Category Archives: Uncategorized

image_pdfimage_print

Dances for May 1, 2023

4x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2023, Uncategorized

Video: Sugar Candie

Sugar Candie
RSCDS Book 26
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st couple, passing each other by the left, dance round first corners by the right. On bar 8, 1st couple pull back by the right to finish back to back in the middle, woman facing up, man facing down.

9 – 12 1st woman and 2nd couple, 1st man and 3rd couple dance three hands round to the left. 1st couple pull back by the right to finish facing each other up and down the set.

13 – 16 1st couple set and, giving both hands, turn to face first corners. On bar 16, 1st couple open out as 1st man releases his partner’s right hand.

17 – 24 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, turn to face first corners.

25 – 30 1st couple dance reels of three on the sides passing first corners by the left to begin.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Original tune: The Earl of Angus and Arran (William Marshall, A Collection of Scottish Melodies, Volume 4, 1844).

Video: Maxwell’s Rant

Maxwell’s Rant
RSCDS Book 18
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 16 1st couple, with 2nd and 3rd couples, dance reels of three on opposite sides and then on own sides. 2nd and 3rd couples remain on own sides throughout.

17 – 20 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

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

25 – 28 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple and cast up to second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Rutherford: Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both old and new… Vol 1, London, c. 1755 as Maxwill’s Rant.

Original tune: Maxwell’s Rant (Traditional)

Video: Hooper’s Jig

Hooper’s Jig
Miss Milligan’s Miscellany of Scottish Country Dances
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 All clap and 1st couple, passing right shoulders, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

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

9 – 12 All clap and 1st couple, passing by the right, cross over and cast up to original places. 2nd couple step down on bars 11-12.

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

17 – 18 1st man and 3rd woman, giving right hands, change places.

19 – 20 1st woman and 3rd man, giving right hands, change places, while 1st man and 3rd woman dance round ready to cross back.

21 – 22 1st man and 3rd woman, giving right hands, change places and 1st man faces out. At the same time, 1st woman and 3rd man dance round ready to cross back.

23 – 24 1st woman and 3rd man, giving left hands, cross over with 3rd man guiding 1st woman into second place while 1st man casts off to second place. 2nd couple step up.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Rutherford, D: Compleat collection of 200 of the most celebrated country dances, both old and new, c. 1756, London
Customary tune: Peter’s Peerie Boat (Tom Anderson)

Video: The Saltire Strathspey

The Saltire Strathspey
RSCDS Book 45
(Strathspey)

1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman, 3rd woman and 4th man turn with both hands one and a half times to change places.

5 – 8 All four men dance left hands across once round. Staying in the middle, all release left hands and, giving right hands to partner, all finish facing anticlockwise, nearer hands joined with partners. (Fig. 1)

9 – 12 All set and link to change places with partners.

13 – 16 All set and link finishing on the sidelines facing partners. (Fig. 2)

17 – 24 All dance reels of four on the sides.

25 – 28 1st woman and 2nd man, 4th woman and 3rd man turn with both hands one and a half times to change places, all finishing on opposite sides in the order 2,1,4,3.

29 – 30 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over while 1st and 4th couples dance left hands across halfway round finishing in the order 2,4,1,3.

31 – 32 All set to partners.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Barbara Anglin, RSCDS Ottawa Branch and originally published by that branch in A Gatineau Gathering (2001).

Tune: Blinkbonny, George Meikle

TACNotes:’
Bars 1-4 1st man & 4th man finish facing in, anticipating the change of direction on bar 5.
Bars 11-12 Women dance well into middle to prevent spreading of set outwards at bar 16.
Bars 25-28 1st & 4th women finish similarly to bar 4.

Video: On the Quarter-Deck

On the Quarter-Deck
Scottish Country Dances from THE HARBOUR CITY.
A 32 bar hornpipe for 2 couples in a 4 couple longwise set.

1 – 4 1st couple set once and cross over giving right hands.

5 – 8 1st couple set once and turn with right hands just over halfway round.

9 – 12 1st couple and 2nd man dance right hands across once round.

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

17 – 20 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances down the middle for two steps, both turn right about and 1st man, followed by his partner, dances back up the middle.

21 – 24 1st man casts down behind 2nd woman and crosses over into 2nd man’s place while 1st woman dances up the middle and casts down behind 2nd woman to finish in 2nd woman’s place. 2nd couple move up on bars 23 and 24.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance right and left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“On the Quarter-deck” was devised by Iain Boyd.

