Dances for December 2, 2024

November 28, 20244x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

The Bees of Maggieknockater
John Drewry, RSCDS 30 Popular Dances, Vol. 2
A 32-bar jig for four couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple cross, giving right hands, and cast to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across. On bar 8, 3rd woman turns towards 1st man and takes promenade hold facing the woman’s side while 1st woman turns towards 3rd man and takes promenade hold facing the man’s side.

9 – 12 1st man and 3rd woman dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman right shoulder to begin while 1st woman and 3rd man dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man right shoulder to begin. On bar 12, 1st and 3rd men pass right shoulder to take promenade hold with partner, 1st couple facing down and 3rd couple facing up.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man (in 4th place) left shoulder to begin while 3rd couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman (in top place) left shoulder to begin. On bar 16, 1st and 3rd women pass left shoulder to take promenade hold with 3rd and 1st men respectively, 1st woman and 3rd man facing down and 1st man and 3rd woman facing up.

17 – 20 1st woman and 3rd man dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman right shoulder to begin while 1st man and 3rd woman dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man right shoulder to begin. On bar 20, 1st and 3rd men pass right shoulder to take promenade hold with partner, 1st couple facing up and 3rd couple facing down.

21 – 24 1st couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman (in top place) left shoulder to begin while 3rd couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man (in 4th place) left shoulder to begin. 1st couple finish in the centre in 2nd place facing down while 3rd couple finish in original places facing up.

25 – 28 1st man turns 3rd woman left hand one and a half times while 1st woman turns 3rd man right hand one and a half times. 3rd couple finish in 2nd place and 1st couple cross down to 3rd place on their own side.

29 – 32 1st man turns 4th man right hand one and a half times while 1st woman turns 4th woman left hand one and a half times.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Drewry. Published with permission of the Scottish Country Dance Teachers’ Association (Canada).

Original tune: Forres Country Dance by Robert R Gourlay.

Source: The Canadian Book of Scottish Country Dances.

Video: Here Comes Santa Claus

Here Comes Santa Claus
By Joyce & Gary Lindsey, Patty Lindsay, and Lee Fuell
A 32bar reel for 3 couples in a 4-couple longwise set.
Recommended Music: Christmas Reels 8×32, from Scottish Christmas Dance
Party recorded by Jim Lindsay and His Band.

1 – 8 1st couple dance down the middle and back, finish in first place facing out.
9 – 16 1st, 2nd, and 3rd couples dance mirror reels on the side, 1st couple starting by going out and down to begin.
17 – 20 1st couple cast into second place while 2nd couple dances up and curves into top place; 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set.
21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partner with right hand.
25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance 6 hands round and back.

Note: The last time through the dance, all 4 couples dance bars 19-32 (25 – 32 will be 8 hands round and back)

Dances for November 24, 2024

November 23, 20243x32 Reels, 3x32 Strathspeys, 64S+64R, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024, Medley, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Mini-workshop Session

Warning: The dances for this session are subject to change depending on the nature of the class

Video: Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine
James Stott , In the Sunlight of Nikko and Kamakura
32 – bar jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple turn by the right hand and cast off one place, dance down below the 3rd couple and cast up to finish in second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4.

9 – 10 1st couple set advancing passing by the left shoulder to finish back to back in the middle woman facing up and man facing down.

11 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance crown triangles. Finish as follows: 1st man and 2nd woman in promenade hold, 1st man with 2nd woman on his left facing down, 1st woman and 3rd man in promenade hold, 1st woman with 3rd man on her left facing up. 2nd and 3rd couples set for eight bars.

17 – 20 In promenade hold, 1st man with 2nd woman and 1st woman with 3rd man dance for two steps, in the inside of the set. They pass by the right then guide the 2nd woman and 3rd man into the diagonally opposite corner positions. 1st couple dance on two steps, 1st woman picking up 3rd woman and 1st man picking up 2nd man in promenade hold while 2nd woman and 3rd man dance on for two steps into the opposite corners.

