Dances for April 15, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, Uncategorized
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Video: Pelorus Jack

Pelorus Jack
Book 41 – No. 1

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

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across to finish with 1st man facing his first corner and his partner behind him ready for a tandem reel.

9 – 12 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with first corners as follows: 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulder with 3rd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd man to finish facing 1st man’s second corner (2nd woman).

13 – 16 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with second corners as follows: 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulder with 3rd man to finish facing 1st woman’s first corner position (3rd woman).

17 – 20 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with first corners as follows: 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulders with 3rd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd man to finish facing the 1st woman’s second corner position (2nd woman).

21 – 24 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with second corners as follows: 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulder with 3rd man to finish in the middle of the set facing the women’s side.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance left hands across. 1st couple, retaining left hands, dance a half turn to finish in second place on their own side. 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, joining nearer hands, set.

    Repeat, having passed a couple.

Pelorus Jack (named after Pelorus Sound in Marlborough) was a famous dolphin who piloted ships through Cook Strait for some 24 years (from 1888 to 1912). Although protected by an Act of Parliament in 1904, the dolphin disappeared after four Norwegian whaling ships passed through the Strait.

Devised by Barry Skelton, New Zealand, 1993.

Tune: Christian Catto (Copyright Deeay Music).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
9–24 In each half reel the leading dancer dances beyond the corner position in order to loop together.

Video: Cherrybank Gardens

CHERRYBANK GARDENS
THE BANKHEAD BOOK, Part 1, Scottish Country Dances by JOHN DREWRY
December 1991
for Betty Keir of Perth to be used in promoting the “Tourist Trail”

Strathspey – 3-couple set – 32 bars

Tune – “Calluna” by J. Berry

1 – 4 1st and 2nd women and 1st and 2nd men, joining nearer hands, set and then “petronella in tandem” to finish facing down and up.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd women and 1st and 2nd men, joining nearer hands, set facing down and up and then “petronella in tandem” to finish on opposite sides in the order 2, 1.

9 – 12 2nd and 1st couples, joining nearer hands, set on opposite sides and then 2nd couple cross over giving right hands, while 1st couple cross over giving left hands.

13 – 16 1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple, while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple. 1st couple finish in second place on own sides.

17 – 20 1st and 3rd couples, joining nearer hands on the sides, set and “link” to change places.

21 – 24 3rd and 1st couples dance four hands round to the left to finish with 3rd couple facing down and 1st couple facing up.

25 – 32 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance a grand chain.

    Repeat with a new top couple.

Dances for April 8, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, Uncategorized
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Video: Les Remparts de Sév111e

Les Remparts de Sév111e
RSCDS Book 51
32-bar jig for three couples in a four—couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st woman dances a half figure of eight round 2nd couple; 1st man dances a half figure of eight round 3rd couple.

9 – 10 1st couple, giving left hands, turn to face first corners.

11 – 16 1st couple set to first corners, set to partner across the dance, set to second corners and finish 1stman between 2nd couple facing down and 1stwoman between 3rd couple facing up. (Note.)

17 – 20 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and link.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: Bars 11 – 16 are the same as bars 1 – 6 of the formation set to corners and partner.

Devised by Aliénor Latour, Paris Branch, March 2014.

In Act 1 0f Bizet’s opera ”Carmen” the heroine asks to meet her lover at a tavern by Seville’s City walls (Les Remparts). The dance was written in Seville, Spain.

No Video: Sorry

A Toast to Portland

David G. Queen 2012
32 Bar Strathspey for 3 Couples

1 – 6 All 3 couples set and dance half a turn with the right hand, face partner and cast away pulling back the right shoulder, onto the opposites side.

7 – 8 All 3 couples chase clockwise for 2 bars to finish in lines of 3 across the dance with the men at the bottom and the ladies at the top.

9 – 16 All 3 couples dance six hands round and back finishing in lines of 3 across the dance.

17 – 22 All 3 couples set and dance half a turn with the right hand, face partner and cast away pulling back the right shoulder to finish in lines of 3 across the dance with the men at the top and the ladies at the bottom.

23 – 24 All 3 couples chase clockwise for 2 bars to on the opposite sides in the order 3, 2, 1.

25 – 28 2nd and 3rd couples dance half rights and lefts.

29 – 32 1st couple dance half a figure of 8 around the 2nd couple giving right hands as they cross up to finish at the bottom on own sides.

This dance was devised to accompany a tune written by Deby Benton Grosjean dedicated to the staff of TAC 2012

Dances for April 1, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, Uncategorized
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Video: The Bon Viveur

The Bon Viveur
RSCDS Book 523
Medley of 2 x 32-bar strathspey and 2 x 32-bar reel
for four couples in a square set

1 – 8 All dance eight hands round and back.