Dances for April 3, 2023

4x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x40 Jig, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2023, Uncategorized

Video: Miss Milligan’s Strathspey

Miss Milligan’s Strathspey
RSCDS Leaflet — No. 20

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to finish, 1st couple facing down, 2nd couple facing up, nearer hands joined.

5 – 6 1st and 2nd couples set. On the second step, 1st couple turn towards each other to face up.

7 – 8 1st couple cast off to second place, while 2nd couple dance up to first place and face out.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides, all joining nearer hands with partner where possible. (Fig. 1). 2nd and 3rd couples turn the long way round to places.

17 – 18 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set.

19 – 20 2nd and 1st couples turn partners by the left hand halfway round, to finish facing down the dance.

21 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, lead down, cross over below 3rd couple (Fig. 2) and cast up to original place.

Progression: “The Knot”
25 – 26 1st and 2nd couples turn partners halfway round by right hand to finish in the centre, facing down, the woman turning clockwise under her partner’s arm to allemande position. (Fig. 3).

27 – 28 2nd couple, followed by 1st couple, dance up the woman’s side of the dance to positions as in Fig. 4.

29 – 32 2nd and 1st couples turn partners by the left hand to own sides.

Video: The Galloping Carousel

The Galloping Carousel
25 DANCES FOR 25 YEARS, RSCDS Ottawa Branch, 1991
32 bar jig for 4 couples

The dance tells the story of painted horses on a carousel who tire of prancing in endless circles and dream of breaking away to gallop freely. But even in their dreams they always return to the carousel.

1 – 4 1st couple with 2nd couple, and 3rd couple with 4th couple, dance right hands across once round, ending with 1st woman and 4th man facing out.

5 – 8 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances behind the women’s side of the dance into fourth place on opposite sides, while 4th man, followed by his partner, dances behind the men’s side into first place on opposite sides.

9 – 12 Top two couples and bottom two couples dance right hands across once round, ending with 4th man and 1st woman facing out.

13 – 16 4th man, followed by his partner, dances behind the women’s side of the dance back to place, while 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances behind the men’s side back to places, ending with the 1st couple facing down the dance and 4th couple facing up. On bar 16, 2nd couple faces up and 3rd faces down.

17 – 20 On the sidelines, 1st and 2nd couples set and change places right hands, while 3rd and 4th couples do likewise.

21 – 24 On the sidelines, 1st and 4th couples set and change places left hands. (The order is now 2, 4, 1, 3.)

25 – 28 4th couple dances up between 2nd couple and casts back down to second place, while 1st couple dances down between 3rd couple and casts back up to third place.

29 – 32 All four couples turn partners once round back to places with right hands.

Devised by John de Chastelain
Music: “Killearn”, or “Genevieve’s Jig”, Music for Book 32

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.

Video: The Black-Haired Lassie

The Black-Haired Lassie
Let’s All Dance, Too

32/R or S/3
by Carolyn Hunt (1993)
San Francisco Branch

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance mirror reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple dance in and down, 2nd couple dance out and up, and 3rd couple dance in and up.

9 – 12 1st couple cross over with right hands and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4 of the phrase.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight crossing up between 2nd couple to begin.

17 – 20 1st couple turn 1st corners with right hands, then pass partners with right shoulders to approach 2nd corners. Corners use all four steps.

21 – 24 1st couple turn 2nd corners with right hands, then pass partners with right shoulders to own sides of the dance in 2nd place. Corners use all four steps.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples circle 6 hands round and back.

Repeat from new places.

Music: Any good ree] or strathspey

Note: As a new 1st couple begins at the top, 3rd couple dance up into the reel from 4th place and the former 1st couple step to the bottom.

The black-haired lassie is Julie Osborne, who was in the Stockton beginners’ class. (CH)

Video: On The Quarter-Deck

ON THE QUARTER-DECK
Scottish Country Dances from THE HARBOUR CITY.

A 32 bar hornpipe for 2 couples in a 4 couple longwise set.

1 – 4 1st couple set once and cross over giving right hands.

5 – 8 1st couple set once and turn with right hands just over halfway round.

9 – 12 1st couple and 2nd man dance right hands across once round.

