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Traditionally, the Maypole Dance is a dance performed in celebration of May Day, the first day of May. This article is an overview of how to perform this dance.
Steps
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Put the Maypole together. Unless you have access to a Maypole that has already been made for the purpose, you will need to make your own. Find a tall pole and attach ribbons or strong streamers at the top of the pole. These ribbons will need to be an even number, the same number of ribbons as there are dancers. [1] X Research source -
Divide the dancers into two groups. For example, you might have them count off one, two, one, two, one, two around the circle, or A, B, A, B, etc. The A's can go clockwise and the B's go counterclockwise. The dancers go alternately right and left of the dancers going in the opposite direction. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Develop a pattern. The pattern the dancers should keep in mind is over, under, over, under, over, under etc. [3] X Research source- On the count of "over", the dancer raises his ribbon slightly so the dancer coming in the opposite direction can duck under his ribbon.
- On the count of "under" the dancer ducks under the ribbon of the dancer coming in the opposite direction.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionIf a pole is 7 feet tall, how long does the ribbon have to be to wrap it around the pole?Community AnswerIt should be about 13 feet to get it to go all the way around to cover the pole fully, otherwise, about 8 feet long so you can leave some space in between the different ribbons.
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QuestionHow many ribbons are there traditionally on a maypole?Community AnswerThere should at least be about 6-8.
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QuestionHow do I construct/make a revolving maypole?TrojoCommunity AnswerIt is not necessary to make a "revolving" maypole. Any tall, sturdy post is potentially suitable as a maypole. Just attach some ribbons at the top that are somewhat longer than the pole is tall. The maypole should remain motionless during the dance as the dancers wrap it up in both directions simultaneously. A "revolving maypole" would either unwind the ribbons of dancers going the same direction as the direction of revolution, or pull the ribbons out of the dancers' hands going the opposite direction, either way spoiling the dance. No need to overcomplicate -- you just need a regular, sturdy, non-revolving pole and some ribbon. That's all there is to it.
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Tips
- The dance can be done walking, but skipping is preferable.Thanks
- Plastic or cloth ribbons, or streamers may be used, according to availability and personal preference. Crepe paper streamers could be used but are more fragile and must be handled carefully and cannot be used very many times.Thanks
- The dance can be done with or without music. The music used depends largely on personal preference but the most traditional music that could be used would be in 6/8 time. Jigs or reels are good.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Ribbons or strong streamers
- Pole
- Pin or nail for attaching ribbons
- Dancers
References
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "It helped me understand a question I had about this unique celebration. I figured it had something to do with reproduction (ie. pole represents a phallic symbol and flowers represent the feminine.) As with most things human, male sex needs." ..." more
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"It helped me understand a question I had about this unique celebration. I figured it had something to do with reproduction (ie. pole represents a phallic symbol and flowers represent the feminine.) As with most things human, male sex needs."
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"I was preparing for a concert singing a song of the British Isles that refers to dancing around the maypole. This wikiHow helped me to make sense of the song's action. Thanks."
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"Shared this activity with my granddaughter, just wish all my other grandkids were here so we could do a real maypole dance."
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