Yuletide entertainments

by Ellen M. Willard

For Sixteen Little Girls.

Dresses white, short and fluffy; white stockings and slippers. Capes and caps of yellow cambric. The capes reach the bottom of the dresses and have openings for the arms to pass through, and the caps are round skull caps fitting the top of the head closely. The “dance” is a series of simple steps and movements which are easily learned.

Music: A march or two-step.

1. Enter at left rear in couples to a slow march, and for each step make a turning motion of the body to right or left as the right or left foot advances. March across the rear to right corner and turn diagonally and sharply. March to left front and again turn and march across the front of the stage. When the double line is in the center, halt, front face, and, beginning with the leader nearest the audience, let one at a time, first in the front, then in the rear line, give one hop on the right foot, then rest until this hop has been made by all.

2. (Music slightly quickened.) Lines step back with left foot a little to the left, curtsey, rise, as the beats of the music indicate. Repeat, with right foot toward the right, curtsey, rise and repeat these backward movements until the rear of the stage is reached, both lines moving in unison.

3. Advance to front of the stage with same motion, front line stepping to right, and rear line to left simultaneously, thus giving a zig-zag motion.

4. Still holding hands the ends of the two lines move back until an angle is formed, the joined hands of the lines as they are held forward, forming the apex. The step for this motion is a hop, first with right, then with left foot, bending the body almost at right angles to right or left in the direction the step is taken.

5. Reverse the motion with steps forward until a straight line is again formed.

6. Front line kneels on right knee, raises joined hands high on first measure, lower them on second measure, repeat for four measures. Rear line advances one step in such manner that the girls of rear line alternate with those of front line, but behind them. Unclasp hands and each make four hops, first on right, then on left foot, turning as she does so. This completes a revolution. Then take one step to the right on the first beat of the music, bend right knee (thus dipping or curtseying) on the second beat, one step to the left on third beat, bend left knee on fourth beat. This completes four measures.