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

17 – 20 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances down the middle for two steps, both turn right about and 1st man, followed by his partner, dances back up the middle.

21 – 24 1st man casts down behind 2nd woman and crosses over into 2nd man’s place while 1st woman dances up the middle and casts down behind 2nd woman to finish in 2nd woman’s place.2nd couple move up on bars 23 and 24.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance right and left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“On the Quarter-deck” was devised by Iain Boyd.

Dances for March 27, 2023

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, 8x40 Jig, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2023, Uncategorized

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.

Video: MacDonald of Keppoch

MacDonald of Keppoch
RSCDS Book 49
Medley of 2 x 32 -bar strathspey and 2 x 32-bar reel
for four couples in a square set

1 – 6 1st and 3rd couples dance the first six bars of rights and lefts, men dancing a polite turn on bar 6, to finish in the middle of the set, back to back with partner, facing the side couples (1st woman facing 2nd woman, 1st man facing 4th man, 3rd woman facing 4th woman, and 3rd man facing 2nd man).

7 – 8 All set.

9 – 16 1st couple with 2nd woman and 4th man, 3rd couple with 2nd man and 4th woman dance reels of four across the set. 1st and 3rd couples finish in a line up and down the middle of the set, women facing each other in the middle (Fig.).

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance a reel of four. 1st and 3rd women pass by the right to begin; all pass by the left at the ends, by the right in the middle and finish in original places facing partner.

25 – 26 All set.

27 – 30 All, giving right hands, turn partner one and a quarter times.

31 – 32 All four couples, in promenade hold, dance on one place anti-clockwise.

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

Devised by Chris Ronald, New York Branch.

The title of the dance refers to the clan of which the Ronald family is a sept.

Video: On The Quarter-Deck

On The Quarter-Deck
Scottish Country Dances from THE HARBOUR CITY.
A 32 bar hornpipe for 2 couples in a 4 couple longwise set.

1 – 4 1st couple set once and cross over giving right hands.

5 – 8 1st couple set once and turn with right hands just over halfway round.

9 – 12 1st couple and 2nd man dance right hands across once round.

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

17 – 20 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances down the middle for two steps, both turn right about and 1st man, followed by his partner, dances back up the middle.

21 – 24 1st man casts down behind 2nd woman and crosses over into 2nd man’s place while 1st woman dances up the middle and casts down behind 2nd woman to finish in 2nd woman’s place. 2nd couple move up on bars 23 and 24.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance right and left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“On the Quarter-deck” was devised by Iain Boyd.

Video: The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights
TAC Silver Anniversary
3 x 32 Bar Strathspey

1 – 4 1st Man and 2nd Lady set to each other advancing, then turn each other with both hands (3/4 turn) to finish back to back in the centre, Man facing down, Lady facing up (they release hands and pivot right about on Bar 4 – i.e. Bob Campbell’s “Birl” from Frae A’ The Airts) Meanwhile: 2nd Man and 1st Lady dance around anticlockwise to finish facing their partner in a line up & down in the centre of the dance

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and turn with both hands to finish on own side of the dance, 1st couple now in 2nd place, 2nd couple in 1st place

9 – 16 1st couple repeat Bars 1 – 8 with 3rd couple. On bars 15 and 16 they turn with both hands finishing in position ready for Allemande. On bar 16, 2nd couple (at top) dance in to position for Allemande.

17 – 24 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance Allemande

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples (top and bottom) dance Half Rights and Lefts; WHILE the 3rd couple (in 2nd place) set and cross over giving Right hands

29 – 32 All 3 couples set and cross to own sides giving Right hand to partner

Repeat with new top couple

Dedicated to the Ladies of Prince George, B.C.
Devised by Chas. F. Dobie of Carisbrooke S.C.D.C.

NOTE: The following note appears in the back of Glasgow Assembly and other Scottish Country Dances by Bob Campbell (Fifth Printing, 1990):

“THE BOURREL
This progression, first used in Campsie Glen, also appears in The Northern Meeting and Frae A’ The Airts and was
originally known as the Birl. As birling, in its strict sense, does not occur in our dancing the term Bourrel has been substituted.”

Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

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

Fig – Bar 16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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

Dances for March 20, 2023

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, 8x40 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2023, Uncategorized

Video: The Royal Deeside Railway

The Royal Deeside Railway (Reel)
RSCDS Book 40 – No. 9

1 – 4 1st couple, without giving hands, dance down, cross below 3rd couple and cast up to finish in the middle of the set facing 2nd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple and 2nd woman dance right hands across once round.

9 – 12 1st couple and 2nd man dance left hands across once round. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing up, with the woman in front of the man.

13 – 16 With 1st woman leading, 1st couple dance up and cast off on own sides round 2nd couple to finish in the middle of the set facing 3rd man.

17 – 20 1st couple and 3rd man dance right hands across once round.

21 – 24 1st couple and 3rd woman dance left hands across once round. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing down, with the woman in front of the man.

25 – 28 With 1st woman leading, 1st couple dance down and cast up on own sides round 3rd couple to second place.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised in 1987 by Ron Arrowsmith, Vancouver for the Kerrisdale Community Centre Scottish Country Dance Class.
Tune: On the Fiddle (Copyright J. Hornsby)

TACNotes:’
5–12 1st woman is ahead of her partner in both ‘wheels’. 1st cpl finish in middle below 2nd cpl – approximately at 2nd position.
17–24 1st woman is again ahead of partner in both ‘wheels’, 1st cpl finish in middle at 2nd place, above 3rd cpl.

Video: Hana Strathspey

Hana Strathspey
RSCDS Tokyo Branch, 25th Anniversary Dances
A 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross between 2nd couple, cast round 3rd couple on opposite sides and, giving right hands, cross between 3rd couple, and cast round 2nd couple to own sides.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, turn with the right hand and turn with the
left hand.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance helix.

17-18 1st and 2nd couples set advancing and pass by the left shoulders to finish in centre back to back.
19-20 1st and 2nd couples, pulling right shoulders back, cast round partners dancing towards own places.
21-24 1st and 2nd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn halfway and, retaining partner’s hand, dance right hands across halfway.

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

Devised by Alex Gray, 22 March 2009
Recommended tune: Hana by Rentaro Taki (1879 – 1903)
For the Tokyo Branch of RSCDS to celebrate 25 years dancing and more to come (especially for Hiroko for the musical inspiration and Tom for organizing the event).

Video: It’s all right

It’s all right
RSCDS Second Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over to finish facing clockwise.

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples chase halfway to finish in the order 3,2,1 on own sides.

9 – 16 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-8 to finish in original places.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up.

25 – 32 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over, cast off one place and, giving right hands, cross to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 29-30.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Elma See.
For those who forget which is their ‘right’ hand.

Video: Mairi’s Wedding

MAIRI’S WEDDING
TWENTY-TWO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by James B. Cosh and TWO OTHERS

(N.B. Dancing couple passing left shoulder in centre.)

1 – 4 First couple turn with right hand and cast one place on own side. (Second couple move up.)

5 – 8 Then turn with left hand to corners.

9 – 12 First couple dance half reel of four with first corners. (The corners changing places.)

13 – 16 First couple dance half reel of four with second corners.

17 – 20 First couple dance half reel of four with first corners, (Who are now on the other side.)

21 – 24 First couple dance half reel of four with second corners.

25 – 32 Reels of three across, the woman with second couple and the man with third couple.

33 – 40 Six hands round and back.

Fig. 1 shows pattern danced by first woman. Fig. 2 shows pattern danced by first man.

Dances for January 9, 2023

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2023, Uncategorized

Video: The “Ballater” Reel

The “Ballater” Reel
Let’s All Dance
32/R or S/32 by John Trew

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and up; staying in the middle ready for…

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance rights and lefts.

25 – 32 1st couple dance a figure of eight around the 2nd couple.

Repeat from new places.

Music: Any good reel or strathspey

Note: This dance was devised for use with a very senior group of adults. In reel time, this dance would be suitable for young children. The dance could be amended to include more advanced figures. Ballater is a Scottish town.

Video: The Kissing Gates

The Kissing Gates
A Strathspey for 3 couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts. All finish facing diagonally to the centre, 1st man and 2nd woman having made polite turns.

5 – 6 1st man and 2nd woman set, whilst 1st woman and 2nd man change places diagonally, giving right hands.

7 – 8 1st and 2nd couples chase clockwise one place. 2nd couple are now in top place and 1st couple in second place.

