Grimstock

Grimstock is a dance from Playford's Dancing Master.

Steps and Movements Used

• Doubles left and right (DL and DR) and back (DLb and DRb)
• Set and Turn left and right (STL and STR)
• Hey
• Siding (SdL and SdR)
• Armings (AL and AR)

Choreography

This dance starts with three couples facing up the hall, one after the oter.

First Verse

Holding customary hands with partners, do a double forward, then a double back again. Turn to face partners and do a set and turn left. Repeat, but this time set and turn right.

DL, DRb
STL
DL, DRb
STR

First Chorus

Men do a hey to the right, not touching hands, ladies the same to the left.

Second Verse

Couples to sidings left with each other, then set and turn left. Repeat to the right.

SdL
STL
SdR
STR

Second Chorus

Top couple face down the hall, the other couples face up, all taking a hand with their partner. The top couple goes between the second couple and around the third, still holding hands. As each couple get to the top or bottom of the line they drop hands, face the other way, take hands again and move between the approaching couple. Repeat until back into original positions.

Third Verse

Couples to armings left with each other, then set and turn left. Repeat to the right.

AL
STL
AR
STR

Third Chorus

As the first chorus, except that the first couple cross at the beginning to hey with the opposite line, and cross again when they reach the bottom.

External Links

• Instructions from 1651 edition of Playford
• Reconstruction from Del's dance book