Category Archives: Strathspeys

Stratshpeys

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Dances for October 27, 2025

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2025, Jigs, Strathspeys

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Bonnie Stronshiray

Bonnie Stronshiray
Robert M. Campbell, Dancing Gems & Glasgow Assembly
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

Music: Bonnie Stronshiray, READY…AND! – Bobby Brown & The Scottish Accent

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples turn partner with both hands to finish in a line up and down the middle of the set, dance a half reel of four, then turn partner with both hands to finish on own sides, having changed places.

9 – 12 1st couple set to each other, advancing to pass left shoulders and turn first corners with both hands, ending with 1st woman between the 2nd couple facing down and 1st man between the 3rd couple facing up.

13 – 16 1st couple set to each other, advancing to pass left shoulders and turn second corner with both hands, ending with 1st couple between their corners.

17 – 20 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples cross giving a right hand; as 1st couple faces out and casts to their right, corners pull their right shoulder back to face each other diagonally to advance and retire, one step each way.

21 – 24 Repeat bars 17-20, crossing up and down the set, with 1st couple finishing facing their fourth corner position (the person they just cast around).

25 – 32 1st couple dance a half reel of four on the second corner diagonal (fourth corner position), dance round each other left shoulder and dance a half reel of four on the first corner diagonal (third corner position). On the last two bars, 1st couple turn with the right hand to finish in second place on own side.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dance Notes:

Stronshiray is the former name of the part of southwest Argyll from which Bob Campbell’s family came. (ref Glasgow Assembly book). Although there is no mention of this place on maps anymore, there are some notes that there is a connection to the Campbell’s STRONSHIRA HOUSE — a stone-built house on the edge of Loch Fyne that is available to rent and may reference Stronshiray.

No Video

Skating On The Rideau Canal
Lindsay Clarke, Ardbrae Celebrates 60 Years
A 32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 3 couple longwise set

1–8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance an Inveran reel, 1st couple crossing down to begin. 2nd
couple finish facing out.
9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance an inverted Inveran reel, 3rd couple crossing up to begin;
2nd couple dance out and down and 1st couple dance in and down.
17 – 20 All 3 couples dance “1/2 turn and twirl” to cross to the opposite side. (Giving partners
right hand, all turn halfway to finish in the middle of the set facing each other, and
pulling back right shoulders, dance on a curve out to the opposite sides.)
21 – 24 1st and 2nd couples chase clockwise 2 places while 3rd couple turn right hand 1 ½
times. All finish on own sides in order 2,1,3
25 – 28 All 3 couples dance “1/2 turn and twirl” to cross to the opposite side.
29 – 32 1st and 3rd couples chase clockwise 2 places, while 2nd couple turn right hand 1 ½
times, all finishing on own sides in order 2,3,1. 3rd woman dancing into 2nd woman’s
position finishes facing out.*

Repeat from new places

*At the end of the third and last repetition, woman dancing into 2nd place would face in for bow and curtsy. Inspiration for dance: Skaters who glide effortlessly and smoothly, without stopping. Therefore all couples keep dancing throughout, hopefully reaching the required spot just in time to glide through without waiting for the music to prompt the next move. On a busy day, skaters would weave around each other, occasionally meeting up with a friend perhaps, for a brief hello.

Video: Come What May

Come What May
Romaine Butterfield, RSCDS Book 51
32-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman dance back to back.

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

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

21 – 24 2nd couple repeat bars 17-20. 1st couple step up on bars 23-24.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples, joining hands on the sides, advance and retire.

29 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Romaine Butterfield, New Zealand Branch, May 2010.

This dance was devised on 1st May 2010 – hence the choice of title.

Dances for October 20, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2025

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Irish Rover

The Irish Rover
RSCDS 30 Popular Dances, Vol. 2
A 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple, cast up one place on own side; 1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple. 2nd couple step up on bars 1 — 2.

9 – 12 1st couple dance half reels of four with first corners, then;

13 – 16 1st couple dance half reels of four with second corners. On bar 16, 1st couple turn left hand in centre ready to;

17 – 24 Pass left shoulders with person in first corner’s position for two reels of three across the dance. 1st couple finish in second place on own side.

25 – 32 1st couple dance diagonal rights and lefts:

25 – 26 1st couple change places with person in their first corner’s position (i.e. 1st woman right hand to 3rd woman and 1st man right hand to 2nd man).

27 – 28 Change left hand on sides; 1st woman with 2nd man, 1st man with 3rd.woman. (First corners now back in original places).

