Akeroyde's Pad
Introduction
Interpreted by:
Michael Barraclough (1970s)
Original Source:
Dancing Master Vol 1, 11th edn (1701)-18th edn (1728) Original notation
Formation:
Longways Duple Proper
Tune:
Specific tune - Ackeroyde's Pad (Dancing Master Vol 1, 1701)
Music:
C
2/2
NIB
Choreography
A1
1-6
1st couple walk down in the middle to the bottom by equal steps, the bottom couple walk up to the top on the outside at the same time; 1s lead down the middle with a slow march while 2s cast up the outside
A2
1-6
The same over again; 1s cast out and back up to place while 2s meet and lead down
B
1-2
Then the 1st couple brush hands 4 times, the 2nd couple the same at the same time 4 "brushes" - facing your partner, hands held up in front of you, move your hands in opposing concentric circles 4 times, starting inwards and upwards
3-6
the same four back to back Partner back-to-back (using 8 little trots forward and 8 little trots backwards)
7
and stamp with their feet, four times Stamp (paw the ground) 4 times
8
then the 1st couple Pace into the 2nd couple places, Change with neighbour on the side (progression)
9
then 1st man and 2nd woman shake hands across, and keep their hold, 1st corners take right hands
10
2nd man and 1st woman the same 2nd corners take right hands
11-14
then Trot half, and Galop half round, Trot half round and Galop half round again, Right-hand star trotted (1 bar), galloped (1 bar), trotted (1 bar), galloped (1 bar)
15-16
then turn all single till done Turn single (left)
The following image shows the relationship between the music and the dance movements
[Bold text represents original instructions and light text represents interpretations by Michael Barraclough]
Notes
Notes
1
The instructions refer to both 1st and 2nd couples and to 1st and bottom couples, which suggests that it might be a set dance. However, the dance is described as "Longways for as many as will" which is supported by the diagramatic representation of the dancers. In practice, it may be best to do this as a longways dance for 2 couples.
2
Essentially, this dance is country dance meets 'equipage' (equipage terms are italicized in the instructions).
3
A ballad entitled ‘A SONG Representing the going of a Pad’ to the same tune was published in Wit and Mirth: or Pills to Purge Melancholy Vol 2 (Thomas Durfrey, 1719-1720)
Music
Chords (c) Bill Martin
Download
You are welcome to download this dance (PDF) for your private use. Please ask for my permission if you would like to publish it. Please would you also consider making a small donation to help with the maintenance, updating and extending this website. My suggestion is 40p/50c per dance. If you wish to donate, there is a link to at the bottom of every page.
Your feedback is always welcome - please click to give feedback