9 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance a men’s chain. All four women face out at the end of bar 16.

17 – 28 All dance twelve bars of a Schiehallion reel:

17 – 18 Men, passing left shoulders in the middle, dance to the place of the woman diagonally to their right while women dance a loop to their right into their partner’s place.

19 – 20 Women, passing left shoulders in the middle, dance to the woman’s place diagonally to their right while men dance a loop to their right into the man’s place.

21 – 28 Repeat bars 17—20 twice, finishing one place clockwise from original places.

29 – 32 All four couples, giving right hands, turn once round (or birl in quick time).

Repeat in strathspey time from new positions, finishing opposite original
places. Repeat twice more in reel time, finishing in original places.

Devised by Ian Brockbank, RSCDS Edinburgh Branch, December 2015.

Written for Stewart Adam in recognition of his award of the RSCDS Scroll of Honour at the AGM in Perth in November 2015. Stewart has served as Chairman of RSCDS Edinburgh Branch, Dunedin Dancers and the RSCDS. Along with his wife Chris, he is a most sociable dancer and after dancing he can usually be found near the bar in a jovial group — a true ”bon viveur”.

Video: Summer on the Beach

Summer on the Beach
RSCDS Book 51
32-bar reel for four couples in a four – couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples, also 3rd and 4th couples, dance right hands across once round.

5 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples dance left hands across once round.

9 – 12 All four women, joining nearer hands, advance and retire, while all four men, joining nearer hands, set twice on the sideline.

13 – 16 All four men, retaining nearer hands, advance and retire, While all four women, retaining nearer hands, set twice on the sideline.

17 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples, Who dance up the sides to begin, dance down the middle and cast up to original places.

25 – 28 1st couple dance down the middle and curve the long way into fourth place. 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples step up on bars 27—28.

29 – 32 All four couples turn with the right hand once round.

Repeat With a new top couple. 4

Devised by Helena Strandberg Luthi, Gothenburg Branch, June 2012.

The deviser explains: “This dance was devised for Laura in my children’s class in Ghent,
Belgium. She was nine years old at the time and, although a very enthusiastic dancer, was
looking forward to her summer holiday at the seaside.

Bars 1—8 represent the parasols being set up on the beach; bars 9—16 represent the Children
jumping over the waves that roll onto the beach; bars 17—24 represent the children diving into
the water and swimming hack to the shore; and bars 25—32 represent the children playing with
their kites. ”

Dances for March 25, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, Uncategorized
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Video: Follow Me Home

Video: Follow Me Home

Follow Me Home
Book 38 – No. 3

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

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple, giving left hands, turn to join right hands with first corners in balance in line position. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 10 1st couple and first corners balance in line.

11 – 16 Releasing left hands with partner, 1st couple turn first corners halfway. 1st couple, followed closely by first corners, dance clockwise halfway round the set, passing behind second corners. 1st couple dance in to join right hands with partner and left hands with second corners. 3rd woman finishes in 1st man’s place and 2nd man finishes in 3rd woman’s place.

17 – 18 1st couple and second corners balance in line.

19 – 24 Releasing left hands with partner, 1st couple turn second corners halfway. 1st couple, followed closely by second corners, dance anticlockwise halfway round the set, passing behind 1st corners. 1st couple pass each other by the left to finish in second place on opposite sides facing out. 3rd man finishes in 1st woman’s place and 2nd woman finishes in 3rd man’s place. All are on opposite sides in the order 3, 1, 2.

25 – 28 3rd , 1st and 2nd couples dance half reels of three on the sides, 3rd and 1st men and 1st and 2nd women passing by the left to begin.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands to partners, cross over.

    Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Ellie Briscoe, Alexandria, Virginia.

Original tune: Miss Catherine Stewart, Pettyvaich (William Marshall)

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 11-16      The half turns should be completed in one bar to ensure the corners finish in new place. Similarly for bars 19-24.

TACNotes:’
11-16 1st cpl half turn corners, on bar 11, & release hands. Corners follow closely without going back through corner position.
19-24 Bar 19 as well as bar 11 above.

Video: The Dream Catcher

The Dream Catcher
RSCDS, Book 45
(96-bar Strathspey for four couples in a square set)

Bars Description
Part 1
1 – 8 All dance eight hands round and back.

9 – 16 The swirl

9 – 10      1st and 3rd couples turn partners with the right hand once round to finish in                       allemande hold facing across the set.

11 – 12     1st and 3rd couples dance round each other half way, men passing left   shoulders, 
        to finish in the middle of the set. On bar 12, 1st and 3rd couples release right hands 
        and retain left hands.