29 – 30 1st woman changes places giving right hand ‘to 3rd man (in 2nd woman’s position), while 1st man changes places giving right hand to 2nd woman (in 3rd man’s position).

31 – 32 1st and 2nd women and 1st and 3rd men change places, giving left hands on own side of the dance.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by James B. Cosh.
Original tune: The Irish Rover – Traditional.
Source: Twenty -Two Scottish Country Dances by James B. Cosh and Two Others.

On the fourth of July eighteen hundred and six
We set sail from the sweet cove of Cork
We were sailing away with a cargo of bricks
For the grand city hall in New York
‘Twas a wonderful craft, she was rigged fore-and-aft
And oh, how the wild winds drove her
She’d stood several blasts, she had twenty-seven masts
And we called her the Irish Rover.

The Irish Rover tune is from a traditional Irish folk song about a magnificent but improbable sailing ship that after seven years at sea eventually sinks, leaving a sole survivor: the song narrator!

Video: Thank You Patricia

Thank You Patricia
RSCDS Book 54
A 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and dance a petronella turn. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 6 1st and 2nd couples set, on bar 6 1st couple advancing to finish in a line across the dance, with 1st woman facing 2nd man and 1st man facing 2nd woman.

7 – 8 1st woman with 2nd man, and 1st man with 2nd woman, giving both hands, turn once round to finish with 1st woman facing her first corner and her partner behind her.

9 – 12 1st couple dance a half reel of three in tandem with lead change with first corners. 1st couple pass 2nd man by the right to begin. 1st man finishes facing partner’s second corner, with his partner behind him.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three in tandem with lead change with second corners. 1st couple pass 3rd man by the right to begin. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing up with nearer hands joined, 1st woman curving round to the right to finish on the right of her partner.

17 – 20 1st couple dance up and cast off to second place on own sides.

21 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round, while 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, turn halfway. All three couples finish in allemande hold.

25 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Deb Lees, RSCDS Newcastle-upon-Tyne & District Branch.

Patricia Cass played piano for the Newcastle Branch Scottish country dancing and Ladies Step classes, often working with Deb Lees as teacher. This dance was written by Deb in conjunction with other members of the Branch class, in appreciation of Patricia’s skill and commitment over many years.

The reels in the dance are a reference to the dance John Cass (RSCDS Book 49) which was written for Patricia’s husband. However, in Patricia’s dance, the woman leads the first tandem reel, reflecting Patricia’s strength as a dancer as well as a musician. Patricia played a key role in the development and
organisation of the Newcastle Festival, held in February each year.

As Deb frequently found herself saying, “Thank you Patricia!”

Video: The Greenbelt Jig

The Greenbelt Jig
Elaine Brunken, Moments int Time
32 Bar Jig for 3 couples

1 – 6 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ladies Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place.
7 – 8 1st, 2nd, and 3 couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (All are on opposite sides)

9 – 14 1st, 2nd, and 3″ men Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place (Opposite sides).
15 – 16 1st, 2nd, and 3rd couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (1st couple remain facing out)

17 – 24 1st couple Cast off 2 places, join nearer hands and Dance up the middle, and Cast off to 2nd place.
17 – 19 cast 2 places (2nd couple step up on 17&18)
20 – 22 dance up the middle
23 – 24 cast to 2 place

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3 couples Advance and Retire.
29 – 32 2nd 1st and 3rd couples Turn by the Right Hand.

At the end of 2 repetition 1st couple finish in 3rd place and step to the bottom The new 3rd lady dances up from the bottom. 3 man steps up on bars 1-2

Repeat having passed a couple

Devised in March 2010 at the St. Columba’s Class in Greenbelt, Maryland. It’s an easy wee jig for all levels and a good warm up dance.

Easily adapts to a 2 couple dance: 1-16 and 25-32 done by 1st and 2nd couple. Bars 17-24 1st couple cast off one place in 4 bars (dance in for one and out for one, then cast for 2), dance up to the top, and cast into 2nd place. (2nd couple step up on 19 & 20)

Suggested Tune: Ride the Wind (Tatsu-Do) (Muriel Johnstone)

Dances for October 6, 2025

5x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2025

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Thank You Patricia

Thank You Patricia
Deb Lees , RSCDS Book 54
A 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and dance a petronella turn. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 6 1st and 2nd couples set, on bar 6 1st couple advancing to finish in a line across the dance, with 1st woman facing 2nd man and 1st man facing 2nd woman.

7 – 8 1st woman with 2nd man, and 1st man with 2nd woman, giving both hands, turn once round to finish with 1st woman facing her first corner and her partner behind her.

