Dance Rosnor Abbey 5688

Rosnor Abbey

There is much confusion about the precise execution of bars 1–2 and 9–10.

The older variant is for both pairs (1W+2M and 1M+2W) to turn RH and face each other on the midline, W above M. This pattern is asymmetric; 1W+2M make a 7/8 turn and back, 1M+2W a 5/8 turn and back. None of the instructions mention 5/8, 7/8 or even mentions the asymmetry

Later instructions specify ½ turn, that would bring each pair to the same diagonal as where they started.

The most recent instructions add an (optional?) ¾ turn. If taken precisely this brings the pairs to the other diagonal.

For the record, here are some official descriptions; there’s plenty of confusion.

My (purple, undated) copy of MMM1 (page 38) has the following original text:
1–4 1st lady and 2nd man turn each other by the right hand for 2 skip change of step; facing up and down in the middle of the dance they set to each other.
5–8 They turn each other with left hands back to places, and set.
9–16 1st man and 2nd lady do the same.

The 1992 Manual has a note:
Bars 1–4 1st woman and 2nd man turn to finish with 1st woman facing down and 2nd man facing up.
Bars 9–12 1st man and 2nd woman turn to finish with 1st man facing up and 2nd woman facing down.

The 2005 Manual does not have a note for the dance.

The 2013 Manual has a note:
Bars 1–2 1st woman and 2nd man turn three-quarters to finish with 1st woman facing down and 2nd man facing up. In earlier versions of these bars, 1st woman and 2nd man turn half way.
Bars 9–10 1st man and 2nd woman turn three-quarters to finish with 1st man facing up and 2nd woman facing down. Alternatively they may turn half way.

TACnotes 4th ed 1995 says:
1–2 1st woman & 2nd man three-quarters turn to finish with woman facing down and man up.
9–10 1st man and 2nd woman turn as bars 1–2.

TACnotes 5th ed 2008 says:
1–2 NB: In 2007 edition this is a HALF turn to face each other in middle of the set.
9–10 2nd woman and1st man turn as bars 1–2.

Read more: on the RSCDS website the Technique Panel has published a statement at https://www.rscds.org/learn/resources-dancers/technique-advisory-panel-dances.