resources
Resources
- Instructions
- Armagh Lancers instructions – Maldon’s Printable Word Document
This sheet provides simple calls rather than detailed descriptions. It’s designed to be clear and concise, making it ideal for those who are already familiar with the dance and just need a quick reference to remember what move comes next. This format helps keep things straightforward without any unnecessary details. - Armagh Lancers Instructions – This version differs from what’s in Pat Murphy’s book. It’s based on a resource from a 1993 workshop, so you may notice some variations. The authors, Danny and Joan Hathaway, included helpful notes that aren’t in Pat Murphy’s version, which provide additional insights. The dance was passed on to them by Mick O’Callaghan and George McCombe in 1979. The main differences I noticed are:
- The active lead dances the first figure instead of the active follow.
- The “Big Christmas” lasts for 8 bars each direction, rather than 4 bars.
- Armagh Lancers instructions – Maldon’s Printable Word Document
- Music
- Publications and Music for the Armagh Lancers
- Scrap Set resources for the Armagh Lancers – not that some of these are incorrect so if you are using this be sure to double check things.
- Video
- Books
- This set appears in Pat Murphy, The Flowing Tide, p 37. Pat got the set from Patrick’s O’Dea.
video
Videos
Figure 2 Square & Line Jig or Single Reel 136
Figure 3 Big/Little Christmas Jigs 136
This is the same group but a better recording and demo of this figure. Notice that they have taped a square on the floor and are mostly dancing in that size of space.
Figure 4 Follows Star Jigs 136
Figure 5 Chain & Line up Jig or Hornpipe 168
Full playlist with other dance references and videos:
instructions
Armagh Lancers Set
- Start: none
- Transition: none
- Finish: none
- Step: down jig
| Active Follow | & Opposite advance & swing | 8 |
| Active couples | Square (pass r only) | 8 |
| All | Swing corner | 8 |
| Swing partner at home | 8 | |
| (1ST T/2ND T/1ST S/2ND S) |
Figure 2 Square & Line Jig or Single Reel 136
| Active | R in R Advance & turn as retire & swing | 8 |
| Active couples | Square (sides split) | 8 |
| Lines Advance & Retire | 8 | |
| Swing partner at home | 8 | |
| (1ST T/2ND T/1ST S/2ND S) |
Figure 3 Big/Little Christmas Jigs 136
| All | Big Christmas – left (4) right (4) | 8 |
| Active couples | Visitation | 8 |
| All | R star with corner | 8 |
| Little christmas open up | 8 | |
| Big Christmas | ||
| Repeat (actives are in opposite positions now) (T/T/S/S) |
Figure 4 Follows Star Jigs 136
| Follow | Advance 2x | 8 |
| Leads | Advance 2x | 8 |
| Follows | R Star (Leads turn on outside gong r) | 8 |
| All | Swing (Follows moving to R) | 8 |
| (Repeat 4x) |
Figure 5 Chain & Line up Jig or Hornpipe 168
| All | Chain (12) & Line up (waist hold behind active couple) (4) | 8 |
| Weave Cast off solo in to lines | 8 | |
| Lines Advance | 8 | |
| Swing at home | 8 | |
| (1ST T/1ST 2/2ND S/2ND T) |
music
Music
Armagh Lancers Music Playlist on Spotify
At the moment, there isn’t a band that has recorded a specific track for this dance. So, I’ve put together a “scrap set” playlist on Spotify. While the titles of the figures may not match, the tune types and lengths are perfect for the Armagh Lancers and are in order of the dance. Enjoy!
steps
Steps
Down Jig Step or 3’s
The step used in this dance is the “down jig step”, also referred to as the traveling step or 3’s. The leads start on the left foot, and the follows start on the right.
Advance and Retire Step
We also use the advance and retire step in this set, you can use your 3’s from above or use this pattern. The step, step, step, lift, back, back, 1-2-3. Again leads start on left foot and follows start on right foot. When standing next to your partner, facing into the set, your lifting foot will be on the inside of the two of you.
Battering Jig Steps
This is a playlist of lots of different jigs steps with more advanced battering. They can be used in other jigs sets as well.
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