Dances for May 16, 2022

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2022
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Video: THERE AND BACK

THERE AND BACK
Graded and Social Dances 3 devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar Reel for 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple, crossing down to begin, dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple.

9 – 16 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up. 1st couple finish in partner’s place.

17 – 24 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place on own side. 1st couple finish in own place.

25 – 28 1st couple dance (nearer hands joined) down between 2nd and 3rd couples, divide and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up one place on bars 27-28.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn with right hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Ferguson Frolics (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: THE GATES OF EDINBURGH

THE GATES OF EDINBURGH
RSCDS Book 15
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples

1- 8 1 W dances reel of 3 with 2 & 3 M, while 1M dances reel of 3 with 2 & 3 W

9-16 1C dance reels of 3 on own sides and finish 1L between 2s who have dances up to the top who face down & 1M between 3s who face up

17-24 1s+2s+3s set twice, turn opposite person 2H, 1s end 2nd place on own sides

25-32 2s+1s+3s set twice & turn partners RH

TAC :
1-16 It is accepted that in these reels, partners touch hands where possible. All must move more quickly thru bars 13-16 to allow 1st M to dance thru original position and diagonally down, to finish between 3C while 2C dance up to 1st place.

RSCDS:
The derivation of the name has been the subject of much discussion over the years. Although one school of thought believes that “gates” is used in the sense of the streets, the generally accepted derivation is of the gates of the walled city of Edinburgh being opened and closed at the beginning and end of each day. As a result, it is accepted that in the reels, during bars 1-16, each couple should give nearer hands to partner to signify such opening and closing of the gates.

Video: Bruce’s Men

BRUCE’S MEN
The Scotia Suite of Scottish Country Dances devised by Roy Goldring
(Strathspey for a Three Couple Set)

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to the left. 1st and 2nd couples finish in the middle of the dance facing down. At the end of bar 4, 2nd man curves in to join nearer hands with his partner.

5 – 8 2nd couple, followed by 1st couple, dance down between 3rd couple, divide and cast up. 2nd couple finish in first place.

9 – 12 Half rights and lefts on the diagonal. To begin, 1st woman changes places with 2nd man while 1st man changes places with 3rd woman.

13 – 16 Half rights and lefts on the diagonal. To begin, 1st woman changes places with 2nd woman while 1st man changes places with 3rd man.

17 – 20 1st woman crosses up between 3rd couple (now in first place), and casts off one place, while 1st man crosses down between 2nd couple and casts up one place.

21 – 24 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples set and, giving right hands, turn partners half-way round to finish in the middle of the dance.

25 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples allemande. On bars 31–32, 1st couple cast off to third place while 3rd couple dance up to second place.

Repeat from new positions.

Video: Dalkeith’s Strathspey

Dalkeith’s Strathspey
RSCDS Book 9 – No. 6
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple, joining nearer hands, set to 2nd woman.

3 – 4 1st couple and 2nd woman dance three hands once round to the left. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing 2nd man. 2nd woman finishes in place.

5 – 6 1st couple, retaining nearer hands, set to 2nd man.

7 – 8 1st couple and 2nd man dance three hands once round to the left. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing down. 2nd man returns to place.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up, crossing to finish back to back between 2nd couple, facing opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the dance. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

25 – 32 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, turn to finish facing 3rd woman with nearer hands joined. (Note)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: in bars 31-32 of the second time through, 1st couple cross to own sides.

Collected in the Border Country.

Original tune: Dalkeith’s Strathspey (as a reel in Neil Gow’s 3rd collection, 1792).

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
1-8 The opening formation of this dance needs careful phrasing. To begin the setting, 1st man must take a long setting step to join hands with his partner who dances in to meet him, to face 2nd woman on the diagonal. The circle of three must be formed as they dance the common schottische step to the left. This gives the necessary impetus to the circle, so that in two steps it is possible to get right round – after leaving 2nd woman in place – to face 2nd man. At the end of bar 8, 1st couple finish in the middle facing down, right hands joined.
17-24 At the end of the reel of four, 1st couple pass left shoulders in the middle and finish facing corners.

TACNotes:’
1-8 Steal into circle shape on bar 2 in order to finish bar 4 facing 2nd man. 1st couple finish bar 8 in middle facing down.
24 1st couple pass L shoulder to face corners.

Video: The Reel of the 51st Division

The Reel of the 51st Division
RSCDS Book 13 – No. 10
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set to each other and cast off two places, meet below 3rd couple and lead up the middle to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 12 1st couple set to and turn first corners with the right hand, finishing in a diagonal line by joining left hands with partner.

13 – 14 1st couple and first corners balance in line.

15 – 16 1st couple, releasing right hands with corners, turn each other one and a quarter times to face second corners.

17 – 22 1st couple repeat bars 9-14 with second corners.

23 – 24 1st couple cross to second place on own sides.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Jimmy Atkinson, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and Peter Oliver, Seaforth Highlanders (London Scottish), with advice from Tom Harris-Hunter, Royal Army Service Corps while all were interned in the Prisoner of War camp at Laufen in Germany.

Original tune: The Drunken Piper or Highland Rory – Alex. McLeod, c. 1880

The original instructions in the form of notes, written by Tom Harris-Hunter on a scruffy piece of paper when he was a prisoner of war, clearly show that the dance was intended for a five couple set as it is still danced in Perthshire.

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TACNotes:’
1-8 Set (no stealing) bars 1-2, cast bars 3-5, dance in to meet on bar 6, lead up on bar 7 to face corners on bar 8.

Dances for May 9, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2022
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Video: Lamb Skinnet

Lamb Skinnet
Book 14 – No. 12
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1–4 1st couple set and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
5–8 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.
9–12 1st couple set and cast off to third place. 3rd couple step up on bars 11-12.
13–16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 3rd couple.
17–24 1st couple lead up to first place, set and cast off one place on own sides. 2nd and 3rd couples step down on bars 19-20 and 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances c. 1755 without setting on bars 1-4 and 9-12.
Original tune: Lamb Skinnet (Traditional)

TACNotes:’
17-24 1st cpl approach prtnr (bar 17), lead up & dance short way into sides on bar 20.

