The Project Gutenberg eBook of Orchesography, or, the Art of Dancing

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Title: Orchesography, or, the Art of Dancing

Author: Raoul-Auger Feuillet

Translator: John Weaver

Release date: December 1, 2005 [eBook #9454]
Most recently updated: April 11, 2020

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Tobin Richard, Debra Storr, Greg Lindahl and
PG Distributed Proofreaders

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORCHESOGRAPHY, OR, THE ART OF DANCING ***





ORCHESOGRAPHY.


OR, THE

ART OF DANCING,

BY

Characters and Demonstrative Figures.

WHEREIN

The whole Art is explain’d; with compleat Tables of all Steps us’d in Dancing, and Rules for the Motions of the Arms

WHEREBY

Any person (who understands Dancing) may of himself learn all manner of Dances.

BEING

An Exact and Just Translation from the French of Monsieur Feuillet.


By JOHN WEAVER, Dancing-Master.



Pars pedibus plaudant Choreas
,----Virg. Aenid. 6.

LONDON: Printed by H. Meere, at the Black Fryars, for the Author, and are to be sold by P.Valliant, French Bookseller near Catherine-Street, in the Strand. 1706.


To Mr. Isaac.

SIR,

Tho’
Dancing
and
Musick
seem to be of near an equal Antiquity, and even of an equal Extent, yet
Musick
has long receiv’d an Advantage, which
Dancing
wanted.
Musick
has employ’d the Pens of many of the Learned, both Ancient and Modern, and has had the Benefit of an universal Character, which convey’d the harmonious Compositions to all Lovers of the
Art
in all Nations.
Dancing
, on the contrary, tho’ celebrated by Ancient Authors in an extraordinary manner, and with uncommon Praises, (as I shall shew in a Treatise, which I shall suddenly publish on that Subject) yet among the Moderns, it has been wholly unknown to the Learned, and destitute of all Pens, in either the speculative or practick part of the
Art
, which for want of an universal Character, was confin’d to the immediate Master and Scholar, or at farthest, to a narrow traditional Instruction, which none could participate of without a Teacher, who had been taught by some other, either Composer, or Scholar of such Composer. This Inconvenience at length stirr’d up Monsieur
Beauchamp
to begin what Monsieur
Feuillet
accomplish’d in the following Treatise, which tho’ for some time enjoy’d by the
French
Nation, as a native Growth,
now first appears
in its true and just Extent in its Transplantation into the
English
Climate and Language.

The Service to the Lovers and Professors of this Art, having been the chief Motive of my Undertaking so difficult a Province, that we who enjoy the Happiness of so Great a Master as Mr. Isaac, should not want the Advantage of spreading that Excellence in this Art, which renders him so admir’d by all who have any Taste of it; so having receiv’d such great and generous Encouragement in this Study from you, Sir; the Product of that Encouragement and Study does, as it were, out of a natural Right and just Gratitude, seek Shelter under your Patronage, and challenge the Advantage of appearing in the World under the Protection of your Name, whole known Judgment and Mastery in this Art, will secure me from the Censure of Malice and Ignorance.

However, I shall have little to fear, if I am so happy as to merit that generous Assistance, which you have been pleased to give me in the compiling of this Book; and I am apt to flatter my self, that I have done the Original that Justice, that the Author will have no Reason to complain: But whatever Defects I may have been guilty of in it, I promise my self Forgiveness from so much Goodness and Candor, as all People (with Justice) allow to Mr. Isaac. You are so truly distinguish’d from most Men, by a peculiar Sincerity and Zeal for the Service of your Friend, or him whom you have once thought fit to espouse, that as I have done nothing but comply’d with my own Inclination, in offering this publick Acknowledgment of your Favour, so I have infinite Cause of being perfectly satisfy’d with my Patron.

I know it is the Custom of Dedicators, to launch forth into the Praises of the Virtues and Parts of their Patrons; but I know Mr. Isaac too well, to think I can render my self more acceptable to him, by entertaining him with his own Deserts, since they are too well known to all your Acquaintance, to need a Publication in this place. Not but that it would be a Theme infinitely grateful to me; but I shall curb that Inclination, and deny my self a Pleasure that would be disgustful to you. It is enough, that by spreading the Knowledge which the following Book conveys, your Excellence in the Art, your admirable Compositions will more easily, and more largely encrease the Number of your Admirers; among which, there never will be one more truly devoted to your Service, than,

SIR,

Your most Obliged Humble Servant,

John Weaver.

PREFACE.

I Perswade my self, that before so useful a Curiosity as the following Treatise, it would not be disagreeable to the Reader, to give him an Account of the Origin and Progress of the Art of
Orchesography. Furetier,
in his Historical Dictionary, tells us of a curious Treatise of this Art by one
Thoinet Arbeau,
printed 1588, at
Langres,
from whom Monsieur
Feuillet,
in his Preface, supposes this Art to date its first Rise and Birth, tho’ he could never procure a Sight of it, as not to be found in
Paris.
But this very Book falling into my Hands, I took Care to peruse it with some Attention, but found it far short of that Expectation, which such Recommendation had rais’d in me: For tho’ it might perhaps have given the Hint to Mr
. Beauchamp;
yet it is nothing but an imperfect rough Draught, nor if it confin’d to Dancing, since it treats besides of beating the Drum, playing on the Pipe, and the like.

But notwithstanding this blind Hint of Arbeau, to do Justice to Mons. Beauchamp, we must attribute to him the Invention of this Art, who in all Probability, could no more see the former Book, than Mons. Feuillet. But as no Art was ever invented and perfected at once; so it remain’d for Mons. Feuillet, to raise the compleat and finish’d Superstructure on Mons. Beauchamp’s Foundation; and it must be allowed, that Mons. Feuillet has carry’d this Art to a very great Perfection, and taken a great deal of Pains in the Improvement of the Character, and given Rules so just, and a Method so proper, that I cannot imagine any Man can flatter himself with an Ability of designing a better, or more regular manner. For this Reason I chose rather to follow his Method entirely, than attempt any Alteration of my own, which I have done with that Care and Diligence, that I think I may assure the Reader I have omitted nothing that he has deliver’d. I have also made it my Business to bring the Reader acquainted with the Meaning of my Author, as well as his Words, which is a Happiness every Translator has not the Power of arriving at, as generally either ignorant of the Subject or Language he translates from, or into, or both.

Another Fault of our common Translators I have avoided with all the Industry I could: Some of them pretending to meddle with Books of Art, and not understanding the Terms of Art, give us such an odd Jargon, that we can never understand it without the Interpretation of a Master, or having Recourse to the Original itself. I have therefore render’d all the French Terms into English, but with so much Caution of doing Justice to the Author, and the Art, that I would not defend on my own Judgment, but let none pass without the Approbation of the best English Masters.

The Perfection, which Dancing is now come to in England, seems to point this Time out at the fittest Juncture, for the Publication of a Book of this Nature; since we now enjoy in this Nation, Performers and Masters of greater Excellence than any other part of Europe; who shew every Beauty of the Art in its full Glory and Perfection. For whoever shall consider the Masterly Compositions of Ball-Dances by Mr. Isaac, which are so well adapted to the manner of our School-teaching, (peculiar to England, no other Nation having any such thing as publick Dancing-Schools) whoever shall see the admirable Compositions of Mons. L’Abbé in Ballet, and his Performance, with that of M. Desbargues, M. Du Ruel, and M. Cherrier, can hope to see nothing in this Art of greater Excellence, unless any wonderful Genius should arise, and advance this once celebrated Art to that Perfection, which drew the Eyes, and employ’d the Pens of the old Greeks and Romans; a lively Description of which, the Reader may see in this Epigram, by an unknown Hand

Mascula foemineo derivans Pectora Sexu,
Atq; aptans lentum Sexum at utrumq; latus,
Egressus Scenam Populum faltator adorat
Solerti pendet predere verba Manu.
Nam cum grata Chorus diffundit cantica dulcis
Quæ resonat Cantor, motibus ipse probat.
Pugnat, ludit, amat, Bacchatur, Vertitur, adstat,
Illustrat verum, cuncta decore replet.
Tot Linguæ, quot Membra viro, Mirabilis est Ars,
Quæ facit Articulos voce silente loqui.
From this Epigram, it is plain, that the ancient Dancing had something more than Motion, Measure, and Figure, and express’d the Passions and Actions of Mankind, was a sort os silent Poetry, and the Painting, tho’ without Colours, so expressive, as to touch and charm every Beholder.

There will be no need to enforce the Use of this Art, and by Consequence recommend the Book that teaches it, to all Lovers of Dancing, since it carries its own Evidence with it self, and has already convinc’d them of its Benefit and Advantage; and I question not but others will find the same Satisfaction from their Study, which I have done, since by a close Application to this Character, I have made such a Progress in it, as to be able to communicate all Dances to the rest of the Profession at any Distance. I have a great deal of Reason to believe, that had not I first undertaken to make Mons.Feuillet speak English, this Character had yet a longer while remain’d a Secret to this Nation; those who had made their private Market of it, not being willing to admit any Rivals in an Art, which chiefly distinguish’d them from others of their Profession.

I must undeceive some, who may perhaps mistake the Design of the following Treatise, and take it for an Instruction, or some Improvement in the Art of Dancing, or Method of Teaching. But I must assure them, that I am not yet Master of Vanity enough to venture upon a Task so difficult, and so invidious, since I am of Opinion, that there are not better Masters for instructing Scholars in a genteel Movement and Address, than the English.

