Touch Me Not (Williams)
Scottish Country Dance Instruction
Touch Me Not (Williams) (J8x32) 3C (4C set) 32 bar Jig for 3 Couples in a 4 Couple Set, devised by Melodie Williams, Published in Imperial Book of Scottish Country Dances - Volumes 4, 5 and More.1- 8 1st couple set
1st lady, with 1st man following behind cast down and
Cross to second place opposite sides (2nd couple step up bars 5-6)
1st couple set. 2(1)3
9-16 1st lady casts up around 2nd man as 1st man casts down around 3rd lady
1st couple dance in towards each other, turn away (right shoulder back) and cast (1st lady round 3rd man, 1st man round 2nd lady) to second place own sides. 213
17-24 Half reels of three across (1st lady up, 1st man down). (2)(1)(3)
1st couple advance and retire while 2nd and 3rd ladies and 2nd and 3rd men advance and retire on the sidelines
25-32 Half reels of three across, (1st lady down, 1st man up). 213
1st couple advance and retire while 2nd and 3rd ladies and 2nd and 3rd men advance and retire on the sidelines. 213
(WEECRIB)
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Touch Me Not (Williams) - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction VideoDance Information
Also see the dance Touch Me Not (Drewry) by John Drewry.The phrase 'Touch Me Not' originates from the Latin Noli me tangere, meaning 'Do not touch me' or 'Touch me not', and in this dance, no hands are given at any point, reflecting the meaning of the title.
This phrase appears in the Latin Vulgate Bible, where it is spoken by Jesus to Mary Magdalene following his resurrection, according to the Gospel of John (chapter 20, verse 17). In this context, it was a command not to cling to him, as he had not yet ascended to the Father.
Over time, 'Touch Me Not' has been used in various ways across religious, literary, botanical, and cultural contexts. In literature and speech, it is sometimes applied to describe someone who is aloof, emotionally guarded, or unwilling to be approached.
In botany, the name 'Touch-me-not' refers to plants in the Impatiens genus, known for their seed capsules that burst open when disturbed. This explosive action, called dehiscence, can propel seeds several metres from the parent plant, which is why both the scientific name Impatiens (meaning 'impatient' in Latin) and the common name reflect this rapid reaction.
The phrase has also appeared in artworks and titles, particularly in connection with themes of untouchability, sanctity, or personal boundaries.
Impatiens Ecornuta - Spurless Touch Me Not
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Text from this original Noli_me_tangere article on Wikipedia.
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