We put this dance together from original notation that can be found here: http://www.rapper.org.uk/notations/westerhope.pdf
The original notation doesn’t give any prescribed order for the dance, we have therefore put the figures together in a preferred order that allows variety and gives the dance some character. This is only a guide, and dancers should always listen out for #1′s calls, as the dance could be longer or shorter depending on the audience reaction.
Structure
The dance is split into thirds, each third ending in a lock show. Each third is made up of three figures, firstly a walkaround figure, secondly a coach-and-horses (face-up) figure, and thirdly a running ring figure. Each figure starts and ends with a high flat lock, except the running ring figures that end with lock shows. To start a figure from the high flat lock, #2 makes a sharp right-hand turn, followed by #3, #4 and #5 into a clockwise walkaround. #1 stays where they are until their space in the walkaround comes round, where they join in. If going into a walkaround figure, the figure starts as soon as #1 and #5 reach the front of the set. If going into a coach and horses figure, when #1 and #5 reach the front of the walkaround, they turn into face-up then step for 2 4s. If going into a running ring figure, as soon as #1 joins into the walkaround, all swords are lowered to waist level to form a running ring, then the figure begins when #1 and #5 reach the front.
Start in an open circle
walk in for 2, swords up on 3, clash on 4, turn 360 anticlockwise, swords down on shoulders on beat 8
Curlies
walk-around until 1&5 get to the front, then start curlying as normal (all swords high, meeting shoulder to shoulder with you opposite, number 3 alternates direction), 3x round, finish in high lock
Cramper
From high lock, out into face-up.
numbers 1,2,4&5 – step for 4, little cirlces for 4, step for 8 (x2), little cirlces for 4, then high lock
number 3 – step for 4, then do a full figure-8 through the set, then walk to the front, turn on the spot to face the back and step.
finish in a lock
Number 2 Ring
Out of high lock into a ring (swords low)
When 1&5 get to the front, their sword drops down and 2,3,4 jump over (with tommy first if available). Finish in a LOW lock.
Lock Show
Drop back into straight line, 1 hold lock up. step for 8. When coming back after the show, 4 beats to take the swords, 4 beats to lift them high, then step for 8.
Curly & Cross
Out of high lock into walkaround, curly as normal when 1&5 get to the front.
After 1 time through, cross at the back (1 in front of 5, 2 in front of 4) and remain on opposite sides, still keeping shoulder to shoulder with your opposite. Stack crossed for one rotation, then cross back and lock.
Finish in a high lock
Jigging Guard
Out of high lock into face-up, step for 8.
1&5 cast to the back for 4. Everyone else wait, wait, walk, walk (swords up on 1, down on 4). Then everyone steps for 4.
2&4 cast to the back for 4. Everyone else wait, wait, walk, walk (swords up on 1, down on 4). Then everyone steps for 4.
3 casts to the back. Everyone else wait, wait, walk, walk (swords up on 1, down on 4). Then everyone step for 4.
1&5 then turn to face backwards, drop their sword, 2&4 jump over it on beat 3, number 3 jumps over on beat 4, then high lock.
Back Lock
Out of high lock into ring (swords low).
On 8 everyone turns outwards, takes a step inwards and ties the lock over their heads (left hand goes under the sword to your left) on beat 4, then step for 4.
Lock is then held up by number 1, everyone steps for 8 in place.
Lock lowered back down, everyone re-takes swords (still facing out), turns right straight into walkaround, bringing swords down on 8.
Chain/’W’
From walkaround, start curlies as normal when 1&5 get to the front.
After once round, numbers 2,3&4 stop when they get back to place, and turn left to face backwards. 1&5 do an extra curly to face backwards.
Make a ‘W’ on number 3′s back (high up so people can see it). Step for 8.
Triple jump so 2,3&4 jump up on beat 2 with 1&5 sweeping backwards underneath them at the same time.
As soon as 2,3&4 have landed their jump, they walk backwards straight into a high lock.
Four Corner
Out of high lock into face up for 8, as soon as you get to face-up, move into straight line for 4 (2&4 move to the ends of the line by coming inside 1&5 then sliding to the end).
Step for 4, then 1&5 jump on beat 6 (numbers 2,3&4 swoop), then straight away number 3 jumps on beat 8 (1&5 swoop).
Number 3 steps then tumbles, or go straight into a high lock.
Double Tumble
Out of high lock into ring (swords low).
When number 5 is at the front, they double swoop on beat 2 so numbers 2&3 can jump over into double tumble position.
2&3 then step and tumble, upon landing, they keep the sword between them low and number 5 jumps over it, straight into a LOW lock.
Lock Show
number 5 takes the lock, everyone else falls back into a straight line, 2,1,5,4,3.
Step for a number of 8s until ‘this time’ – finish with left foot in the air on beat 8.