How to dance like a pirate with a sailor’s jig

Pirates are the scurvy of the seven seas, and cover many cultures and eras. They range from Celtic princesses to privateers seeking fame and fortune. In researching an authentic pirate dance I hit a wall.

Pirates would have danced what was native to their cultures. So when I researched pirate dances I came up with the ancient Jig. With time to burn on the ships they would have gotten together to sing and dance at the end of the day. They would have competed among themselves on the best moves and highest jumps.

I put together a pirate dance representing the stereotype pirate jig moves in a circle dance for swashbucklers and maidens. Then I taught it at my Pirate party to my students. We had a great time dancing it. Have fun with this interactive pirate dance.

How to Dance like a Pirate, Circle Sailor Jig Directions

Song: Yo Ho (a pirate’s life for me) https://play.google.com/music/m/Twlipt7ms4fsczkwz62gkbtslrq?t=Yo_Ho_A_Pirates_Life_for_Me_-_Disney_Chorus

Basic Jig Step:
Chasse to the Left (Left foot side, Right foot closes to Left foot, Left foot side)
Chasse to the Right (Right foot side, Left foot closes to Right foot, Right foot side)
This pattern can also be done as a forward skip or chasse. (Forward, Close, Forward)

1. Down up
   arms following leg movements, partners side by side 4x.
   Men: plie or bend down and up to Left, bend down and up to Right, bend down and up to Left, bend down and up to Right,
   Ladies: bend down and up to Right, bend down and up to Left, bend down and up to Right, bend down and up to Left,
2. Heal, toe, Jig forward 4x.
   Men: Left heal, tap toe in front, forward skip or chasse. (Forward, Close, Forward) Right heal, tap toe in front, forward skip or chasse. (Forward, Close, Forward) Repeat sequence.
   Ladies: Right heal, tap toe in front, forward skip or chasse. (Forward, Close, Forward)  Left heal, tap toe in front, forward skip or chasse. (Forward, Close, Forward)  Repeat sequence.
3. Do-se-do 4x around partner
   4x Right elbow to Right elbow, then 4x Left elbow to Left elbow.
4. 4 triple jig steps forward to Change partners
5. Repeat from step 1 with your new partner.

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