As in “The Playford Ball” Triple Minor Longways
Playford's Dancing Master of 1728.
Adapted by Cecil Sharp
Recording: orleans_baffled-068-bn12pb04.mp3.zip
orleans_baffled--010.mp3.zip
A 1-2 1st couple cast down to second place,
2nd couple moving up.
3-4 1st and 3rd couples poussette half-way
clockwise, 1st man pushing.
5-6 1st couple cast up to second place, 3rd couple moving down.
7-8 1st and 2nd couples poussette half-way clockwise,
1st man pulling.
9 1st corners change places.
10 2nd corners change places.
11-12 1st couple face up, 2nd couple down: circular hey, three changes.
Another rendition.
A 6 First couple cast to middle, second lead up
6 First couple half-poussette with third
(Start by first man and third lady advancing)
B 6 First couple cast to middle, third lead down
6 First couple half-poussette with second
(Start by first lady and second man advancing)
C 6 In two top couples: first corners cross, second corners cross
6 Same four do three changes of a circular hey (starting along sides)
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kww8BlnAupE
The ORLEANS BAFFLED
house of Orleans and England and all
Europe was involved in the War of Spanish
Succession. Philippe, Duc d'Orleans (1674-1723), held
military command in Spain in 1707 and 1708. In 1715 he
became the powerful regent of France during the minority
of Louis XV. A patron of the arts and of women, one of
the Duke's most notable contributions to the welfare of
Paris was to establish public balls at the Opera. This
dance title may refer to him.
The shuttling movement of the pousette is a graphic
image of a “baffle” in the title, although the reference may
have been to indecision or impotence of action.