9 – 12 1st couple dance a half reel of three in tandem with lead change with first corners. 1st couple pass 2nd man by the right to begin. 1st man finishes facing partner’s second corner, with his partner behind him.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three in tandem with lead change with second corners. 1st couple pass 3rd man by the right to begin. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing up with nearer hands joined, 1st woman curving round to the right to finish on the right of her partner.

17 – 20 1st couple dance up and cast off to second place on own sides.

21 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round, while 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, turn halfway. All three couples finish in allemande hold.

25 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Deb Lees, RSCDS Newcastle-upon-Tyne & District Branch.

Patricia Cass played piano for the Newcastle Branch Scottish country dancing and Ladies Step classes, often working with Deb Lees as teacher. This dance was written by Deb in conjunction with other members of the Branch class, in appreciation of Patricia’s skill and commitment over many years.

The reels in the dance are a reference to the dance John Cass (RSCDS Book 49) which was written for Patricia’s husband. However, in Patricia’s dance, the woman leads the first tandem reel, reflecting Patricia’s strength as a dancer as well as a musician. Patricia played a key role in the development and
organisation of the Newcastle Festival, held in February each year.

As Deb frequently found herself saying, “Thank you Patricia!”

Video: Inchmickery

Inchmickery
Roy Goldring, RSCDS Book 53
A 32-bar jig for five couples in a five-couple longwise set.

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to the left. 1st couple dance in towards each other and then cast off two places (2nd and 3rd couples step up on bars 7 – 8).

9 – 16 1st couple dance right hands across, 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 4th couple, 1st couple pass by the right to dance left hands across with the other couple.

17 – 24 1st woman with 2nd man also 1st man with 5th woman, giving right hands, turn once round; 1st couple pass by the right; then 1st woman with 5th man also 1st man with 2nd woman, giving left hands, turn once round, 1st couple finishing in 3rd place.

25 – 32 1st couple dance in towards each other, then cast off two places (4th and 5th couples step up on bars 27 – 28), 1st and 5th couples dance four hands round to the right.

Finish in the order 2, 3, 4, 5, 1.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Roy Goldring, Leeds Branch, 2000. Reprinted by kind permission of Simon and Peter Goldring.

Video: Flowers of Edinburgh

Flowers of Edinburgh
RSCDS Book 1
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)

Dances for September 29, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2025

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: A Glasgow Welcome

A Glasgow Welcome
Glasgow Branch 100th Anniversary
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross down one place, cast off behind 3rd couple and dance up to finish back to back in the middle in second place facing opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 16 ‘Rotating double triangles’
9 – 10 1st couple with their 1st and 2nd corners, set in double triangles position.
11 – 12 1st couple set moving round back to back three quarters clockwise, to finish with the man in the middle, facing up, and the woman in the middle, facing down. At the same time, corners dance a petronella turn one corner position anticlockwise.
13 – 14 1st couple with 1st and 2nd corners, set in crown triangles position.
15 – 16 1st couple set moving round back to back clockwise, pulling back by the right to finish, woman in the middle of first place facing the women’s side, man in the middle of third place facing the men’s side. At the same time, corners dance a petronella turn one corner position anticlockwise.

17 – 24 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 3rd man, and 1st man and 2nd woman pass by the right to begin. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

25 – 28 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance right hands across once round.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Niall Bootland.

Video: The Fiddler’s Wife

The Fiddler’s Wife
Barb Anglin
(32 bar strathspey for three couples)

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

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

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 3rd couple.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with the right hand once round to finish in promenade hold, in the middle, facing up.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Minister kissed the fiddler’s wife,
An’ could na preach for thinkin’ o’t.
Robert Burns – My Love she’s but a Lassie yet

Video: The Sailor

The Sailor
RSCDS Book 24
32-bar hornpipe for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple, giving right hands, cross down, 1st woman to face 2nd and 3rd men, 1st man to face 2nd and 3rd women. 2nd couple step up.

3 – 4 1st woman with 2nd and 3rd men and 1st man with 2nd and 3rd women, joining nearer hands, set. (Fig.)

5 – 8 1st woman casts up round 2nd man to finish between 2nd couple, all facing down; 1st man casts down round 3rd woman to finish between 3rd couple, all facing up. All set in lines of three across.