Video: Jim Johnstone’s Reel

Jim Johnstone’s Reel
Roy Goldring – Auld Friends Meet
32 bar reel for 3 couples

1 – 8 Reels of three on the sides.
To begin: 1st couple cross down to second place, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up.

9 – 12 1st couple (now on opposite sides) dance down the middle; 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts up behind 3rd man to finish side by side, taking nearer hands briefly as they dance through 2nd man’s place. 2nd couple step up on bars 11 – 12.

13 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple dance left hands across. 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across.

17 – 20 1st couple dance out through the women’s side; 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts up around 2nd woman. As they begin to dance down the middle, they take nearer hands briefly.

21 – 24 1st woman with 2nd and 3rd men dance right hands across. 1st man with 2nd and 3rd women dance left hands across.

25 – 26 1st couple set to 3rd couple (who remain on the sidelines). 1st couple turn inwards on bar 26.

27 – 28 1st couple set to 2nd couple (who remain on the sidelines).

29 – 32 Releasing hands, 1st couple cross up to the top and cast off to 2nd place on own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Note: 1st couple should move strongly during bars 9 – 12 and 17 – 20 but 1 woman should shorten her steps to ‘collect’ her partner towards the end of each phrase.

For Jim Johnstone – with gratitude for some wonderful music.
Tune: The Well Wynd (Jim Johnstone)
2004

No Video

SIMON BRODIE
Dances of the 18th Century, J. Young
Longways set in Strathspey time for 4 couples – 3-couple dance – 32-Bar sequence

1–4 First man and second lady, advancing towards the middle set to each other (2 steps), then, giving both hands, turn each other and return to places.

5–8 First lady and second man repeat Bars 1 – 4.

9–12 First couple lead down the middle between second and third couples and, crossing over between third couple, cast up round them to finish in 2nd place on the opposite side of the Set (Diagram 1). Second couple move up on Bars 11-12.

13–16 First and second couples dance Right and Left, giving right hands to partners to begin, and taking one step to each hand. First couple finish facing their 1st Corners (see diagram 4 – “Macdonald’s Rant”).

17–24 First couple set to and turn their Corners, finishing in the middle with first lady nearer the top, both facing the ladies’ side.

25–28 First couple lead out (with nearer hands) between second and third ladies, and first lady casts up round second lady while first man casts off round third lady; they meet in the middle (at the end of Bar 27) and, giving both hands, turn each other once round and open out to face the men’s side on Bar 28 (Diagram 2).

29–32 First couple lead out (as above) between second and third men and first lady casts up round second man, while first man casts off round third man; they meet in the middle (at the end of Bar 31) and turn each other with left hands to own sides, in 2nd place, on Bar 32 (Diagram 3).

First couple repeat from 2nd place (with third and fourth couples) and turn each other to the bottom, on the last 2 steps, while fourth couple move up to 3rd place. Each couple repeat in turn, as first couple.

Video: Birls Allowed

Birls Allowed
A 32 Bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Music: Mary MacKechnie by Nicol McLaren

1 – 4 1st couple cross right hand and cast off 2 places. 2nd and 3rd couples step up on Bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance half reel of three with 1st man giving right shoulder to 3rd lady and 1st lady giving left shoulder to 3rd man.

9 – 16 1st, 3rd and 2nd couples dance a full reel of three with 1st couple crossing down to own side to start.

17 – 24 3rd and 2nd couples set and rotate.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

29 – 32 2nd and 1st couples turn right hand one and a half times (birls allowed).

Repeat from new positions.

Dance devised by Alec Taylor to celebrate a special birthday of Mary MacKechnie, a long term invaluable member of RSCDS Stirling.

Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

The Reel of the Royal Scots
RSCDS Leaflet – No.7
(Reel)

1-2 1st and 2nd women turn with the left hand, while 1st and 2nd men turn with the right hand, 1st couple finishing back to back in the centre of the set in second place.

3-4 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set as in double triangles.

5-6 1st and 3rd women turn with the right hand, while 1st and 3rd men turn with the left hand to change places.

7-8 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples set as in double triangles.

9-16 1st couple followed by 3rd couple, dance up between the 2nd couple and cast off, then dance down to third place and cast up to second place, 3rd couple finishing in original places. (1st and 3rd couples join nearer hands with partner on every occasion when dancing up or down in the centre). (Fig.).

17–24 1st couple turn first corners with right hands. 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder. 1st couple turn second corners with right hands. 1st couple passing right shoulders cross to second place on own sides.

25–32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) in 1983.

TACNotes:’
17-24 Corners dance for 4 bars.

Dances for May 2, 2022

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2022
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Last week we had a 10 dancers attend. We were all happy to be back together. We all enjoyed dancing and socializing again. I hope to see more out this coming week.

Video: The White Cockade

The White Cockade
Book 5 – No. 11
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over. They repeat back to places.
9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in first place in the middle of the set. (Fig.)
17 – 20 1st couple cast off to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.
21 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance four hands once round to the left.
25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

No Video

SYLVIA FULL OF GRACE
RSCDS Atlanta Branch Celebrating 40 Years of Dancing Memories
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 2nd couple turn right hand once around and then left hand once around while 1st and 3rd couples chase clockwise around back to place. 1st and 2nd couples finish in center ready for Allemande. Note: 1st woman will have to push the end of the chase slightly and loop around pulling back on her right shoulder to finish in the center ready for the Allemande.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance Allemande.

17 – 24 1st couple dance a full figure of eight, woman up around 2nd couple and man down around 3rd couple.

25 – 32 1st and 3rd couples dance the Knot. Finish in order 2, 3, 1.