9 – 12 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across once round. 1st man finishes facing out on his own side in second place, ready for:

13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across once round to finish facing partners across the dance.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples repeat bars 1 – 8.

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

Repeat, with a new top couple.

Suggested music:

‘The Silver Star’ recorded by Rob Gordon and his Band, on The Complete Caledonian
Ball, LCOM9007 Track 8.

Dance devised by Ken Jones.

Note: A kissing gate is a gate which allows people to pass through, one at a time, but not livestock. The gate “kisses” the enclosure either side rather than needing to be securely latched. However, some people use the name as an excuse to kiss the following person before letting them through.

Video: Lady Catherine Bruce’s Reel

Lady Catherine Bruce’s Reel
RSCDS Graded Book

1 – 8 First couple lead down the middle for 4 skip change of step and lead up for four. Finish ready for allemande, second couple coming in behind first couple on last bar.
9 – 16 First and second couples allemande to change places.
17 – 24 First couple dance the figure of eight round the second couple who stand still.
25 – 32 First and second couples dance four hands round and back to places – 8 slip steps to left and 8 to right.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: Collie Law

Collie Law
A 32 bar jig for 2 couples
R Goldring
24 Graded & Social Dances

1- 4 1st and 2nd couples, joining nearer hands on the sides, advance and retire
5-8 1st and 2nd couples turn partner once round with right hands finishing in the center, facing up, ready for: –

9-16 1st and 2nd couples dance Allemande

17-24 1st couple, crossing up to begin, dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple.

25-32 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across & left hands back

Video: The Deil amang the Tailors

The Deil amang the Tailors
RSCDS 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)

Dances for November 14, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2022, Uncategorized

Video: Miss Gibson’s Strathspey

Miss Gibson’s Strathspey
RSCDS 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.

No Video

The Links o’ Forth
Robert M. Campbell, Glasgow Assembly and other SCDs
Hornpipe for three couples

1 – 8 First and second couples dance “THE KNOT”, first couple to finish facing outon own sides, i.e.,

1 – 2 First and second couples turn partner half way round with the right hand to finish in the centre facing down, the women turning clockwise under their partner’s arm into Allemande position.

3 – 4 Second couple, followed by first couple, curve round and dance up the women’s side, Right hands are released on bar 4, the men passing their partner across in front of them to finish with the women slightly in the lead. See Figure 1.

5 – 8 Both couples turn their partner with the left hand, second couple to finish in top place, first couple to finish facing out on own sides in second place. (As they dance both couples centre their turns in the middle.)

9 – 16 First man and first woman cast round the dancer on their left, meet in the middle to turn once round with the left hand then cast round the dancer on their left to finish on own sides in second place. See Figure 2.

17 – 20 First couple turn their first corners with the right hand and meet in the middle to pass by the right shoulder. First corners dance for the four bars to finish back in place.

21 – 24 Passing by the right shoulder first couple turn second corners with the left hand then dance round each other by the left shoulder to finish facing out on opposite sides. Second corners dance for the four bars to finish back in place.

25 – 32 First couple dance reels of three on opposite sides, first man giving left shoulder to second woman, first woman left shoulder to third man to begin. On bars 31-32 first couple cross over, first man up, first woman down, to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: There and Back

There and Back
Graded and Social Dances 3 devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar Reel for 3 couples

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

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

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

25 – 28 1st couple dance (nearer hands joined) down between 2nd and 3rd couples, divide and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up one place on bars 27-28.
29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn with right hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Ferguson Frolics (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: The Shetland Shepherdess

The Shetland Shepherdess
The San Andreas Collection by Ron Wallace
32 bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set

1 – 4 1st couple dance down between 2nd couple and cast up to original place

5 – 8 1st couple half figure of 8 down around 2nd couple

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couple cross-over mirror reels of three on the sides, 1st couple cross to 2nd place on own side to begin, 2nd couple out and up and 3rd couple in and up; 2nd couple ends facing out

17 – 18 1st and 2nd women half turn by the LEFT hand while 1st and 2nd men half turn by the RIGHT hand
19 – 20 1st and 3rd women turn by the RIGHT hand while 1st and 3rd men turn by the LEFT hand, 1st couple ends in the middle facing up, and 3rd couple ends back in 3rd place (for 1st couple the turn is ¾ but for the 3rd couple the turn is once round)
21 – 24 1st couple dance up the middle to the top of the set and cast to 2nd place own side

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire, all clap (last beat of Bar 28), and all turn partner by the RIGHT hand once round.