I shall not therefore detain the Reader any longer in the Porch, but leave him now to enter, and improve.

Ingredere ut proficias.

A List of the Dancing-Masters,

Subscribers to this Undertaking.

A
Monsieur L’Abbé. 

B
Mr. Bosely of Norwich. 

C
Mr. Tho. Caverly.
Mr. Ant. Caverly.
Monsieur Camille.
Monsieur Cherrier.
Mr. Claxton.
Mr. Coucb.
Monsieur Cottin.
Mr. Counley of Barbadoes.
Mr. Cragg.
Mr. Christian. 

D
Monsieur Debargues.
Mr. Delamain of Dublin.
Monsieur Le Duc.
Mr. Douson. 

E
Monsieur D’Elisle.
Mr. Essex. 

G
Mr. Groscourt.
Mr. Gery.

H
Mr. Walter Holt, Sen.
Mr. Walter Holt, Jun.
Mr. Rich. Holt.
Mr. Heale of Salisbury.

I
Mr. Isaac.

L
Mr. Lally.

Mr. Char. Lewis.

N
Mr. Nicholson.

O
Mr. Orlabeer.

P
Mr. Pawlet.

Mr. Pemberton.
Mr. Porter of Darby.
Mr. Pritton.

R
Monsieur Du Ruell.

Mr. Rogers.

S
Monsieur Serancour.

Monsieur L’Sac.
Mr. Sexton of York.
Mr. Shirley.

This Undertaking bas also been encouraged by the Subscriptions of several of the Nobility and Gentry


ERRATA.

Dedication, page 2. line 1.
for Phrases,
read
Praises.

P. 8.l.3. f.
the,
r
.a.

P.17.1.3, f.
afterwards,
r
. forwards..

P.34.1.7. after Page, add
as E F do the upper end of the Room, G H the lower part.

P. 40. 1. 2, f.
behind,
r.
before.

P. 47. 1. 4. f.
Rigandons,
r.
Rigandons.

[Transcribers note: corrections to text made]

Orchesography.

OR,

The ART of DANCING

BY

Characters and Demonstrative Figures.

By which any Person, who understands Dancing, may of himself easily learn all manner of
Dances.

The Explanation of the Terms belonging to DANCING, seem to be altogether needless, since they are so plain and intelligible of themselves: But lest the Reader should put wrong Constructions on those Terms of Art which the Dancing-Masters make use of, I shall give the following Explanation of them.

Dancing is composed of Positions, Steps, Sinkings, Risings, Springings, Capers, Fallings, Slidings, Turnings of the Body, Cadence or Time, Figures, &c.

Positions, are the different Placings of the Feet in Dancing.

Steps, are the Motions of the Feet from one place to another.

Sinkings, are the Bendings of the Knees.

Risings, are when we rise from a Sink, or erect our selves.

Springing, is a rising or leaping from the Ground.

Capers, are when in rising or leaping from the Ground, one Leg beats against the other, which we call Cutting.

Fallings, are when the Body, being out of its proper Poise, falls by its own Weight.

Slidings, are when, in moving, the Foot slides on the Ground.

Turnings, are when the Body turns either one way or the other.

Cadence or Time, is a right understanding of the different Measures, and Observation of the most remarkable places in the Tune.

Figures, are Tracts made by Art, on which the Dancer is to move.

Before I proceed to demonstrate what I have already explain’d, I shall describe the Room or Stage, where Dancing is perform’d; as also the different Tracts or Figures to be made thereon, and the Posture and Presence of the Body, in which the Performer ought to stand.

Of the Stage, Room, or School.

The
Stage or Dancing-Room
, I shall represent by an
Oblong
, as in the Figure A B C D, of which the upper end is A B, the lower end C D; the right side B D, and the left side A C.

The Presence of the Body.

The
Posture
or Presence of the Body, is to have respect to that part of the
Room
, to which the Face or Fore-part of the Body is directed, which I describe by the Figure F G H I, of which F G shews the two Sides of the Body, H the Face or Fore-part, and I the Back or Hinder-part.

The Face of Forepart of the Body up. The Face down. The Face to the right side. The Face to the left side.

Of the Tract.

The Line on which the Dances are described, I call the
Tract
.

Which Tract serves for two Ends, the first to direct the Steps and Positions, and the other to represent the Figure of the Dance.

All Steps and Positions may be described upon two Lines, viz.upon a Right Line, and a Diametrical Line; but because the Tract must also be made use of for the Explanation of the Figure of Dances, I shall add to these Lines, the Circular and i>Oblique.

A Right Line, I call that which extends it self in Length, from one end of the Room to the other, as by the Line mark’d K.

A Diametrical Line, is that which goes cross the Room from side to side, as is shewn by the Line L.


The Circular Line, is that which goes round the Room, as is express’d by the Letter M.

The Oblique Line, is that which goes cross the Room, from Corner to Corner, as may be seen by the Line N.


Every one of these Lines, or Tracts, may jointly or separately form the Figure of a Dance, on which may be described the Positions and Steps, as in Figure O. The beginning of which Tract, is shewn by the Character representing the Posture or Presence of the Body, which must be join’d to it, to shew the Position of the Body at the beginning of the Dance.

Of the Positions.

There are ten Sorts of
Positions
generally us’d in
Dancing,
which are divided into
True
and
False.

The True, are when the Feet are plac’d uniform, and have the Toes turn’d out equally.

The False, are some of them uniform, others not, and differ from the True, in that, the Toes are turn’d inward, or one in, and the other out.

In all Positions whatsoever, the Form of the Foot is known by these Marks, viz. That which resembles an O, represents the Heel; the Line join’d to it, the Ankle; and the Extremity of that Line, the Point of that Foot.

A half Position.

This Figure of the Foot, is but a half Position, because it represents but one Foot, whereas a whole Position does that of two, as in the Figure A B.

Position

’Tis to be observ’d, that the Letter A, in the foregoing Figure, represents the left Foot, and B, the right.

Of true Positions.

There are five true
Positions
. The first is when the two Feet are join’d together, the Heels being one against the other.
First Position.

The second is when the Feet are open, or separate, on a Line, one distant from the other the length of the Foot. Second Position.

The third is when the Heel of one Foot is join’d to the Ankle of the other, which I shall hereafter term inclos’d. Third Position.

The fourth is when the two Feet are plac’d one before the other, the distance of a Foot in length. Fourth Position.

The fifth is when the two Feet are cross’d, the Heel of one directly opposite to the Toe of the other. Fifth Position.

Of false Positions.

There are also five of these. The first is when the Toes are turn’d inwards, and touch each other, the Heels being open on the Line.
First Position.

The second is when the Toes are turn’d inwards, there being the distance of a Foot’s Length between the Toes; the Heels as before. Second Position.

The third is when the Toe of one Foot is outwards, and the other inwards, the one parallel towards the other. Third Position.

The fourth is when the Toes are turn’d inwards, so that the Toe of one Foot points to the Ankle of the other. Fourth Position.

The fifth false Position, is mark’d like the fifth true one, and seems to be the same Position; but notwithstanding, they are very different, for whereas in the true one, the Toes are turn’d outwards, in the false, they are turn’d inwards, crossing each other, so that the Heel of one Foot is right against the Toe of the other, and is to be distinguish’d from the true one by a small Bar between the Position. Fifth Position.

Of Steps.

Altho’
Steps
made use of in Dancing, are almost innumerable, I shall nevertheless reduce them to five, which serve to express the different Figures the Leg makes in moving: These I shall call,
a straight plain Step
, an
open Step
, a
circular
or
round Step
, a
waving Step
, and a
beaten Step
.

A straight Step, is when the Foot moves in a right Line; which is to be made two ways, forwards, and backwards.

The open Step, is when the Leg opens; which is to be done three ways, one outwards, another inwards, both which make an Arch or half Circle, and the third sideways, which may also be called a straight Step, because the Motion of it is in a direct Line.

The round or circular Step, is when the Foot, in moving, makes a circular Figure; of this there is two ways, one outwards, and another inwards.

The waving Step, is when the Foot, in moving, turns both inwards and outwards. There are three ways of doing this, forwards, backwards, and sideways.

The beaten Step, is when one Leg or Foot is beaten against the other. Of this there are also three ways of performing, viz. forwards, backwards, and sideways.

A Step is known by the Character following, viz. a black Spot mark’d A, representing the Position of the Foot, the Line drawn from that Spot, mark’d B, shewing the Motion, Figure, and Largness of the Step, as from A to D, and lastly, by a small side Stroke join’d to the End of the Line C, representing the Foot, of which D is the Heel, and E the Point of the Foot, or Toe.

A Demonstration of all the Steps which have been before explain’d.

A straight Step forwards.
The same backwards.
An open Step outwards.
The same inwards.
The same sideways.
A circular Step outwards.
The same inwards.
A waving Step forwards.
The same backwards.
The same sideways.

A beaten Step forwards.
The same backwards.
The same sideways.

To a Step may be added these following Marks, viz. Sinking, Rising, Springing or Bounds, Capers, Falling, Sliding, holding the Foot up, Pointing the Toes, placing the Heel, turning a quarter Turn, a half Turn, a three quarter Turn, and a whole Turn.

The Mark for a Sink, is a little Stroke inclining towards the little black Head.

A Sink.

The Mark for a Rise from a Sink, is when there is a little straight Stroke upon the Step.

A Rise.

The Mark of a Spring or Rise from the Ground, is when there are two of the aforesaid Strokes, which is sometimes call’d a Bound.