9 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance reels of three across the set. To begin, 1st woman and 2nd man, 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the right. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle (two steps) and up, cross at the top and cast off one place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Collected by Miss Jenny MacLachlin.
Original tune: The Davy Hornpipe (Traditional)

TACNotes:’
3-4 Note Fig. – not a double triangles position.
5-8 Cast – not a right hand turn with 2nd man and 3rd woman.

Dances for September 22, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2025

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video The Fiddler’s Wife

The Fiddler’s Wife
(32 bar strathspey for three couples)

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

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

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 3rd couple.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with the right hand once round to finish in promenade hold, in the middle, facing up.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Minister kissed the fiddler’s wife,
An’ could na preach for thinkin’ o’t.
Robert Burns – My Love she’s but a Lassie yet

Manuscript Leaflet

Video: The Greenbelt Jig

The Greenbelt Jig
Elaine Brunken, Moments int Time
32 Bar Jig for 3 couples

1 – 6 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ladies Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place.
7 – 8 1st, 2nd, and 3 couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (All are on opposite sides)

9 – 14 1st, 2nd, and 3″ men Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place (Opposite sides).
15 – 16 1st, 2nd, and 3rd couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (1st couple remain facing out)

17 – 24 1st couple Cast off 2 places, join nearer hands and Dance up the middle, and Cast off to 2nd place.
17 – 19 cast 2 places (2nd couple step up on 17&18)
20 – 22 dance up the middle
23 – 24 cast to 2 place

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3 couples Advance and Retire.
29 – 32 2nd 1st and 3rd couples Turn by the Right Hand.

At the end of 2 repetition 1st couple finish in 3rd place and step to the bottom The new 3rd lady dances up from the bottom. 3 man steps up on bars 1-2

Repeat having passed a couple

Devised in March 2010 at the St. Columba’s Class in Greenbelt, Maryland. It’s an easy wee jig for all levels and a good warm up dance.

Easily adapts to a 2 couple dance: 1-16 and 25-32 done by 1st and 2nd couple. Bars 17-24 1st couple cast off one place in 4 bars (dance in for one and out for one, then cast for 2), dance up to the top, and cast into 2™ place. (2™ couple step up on 19 & 20)

Suggested Tune: Ride the Wind (Tatsu-Do) (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: Davy Nick Nack

Davy Nick Nack
GLASGOW ASSEMBLY and other SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by Bob Campbell
A hornpipe for three couples

1 – 4 First, second and third couples cross over giving right hands to finish a little in front of opposite side lines, and set. See Figure 1.
5 – 8 All cross back to own places, and set.

9 – 16 First couple turn time and a half with the right hand, cast off one place on opposite sides, then turn with the left hand to finish in a diagonal line with first corners. Second couple step up on bars 13–14. See Figure 2.

17 – 18 First couple turn first corners with the right hand to change places, corners finishing back to back facing first couple. See Figure 3.
19 – 20 First couple set to corners in their new position.
21 – 24 First couple turn their first corners back into place with the right hand then turn each other with the left hand to finish in a diagonal line with second corners.

25 – 28 The same as bars 17–20 but with second corners.
29 – 32 First couple turn second corners back into place with the right hand then, giving left hands briefly in passing, curve into second place on own sides. See Figure 4.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for September 15, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2025

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Come What May

Come What May
Romaine Butterfield, RSCDS Book 51
32-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman dance back to back.

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

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

21 – 24 2nd couple repeat bars 17-20. 1st couple step up on bars 23-24.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples, joining hands on the sides, advance and retire.

29 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Romaine Butterfield, New Zealand Branch, May 2010.

This dance was devised on 1st May 2010 – hence the choice of title.

Video: Monymusk

Monymusk
RSCDS Book 11
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one-and-a-quarter times to finish 1st woman between the 2nd couple facing down, and 1st man between the 3rd couple, facing up.

9 – 12 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple set twice. On bars 11-12, 1st couple turn to the right into second place on opposite sides.

13 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set twice.

17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st woman passes 3rd man and 1st man passes 2nd woman by the right to begin.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Francis Werner: Book XVIII for the year 1785 as Mony Musk.
Original tune: Monymusk (Joshua Campbell’s Collection, 1788)
Composed by Daniel Dow and called by him Sir Archibald Grant of Monymusk’s Reel.

TACNotes:’
11-12 1st cpl petronella turn to sidelines, assisted by 2nd man & 3rd woman.