Repeat from new positions.

Note: A slightly longer than normal set will add to the grace.

Devised by Marshall and Anne McLaughlin, February 13, 2012, for Sylvia Gilliland Chandler on the occasion of her 75″ birthday.

Music: A Set of Strathspeys from the album “Terpsichore” by Elke Baker and Liz Donaldson.

No Video

THE THREE CREEKS SHORE
Aye Afloat, The Portknockie Collection of Scottish Country Dances, devised by Margaret Zadworny
8 x 32 – 3 Couple Jig

1 – 4 1st couple set and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4.

5 – 8 1st lady dance right hands across with 2nd couple while 1st man dance right hands across with 3rd couple to finish in 2nd place; 1st lady facing in and down and 1st man facing in and up.

9 – 16 1st couple figure of eight on own sides. 1st lady pass 3rd lady left shoulder and 1st man pass 2nd man left shoulder to begin.

17 – 20 1st lady dance left hands across with 3rd couple while 1st man dance left hands across with 2nd couple. First couple finish in the middle with right hands joined.

21 – 24 1st couple turn with right hand once round.

25 – 32 1st lady with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple dance reels of three across. 1st lady pass 3rd man with right shoulder, while 1st man pass 2nd lady with right shoulder to begin. 1st couple finish in 2nd place.

Video: Strathglass House

Strathglass House
RSCDS Book 13 – No. 9
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and dance six hands round to the left halfway.

5 – 8 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-4 to original places, again moving to the left.

9 – 12 1st couple lead down, cross over below 2nd couple and dance behind 3rd couple to meet below them facing up.

13 – 16 1st couple lead up to the top and cast off one place on opposite sides to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 1st couple turn first corner with right hand, partner with the left hand, second corner with the right hand, partner with the left hand to finish between corners.

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire.

29 – 32 1st couple, giving both hands, turn one and a half times to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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TACNotes:’
1 – 8 On second setting step (bars 2 & 6) 1st man & 3rd woman must begin to move into circle shape so that the half circle is completed in two steps (bars 3-4 & 7-8).
13 – 16 Nearer hand lead. 2nd cpl step up on bars 15-16.

Video: Flowers of Edinburgh

Flowers of Edinburgh
RSCDS Book 1 – No. 6
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 6 1st woman casts off two places, crosses to the opposite side and dances up behind 2nd and 3rd men to her partner’s original place.
1st man follows his partner, crossing over and dancing behind 2nd and 3rd women, and up the middle to his partner’s original place.

7 – 8 1st couple set to each other.

9 – 14 1st couple repeat bars 1-6, with 1st man casting off and 1st woman following. 1st couple finish in original places.

15 – 16 1st couple set to each other.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish facing each other in the middle of the set with both hands joined. 2nd couple step in.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for April 25, 2022

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2022
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Welcome all to our first class in over 2 years. Here are some of the dances I’m planning. I know we will all be quite rusty at dancing. I will have additional dances planned in order to adapt to how the evening goes.

A Wee Nothin’
32 Bar jig for 2 couples
Published: Moment’s in Time
Devisor: Elaine Brunken

1–8 1st and 2nd couples dance Right Hands across and Left Hands back to place.

9 – 14 1st Lady followed by the 2nd Lady dance across the top of the set, behind the men’s line, 1st Lady dances below the 2nd man, and 2nd Lady dances between the two men, and across to their own side, both pull LEFT shoulders back.

15 – 16 1st and 2nd ladies join hands and Set. (Men do not set back)

17 – 22 1st Man followed by the 2nd Man dance across the top of the set, behind the ladies’ line, 1st Man dances below the 2nd lady’s position, 2nd Man dances between the two ladies, and across to their own side, both pull RIGHT shoulders back.

23 – 24 1st and 2nd Men join hands and Set. (Ladies do not set back)

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance Rights and Lefts.

Note: Please include the polite turns at the end of Rights and Lefts, prior to entry to the wheels.

Capelthwaite
32 bar reel for two couples
Published in: San Francisco Coll. Vol. 2
Devisor: Claudette Sigg

1 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman turn by the right hand for 4 bars and dance in a clockwise direction around their partner’s position to finish in each other’s place. Meanwhile, 1st woman and 2″‘1 man set twice to each other on the diagonal and advance and retire.

9 – 16 Repeat bars 1 – 8 from opposite positions: 1st woman and 2ml man turn by the right hand for 4 bars finishing facing out, and dance in a clockwise direction to finish in each other’s place. Meanwhile, 1st man and 2nd woman set twice to each other on the diagonal and advance and retire.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples, on opposite sides, dance a chain progression (see below).

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couple change places with a poussette.

Chain Progression:
17 – 18 Turn partner 3/4 by the right hand.

19 – 20 1st man and 2nd woman turn half-way with the left hand, while 1st woman and 2nd man dance half-way round in clockwise direction to meet partners. 1st couple are now in top place and 2nd couple in second place, in a line down the center of the set.

21 – 24 Turn partner 1 1/4 times with right hand, ending ready for poussette.

No Video

McMARLEY’S CROSS
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 3 couple set
Rose and Thistle Book, of dances devised by Wigan Thistle Society
Devised by – Lorna Grundy, Lisa Jones, Ailsa Longmuir, Rebecca Markey, Kathryn Parkinson, Katherine Small and Nicola Strachan, some of the Junior Members of the

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner by the right hand once round.

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner by the left hand once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up bars 11 & 12.)

13 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across.

17 – 20 1st couple set and cast off one place. (3rd couple step up bars 19 & 20.)

21 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across.

25 – 32 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance a grand chain. (1st couple face 3rd couple and 2nd couple cross.)

Andrew and Gordon’s Jig
32 bar jig for 4 couples
Graded and Social Dances 2, devised by Roy Goldring

1 – 4 First couple cross giving right hands and cast off two places.Second and third couples step up on bars 3–4.
5 – 8 Second and first couples advance and retire on the diagonal.