A Spring, or Bound.

The Mark for a Caper, is when there are three Strokes.

A Caper.

The Mark for a Falling Step, is when at the End of the little straight Stroke, another straight one is join’d parallel to the Step, and pointing to the Mark for the Foot.

A falling Step.

The Mark of a Slide, is when at the End of the little Stroke, a small Bar is plac’d parallel to the Step.

A Slide.

The Mark for the Foot up, is when the Step is cut off.

The Foot up.

The Mark for pointing the Foot, without the Body’s bearing upon it, is when there is a Point directly at the End of that which represents the Toe.

To point the Foot.

The Mark for placing the Heel, without the Body’s bearing upon it, is when there is a Point directly behind that which represents the Heel.

To place the Heel.

A quarter Turn of the Body, is shewn by a quarter of a Circle plac’d on the Step.

A quarter Turn.

A half Turn, is represented by a half Circle.

A half Turn.

A three quarter Turn, is shewn by a three quarter Circle.

A three quarter Turn.

A whole Turn, is represented bya whole Circle.

A whole Turn.

Steps may have Several Marks.

Sink and Rise. Rise and Sink. Sink and Bound. Bound and Sink. Sink, Bound and Sink. Sink and Caper.
Rise and Fall. Sink, Rise and Slide. Sink and Hop. Sink, Bound and Turn. Sink, Rise, and point the Toe. Sink, Bound, & place the Heel.

How to place the Marks in their proper Order.

It is necessary first to know, that a
Step
has three Divisions,
viz
. a
Beginning, Middle
, and
End:
You must also consider the
Foot,
as well in
Steps
as
Positions,
has two Sides, an Inside and an Outside. The Beginning of the
Step
, is the Beginning of the Line, joining the little black Spot, as is shewn by the Letter A. The Middle, is the middle of the Line, as at Letter B. And the End, is the Extremity of the Line, joining that which represents the Foot, as at Letter C. The Outside of the Foot, is between the Heel and the end of the little Toe, mark’d D E; and the Inside, is that which is between the Heel and End of the great Toe, as is mark’d F G.
There are three ways of
Sinking, viz
. before the Foot moves, in moving, and after it has moved.

When there is the Mark of a Sink at the beginning of a Step, the Sink must be made before the Foot moves.

Sink before the Foot moves.

When the Sink is mark’d in the middle of the Step, the Sink is not to be made till the Foot has made half the Step.

A Sink in moving.

When the Sink is mark’d at the end of the Step, the Sink must not be made till the Step is finish’d.

A Sink after Movement.

It is the same thing in the Marks of a Rise.

Rise before the Foot moves.
Rise in moving.
Rise after Movement.
Sink and Rise before the Foot moves.
Sink and Rise in moving.
Sink and Rise after moving.
Sink before Moving, and Rise in Moving.
Sink as before, and Rise after Moving.
Sink in Moving, Rise after the Movement.

Observations upon Springings.

Springings
may be perform’d two ways,
viz
. with both Feet at once, or with one Foot only.

The Springings which are made on both Feet, are mark’d upon the Positions, as hereafter will appear; whereas the Springings that are made in moving, are mark’d upon the Steps, as has been already shewn, and will again appear by the Sequel.

Of Springing Steps.

A
Springing Step
, is perform’d two ways, either by
springing
and
falling
on the same Foot which moves forward, which I shall, for the future, call a
Bound;
or
springing
and
falling
on the Foot that does not move forward, which I shall call a
Hop
.

When there is a Mark of a Spring upon the Step, and no Mark for the holding up of the Foot after it, it shews, that the Spring is to be made with the Foot that moves, which is call’d a Bound

A Bound.

But when there is a Mark for a Spring, and afterwards a Mark for the Foot up, it signifies, that the Spring must be made on the Foot that does not move forwards, which is call’d a Hop.

A Hop.

The mark for falling, has no proper Place assign’d it, and I shall only observe, that in rising, when it is in Order to fall, it is necessary the Mark for a Rise, should be near the beginning of the Step.

Rise and Fall.

The mark for a Slide, has likewise no proper Place, when it is single on a Step; but when it is accompanied with other Marks, as sinking, rising, &c. then it must be plac’d last.

Sink, Rise, and Slide.

If after the Mark of a Slide, there be also the Mark for the Foot up, you must Slide no farther than that Mark shewing the Foot up.

Slide, and afterwards hold the Foot up.

The Mark for the Foot up, may be plac’d either in the Middle, or the End; when it is in the Middle, it shews, that the Foot is only up, in Order to be set down afterwards.

Foot up, and then put down.

But when it is at the End, it signifies, that the Foot must remain up.

Foot up.

To point the Toe, and afterwards the Heel, there must be a Point on the outside of that which represents the Toe, and another on the inside of that which represents the Heel.

To point the Toe, and after to place the Heel.

To place the Heel, and afterwards point the Toe, there must be a point on the outside of that which represents the Heel, and another on the inside of that which represents the Toe.

To place the Heel, and afterwards point the Toe.

It is to be observed, that in the two foregoing Examples, the Point which is on the Outside of that which represents either the Toe or Heel, is the Point from whence you must always begin.

When there is a Point at the end of that which represents the Toe, and another behind that which shews the Heel, it shews, that the Foot must be set down flat.

A flat Foot.

Marks for Turning, have no proper Places assign’d them, no more than the falling or sliding Mark ; but you must then observe to which side to turn, whether to the right or left.

You must observe, that the beginning of the turning Mark, is to be taken from that Part which is nearest to the black Spot.

After having thus shewn the beginning of each turning Mark, you must observe exactly which way to turn, whether to the right or left, as appears by the following Examples:

A quarter turn to the Right.
A quarter Turn to the Left.
A half Turn to the Right.
A half Turn to the Left.
Three quarter Turn to the Right.
Three quarter Turn to the Left.

The beginning of a whole Turn, or turn quite round, is more difficult to find out, because the Circle, which is the Mark of it, has neither beginning nor End: But it is nevertheless to be known by a Point plac’d on the side of the Step; from which Point the beginning being known, you make Use of the same Rules as above.

A whole Turn to the Right.
A whole Turn to the Left.
When a Turn is to be made but half a quarter round, it must be mark’d a quarter of a Circle on the side of the Step, without joining it to the Step.
A half quarter Turn to the Left.
A half quarter Turn to the Right.
I have already shewn, that all Steps and half Positions, which have but one Point at either of their Extremities, signify either the pointing of the Toe, or placing the Heel, without the Body’s bearing on it; but when there happens to be two Points, it then shews, that the Body must bear upon it.
To bear the Body on the Toe.
To bear the Body on the Heel.
Having explain’d all the before-mention’d Marks, I hope it will not be thought improper to shew when Sinkings, Risings, Springings, and Slidings, are to be made upon the Toe, Heel, or flat Foot, as the following Examples will demonstrate.

When there is a Point at the end of the sinking Mark, it shews, that the Toe must be bent downwards.

Sink, the Toe towards the Ground.

When there is a Point behind the sinking Mark, it denotes, that the Heel must be bent downwards.

Sink, the Heel towards the Ground.

When there is a Point at the end of the sinking Mark, and another behind, it shews the Sink must be with a flat Foot.

Sink, the Foot flat.

When there is a Point at the end of a rising Mark, it shews the Rise must be made on the Toe.

Rise on the Toe.

When there is a Point behind the rising Mark, it shews, that the Rise must be made on the Heel.

Rise on the Heel.

When there is a Point at the end of a rising Mark, and another behind, it shews, that the Rise must be on a flat Foot.

Rise on a flat Foot.

When there is a Point at the end of a springing Mark, it shews, that the Spring, Hop, or Bound, must be made on the Toe.

Spring on the Toe.

When there is a Point behind the springing Mark, it shews, that the Spring, Hop, or Bound, must be made on the Heel.

Spring on the Heel.

When there is a Point at the end of the springing Mark, and another behind, it signifies, that the Spring, Hop, or Bound, must be made on a flat Foot.

Spring on a flat Foot.

When there is a Point at the end of the sliding Mark, towards the Mark representing the Foot, it shews, that the Slide must be made on the Toe.

Slide on the Toe.

When there is a Point at the other end of the sliding Mark, it shews, that the Slide is to be made on the Heel.

Slide on the Heel.

And when there is a Point at each end of the sliding Mark, it denotes, that the Slide must be made with a flat Foot.

Slide with a flat Foot.

Of marking the Positions.

All the
Marks
which have been hitherto demonstrated, may be plac’d as well upon the
half Positions
or
Positions
, as upon the
Steps
, the
sliding
Marks only excepted.

If there were, for Example, a sinking Mark upon a half Position, it would shew, that the Knee of that Leg only was to be bent; but if sinking Marks should be on the whole Position, then both Knees are to be bent at the same time. The same is to be observ’d for Rising, Springing, &c. The Marks on the Positions, have no appointed Place, as they have on Steps, excepting Points, which are to be plac’d in the same manner as on Steps.

Sink on one Foot.
Sink on both Feet.
Rise on one Foot.
Rise on both Feet.
Spring on one Foot.
Spring on both Feet.
Caper on one Foot.
Caper on both Feet.
One Foot up.
Foot up, and then down.
To point the Toe.
To be on both Toes.
To place the Heel.
To be on both Heels.
To point the Toe, and then the Heel.
To be first on the Toes, and then the Heels.
To place the Heel, and point the Toe.
To be first on the Heels, and then the Toes.
To be on the flat Foot.
Both Feet flat.
A Turn on the Foot to the Rise.
A Turn on both Feet to the Rise.
Turn on one Foot to the Left.
Turn on both Feet to the Left.

