Widders

The Smithy is a border dance by Alvechurch morris about needlemaking.

Music

Guide and figures – how to dance The Smithy:

Smithy is a dance for 8, 2 lines of 4.

Cast 32 beats, ‘follow the leader’ train around the set
– 4 steps down,
– 2 steps across, switch places, one crosses first.
– 2 steps in place
– 4 steps down
– 4 steps spin
– on closing step clash with person opposite
– Repeat, though DO NOT clash on the final beat.

Forge 16 beats
– first 4 and second 4 clash diagonally.
– everyone sticks out 45 degrees
– odd numbered positions clash in the center – even positions hit the
– floor a second time.
– Even numbers clash in center
– Continue clashing alternately.
– On final return to stick on shoulder.

Cast 32 beats

Dunk 16 beats
– Positions 1 2 7 and 8 back into the center of the set, 7 and 8 turn around.
– others form around
– hit 5 times

Cast 32 beats

Freeze 16 beats
– As in the name, strike an interesting pose and hold

Cast 32 beats

Dunk 16 beats

Cast 32 beats

Forge 16 beats

Final cast 32 beats
– First 16 beats repeat as usual, on the second 16 form into a line
after 4 beats down and walk off.