Video: Flowers of Edinburgh

Flowers of Edinburgh
RSCDS Book 1
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)

Dances for July 30, 2025

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Dance Season, Jigs, Reels, Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class – Last Class

Video: A TRIP TO CRINAN

A TRIP TO CRINAN
From Coast To Coast With Scotch Mist
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1-8 1st woman, followed by 2nd and 3rd women, dance across above 1st man, dance round 1st, 2nd and 3rd men, back to place.
9-16 3rd man, followed by 2nd and 1st men, dance round 3rd, 2nd, and 1st women, and dance down the middle of the set. On bar 16, the women dance in and join right hands with their partner facing down.
17-24 3rd couple, followed by 2nd and 1st couple, lead down the middle and up, with 1st couple and 2nd couple remaining in the centre.
25-32 1st and 2nd couples dance the allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Andrew and Mairi Collins, Oakville. Crinan is a small village at the Atlantic end of the Crinan Canal in Argyllshire. The Crinan Canal was opened in 1801 as a shortcut for boats from Loch Fyne to the Sound of Jura. Crinan was a childhood playground of Mairi’s, and we visit whenever we go over.

No Video

Ehlana’s Strathspey
32-bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a 3-couple set

1-4 1st couple dance in and cast off one place, 2nd couple stepping up on bars 3-4.

5-8 1st couple dance half figure of eight: 1st woman around 2nd man, 1st man around 3rd woman to end in 2nd place on opposite sides.

9-20 All three couples dance rights and lefts for three.
21-24 1st couple dance a half figure of eight: 1st woman around 3rd woman, 1st man around 2nd man.

25-32 1st and 3rd couples dance “The Rose” progression:

25-26 1st man and 3rd woman set to each other while 1st woman and 3rd man change places giving right hands to end facing out
27-28 1st man and 3rd woman half turn with both hands to face each other on the diagonal with hands joined while 1st woman dances up to 2nd man’s place and 3rd man dances down to 3rd woman’s place.
29-30 1st man & 3rd woman cast to their right, dance out to opposite corner, while 1st woman & 3rd man half turn both hands to face each other on the diagonal with hands joined.
31-32 1st man & 3rd woman dance across to progressed positions on their own side while 1st woman & 3rd man cast to the right to finish on progressed positions on own sides (2 3 1)

Note: All movements in “The Rose” should be dances in as round a shape as possible

Devised by Ellen McRanor
Dedicated to my granddaughter Ehlana
Suggested Tune: The Birks of Invermay

Video: The Provost Wynd

The Provost Wynd
RSCDS Second Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides. 1st and 2nd men and 1st and 2nd women pass by the right to begin.

9 – 12 1st man and 2nd woman, giving right hands, turn once round.

13 – 16 1st woman and 2nd man , giving left hands, turn once round.

17 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off two places and, giving left hands, cross over and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

25 – 28 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across.

29 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance left hands across.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring.

First published in 24 Graded and Social Dances by Roy Goldring.
©Doreen Goldring, printed with permission.

Video: The Left-Handed Fiddler

The Left-Handed Fiddler
Howard Lasnik, A Tribute to Sally Dee
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples, devised by Howard Lasnik, 1997

Dedicated to Barbara McOwen, a right handed fiddler whose playing inspires so many dancers (and with thanks to Sally Dee for giving me so much encouragement).

1 – 4 1st couple turn by the left hand and cast into 2nd place (2nd couple stepping up on bars 3-4).

5 – 8 1st couple cross by the left hand and cast to the left, 1st man around 2nd woman and 1st woman around 3rd man, finishing in the center of the set, nearer hands joined, facing 2nd woman on the diagonal (as in The Montgomeries’ Rant except the 1st woman is on the 1st man’s right).

9 – 12 1st couple set to 2nd woman, change hands and set to 3rd man.

13 – 16 Set to 3rd woman, change hands and set to 2nd man. End facing 1st corners, 1st man having pulled back his left shoulder.

17 – 20 1st couple turn 1st corners by the left hand. 1st couple turn by the right hand to face 2nd corners.

21 – 24 1st couple turn 2nd corners by the left hand. 1st couple turn by the right hand to finish in 2nd place, own side.

25 – 32 Couples 2, 1, and 3 dance six hands around to the left and back to the right.