13 – 16    1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across. On bar 16 they dance in and, pulling back 
        left shoulder, dance on to finish back to back with partner facing the side couples. 
       1st woman and 3rd man face 2nd couple, 3rd woman and 1st man face 4th couple. [Fig.]

17 – 24 All dance reels of four across the dance, passing right shoulders to begin.

25 – 26 All set.

27 – 32 1st man with 3rd woman, 3rd man with 1st woman, retaining nearer hands, dance out between
the 4th and 2nd couples respectively, cross and cast to places then, giving right hands, change
places with partners.

    Part 2

1 – 4 All four couples, joining nearer hands with partners, set then advance to join hands in a circle in the middle.

5 – 8 Releasing partners’ hands and retaining nearer hands with corners, all retire on the diagonal and set.

9 – 16 1st woman and 4th man, 2nd man and 3rd woman dance rights and lefts. To begin, 1st woman gives right hand to 2nd man and 4th man gives right hands to 3rd woman.

17 – 24 1st man and 2nd woman, 4th woman and 3rd man dance rights and lefts. To begin, 1st man gives right hand to 4th woman and 2nd woman gives right hand to 3rd man.

25 – 28 All four couples, joining nearer hands with corners, set then advance to join hands in a circle in the middle.

29 – 32 Releasing corners’ hands and retaining nearer hands with partners, all retire to original places and set.

    Part 3

1 – 8 2nd and 4th couples repeat bars 9-16 of Part 1.

9 – 16 All dance reels of four up and down the dance, passing right shoulders to begin.

17 – 18 All set.

19 – 24 2nd man with 4th woman, 4th man with 2nd woman, retaining nearer hands, dance out between
the 1st and 3rd couples respectively, cross and cast to places then, giving right hands, change places with partners.

25 – 32 All dance eight hands round and back.

Devised by Eileen Orr, RSCDS Royal Tunbridge Wells Branch and first published by that branch in the Silver Anniversary Book of Dances (2001). The swirl was devised by Alex Gray of South Wales Branch and first introduced in two dances published by Edinburgh Branch in Edinburgh Diamond Jubilee Dances 1984.

The dream catcher is like a spider’s web, decorated with beads, semi-precious stones, feathers and strips of leather. Native North Americans believe that good and bad dreams come from the night sky and that bad dreams are trapped in the web, allowing only good dreams to get through. The bad dreams then evaporate in the rays of the early morning sun.

Note:
The RSCDS Technique Committee has provided the following additional information:

Bars 9-10 1st & 3rd couples dance a complete turn RH, finishing in allemande hold, facing into the set.

Bars 11-12 1st & 3rd couples dance half way round each other, men passing left shoulder, to finish in the middle of the set, facing towards their original places (1st couple facing 1st couple’s place), – during bar 12 all release RH and join up LH in the middle.

Bars 13-15 1st & 3rd couples dance LH across, nearly once round (more than ¾).

Bar 16 1st & 3rd couples release LH and all pull back L Sh to turn completely round, moving slightly forward, (a “pirouette” movement), to finish ready for the reels of 4 across, 1st & 3rd couples are back to back with partner, 1M facing 4L, 1L facing 2M.

In practice the LH across is virtually all the way round and the pirouette is then almost on the spot.

Note: Although we have referred to it as a “pirouette”, a small travelling step is used to turn round.

Dances for March 18, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, Uncategorized
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Video: The Zoologist

The Zoologist
RSCDS Book 46
32-bar jig for three couples in a four couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, cross down and dance out between 2nd and 3rd couples. 1st woman casts up to finish between 2nd couple facing 2nd woman, 1st man casts down to finish between 3rd couple facing 3rd man. 2nd couple step up on bars 1-2.

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd couple, 1st man and 3rd couple dance half reels of three across the set. To begin, 1st and 2nd women, 1st and 3rd men pass by the left and 1st couple finish facing first corner positions.

9 – 12 2nd woman, 1st couple and 3rd man dance a half reel of four on the first corner diagonal. On bar 12, 1st couple pass by the right to face second corner positions.

13 – 16 2nd man, 1st couple and 3rd woman dance a half reel of four on the second corner diagonal. On bar 16, 1st couple pull back by the right to finish back to back in the middle in second place facing opposite sides.

17 – 24 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance double triangles. On bars 23-24, 1st couple pull back by the right to finish right shoulder to right shoulder in the middle of the set facing opposite sides.

25 – 28 1st man and 3rd couple, 1st woman and 2nd couple dance left hands across once round. 1st couple finish right shoulder to right shoulder in the middle of the set.

