The Happy Couple

"If you regard the English country dances as an artistic creation, as I do, then this dance is pretty high up on the scale." With these words, Andrew Shaw introduced us to The Happy Couple, a three-couple set dance by Nathaniel Kynaston, published by Walsh in 1716. The artistry of the dance and its unusual tune, which alternates between an expressive, almost plaintive, 3/4 and a lively 3/2, are apparent in this video, shot at the 2013 Lenox Assembly.
Music was by the incomparable Karen Axelrod, keyboard; Barbara Greenberg, violin; and Daniel Beerbohm, clarinet. The teaching and dance interpretation was Andrew's. I am very grateful to them all. My thanks are due to the dancers as well, who having never seen the dance before acquitted themselves admirably in bringing it to life.
There is one small oddity in the video in the transition to the third round (necessitated by my editing together rounds 1, 2, and 6), for which I must take responsibility, but it should not diminish the pleasure that this dancing provides in full measure.

[@Amittai_Aviram]

The editing is remarkably smooth, despite the sudden appearance of a microphone!

[@childgrove]

Sharp eyes 😊