Popular Pastimes for Field and Fireside, or Amusements for young and old

by Caroline L. Smith

LANCERS.

This, also, is a very old English dance. There are innumerable changes, but those given here are the most popular.

First Change.

First lady and opposite gentleman forward and back; same couple forward a second time, turn with right hand, and return to places. First and second couple cross over, first couple joining hands and passing between the second couple, and return to places, the second couple joining hands and passing between the first. Balance at the corners, the four ladies to the gentlemen on the right, gentlemen facing the left, to return the balance. Turn partners with both hands to places. Same for the other three couples.

Second Change.

First couple forward and back. Forward a second time and leave lady in front of opposite couple facing her partner, gentleman returning to place. The same couple chassez to right and left, and turn to places with both hands. All eight forward and back in two lines; forward and turn partners to places. In forming two lines first and second times, the side couples separate from their partners, and join each side of the head couples, forming two lines, four on a side; third and fourth times the head couples join the sides.

Third Change.

First gentleman and opposite lady forward and back. Forward a second time and salute with a low bow and low graceful courtesy and return to places. The four ladies then form a windmill by giving their right hands, while the four gentlemen take their left hands, with their left hands, all facing the same direction, and promenade entirely around, and turn partners to places.