Also known as: the blacke allman, Blacke, The blacke Almane, The Black Almaine, The Black Amaine, Black Almain

Source: English sources, c.1550-1700

Dance Type: almain measure

Number of dancers: couples, as many as will

A. Four doubles forwards

B. Face your partner. Four doubles in this pattern:

    double backwards, away from partner
    double forwards, towards your partner
    turn 90 degrees to your own left, double - the lines of men and women will walk past each other
    turn 180 degrees, double back to your partner

C. Face your partner. Men set and turn, then women:

    Men: single sideways to left, then sideways to right
    Men: double turning in place, to the left (anticlockwise)
    Women: single sideways to left, then sideways to right
    Women: double turning in place, to the left (anticlockwise)

D. Take both hands with partner. 

    double left, circling, to change places (anticlockwise)
    four "French slides" (sliding steps sideways) "up the hall" (to men's right)
    double left, circling, back into own place (anticlockwise)
    four "French slides" down the hall (to men's right again)

E. Drop hands.

    double backwards away from partner
    double forwards towards partner

Take hands and start the dance again.

In the second time through, the women do the set and turn first.