Spring Chicken

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 4 1L+2L+3L cross and dance RSh round partners, 1L and 3L finish back in place while 2L remains in centre
5- 8 2L dances RH across with 1L+3L all ending in original places
9-16 1M+2M+3M cross and dance RSh round partners, follow 3M down Ladies' side, cross and up Men's side (Men's order 321)
17-24 All circle 6H round once (6 bars) and all cross RH with opposite dancer
25-28 1L crosses to own side and casts down behind opposite dancer while 3L crosses and casts up behind opposite dancer, both cross diagonally up/down between 2s to end opposite partners. 321 all on opposite sides
29-32 1L followed by partner casts up 1 place and crosses to end 2nd place own sides
33-40 1s dance diagonal R&L. 213

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

Dance Information

The term is derived from the idea of a young chicken born in the spring, which is considered fresher and more tender than an older one. When applied to a person, it typically suggests that the individual is still energetic, lively, or in the prime of their life.

For example, someone might say, "Despite turning 40, she's still a spring chicken", meaning that despite reaching the age of 40, the person is still full of vitality and appears younger than their age.

The expression is often used in a light-hearted or humorous manner and is not to be taken literally. It reflects a colloquial way of acknowledging someone's youthful energy or appearance.

Spring Chicken

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