The Bedstead

Starting from the front position, Nos. 1 and 5 lower No. 5's rapper to ground level No. 3 moves forward and jumps over it. No. 2 and No. 4 then change places (No. 4 crosses in front of No. 2 under the rappers No. 2 is holding). Nos. 4 and 2 close up, close behind Nos. 1 and 5, the rappers are then held in the position shown behind No. 3's back.
Bedstead

1's handles are next to 3's left hip, 5's handles are next to 3's right hip, 4's handles are next to 3's left shoulder, and 2's handles are next to 3's right shoulder. "Step" for a phrase in this position. Towards the end of the phrase No. 4 takes a hold of the wrapped end of No. 2's rapper in his left hand, and No.2 takes hold of No.3's swivel handle in his right hand. No. 3 is then slowly lowered back horizontally onto the "Bedstead". The two rappers behind 3's shoulders are lowered slightly as this is done. No. 3 releases his grip on his rappers and holds 2 and 4's nearest arms. The dancers may either flip No. 3 over immediately or if there is plenty of room they can run round in a circle with No. 3 lying flat on his back on the "Bedstead". To flip him over: No.1 and No.5 bring the rappers that they are holding up smartly and he somersauIts over backwards and (with any luck) lands on his feet. No. 3 now retrieves his rappers from Nos. 2 and 4, and all the rappers are held high above the centre of the circle. No. 3 brings his hands together and goes to the centre of the circle with a ½ turn clockwise as he does so. No. 2 rolls round clockwise back to his place, and No.4 goes in between them, turning clockwise as he arrives back in his place. As soon as 2 and 4 have passed, No.3 does another ½ turn clockwise back into his place. Nos. 1 and 5 turn clockwise on the spot and the dancers should now be in the "Nut Position", and perform the "Nut" as before.

Bedlington Index