The Spoke

This Figure is often believed to be so-named because it represents the spokes of a wheel but see Johnnie's Welcome Hame for the deviser's intention.

The spoke is a succession of Balance in line Figures in a Longwise set, the Dancing couple Starting on the First corners' Diagonal and, on the left foot step of Pas-de-basque, moving anticlockwise to the Second corners' Diagonal and then on to Partner's Diagonals in turn; it takes 2 bars of Pas-de-basque for each Diagonal and so 8 bars in all in the full form.

Since the basic Figure is Balance in line, The spoke cannot be danced with the Strathspey setting step and so it is suitable for Quick tempo dances only.

The Figure usually arises after the standard Progression in an Active set of 3 Couples has moved 2nd Couple into 1st Couple's place. At the end of the previous Figure, 1st Couple, with Left hands joined, must already be in Balance Position with their First corners, as shown in the diagram.

Diagram, Balance In Line - Used In The Spoke

Balance (In Line) - Full Size

Then:

Bar 1
on the right foot step of Pas-de-basque, Second corners Set Facing each other While 1st Couple Dance the right foot step of Balance in line with First corners, Finishing by releasing hands with First corners;

Bar 2
on the left foot step of Pas-de-basque, 1st Couple Turn by the left one quarter and Finish by Taking hands with Second corners ready for Balance in line with them While First corners Set, Pulling right shoulder back to Finish Facing each other on the Diagonal While Second corners Set, Pulling left shoulder back to Finish ready for Balance in line with 1st Couple;

Bars 3-4
all repeat bars 1-2 from their new Positions, 1st Couple Balancing in line with Second corners, First corners Setting Facing each other on the Diagonal;

Bars 5-6
all repeat bars 1-2 from their new Positions, 1st Couple Balancing in line with Partner's First corners, Second corners Setting Facing each other on the Diagonal;

Bar 7
all repeat bar 1 from their new Positions, 1st Couple Balancing in line with Partner's Second corners, First corners Setting Facing each other on the Diagonal.

Bar 8
all Dance the left foot step of Pas-de-basque, adapted so that they Finish as required by the subsequent Figure.

The Figure is sometimes started from a different Diagonal and sometimes does not involve all four Diagonals.

Here are examples of those Scottish Country Dances for which we have instructions on this site and in which the term, The Spoke, 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:

Cathie Mclaren's Jig
Dancers' Wedding
Froome's Fancy
Johnnie's Welcome Hame
Neil M Grant
Reel Of The Gordon Highlanders
Real McGhie
Silver Sands Of Islay
Triggs Lock
Walnut Orchard

Dance Video Clip Which Demonstrates The Spoke

The Spoke Video Clip

Links To Pages Related To 'Spoke'

Complex Figures

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