Sally Dee Project Committee: Howard Lasnik – MaryEllen Scanell – Marcie Rowland – Tom Pixton

Dances for July 23, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Type, Jigs, Summer, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

Bernie’s Triumph
Holly Boyd, Oh, How We’ve Danced
32 bar Strathspey for-three couples in a longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance mirror reels of three on the side; 1st couple dance in and down, 2nd couple up and out, 3rd couple in and up to begin. Touch nearer hands with partner whenever possible

9 – 12 1st and 2nd couples turn 1-1/2 times to change places; men giving right hand, women giving left hand

13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples turn 1-1/2 times to change places; men giving left hand, women giving right hand 2,3,1

17 – 24 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples, taking hands on the side, set. All three men set again as women advance for two. All three men advance for two as women retire for two. All three women set as men retire for two. 2,3,1

25 – 32 3rd and 1st couples dance the tourbillon 2,1,3,4

First couple are in 2nd place ready to repeat the dance

Note: Attention must be paid by first couple after regressing with the tourbillon; they are in second place ready to begin again. Second time through they must cast back to the bottom as the 4th couple dance in to start the reels.

Gabriele Patterson was the winning bidder at a silent auction at TAC in Calgary for a dance written by me. She asked for a dance for her husband: ‘I got the winning hand when I got him’ with a mirror reel of three and a tourbillon.

August 2019

Video: The Greenbelt Jig

The Greenbelt Jig
Elaine Brunken, Moments int Time
32 Bar Jig for 3 couples

1 – 6 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ladies Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place.
7 – 8 1st, 2nd, and 3 couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (All are on opposite sides)

9 – 14 1st, 2nd, and 3″ men Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place (Opposite sides).
15 – 16 1st, 2nd, and 3rd couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (1st couple remain facing out)

17 – 24 1st couple Cast off 2 places, join nearer hands and Dance up the middle, and Cast off to 2nd place.
17 – 19 cast 2 places (2nd couple step up on 17&18)
20 – 22 dance up the middle
23 – 24 cast to 2 place

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3 couples Advance and Retire.
29 – 32 2nd 1st and 3rd couples Turn by the Right Hand.

At the end of 2 repetition 1st couple finish in 3rd place and step to the bottom The new 3rd lady dances up from the bottom. 3 man steps up on bars 1-2

Repeat having passed a couple

Devised in March 2010 at the St. Columba’s Class in Greenbelt, Maryland. It’s an easy wee jig for all levels and a good warm up dance.

Easily adapts to a 2 couple dance: 1-16 and 25-32 done by 1st and 2nd couple. Bars 17-24 1st couple cast off one place in 4 bars (dance in for one and out for one, then cast for 2), dance up to the top, and cast into 2™ place. (2™ couple step up on 19 & 20)

Suggested Tune: Ride the Wind (Tatsu-Do) (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: The Left-Handed Fiddler

The Left-Handed Fiddler
Howard Lasnik, A Tribute to Sally Dee
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples, devised by Howard Lasnik, 1997

Dedicated to Barbara McOwen, a right handed fiddler whose playing inspires so many dancers (and with thanks to Sally Dee for giving me so much encouragement).

1 – 4 1st couple turn by the left hand and cast into 2nd place (2nd couple stepping up on bars 3-4).

5 – 8 1st couple cross by the left hand and cast to the left, 1st man around 2nd woman and 1st woman around 3rd man, finishing in the center of the set, nearer hands joined, facing 2nd woman on the diagonal (as in The Montgomeries’ Rant except the 1st woman is on the 1st man’s right).

9 – 12 1st couple set to 2nd woman, change hands and set to 3rd man.

13 – 16 Set to 3rd woman, change hands and set to 2nd man. End facing 1st corners, 1st man having pulled back his left shoulder.

17 – 20 1st couple turn 1st corners by the left hand. 1st couple turn by the right hand to face 2nd corners.

21 – 24 1st couple turn 2nd corners by the left hand. 1st couple turn by the right hand to finish in 2nd place, own side.

25 – 32 Couples 2, 1, and 3 dance six hands around to the left and back to the right.

Sally Dee Project Committee: Howard Lasnik – MaryEllen Scanell – Marcie Rowland – Tom Pixton

Video: The Dancing Man

The Dancing Man
Roy Goldring, RSCDS Second Graded Book
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples, giving right hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across.

9 -16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides. 1st and 2nd couples pass by the right to begin. At the end of bar 16, 3rd couple return to place while 1st and 2nd couples continue the reel to form a line across the set. (Fig.)

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the set.
On bars 23-24:
2nd woman crosses to first place on own side.
2nd man curves up to first place on own side.
1st woman curves down to second place on own side.
1st man crosses to second place on own side.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring.

First published in 10 Social Dances by Roy Goldring.
© Doreen Goldring, printed with permission.

For Bob Campbell of Oakville, Ontario

Dances for July 16, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Season, Summer, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

Bonnyton Woodie
RSCDS Imperial Book of SCDs – Volumes 1-3
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance one pas de basque on the right foot.

