Review and dance the play party games Rosa Betsy-Liner or Goin to Boston.
Since musical instruments usually did not accompany these games, players had to sing the music for themselves. When someone had a fiddle, however, the music could be provided and a caller would lead the dancers by calling out or singing the movements in the dance. This opened up all kinds of music for dancing, since dancers could concentrate on movements and let the music play.
Play the DLA recording Old Joe Clark and have students clap along as they find the beat in the music.
Ask students what type of rhythm is being played? Students identify the meter and feeling of the music as dance music in 4/4 time. Lead the students to form a circle and follow teacher or student leader in circling to the left, right, practicing swing and promenade with musical accompaniment. Emphasize the importance of keeping an eye and ear on the leader (caller) while enjoying the activity.
Have girls line up in a straight line facing straight line of boys.
This is called a "longways set". Ideally, place no more than 10 students in each line. Create a second set rather than crowding one set. If there are uneven numbers, have a student partner with teacher, operate the computer, or serve as the caller.
Circles, and longways sets are now two of the most popular dance formation in Appalachian dancing. Square dances are enjoyed in Appalachia, but are not as typical. Traditional tunes brought over from Europe served the dancing well. St. Anne's Reel is the first tune in this set.
Teach the dance Virginia Reel.
(Use the St. Anne's Reel recording). It is useful to think of the dance in three sections (the longways, reel, and march), teaching one section at a time. Here is an effective teaching sequence:
- Have students listen as teacher describes each figure (dance step) first.
- Then have students silent walk through the figures as the teacher calls in sequence.
- Try the entire section with music.
- Repeat steps 1-3 with each section.
"Instruments of the Devil"
In early Appalachian days, some people believed that dancing with instruments was evil, so only singing and play party games were allowed.
Other people thought that play party games were okay, as long as there were no waist swings, and only "cousins" were allowed to kiss during the choosing games!