21 – 24 1st woman with 3rd woman and 1st man with 2nd man in promenade hold, in the inside of the set, pass by the right for two steps then guide their partners into the diagonally opposite corner positions. 3rd woman and 2nd man dance on for two steps into the diagonally opposite corners while 1st couple pass by the right to finish in 2nd place on own side. The dancers are now in the following positions: 3rd couple in 1st place and 2nd couple in 3rd place on opposite sides, 1st couple on own sides in second place.

25 – 28 3rd and 2nd couples turn once round by the right hand and finish facing out. 1st couple set and cross over giving right hands.

29 – 32 All three couples chase clockwise half-way round to finish: 2, 1, 3

Repeat the dance from the new positions.

No Video

Walking the Dogs
Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas, Give it a Whirl
32 bar reel for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, giving RIGHT hands, half turn, moving down one place. 2nd couple steps up on bars 1-2. 1st couple, giving RIGHT hands, half turn, moving down below 3rd couple, facing out. 1st couple cast up around the 3rd couple to 2nd place on own side, turn by the RIGHT hand three-quarters to face up the middle. 1st woman followed by 1st man.

9 – 12 Half dolphin reel across the set, RIGHT shoulder to 2nd woman, 1st man takes the lead on bar 10. Finish with 1st couple in the middle back to back, 1st woman having turned right about.

13 1st couple join hands as for double triangles and all set onto RIGHT foot.
14 Releasing hands, all pas de basque onto LEFT foot, 1st couple moving to their RIGHT one quarter, remaining back to back. While: 2nd and 3rd couples set turning to face up and down.
15 All join hands as for crown triangles and set onto RIGHT foot.
16 Releasing hands, all set onto LEFT foot. 1st woman remains facing down as 1st man turns right about.

17 – 20 1st couple repeat bars 9-12 above with 3rd couple giving a RIGHT shoulder to 3rd man. 1st man takes the lead on bar 18. Finish with 1st couple in the middle back to back, 1st woman having turned right about.

21 – 24 As bars 13-16 above. 1st couple turn right about to face their first corners, who are in their partner’s first corner position.

25 – 32 1st couple half reel of 4 with first corners. 1st couple pass right shoulders in the middle to dance a half reel of 4 with second corners. 3 1 2

Repeat from new positions.

Deviser: Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas
Music: Walking the Dogs, Muriel Johnstone

For dear friend, Emily Evans, whose generosity and friendship helped pave our way into California and sustain us for many years! Dedicated to all who spend hours and hours in that loftiest of pursuits, walking the dog!

No Video

Norcan Crossing
Craig Williams, leaflet
A 64 bar Strathspey + 64 bar Reel Medley in a square set

Strathspey – Heading out
1 – 8 All Circle round and back

9 – 12 1st & 3rd couple chase counter-clockwise one position and into the middle. 1st couple below 4th woman, 3rd couple above 2nd woman
13 – 16 1st & 3rd couples, left hands across 1 ¼ round

17 – 20 1st couple with 2nd couple, 3rd couple with 4th couple, right hands across once round
21 – 24 1st & 3rd couples dance left shoulders around each other to finish in 1st couple in 3rd place and 3rd couple in 1st place.

25 – 28 2nd & 4th couple chase counter-clockwise one position and into the middle. 2nd couple pass 3rd woman (in 1st woman’s place) by the left, 4th couple pass 1st woman (in 3rd woman’s place) by the left.
29 – 32 2nd & 4th couples, left hands across 1 ¼ round

33 – 36 2nd couple with 1st couple (in 3rd couple’s place), 4th couple with 3rd couple (in 1st couple’s place), right hands across once round
37 – 40 2nd & 4th couple dance around each other by the left shoulder to finish 2nd couple in 4th place and 4th couple in 2nd place.

41 – 56 All dance Schehallion Reels. Women finish by dancing to take left hands across, giving right hands with partners.

57 – 60 All Highland schottische balance in line
61 – 64 All turn 1 ¼ with the right hand to finish on the sides.

Reel – The Return Trip
1 – 16 All dance Schehallion Reels. Women finish back to back in the middle facing partners on the sides.

