Bonny Cuckoo

Gail Ticknor (1986)

4 couple longways

Sheebeg and Sheemore Turlough O’Carolan 3/4 D major 16XX-17XX BI p. 15

Choreography

A

(1-4) 1s dance down the center past two couples, cast up around one couple, while 2s move up (12)
1s end in 2^nd place, 2s end in 1^st place
(5-6) 1s RH turn ½ and face down (6)
(7-8) 1s LH turn ½ with neighbor 3 below (6)
1s end in 3^rd place, 3s end in 2^nd place
4s do similarly:
(9-12) 4s dance up the center past two couple, cast down around one couple, while 1s (in 3^rd place) move down (12)
4s end in 3^rd place, 1s end in 4^th place
(13-14) 4s RH turn ½ and face up (6)
(15-16) 4s LH turn ½ w/ neighbor 3s (in 2^nd place) (6)
4s end in 2^nd place, 3s end at home; the order is now 2-4-3-1; some couples (1s and 4s, are opposite home)

B

(1-4) All circle L (12)
(5-6) Balance circle F&B (6)
(7-8) Release hands, “innies” (original R-file dancers) balance F&B, moving one place R, (6)
while “outies” balance B&F, moving one place L (swapping w neighbor or partner)
(9-12) All circle R (12)
(13-14) Balance circle F&B (6)
(15-16) Partners 2H turn to home side (1 or 1 ½)
Order is now 2-3-4-1

Teaching Notes

To teach positionally, establish temporary roles at the start: “If you’re on the right side, you’re innies; if you’re on the left, you’re outies. You’ll need to remember this later in the dance.”

B. (1-4) Circle must be strong to get all the way around!