Music: “The Shetland Shepherdess” by Ron Wallace

This title was inspired by a trip to Oslo, Norway, to teach SCD where I met Caroline Nicol, a Shetland shepherdess shepherding in Norway! The dance and music are dedicated to Susan Hagen, my hostess, and all the fine folk in the Oslo SCD Group.

Video: The Button Boy

The Button Boy
The Allanton Collection, 9 New Dances
32 bar Reel

1 – 8 First couple dance reels of three on their own sides first and second
men giving right shoulder, first and second ladies giving left shoulder
to begin.

9 – 16 First couple dance reels of three on opposite sides, first man giving
right shoulder to third lady, first lady giving left shoulder to third man
to begin. Second couple finish the reels in first place, first couple in
the middle of the set back to back, facing the opposite side.

17 – 24 Double Triangles, first couple finish facing the bottom of the set with
nearer hands joined, first man with his partner on his right.

25 – 32 First couple dance down the middle, change sides at the end of bar 28
(lady dancing under her partner’s arm), and back into second place.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance devised by Bill Zobel

The nautical flavour of the tune gave rise to the title “The Button Boy”. In the Naval tradition of manning the mast, the button boy is the seaman chosen to climb all the way to the top and stand on the button. This is deemed to be a high accolade.

This tune is a favourite of Bill’s who could also be described as the “button boy” when sitting at the sound desk in our recording studio at Allanton.

Dances for October 3, 2022

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2022, Uncategorized

Video: No Video

Lassie Will Ye Come and Dance?
Iain Boyd, Let’s All Dance
A 32 bar jig for 3 Couples

1 – 8 1st couple set twice, cross right hands and cast down round 2nd couple on opposite sides. 2nd couple moves up on 7 & 8.

9 – 16 1stwoman dances a figure of 8 round 2nd couple, passing 2nd woman by the right shoulder, while 1st man dances a figure of 8 round 3rd couple passing 3rd man right shoulders to begin. 1stcouple finishes on opposite sides in 2nd place.

17 – 20 2nd, 1st, & 3rd C set twice with nearer hands joined on the sides.

21 – 24 1st couple turn with right hands 1 ¼ times to finish with 1st woman between 2nd couple and 1st man between 3rd couple.

25 – 28 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple, set twice with nearer hands joined in threes across the set.

29 – 32 1st couple turn with right hands 1 ¼ times to finish on own sides in 2nd place.

No Video

Opossum Impossible
Le Petit Chat Celtique
32 bar Reel for 3 couples – McMurtry – 2006

1 – 8 1st couple dance in for one step and cast off two places, below 3rd couple. 1st couple, giving left hands, cross up between 3rd couple to end in second place opposite sides. 2nd and 1st couples facing up and down, set to each other, 2nd couple step up on bars 3 & 4.

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies chain, 1st man remain facing out.

17 – 20 1st man cast up round 2nd woman passing left shoulder and dance down between 2nd couple to second place in the middle. Meanwhile 1st woman dances between 3rd couple and cast up round 3rd woman, passing left shoulders to end in the middle. 1st couple end side by side in the middle facing down (Fig. 1).

21 – 24 1st couple giving right hands lead down and cross between 3rd couple and cast up one place.

25 – 30 1st woman dance a right shoulder reel of three across the dance with 2nd couple passing right shoulders with 2nd woman to begin, while 1st man dance a right shoulder reel of three across the dance with 3rd couple passing right shoulder with 3rd man to begin.

31 – 32 1st couple giving right hands cross to second place on own side. Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance Note: 1st couple should not be below the 3rd couple until the end of bar 4, the cast to second place taking the additional 2 bars. At the end of bar 20, 1st couple should be in the middle facing down the set, right hand in right.

Music: Belle Femme de Bretague by Boh McMurtry – page 16

Note: Alfie, one of my cats, was trying to stalk an opossum. Though the opossum was a juvenile, it was still big enough to intimidate the stalking cat. I can happily report that neither animal was injured in the devising of this dance.

Video: The Paisley Weavers

The Paisley Weavers
RSCDS Third Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set
Two chords: on the second chord, 2nd couple crosses to opposite sides.

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross down between 2nd couple, cast off one place; giving right hands, cross up between 3rd couple and cast up to original places.