9 – 12 First couple cross giving right hands and cast up two places. Second and third couples step down on bars 11–12.
13 – 16 First and third couples advance and retire on the diagonal.

17 – 24 First couple lead down the middle and up to place finishing facing out.

25 – 26 First and second women change places giving right hands while first and second men change places giving left hands.

27 – 28 First and third women change places giving left hands while first and third men change places giving right hands.
29 – 32 First and fourth women turn 1½ times with right hands while first and fourth men turn 1½ times with left hands.

Repeat from new positions.

Note : – If this has to be danced in three couple sets, the first couple may progress by turning the second couple 1½ times (on bars 25–28) and third couple 1½ times (on bars 29–32).

The Deil amang the Tailors
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
RSCDS Book 14 – No. 7

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and dance right hands across halfway round.

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and dance left hands across halfway round to original places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in the middle of the set facing up. 2nd couple step in.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for March 9, 2020

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2020
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Video: Midsummer Common

Midsummer Common
RSCDS Book 49
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, turn halfway; lead down, crossing over below 3rd couple and cast up to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 12 1st couple and first corners set, 1st couple advancing to finish back to back. 1st couple and first corners, giving both hands, turn to finish 1st woman between 2nd couple and 1st man between 3rd couple.

13 – 16 1st couple and second corners set, 1st couple advancing to finish back to back. 1st couple and second corners, giving both hands, turn.

17 – 20 1st couple lead second corners into three hands once round to the left, 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple. 1st couple pull back by the right to finish facing each other up and down the set.

21 – 24 1st couple set and dance a petronella turn to second place on own sides.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance a poussette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: On bar 16, 1st couple, with right hands, retain hold of second corners’ left hands.
Devised by Tom and Lindsey Ibbotson, Cambridge Branch.

No Video

Ardbrae Angels
a 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
Elaine Hoag

1-8 1s+2s+3s dance Mirror Reels of 3 (1s dance in and down to begin)

9-16 1s+2s+3s dance a Crossover Reel of 3 (1s cross over to 2nd place opposite side to begin; 2s and 3s continue to reel on their own side). 1s finish the reel facing their own 1st corner while 2s accelerate at the end of the reel to finish at the top

17-24 “Interrupted Hello-Goodbye Setting” (1s finish in 2nd place own side)
17-18 1s+1st corners set, 1s finishing between corners facing partner
19-20 1s turn each other ¾ RH to face 2nd corner
21-22 1s+2nd corners set, 1W finishing between 3s, 1M between 2s
23-24 1s turn each other ¾ RH to 2nd place own side

25-32 Six hands round and back

After the 2nd repetition, dancing couple steps to the bottom as 4th couple dances in and up to begin the Mirror Reel of 3

** In the dance world, “angels” are individuals who are especially active in supporting dance groups and encouraging new dancers.

Dances for March 2, 2020

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2020
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No Video

Ardbrae Angels
a 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
Elaine Hoag

1-8 1s+2s+3s dance Mirror Reels of 3 (1s dance in and down to begin)

9-16 1s+2s+3s dance a Crossover Reel of 3 (1s cross over to 2nd place opposite side to begin; 2s and 3s continue to reel on their own side). 1s finish the reel facing their own 1st corner while 2s accelerate at
the end of the reel to finish at the top

17-24 “Interrupted Hello-Goodbye Setting” (1s finish in 2nd place own side)

17-18 1s+1st corners set, 1s finishing between corners facing partner
19-20 1s turn each other ¾ RH to face 2nd corner
21-22 1s+2nd corners set, 1W finishing between 3s, 1M between 2s
23-24 1s turn each other ¾ RH to 2nd place own side

25-32 Six hands round and back

After the 2nd repetition, dancing couple steps to the bottom as 4th couple dances in and up to begin the Mirror Reel of 3

** In the dance world, “angels” are individuals who are especially active in supporting dance groups and encouraging new dancers.

First danced at Ardbrae’s Spring Social on March 29th, 2020. Dedicated to all of Ardbrae’s “dance angels,” but especially to Deborah Connors and Guy Quesnel who have cheerfully supported the Ardbrae Scottish Country Dancers of Ottawa in countless ways for many years, and who celebrate birthdays on March 28th and 29th respectively.

Video: The Laird of Milton’s Daughter

The Laird of Milton’s Daughter
RSCDS Book 22 – No. 10
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over, cast off one place and, giving left hands, turn to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 16 1st couple and first corners dance a corner chain. 1st couple finish facing second corners.

17 – 24 1st couple and second corners dance a corner chain. 1st couple finish in second place on own sides.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Lord Craigmyle while in India.
Original tune: The Laird of Milton’s Daughter (W G M Christian)

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TACNotes:’
17-24 The turn for 1st cpl on bars 23-24 is really a slow crossing to own sides, giving LH.

Dances for February 24, 2020

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2020
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Video: John Cas

John Cas
RSCDS Book 49
32-bar jig for five couples in a five couple longwise set

1-4 1st couple lead down the middle. 2nd and 3rd couples step up on bars 3-4
5-8 1st couple lead up to third place and, retaining right hands, turn to finish 1st woman behind 1st man, both facing 3rd man.

9-16 1st couple with 2nd and 3rd men and 4th and 5th women, all in tandem, dance a reel of three on the diagonal. 1st couple pass 3rd and 2nd men by the right to begin and all three pairs change lead as the change direction. 1st man, and 1st woman behind him, finish facing 4th man.

17-24 1st couple with 4th and 4th men and 2nd and 3rd women, all in tandem, dance a reel of three on the diagonal. 1st couple pass 4th and 5th men by the left to begin and all three pairs change lead as they change direction. 1St couple finish in the middle of the set in third place, facing down, nearer hand joined and woman on her partner’s left.