Of Positions and half Positions having several Marks at once.

Positions
and
half Positions
may have several
Marks
together, as
Steps
have; and it must be observ’d of the
Marks
for
Sinking, Rising, Springing
, and
Capers
, that the
Mark
plac’d nearest to the O, is what must be first made; but when there is the
Mark
for the Foot up, that must certainly be the last perform’d.
Sink, and rise on one Foot.
Sink, and rise on both Feet.
Rise, and sink on one Foot.
Rise, and sink on both Feet.
Sink, and spring on one Foot.
Sink, and spring on both Feet.
Spring, and sink on one Foot.
Spring, and sink on both Feet.
Sink, spring, and sink on one Foot.
Sink, spring, and sink on both Feet.
Sink, and caper on one Foot.
Sink, and caper on both Feet.
Sink, and spring a half Turn to the Left on one Foot.
The same on both Feet.
Sink, caper a three quarter Turn to the Right on one Foot.
Sink, caper on both Feet a whole Turn to the Right.
Turn on the Toes a half Turn to the Left.
The same on the Heels.
Sink, rise, and turn a half Turn on the Toes to the Right.
The same on the Heels.

All the Marks of sinking and rising, which have been already demonstrated upon the Step, have Relation to the Bendings and Risings of both the Knees: But when it shall happen, that in moving in a Dance, one Knee only ought to bend or rise, the following Rules must be observed.

It will be necessary upon this Occasion, to understand when one Leg moves, what the other ought to do; to demonstrate which, I shall make use of a half Position and a Step, which must be ty’d together by a Small Line, of which, one end is join’d to that which represents the Heel of the half Position, and the other to the Head of the Step. This Union denotes, that the half Position and the Step, are both to act at the same time.

To bend the left Knee, while the right moves extended.

To bend, and rise the left Knee, while the right moves extended.

To bend the left Knee, moving the right half way extended and afterwards to bend in moving.
To bend the left Knee, the right moving extended, and sink in the middle of the Step, and rise on the Toes.
To bend the right Knee in moving, and rise towards the end, the left continuing extended.

Two Steps ty’d together at the Heads, shew they are both to move at once, which can only be perform’d by springing, which I shall hereafter call a starting Step.

These kind of starting Steps, may be practis’d two ways, viz. with both Knees stiff, or falling with the Knees bent.

The first of these needs no other Mark for Direction, but the sliding Mark; but the other must have the sliding and falling Marks together.

To Spring with both Feet open at once.
With one Foot forwards, and the other backwards, both at once.
A starting Step, with both Feet open, the Knees stiff.
A starting Step, one Foot forwards, the other backwards, the Knees stiff.
A starting Step, with both Feet open, and falling with both Knees bent.
The same, one Foot backwards, the other forwards.

Of waving Positions, and half Positions.

A
Waving Position,
or half
Position,
is when the Foot
waves
or
turns
inwards or outwards, whether upon the
Toe,
the
Heel,
or with the
Foot
up, which is explain’d by a kind of
Half-Moon
proceeding from that place which represents either the
Heel
or
Toe,
and which demonstrates the Motion the
Heel
or
Toe
ought to make in
Waving.
If it be to wave upon the
Toe,
the
Crescent
or
Half-Moon
ought to be plac’d where the
Heel
is represented, tending towards the
Toes
on that side you are to wave; on the contrary, if the
waving
Step is to be done on the
Heel,
or with the Foot up, the
Crescent
must be in the place which represents the
Toes
tending towards the
Heel.
Waving on the Toe, the Heel opening outwards.
The same on both Toes.
Waving on the Heel, the Toe closing inwards.
The same on both Heels.
Waving with the Foot up, the Toe closing inwards.

Of Positions and half Positions, which are wav’d and unwav’d.

Positions
and
half Positions, wav’d
and
unwav’d
are when the
Heel
or
Toe
returns to the place from whence either of them mov’d, which is explain’d by the
Crescent
being doubled, returning to the place from whence it came.
Waving and unwaving, the Heel opening outwards, and then closing inwards.
The same with both Feet.

Waving and unwaving, the Toe closing, inwards, and afterwards opening outwards.
The same with both Feet.

Waving and unwaving with the Foot up, the Toe closing inwards, and then opening outwards.

Examples of waving Positions, where the Toes or Heels wave both one way, and are distinguish’d by the Crescents being both on the same side.

Waving on both Toes, the Heels moving to the Right.
The same to the Left.
Waving on both Heels, the Toes moving to the Left.
The same to the Right.

Examples of waving and unwaving Positions, where the Feet turn and return both on the same side.

To turn on the Toes, the two Heels moving to the Right, and returning to the Left.
The same to the Left, and to tht Right.
To turn on the two Heels, the Toes moving to the Left, and then returning to the Right.
The same to the Right, and to the Left.

Of the Change of Positions.

The
Change
of Positions, is
changing
or
shifting
from one
Position
to another, whether true or false; to wit, from the first to the second, from the second to the third, and so on.

The Change of Positions is made two ways, either by springing, or waving.

Those which are perform’d by springing, are done when you spring from one Position, and fall in another; and those which are perform’d by waving, must be done on the Ground, by waving the two Feet, or each Foot Separately, either on the Toes or Heels.

The shifting of Positions by springing, may be known by what follows, viz. by two Positions, one of which has springing on it, and the other none.
 

a TABLE of the shifting of the True Positions

a TABLE of the shifting of the False Positions

from the 1st to the 2nd.
from the 1st to the 3rd.
from the 1st to the 2nd.
from the 1st to the 3rd.
from the 1st to the 4th.
from the 1st to the 5th.
from the 1st to the 4th.
from the 1st to the 5th.
from the 2nd to the 3rd.
from the 3rd to the 5th.
from the 2nd to the 3rd.
from the 3rd to the 1st.
from the 4th to the 2nd.
from the 5th to the 1st.
from the 4th to the 2nd.
from the 5th to the 4th.
from the 4th to the 4th.
from the 3rd to the 3rd.
from the 3rd to the 3rd.
from the 4th to the 4th.

a TABLE of the Changing true positions into false positions

a TABLE of Shifting from false positions to true positions

from the 1st true to the 2nd false.
from the 1st true to the 3rd false.
from the 1st false to the 2nd true.
from the 1st false to the 3rd true.
from the 1st true to the 4th false.
from the 1st true to the 5th false.
from the 1st false to the 4th true.
from the 1st false to the 5th true.
from the 2nd true to the 3rd false.
from the 3rd true to the 1st false.
from the 2nd false to the 3rd true.
from the 3rd false to the 4th true.
from the 4th true to the 5th false.
from the 5th true to the 2nd false.
from the 4th false to the 1st true.
from the 5th false to the 2nd true.
from the 1st true to the 1st false.
from the 3rd true to the 3rd false.
 &c
from the 2nd false to the 2nd true.
from the 3rd false to the 3rd true.
The Position which has springing Marks on it, shews from whence the Spring is to be made, and that which has no springing Marks on it, only denotes in what Position to fall, as may be seen by the foregoing Tables.

Of Positions that shift or change from one place to another.

Positions
may also change in
springing
from one place to another, as in
springing
forwards, backwards, or sideways. This is explain’d by two Lines of Communication, that go from the
Position
on which the
springing Marks
are plac’d, to that where there are none: Which Lines denote the Extension of the
Spring
, and of which side it must fall.
To spring forwards, both feet join’d.
The same backwards.
To spring forwards, separating the Feet.
The same backwards.
To spring forwards, and fall inclosed.
The same backwards
To spring sideways to the Right, join’d.
The same to the Left.
To spring sideways to the Right, cross’d.
The same to the Left.
To spring sideways cross’d to the right, the foremost Foot falling behind.
The same to the Left

Positions may also change in springing, by two Steps being ty’d together at the Heads; which shews, that they must move both at the same time.

A Spring forwards, with both Feet join’d.
The same backwards.

To spring from the first Position to the second.
To spring from the second to the first.

Of the Changing of waving Positions.

The Changing of
waving Positions
, is the same with the Change of
springing Positions
, excepting, that instead of
springing Marks
, you must use
waving Marks
.

I have already said, that one Position may change to another, by waving both Feet at once, or separately.

Those which are to be made with both Feet at once, are to be known by a wav’d Position; and those which are to be made by one Foot only, are known by a half Position wav’d.
 

The Changing of Waving Positions.

from the 1st true to the 2d false
from the 2d false to the 1st true
from the 1st false to the 2d true
from the 2d true to the 1st false
from the 3d true to the 2d false
from the 2d false to the 3d true
from the 3d true to the 3d false
from the 3d false to the 2d true
from the 2d true to the 3d false
from the 3 false to the 3d true
from the 3d false to the 3d false
from the 3d false to the 3d false
from the 5th true to the 4th false
from the 4th false to the 5th true
from the 1st true to the 1st false
from the 1st false to the 1st true

How to hold the Book or Paper, to decipher written Dances

You must understand, the each page, on which the
Dance
is described, represents the
Dancing-Room
; and the four Sides of the Page, the four Sides of the
Room
, viz. the upper part of the Page, represents the upper end of the
Room
; the lower part, the lower end; the right side of the Page the right side of the
Room
; and the left side, the left, as you may see by the following Figure, of which A B C D represent the
Room
, and E F G H, the Page. E F shew the upper part of the Page, as C D do the lower end; F H the right side of the Page, as E F do the upper end of the Room G H the lower part, as B D the right side of the
Room
; and E G the left side of the Page, as A C the left side of the
Room
.

