Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

Petronella

The Petronella Figure derives its name from the Scottish Country Dance, Petronella (Petronella RSCDS Book I, no 1), in which it is performed by the 1st Couple in bars 1-16. In this full form, it occurs only in Longwise sets though adapted forms are possible in Circular sets.

When performed by 1st Couple from their Original Places, they both Dance Quarter petronella four times, Finishing the 4-bar phrases first on the Centre line Facing Up and down with the Man Below the Lady, next in Partners' Places Facing Across The set, then on the Centre line Facing Up and down but with the Man Above the Lady and, finally, in Original Places.

The upper diagram shows the Travelling movement of the Petronella turn, as it occurs in the first bar of the Figure; the lower diagram shows the same movement as it occurs from the new Position in the 5th bar.

Diagram, Petronella Turn To Centre Line



Diagram, Petronella Turn From Centre Line



Dance Video Clip Which Demonstrates Petronella

Petronella Video Clip

Dance Video Clip Which Demonstrates Petronella

Petronella In Tandem Video Clip

Links To Pages Related To 'Petronella Movements'

Figures

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