2 – 6 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance six hands once round to the left.

7 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set.

9 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance a double figure of eight around 2nd couple. To begin, 1st couple cast off and 3rd couple cross up. 1st couple finish facing out.

17 – 18 1st couple cast off one place. 2nd couple step up.

19 – 20 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set.

21 – 22 1st couple, giving right hands, turn to finish 1st woman between second couple, all facing down and 1st man between 3rd couple, all facing up.

23 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set in lines of three across the set.

25 – 30 1st woman and 2nd couple, Ist man and 3rd couple dance reels of three across the set. To begin, 1st woman and 2nd man, 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the right. 1st couple finish facing each other up and down the set.

31 – 32 1st couple dance into the middle and, passing by the left, dance round each other to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Edna Russell and Jack McConachie.

Video: She’s ower Young to marry yet

She’s ower Young to marry yet
RSCDS Book 14
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, joining nearer hands, set twice to 2nd woman,

5 – 8 1st couple and 2nd woman dance three hands once round to the left. 1st couple and 2nd woman finish in the middle of the set facing 2nd man.

9 – 12 1st couple and 2nd woman set twice to 2nd man.

13 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to the left, finishing in original places.

17 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd and 3rd couples, who dance up the sides to begin, lead down the middle to third place, cross over and dance up to partners’ original places.

25 – 28 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set. On bars 27-28, 1st couple cast off to second place, 2nd couple dance up to first place and 3rd couple continue setting.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving both hands, turn one and a half times to own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances c. 1755.

Original tune: She’s ower young to marry yet (Surenne)

Video: The Provost Wynd

The Provost Wynd
RSCDS Second Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides. 1st and 2nd men and 1st and 2nd women pass by the right to begin.

9 – 12 1st man and 2nd woman, giving right hands, turn once round.

13 – 16 1st woman and 2nd man , giving left hands, turn once round.

17 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off two places and, giving left hands, cross over and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

25 – 28 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across.

29 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance left hands across.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring.

First published in 24 Graded and Social Dances by Roy Goldring.
©Doreen Goldring, printed with permission.

Video: The Left-Handed Fiddler

The Left-Handed Fiddler
Howard Lasnik, A Tribute to Sally Dee
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples, devised by Howard Lasnik, 1997

Dedicated to Barbara McOwen, a right handed fiddler whose playing inspires so many dancers (and with thanks to Sally Dee for giving me so much encouragement).

1 – 4 1st couple turn by the left hand and cast into 2nd place (2nd couple stepping up on bars 3-4).

5 – 8 1st couple cross by the left hand and cast to the left, 1st man around 2nd woman and 1st woman around 3rd man, finishing in the center of the set, nearer hands joined, facing 2nd woman on the diagonal (as in The Montgomeries’ Rant except the 1st woman is on the 1st man’s right).

9 – 12 1st couple set to 2nd woman, change hands and set to 3rd man.

13 – 16 Set to 3rd woman, change hands and set to 2nd man. End facing 1st corners, 1st man having pulled back his left shoulder.

17 – 20 1st couple turn 1st corners by the left hand. 1st couple turn by the right hand to face 2nd corners.

21 – 24 1st couple turn 2nd corners by the left hand. 1st couple turn by the right hand to finish in 2nd place, own side.

25 – 32 Couples 2, 1, and 3 dance six hands around to the left and back to the right.

Sally Dee Project Committee: Howard Lasnik – MaryEllen Scanell – Marcie Rowland – Tom Pixton

Dances for July 9, 2025

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Dance Season, Summer, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

Campbell Chute
Craig Williams
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples

1 – 4 2nd couple with 3rd woman & 1st man dance diagonal rights and lefts
5 – 8 2nd couple with 1st woman & 3rd man dance diagonal rights and lefts

9 – 16 2nd & 1st couples Helice,
1-2 2nd & 1st couple ¾ turn partners right hand, to finish in promenade hold, top couple (2nd couple) facing men’s side, bottom couple (1st couple) facing women’s side, forming a line up and down the dance
3-4 2nd & 1st couple promenade ½ way round anticlockwise (not too close together)
5-6 2nd & 1st couple still in promenade hold, turn to finish in middle of set facing partners – 2nd couple below 1st couple, [top couple on own side (1st couple), bottom couple on opposite side (2nd couple)
7-8 2nd & 1st couple pull back right shoulder and cast into sidelines, 1st couple facing out on own sides

17 – 24 1st & 3rd couples dance a double figure of eight. 1st couple casting up, 3rd couple crossing down to begin. 1st couple finishing facing out

25 – 28 1st couple cast to their right, woman down around 2nd man (in 3rd woman’s place), 1st man up around 3rd woman (in 1st man’s place) and pass giving right hands up/down the centre of the set to finish 1st man between 2nd couple facing 2nd woman, 1st woman between 3rd couple facing 3rd man

29 – 32 1st man with 2nd couple, 1st woman with 3rd couple, 1/2 right shoulder reel of 3 across the set. Finish in order 3, 1, 2 on own sides.

