The Corporation
Country Dances, Ancient and Modern

Rondel

An online definition may be found here.

Bars: 8.

Rondel The Rondel is a figure for two couples who may start from the sidelines, or from the centerline.

The 1s lead down between the 2s and cross over to opposite sides about half a place below 2nd place, while the 2s make an arch (near hands) go above 1s, and cross to opposite sides about half a place above the top. The 2s now cast down to 1st place, as the 1s cast up to 2nd. The men make an arch, and the women lead through it going to their normal sides, and then crossing (both of the 1s go in front of their respective 2s).

Everyone is now where they started, but the 1s are facing up, and the 2s down. They loop round to face in the opposite direction beside the center line. Then the 1s lead through an arch made by the 2s, and all finish progressed on their own sides (no crossing to opposite sides this time).

History

The earliest source I can find for the Rondel is John Drewry's The Silver Tassie, 1966, followed by many dances in The Rondel Book of Scottish Country Dances, published 1967.

Some dances which (probably) use this figure

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