17 – 20 All Set & Spring Point
21 – 24 All turn by the right hand 1 1/4 (4 bars) to finish on the sides. (Alternatively, birl with your partner)

25 – 28 1st & 3rd couple chase clockwise one position and into the middle. 1st couple above 2nd man (in 4th man’s place), 3rd couple below 4th man (in 2nd man’s place
29 – 32 1st & 3rd couples, right hands across 1 ¼ round

33 – 36 1st couple with 4th couple, 3rd couple with 2nd couple, left hands across once round
37 – 40 1st & 3rd couples dance right shoulders around each other to finish in original places.

41 – 44 2nd & 4th couple chase clockwise one position and into the middle. 2nd couple pass 1st man by the right, 4th couple pass 3rd man by the right.
45 – 48 2nd & 4th couples, right hands across 1 ¼ round

49 – 52 2nd couple with 3rd couple, 4th couple with 1st couple, left hands across once round
53 – 54 2nd & 4th couple dance around each other by the right shoulder to finish in original places.

57 – 64 All circle round and back

No Video

The Publisher
The Diack Dances
Devised by William Williamson

32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set and link.

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set; 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to the opposite side and stay facing out.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides (8 bars ). 1st couple pass first corners by the right to begin. On bars 15 – 16 giving left hand, 1st couple pass to face first corner.

17 – 24 1st couple dance corner pass and turn with first corners, the corners turn giving both hands, 1st couple pass by the right to face second corners. 1st couple dance corner pass and turn with second corners, the corners turn giving both hands, 1st couple pass by the right to finish in second place on own sides.

25 – 28 1st and 3rd couples set and link.

29 – 32 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples, giving both hands, turn once round.

Repeat from new positions.

No Video

The Milngavie Maestro
The Diack Dances
Devised by Gary Coull
(Milngavie is pronounced Mil-gai)

32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and dance right hands across once round. 1st couple cast to 2nd place as 2nd couple dance up to 1st place and face out.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides of the dance, taking nearer hands where possible. To begin: 2nd couple dance out and down; 1st couple dance in and down; 3rd couple dance out and up.To finish: 2nd and 3rd couples curve into place and 3rd couple face out.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance a double figure of eight. To begin: 1st couple dance down, crossing over and 3rd couple dance up on the sides.

25 – 32 1st couple dance up between the 2nd couple and cast off to second place on own sides. 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.

No Video

Mr Diack’s Measure
The Diack Dances
Devised by Linda Gaul

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

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple.

9 – 16 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple who dance up to begin, lead down the middle and up. 2nd couple finish at the top and 1st couple finish facing first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple set to first corners then second corners and, pulling back by the right, finish facing each other up and down with 1st woman between 3rd couple and 1st man between 2nd couple.

21 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, turn one and three quarters to 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.

Dances for November 25, 2024

November 20, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: John of Bon Accord

John of Bon Accord
RSCDS Book XXXIII
(Reel)

1 – 16 Four progressive half-reels of three across the dance – danced as follows:

1 – 4 1st couple with 2nd woman dance a half-reel of three. 1st woman passes her partner with the right shoulder to begin and finishes in the middle of the set facing her own side of the dance. 1st man finishes in 1st woman’s original place and 2nd woman in 1st man’s original place.

5 – 8 1st couple with 2nd man dance a half-reel of three. 1st woman passes her partner with the left shoulder to begin and finishes in the middle of the set facing the men’s side of the dance. 1st man finishes in 2nd man’s original place and 2nd man in 1st woman’s original place.

9 – 12 1st couple repeat bars 1-4 with 3rd woman who finishes in 2nd man’s original place.

13 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 5-8 with 3rd man, who finishes in 2nd woman’s original place. 1st couple finish in third place in the middle of the set.

17 – 20 1st couple turn with right hands and cast up one place on own sides. 3Rd couple step down on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 1st couple dance half figure of eight round 2nd couple.

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with right hands three-quarters round to finish in a line up and down the dance; facing partners and retaining right hands, all set.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with right hands to finish on own sides and then, joining hands on the sides, set to partners.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring and inscribed to John Drewry of Aberdeen.

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 1-16 In the four progressive half reels across the dance, the 1st woman cuts each reel through the middle giving her partner, successively, right, left, right and left shoulders.