25-28 1st couple dance down between 4th couple and cast off one place. 4th and 5th couples step up on bars 27-28

29-32 1st couple, using right elbow grip, dance a pivot turn to finish in fifth place.

Repeat from new positions

Devised by Dr. Peter Avery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne & District Branch
Dedicated to John Cas on his 90th birthday, April 2012

Video: Corn Rigs

Corn Rigs
RSCDS Book 4 – No. 12
32-bar reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple cast off and dance down behind their own lines for four steps, turn inwards and dance up to original places.

9 – 16 1st couple dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in the middle of the set facing partner, both hands joined. 2nd couple step in.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thomas Wilson: Companion to the Ballroom, London, 1816.
Tuner: Corn Rigs (Traditional)

Dances for February 10, 2020

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2020
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Video: Land of the Heather Hills

Land Of The Heather Hills
S 32 4
The title was suggested by a line by R. L. Stevenson: “In the land
of the heathery hills”.

2 chds 3C & 4C cross to opposite sides.

1 – 2 1C & 4C set to partners.

3 – 8 1W casts off behind 2W, dances in front of 3M, casts up behind him and crosses diagonally up to face 2M; 1M crosses over to follow his partner and finishes behind her facing 2M. 4C dance similarly round 3W & 2M to finish facing 3M. 2C & 3C step to the ends on bars 7 – 8.

9 – 12 1W, followed by 1M, and 4W, followed by 4M, dance half a diagonal reel of four with 2M & 3M. After passing the men, 1C & 4C turn right about singly to continue the half reel with the men in the lead; the two couples pass by the left in the middle and on the fourth step, 1M & 4W – 4M & 1W – turn with left hands halfway. 1C are now facing up to 2W, 4C down to 3W.

13 – 16 1C & 4C dance a similar half diagonal reel of four with 2W & 3W, they turn with left hands halfway as before so that 1C finish facing across the set to 2M (now in opposite comer place) and 4C finish facing across the set to 3M (also in opposite corner place).

17 – 24 1C & 4C repeat bars 9 – 16. On bar 24, they turn with left hands halfway so that 1C finish in 2nd place on opposite sides facing up to 2C and 4C finish in 3“ place on own sides facing down to 3C.

25 – 28 2C, 1C, 4C & 3C dance half reels of four on the sides passing right to begin, but 1C & 4C, instead of passing left at the end, turn with both hands once round, opening out to face across to partners. 2M & 3M curve round to the right at the end of the half reels.

29 – 32 3C,1C, 4C & 2C join hands on the sides and set, then cross over giving right hands to partners.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Video: The Two Gray Cats

The Two Gray Cats
A reel for three couples in a four couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance a double figure of eight. 2nd couple dance up the side to start and finish facing out and up.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance Inveran reels but with all three couples crossing
down from first place and up from third place. 1st couple cross down, dance down, cross up and dance up. 2nd couple dance up, cross down, dance down and cross up. 3rd couple cross up, dance up, cross down and dance down.

17 – 24 1st couple, giving right hand, cross and cast off one place, then giving left hand, cross down between 3rd couple, cast up and passing by the left shoulder, finish facing first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 19 and 20.

25 – 32 1st couple dance Corners Pass and Turn with their 1st and 2nd corners. 1st couple pass right shoulder through the middle finishing in 2nd place on their own sides.

33 – 40 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple.

For dear friends Ian and Yvonne Gray in Auckland, New Zealand whose lives are finely balanced between family, Scottish Country Dancing and ‘two grey cats’. June 2010.

Devised by Francis Walduck

Dances for February 3, 2020 – Ball Walk through

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2020
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Video: Cutty Sark

Cutty Sark (Jig)
Book 40 – No. 2

1 – 8 1st couple cast off and dance down behind own lines. They cast up and dance into second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance four hands across and back.
17 – 18 1st couple turn with the right hand to face first corners.
19 – 20 1st couple turn first corners with the left hand.
21 – 22 1st couple turn second corners with the right hand.
23 – 24 1st couple, giving left hands, cross to second place.
25 – 28 2nd , 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire.
29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn with the right hand.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Scottish Borders Dance Festival, 1992.
Tune: Thrums March

Video: West’s Hornpipe

WEST’S HORNPIPE
Five Traditional Dances for 1965
(Hornpipe)

1 – 8 First woman dances a reel of three with second and third men finishing in her partner’s place while first man does same with second and third women. Fig. 1.

9 – 16 First, second and third couples dance reels of three on own sides.

17 – 24 First couple lead down the middle and up again, turning inwards on last step to face second couple diagonally. Fig. 2.

25 – 28 First couple set to second couple and, joining nearer hands, dance down to foot of the set and turn inwards. Second, third and fourth couples move up.

29 – 32 First and fourth couples dance four hands round.

Repeat with new couple.

Ladies’ Pocket Book 1797
Tune: Robertson’s Hornpipe.

No Video

Lady Spencer’s Wedding
32-bar strathspey for four couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple cast off and dance down behind their own lines, meet below 3rd couple and, joining nearer hands, dance back up to the top and cast off to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance a non-progressive knot (or “slip knot”), 2nd couple finishing back in first place and 1st couple finishing in the middle of the set, nearer hands joined, facing 2nd woman, 1st woman on her partner’s right.

A non-progressive knot is danced as follows: Bars 1-6 are danced as in a standard knot; on bars 7-8, instead of partners turning with the left hand to finish in progressed places, both couples dance left hands across halfway round to finish in their original order. (In this particular dance, 2nd couple finishes in first place, but 1st couple finishes in the middle of the set, as explained above.)

