The Nut

Background Sources

The Lowes write:

The first Gentleman turns the second Lady by the right hand, which he retains, and gives his left to the second Gentleman; the first Lady passes through below the Gentlemen's arms, and her partner following, they go down the middle, up again, and pousette.

Interpretation

If you look at other dances published in this book you will find that "go down the middle, up again" is a progressive figure (presumably "and cast off" is understood to follow), while "poussette" is not progressive.

The RSCDS has L1 circling around her partner going underneath both arches, but that's not what the Lowes' say to do. They say she should go under the arch made by the men, and then M1 should break both arches and follow her.

Four bars seems a lot of music for either of these moves, so the RSCDS has thrown in a balance in line, and for once I agree with them.

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