Fieldtown: Stylistic Elements

Stepping

Double steps (forward motion): 1-2-3-hop, starting with a catch-step.

Back steps or “hop backs” (backward motion): step-hop, sometimes with the free foot turned slightly outward.

Side steps (sideways motion): 1-2-3-hop to the side of where the dancer is facing, flicking the hankie on the first beat. For open side-steps, the foot steps to its own side (right foot to the right; left foot to the left) on beat 1. For closed side-steps, the foot steps to its opposite side (right foot to the left; left foot to the right), crossing in front of the dancer's body on beat 1.

Galley (turning motion): step-hop-hop. Step is on beat 1, and can include any amount of turning from none to a full 360°. Hops are on beats 3 & 4, with the free leg moving in small circles as if to kick oneself in the knee of the supporting leg with one's own heel.

Foot-together-jump (end of sequence): bend the knees on beat 1 and jump in time to land on beat 3 (of a 4/4 bar).

Plain capers: slow alternating leaps on beats 1 and 3 (of a 4/4 bar).

Fore capers (also known as forrie capers or “beetle crushers”): tap on beat 1, leap with same foot on beat 2, land on beat 3, fall back with same foot on beat 4.

Upright capers: fall back on beat 1, leap with both feet on beat 2, land with both feet on beat 3, fall back with original foot on beat 4.

Hockle-backs:

Arm Movements

Double steps: “float” down on beats 1-2. Smoothly upward on beat 3. Flick upwards on beat 4.

Back steps: “balance position” with arms out to the sides and elbows slightly bent.

Galley: “balance position” with arms out to the sides and elbows slightly bent.

Side steps: hankie flicks on beat 1, with the same arm and in the same direction as the weight-bearing foot.

Plain capers: same as double steps. “Float” down on beats 1-2. Smoothly upward on beat 3. Flick upwards on beat 4.

Fore capers: Arms come together and wrists turn so palms are facing down on beat 1. Arms raise smoothly upwards on beat 2, timing the apex (arms fully extended) with the dancer's maximum height. Arms float gently back down beginning when the dancer reaches the ground on beat 3, and ending in balance position during or by the end of beat 4.

Upright capers: “balance position” on beat 1. Arms raise smoothly upwards on beat 2, timing the apex (arms fully extended) with the dancer's maximum height. Arms separate and float gently back down to the sides, beginning when the dancer reaches the ground on beat 3, and ending in balance position during or by the end of beat 4.

Hockle-backs: “balance position” with arms out to the sides and elbows slightly bent.

Sticking