29 – 32 1st man, followed by 3rd man and 3rd woman, dances down the women’s side of the set, across at third place and up to second place on own side. 3rd couple finish in original places.
At the same time, 1st woman, followed by 2nd woman and 2nd man, dances up the men’s side, across at first place and down to second place on own side. 2nd couple finish in first place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Duncan Brown, Exeter.

Note: Bars 29 — 32 are a variation on a movement devised by Norman Churnside.

In memory of the late Professor Ian Linn, a past Chairman of Exeter Branch.

RSCDS Notes
28 2nd and 3rd couples do not return to sidelines but retain the circular shape of the left hands across.
29 – 32 1st couple are followed by the couples with whom they danced left hands across.

Video: City of Belfast

City of Belfast

32-bar Strathspey for three couples in a three-couple set

1 – 4 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple to finish in partner’s place.

5 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman with left hands, 1st woman and 2nd man with right hands, turn one and a quarter times to finish with 1st couple in the middle back to back, 1st man facing 2nd woman, 1st woman facing 2nd man.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the dance in second place, 2nd couple finish in first place and 1st couple passing left shoulders, face 1st corners.

17 – 20 1st couple set to first corners, set to second corners and pulling back right shoulders, finish on the opposite side between corners.

21 – 24 All three couples join hands and set, 1st couple cross giving right hands to finish in second place on own side.

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

The Espagnole (devised by John Drewry)

Bars
1 – 2 1st and 3rd women, joining right hands, dance towards the men’s side. On the second step, 1st woman crosses 3rd woman in front of her so that 3rd woman dances out and up towards second place while 1st woman dances out and down towards third place. Meanwhile 1st and 3rd men dance across to the women’s side passing on the outside of their partners.

3 – 4 1st and 3rd men joining right hands, dance back towards their own side passing between their partners. On the fourth step 1st man crosses 3rd man over in front of him so that 3rd man dances out and up towards second place while 1st man dances out and down towards third place. Meanwhile 3rd and 1st women cross back to their own side passing on the outside of their partners.

5 – 8 3rd couple turn with the right hand while 1st couple turn with the left hand.

Original Tune composed by Marian Anderson
Dance devised by Lucy Mulholland

Dances for March 11, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019
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Video: The Black Leather Jig

The Black Leather Jig
Delaware Valley Silver
32 Bar Reel for 3 Couples

1 – 8 1st couple set, turn once round by the right, cast off one place, and turn by the left three quarters to finish with 1st woman facing 3rd woman and 1st man facing 2nd man. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 16 1st couple dance reels of three across the dance, giving left shoulder to the dancer they face. At the end of the reels, 1st couple turn quickly by the left hand to finish 1st woman facing 2nd man and 1st man facing 3rd woman. Supporting couples dance wide, slow reels across the dance, finishing in original places.

17 – 24 1st couple repeat the same left shoulder reels across the dance as in bars 9-16, 1st woman dancing with the 2nd couple and 1st man dancing with the 3rd couple. At the end of the reels, 1st couple pass right shoulders to finish facing first corners. Supporting couples dance continuously from the first reel to the second.

25 – 32 1st couple dance Hello-Goodbye setting with turns:

25-26 1st couple set to first corners, pulling right shoulder back to finish on opposite sides in second place.
27-28 1st couple turn by the right three quarters to face second corners.
29-32 Repeat bars 25-28 with second corners, finishing on own sides in second place.

Repeat having passed a couple.
Devised by Geoffrey Selling of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Inscribed to Heather Petit and Will Hurd on the announcement of their engagement, December 14, 1991. The title, which puns on the name White Heather Jig, refers to the black leather kilts, jackets and boots which Heather and Will are known to wear to Scottish dance events. Though called a jig, the dance is intended to be a reel.

Suggested Music: “Sleepy Maggie,” from RSCDS Bk. 11 recording, by Alastair Hunter and the Lorne Scottish Dance Band

Video: The Scallywag

Video: The Scallywag

The Scallywag
RSCDS Book 51
40-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple dance in towards each other almost to touch shoulders and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a quarter times to face first corners.

9 – 12 1st couple set to first corners and, giving right hands, turn to finish 1st woman facing 2nd woman and 1st man facing 3rd man.

13 – 16 All dance half reels of three across the set, passing left shoulders to begin and finishing in lines of three facing up and down the set.

17 – 20 Taking hands, all advance and retire.

21 – 24 1st couple dance round each other by the right shoulder to finish facing third corners (second corner person in partner’s first corner position).

25 – 32 Repeat bars 9 – 16 from new positions. 2nd and 3rd couples finish the half reels of three on own sides facing in, while 1st couple finish facing each other up and down the set.

