A 32 bar jig for three couples
  bars description
  1 - 8

Going to the Regatta and meeting old friends

1st and 2nd couple, taking hands on the side, advance and retire, and dance right hands across once round to place.

   
  9 - 16

The games and wheels of fortune

1st and 2nd couple dance back to back with partner, and then dance left hands across once round to place.

   
  17 - 20

The race with the turning of the buoys at the bottom of the pond

17 - 20 1st couple lead down the middle. 2nd couple step up on bars 19 and 20.
21 - 24 1st man turn partner under right arm, then 1st couple lead up and lead up to finish in second place in the centre of the set, facing up.

   
  25 - 32

The "scuff" to celebrate victory

25 - 32 1st woman dances left hands across once round with 2nd and 3rd men, while 1st man dances right hands across once round with 2nd and 3rd women.
29 - 32 1st couple, giving right hands briefly, lead up through 2nd couple, cross over, and cast off into second place on their own side.

   
   Repeat having passed a couple.
   
NOTE: At the end of the second turn of the dance, first couple cast off to fourth place and 4th couple step up to third place on bars 31-32.
   
Inscribed to the members of the St. John's (Newfoundland) Branch, R.S.C.D.S.

Suggested music: The Banks of Newfoundland by Francis Forbes. Supporting tunes should be Newfoundland Jigs.

The title of the dance is the more common name for the "The Banks of Newfoundland". The tune is the signature tune of the Royal St. John's Regatta, which is always held on the first Wednesday in August or the first fine day thereafter. The Regatta is the oldest continuous sporting event in North America. As well as the races, it is a grand occasion for a party with many vendors and games of chance.

The dance reflects the event. Bars 1-8 represent going to the Regatta and meeting old friends; bars 9-16 are the games and wheels of fortune, bars 17-24 are the races with the turning of the buoys at the bottom of the pond, and bars 25-32 represent the 'scuff' to celebrate victory.

© 1994, Martin E. Mulligan

 Web edition first posted 02 Sept 1996
Previous edition posted 18 June 1999.
This text revised 07 June 2001.