You must observe always to hold the upper end of the Book against the upper end of the Room; and whether the Dance have any Turning in it or not, you must carefully avoid removing the Book from the Scituation above demonstrated.

When any Steps are made without turning, or in turning quite round, then both sides of the Book must be held with both Hands; but in turning a quarter round, half round, or three quarters round, it will be necessary to take more Care, because it will be difficult to turn, unles the Book turns also; yet this must be absolutely avoided; for if the Book moves out of its Scituation, it will be impossible to comprehend the Steps therein describ’d; wherefore, for the better Observation of this, I shall give you the following Rules.

After having consider’d the Turning, and on what side to turn, as for Example, in a quarter Turn to the Right, you must put your left Hand to the farther part of the Book, and your Right to the nearest. Your Hands being thus prepared, in turning your quarter Turn, bring your left Hand in to you, whilst your right removes from you; so that both Hands will by this means be equally advanc’d before you, holding the Book by the same places before-mention’d, and you will find, that in turning a quarter round, the Book will still remain in its former Scituation. You must make use of the same Rule in a half Turn.

I shall only add, that the Hand, which is plac’d on the most opposite part of the Book, must come quite in to your Breast, while the other removes quite from you.

To turn three quarters round to the Right, you must cross your Hands more than you did in the half Turn; so that your left Hand must hold the upper part of that side which your right Hand would naturally have held, had you not turn’d; and your right Hand must hold the lower part of that side, which your left would otherwise have held. Your Hands being thus prepar’d, you will turn three quarters round in the same manner as you did half round.

The same Rules may be made use of in turning to the left, only you must observe, that instead of placing your left Hand, you must place the right to that part of the Book the farthest from you; and it may serve for a general Rule, that in turning to the Right, you first remove your left Hand; and in turning to the Left, you remove your Right.

Rules to be observ’d in Dancing by written Characters.

You must first find out the beginning of the
Tract
, by which means you will know towards what part of the
Dancing-Room
the Body is to be plac’d, before the
Dance
begins, as has been shewn before, in speaking of the
Posture
, and
Presence of the Body
. Then observe whether there be any
Position
, as you will find in the following Examples, and there you are to place your self. Then see what
Step
is nearest to the said
Position
, and you will find it to be that which is mark’d
Number
1. Which having perform’d, observe which is nearest to that, and you will find it is that mark’d
Number
2. After this, you must move to
Number
3, then to
Number
4, &c. and so continue moving, observing exactly to perform that
Step
which is nearest to the place where you are, and to follow always the same
Rule
as well in moving forwards, backwards, and sideways, as in moving round.

Examples.

To move round.
To move forwards.
To move sideways.
To move backwards

How to know what Steps and half Positions are with the right Foot, and what with the left.

The
Tract
or
Line
, on which
Dances
are describ’d, whether forward or backward, must be consider’d in respect to its right side mark’d R, and the left side mark’d L, as may be seen by the following
Example.

The Steps and half Positions, which are on the right side, are made with the right Foot; and those which are on the left side, with the left Foot, as the following Movements will demonstrate, where I shall give to each Step and half Position, the same Letters r and l, the better to explain them.

Besides the Letters, r and l, the Step and half Position of the right or left Foot, will be easily known, by observing which way the Toes are turn’d.

The Toe turning outwards on the right side, is the right Foot, and the Toe turning outwards on the left side, is the left.

The different Tracts or Figures made in Dancing, whether forwards, backwards, sideways, or round, will be explain’d by what follows.

The Tract mark’d A, is moving forwards, the Face towards the upper end of the Room.

The Tract B retires or goes back, the Face towards the lower end of the Room.

The Tract F is moving forwards, the Face towards the right side of the Room.

The Tract H retires, the Face towards the left side of the Room.

The Tract I, moves forwards, the Face towards the left side of the Room.

The Tract K retires backwards, the Face towards the right side of the Room.

The Tracts G, move round, and the Tracts M, retire round.

>

In moving sideways, the Tract or Line must also be considered as to its two sides, viz. the upper side mark’d X, and the under side mark’d Y. Steps and half Positions, which are on the upper side of the Line, are to be made with the foremost Foot, and those which are on the under side, with the hinder Foot.

The Tracts mark’d N, are moving sideways to the right, towards the lower end of the Room.

The Tracts R, move round sideways to the right.

And the Tracts S, move round sideways to the left.

The manner of Steps crossing one another.

A
Step
which begins with the hind Foot, in order to move sideways, to end on a Line with the other Foot, ought to begin from the part under the Line, and rise obliquely sideways towards that above, as you may see by the following
Step
.
To move the right Foot sidesway.
To move the left Foot sideways.

A Step, which is to cross behind the foregoing Step, must begin above the Line, and descend obliquely below it; and which you will easily understand by the following Example: The first Step you may know by Number 1, and the other, which crosses, by Number 2.

To move the right Foot sideways, and cross the left behind.
To move the left Foot Sideways, and cross the right behind.

A Step, which begins with the foremost Foot, in order to move sideways, to end on a Line with the other Foot, ought to begin from the part above the Line, and descend obliquely sideways towards that below, as the following Step, mark’d Number 1, will shew.

To move the right Foot sideways.
To move the left Foot sideways.

A Step, which is to cross before the foregoing Step, must begin from below the Line, and rise obliquely above it, which you may observe by the Step Number 1.

To move the right Foot sideways and cross the left before.
To move the left Foot sideways, and cross the right before.

To return upon a Tract you have just before mov’d on.

For
Example
, if you have mov’d from the lower end of the
Room
, to the upper end, and have a mind to return upon the same
Tract
, as the
Tract
mark’d A, you must remove, and place the
Line
or
Tract
, on which you would return, on one side or the other, as you shall find most convenient, as is mark’d by the Letter B, and which in effect is the same with the foregoing; which two
Tracts
must be join’d together by a pointed
Line
mark’d C, which only serves to conduct the Sight from one
Line
to the other.

The same thing must be observ’d in moving several times round on the same Circle, as upon the Circle mark’d D; about which may be describ’d as many Circles as shall be necessary. As for Example, the Circles E and F, which must be supposed to be on the same Circle with the Circle D.

To know to and from what Positions, Steps move.

I might have mark’d the
Positions
, in which each
Step
ought to terminate; but since this must have created a great deal of Trouble, I shall only confine my self to mark them on join’d and inclos’d
Steps
, and for the rest, whether forwards, backwards, sideways, or cross’d, the
Positions
may be easily known, without marking them, in observing that which follows.

Steps which move forwards or backwards, shall be taken to be in the fourth Position.

Steps which move streight, opening sideways, shall be taken to be in Second the Position, and Steps crossing, whether forwards or backwards, shall be taken to be in the fifth Position.

To move to the fourth Position, and afterwards to the second.
To move to the fifth Position, and afterwards to the second.
To move to the fifth Position, and afterwards to the fourth.
To move to the fifth Position, and afterwards to the second.
To move to the second Position, and afterwards to the fifth.
To move to the second Position, and afterwards to the fifth.

If it should happen nevertheless, that any of the above-mention’d Steps should terminate upon both Feet, as it often happens in rising and springing, it is then necessary to mark the Position; without which it would be impossible to know, that the rising and springing should be on both Feet; wherefore, in demonstrating the Positions of join’d and inclos’d Steps, I will add to them those before-mention’d, on which I will also mark the Positions, to make Use of on Occasion.

How Steps terminate in Positions.

When a
Step
terminates in a
Position
, there ought to be no Foot at the end of it, because the half
Position
, to which it is join’d, serves for that.
A Step to the first Position forwards.
The same backwards.
A Step to the third Position forwards.
The same backwards.
A Step to the third Position before.
The same behind.
A rising Step on both Feet in the Second Postion.
A Spring on both Feet in the Second Postion.
A Rise on both Feet in the fourth Position.
A Spring on both Feet in the fourth Position.
A Rise on both Feet in the fifth Position.
A Spring on both Feet in the fifth Position.

A Position at the end of a Step, may be also known by adding to the Step a half Position, because the Representation of the Foot, which is at the Extremity of the Step, is made Use of, upon this Occasion, for a half Position; and a half Position join’d to it, is the same as a whole Position.

A join’d Step.
An inclos’d Step.

The Same Rule must be observ’d in beaten Steps, viz. That the half Position represents the Foot, against which the other beats; and whereby you may know whether the Beat be made on the Instep, behind the Heel, against the Ankle, or against the side of the Foot.

A Beat on the Instep.
A Beat behind.
A Beat on the Instep, and a move behind.
A Beat behind and before.
A Beat above and below.
The same four times.
A Beat on the Ankle.
A beat 4 times on the Ankle, & behind the Heel.
A Beat sidewards, moving forwards.
The same backwards.
The same twice, moving forwards.
The same, moving backwards.

You must observe, that when two Steps terminate both in the same Position, the first moves without any regard to the Position, and it is the last only that must observe the said Position; as the following Examples will demonstrate.

To move the right Foot forwards, and join the left.
To move the right Foot forwards, and inclose in the left behind.

Of simple and compound Steps.

All
Steps
may be either
simple
or
compound
.

A simple Step, is that which is alone, as all those which hitherto demonstrated; and a compound Step, is, where two or more Steps are join’d together by a Line, and which then are to be reputed as one Step only, as will appear by the following Steps.

