Category Archives: 8×32 Reels

Dances for April 29, 2024

April 26, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Falls of Feugh
9 for 90 RSCDS Aberdeen Branch 90th Anniversary
32-bar reel for three couples in a three couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set, dance in towards each other, cast off one place and set advancing to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 12 1st couple, passing first corners by the right, cast round first corner position, pass each other by the right and face second corners.

At the same time first corners, giving right hands half turn to face each other in the middle and pulling back right shoulder dance out to each other’s places.

13 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 9-12 with second corners, meet each other in the middle of the set and pulling back right shoulder finish back to back facing second place opposite sides, ready for double triangles.

17 – 24 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance double triangles to finish 1st man between 3rd couple at the top facing women’s side, 1st woman between 2nd couple facing men’s side.

25 – 28 1st man and 3rd couple, 1st woman and 2nd couple dance half reels of three across the set. 1st and 3rd men, 1st and 3rd women pass by the right.

29 – 32 1st couple, giving right hand, turn one and a half times to finish in second place own sides.

Finish in order 3, 1, 2.
Repeat with new top couple.

Following a house move in 2013, I joined the Banchory Scottish Country Dancing Group. The River Feugh, whose falls are a local landmark, joins the River Dee at Banchory. The dance was written partly to encompass a couple of moves which are favourites of Isobel McMillan the teacher of the Banchory group (who was also a recent Chairman of the Aberdeen RSCDS Branch). Those moves – dancing in
and casting echo both the slow eddies and faster swirling of the Falls of Feugh.

Devised by Andrew Watt, Aberdeen Branch.

Video: Best Set in the Hall

Best Set in the Hall
RSCDS Book 46
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts off two places, crosses over below 3rd couple, casts up and dances in to face first corner. 1st man dances up the middle of the set to face his first corner. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 12 1st couple and first corners set and, 1st couple, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in partner’s first corner position. At the same time, first corners dance in towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing own places. (Fig.)

13 – 16 1st couple and first corners set and first corners, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in opposite corner’s position. At the same time, 1st couple dance towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing second corners.

17 – 24 1st couple repeat bars 9-16 with second corners and pass each other by the right to finish in second place on opposite sides. 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples face clockwise.

25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise halfway round the set.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Helen Greenwood, Auckland, New Zealand.
Note: the movement in bars 9-24 was devised by the late Alec Hay.

Notes Compiled by teachers, Summer School , St Andrews 2010
15-16 1st couple turn on the spot.

TACNotes:1-8 1st woman dances straight in on bar 8 to face 1st corner.

Dances for April 22, 2024

April 21, 20243x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Video: The Ruby Celebration Strathspey

The Ruby Celebration Strathspey
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a 2 couple set

1 – 8 1s+3s Petronella turn & set; Petronella turn & set. (1) 2 (3)

9 – 16 2s dance Diagonal R&L (2M down, 2L up). 3 2 1

17 – 24 2s+1s dance Bourrel:

17 – 20 2M+1L set advancing, 3/4 turn 2H & twirl to end BtoB (Lady facing up & Man down) while partners chase anticlockwise to face partner

21 – 24 Set to partners & turn 2H own sides having changed places

25 – 32 3s+1s+2s circle 6H round & back

Devised by Anne Thorn in April 2018 for the 40th Helensburgh Weekend School.

Video: J. B. Milne

J. B. Milne
A 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman set advancing and, giving right hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 2nd man and 1st woman set advancing and, giving right hands, turn once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set advancing and, giving both hands, turn once round to finish facing the top.

13 – 16 1st couple cast off one place and dance a petronella turn to finish 1st woman between 2nd couple, all facing down, and 1st man between 3rd couple, all facing up. 2nd couple step up on bars 13 – 14.

17 – 20 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, turn three-quarters to finish in second place on opposite sides. At the same time, 2nd and 3rd women and 2nd and 3rd men, giving right hands, change places and set to partner.

21 – 24 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, turn three-quarters to finish 1st woman between the couple in third place and 1st man between the couple in top place. At the same time, 3rd and 2nd couples, giving right hands, cross over and set facing on the sides.

25 – 28 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, change places. At the same time, 3rd and 2nd women and 3rd and 2nd men, giving right hands, change places and set to partner.

29 – 30 1st woman casts off to second place and 1st man casts up to second place. At the same time, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over.

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by Hugh Foss.

Original tune: J. B. Milne by Angus Fitchet.

Source: Angus Fitchet Scottish Dance Album.

