The Slip Knot For 2 Couples
The Figure, The slip knot for 2 couples, is a derivative of The knot for 2 couples to which it is identical for the first 6 bars. Like the precursor, it requires 8 bars in all in a Longwise set and uses the Travelling step appropriate to the Tempo throughout; unlike the precursor, it leaves the Couples in their Starting Positions and so is not a Progression.For convenience, the identical, first 6 bars of instructions for The knot for 2 couples are reproduced here but, for other considerations which are common to both, see the precursor. When performed by 1st and 2nd Couples, from their Original Places, the movements for 2nd Couple, who are the leaders, are as follows:
Bars 1-2
Turn By the right halfway, 2nd Lady continuing to Turn on the spot, clockwise, under her Partner's arm, Finishing on the Centre line, Facing Down in Allemande Hold;
Bar 3
retaining Allemande Hold, Turn By the left one quarter (2nd Man Turning on the spot) and Dance Out to the Ladies' Side line, 2nd Man Finishing in 2nd Lady's Place, as shown in the top diagram;
Bar 4
retaining Allemande Hold, Turn By the left one quarter (2nd Man Turning on the spot) and begin to Dance Up the Ladies' Side line, as shown in the following diagram;
Bar 5
retaining Allemande Hold, continue to Dance Up the Ladies' side line until 2nd Man reaches 1st Lady's Place, release the right hand and Turn By the left one quarter, 2nd Man Turning on the spot, Finishing in the Ladies' side line with 2nd Lady Above 2nd Man, as shown in the following diagram;
Bar 6
changing to an Open hold, Turn By the left one quarter, at the same time moving Across the set to Finish on Opposite Sides of the Centre line in 1st Position, as shown in the following diagram.
For 1st Couple, who follow 2nd Couple, the movements are as follows:
Bars 1-2
as for 2nd Couple;
Bar 3
retaining Allemande Hold, Dance Down the Centre line to 2nd Position;
Bar 4
as bar 3 for 2nd Couple;
Bar 5
with 1st Man Turning on the spot throughout, Turn one quarter anticlockwise to Face Up, release the right hand and Turn By the left one quarter, Finishing in the Ladies' side line with 1st Lady Above 1st Man;
Bar 6
as for 2nd Couple but Finishing in 2nd Position.
The above instructions cover the first 6 bars which are identical to those in The knot for 2 couples; thereafter, The slip knot for 2 couples differs in that the Couples no longer Dance separately; instead:
Bars 7-8
without releasing the Hold, both Couples join left hands and Dance Left hands across halfway, releasing the Hold to Finish on Own sides in their Starting Places.
Covering is important in bars 1-2 and bar 6 since both Couples are performing the same Figures.
Here are examples of those Scottish Country Dances for which we have instructions on this site and in which the term, The slip knot for 2 couples, either appears explicitly or is implied; note that for a common term these will be a small selection; for a rare term, these may be all that exist:
Bourtree Reel
Ellie's Jig
Entertainer
Fairest Cape
Hooked On Bells
Joy's Undulations
Lady Spencer's Wedding
Maine Medley
Sheena's Buckle
The Tutor
Dance Video Clip Which Demonstrates The Slip Knot For 2 Couples
The Slip Knot For 2 Couples Video ClipLinks To Pages Related To 'The Knot'
Complex FiguresBack to the top of this Scottish Country Dancing 'The Slip Knot For 2 Couples' page