TAC Notes:’
1-16 For the four consecutive half reels of three, 1st woman starts by facing her partner, giving him R, L, R, & then L shouders. Note: support dancers all dance up into their half reels & finish one place up on opposite sides.
29-30 This is a tight turn – do not “steal” on bar 28.

Video: Blue Bonnets

Blue Bonnets
RSCDS Book 3
32-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st woman and 2nd man advance and retire.

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man dance back to back, passing by the right to begin.

9 – 16 1st man and 2nd woman repeat bars 1-8.

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

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

    Repeat, having passed a couple.

Allan’s Reference Guide to the Ball-Room, Glasgow c.1900.

Original tune: Blue Bonnets (Traditional)
17th century tune known as Lesley’s March to Scotland. Published in Watt’s Musical Miscellany 1731 and Oswald 1755. Sir Walter Scot wrote the song Blue Bonnets over the Border to this tune.

Dances for November 18, 2024

November 13, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

The Mill Pond Stroll
Craig Williams, Ardbrae Celebrates 60 Years
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a 4 couple set

1 – 4 1st couple dance a 1/2 figure of eight, across the set, around the 2nd couple.
5 – 8 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, dance down the middle, cross below the 3rd couple and cast up to 2nd place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 7 – 8.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance bars 1 – 6 of a 3 couple knot. On bars 7 – 8 1st man with 3rd couple, 1st woman with 2nd couple, dance 1/2 left hands across to finish in lines of 3 across the set facing up/down

17 – 18 All Set in lines across,
19 – 20 All change places, up/down, giving right hand.
21 – 22 1st couple cast to their right to 2nd place on own sides, while 2nd & 3rd couples advance for 1 bar & retire for 1 bar on the diagonal.
23 – 24 All set on the sides

25 – 28 Six hands round to the left. On Bar 28, all dance into the centre, pulling right shoulders back to face out.
29 – 30 All spiral out clockwise (in a chase) to own sides,
31 – 32 All set on the sides

Jayne and I were out for an early spring hike in the Mill Pond Conservation area, During the hike, we came upon several areas where the air was incredibly perfumed. Looking down we saw thousands of hepatica in bloom. It’s hard to believe that such as a small flower could have such a dramatic effect.

The Mill Pond Conservation area is south of Smiths Falls on the Rideau River.

Recommended Tune: Springtime Bliss by Karen Steven

Note: Bars 25-30 have been taken from the dance Huntly Castle by John Drewry.

Video: ECCLEFECHAN FELINE

ECCLEFECHAN FELINE
Le Petit Chat Celtique
32 bar Jig for 3 couples – McMurtry – 2006

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight on their own side. 1st couple dance between the 2nd couple to begin, taking nearer hands briefly wherever possible.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a mirror reel of three on the sides, 1st couple dancing in and down, 2nd couple up and out and 3rd couple in and up to begin.

17 – 24 1st couple dance down for three steps, back for three steps and cast off one place, 2nd couple stepping up on bars 23 & 24.

25 – 28 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance right hands across, passing right shoulders on the last bar to change places.

29 – 32 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance Notes: 1st couple phrase step to finish on the sidelines at the end.

Recommended Recording: Track #8 Just in Time on CD, Campbell’s Birl with Muriel Johnstone and Keith Smith

Try to say the title quickly, 3 times in a row.

Video: THE OLD MAN OF STORR

THE OLD MAN OF STORR
Scottish Country Dances for Children No. 6
(Reel)

1 – 4 First and second couples right hands across once round – first woman finishes facing out.

5 – 8 First woman casts off one place and crosses over to the men’s side of the dance, while the first man follows his partner, finishing in second place on the women’s side. Second couple step on bars 7– 8.

9 – 12 First and third couples left hands across once round – first woman finishes facing out.

13 – 16 First woman casts off behind the third man and crosses to her own side while the first man again follows his partner, finishing in third place on his own side. Third couple step up on bars 15–16.

17 – 24 First couple set, then with nearer hands joined dance up to the top and cast off one place on own sides. Third couple step down on bars 21–22.

25 – 32 Second and first couples right and left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by R. Goldring, 1980.
Tune: Mrs Ella Wilson

TACNotes:’
8 1st woman dances across & faces down (no turn).

