Life is But A Melancholy Flower

Home || Dance Videos || Contra Dancing || Your Ceilidh/Barn Dance || Contra Waltz || Dance Index || About Us || Contact Us || Links

Life is But A Melancholy Flower
Source: Composed by John Sweeney
Formation: Contra; Improper

A1	Neighbour Dosido and give two hands Neighbour Balance & Petronalla Turn for Two (spin "one place" to your right and face your neighbour) The men should now be back to back in the middle of a line of four across the room
A2	Take Two Hands with Neighbour: All Gallop Down All Gallop Up
B1	Start a Neighbour Gypsy; Men leave and Half Left Shoulder Gypsy with each other Partner Swing
B2	Balance the Ring; Petronella Turn (spin one place to your right) Balance the Ring; California Twirl

Music:
32 bars - bouncy and lively.

Notes:
Gallop: Americans often say "sashay" - but that word doesn't give the right feel - I mean gallop!

The name comes from a song I was humming when I was working out the dance. It is just the words "Life is But A Melancholy Flower" sung to the tune of "Frère Jacques". Try it. The phrasing that the tune makes you use changes the words :-)

Back to Dance Index

I'd love to hear from you if you try this dance.

Feedback is very welcome on any aspect of these dances or Web pages.

Please contact John Sweeney with your comments.