1. The Rakes of Mallow or "Irish Stew"
The music is from the Rhythmically Moving CD's and Kriske and DeLelles have a version of this in Book 2 of Gameplan. The version of the dance my students use is a "mashup" of theirs along with some other moves!
Partners side by side in a circle, holding a pair of rhythm sticks.
A:
Walk forward clockwise for 8 beats, heel, toe, tap, tap, tap ( qq n q ), heel, toe, tap, tap, tap ( qq n q ), turn and walk forward counter clockwise for 8 beats, heel, toe, tap, tap, tap ( qq n q ), heel, toe, tap, tap, tap ( qq n q ). Say, "Forward, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, heel, toe, tap, tap, tap, heel, toe, tap, tap, tap".
Heel, toe: One heel on the floor with toes sticking up, take the same foot and tap the toe on the floor in front of other foot. Next heel and toe use the opposite foot. To simplify, say, "jump, jump" in place of "heel, toe".
B:
Click sticks 4 beats (sword fight!) with
partner, stir (make a stirring motion to stir your Irish Stew) 4 beats, do-si-do 8 beats repeat by turning to opposite and perform with neighbor.
2. The Rattlin' Bog
I was introduced to this song a long time ago as a child by my favorite Maine musicians, Schooner Fare, and still LOVE it! The version I use in the classroom is much faster, as each verse speeds up dramatically and it is beloved even by my fourth graders! This is a good version with lyrics on the screen:
