THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPAEDIA. 



THE LANCEKS. 



The Lancers Quadrille is perhaps the most graceful and animated of 

 any. Within the last few years it has become a great favourite in fash- 

 ionable circles. It admits of much skill and elegance in executing its 

 quick and varied figures, a correct acquaintance with which is absolutely 

 requisite to all who take part in it. Unlike the common quadrille, the 

 Lancers must be danced by four couples only in each set; though of course 

 there can be many sets dancing at the same time. The number being so 

 limited, one awkward or ignorant person confuses the whole set ; there- 

 fore, it is indispensable that every one who dances in this quadrille should 

 have a thorough mastery of its graceful intricacies. We have observed 

 that of late it has become the fashion to substitute new tunes and new 

 figures for the old well-known music of the Lancers Quadrille. We cannot 

 consider this an improvement. The old simple melodies are peculiarly 

 fitted to the sprightly, joyous character of the dance ; which is more than 

 can be said for any of the modern substitutes. When these are used, the 

 Lancers, in our opinion, loses its individuality and spirit, becoming almost 

 like a common quadrille. We should be heartily glad to see the old tunes 

 restored, once for all, to their rightful supremacy. 



The sets of four couples, top, opposite, and sides, having been arranged, 

 the dance begins as follows : 



1st Figure. First lady and opposite gentleman advance and retreat ; 

 -advance again, joining their hands ; pass round each other and back to 

 places. (1st eight bars.) Top couple join hands, and cross, opposite 

 couple crossing at the same time, separately, outside them ; the same re- 

 versed, back to places. (2nd eight bars.) All the couples balancez to 

 corners ; each gentleman turns his neighbour's partner back to places. 

 (3rd eight bars.) Second couple repeat figure from beginning ; after them 

 side couples, those who stand to the right of top couple having always 

 the priority, as in the common quadrille. 



2nd Figure. First couple advance and retreat, gentleman holding 

 lady's left hand ; advance again ; gentleman leaves his partner in the 

 centre of the quadrille, and retires to place. (1st eight bars.) Balancez 

 to each other and turn to places. (2nd eight bars). Side couples join 

 first and second couples, forming a line of four on either side. Each line 

 advances four steps, retreats ditto ; then advances again, each gentleman 

 reclaiming his partner, and all turn to places. Second and side couples 

 repeat figure in succession. 