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

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

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

29 – 32 1st and 3rd couples dance half rights and lefts.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Derek Haynes, Headquarters Member.
Printed by permission of Maureen Haynes.

The town of Paisley, seven miles west of Glasgow, was well known in the nineteenth century for its production of shawls and threads. The best known design, a twisted teardrop shape, is known as Paisley pattern.

Video: The Mountain Stream

The Mountain Stream
Graded and Social Dances 3, devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar Reel for 2 couples

1 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man set twice then turn with right hands. They finish in place.

9 – 16 1st man and 2nd woman set twice then turn with left hands.
They finish in place – 1st man facing out.

17 – 24 1st man, followed by his partner, casts behind 2nd man, crosses up between 2nd couple, casts behind 2nd woman and crosses to 2nd place on own side. 1st woman finishes in 2nd woman’s place. 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Miss Jean Donaldson’s Hornpipe (Traditional – James Walker 1st Collection)

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)

Dances for December 2, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, Uncategorized

Video: The Munro Rant

The Munro Rant
Miss Milligan’s Miscellany of Scottish Country Dances
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple cast off one place and, giving right hands, cross and cast up to partner’s place.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance rights and lefts.

17 – 24 1st man with 2nd woman followed by 2nd man with 1st woman lead down the middle. They turn to face up and, as the 1st and 2nd women dance up, the 2nd man casts off to join 2nd woman and 1st man dances up to join 1st woman. Both couples dance up to original places.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Customary tune: John Munro Sturrock (Muriel A. Johnstone)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
1-8 Careful phrasing required (acknowledge partner on bar 1). Crossing is with RH.
17-24 On bar 17, 2nd man dances up & in to meet 1st woman. Both cpls turn inward to face up on bar 20,
then 2nd man casts off to meet partner while 1st man dances up to join his partner, ready to lead up

No Video

The Flitting of Lorn
Jean Attwod – Alexander Dances Book 8
Reel – 4 Couples – 32 Bars.

1 – 4 1st and 4th couples set and cast, 2nd couple moving up and 3rd couple moving down.

5 – 8 1st man dances right shoulder round 2nd lady and faces down on ladies’ side, while 4th lady dances similarly round 3rd man and faces up on men’s side. AT THE SAME TIME 1st lady and 4th man dance across the set, cast to the right and face each other up and down, 1st lady between 2nd couple and 4th man between 3rd couple.

9 – 16 1st man dances reel of three with 2nd and 3rd ladies, while 4th lady dances reel of three with 2nd and 3rd men, passing LEFT shoulders to begin. AT THE SAME TIME 1st lady and 4th man set and cross with the right hand, then repeat, ending with 1st lady facing 2nd lady, 4th man facing 3rd man.

17 – 24 1st lady and 4th man dance reels of three across, passing by-the right to begin, WHILE 1st man and 4th lady set and cross with the right, then set and TURN 3/4 WITH THE RIGHT.

25 – 28 1st lady, followed by 4th lady, dances up and round 2nd lady to 3rd and 2nd places respectively, while 4th man, followed by 1st man, dances round 3rd man to 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

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

Repeat with a new top couple.

When the lands of Lorn fell to Clan Campbell, the inhabitants left in great numbers. The event became known as “The Great Flitting of Lorn”.

Dances for May 6, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, Uncategorized

Video: Old and Dangerous

Old and Dangerous
San Andreas Collection
32 bar strathspey for 2 couples in a 4-couple

1-4 1st & 2nd couples set, 1st woman cast down, 2nd man cast up as 1st man and 2nd woman pass LEFT shoulders to face partners on the 1st corner diagonal

5-8 1st & 2nd couples dance half reel of four

9-16 Revolving chain:

Bar 1 1st and 2nd couples turn partner with RIGHT hand half way
Bar 2 1st woman and 2nd man turn LEFT hand as 1st man and 2nd woman travel 1/8 on outside (line is up and down the set)
Bars 3-6 Repeat bars 1-2 twice more (end of bar 4 – line is on 2nd corner diagonal; end of Bar 6 – line is across the set)
Bars 7-8 Men turn with RIGHT hands ¾ to progressed positions while women do the same, 1st man and 2nd woman remain facing out

17-24 1st man cast up and 2nd woman cast down, dance back to back and set while: 1st woman & 2nd man dance back to back, then set twice advancing, passing retiring 2nd woman and 1st man respectively, then passing each other to face partner, still on the diagonal

25-32 1st & 2nd couples turn partner two hands once round (2 bars), half poussette (4 bars), and set (2 bars)

Repeat having passed a couple

Devisor: Gary Thomas, 2007
Music: “Old and Dangerous” by Gary Thomas

The dance is named after the windows in the building where we practice. There are signs that
say not to use them as they are “old and dangerous”. Sometimes we feel the same way.

