Hop-tu-Naa (dance)

The first part consists of pairs of dancers performing the Manx Reel Step; ‘three running steps keeping the feet close to the ground and a hop on the fourth beat swinging the free foot across in front of the ankle with a slight inward kick.’[1] The second part of the dance consists of groups of two couples taking it in turns to create arches for the others to pass under.

[2] The dance is performed to the hop-tu-naa tune, first published in a complete form by Mona Douglas.

Today the music is most commonly taken from its transcription in Rinkaghyn Vannin or Kiaull yn Theay, both of which were made by Colin Jerry.

Her published writings refer to its having been performed as a part of a Hollantide procession through Douglas carrying turnip lanterns,[1][6] but other notes she speaks of its being linked to beating the bounds and the leaving of turnips and other vegetables at the doors of neighbours.

[7] Other unpublished notes by Douglas refer to the dance as having been performed at occasions other than at hop-tu-naa, such as at the Mheillea, turf cutting and the boat supper.