Although lesser known than some of the more popular dances, Circassian Circle often proves a hit with those dancing it for the first time. It’s an easy dance to learn and as it’s progressive is another great opportunity for people to mix. The dance is played to reels (but it may also be played to jig music) and the speed can vary from slow to fast depending on the experience of those on the dance floor. There is an original tune called Circassian Circle.

DIFFICULTY RATING: EASY (provided you know your left from right)

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

A partner, and a group of other couples, the more there are the better the dance.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING

Couples form into a large circle side by side, everyone holding hands, gentlemen with their partners on their left hand side (it’s not a misprint gentlemen should be holding their partner’s right hand in their left hand). The steps below are for one version of Circassian Circle (the one we use and call), there is at least one alternate version which uses sets of four (ie two couples) with exactly the same name. If you are requesting a band to play Circassian Circle make sure they know which version you want called.

THE STEPS

Beats Description 1-16 (16) Holding hands all step in towards the centre of the circle for the count of 4; then retreat back for the count of 4; repeat the step in for 4 and retreat for 4. 17-24 (8) Drop hand holds, ladies only all step into the centre for 4, clapping your hands once on 4; retreat back to your place for the count of 4. 25-32 (8) Gentlemen step into the centre for the count of 4, clapping once on 4 and turning 180 degress to face the person that was on your left hand side before you stepped forward (who will now be on your right hand side as you have turned round); gents step forward for 4 toward the partner you are facing and link right arms (or your preferred hold for spinning your partner); 33-64 (32) spin your partner round clockwise for the count of 16; unlink your arms and adopt the shadow hold (the hold you start the Gay Gordons with), gentlemen with their partner on the right hand side, both facing anti-clockwise round the circle; promenade round the circle anti-clockwise for the count of 16 (you don’t need to turn round and walk backwards as you do in the Gay Gordons); on 16 break back into a circle all holding hands, gentlemen with their (old) partner on their right hand side, ready to start again.

HOW TO CONTACT THE HEADLANDERS CEILIDH BAND

If you would like a specific dance included on these pages or want to know more about us then please let us know.

Email: mail@headlanders.co.uk, or telephone/text: 07721 494 004

If you want a list of ceilidh related books with a wide range of dances please refer to the links page.

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