by Loyd Rawls

Created on: April 03, 2009

Lords and Ladies

"Hands 4 from the top!"
The lines form
Lords and their ladies facing
Flautist and fiddler to the gentlemen's left.

Lords and Ladies: Honor your partner.
Gentlemen, left foot extended forward, back straight, bow gently from the waist.
Ladies, toe of left foot back slightly and pointed to the floor for balance. Sink gently.
Eyes meet to synchronize the greeting.

"Circle left" steady and elegant.
Eyes connecting, backs straight but not stiff.
Hands grasping to maintain closeness and separation.
"Reverse."

Harken to days when Washington's grandparents danced the allemande.
Harken to the days when Washington himself graced the floors of his hosts.
Harken to the dances that inspired Jane Austen.
Harken to the music that has swept coachmen and queens, generals and gravediggers.

Ten, twelve times through the music.
Lord and Lady dancing with the next Lady and Lord, changing places with them.
Dancing with the next. Patterns repeat.
The music directs the feet.

Teachers and chemists.
Engineers and reenactors.
Accountants and secretaries.
All, for that time, Lords and Ladies.

"Hands 4 from the top."

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