Rosnor Abbey
There is much confusion about the precise execution of bars 1-2 and 9-10.
The older variant is for both pairs (1W+2M and 1M+2W) to turn RH and face each other on the midline, W above M. This pattern is asymmetric; 1W+2M make a 7/8 turn and back, 1M+2W a 5/8 turn and back. None of the instructions mention 5/8, 7/8 or even mentions the asymmetry
Later instructions specify ½ turn, that would bring each pair to the same diagonal as where they started.
The most recent instructions add an (optional?) ¾ turn. If taken precisely this brings the pairs to the other diagonal.
For the record, here are some official descriptions; there’s plenty of confusion.
My (purple, undated) copy of MMM1 (page 38) has the following original text:
1-4 1st lady and 2nd man turn each other by the right hand for 2 skip change of step; facing up and down in the middle of the dance they set to each other.
5-8 They turn each other with left hands back to places, and set.
9-16 1st man and 2nd lady do the same.
The 1992 Manual has a note:
Bars 1-4 1st woman and 2nd man turn to finish with 1st woman facing down and 2nd man facing up.
Bars 9-12 1st man and 2nd woman turn to finish with 1st man facing up and 2nd woman facing down.
The 2005 Manual does not have a note for the dance.
The 2013 Manual has a note:
Bars 1-2 1st woman and 2nd man turn three-quarters to finish with 1st woman facing down and 2nd man facing up. In earlier versions of these bars, 1st woman and 2nd man turn half way.
Bars 9-10 1st man and 2nd woman turn three-quarters to finish with 1st man facing up and 2nd woman facing down. Alternatively they may turn half way.
TACnotes 4th ed 1995 says:
1-2 1st woman & 2nd man three-quarters turn to finish with woman facing down and man up.
9-10 1st man and 2nd woman turn as bars 1-2.
TACnotes 5th ed 2008 says:
1-2 NB: In 2007 edition this is a HALF turn to face each other in middle of the set.
9-10 2nd woman and1st man turn as bars 1-2.
Read more: on the RSCDS website the Technique Panel has published a statement at
https://www.rscds.org/learn/resources-dancers/technique-advisory-panel-dances
.