In dances of this species, the progressive movement is effected by the transference of the first couple from the top to the bottom of the General Set. With every round, therefore, each couple (with the exception of the one at the top) moves up one place, and continues this movement, step by step, until it reaches the top of the General Set, when, after the next round it is transferred to the bottom, to resume once again its upward progress. "Sir Roger de Coverley" is a good example of this type of dance.
This is a very simple movement, as the following diagram will show.
PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT IN A WHOLE-SET COUNTRY DANCE
A, B, C, D, &c., are the couples. The top of the General Set is on the left
hand. The numbers in the column on the left record the successive rounds or performances
of the complete figure.
1. A B C D E F G H 2. B C D E F G H A 3. C D E F G H A B 4. D E F G H A B C 5. E F G H A B C D 6. F G H A B C D E 7. G H A B C D E F 8. H A B C D E F G 9. A B C D E F G HA, which is called the leading couple, is now in the position it was in when the dance began. This usually brings the dance to a conclusion.
Page transcribed by Hugh Stewart