To practise more easily what has already been taught and demonstrated, you may make Use of the following Tables; where you will find all or the greatest Part of the Steps us’d in Dancing, whether with one Foot, or the other, forwards, backwards, sideways, or turning, as well upon streight Lines, as diametrical.

The Tables.

1. Of Courant Movements.
2. Of half Coupee’s.
3. Of Coupee’s.
4. Of Bouree’s, or Fleurets.
5. Of Bounds, or Tacs.
6. Of Contretemps, or compos’d Hops.
7. Of Chassee’s, or Drives.
8. Of Siffonne’s, or Cross-Leaps.
9. Of Pirouettes.
10. Of Capers, and Half-Capers.
11. Of Entre-chats, or Cross-Capers.
12. Of Waving Steps.
13. A Supplement.

You must observe, that each Square contains only one Step, which I have writ down twice, to the end to shew, that what is perform’d with one Foot, may also be perform’d with the other.

An Explanation of the Steps contain’d in each Square, is also writ down with them; and whereas some of the Words and Terms are abbreviated for want of Room, I have put down here a short Explanation of them.

forw.----------------------forwards.
bacw.-------------------backwards.
sidw.-----------------------sideways.
sl.--------------------------------slide.
cro.---------------------------cross’d.
op.-------------------------------open.
qr.-------------------- quarter Turn.
hf.------------------------- half Turn.
3 qr. Turn----three quarter Turn.
circ.-------------------circular.
jo.-----------------------join’d.
incl.-------------------inclos’d.
bef.---------------------before.
beh.--------------------behind.
wav.------------------waving.
turn.------------------turning.
outw.---------------outwards.
inw.-------------------inwards.
[Transcribers note: text expanded in tables]
 

TABLES

Conteyning most of the steps us’d in

Dancing

Courant Movements And Galliard step.

Forwards.
Backwards.
Sideways open.
Crossways before.
Another.
Crossways forwards turning.
Sideways open turning.
Forwards turning.
Another.
Another with half a turn.
Galliard step
The same turning half

 

a TABLE of half Coupees

Half Coupee forwards
Backwards
Open backwards
the same
the same circular before
the same circular sideways
open sideways
another
another
crossways before

 

TABLE of half Coupees

another
the same
Crossing behind
the same
Forwards joyn’d on the end of the feet
the same backwards
Forwards inclosed
the same backwards
Forwards joyn’d the 2nd foot up
the same backwards
Forwards inclosed 2nd up
the same backwards

 

TABLE of half Coupees

Sideways open and joyn’d 2nd up
another
another
another
another
another the last inclosed behind
a beat behind
the same
Beat before cross the ankle
the same
Sideways open
the same

 

TABLE of half Coupees

Beat on the ankle open sideways
the same
crossing forwards quarter turn
open sided quarter turn
the same
another
another
the same
Forwards turning quarter
the same
another
another

 

TABLE of half Coupees.

Backwards turning
open half turn
Forwards turning
Open turning
the same
Beat on the ankle turn open to the side
another
Beat behind turning
another
Open side turning
the same
Forwards turning

 

TABLE of Coupeés.

Coupee forwards
Backwards
Forwards 2nd open and up.
Open backwards 2nd open and up
Forwards 2nd circular inner; open sideways
2nd circ: & slide forwards
2nd behind and open; before: & circular up
Forwards: 2nd bear behind
Coupee 2 movements
Open back: 2nd beat before

 

TABLE of Coupees

the same
Backwards; 2nd beat before and fall behind
Backwards: 2nd beat before and inclosed behind
the same
2nd inclosed behind
the same
the same
Both inclosed behind
Crossed behind; 2nd open sideways
Circular before crossed behind: 2nd open up
Circular behind 2nd joyned
Backwards inclosed 2nd step forwards

 

TABLE of Coupees

Inclosed before 2nd step backward
Open sideways 2nd crossed before
Another behind
Another 2nd open and fall behind
Another 2nd passing before to open outwards
the same
Open both
the same
Cross behind 2nd open sideways
the same before
the same
the same

 

TABLE of Coupees

Cross behind going sideways 2nd open.
the same
the same 2nd waving.
Open sideways 2nd cross behind.
the same before.
Forwards 2nd joyn’d.
the same backwards.
Forwards 2nd inclosed. behind.
Open sideways 2nd joyn’d.
Another
Open sideways 2nd inclosed behind.
the same before.

 

TABLE of Coupees

Crossed before going sideways 2nd joyn’d
Another
the same crossed behind
Another
Beat behind and beat before
the same
Beat behind 2nd inclosed behind
the same
the same
Beat before 2nd forwards
the same
Beat open sideways 2nd passing before open outwards

 

TABLE of Coupees.

Beat on the ankle and both open sideways
the same
Cross before quarter turn and 2nd open sideways
Open sideways: turn: 2nd crossed before
Open sideways: turn: 2nd open: sideways
the same
the same
Open sideways turn: 2nd Crossed behind
Open sideways turn: 2nd crossed before
Another
Another crossed before
1st open sideways turn: 2nd open: sideways

 

TABLE of Coupees

the same
the same
Forwards turning
Another
Forwards turning 2nd joyned
Another
Forwards turning 2nd inclosed. behind
Forwards turning
Crossed behind turning 2nd forwards
Forwards turning
Crossed behind turning 2nd forwards
Backwards turning

 

TABLE of Coupees.

Another
half turn 2nd open outwards
half turn 2nd backwards
half turn forwards
Another
Turn: open: & cross: behind: 2nd open outwards
Open sideways; turn: 2nd open sideways
the same
the same
Open turn with a beat before: 2nd open sideways
Another 2nd crossed behind
Beat behind turn 2nd inclosed behind

 

TABLE of Coupees.

the same
Beat behind turn 2nd open sideways
Both open sideways
the same
Cross before turn 2nd open sideways
Forwards turning
Cross before turn 2nd open sideways
the same
3 quarter turn 2nd open outwards
Another whole turn
Turn sideways 2nd turn going behind and opening sideways
Whole turn 2nd open sideways

 

TABLE

of

Bouree steps or Fleurets

Bouree step forwards
backwards
backwards the last open sideways
1st backwards: 2nd beat before: 3rd forwards
the same
1st backwards: 2nd beat & inclosed behind: 3rd forwards
the same
2. 1st backwards 3rd forwards
the same
1st backwards: 2nd joyned: 3rd forwards

 

TABLE of Bouree’s.

the same.
Another the last open sideways
the same.
the same.
the same
the same 3d. cross’d before.
the same.
the same.
1st circular before fall behind; 2d inclosed: behind 3d forwards.
1st circular sideways; the 2d & 3 same as before
Sideways
Another.

 

TABLE of Bouree’s.

1st & 2d open 3rd inclosed behind.
the same.
the same.
behind going sideways.
before going sideways.
Another
the same.
before & behind sideways.
the same.
behind & before sideways.
the same.
behind going sideways.

 

TABLE of Bouree’s.

the same.
1st behind 2d Waving & open sideways 3d inclosed. behind.
1st open sideways 2d cross behind 3d open sideways.
the same 2d cross’d before
1st forwards: 2d inclosed behind 3d forwards
1st open sideways, 2d joyn’d, 3d open sideways.
1st open sideways, 3d inclosed. behind, 3d forwards
1st cross’d before 2d. joyn’d 3d before.
the same cross’d behind.
1st cross’d before, 2d joyn’d, 3d open sideways.
the same cross’d behind
1st beat behind, 2d beat before, 3d forwards.

 

TABLE of Bouree’s

1st beat behind, 2d inclosed. behind, 3d forwards.
the same.
beat before, 2d forwards, 3d inclosed. behind.
1st beat sideways, 2d open & the 3d. inclosed: behind.
the same.
quarter turn sideways before.
before & behind, quarter turn sideways.
1st open sideways, quarter turn: 2d cross’d before, 3d open sideways.
the same cross’d behind.
quarter turn, 1st & 2d open, 3d inclosed. behind.
the same.
the same.

 

TABLE of Bouree’s

forward turning
Another
1st forwards: turn: 2d inclosed: behind 3d forwards.
forward turning
1st behind: turning: 2d & 3d forward.
forward turning.
1st behind turning: 2d open: & inclosed. behind: 3d forwards.
backwards turning
Another
1st open inwards turn: 2d open inclosed behind: 3d forwards.
the 1st open inwards turn 2d. open sideways. 3d inclosed behind.
forwards half turn

 

TABLE of Bouree’s

forwards half turn.
1st open outwards & back, turn 2nd open outwards, inclosed behind 3rd forwards.
1st open, turn 2nd open, 3rd inclosed behind.
the same.
the same.
1st beat before turn & open sideways, 2nd open, 3rd inclosed. behind.
the same.
1st beat before turn, 2nd inclosed behind, 3rd cross’d before.
the same.
1st beat behind, turn 2nd & 3rd open sideways.
1st open turn 2nd open 3rd inclosed.
the same.

 

TABLE of Bouree’s

half turn sideways.
the same before and behind.
forwards half turn.
1st cross’d before turn 2nd open sideways & 3rd joyn’d.
the same sideways before.
the same before and behind.
1st open & 3 quarter turn, 2rd joyn’d with quarter turn 3rd forward.
1st open half turn 2nd beat behind turn half 3rd cross’d behind.
before and behind turn a whole turn.
1st cross’d before half turn, 2nd quarter turn, 3rd joyn’d.
the same 3rd sideways.
1st beat behind half turn, 2nd quarter turn, 3rd open sideways.

