When the dancers are numerous and expert the weight and accuracy with which they beat the ground is wonderful; the island seems to shake beneath their feet. . . . A practice of three or four months is needed for this before the newly initiated performers can venture to come out and dance. In former times, when the newly taught dancers made their first appearance, the old members past their dancing days from far and near would gather round with their bows in their hands and jealously watch the steps; if they saw an error they would shoot; and if any one were hit the blame was laid on the faulty dancer; there was no quarrel with the shooter and no compensation to be made.¹

¹Codrington, R.H.n/an/an/an/a, , 86 (Clarendon Press. By permission).