Dances for March 17, 2025

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025
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Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Montréal Rendezvous

Montréal Rendezvous
Montréal Moments
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple dances down the middle to 3rd place with nearer hands joined and turns the 3rd couple with outside hands (men with right hands, women with left) to finish in 2nd place (2nd couple steps up on bars 3 and 4). Dancing couple then crosses over passing right shoulders and turns the 2nd couple (1st man turns 2nd lady with left hand and 1st woman turns 2nd man with right hand) to meet at the top of the set with nearer hands joined.

9 – 16 1st couple dances down the middle to 3rd place, and turns the 3rd couple with outside hands (1st man turns 3rd woman with left hands and 1st woman turns 3rd man with right hands) to finish in second place. Dancing couple then crosses over passing right shoulders and turns the 2nd couple (men with right hands, women with left) to end in original places.

17 – 20 1st couple sets and casts into 2nd place on own sides. 2nd couple steps up on bars 19 and 20.

21 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance rights and lefts for three couples.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Written by G. Dale Birdsall for the 50th Anniversary of the Montréal Branch.

Music: Monozygotic Phenomenon (Laura Risk)

Video: The Orchards of Co. Armagh

The Orchards of Co. Armagh
Belfast Branch Platinum Anniversary Dances
RSCDS BELFAST BRANCH
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 6 All three couples chase clockwise, in a rectangular shape, halfway round to finish on opposite sides and set.

7 – 8 3rd and 1st couples giving right hands turn three quarters to finish in a line up and down the middle, men facing down.

9 – 12 3rd and 1st couples dance a half reel of four, 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the left to face 2nd couple across the dance, 1st man facing 2nd man, and 3rd woman facing 2nd woman. 1st woman and 3rd man remain in the middle at the top and bottom of the set. Fig 1.

13 – 16 1st man and 3rd woman and 2nd couple dance a half reel of four across the dance, 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the left to face partners up and down the set. Fig 2.

17 – 20 1st and 3rd couples dance a half reel of four, 1st man and 3rd woman again passing by the left to face own partners.

21 – 24 3rd and 1st couples set and petronella turn to finish on own sides in the order 3, 2, 1.

25 – 28 2nd couple followed by 1st couple dance up to the top and cast off round 3rd couple to finish in third place, 1st couple finish in second place.

29 – 32 All three couples giving both hands turn partners once round finishing in the order 3, 1, 2.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Jinty Anderson
The dance was inspired by the rows of orchards in Portadown.

Dances for March 10, 2025

8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025
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Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: THE IRISH ROVER

THE IRISH ROVER
TWENTY-TWO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by James B. Cosh and TWO OTHERS
(Reel – 32 Bars)

1 – 8 First couple lead through third couple, cast up one place on own side; first woman wheel right hand with second couple, first man wheel right hand with third couple.

9 – 12 First couple dance half reels of four with first corners, then

13 – 16 half reels of four with second corners. At end of reels first couple turn left hand in centre ready to

17 – 24 give left shoulders to person in first corner’s position for two reels of three across the dance. First couple finish in second place, own side.

25 – 26 First couple change places with person in their first corner’s position (i.e. first lady right hand to third lady and first man right hand to second man).

27 – 28 Change left hands on sides; first lady with second man, first man with third lady. (First corners now back in original places.)

29 – 30 First lady changes places, giving right hand to third man (in second lady’s position), while first man changes places, giving right hand to second lady (in third man’s position).

31 – 32 First and second ladies and first and third men change places, giving left hands on own side of the dance.The order is now 2, 1, 3, 4.

Repeat from second place.

Tune – “The Irish Rover”

Video: Charles Stuart

Charles Stuart
Miss Milligan’s Miscellany of Scottish Country Dances
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over, cast off below 3rd couple, lead up the middle and cross to original places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 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, cross over to second place on own sides.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Ladies’ Pocket Book, 1794.
Customary tune: any strathspey

Dances for March 3, 2025

88 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance Season
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Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

The Archivist
Emily Porter, Ardbrae Celebrates 60 Years
A 32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 4-couple set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd, and 3nd couples dance 3-couple set and rotate as follows: All three couples set and cast to finish in lines of 3 across the dance, men facing down, women up. All change places right hands with the dancer opposite. All chase clockwise one place on to finish on the sidelines in order 3,2,1 with 1st man facing out.