 

TABLE

of

Bounds and Tac’s

a Bound forwards.
backwards
Open backwards 2nd open in the same time.
the same
the same circular before
the same circular sideways
forward joyn’d on both feet.
the same backwards.
forwards inclosed before.
backwards inclosed before.

 

TABLE of Bounds

fowards 2nd joyn’d open.
the same backwards.
forwards 2nd inclosed behind.
the same backwards inclosed before.
open sideways 2nd joyn’d up.
the same inclosed behind.
Cross’d before 2nd sideways joyn’d up.
Illustration: the same.
the same cross’d behind.
forwards quarter turn 2nd open outwards.
Cross’d behind quarter turn 2nd open outwards.
backwards quarter turn 2nd open outwards.

 

TABLE of Bounds

half turn 2nd open backwards.
forwards turning
Another
behind turning 2nd open outwards.
open sideways turn 2nd open outwards
forwards turn.
3 quarter turn 2nd behind up
the same.
Another.
Whole turn 2nd open outwards.
Another 2nd inclosed behind.
on both feet a whole turn.

 

A TABLE of Compos’d Hops or Contretemps.

Contretemps forwards
Backwards
beat behind & then forwards.
beat on the ankle & forwards.
beat on the ankle 2nd beat behind.
the same
backwards 2d open
forwards 2nd beat behind. pass’d before & open circular.
forwards cross 2nd beat behind.
the same circular inwards.

 

TABLE of Contretemps

forwards open & bound on the same foot which is called Balonne.
Another the sinking of the bound taken from the instep.
backwards 2nd inclosed behind.
beat before inclosed behind 2nd forwards.
backwards 2nd open sideways.
sideways 2nd cross’d before.
Another 2nd cross’d behind.
sideways 1st cross’d before 2nd open sideways.
the same from another position.
the same.
beat before cross’d behind & open sideways.
open 2nd cross’d behind.

 

TABLE of Contretemps

open 2nd cross’d before.
open sideways waving 2nd cross’d behind.
open sideways, 2nd cross’d behind.
forwards 2nd joyn’d.
backwards and joyn’d
Rigandon step.
Springing open fall in the same position 2nd the same without spring.
the same.
open sideways 2nd joyn’d.
Another.
open sideways 2nd inclosed behind.
the same inclosed behind.
beat sinking behind spring forward cross’d 2nd open sideways.

 

TABLE of Contretemps

cross’d before turn 2nd open sideways.
open sideways turn 2nd cross’d before.
the same cross’d behind.
beat on the instep turn and inclosed behind and forwards.
open sideways turn & cross’d before.
Another cross’d before.
open sideways turn & cross’d behind.
the same.
forwards turning.
Another.
Another.
backwards turn.

 

TABLE of Contretemps

beat on the instep burn open sideways 2nd open also.
half turn 2nd backwards.
forwards turning
Another.
turning 2nd inclosed both.
open sideways turning 2nd cross’d behind.
open turn sinking behind to hop open sideways 2nd cross’d behind.
open turn sinking behind to hop forwards 2nd also forwards.
the same with a half turn.
beat behind turn and forwards.
open sideways turn 2nd cross’d.
the same.

 

TABLE of Contretemps.

open turn: half turn the last back: turn: quarter turn
cross’d before: half turn 2nd open.
beat before & inclosed behind 2nd forwards turning quarter turn
forwards turn half turn
cross’d before turn: 2nd open sideways.
the same.
half turn circular, sinking to bound turn: left open.
Another
beat on the ankle half turn & forwards.
open turn: 3 quarter turn 2nd backwards.
a whole turn 2nd beat behind.
beat behind: whole turn forwards the last.

 

TABLE

of

Chassés or Drises.

forwards.               backwards.
sideways.
backwards circular before.
a beaten chassee sideways.
open forwards.
forwards inclosed behind.
forwards quarter turn.
half turn.
3 quarter turn.
a whole turn.

 

TABLE

of

Chassees and Falling steps.

Drive without springing.
the same.
beaten Chassee behind.
sideways turn.
Chassee forwards with falling step.
the same
a falling steps open both feet and rise on the 2nd.
Another 1st drives the 2nd and batone.
1st drives the 2nd springing. 2nd driv the 3rd by a falling step.
the same sideways without sinking.

 

a TABLE

of

Sissonnes or Cross leaps

Sissonnes forwards
backwards.
forwards 2nd open behind.
forwards.
forwards turn quarter turn
Another.
backwards turn quarter turn.
half turn.
beat before return behind.
the same half turn.
beat behind half turn return behind.
another turn half turn.

 

TABLE

of

Piroüettes.

open cross’d behind & turn on the toes half turn.
the same cross’d before.
open half turn outwards.
same inwards.
a whole turn open outwards.
open inwards.
a turn behind open outwards.                    open inwards.
a whole turn open outwards.
open inward.
2 turns open outward.
open inward.

 

TABLE of Piroüettes.

beat before behind and before half a turn outwards.
the same inwards.
Another outwards.
open a half turn inwards circular & beating on the instep.
beat before behind & before a whole turn outward.
the same inward.
Another outward.
beat before & behind one turn inward open one leg outward.
beat before & behind 2nd each & end inclosed behind a whole turn outward.
the same inward.
beat behind & before twice each one turn outward.
open circular inwards beat before behind & before one turn outward.

 

a TABLE

of

Capers and half Capers.

half caper forwards or a beaten bound.
the same backwards.
half Caper in moving or a beaten hop.
the same backwards.
Another forwards.
a Caper Chassee forwards.
the same backwards.
Another.
a beaten Sissonne.
the same backwards.

 

TABLE of Capers.

Another the last circular.
an upright Caper in the same position.
the same the right foot falling behind.
the same turning quite round.
half Caper turning quarter turn.
Another.
Another.
Another with a half turn.
Another.
a side caper with a whole turn.
a half Caper a whole turn.
a back Caper.

 

a TABLE

of

Entrechats or Cross Capers

a half Entrechat open the leg cross before and fall behind.
another beat and sinking on the instep cross behind & return before.
Entrechat of 3 and move forwards; the foot the ended open.
of 4 & return on the same position.
the same moving sideways.
of 3 moving sideways, the foot ending behind moving sideways.
an Entrechat of v[5] in the same place.
an Entrechat of 5 forwards.
the same.
of 4 turning and falling in the same position.

 

TABLE of Waving Steps

forwards.
backwards.
sideways.
beat behind open before waving.
forwards and after wave the heel.
the same with the toe.
a Pirouette waving on the Toes and heels alternatively.
Spring and wave one foot.
with both feet waving.
a whole turn waving as above.
spring forwards waving both feet.
the same backwards.
half Coupee, afterwards wave the heel then 2 toes and the heel, end inclosed.
a Contretemps waving, then wave the other foot, first the Toe and then the heel. end as before.

Finis.


 

a

Suplement of Steps.

Minuet step.
French minuet step.
with a fleuret.
with a Bound.
sideways behind.
before and behind.
sideways with a fleuret.
to Ballance.
the hope or Contretemps forwards in the minuet time.
the hop backwards.
a step in the Minuet.
the same sideways.
boree with a bound.
a Contretemps with a bound.
a sissone with a Contretemps.
a Contretemps with a Slide.
These four last steps are all of them in the Rigandon of Mr. Isaac’s, and give a particular grace to the dance which the common way of performing them would not do; and it is to Mr. Isaac we owe the so frequent use of them here since they are seldom, or ever found, in any other Dances whatsoever.

Of Time, Measure, or Cadence.

There are three sorts of
Time
in
Dancing, viz. Common Time, Triple Time,
and
Quadruple Time.

Common Time, is used in Gavots, Galliards, Bouree’s, Rigandons, Jiggs, and Canaries.

Triple Time, is made use of in Courants, Sarabands, Chaconnes, Passacailes, Minuets, and Passe-Pieds.

And Quadruple Time, is made use of in slow Tunes, as appears by the second Tune in the following Plate, and the Tunes called Loures.

To Tunes of Common or Triple Time, a Step is put for each Barr or Measure; and to Tunes of Quadruple Time, you must put two.

It is to be observ’d nevertheless, that in Courant Movements, two Steps are put to each Barr or Measure; the first of which takes up two parts in three of the Measure, and the second takes up the third part; and in the Minuet, one Step is put to two Barrs or Measures.

The Barrs or Measures in Dances, must be marked in like manner with those in Musick, viz. with little Barrs crossing the Tract, which are to agree with those of the Tune.Example.

You will understand by the following Examples, how each Step agrees with the Tune to which they are composed.

Common time

Triple time

Example of Steps which doe agree with the Measure of Common or Triple Time.

Quadruple Time.

Lovres

Example of Steps agreeing with Quadruple Time or Louves.

If it happens that you have occasion to put more Steps in a Measure, than are in the foregoing Examples, the following Rules must be observed.

If, for Example, you would in a Measure of Common Time, or half a Measure of Quadruple Time, which is the same thing, put a Fleuret and a Bound; the three Steps composing the Fleuret, must have a double Tie to join them, and which will shew their Motion to be as swift again, as if there had been but one; the Bound also must be joined to the Fleuret with a single Tie only; by which you will know, that these two Steps are in Effect but one.

Examples.

If you would put the same Step in a Measure of Triple Time, the two first Steps of the Fleuret must only have a double Tie.