33 – 34 1st couple set advancing and take right hands.

35 – 36 1st woman turns under her partner’s right arm while setting (pulling back her right shoulder) as 1st man sets moving slightly towards the women’s side. They finish side by side in the middle of the set, facing up, 1st woman on her partner’s left, retaining right hands.

37 – 40 1st couple lead up, cross over above 2nd couple, and cast off to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

On the last two bars of the second time through, 1st coup1e cast to the bottom of the set.

Devised by Jennifer P Kelly, RSCDS San Francisco Branch, February 1997.

An appropriately flirtatious dance devised to honour Mikkel Thompson on reaching his half century.

Dances for March 4, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, test, Uncategorized
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Video: No Video

THE LASS AND THE LAIRD

A three couple 32 bar Jig by Rod Downey from his booklet entitled “They Stole My Wife from Me Last Night: 25 Scottish Country Dances Both Social and Advanced” (2017)

1-8 Reels of three on the side, first couple crossing through second couples
place, second couple dancing out and up and third couple in and up.

9-16 Reels of three on the side, first couple returning to own side by crossing
through second place. At the end of the reels, the first couple and second
couple accelerate so that the second couple finishes in first place and the
first crossing down to second place on opposite sides and face out, as if
they were dancing the first two bars of another of these crossing reels.

17-24 First couple cast lady up and man down around their first corners, dance
towards each other up and down the set, lady between the second couple
down and man between the third couple up to finish in the middle of the
set, then pulling back their right shoulders dance back the way they have
come (man down and lady up) to cast around their partner’s second corner
to finish in second place on own sides. (This movement is most effective
if the dancing couple make it as round as possible, so that the dancing
up/down is more of a loop, and hence at the end of bar 20 the dancing
couple would be more left shoulder to left shoulder than fact to face.)

25-28 First couple dance back to back.

29-32 First couple dance with nearer hands up between the second couple and
cast off into second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised 3 June 2009. I have taught exactly this dance many times as my
misreading of Jack McConachie’s dance The Laird and the Lass. The first 16
bars are quite different than Jack’s and rather easier. Philippa Pointon pointed
out my error and my wife Kristin suggested that the new dance be archived.
The name chosen reflects the influence of Jack’s dance. I also follow his musical
suggestions of ”Up in the Morning Early”, or ”The Hopeless Lover”, played AABB.

Video: Violynne

VIOLYNNE

A three couple 32 bar Reel by Rod Downey from the New Zealand Branch 50th aniversary book entitled “A Touch of Gold.”

1-8 First couple dance a figure of eight on the sides giving hands as appropriate,
beginning by dancing in front of the second, behind the third, back in front
of the third and behind the second finishing ready for…

9-16 1C, 2C and 3C dance mirror reels of three on the sides first couple dancing
in and down between the second to begin. At the end of the reels, second
couple finish facing up, and third couple finish facing in place.

17-24 First couple followed by the second couple (who dance up to begin) dance
(nearer hands) down the middle and up. On bars 20 and 21 second couple
divide to allow first couple to dance between them. Both couples finish in
the middle of the set with both hands joined ready for ..

25-32 First and second couple dance a poussette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised January 2004 as a teaching dance for the beginners class at New Zealand
Summer School. I had taught the class “Sandy o’er the Lea”, and wanted a
dance with a poussette and mirror reels.

I also wanted to write a dance for Lynne Scott who is a multi-talented musician
and the fiddle is one of her favourite instruments.

The symbolism : 1-16 resembles the fiddle frame, 17-24 the strings and 25-32
the bowing.

Recommended music is “The Peat Fire Flame” played either AABB or ABAB,
and a suitable recording is to be found on “The Fireside Reel” as played by the
Scotsmen on “One More Couple Please.” Alternative acceptable music would
be “Corn Rigs” or “The Auld Grey Cat”.

The Black Leather Jig
Delaware Valley Silver
32 Bar Reel for 3 Couples

1 – 8 1st couple set, turn once round by the right, cast off one place, and turn by the left three quarters to finish with 1st woman facing 3rd woman and 1st man facing 2nd man. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 16 1st couple dance reels of three across the dance, giving left shoulder to the dancer they face. At the end of the reels, 1st couple turn quickly by the left hand to finish 1st woman facing 2nd man and 1st man facing 3rd woman. Supporting couples dance wide, slow reels across the dance, finishing in original places.

17 – 24 1st couple repeat the same left shoulder reels across the dance as in bars 9-16, 1st woman dancing with the 2nd couple and 1st man dancing with the 3rd couple. At the end of the reels, 1st couple pass right shoulders to finish facing first corners. Supporting couples dance continuously from the first reel to the second.