9 – 12 1st man casts up behind the men’s line and down in front of 3rd man to finish in 2nd place facing out and down, while 1st woman dances up the middle and casts off around 3rd woman to finish in 2nd place facing in and down. 2nd couple step down on bars 11–12. Dancers in order 3,1,2

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three on the sides, giving a left shoulder to 2nd couple to begin. Dancers dance straight into place – 1st man and 3rd woman pull back a right shoulder at the end of the reel to face in, 2nd woman pulls back a left shoulder. Dancers in order 2,1,3

17 – 20 Starting from the sidelines and passing each other by the right shoulder to begin, 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with their 1st corners, the corners turn giving both hands. 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder to face their 2nd corners.

21 – 24 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with their 2nd corners, the corners turn giving both hands. 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder to 2nd place on their own sides.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance a poussette right round. Finish in order 2,1,3

Repeat having passed a couple

At the end of second repetition for each dancing couple, the following alternate ending may be danced:
31 – 32 2nd couple finish the poussette as normal. 1st couple finish bar 31 in the centre facing down with nearer hands joined. On bar 32, 1st couple down to 4th place. 3rd couple dance up the sidelines (2 bars) to finish ready to begin the 3-couple set and rotate with a new top couple.

Suggested music: The Quaich (Many Happy Returns – Hanneke Cassel and Dave Wiesler)

In memory of Elaine Hoag, an archivist both professionally, with Library and Archives Canada, and in her dancing life with the Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa. With our mutual love of the strathspey poussette and covering opportunities, it’s the kind of strathspey we would have enjoyed dancing together.

Video: Round Reel of Eight

Round Reel of Eight
RSCDS Book 27
88-bar reel for four couples in a square set

1 – 8 All four women pull back by the right and dance clockwise round the outside of the set back to original places.

9 – 16 All four men pull back by the left and dance anticlockwise round the outside of the set back to original places.

17 – 32 All four couples dance a grand chain halfway in six steps, set to partner then continue the grand chain to original places in six steps and set to partner.

33 – 35 1st and 3rd couples change places. 1st couple, giving nearer hands, dance between 3rd couple.

36 – 38 3rd and 1st couples change places. 3rd couple, giving nearer hands, dance between 1st couple.

39 – 40 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn into allemande hold.

41 – 48 1st and 3rd couples dance anticlockwise round the inside of the set to original places.

49 – 64 2nd and 4th couples repeat bars 33-48. On bars 49-51, 2nd couple dance between 4th couple and on bars 52-54, 4th couple dance between 2nd couple.

65 – 68 1st and 3rd couples dance half rights and lefts.

69 – 72 2nd and 4th couples dance half rights and lefts.

73 – 76 1st and 3rd couples dance half rights and lefts.

77 – 80 2nd and 4th couples dance half rights and lefts.

81 – 88 All four couples dance eight hands round and back.

Original tune: Mrs Anderson’s Reel (Robert Mackintosh, A 3rd Book of 68 New Strathspey Reels, 1796).

Dances for February 24, 2025

8x32 Strathspeys, 8x40 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025
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Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

Goodness Gracious Grasshopper
Forty Years On – RSCDS Pretoria Branch
40 bar Reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, followed by 2nd and 3rd couples, dance down the centre with nearer hands joined for 4 steps. 3rd couple, followed by 2nd and 1st couples, dance up the centre crossing over to finish on opposite sides in the order 3, 2, 1
as they turn on bar 5, retaining hands, the men dance below their partners while the women dance under the arch made by their joined hands.

9 – 16 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples set and link twice, to finish in their original places.

17 – 24 1st couple set, cross over giving right hands, cast off into 2nd place and set advancing, passing left shoulder, to finish back to back in the centre facing own sides.
2nd couple step up on bars 21-22.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance double triangles. On bars 31-32 1st couple dance a petronella turn to the right to finish with 1st woman between 2nd couple facing 2nd woman and 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd man.

33 – 38 1st woman and 2nd couple as well as 1st man and 3rd couple dance right shoulder reels of three across the dance.

39 – 40 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Ryan Nelson, 2012.

