The Corporation
Country Dances, Ancient and Modern

Chorus Jig

Background Source

In A Treatise on Dancing (Boston, 1802) Saltator writes:

First couple down the out side, up, down the middle, up brise, promenade contrary corners, first couple dance address, change sides.

I next find it in Hillgrove's The Scholars' Companion and Ball-Room Vade Mecum (New York, 1857)

He describes three dances he calls "Contra Dances": Money Musk, Chorus Jig, and The Waterman. His instructions for Chorus Jig are:

First couple down the outside and back; down the centre and back; swing contra corners; balance and swing to place.

When Hillgrove says "swing" he appears to mean a "hand turn" or "allemande"

Howe's Complete Ball-room Hand Book (Boston, 1858)

First couple down the outside, up — down the centre, up (cast off) — swing contra corners — balance and turn in places.

Burchenal's American Country Dances (Boston/New York, 1918)

Down the Outside and back
Down the Centre and back
Swing Contra Corners
Balance Six
Balance and Swing Partner

When Burchenal says "swing partner" she means a modern swing.

See the CDSS book, Cracking Chestnuts for more information.

As a triple minor.

As a duple minor.

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