Originally named, Campbell Chute. after a local logger, it is now named Camel Chute. When surveyors arrived and asked residents the name of the place the local brogue was misheard as Camel

No Video

AUTUMN GOLD
John Morris, Vallin Collection Five
8×32 bar Jig – a 3 couple dance in a 4 couple longwise set

1- 8 1s, 2s & 3s dance a normal diagonal rights & lefts for 3 couples
[ 2s change place RH with 1st corner & LH to “middle” couple, then RH to 4th corner & LH to “middle” couple own side ]
[ finish 3-2-1, with 2s (no polite turns) facing down-out, own side and 3s & 1s on opposite side ]

9 – 14 2s dance 3/4 figure of eight across by casting down behind 1s (bottom place)
[1s step up on bars 13-14]
[ finish 3-1-2, all now on opposite side ]

15 – 16 3s, 1s & 2s dance 1/2 RH turn to face up middle (W polite turn), ready for allemande

17 – 24 3s, 1s & 2s dance Allemande [finish 2-1-3 ]
[ on last bar, 2s start to cast out-down, anticipating turn with 1s ]

25 – 32 1s leading up (inside), turn 2s [ finish 2-1-3, with 1s facing in-down ]
then 1s leading down (inside) turn 3s,
[ 3s finish with polite turns in 3rd place to face 1st corner ]
[ finish 2-1-3-4, with 3s ready to start diagonal rights & lefts ]

Repeat, having passed a couple

at end of 2nd sequence, 1s & 4s turn 1 1/2 to finish 2-3-4-1, with new 3W (old 4W) ready to start diagonal rights & lefts

This dance is for those dancers (including my wife and I) who have been Scottish Country dancing for at least fifty years. We started dancing in the fifties, which was the time when people were becoming interested in this form of “exercise” with its social connotations. On reflection, this era was possibly the heyday of folk dancing, both English & Scottish. So here’s to these mature dancers ( “the golden oldies” ) who are now in the autumn of their lives, enjoying what they love the most – Scottish Country dancing and hopefully encouraging the newcomers, whether they be young or retired !.

recommended music: colin dewar – “the Vallin Suite four” – track 14

dance 5.11 devised by John Morris

No Video

Gadie Reel
RSCDS Imperial Book of SCDs Vol. 1-3
32-bar reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple and 2nd woman dance a reel of three across the set. To begin, 1st man and 2nd woman pass by the left and 1st woman dances down the side.

9 – 16 1st couple and 2nd man dance a reel of three across the set. To begin, 1st woman and 2nd man pass by the right and 1st man dances down the side.

17 – 20 1st couple set and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across once round.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Edna Russell and Jack McConachie.

No Video

The Boky Hound
Barry Priddy, Green Lady Book
Reel – 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

The Boky Hound was a spectre that-haunted Noltland Castle on Westray, Orkney. Its howling announced the death of a member of the Balfour family.

1 – 4 1C set and cast a place; 2C step up on 3-4.

5 – 6 2C, 1C & 3C join hands on the sides and set.

7 – 8 1C dance a petronella turn to finish 1M between 3C, 1W between 2C, facing own sides, while 2C and 3C turn right about on the spot with two pas de basque to finish facing clockwise.

9 – 12 All chase clockwise half round to finish in lines of three across facing up and down.

13 – 16 1C dance half diagonal rights and lefts up and down the dance with 1st corners — 1M gives RH to 2M – 1W gives RH to 3W – to begin. All finish facing counter-clockwise.

17 – 20 All chase counter-clockwise half round to finish in lines of three across facing up and down.

21 – 24 1C dance half diagonal lefts and rights up and down the dance with 2nd corners. 1M gives LH to 3M – 1W gives LH to 2W – to begin. They finish with hands joined in lines of three across.

25 – 28 All set, then 1C turn RH % round to 2nd place on opposite sides while 3C change places with 2C giving RH on the sides.

29 – 32 All set and cross giving RH to partner.

Repeat, having passed a couple.