Here's a Cumberland Square Eight variation that's worth trying. South of the Tyne they call it the "Durham Square Eight" – on our side of the river, it's often called the Northumberland Square Eight. When calling it for reasonably experienced dancers, I usually start with the traditional CSq8, and introduce this as a variant when they've hit their stride after 2-3 times through. So far, it's always worked well. A1 & 2: all four couples gallop simultaneously – you have twice as much music, so go as far away as you can (or dare!), but get back to place in time B1 & 2: Right & left hand stars in eights (again, twice as much music to use here) A1 &2: Basket of eight (again, make it last twice as long) B1: everybody circle left B2: promenade home (except last time through, when you just swing your partner) It's a lot of fun – but the usual health and safety warnings apply. Wassail!
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