17 – 24 1st couple set to 2nd woman and, turning towards one another, face 3rd man. They set to 3rd man and turning to their left face 3rd woman. They set to 3rd woman and turning towards one another face 2nd man. They set to 2nd man and on bar 24, 1st man pulls back right shoulder to face his partner while 1st woman dances a long setting step to her left to finish ready for a half poussette. 3rd couple dance in on bar 24 ready for…

25 – 28 1st and 3rd couples dance a half poussette. 3rd couple finish on the sidelines while 1st couple dance a slow turn in the middle of the set on bars 27-28 and remain in the middle as 4th couple dance in on bar 28 ready for…

29 – 32 1st and 4th couples dance a half poussette.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Elaine Hoag and Michael Hoffman in 2001 to celebrate the marriage of Ardbrae members, Michael Hoffman and Rosalind Spencer, and presented by Michael to Rosalind.

Legend:
Bars 1-8 Courtship; meeting of minds, hearts and hands; walking up the aisle
Bars 9-16 Tying the knot in a nautical fashion (the bride and groom are both very fond of sailing)
Bars 17-24 Greeting guests at the reception
Bars 25-32 Dancing at the reception

Note: The non-progressive knot in bars 9-16 was devised by Mel and Ellie Briscoe in 1990 and is described in the dance, ‘Ellie’s Jig’, published in The Slip Knot Collection of Scottish Country Dances devised by Melbourne G. Briscoe.

Video: Mrs. Stewart’s Jig

Mrs Stewart’s Jig
RSCDS Book 35 – No. 1
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple set.

3 – 8 1st woman casts off two places, crosses below 3rd couple and dances up behind 3rd man to second place on opposite side, facing down. 1st man dances across the set, down behind the women’s side, below 3rd woman and up the middle to second place on opposite side facing down. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance a grand chain. 2nd and 1st men finish facing out.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain.

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire.

29 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, turn one and a half times to own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Frans Ligtmans, Eindhoven, 1986.
Original tune: Captain Charles Stewart’s Jigg (Malcolm MacDonald)

TACNotes:
1 – 8 On bar 8, 1st cpl curve by right into 2nd place on opposite side, to finish facing down.

No Video

Crickets by Moonlight
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and cast off to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple turn with the left hand one and a half times to finish in second place on opposite sides facing out.

9 – 16 Reels of three on the sides, 1st couple passing second corners by the left to begin. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides, facing out. 2nd and 3rd couples finish in the middle, nearer hands joined facing each other up and down the dance.

17 – 20 1st couple dance counter clockwise half way round the set to second place on own sides while 2nd and 3rd couples advance and retire, finishing on own sides.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with the right hand.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Brian Mortimer

Video: Miss Gibson’s Strathspey

Miss Gibson’s Strathspey
Leaflet – No. 10
(Strathspey)

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set on side lines joining nearer hands, then turn partners with two hands once round, opening out into four hands once round to the left. Finish in original places.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couple dance the KNOT On the last 2 bars 1st couple turn with left hands to first corners while 2nd couple dance over to own sides, in top place.

17 – 24 1st couple turn first corners with right hands, partner with left hands, second corners with right hands, and partner with left hands, finishing ready for,

25 – 28 Right hands across, 1st man with 3rd couple, 1st woman with 2nd couple. 1st couple pass right shoulders into –

29 – 32 Left hands across, 1st man with 2nd couple, 1st woman with 3rd couple, 1st couple finishing in second place.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Derek Haynes, 1979. Inscribed to Miss Muriel Gibson, Secretary R.S.C.D.S.

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bar 24 1st couple stay in the centre of the set at the end of the left hand turn ready to dance right hands across.
Bar 28 Similarly, 1st couple pass right shoulders in the centre of the set to dance left hands across. They do not dance out to the sidelines.

TACNotes:’
23-24 1st cpl dance a wide, three-quarter LH turn & flow into RH across on bar 25.
28 As 1st cpl pass R shoulders, 2nd & 3rd cpls turn inwards ready to give left hands. Do not dance out to sidelines.

Video: The Montgomeries’ Rant

The Montgomeries’ Rant
RSCDS Book 10 – No. 1
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple, giving left hands, cross over and 1st woman casts up one place while 1st man casts off one place. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing 2nd man with 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 2nd man and 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the right to begin. On bar 16, 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, face 2nd woman.

17 – 24 1st couple set to 2nd woman. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 3rd man and set. 1st couple move round to face 3rd woman and set. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 2nd man and set. 1st couple finish facing second corners.

25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple pass second corners by the right to begin.

31 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749.
Original tune: Lord Eglintoune (John Riddell, c. 1766) but usually danced to Lady Montgomerie (Lord Eglintoune, 1796).

TACNotes:’
17-24 1st woman is on her partner’s left to begin &, on bar 24, turns L about, with assistance from her partner, to face her second corner.

No Video

Mount Maxwell Strathspey — Saltspring Island 2007
Wes Clindinning – Canada’s Irish Rover
32 bar Strathspey for three couples

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples reel of three on the sides, 1st lady giving left shoulder to 2nd lady and 1st man giving right shoulder to 2nd man

9 – 16 All couples set, then turn partners with both hands twice, set

17 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, lead down the middle. 2nd couple divide and follow 1st couple back to top. Both couples finish in the middle ready for

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance allemande. On bars 31 & 32, 1st couple casts to 3rd place, 3rd couple dance up into 2nd place

For the Saltsprihg Island Club, especially Laura and Harvey Moore.With thanks for
all their generous hospitality and friendship. – HISCD

Video: Off to Speyside

OFF TO SPEYSIDE
Roy Goldring – Graded & Social 1
32 bar jig for 2 couples

1 – 8 1st couple, joining both hands, slip down the middle and up.

9 – 16 2nd couple repeat bars 1 – 8, but finish in 2nd place in the centre of the dance, facing up with nearer hands joined momentarily.

17 – 20 1st and 2nd women turn 1 1/2 times with right hands; 1st and 2nd men turn 1 1/2 times with left hands. All finish on the side lines having changed places.