25 – 32 1st couple dance Hello-Goodbye setting with turns:

25-26 1st couple set to first corners, pulling right shoulder back to finish on opposite sides in second place.
27-28 1st couple turn by the right three quarters to face second corners.
29-32 Repeat bars 25-28 with second corners, finishing on own sides in second place.

    Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by Geoffrey Selling of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Inscribed to Heather Petit and Will Hurd on the announcement of their engagement, December 14, 1991. The title, which puns on the name White Heather Jig, refers to the black leather kilts, jackets and boots which Heather and Will are known to wear to Scottish dance events. Though called a jig, the dance is intended to be a reel.

Suggested Music: “Sleepy Maggie,” from RSCDS Bk. 11 recording, by Alastair Hunter and the Lorne Scottish Dance Band

Video: Violynne

VIOLYNNE

A three couple 32 bar Reel by Rod Downey from the New Zealand Branch 50th aniversary book entitled “A Touch of Gold.”

1-8 First couple dance a figure of eight on the sides giving hands as appropriate,
beginning by dancing in front of the second, behind the third, back in front
of the third and behind the second finishing ready for…

9-16 1C, 2C and 3C dance mirror reels of three on the sides first couple dancing
in and down between the second to begin. At the end of the reels, second
couple finish facing up, and third couple finish facing in place.

17-24 First couple followed by the second couple (who dance up to begin) dance
(nearer hands) down the middle and up. On bars 20 and 21 second couple
divide to allow first couple to dance between them. Both couples finish in
the middle of the set with both hands joined ready for ..

25-32 First and second couple dance a poussette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised January 2004 as a teaching dance for the beginners class at New Zealand
Summer School. I had taught the class “Sandy o’er the Lea”, and wanted a
dance with a poussette and mirror reels.

I also wanted to write a dance for Lynne Scott who is a multi-talented musician
and the fiddle is one of her favourite instruments.

The symbolism : 1-16 resembles the fiddle frame, 17-24 the strings and 25-32
the bowing.

Recommended music is “The Peat Fire Flame” played either AABB or ABAB,
and a suitable recording is to be found on “The Fireside Reel” as played by the
Scotsmen on “One More Couple Please.” Alternative acceptable music would
be “Corn Rigs” or “The Auld Grey Cat”.

Dances for February 25, 2019 – Updated

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, test, Uncategorized
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Video: The Spring Fling Reel

Video: The Spring Fling Reel

The Spring Fling Reel
RSCDS Book 50

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

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

5 – 6 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over.

7 – 8 1st woman casts up round 2nd man to finish between 2nd couple, all facing down. At the same time, 1st man casts off round 3rd woman to finish between 3rd couple, all facing up.

9 – 12 1st woman with 2nd couple, 1st man with 3rd couple advance and retire.

13 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round to the left halfway.

17 – 20 1st man with 3rd couple, 1st woman with 2nd couple advance and retire.

21 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, turn one and a quarter times to face first corner positions.

25 – 32 1st couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with first corners, pass by the right and dance a half diagonal reel of four with second corners to finish in the middle of the set, facing own sides, 1st man below his partner.

33 – 36 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides.

37 – 40 2nd and 3rd couples, retaining left hands, turn once round. At the same time, 1st couple, giving right hands, turn one and a half times to own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Samantha Burton, London Branch, September 2014.

As the winner of the competition at Spring Fling 2015 this dance was renamed. Originally entitled
A Reel Joy, it is dedicated to the deviser’s parents, Penny and Geoff Burton, and all those who taught
her the joy of dancing, including birling.

Video: The Silver Tassie

The Silver Tassie
Leaflet – No. 1
(Strathspey)

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands to partners, cross over and joining hands on the sides, set.

5 – 8 Repeat bars 1 – 4.

9 – 16 1st couple dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple, who stand still. 1st couple dance down between 2nd couple, crossing over, to begin the figure. 3rd couple also dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple, beginning by casting up to top place, then dancing down crossing over.

17 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd and 3rd couples, dance down the middle for four steps. 1st couple dance up the middle, while 2nd and 3rd couples divide to allow 1st couple through. 2nd couple meet and dance up between 3rd couple, who then meet and dance up.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couple Rondel, i.e.

25 1st couple dance down under the arch made by 2nd couple, who dance up.
26-27 2nd and 1st women cross in front of partners, then all cast to meet the other woman or man on the opposite sides and join nearer hands.
28 2nd and 1st women and at the same time 2nd and 1st men cross to own sides, the women passing under the arch made by the men.
29-30 1st man and 1st woman cross in front of 2nd man and 2nd woman, then all cast to meet partners in original places as in bar 25.
31-32 1st couple dance under the arch made by 2nd couple and all dance out to own sides, having changed places.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by John Drewry

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 17 – 24    1st, 2nd and 3rd couples give nearer hands throughout, i.e. they dance down and dance up.

