Devised 9 April, 2014 following our advanced dancing group of the 8th, where
the previous dance was danced for the first time. Notes as to the origin of
the Borders’ Poussette can be found in the notes for that dance. The Wheelie
Chain is due to John Drewry in the Bankhead Book Vol. 3. Having messed up
teaching “Blaven” from that book on the 8th April, particularly misinterpreting
the instructions for this formation twice, I wrote the above since it seemed
appropriate, and I could not get the formation out of my head. The Tuesday
group dance at the Paparangi School Hall, hence the name. Charlotte Williams
gave the excellent interpretation that the Wheelie Chain is rights and lefts with
second man and first man, third lady and first woman acting in tandem. As per
John Drewry’s instructions the Wheelie Chain should be danced in a round-ish
fashion, rather than on a square.
Recommended tune is “The Man from Skye” by Pipe Major Donald Macleod
played ABAB and my preferred recording is by Muriel Johnstone on “A Skye
Collection,” this being the lead tune for “Broadford Bay.” This not being
available, I suggest a driving reel with strong 2 bar phrases.