21 – 24 1st couple dance back to back.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across and back with left hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Recommended tune: Coldingham (Muriel Johnstone)
Recording: SSCD06 “Haste Ye Back” Track 5

Video: The Reel of the 51st Division

The Reel of the 51st Division
RSCDS Book 13 – No. 10
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set to each other and cast off two places, meet below 3rd couple and lead up the middle to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 12 1st couple set to and turn first corners with the right hand, finishing in a diagonal line by joining left hands with partner.

13 – 14 1st couple and first corners balance in line.

15 – 16 1st couple, releasing right hands with corners, turn each other one and a quarter times to face second corners.

17 – 22 1st couple repeat bars 9-14 with second corners.

23 – 24 1st couple cross to second place on own sides.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Jimmy Atkinson, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and Peter Oliver, Seaforth Highlanders (London Scottish), with advice from Tom Harris-Hunter, Royal Army Service Corps while all were interned in the Prisoner of War camp at Laufen in Germany.

Original tune: The Drunken Piper or Highland Rory Alex. McLeod, c. 1880

The original instructions in the form of notes, written by Tom Harris-Hunter on a scruffy piece of paper when he was a prisoner of war, clearly show that the dance was intended for a five couple set as it is still danced in Perthshire.


TACNotes:’
1-8 Set (no stealing) bars 1-2, cast bars 3-5, dance in to meet on bar 6, lead up on bar 7 to face corners on bar 8.

Dances for January 27, 2020

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2020
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Video: The Glasgow Highlanders

The Glasgow Highlanders (Strathspey)
Book II – No. 3
On the second chord, 1st woman crosses over to the right hand side of her partner. 2nd man takes his partner’s place while she moves up to the top. Fig. 1.

MUSIC DESCRIPTION
Bars
1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples right and left, giving right hand to dancer opposite to begin. On bar 7, 2nd man gives his left hand to his partner and dances diagonally down into the middle, offering his right hand to 1st woman, who has been handed over to him by 1st man.

9 – 12 2nd man between 1st and 2nd women, with hands joined, dance down the middle followed by 1st man. Fig. 2. Release hands, all turn to face top, 2nd man turning 1st and 2nd women towards him, while 1st and 2nd men turn right about.

13 – 16 1st man gives left hand to his partner and right hand to 2nd woman, all three dance up the middle, 2nd man following. Finish at the top in a line of four across the dance and facing partner, men back to back in the middle, women on the side lines.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples set to partner with simple Strathspey steps.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the dance. On bars 31-32, 1st woman progresses down to third place on men’s side of dance, 1st man follows, progressing to second place, 2nd man dances round 1st man, passing left shoulders, to top place on men’s side of dance, 2nd woman dances to top place on women’s side of dance. 3rd woman steps up to second place and 3rd man moves across to his partner’s original place.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Suggested Strathspey step: – Step forward on right foot and hop; step back on left foot and hop; step behind with right foot; step on left foot, them step slightly forward on right foot and hop.

Note: Each man, having in turn crossed to the side of his partner, stays on the women’s side of the dance until he reaches the top. He and his partner then stand still on their own sides for one turn, at the end of which the woman crosses over to her partner’s right hand side, and they dance all the way down on the men’s side. At the bottom, each couple stands on own sides for one turn before the man crosses over to his partner to progress up to the top again.

Tune: The Glasgow Highlanders

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing
Bars 7-8 As 2nd man gives left hand to his partner on bar 7 he must dance diagonally into the centre of the dance, while 2nd woman dances left about to finish facing down the set, her right hand in her partner’s left. At the same time, as 1st couple give left hand, 1st man dances diagonally into the centre to finish behind 2nd man, also facing down. He hands 1st woman in to finish with her left hand in the right hand of 2nd man.
Bars 25-32 The reel of four must be completed in six bars to leave the last two bars for the progression. The progression is made by 1st couple dancing down the man’s side ready to face 3rd couple, 3rd man having crossed over and 3rd woman having stepped up. 2nd couple finish in top place on their own sides.

TACNotes:’
7-8 2nd woman aids partner towards middle & finishes with polite turn, giving her RH to him at end of bar 8.
1st man, giving LH to partner, dances diagonally up into the middle, turning L about to face down & handing prtnr to 2nd man.

13-16 On bar 15, 1st man directs 2nd woman towards 1st place on women’s side. On bar 16 he places partner in 1st place (men’s side) as he & 2nd man finish in middle, each facing own partner.

Answer to Dance Query found on RSCDS website:
Question:
How should the dancing couples finish the last turn of the dance? Should everybody progress down/up the sides as though ready to start another turn of the dance, or should the dancing couples finish with the men on the men’s side and the women on the women’s side?
 Answer:
Glasgow Highlanders ends exactly as most 8x dances do, i.e. the finishing order is actually 1, 2, 4, 3, with everyone on their own side.
Only the 2nd and 4th couples contest the last 32 bars. 1C are already back home, own side, at the top, after 7 repetitions, 1W curving left into top place, own side, on the last two bars, 1M pulling L shoulder sharply back after passing 4M L shoulder for the 2nd time, at the end of bar 22. 3C, likewise, are already finished, in fourth place, own side.
At the end of bar 24, 2C and 4C are in a line across the centre of the set, facing partners, men back to back, 2C occupying the “women’s side” end of the line, 4C, the “men’s”. After a 6 bar reel of 4, 2W curves left up to 2W’s place, 4W curves left across the dance to 3W’s place, 4M follows her to 3M’s place, and 2M pulls his LS sharply back immediately after passing 4M LS for the second time, and curves left about into 2M’s place.
The key to everything is that it MUST be a six bar reel of four every time. For the men that is out (1 bar), right about (1 bar), in and pass other man L Shoulder (1 bar), out (1 bar), right about (1 bar), in and pass other man L Shoulder (1Bar). Nothing less will do. Unfortunately, a six bar reel of four is very rare, and most are taken by surprise by the speed necessary. Particularly the “Working Up” woman !! For her, it does not have to be a six bar reel.   A standard 8 bar reel will suffice for her, as she is more or less in the right place after 24 bars.   A majority of  “Working Up” women thus tend to dance a standard 8 bar reel of four, oblivious of the pile up behind them as everyone else scrambles desperately to cover far more ground.