Dances for November 11, 2024

November 7, 20243x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: General Stuart’s Reel

General Stuart’s Reel or
The New Way of Gildon (Reel)
RSCDS Book 10 – No. 3

1 – 4 1st man sets to 2nd woman and casts off one place. 2nd man steps up on bars 3–4.

5 – 8 1st woman sets to 2nd man and casts off to second place. 2nd woman steps up on bars 7–8.

9 – 12 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand then, passing each other by the right shoulder, face second corners.

13 – 16 1st couple turn second corners with the left hand then, passing each other by the right shoulder, face first corners.

17 – 24 1st couple set to first corners, set to each other across the dance, set to second corners, then set to each other up and down the dance and finish man facing up and woman facing down the dance. 1st couple turn by the right throughout.

25 – 30 1st couple dance reels with their corners. 1st couple begin the reels by giving right shoulders to second corners.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Source: The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749.
Music: The Stuarts’ Rant, Bremner, 1768.

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 9-16 Corners dance two steps when turning.

TACNotes:’
9-16 Corners must dance into middle to meet 1st cpl on bars 9 & 13 then out to places on bars 10 & 14 releasing 1st cpl to face up & down the set.

Video: The Wind on Loch Fyne

The Wind on Loch Fyne
A 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple triangular set

1 – 8 1st woman dances a figure of eight round 2nd couple, passing right shoulder with 2nd man to begin, while 1st man dances similarly round 3rd couple, passing left shoulder with 3rd woman to begin. 1st couple take nearer hands briefly on bar 4, and right hands on bar 8 to finish facing each other.

9 – 16 All dance interlocking reels of four, passing right shoulders with partners to begin. All acknowledge partners on bar 12 while turning away to complete the reels. All give right hands to partners on bar 16 to turn the men into the centre.

17 – 18 Men dance left hands across to move two places, while women dance clockwise around one place.

19 – 20 All turn partners once round, giving right hands.

21 – 24 Repeat bars 17-20 to finish one place to the right of original positions.

25 – 26 All set, joining nearer hands with partner.

27 – 28 All dance six hands round to the left halfway.

29 – 30 All turn partners once round, giving both hands.

31 – 32 All dance six hands round to the left halfway.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Bowie Dickson.
Original tune: Scotch Mist – Traditional.
Source: Dunedin Dances – 11 Scottish Dances Book 1.

Dances for November 4, 2024

November 2, 20243x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Wind on Loch Fyne

The Wind on Loch Fyne
A 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple triangular set

17 – 18 Men dance left hands across to move two places, while women dance clockwise around one place.

19 – 20 All turn partners once round, giving right hands.

21 – 24 Repeat bars 17-20 to finish one place to the right of original positions.

25 – 26 All set, joining nearer hands with partner.

27 – 28 All dance six hands round to the left halfway.

29 – 30 All turn partners once round, giving both hands.

31 – 32 All dance six hands round to the left halfway.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Bowie Dickson.
Original tune: Scotch Mist – Traditional.
Source: Dunedin Dances – 11 Scottish Dances Book 1.

Video: Clatterin’ Brig

Clatterin’ Brig
Roy Goldring, Graded and Social Dances 2
32 bar reel for 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle (4 steps), turn inwards and lead up to finish in the centre in 2nd place.
2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

9 – 10 Taking promenade hold, 1st couple set to 2nd woman.
11 – 12 Moving to the right, 1st couple set to 3rd woman.
13 – 14 Moving to the right, 1st couple set to 3rd man.
15 – 16 Moving to the right, 1st couple set to 2nd man.
On bar 16, 1st couple finish facing the top.

17 – 20 1st couple lead up to the top and cast off to 2nd place.
21 – 24 All turn once round with right hands to finish in the centre, facing up, ready for:-

25 – 32 3 couple promenade.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Recommended Tune: The Pied Wagtail (Muriel Johnstone)
Recording: SSCD06 “Haste Ye Back” Track 13

Dances for October 28, 2024

October 25, 20244x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Bees of Maggieknockater

The Bees of Maggieknockater
John Drewry, RSCDS 30 Popular Dances, Vol. 2
A 32-bar jig for four couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple cross, giving right hands, and cast to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

29 – 32 1st man turns 4th man right hand one and a half times while 1st woman turns 4th woman left hand one and a half times.

    Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Drewry. Published with permission of the Scottish Country Dance Teachers’ Association (Canada).

Original tune: Forres Country Dance by Robert R Gourlay.

Source: The Canadian Book of Scottish Country Dances.

No Video

Ettrick Water
Roy Goldring, Auld Friend Meet
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples

1 – 2 1st couple cross giving right hands.
3 – 4 1st woman and 2nd man, 1st man and 2nd woman change places giving left hands. No polite turn for 1st man.
5 – 6 1st couple cross giving right hands.
7 – 8 1st woman and 3rd woman, 1st man and 3rd man change places giving left hands.

9 – 12 3rd and 1st couples set and cross, giving right hands to partners and stay facing out and up ready for:
13 – 16 Half double figure of eight round the 2nd couple. 3rd couple, followed by 1st couple, begin by dancing up behind 2nd couple then cross down between them. 3rd couple finish in original place.

17 – 20 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 9 – 12 but stay facing out and down.
21 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, dance down behind 3rd couple and cross up between them, staying in the centre ready for:

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples Allemande.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Mrs Mary Stoker (Muriel Johnstone)

Dances for October 21, 2024

October 19, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Fall 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

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.

R Bremner: A Second Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances c. 1765.

Original tune: Mr Muir Mackenzie’s Favourite (Mr Sharpe of Hoddom)

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.

No Video

The 27th of October
by Sue McKinnell
8X32 Jig for 3C

1-4 1W, followed by 2W, dance across the set, between 1M and 2M, up behind 1M, across the set and down the women’s side (the women have changed places).
5-8 1C and 2C RH across.
9-12 1M, followed by 2M, dance across the set, between 2W and 1W, up behind 2W, across the set and down the men’s side (the men have changed places).
13-16 2C and 1C LH across. 1C end facing down.
17-24 Parallel reels of three on the sides, 1C passing 3C RS to begin. 1W end facing out.
25-32 1W, followed by 1M, cast off behind 3W, up the center of the set to above 2C. 1C cast off to 2nd place on own sides.
Repeat.

Suggested music is Flights of Fancy from Celebrate 50 Years with the Boston Branch.
Written in honor of Doug Schneider’s 70th Birthday on the 27th of October 2013.

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.

Dances for October 6, 2024

October 3, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Fall 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Niles Roberts’ Farewell to Pasadena

Niles Roberts’ Farewell to Pasadena
Doug MacDonald, RSCDS Book 53
A 32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, cross and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3–4.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, cross below 3rd couple and cast up to face first corners in the middle.

9 – 12 1st couple dance a half reel of four on the diagonal with first corners, passing by the right to begin, while second corners, facing diagonally, set twice. 1st couple finish in 2nd position on opposite sides.

13 – 16 All dance half reels of three on the sides. To begin 1st couple pass second corners by the left.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half reel of four on the diagonal with second corner persons (who are now in first corner positions), passing by the right to begin, while first corner persons, facing diagonally, set twice. 1st couple finish in 2nd position on opposite sides.

21 – 24 All dance half reels of three on the sides. To begin 1st couple pass second corner positions by the left. 1st couple finish in the centre side-by-side ready to give left hands.

25 – 28 1st couple, giving left hands, turn halfway (2 bars) and dance out the ends of the set (man dances up and woman dances down) while 3rd and 2nd couples cross giving right hands with partners and set.

29 – 30 1st couple cast left to second places on own sides while 2nd and 3rd men, and also 2nd and 3rd women change places giving right hands on the side of the set.

31 – 32 Joining hands on the side, all three couples set.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: The half reels of bars 9 – 24 alternate between being on the diagonal and on the side. First couple may try to reform the diagonal line at bar 17 but should keep in mind that the following half reel begins passing by the right.

Devised by Doug Macdonald, San Gabriel Valley Branch, 1991.

No Video

The Borussia Strathspey
Duncan Brown, The Bovey Collection
32 bar Strathspey for three couples in a four couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hand, cross down below 3rd couple and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple dance half a figure of eight, 1st woman up through 2nd couple and 1st man down through 3rd couple, finishing by passing each other left shoulder to face 1st corners.

