Antje Erben’s Reel

A 32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

For Antje Wennemuth (née Erben) of Munich (formerly Friedberg), as a farewell present on leaving the Frankfurt club.

1–8

1st and 2nd couples set and rotate.

1–2

1st and 2nd couples set facing the person diagonally opposite.

3–4

They turn right about and chase clockwise one place to face partners up and down the dance.

5–6

Giving right hands, they change places with partner.

7–8

They continue chasing round clockwise another place to finish with 1st couple in second place, 2nd couple in first place.

9–10

1st couple set.

11–14

1st man crosses up between 2nd couple and casts off round 2nd woman while 1st woman crosses down between 3rd couple and casts up round 3rd man. They finish in second place on opposite sides.

15–16

1st couple turn with the left hand three quarters to finish facing first corners.

17–24

1st couple dance a half reel of four with first corners, pass right shoulders in the centre and dance a half reel of four with second corners, finishing in second place on opposite sides.

25–28

3rd, 1st, and 2nd couples chase clockwise half way round the set.

29–32

2nd, 1st, and 3rd couples turn partner with the right hand once round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

This version of the “set and rotate” figure appears in “The Westminster Reel” by Jeremy Hill, published in “The London Jubilee Scottish Country Dances” (1989). I think its symmetry makes it superior to the original formation.