JAMAICA

Longways as many as will; in two parts (4th Ed., 1670).

 

  MUSIC MOVEMENTS



    First Part.
    (Duple minor-set.)
A1 1–4 First man and first woman cross hands, clasping right hands on the first beat of the first bar, and left hands on the first beat of the second bar, move half-way round a small circle, clockwise, and change places (sl.s.).
  5–8 First man changes places with second woman in like manner; while second man does the same with first woman (progressive; improper*).
B1 1–8 First man and first woman fall back two small steps, and then go the Figure-Eight round second couple, the first man crossing over, passing counter-clockwise round second man and clockwise round second woman, the first woman crossing over and passing clockwise round second woman and counter-clockwise round second man (sk.s.).



    Second Part.
    (Duple minor-set.)
    Partners who are on their wrong sides, change places.
A1 1–4 First man turns second woman.
  5–8 Second man turns first woman.
B1 1–4 First man turns second man once-and-a-half round and changes places with him; while first woman does the same with the second woman (progressive).
  5–8 First and second men turn their partners.

* In the next round the first couple will be proper, the second couple improper. Couples will be alternately proper and improper throughout the movement. If on the wrong sides, partners should change places when neutral.

 


This interpretation seems somewhat implausible, so there are several other interpretations in circulation. Tom Cook’s 4-couple version is the standard one in England.

How about this for a more plausible interpretation:

Longways, duple minor, double progression
A1: 1s give right, left, and half turn; with neighbour: right, left, half turn
B1: fall back on the side, come forward; 1s half-figure eight up through twos (first progression)
A2: first corners two-hand turn; second corners two-hand turn
B2: two-hand turn neighbour once and a half to progress; two-hand turn partner

Page transcribed by Hugh Stewart