TACNotes:’
17-24 Note use of word “dance”, i.e. all 3 cpls use nearer hands, down and up.
25-32 On bar 32, cpls dance straight into places.

Dances for February 11, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, test
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Video: Capelthwaite

Capelthwaite
by Claudette Sigg

32 bar reel for two couples

Music: King’s Reel (Traditional tune)

1 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman turn by the right hand for 4 bars and dance in a clockwise direction around their partner’s position to finish in each other’s place.

Meanwhile, 1st woman and 2″‘1 man set twice to each other on the diagonal and advance and retire.

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

Meanwhile, 1st man and 2nd woman set twice to each other on the diagonal and advance and retire.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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

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

Capelthwaite is named to honour San Francisco Branch dancer Cap Moran (August 8, 1954-April 3, 1993). This dance was created not so much in memory of Cap but more to celebrate the generous energy that infused him. A believer in the waxing and waning of the seasons of life as observed in the rituals surrounding the Summer and Winter solstices, Cap created himself. “Cap” was the abbreviation for “Captain’: a nickname he was known by in scouting. When it became politically expedient in his student radical days to change his name, he came across “Capelthwaite” in a name book and took it as his own. “Moran” was the name of the town that his father, Carl Anderson, came from. Thus, Michael Anderson was reborn as Capelthwaite Moran – or Cap as we all knew him — the Captain of his own soul and the Captain of his life’s joumey, even though that journey ended too soon.

No Video

Berwickshire Round Reel
64 bar reel for 4 couples in a square se

1 – 2 1st and 3rd couples advance towards each other with nearer hands joined. (2 skip change of step).
3 – 4 1st woman and 3rd man take nearer hands and set to 4th couple. 1st man and 3rd woman take nearer hands and set to 2nd couple.
5 – 6 Releasing hands, 1st and 3rd couples curve back to places. (2 skip change of step).
7 – 8 All face partners and set.

9 – 12 2nd and 4th couples repeat bars 1 – 4, setting to 1st and 3rd couples.
13 – 14 2nd and 4th couples repeat bars 5 — 6.
15 – 16 All face partners and set.

17 – 24 All pass partner giving right hands. All turn the next person once round by the left hand. (e.g. 1st woman and 2nd man; 1st man and 4th woman). All pass partner giving right hands. All tum the next person by the left hand to finish in own place. the women facing out and the men facing in.

25 – 32 Men’s chain. across the set and back, i.e. the men dance half left hand wheel while the women dance into their partner’s place; the men then turn the woman opposite by the right hand. Repeat back to own places, all finish facing in.

33 – 34 Men dance into the centre to face the next woman on the right. (1st man faces 4th woman, 2nd man faces 1st woman etc.)
35 – 36 All set.
37 – 38 All turn by the right hand to finish — men in women’s places and women in the centre facing own partner.
39 – 40 All set.

41 – 44 All turn by the right hand, the men dance into the centre to face the woman on the right and all set.
45 – 48 Repeat bars 37 — 40: on bar 48. women pull back right shoulders to give right hands across in a wheel and give left hands to partner.

49 – 52 All dance half wheel to finish in original places.
53 – 56 All set to and turn partners by the right hand.

57 – 64 Eight hands round and back.

For Muriel Johnstone
Tune: Thar & Richard’s Rant (Muriel Johnstone)

Dances for February 4, 2019 – Ball Walk Through

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, test, Uncategorized
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No Video

The Isle (Jig)
Graded Book – No. 15

1–8 First, second and third couples dance reel of three on own side of dance.

9-16 First couple cast off round second couple, lead through third couple, and cast up round them to face first corner.

17 – 20 First couple set to first corner then set to second corner.

21 – 24 First couple turn each other with the right hand 1½ times to finish on own side one place down.

25 – 32 First and second couples right and left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 8-9    At the end of the reel, 1st woman continues into the casting movement.
Bar 20       1st  couple pull back right shoulders to face each other across the dance.

TACNotes:’
1-8 1st woman, acknowledging partner in passing, finishes bar 8 in original place facing out & flows on into cast on bar 9.
11-12 1st cpl nearer hand lead.
20 1st cpl pull R shoulder back to finish between corners.

Video: Bohemian Reflections

Bohemian Reflections
RSCDS Book 51
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple lead down two places, cross over below 3rd couple, and cast up to second place on opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a quarter times to finish in the middle facing own sides.

