How to Do a Maypole Dance

Co-authored by Tara Weinberg

Last Updated: July 14, 2023 Approved

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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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]
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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]
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Develop a pattern. The pattern the dancers should keep in mind is over, under, over, under, over, under etc.^{[3]
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- 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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If a pole is 7 feet tall, how long does the ribbon have to be to wrap it around the pole?

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It 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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How many ribbons are there traditionally on a maypole?

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There should at least be about 6-8.

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How do I construct/make a revolving maypole?

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It 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.

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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.

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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.

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