Dances for April 15, 2024

April 12, 20243x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Video: Triple Happiness

Triple Happiness
RSCDS Book 52
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple advance one step, take right hands briefly, and retire one step.
3 – 4 1st couple, giving left hands, turn halfway to finish in the middle facing down.
5 – 8 1st couple, retaining left hands, lead down, cross below 2nd couple and cast up to original places.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance the knot. On bars 15-16 1st couple, retaining left hands, turn to face first corners. 2nd couple finish in first place.

17 – 20 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with first corners. First corners turn with both hands. 1st couple pass by the right shoulder to finish facing second corners.

21 – 24 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with second corners. Second corners turn with both hands. 1st couple pass by the right shoulder to finish in second place on own sides facing clockwise.

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples chase clockwise halfway round the set.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples, giving both hands to partner, turn halfway, release hands and, pulling right shoulder back, dance on a curve to own sides of the set.

Finish in order 3, 1, 2.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Yoshiki Oyama, RSCDS Tokai Branch, January 2016.

Devised for the Scottish country dance group Mie Scottish Country Dance Family on the occasion of their special ball.

Video: The Royal Deeside Railway

The Royal Deeside Railway (Reel)
RSCDS Book 40

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.

Dances for March 11, 2024

March 8, 20243x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Video: The Ruby Rant

The Ruby Rant
RSCDS Book 49
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and, pulling back by the right, dance two places clockwise. 2nd and 1st couples, giving right hands, cross to own sides. 1st couple remain facing out.

9 – 12 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance half reels of three on the sides. 1st man and 2nd man, 1st woman and 3rd woman pass by the right to begin. On bars 11-12, 1st woman, from 3rd woman’s place, and 1st man, from original place, dance across to second place on opposite sides and face out.

13 – 16 3rd man and 1st woman, 1st man and 2nd woman, giving right hands, turn once round.

17 – 20 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance half reels of three on the sides. 1st woman and 2nd man, 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the left to begin. On bars 19-20, 1st man, from 1st woman’s place, and 1st woman, from 3rd man’s place, dance across to second place on own sides and face out.

21 – 24 2nd and 1st women, 1st and 3rd men, giving left hands, turn. 1st couple pass by the left to finish back to back in the middle of the set facing opposite sides. 2nd woman and 3rd man dance for four bars.

25 – 26 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set as in double triangles.

27 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set, 1st couple turning right about to face each other in the middle of the set.

29 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, turn one and a half times to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Francis Walduck, Queensland Branch.
To mark the 40th Australian Winter School in 2015, hosted by Queensland Branch.

Video: THE ELUSIVE MUSE

THE ELUSIVE MUSE
OR, EASILY LED

32 bar jig for a 3 couple set by Tim Wilson, March 5, 2003

1 – 4 1st woman dances around her partner giving right shoulder to finish in the center of the dance, beckoning him to follow.

5 – 8 1st woman, followed closely by 1st man, dances a half reel of three across the dance with 2nd couple, giving left shoulder to 2nd woman to begin. 1st couple finish ready to dance down, woman on man’s right. 2nd couple finish in first place.

9 – 16 1st couple dance down the middle for 4 bars with nearer hands joined, on bars 13-14 1st woman dances under their raised arms and in front of her partner (as he dances below her) to switch places and face up, on bars 15-16 they dance up to third place to face 3rd woman.

17 – 20 1st woman, followed closely by 1st man, dances a half reel of three across the dance with 3rd couple, giving right shoulder to 3rd woman to begin.

21 – 24 1st couple dance up with nearer hands and cast off around 2nd couple to finish in second place on opposite side.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and link for three couples twice, as in bars 25-32 of Gang the Same Gate (RSCDS Bk. 36).

Ends 312 ready for a new couple to begin.

Music: “Calliope House” by David Richardson
Note: For Bruce Herbold on the occasion of his 50th birthday. A wonderful teacher, fellow dance devisor, and fish biologist, I had intended to surprise him with a dance on his 49th birthday but the muse was too elusive. This time she stayed just long enough. This dance pays homage to two of his fishy favourites: The Duran Ranger and The Salmonfield Poacher. “Easily Led” is a reference to one of his favourite teaching exercises which is to brief either the women or the men and have them lead their partners through a dance with non-verbal cues.

Dances for February 5, 2024

February 1, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Video: J. B. Milne

J. B. Milne
A 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman set advancing and, giving right hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 2nd man and 1st woman set advancing and, giving right hands, turn once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set advancing and, giving both hands, turn once round to finish facing the top.

25 – 28 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, change places. At the same time, 3rd and 2nd women and 3rd and 2nd men, giving right hands, change places and set to partner.

29 – 30 1st woman casts off to second place and 1st man casts up to second place. At the same time, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over.

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by Hugh Foss.
Original tune: J. B. Milne by Angus Fitchet.
Source: Angus Fitchet Scottish Dance Album.