9 – 12 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance right hands across. To finish, 1st couple pass by the right shoulder in the middle.

13 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides, 1st man facing out.

25 – 30 1st man, followed by his partner, casts off one place and dances across the set and up behind 3rd man to second place on own side. On the last two bars, 1st woman dances up the middle and into second place on own side, pulling back right shoulder.

31 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, joining hands on the sides, set.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Holger Schuckelt, Central Germany Branch, January 2016.
The dance was inspired by the reflections on the lake behind Průhonice Castle in Bohemia.

Video: Holyrood Strathspey

Holyrood Strathspey
RSCDS Book 51
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and, giving right hands, turn once round and face out.

5 – 8 1st couple cast off one place and, giving right hands, turn once round to finish facing out in second place on own side. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 –16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides. To begin, 1st couple pass partner’s first corner by the right shoulder. 1st couple finish in the middle, back to back, facing first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with first corners and pass partner by the right shoulder to face second corners.

21 – 24 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with second corners and pass partner by the right shoulder 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.

Devised by Mervyn Short, Berks/Hants/Surrey Border Branch, September 2015.
The deviser is very fond of Edinburgh and its architecture.

Video: The Machine Without Horses

The Machine Without Horses
Book 12
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set and cast up one place. 2nd couple step down on bars 11-12.

13 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance left hands across once round.

17 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple who dance up the sides to begin, dance down between 3rd couple cast up round them, dance up to the top, and cast off into second place, while 2nd couple dance up into top place.

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

    Repeat, having passed a couple.

John Rutherford: Twelve Selected Country Dances…for the year 1772.
Original tune: The Machine Without Horses (Rutherford, 1772).

Video: The Somerset Children’s Reel

The Somerset Children’s Reel
RSCDS Book 51
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down for two steps, set to each other retaining right hands, lead up to the top, and cast off to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Elizabeth Beckinsale, RSCDS Somerset Branch, October 2015.

Dedicated to the children’s class of the RSCDS Somerset Branch. This dance includes the children’s favourite formations. The children also helped to choose the name of the dance.

Video: At the Summit

At the Summit
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple turn once round with both hands to face up and cast off one place on own sides as 2nd couple step up.

5 – 8 1st couple cross, giving right hands, cast round first corners by the right and finish back to back in the middle, facing their first corners.

9 – 12 1st couple set to their first corners. 1st couple then cast around each other by the right to finish in their partner’s first corner position, while their corners dance into the middle and, pulling back right shoulders, finish back to back, facing their original positions.

13 – 16 1st couple and first corners set to each other. First corners cast round each other by the right to finish on the opposite sides in each other’s original positions, while 1st couple dance into the middle and, pulling back right shoulders, finish back to back, facing their second corners.

17 – 24 1st couple repeat bars 9–16 with second corners but pass by the right on bars 23-24 to finish in second place on opposite sides. Second corners finish on the opposite sides in each other’s original positions.

25 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples set and link twice to finish on their own sides in the order 2, 1, 3.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Tune: The Anglins of Ottawa by Muriel Johnstone
Devised by Craig and Jody Williams
This dance was devised for Bob and Barbara Anglin in appreciation of their support and encouragement as we began teaching in Ottawa and running the Ottawa Valley workshop.
We had an exceptional day with Bob & Barbara at the summit of Whistler before the TAC AGM in July, 2009.
Note: The movement described in bars 9-24 was first devised by the late Alex Hay and published in his dance “Peter White”.

Video: The White Cockade

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

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over. They repeat back to places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in first place in the middle of the set.

17 – 20 1st couple cast off to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance four hands once round to the left.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

William Campbell: 3rd Book of New and Favourite Country Dances and Strathspey Reels, London c.1782.
Original tune: The White Cockade (Traditional, earliest version Aird 1782 as The Ranting Highlandman)

No Video

McMARLEY’S CROSS 3S32
Rose and Thistle Book, of dances devised by Wigan Thistle Society

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devised by – Lorna Grundy, Lisa Jones, Ailsa Longmuir, Rebecca Markey, Kathryn Parkinson, Katherine Small and Nicola Strachan, some of the Junior Members of the Thistle Society, Wigan (1994)

Video: The Deil amang the Tailors

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dale’s Collection of Reels and Dances c. 1799.
Original tune: The Deil amang the Tailors (Gow)

Video: Flowers of Edinburgh

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

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

7 – 8 1st couple set to each other.

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

15 – 16 1st couple set to each other.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Kate Hughes’ Dancing Book (MS), Dundalk 1867.
Original tune: Flowers of Edinburgh (Traditional)