Manchester Busy Bees

Manchester Busy Bees is a Scottish country dance devised by Rob Brettle to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the RSCDS Manchester Branch. The symbolism in the dance is taken from the busy bee symbol of Manchester City Council and images from the cotton industry.
The dance was first performed at the RSCDS Manchester Branch 75th Anniversary Ball, and was published in the 75th Anniversary Book. The dance has subsequently been performed in Eccles and Brighouse amongst other places and has been added to Minicrib (see External links).
The dance
In Bars 1 to 8, the first two couples dance half lefts and rights, with the 1st couple turning to face first corners, as the 2nd couple (now in first position) cross to their own sides. This symbol represents the machines used in the cotton industry.
In Bars 9 to 16, the 1st couple dance a move known as "pass & turn" with their first corners, and then with their second corners. This symbolises the bees wings.
In Bars 17 to 24 the 1st and 2nd couples dance a men's chain.
Finally in bars 25 to 32 the 1st couple dance half a figure of eight round their 4th corners, and the 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance back to back (or do-si-do). The men's chain and half figure of eight represent the conveyor belts, and the back to back figure represents the weaving of the cotton.

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