Video: The Waternish Tangle

The Waternish Tangle
8 x 32 Jig

1 – 4 1st couple giving right hands cross down to 2nd place and set. 2nd couple move up on bars 1 and 2.
5 – 8 1st couple giving left hands cross down to 3rd place and set. 3rd couple move up on bars 5 and 6.

9 – 12 1st couple cross giving right hands then change places on the sides with the 3rd couple giving left
hands.
13 – 16 2nd and 1st couples cross with the right hands then giving left hands on the sides turn 3/4 to finish in a line across the dance with the women in the middle, right hands joined.

17 – 24 The Targe danced as follows:
17 – 18 1st and 2nd women, in the middle, dance a 3/4 turn while 1st and 2nd men dance anticlockwise round them for a 1/4 of a circle.
19 – 20 1st man and 2nd woman, and at the same time 1st woman and 2nd man, turn once around giving left hands.
21 – 22 1st and 2nd women dance a 3/4 turn giving right hands while 1st and 2nd men dance anticlockwise round them for a 1/4 of a circle.
23 – 24 1st man and 2nd woman, and at the same time 1st woman and 2nd man, turn giving left hands so that 2nd couple finish in top place and 1st couple finish facing down the dance on opposite sides.

25 – 32 1st couple dance down crossing below 3rd couple, cast up round them, dance up between 2nd couple and cast down to 2nd place on own sides.

Repeat from 2nd place.

Devised by Andrea Barfoot, Isle of Skye Branch.

Dances for January 29, 2024

January 26, 20248x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

No Video

Ardbrae Angels
a 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
Elaine Hoag

1-8 1s+2s+3s dance Mirror Reels of 3 (1s dance in and down to begin)

9-16 1s+2s+3s dance a Crossover Reel of 3 (1s cross over to 2nd place opposite side to begin; 2s and 3s continue to reel on their own side). 1s finish the reel facing their own 1st corner while 2s accelerate at
the end of the reel to finish at the top

17-24 “Interrupted Hello-Goodbye Setting” (1s finish in 2nd place own side)

17-18 1s+1st corners set, 1s finishing between corners facing partner
19-20 1s turn each other ¾ RH to face 2nd corner
21-22 1s+2nd corners set, 1W finishing between 3s, 1M between 2s
23-24 1s turn each other ¾ RH to 2nd place own side

25-32 Six hands round and back

After the 2nd repetition, dancing couple steps to the bottom as 4th couple dances in and up to begin the Mirror Reel of 3

** In the dance world, “angels” are individuals who are especially active in supporting dance groups and encouraging new dancers.

First danced at Ardbrae’s Spring Social on March 29th, 2020. Dedicated to all of Ardbrae’s “dance angels,” but especially to Deborah Connors and Guy Quesnel who have cheerfully supported the Ardbrae Scottish Country Dancers of Ottawa in countless ways for many years, and who celebrate birthdays on March 28th and 29th respectively.

Video: The Braes of Breadalbane

The Braes of Breadalbane
RSCDS Book 21. – No. 7.
(Strathspey.)

1 – 4 First couple turn with right hand and cast off one place. Second couple move up.

5 – 8 First couple turn with left hand, the woman casts up, and the man casts down to finish three and three across the dance.

9 – 12 First, second and third couples set twice.

13 – 16 First woman casts down while first man casts up. They turn each other with right hand and finish three and three on own side of dance.

17 – 20 First, second and third couples set twice.

21 – 24 All three couples turn partners with both hands and return to places.

25 – 32 First and second couples dance right and left across and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Tune – The Braes of Breadalbane.
Skillern, 1795.

TACNotes:’
12 1st cpl turn R about, ready to cast.

Dances for January 22, 2024

January 17, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Video: The Ferry Louper

The Ferry Louper
24 GRADED and SOCIAL DANCES, Devised by Roy Goldring, Leeds Branch R.S.C.D.S.
32 bar jig for 3 couples

1 – 8 First, second and third couples dance clockwise (chase) round to places.

9 – 16 First and second couples dance right hands across and back with left hands. First couple finish facing out.

17 – 24 First couple cast off two places, dance up the middle and cast off one place. Second couple step up on bars 23 – 24.

25 – 28 Second, first and third couples advance and retire.

29 – 32 Second, first and third couples turn partners with right hands once round.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Recommended tune:- Castle Hill (M.A.J.)

NOTE: The term ‘Ferry Louper’ is an Orkney expression which refers to someone who lives of the Orkney Islands but who was not born there – i.e. someone who just jumped (or ‘louped’) onto the ferry and came over.

Video: Up in the Air

Up in the Air
RSCDS Book 20 – No. 2
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple cast off, dance down behind own lines and cast up to original places. On bar 8, 1st , 2nd and 3rd couples dance in to meet partners and face up.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a promenade. On bars 15-16, 1st couple cast off one place to finish facing first corners while 2nd couple dance up to first place.

