Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

The Sailor

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

THE SAILOR (R8x32) 3C (4C set) RSCDS Book 24

1- 8 1s cross down RH to face out between 2s and 3s giving hands to each corner and set, 1s cast round 1st corner to form lines of 3 across with 2s/3s and 2s+1s+3s set
9-16 1s (turning to right) dance RSh reels of 3 across and 1s end passing LSh to 2nd place on opposite sides
17-24 1s lead down for 2 bars and lead up, cross at the top and cast to 2nd place on own sides
25-32 2s+1s dance R&L

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


The Sailor
Anon RSCDS Book 24
Hornpipe 8 x 32 bars 3 Couple Repeat 4 Couple Set Longwise Set

  1-2   1s cross down to face out between corners;

  3-4   2s1s3s balance in line on the sides (as in double triangles);

  5-6   1s cast round first corners, finishing on the centre line, 1L between 2s, 1M between 3s;

  7-8   2M1L2L set facing 3M1M3L;

  9-16 1L with 2s, 1M with 3s, reels of 3 across, giving right shoulder to first corners to start, 1s finishing on opposite sides of the centre line, facing down;

17-18 1s lead down;

19-20 1s lead up;

21-24 1s cross up and cast;

25-32 2s1s rights and lefts.

(MAXICRIB. Scottish country dancing instructions compiled by Reuben Freemantle)

Dance Notes

  1-2   2s step up.

  5-6   Although the original instructions have 1s cast round first corners, turn first corners ¾ by the right is more helpful to the inexperienced.

17-20 Slightly counter-intuitive; only 2 steps down and 2 up.


Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams


Dance Instruction Videos

The Sailor - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction Video

Dance Information

A sailor or mariner is a person who navigates water-borne vessels or assists in their operation, maintenance, or service.

The term can apply to professional mariners, military personnel, and recreational sailors as well as a plethora of other uses.

Etymologically, the name preserves the memory of the time when ships were commonly powered by sails, but now applies to the personnel of all vessels, whatever their mode of locomotion.

The role of a sailor encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to handling sails, maintaining the ship's equipment, and performing navigation duties. Sailors are crucial members of a ship's crew and play an integral part in ensuring the vessel's safe and efficient operation.

Historically, sailors have been essential to maritime trade, exploration, and military endeavours. Their expertise in seamanship and navigation has been pivotal in facilitating global trade routes, exploration voyages, and naval operations. Sailors often undergo specialized training to acquire the necessary skills for their roles, including knowledge of navigation techniques, maritime regulations, and proficiency in operating various types of vessels.

The working conditions for sailors can vary widely, depending on the type of vessel, its purpose, and the duration of the voyage. Sailors may serve on cargo ships, fishing vessels, naval ships, or luxury liners. Regardless of the specific context, the nature of a sailor's work involves adapting to life at sea, which can include extended periods away from home and exposure to challenging weather conditions.

Modern advancements in technology have transformed some aspects of sailing, with motorized ships becoming more prevalent. However, the fundamental skills and responsibilities of sailors remain essential for the maritime industry.

Sailors - Information Video

Sailor
Prince Albert Edward (The Future Edward VII Of The United Kingdom) In A Sailor Suit, By Winterhalter, 1846


Dance information licensed under this Creative Commons Licence 3.0.
Text from this original Sailor article on Wikipedia.
Image copyright Franz Xaver Winterhalter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Additional search terms: Saylor.

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