9 – 12 1st couple dance the path of ‘Corners Pass and Turn’, but on bar 12 pull back right shoulders to finish with 1st man facing down and 1st woman facing up. At the same time, 1st corners dance half turn and twirl with right hands to change places.

13 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 9-12 with 4th corners (partner’s 2nd corner person), finishing facing 3rd corner position (own 1st corner person). At the same time, 4th corners dance half turn and twirl with right hands to change places.

17 – 22 1st couple dance ‘Hello-Goodbye’ setting to finish facing up and down the dance.

23 – 24 1st couple dance a petronella turn to 2nd place, opposite sides.

25 – 32 Taking hands, 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance set and link for three, twice.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised for Petra Dolata of Calgary, Canada (formerly of Dortmund, Germany). Petra is one of Borussia Dortmund Football Club’s biggest fans, hence the Borussia in the title

Recommended tune: Beeswing Village (J McNab) Kinpurnie Collection

Video: Catch the Wind

CATCH THE WIND
RSCDS Book 45. No. 5
(Hornpipe)

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 twice. On bars 11-12, 1st woman pulls back right shoulder to finish facing out.

13 – 16 1st woman casts up round 2nd man and dances down to finish between 3rd couple facing 3rd man while 1st man dances across the set and casts up round 2nd man to finish between 2nd couple facing 2nd man.

17 – 24 1st man dances a reel of three with 2nd couple passing 2nd man by the right shoulder to begin while 1st woman dances a reel of three with 3rd couple passing 3rd man by the right shoulder to begin.

25 – 28 1st woman casts up round 3rd man and dances across the set to finish in second place on own side while 1st man dances down the middle and casts up round 3rd man to finish in second place on own side.

29 – 32 1st couple turn with the right hand once round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Romaine Butterfield, RSCDS New Zealand Branch and originally published by that branch in Island Bay Collection (1983). The dance was devised for Noeline O’Connor and Iain Boyd and the name refers to the fact that Iain courted Noeline for some time.

Tune: The Navvie, Traditional

TACNotes:’
Bars 25-28 1st woman must lengthen her steps to reach 2nd place, own side, pulling back R shoulder to flow into bar 29.

Dances for Spetember 30, 2024

September 28, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

The Borussia Strathspey
Duncan Brown, The Bovey Collection
32 bar Strathspey for three couples in a four couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hand, cross down below 3rd couple and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple dance half a figure of eight, 1st woman up through 2nd couple and 1st man down through 3rd couple, finishing by passing each other left shoulder to face 1st corners.

17 – 22 1st couple dance ‘Hello-Goodbye’ setting to finish facing up and down the dance.

23 – 24 1st couple dance a petronella turn to 2nd place, opposite sides.

25 – 32 Taking hands, 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance set and link for three, twice.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised for Petra Dolata of Calgary, Canada (formerly of Dortmund, Germany). Petra is one of Borussia Dortmund Football Club’s biggest fans, hence the Borussia in the title

Recommended tune: Beeswing Village (J McNab) Kinpurnie Collection

Video: The Montgomeries’ Rant

The Montgomeries’ Rant
RSCDS Book 10
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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.

Video: Pint O’ Ale Is Fain

Pint O’ Ale Is Fain
Bob McMurtry, Devil’s Quandry
32 bar Jig for 3 couples

1 – 4 All three couples turn by the right hand and out to place, to end facing clockwise round the set, men facing toward the top and women toward the bottom.

5 – 8 Dance clockwise, 3rd woman followed by 2nd and 1st women, to men’s side of the dance. 1st man dances the same to women’s side followed by 2nd and 3rd men.

9 – 12 All three couples turn by the left and out to place.

13 – 16 Dance anti-clockwise back to original positions at the beginning of the dance, women following, 1st woman and men following 3rd man.

17 – 24 1st couple dances a figure of eight on their own sides with 2nd and 3rd couples, giving left shoulders to 2nd couple to begin. For more advanced dancers, a reel of three on the sides may be substituted.

25 – 32 1st couple leads down the middle for three bars and back for three, cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 31&32.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Music: Pint o’ Ale by Bob McMurtry