Dance Cues

Select from the dances in the left column to open the cues for the steps for that dance.  For most of the dances, the steps are adapted from documented instructions from the Victorian period.  In a few cases we have chosen to modify the steps1 slightly to improve the flow of the dance.  Where noted, the dance is original choreography (generally using period correct steps and cues) developed specifically for the VSCS.  These cue sheets assume the dancer has attended VSCS Victorian dance lessons and is familiar with the terminology.  See the table at the bottom of this page for a list of abbreviations used.
 

The Arches Waltz

The Lobster Quadrille

The Waltz

  

Abbreviations:

CP:      Closed Position
OP:      Open Position
CW:     Clockwise
CCW:   Counterclockwise
L&R:    Left and right
LOD:    Line of dance - counterclockwise around the hall
RLOD: Reverse line of dance - clockwise around the hall

 1 “Innovations, oftentimes creating technical perversion or ambiguity, are frequently caused by persons who know little or nothing about dancing. I do not wish to be understood as implying that no alterations should occur; on the contrary, variations which are not likely to disconcert others are admissible; but I find it utterly impossible to accept the blunders of every novice.  

“It is to be regretted, also, that local errors of custom become established, and that such differences and uncertainties exist as to render it difficult for a person visiting another city or town, or going abroad, to mingle in the dance without embarrassment.”

  from THE DANCE OF SOCIETY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ALL THE STANDARD QUADRILLES, ROUND DANCES, 102 FIGURES OF LE COTILLON ("THE GERMAN"), &c., INCLUDING DISSERTATIONS UPON TIME AND ITS ACCENTUATION, CARRIAGE, STYLE, AND OTHER RELATIVE MATTER, (1877) BY WM. B. DE GARMO, Membre Correspondant de la Société Académique des Professeurs de Danse de Paris, Artistes de l'Opéra; Instructor in Dancing at U. S. Military Academy, West Point, N. Y.