When in Dancing some Measures of the Tune, are to be let slip, whether in the beginning or middle of the Dance, it must be mark’d in the following manner, vis. by a little Stroke crossing obliquely the Tract, and as many of them are to be mark’d, as there are Barrs to be let slip; and in describing a half Measure, half the Stroke only must be mark’d.

Three Measures and a half.

The same Stroke longways, parallel with the Tract, is equivalent to four of the foregoing Strokes, and takes up four Measures of the Tune.

Fourteen Measures.

For a Time, half Time, or quarter Time, &c. they may be mark’d in the same manner as they are in Musick.

A quarter Time. A half Time. A Time.

In Tunes, which begin with odd Notes, as Gavots, Chaconnes, Jiggs, loures, Bouree’s, &c. the foregoing Marks must be made Use of in the beginning of the Tract.

The Letters of the Alphabet, which are plac’d upon the Steps in the following Example, and which are also plac’d over the Notes of the Tune, demonstrate the Time or Cadence of a Dance.

Of the Figure.

There are two Sorts of
Figures
in
Dancing
, viz. a
Regular
, and an
Irregular
.

A regular Figure, is when two or more Dancers move contrarily, the one to the Right, and the other to the Left.

A regular Figure.

An irregular Figure, is when two Dancers move together, both in the same Figure, on the same side.

An irregular Figure.

By the Mark representing the Presence of the Body, you will distinguish the Tract for the Man, from that of the Woman; in that for the Man, the half Circle is single, and that for the Woman, is double. The Distinction for two Men, or two Women Dancing together, is known by a Point plac’d in the middle of the half Circle of one of them, that wherein the Point is, representing the Tract for the Woman Side.

The Tract for a Man.
The Tract for a Woman.
Tracts for two Men.
Tracts for two Women.

If a Number of Dancers figure together, the Mark for the placing the Body will not be sufficient to distinguish them, (as in a Dance for eight:) On this Occasion therefore, you may make Use of Letters, of which AA may represent two which figure together. BB two others. CC two more, and DD the other two; each of which, will also be distinguish’d by there figuring, and which the following Example will demonstrate.

Some Rules to be observed in the Figures of Dances.

I Have already shewn, that the
Tract
serves for two Ends,
viz
. first, on which to describe the
Steps
and
Positions
; and secondly, for the Direction of the
Figure
of the Dance.

I shall now add, that when in Dancing, several Steps are to be perform’d in the same place, the Tract is then to be respected only as the Conductor of the Step, and not in Relation to the Figure; but where the Steps move continually from one place to another, then the Tract is to be observ’d, not only for the Description of the Steps, but also for the Figure of the Dance. Place your self then where the beginning of the Tract directs, and observe whether the Figure be streight, diametrical, circular, or oblique, whether it be forwards, backwarks, or sideways, if to the right, or to the left; all which I have already demonstrated in the foregoing Pages; then having learnt the Tune, which must be prick’d down on the Top of each Page, add the Steps to the Tune, as has been already shewn, moving in the Figure as is described on the Paper. When it happens that the Tract or Tracts cross one another, the Steps on the one, must leave a sufficient Breach, for the describing the Steps; on the other, to avoid Confusion.

For giving the Hands in Dancing.

You will know when to give the Hand, by a small
Crescent
or
half Circle
at the end of a little Barr or Stroke, which is to be plac’d on the side of the
Tract
, viz. when it is on the right side of the
Tract
, it shews, that you must give the right Hand; and when on the left, it shews the left Hand is to be given; and when there is one on each side, both Hands must then be given.
To give the right Hand.
To give the left Hand
To give both Hands.

When you have thus given one Hand or both, you are not to quit Hands, till you find the same Marks cut through with another little Stroke, which shews, that in that place the Hands are to let go.

To let go one Hand.

To give one Hand.
To let go both Hands.

To give both Hands.

Of the Movement of the Arms.

Although the Carriage and
Movement
of the
Arms
depend more on the Fancy of the Performer, than on any certain Rules, I shall nevertheless lay down some Examples, which will explain, by demonstrative Characters, the different
Motion
of the
Arms
in
Dancing
; or at least, will inform you what Characters to make Use of in describing the
Motion
of the
Arms
, to the Movement of each
Step
.

The Arm is represented by the Letters ABC, of which A represents the Shoulder, B the Elbow, and C the Wrist.

The Arm streight
The Wrist bent.
The Arm bent.
The Arm quite before.

Where to place the Motion of the Arms on the Tract.

In moving forwards or backwards in the
Dance
, the
Arms
must be mark’d on each side the
Tract
, the right
Arm
on the right side the
Tract
, and the left
Arm
on the left side; but when in the
Figure
of the
Dance
, the Movement is sideways, they are to be mark’d both on one side, always observing, that the right
Arm
must be to the right, and the left
Arm
to the left.
Both Arms open.
The left Arm open, the right bent at Elbow.
Both arms open.
The right Arm open, and the left quite closed.

I shall not pretend to make a long Disquisition on the Motion of the Arms, but shall only add, that as there are three Movements from the Waste downwards, fo there are also three Movements in the Arms, which have a Correspondence, and are agreeing with them below, viz. that of the Wrist, has Relation to the Heel; that of the Elbow, to the Knee, and that of the Shoulder, or the whole Arm, to the Thigh.

You will know when the Arm moves by an arch’d Line, mark’d C D, drawn from that which represents the end of the Arm, which shews the Figure the Wrist makes in moving, as from C to D.

The Movements of the Arms are to be perform’d two ways, upwards or downwards; upwards from the Position of the Arm below, or downwards from the Position above.

The Motion of the Arm upwards, is when the Arm, which is open or extended, closes (in approaching) to the Body ascending, and the Motion of the Arm downwards, is when the Arm, which is clos’d, opens or extends it self descending.

Examples of the Movements of the Arms.

The Motion of the Wrist upwards.
The Motion of the Elbow upwards.
The Motion of the whole Arm upwards.
The Motion of the Wrist downwards.
The motion of the Elbow downwards.
The Motion of the whole Arm downwards.
The Wrist moving round upwards.
The Elbow moving round upwards.
The whole Arm moving round upwards.
The Wrist moving round downwards.
The Elbow moving round downwards.
The whole Arm moving round downwards.
The Wrist moving round downwards.
The Elbow moving round downwards.
The whole Arm moving round downwards.
Double Movement of the Wrist upwards and downwards.
Double Movement of the Elbow upwards and downwards.
Double Movement of the whole Arm upwards and downwards.

The Arms may either move both together, or one after the other; you will know when the Arms are to move together, by a Line or Tie drawn from the one to the other; and when there is no Tie, they are then to move one after the other.

The Arms may either move alike with the same Movement, as when both Arms either open or extend themselves together, or close, or approach each other at the same time.

Or they may move contrary one to the other, when the one opens, and the other closes.

Both Arms moving together with the same Motion.
Both Arms moving together with a contrary Movements.
Both Arms moving one after the other, first the right, and then the left.

Some Rules to be observed in writing of Dances.

You must resolve in what part of the
Room
the
Dance
is to begin, and there place the beginning of the
Tract
; then trace out the
Figure
, and mark thereon the
Position
; then describe the
Steps
, as I have shewn in the foregoing Examples; and if you find any Difficulty in writing any of the
Steps
, you must make Use of your
Table
of
Steps
; and in finding the
Step
you have Occasion for, you ought first to consider what
Step
it is, whether
Courant, Coupee, Bouree, Bound, Contretemps
, &c. Suppose, for Example, the Step to be a
Bouree
, turn then to the Table of
Bouree’s
or
Fleurets
, and having found the
Step
you want, observe after what manner it is describ’d, and then write it down in your Dance.

On the Top of each Page, on which your Dance is describ’d, you must prick down as many Barrs of the Tune, as there are Barns or Measures in the Dance.

Altho’ the Tract serves generally for the explaining the Figure of the Dance, yet it often happens that many Steps are to be perform’d in the same Place, and then (as I have shewn before) the Tract is to have regard only to the Steps. This Tract is only a borrow’d Tract, and which may be drawn any way, as shall be most convenient. As for Example, from A to B, altho’ the Tract is drawn out in length from A to B, the Dancer nevertheless removes not from A, which may also be well understood by the Steps, which are from A to B, which can only be perform’d in the same place.

You must observe at the end of each Page, the place where the Dancer finishes, and to what part of the Room the Face directs, by which means you will readily know where to place the beginning of the Tract in the following Page ; and so continue from Page to Page, to the end of the Dance.

But if in the beginning of a Page, two Dancers should happen to be close together, and some Steps to be perform’d in the same place; which Steps cannot be conveniently described, neither on one side, or the other, and that the Closeness of the Dancers, will not admit of advancing of the Tracts, one towards the other; you must then be oblig’d, instead of placing the Tracts at C D, to retire as far back as will be necessary to describe the Steps, so that the Steps may end at C D.

Or else the contrary may be done, by placing the beginning of the Steps at C D; and instead of describing the Steps one towards the other, they must Separate, as from C to E, and D to F.

You will find these are perform’d without the Dancers moving out of their Places; and both these Examples are equally good, in considering only which agrees best with the Figure of the Dance that follows.

If in the Dances in the second Volume, you find some of the Steps longer than others, you must have no Regard to them, as to their Length in the Description of them, but judge of their Extension by the Distance of Positions, (as I have already shewn in the Termination of the Steps, in their Positions;) so that you are not to conclude any thing from the Length or Shortness of Steps.

FINIS.