At night my son Duncan always wants me to dance with him. When I showed him how to dance for the first time, he exclaimed: “Goodness Gracious Grasshopper!” over and over again while dancing with me. Good Gracious Grasshopper is a character in the animated DVD “The Easter Egg Escapade”, which he had watched two dozen times or more.

I dedicate this dance to Duncan as he is my pride and joy and [am sure he will join me in dancing class in the not-too-distant future.|

Video: Charles Stuart

Charles Stuart
Miss Milligan’s Miscellany of Scottish Country Dances
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over, cast off below 3rd couple, lead up the middle and cross to original places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place to face first corners.2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 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, cross over to second place on own sides.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Ladies’ Pocket Book, 1794.
Customary tune: any strathspey

Dances for February 16, 2025

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance Season
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Ottawa Workshop Session

Video: The Engine Room

The Engine Room
The San Andreas Collection
32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4-couple set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and mirror reels of three on sides; on bar one, all join hands, on bar two, drop hands to face the direction to start the mirror reels, 1st couple in and down, 2nd couple out and up, 3rd couple in and up

9 – 16 1st couple back to back, cast off one place as 2nd couple step up, and cross with RIGHT hands to face out

17 – 20 1st couple dance around 1st corners, pull back RIGHT shoulders to end back to back, 1st woman facing up, 1st man facing down while: 1st corners dance back to back on the diagonal

21 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance half double triangles up and down (corners set 4 bars)

25 – 28 1st couple dance around 2nd corners, pull back RIGHT shoulders to end back to back facing opposite sides while: 2nd corners dance back to back on the diagonal

29 – 32 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance half double triangles; 1st couple finish on own sides second place (corners set 4 bars)

Repeat having passed a couple

Note: On Bars 31-32 of the second repetition, 1st couple finish the half double triangles by dancing to the bottom of the set as 3 couple moves up with pas de basque

Devisor: Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas, 2007

Music: “The Engine Room” by Muriel Johnstone, To Dance To 1

This dance was written for Muriel Johnstone for the occasion of her 60″ birthday, and presented to her at the Santa Rosa Class’s annual Beginners Ball.

No Video

The Slopes Of Hlidarendi
Bob McMurtry, The Devil’s Quandry
32 bar Strathspey for 3 couple set – 2002

1 – 2 No hands joined, all three couples half set on the right foot and advance with left foot one step on the diagonal toward partner. (Fig. 1 & 2, page 45).

3 – 4 All retire diagonally, one step, with right foot and half set with left on the sides, to original places.

5 – 8 All couples turn once round with both hands.

9 – 12 With hands joined, all set and circle six hands round half way.

13 – 16 Men making an arch, dance back to own sides and set, while women dance under the arches passing right shoulders with partner to own side and set. First part of setting step is done facing out and then pulling back right shoulder to face in (Fig. 3, page 45).

17 – 24 All dance the Rosette**

25 – 28 Dance a half right shoulder reel of three on the sides, 1st man pulling back right shoulder and passing same to begin, while 3rd woman do likewise (Fig. 4, page 45).

29 – 32 1st and 2nd couple set and link, ready to begin the dance from new positions.

Dance Notes: I have given the figure in the first 4 bars the name “Ha,” which is Icelandic for “what?”
On bar 15, men retain hands briefly, releasing on bar 16 as they pull back right shoulders. Women can take hands on bar 15, also releasing on bar 16. Bars 25-28 are reels as in Waverly.

Music: Hallgerd the Beautiful by Bob McMurtry

** Rosette: All set at the sides. Turn partners half way by the right hand, facing partner, retaining hands briefly. Pulling back right shoulders, all dance clockwise back to own sides. Figure devised by John Drewry.

Note: A dance for Elizabeth and John of the Stanford Class, California. Elizabeth suggested the title from the Nja’s Saga, when the hero Gunnar says, “Never have the slopes of Hlidarendi seemed so fair to me. I shall stay and not go into exile, come what may.” Hlidarendi is pronounced Hleether-endce.

Video: The Milngavie Maestro

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

Silver Darlings
Jean Attwod, Old Wick Castle & 3 more
Reel — 3 Couples — 32 Bars .

1 – 4 1st couple cross giving right hand and cast off 1 place, 2nd couple moving up.

5 – 8 Preparing the net — 1st man and 3rd lady turn once round with the left hand while 1st lady and 3rd man turn with the right, 3rd couple ending facing out.

9 – 16 The net – 1st couple dance “crossing” reel of three with 3rd and 2nd couples, who cast into the reel. (1st couple cross dancing down to 3rd place, cast up, cross dancing up to 2nd place and cast to finish in 2nd place on the wrong side facing up. 2nd and 3rd couples dance the reel on own side.

17 – 20 Hauling in the catch – 1st lady and 2nd man turn once round with the left hand, while 1st man and 2nd lady turn with the right.

21 – 24 1st couple dance half figure of eight round 2nd couple, ending in 2nd place on own side.

25 – 32 Boxing the fish – 1st and 3rd couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“Silver darlings” was the nick-name the Scottish fishermen gave to the herring.

Dances for February 10, 2025

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Uncategorized
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Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

High Lonesome House
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples
Craig Williams, December 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance down the middle, cross over below 3rd couple and cast up to 2nd place. 2nd couple stepping up on bars 3 – 4. 1st man & 3rd woman turn, with the left hand, 1st woman and 3rd man with the right hand, turn once round.

9 – 16 1st couple followed by 2nd couple dance a ½ figure of eight around 3rd couple. 1st couple dancing up to original places. 1st man & 2nd woman turn with the right hand once round, while 1st woman & 2nd man turn with the left hand once round.

17 – 24 1st & 2nd couple Helice,
1-2 1st & 2nd couple ¾ turn partners right hand, to finish in promenade hold, top couple (1st couple) facing men’s side, bottom couple (2nd couple) facing women’s side, forming a line up and down the dance
3-4 1st & 2nd couple promenade ½ way round anticlockwise (not too close together)
5-6 1st & 2nd couple still in promenade hold, turn to finish in middle of set facing partners – 2nd couple above 1st couple, [top couple on own side (2nd couple), bottom couple on opposite side (1st couple)]
7-8 1st & 2nd couple pull back right shoulder and cast into sidelines, 1st couple facing out on opposite sides

25 – 32 Reels of 3 on the sidelines. 1st woman passing right shoulders with 2nd man to begin. 1st man passing right shoulders with 3rd woman to begin. on bar 28 1st couple ½ turn with the left hand to continue the reel on their own side

Back in 1884, William and Mary McWatty and their 7 children, settled on 200 acres near the town of Packenham. They bought their first livestock: 4 cattle, 4 sheep, 2 horses and 1 hog, cleared 50 acres over the ensuing decades and built a working homestead. The land was farmed and logged continuously until 1997 when it was purchased and donated to the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust. The area is now called the High Lonesome Nature Reserve and is slowly being returned to it’s natural state.

Note: The Helice figure is borrowed from the dance A Trip to Ottawa by Malcolm Brown

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 February 3, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Uncategorized
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Ardbrae Ball Walk through

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.

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)

Video: The Captain’s House

The Captain’s House
RSCDS Third Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round.

5 – 6 1st couple cast off one place. 2nd couple step up.

7 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, cross to face out second place on opposite sides.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides, 1st couple passing second corners by the left to begin. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with first corners, passing by the right to face second corners.

21 – 24 1at couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with second corners. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn once round.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise halfway round the set to finish on own sides in the order 2, 1, 3.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Holly Boyd, Montreal Branch.

To celebrate the engagement of the deviser’s daughter, Leah Nemiroff, to Sacha Vais.

No Video

Wild Creek
32 bar Jig for 3 couples – Bob McMurtry 1998

1-4 1st couple cross by the right hand and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bar 3 & 4

5-8 1st couple turn with left hands once and three-quarters, end with 1st man facing down between 3rd couple and 1st woman facing up between 2nd couple

9-16 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance a 6 bar left shoulder reel of three across the dance. 1st couple pass left shoulders with first corners to begin. 1st couple cross to opposite side, passing right shoulders on bars 15-16. 1st man face out.

17-24 2nd and 1st couple dance Ladies Chain

25-28 1st couple dance a half figure of eight between 3rd couple.

29-32 1st couple turn with left hands once round and end in second place.

Repeat having passed a couple

Dance Notes: The turn on bars 5-8 may be anticipated a bit and should flow right into the reels of three

Music: Cock o’ the North

Video: La Tempête

La Tempête (The Tempest)
Reel
RSCDS Book II

The couples stand in fours across the room, two couples facing two couples, women on the right of their partners. (See Fig.).

1 – 8 1st and 4th couples dance four hands across with right hands and back again with left hands.

9 – 16 2nd and 3rd couples repeat bars 1–8.

17 – 24 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples set twice and turn partners with two hands.

25 – 28 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples join both hands with partner and slip across to change places with opposite couple, i.e. 1st with 3rd and 2nd with 4th, men passing back to back.

29 – 32 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples repeat bars 25–28 back to places, women passing back to back.

33 – 36 1st and 3rd couples and at the same time 2nd and 4th couples, dance four hands round to the left.

37 – 40 1st and 3rd couples and at the same time 2nd and 4th couples, dance four hands across (left hands) back to original places.

41 – 43 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples advance two steps and retire one step.

44 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples clap three times.

45 – 48 1st and 2nd couples dancing down the dance, pass under the raised arms of 3rd and 4th couples who are dancing up.

Repeat with the next two couples, and dance the same figures with every line until they arrive at the bottom of the room. As each line reaches the top or bottom of the room, change to correct side of partners and stand during one turn of the dance.

Note: This dance can also be done in groups of four in a circle, in which case, bars 9–16 are omitted.

Collected locally. Tune: La Tempête.
TACNotes:’
17-29 Set twice to partners.

Video: CATCH THE WIND

CATCH THE WIND
RSCDS Book 45
(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.

Video: Strathglass House

Strathglass House
RSCDS Book 13
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.

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.

Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

The Reel of the Royal Scots
RSCDS Leaflet
(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 January 27, 2025

4x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Uncategorized
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Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Bees of Maggieknockater

The Bees of Maggieknockater
John Drewry, RSCDS 30 Popular Dances
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: The Reel of the Royal Scots

The Reel of the Royal Scots
RSCDS Leaflet
(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 January 20, 2025

8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance Season, Uncategorized
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Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Australian Ladies

The Australian Ladies
THE GLASGOW ASSEMBLY and other Scottish Country Dances by Bob Campbell. Oakville, Ontario
A reel for three couples

1–4 First couple cross over giving the right hand and cast off two places. Second and third couples step up.

5–8 First and third couples dance right hands across once round, first couple finishing in the middle facing up with right hands joined.

9–12 First couple lead up, cross over and cast off round second couple to finish in second place on own sides. Third couple step down.

13-16 First and second couples dance left hands across once round.

17-20 First couple cross over giving the right hand and cast round first corner’s position to finish, first man between third couple facing up, first woman between second couple facing down. At the same time second and third couples set to partner then cross over giving the right hand, second couple to face down, third couple up. See Figure 1.

21-24 First couple change places giving the right hand and cast round second corner’s position to finish in second place on opposite sides. At the same time second and third men, and women, set to each other then change places giving the right hand to finish facing partner across the dance. See Figure 2 for bars 23-24.

25-28 First couple cross back to own sides giving the right hand and cast round partner’s first corner’s position to finish, first man between third couple facing down, first woman between second couple facing up. At the same time second and third couples set to partner then cross back to own sides giving the right hand, second couple to face up, third couple down. .

29-32 First couple change places giving the right hand and cast round partner’s second corner’s position to finish on own sides in second place. At the same time second and third men, and women, set to each other then change places giving the right hand. (Second woman and third man make a ‘polite’ turn at the end of bar 32.)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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.

Dances for January 13, 2025

8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2025
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Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Captain’s House

The Captain’s House
RSCDS Third Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round.

5 – 6 1st couple cast off one place. 2nd couple step up.

7 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, cross to face out second place on opposite sides.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides, 1st couple passing second corners by the left to begin. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with first corners, passing by the right to face second corners.

21 – 24 1at couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with second corners. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn once round.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise halfway round the set to finish on own sides in the order 2, 1, 3.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Holly Boyd, Montreal Branch.To celebrate the engagement of the deviser’s daughter, Leah Nemiroff, to Sacha Vais.

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)