The Culver City Collection
Helen's Shortbread
A 32-bar Reel for 3 couples
Devised by Oberdan Otto
Inscribed to Helen Winton
- 1-8:
- First couple slip step down the set for 2 bars, slip back to the top,
cast to second place as Second couple steps up, and Set as Second and Third
couples clap-clap-clap, clap-clap-clap.
- 9-16:
- First couple turn with both hands once round in four bars (skip change),
then dance clockwise halfway around, outside of the turning Second and Third
couples to change places. Meanwhile, Second and Third couples dance clockwise
halfway around outside of the turning First couple, then turn partner with both
hands once round in four bars (skip change).
- 17-24:
- Repeat bars 9-16 back to own side of set.
- 25-32:
- Second and Third couples dance right hands across half way to the
diagonally opposite position, and pull back on the left shoulder to dance
one corner position counter-clockwise, then dance left hands across half way
to the diagonally opposite position, and pull back on the right shoulder to
dance one corner position clockwise. Meanwhile, First couple dance clockwise
outside Second and Third couples 1/4 the way around and cross up and down the
set giving right hand, then dance counter-clockwise outside Second and Third
couples 1/4 the way around and cross the set giving left hand.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
The Otto family has five members. For many years, Helen has honored us on each
of our birthdays with a batch of her marvelous shortbread. In addition, at Christmas,
Helen's shortbread is prominent among the many other baked goodies she includes in
our family gift package. Yum. Several year ago, we gave Helen a circular wooden
shortbread mold, and ever since her shortbread gifts are circular.
© Copyright, 1992, by Oberdan Otto
184 Estaban Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010-1611, U.S.A.
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