Video: Catch the Wind

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

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

5–8 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.

9–12 1st couple set twice. On bars 11-12, 1st woman pulls back right shoulder to finish facing out.

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Tune: The Navvie, Traditional

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

Dances for April 29, 2019

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2019, Uncategorized

Video: Angus MacLeod

ANGUS MacLEOD
(Reel)

1 – 2 2nd and 3rd couples dance into the centre of the set with two skip-change and face diagonally in.

3 – 4 They set, turning right about on the second step to face the corners of the set, men facing men, women facing women. 2nd and 3rd couples are hereafter referred to as “centres,” 1st and 4th couples as “corners.”

5 – 6 Passing right shoulder with two skip-change, centres change places with their corners, who face diagonally in.

7 – 8 All set, corners turning right about.

9 – 10 Passing right shoulder again, corners dance out and centres dance in to face diagonally in.

11 – 12 All set, centres turning right about, and

13 – 16 Centres turn their corners by the right hand once round and

17 – 20 Dance left hands across once round, finishing facing their corners again.

21 – 32 Double diagonal reels of four: to begin, centres pass their corners right shoulder. As the dancers pass in the middle they give left hands across for two steps, half round. Corners finish in their original places, but

33 – 34 Centres, giving left hand to partner, change places (2nd woman and 3rd man doing a “polite” turn) to finish back to back in the middle of the set, facing their partner’s original corner.

35 – 36 All set.

37 – 40 Each turns the person he is facing by one hand so that centre couples begin by going between corner couples (left hand for 2nd woman and 1st man, 3rd man and 4th woman: right hand for 2nd man and 1st woman, 3rd woman and 4th man).

41 – 48 Centres, facing diagonally in, set, with two pas de basque and four points, twice.

49 – 52 Centres dance between corner couples and cast into the middle again, facing diagonally in, and

53 – 56 Set, with two pas de basque and four points, once.

57 – 64 With 3rd couple making an arch and 2nd dancing under it, 2nd dance down and, together, cast up round 4th woman and dance up the middle to the top of the set, while 3rd couple dance up and, together, cast off round 1st man and dance down the middle to the bottom of the set, After casting, 2nd man and 3rd woman pass left shoulder. On 63-64 1st couple move down and 4th move up.

Repeat once more with new centres and new corners.

Dance devised by Alex. T. Queen, of the R. S. C. D. S., Southport Branch, Pipe Major Clan MacLeod Band.
COPYRIGHT, 1969, HUGH FOSS.

Video: MacDonald of the Isles

MacDONALD OF THE ISLES
The Second Carnforth Collection of Scottish Country Dances devised by Derek Haynes.
Strathspey for three-couple sets

1 – 8 2nd couple dance a diagonal reel of four with first corners. On bar 8 2nd couple dance left shoulder around each other to face second corners, ready to dance into a –

9 – 16 Diagonal reel of four with second corners. All finish on the side lines with 1st woman and 3rd man looping round by their right on bar 16.

HORSESHOE CHAIN aka PICK-UP or SNOWBALL CHAIN

17 – 18 1st couple cross over giving right hands.

19 – 20 1st and 2nd couples change places giving left hands.

21 – 22 2nd couple cross over while 1st and 3rd couples change places on the sides, all giving right hands.

23 – 24 2nd and 3rd couples change places on the sides as 1st couple cross to own sides, all giving left hands.

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

29 – 32 Half figures of eight: 3rd woman crosses down then casts up around 1st woman and 3rd man crosses up then cast off round 2nd man.

Repeat from new places.

Tune: The Smith’s a Gallant Fireman.
Recorded on Alastair Hunter’s Lorne Choice, DACD 9716 and also on Deirdre Adamson’s
Come Scottish Country Dancing, DACD 9614.

First published on a Glendarroch S.C.D. Sheet in 1966.