The Prince Consort's Rant

Source: Pat Shaw; published in English Dance & Song, Summer 1971. Vol XXXIII. No. 2
Formation: Sicilian Circle

A1: Polka	Check which way you are going around the big circle - then face the middle: Circle Left; Circle Right
A2: Polka	Corner Allemande Left; Partner Pass Through; Next Dancer Allemande Right; Partner Allemande Left Face your Neighbours
B1: Rant	North Country Ladies' Chain x2 Finish facing the middle and placing your hands on your Neighbours' shoulders
B2: Rant	Rant! (6) Swing AC past your Neighbours and finish facing the middle

Music:
Own tune or any suitable 32-bar tune.

Notes:
Unlike the description in this article, Pat's final description makes no attempt to describe a North Country Ladies' Chain, perhaps assuming that it was common knowledge. Alas, that is no longer true.

North Country Ladies' Chain: Important: The man does NOT turn at all. Ladies pull by right and offer left to the man. The man steps to the right and raises his left hand; the lady backs under it to end facing the same way as the man, slightly behind him, on his left. The man lowers his left hand and steps to his left, passing the lady's left hand from his left hand to his right hand behind his back. As he does this the lady steps to her right and forward to stand beside him. They end up as a couple with the man on the left, lady on the right.

Ranting while Swinging is not necessarily comfortable. I would probably polka, or, if I really wanted to rant, I would take a more open hold: right forearms together, right hands around the other person's elbow, left hands joined underneath.

This dance appeared with The Albert Memorial Square.

Original page from English Dance & Song, Summer 1971

Pat Shaw was a leading figure in the 20th century dance world. As well as writing his own dances and interpreting dances from the 17th and 18th centuries he also researched traditional dances from the 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a regular contributor to the English Dance & Song magazine.

Pat Shaw 1917-1977 gives a flavour of this man of many talents.

The Pat Shaw Collection includes over 60 of Pat's own compositions.

Another Look at Playford has 120 of Pat's interpetations of older dances.

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