The vast majority of the traditional dances of the Isle of Man were collected by Mona Douglas.
It was from this group that Rinkaghyn Vannin emerged, with Jerry preparing the airs, instrumental guides and dancing instructions.
[3] In her Introduction to the collection, Douglas noted that besides those composed by Leighton Stowell (which were under copyright restrictions), Rinkaghyn Vannin contained ‘all the Manx dances.’[3] Amongst the 28 songs published in Rinkaghyn Vannin were thirteen dances notated for the first time, seven of which had not been known of previously.
[4] Also published in the collection was a dance newly created: 'Dance for Five', composed by B. Carswell, M. & C. Hall, B. Williamson and J.
[3] In addition to the dances instructions, the book also contained a description of a dance for which no detailed notes had been obtained ('Lheim y Braddan' / 'The Salmon Leap'); a reprint of a version of the 'White Boys' Play' from 1832 (as a prelude to 'Rinkey ny Guilleyn Baney' / 'The White Boys Dance'); a reprint of a short drama collected by John Clague and first published in his Cooinaghtyn Manninagh / Manx Reminiscences ('Shibber Burt Baatey' / 'The Boat Supper'); and an original play in Manx by John Gell ('Oie'll Vreeshey').