The Glasgow Highlander’s Progression instructions.
2 chords. On the first chord, all honour your partner. On the 2nd chord, 1st man stands as 1st lady crosses diagonally to stand beside her partner, 2nd lady steps up, 2nd man crosses to his partner’s place.
Note: Dancing couples finish each repetition by dancing down the men’s side moving one place on at a time, and then moving up the ladies side. When you are at the bottom or the top of the dance on your own side, you stand for one repetition of the dance.

1st Repetition – (1st & 2nd) Top Couples – Last 2 bars of the dance after the 6 bar Reel:

1st couple dance down the men’s side to 2nd and 3rd place.
2nd couple finish on own side in 1st place.
3rd lady steps up.
3rd man crosses to opposite side.

2nd Repetition – (1st & 3rd) Middle Couples – Last 2 bars of the dance after the 6 bar Reel:

1st couple dance down the men’s side to 3rd and 4th place.
3rd couple dance up the ladies side to 1st and 2nd place.
2nd man stands in 1st place.
2nd lady crosses to 2nd man’s place.
4th lady steps up.
4th man crosses to opposite side.

3rd Repetition – (1st & 4th, 2nd & 3rd) Top & Bottom Couples – Last 2 bars after the 6 bar Reel:

1st couple finish in 4th place on own side.
2nd couple dance down men’s side to 2nd and 3rd place.
4th couple dance up ladies side to 2nd and 3rd place.
3rd couple finish in 1st place on own side.

4th Repetition – (4th & 2nd) Middle Couples – Last 2 bars after the 6 bar Reel:

2nd couple dance down men’s side to 3rd and 4th place.
1st lady steps up.
1st man crosses to 4th lady’s place.
4th couple dance up lady’s side to 1st and 2nd place.
3rd man stands in 1st place.
3rd lady crosses to 2nd man’s place.

5th Repetition – (3rd & 4th, 2nd & 1st) Top & Bottom Couples – Last 2 bars after the 6 bar Reel:

1st couple dance up lady’s side to 2nd and 3rd place.
2nd couple finish in 4th place on own side.
3rd couple dance down men’s side to 2nd and 3rd place.
4th couple finish in 1st place on own side.

6th Repetition – (3rd & 1st) Middle Couples – Last 2 bars after the 6 bar Reel:

3rd couple dance down men’s side to 3rd and 4th place.
2nd lady step up.
2nd man crosses over.
1st couple dance up ladies side to 1st and 2nd place.
4th lady crosses to 2nd man’s place.

7th Repetition – (4th & 1st, 3rd & 2nd) Top & Bottom Couples – Last 2 bars after the 6 bar Reel:

4th couple dance down men’s side to 2nd and 3rd place.
1st couple finish in 1st place on own side.
2nd couple dance up lady’s side to 2nd and 3rd place.
3rd couple finish in 4th place on own side.

8th Repetition – (4th & 2nd) Middle Couples – Last 2 bars after the 6 bar Reel:

2nd lady finishes in 2nd lady’s place.
2nd man finishes in 2nd man’s place.
4th lady finishes in 3rd lady’s place.
4th man finishes in 3rd man’s place.

Note: at the end of the dance the order is 1, 2, 4, 3 all couples on your own side.

TACNotes:’
17-24 1st woman is on her partner’s left to begin &, on bar 24, turns L about, with assistance from her partner,
to face her second corner.

Video : Red House

Red House or Where would Bonnie Annie lie?
Book 7 – No. 2
40-bar reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

Bars Description

1 – 8 1st couple set and cast off one place, set and cast up to original places.

9 – 16 1st man casts off below 2nd man, dances up between 2nd couple, round behind 2nd woman and crosses over to own side to finish below 2nd man. 1st woman follows her partner to finish below 2nd woman. (Fig. 1)

17 – 24 1st woman casts up above 2nd woman, dances down between 2nd couple, round behind 2nd man and crosses over to own side to finish in original place. 1st man follows his partner to finish in original place.

25 – 32 1st couple dance a reel of three with 2nd man on the men’s side of the set. 1st and 2nd men pass by the left to begin the reel. 1st woman dances across to enter the reel at 2nd man’s place. On bars 31-32, 1st and 2nd men change places passing by the left and 1st woman dances across to original place. (Fig. 2)

33 – 40 1st couple dance a reel of three with 2nd woman on the women’s side of the set. 1st and 2nd women pass by the right to begin the reel. 1st man dances across to enter the reel at 2nd woman’s place. On bars 39-40, 1st and 2nd women change places passing by the right and 1st man dances to second place on own side. (Fig. 3)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

John Walsh: The Compleat Country Dancing-Master, 1731. Also in Playford: The Dancing Master (9th Edition, 1695).

Original tune: Red House (Walsh’s Country Dances, 1731). 17th Century as The Red House.

Video: The Montgomeries’ Rant

The Montgomeries’ Rant
Book 10 – No. 1
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

Bars Description

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple, giving left hands, cross over and 1st woman casts up one place while 1st man casts off one place. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing 2nd man with 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 2nd man and 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the right to begin. On bar 16, 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, face 2nd woman.

17 – 24 1st couple set to 2nd woman. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 3rd man and set. 1st couple move round to face 3rd woman and set. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 2nd man and set. 1st couple finish facing second corners.

25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple pass second corners by the right to begin.

31 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749. Original tune: Lord Eglintoune (John Riddell, c. 1766) but usually danced to Lady Montgomerie (Lord Eglintoune, 1796).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
17-24 1st woman is on her partner’s left to begin &, on bar 24, turns L about, with assistance from her partner,
to face her second corner.