In 2003, in response to a query regarding bars 17-24, Mrs. Attwood wrote:

I wrote this dance in 1984 and have had one or two queries like yours over the years.  As the dancers reach the top of the set, 1st couple leading, they cross to their own side, each couple in turn passing his, or her, partner by the left shoulder.  As you say the dancers "interleave", or as I always put it, they "criss-cross".