popularity and is considered one of The Who's signature tracks.

Pinball
Pinball Machines


Dance information licensed under this Creative Commons Licence 3.0.
Text from this original Pinball article on Wikipedia.
Text from this original Pinball Wizard article on Wikipedia.
Image copyright Michael Moore for the Pacific Pinball Museum.

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