Lovely Nancy is unusual in that its figures were published by Henry Playford with one name and tune in 1690, then published in 1744 with a different name and tune. It is in 3/4 time. It has become a favorite of the Wayside Inn Steppers, and we do it as our last dance every week.

The 1690 Playford version was set to a tune named Alchurch. In 1744 Jno.[sic] Johnson published the same figures, with a description of the figures which seems to be copied from Playford, with the name and tune Lovely Nancy in his book A Choice Collection of 200 Favorite Country Dances, volume 3, published in London.

Here are the directions from Playford in 1690:

First cu. meet and set, and turn S. then the 1. wo. cast off into the second improper, (her Partner at the same time folow s her and casts off to the second improper,) the 2. cu. doing the same, then the two men hands and lead through the we. to the same, then all clap, and all hands quite round, and then the two we. do the same, then clap, and all hands half round and turn S.

Here are the directions from Johnson in 1744:

First Cu. meet, set & turn S. ye 1st Wo. cast/off into ye 2d improper, her Partner at ye same/time follows her & casts off to ye 2d impro-/per, the 2d Cu. doing the same: then ye two/Men hands & lead thro ye We. to ye same./then all clap, & all hands quite round, the/two We. do ye same, then all clap & hands/half round and turn S.

The Wayside Inn Steppers dance it this way:
Lovely Nancy (Duple Minor Longways)

• A1 First couple set moving forwards, turn single back to place,
  First lady casts down the outside followed by partner, ending in second place improper (second couple moves up)
• A2 Second couple set moving forwards, turn single back to place,
  Second lady casts down the outside followed by partner, ending in second place improper (First couple moves up)
• B1 The two Gents take near hands and lead between the two Ladies, cast back to place,
  All clap and circle left once around
• B2 The two Ladies take near hands and lead between the two Gents, cast back to place,
  All clap and circle left halfway, all turn single to the Left

In both B1 and B2, the dancers need to start moving in the circle while clapping, and then take hands while already circling. The circle in B1 needs to be briskly done in order to get all the way around.

Footwork: We use pas de bourrees (in triple time) for this dance.

Here is the sheet music:

Here is the tune for you to listen to: