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.

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)

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

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)

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

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.

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.

Video: Polharrow Burn

Polharrow Burn
Three Dances by Hugh Foss
32-bar reel for five couples in a five-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place. 2nd and 4th couples step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple while 3rd couple dance a half figure of eight round 4th couple.

9 – 16 1st and 3rd couples turn with the right hand once round, then with the left hand to finish facing first corner positions. At the same time 2nd couple, giving right hands, cross over and 2nd man, followed by his partner, dances down behind the women’s line and across at the foot of the set to finish in fifth place on own side of the dance. Similarly, 5th couple, giving right hands, cross over and 5th woman, followed by her partner, dances up behind the men’s line and across to finish in first place on own side of the dance.

17 – 20 1st and 3rd couples dance a half reel of four with the dancers in first corner positions. To finish they pass by the left shoulder to face second corner positions.

21 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance a half reel of four with the dancers in second corner positions. To finish, they pass by the left shoulder to face their partners’ first corner positions.

25 – 28 1st and 3rd couples dance a half reel of four with the dancers in their
partners’ first corner positions and finish, passing by the left shoulder to second and fourth place on own sides of the dance. The order is now 2, 1, 4, 3, 5.

29 – 32 1st and 3rd couples turn with the left hand and cast off one place on own sides. 4th and 5th couples step up on bars 31-32.

Repeat from new posititions.

Originally published as Glendarroch Sheet No. 18
Original tune: Miss Clementina Loughan (Nathaniel Gow) From Old Scottish Music by Annie Shand

Video: The Gilly Flower

The Gilly Flower
Book 36 – No. 8
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and rotate.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides. 1st and 3rd men, 1st and 3rd women pass by the left to begin. 2nd woman and 1st man finish facing out.

17 – 20 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across.

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

25 – 26 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set advancing to the middle of the set.

27 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set, turning right about.

29 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across halfway.

31 – 32 Releasing hands, 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise to own sides in order 2, 1, 3.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Mrs P Roberts, Manchester Branch.
Original tune: Opera Dance (William Nisbet)

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bar 8 1st man remains facing out at the end of set and rotate.
Bars 17-20 1st couple dance out to the sidelines on bar 20 so that left hands across with 3rd couple starts from the sidelines.
Bars 25-26 As 2nd and 3rd couples advance to form the circle formation, 1st couple advance very slightly so that the circular shape is formed.

TACNotes:
1-2 On second pas de basque, 1st & 2nd cpls prepare to cast by pulling back R shoulders.
9-16 On bar 16, 1 st man curves to his R into place to face up, 2nd woman similarly but to face down, ready to flow into RH across on bar 17.
17-20 1st cpl finish on sidelines (1st man facing down) before flowing into wheel with 3rd cpl.
25-26 As 2nd & 3rd cpls advance to form circle shape, 1st cpl advance only very slightly.
29-30 All drop hands by end of bar 30 to enable all dancers to dance out to own sidelines.

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: Sands of Morar

SANDS OF MORAR
Book 45. No. 6
(Strathspey)

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple, giving right hands when crossing down from own side and left hands when crossing back.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides, joining nearer hands with partner when possible. To begin 1st couple dance in and down, 2nd couple dance out and up and 3rd couple dance in and up. 2nd couple finish facing out.

17 – 20 1st couple turn with both hands once round and, retaining nearer hands, dance down to third place. 2nd couple dance out and up to first place and, joining nearer hands, dance down to second place to finish in the middle behind 1st couple. 3rd couple dance in to give nearer hands (3rd man right hand, 3rd woman left hand) and dance up and out to first place to finish in the middle behind 2nd couple. All three couples are in the middle of the set facing down.

21 – 22 All three couples set.

23 – 24 1st couple cast up to first place, while 2nd couple, following them, cast up to second place and 3rd couple dance down to third place.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance the tourbillon as follows:

25-26 1st and 2nd couples turn with both hands halfway round. After one bar, 1st man releases his left hand to dance into 2nd woman’s place while 1st woman dances into her original place. 2nd woman similarly releases her left hand to dance into 1st man’s place while 2nd man dances into his original place.

27-28 1st couple set to 2nd couple.

29-30 1st and 2nd couples turn with both hands halfway round. After one bar, 1st woman releases her left hand to dance into 2nd man’s place while 1st man dances into 2nd woman’s place. 2nd man similarly releases his left hand to dance into 1st woman’s place while 2nd woman dances into 1st man’s place.

31-32 2nd and 1st couples, giving right hands, cross over.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Barry Priddey, RSCDS Sutton Coldfield Branch and originally published by Glasgow Branch in The Diamond Jubilee Book (1983).

Tune: Pinky House, Traditional

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 23-24    1st and 2nd couples must cast quickly so that 3rd couple can dance into place by the end of bar 24.

TACNotes:
23-24 1st cpl, followed by 2nd cpl, must cast quickly to allow 3rd cpl to dance down & short way into places.
27-28 Retain nearer hands with partner at end of bar 28 ready for 2H turn on bar 29.
29-30 At beginning of bar 30, 1st woman & 2nd man draw partners along sidelines with RH, then release to cross set.

Video: Glayva

GLAYVA
THE CANADIAN BOOK OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by John Drewry

for Mary Prentice’s Birthday 12 January, 1976, in Ibiza
Jig – 2 couples – 32 bars.
Tune – “Mary Prentice’s Jig” by Bobby Jack.

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance half a double figure of eight. To begin:- 1st couple dance down crossing over, while 2nd couple dance up on the sides. At the end:- 2nd couple stay facing out.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd men turn once round by the left hand, while 1st and 2nd ladies turn by the right hand. Again, 2nd couple stay facing out.

9 – 12 1st and 2nd couples dance another half double figure of eight. Again 2nd couple stay facing out.

13 – 16 1st and 2nd men turn once round by the right hand, while 1st and 2nd ladies turn by the left hand. This time 2nd couple finish facing in, with polite turns.

17 – 20 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across – on the last step they dance into the centre, pulling right shoulders back, to finish closely back to back facing out towards own original positions.

21 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance out to original positions (two skip change of step), then set facing diagonally in.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance the “Espagnole” to change places.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

THE ESPAGNOLE
a new method of progression

Bars
1 – 2 1st and 2nd ladies, joining right hands, dance towards the men’s side, passing between their partners – on the second step, 1st lady crosses 2nd lady over in front of her, so that 2nd lady dances out and up towards top place, while 1st lady dances out and down towards second place.

Meanwhile 1st and 2nd men cross towards the ladies’ side passing on either side of their partners.

3 – 4 1st and 2nd men, joining right hands, dance back towards their own side, passing between their partners – on the fourth step, 1st man crosses 2nd man over in front of him, so that 2nd man dances out and up towards top place, while 1st man dances out and down towards second place.

Meanwhile 1st and 2nd ladies cross back towards their own side passing on either side of their partners.

5 – 8 2nd couple turn by the right hand, while 1st couple turn by the left hand.

NOTE – there is no need to dance right into the side lines during Bars 1-6 but both couples must be in the side lines at the end.

Video: Red House

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

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 Gilly Flower

The Gilly Flower
Book 36 – No. 8
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and rotate.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides. 1st and 3rd men, 1st and 3rd women pass by the left to begin. 2nd woman and 1st man finish facing out.

17 – 20 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across.

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

25 – 26 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set advancing to the middle of the set.

27 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set, turning right about.

29 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across halfway.

31 – 32 Releasing hands, 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise to own sides in order 2, 1, 3.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Mrs P Roberts, Manchester Branch.
Original tune: Opera Dance (William Nisbet)

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing: Bar 8 1st man remains facing out at the end of set and rotate. Bars 17-20 1st couple dance out to the sidelines on bar 20 so that left hands across with 3rd couple starts from the sidelines. Bars 25-26 As 2nd and 3rd couples advance to form the circle formation, 1st couple advance very slightly so that the circular shape is formed.

TACNotes:
1-2 On second pas de basque, 1st & 2nd cpls prepare to cast by pulling back R shoulders.
9-16 On bar 16, 1 st man curves to his R into place to face up, 2nd woman similarly but to face down, ready to flow into RH across on bar 17.
17-20 1st cpl finish on sidelines (1st man facing down) before flowing into wheel with 3rd cpl.
25-26 As 2nd & 3rd cpls advance to form circle shape, 1st cpl advance only very slightly.
29-30 All drop hands by end of bar 30 to enable all dancers to dance out to own sidelines.

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

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.