17 – 20 1st couple set to first corners and then to second corners, finishing between them.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands once round to the left.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

W Boag: A Collection of Favourite Reels & Strathspeys by the Most Eminent Composers, 1797.

Original tune: Sir George Clark of Pennycuik (Nathaniel Gow)

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bar 20 1st couple, pulling back right shoulder, turn between corners ready to begin the circle.

TACNotes:’
8 All 3 cpls dance into position for promenade (2nd & 3rd cpls, L foot).
20 1st cpl use last setting step to turn R about into sidelines.

Video: The Pawling Porch

The Pawling Porch
Moments in Time, 21 Scottish Country Dances devised by Elaine Brunken
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples

1 – 4 1st couple Set and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up on bars 3-4)
5 – 8 1st couple Dance down between 3rd couple and cast up to second place.

9 – 12 1st couple and 1st corners Advance and Retire.
13 – 16 1st couple and 1st corners Turn with the Right Hand.

17 – 20 1st couple and 2nd corners Advance and Retire.
21 – 24 1st couple and 2nd corners Turnwith the Right Hand. (1st couple pass Right shoulder to own side.)

25 – 32 2nd, 1st , and 3rd couple dance Circle Round and Back.

Repeat having passed a couple

Devised May 2005, at the Pawling Weekend in Sylvan Lake, New York.

Muriel (Johnstone) and I had a small porch off our cabin, which seemed to become the place everyone stopped for a drink after classes, before lunch, after lunch, before dinner…….. (now there’s a surprise!)

Pawling Weekend (run by the New York Branch) and situated 45 miles north of ‘the City’ is a brilliant weekend. The New York Branch is one of the friendliest, most welcoming groups that I have met in my many travels.

Suggested Tune: The Merrymaking (Traditional)

Dances for January 8, 2024

January 5, 20244x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Video: J. B. Milne

J. B. Milne
RSCDS 30 Popular Dances, Vol. 2
A 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman set advancing and, giving right hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 2nd man and 1st woman set advancing and, giving right hands, turn once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set advancing and, giving both hands, turn once round to finish facing the top.

25 – 28 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, change places. At the same time, 3rd and 2nd women and 3rd and 2nd men, giving right hands, change places and set to partner.

29 – 30 1st woman casts off to second place and 1st man casts up to second place. At the same time, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over.

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by Hugh Foss.

Original tune: J. B. Milne by Angus Fitchet.

Source: Angus Fitchet Scottish Dance Album.

Video: Postie’s Jig

Postie’s Jig
RSCDS 30 Popular Dances, Vol. 2
A 32-bar jig for four couples ina four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st and 4th couples set.

3 – 4 1st couple cast off one place while 4th couple cast up one place. 2nd couple step up to top place while 3rd couple step down to fourth place.

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

9 – 12 1st man with 4th man and 1st woman with 4th woman, take nearer hands and cross to the opposite side of the set, the men making an arch for the women to dance under. Give free hand to corner person and turn (i.e. 1st man to 2nd man and 1st woman to 2nd woman etc). Corners finish in places, while 1st couple meet and join nearer hands to face down and 4th couple meet and join nearer hands to face up.

13 – 16 1st couple and 4th couple, with nearer hands joined, change places up and down, the 4th couple making an arch for the 1st couple to dance under. Give free hand to corner person and turn (i.e. 1st man to 3rd man and 1st woman to 3rd woman etc.). Corners finish in places, while 1st and 4th men meet and join nearer hands on own side and 1st and 4th women meet and join hands on own side.

17 – 24 Repeat the pattern of crossing and turning as in bars 9 – 12 and 13 – 16. When changing places across the set the men always make the arch and when changing up and down the set the couple dancing up always make the arch. Finish in the order 2, 1, 4, 3 with the 1st and 4th couples on the opposite side.

25 – 28 1st and 4th couples dance half rights and lefts.

29 – 32 1st and 4th couples turn by the right hand once round to finish in the order 2,4, 1, 3.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Roy Clowes.

Original tune: Lassie Come and Dance with Me by Neil Grant.

Source: Ormskirk Scottish Dances Book 5.

Dances for December 4, 2023

November 30, 20233x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2023Ottawa Dance Scottish

Video: The Elusive Muse

The Elusive Muse
OR, EASILY LED
32 bar jig for a 3 couple set
by Tim Wilson, March 5, 2003

1 – 4 1st woman dances around her partner giving right shoulder to finish in the center of the dance, beckoning him to follow.

17 – 20 1st woman, followed closely by 1st man, dances a half reel of three across the dance with 3rd couple, giving right shoulder to 3rd woman to begin.

21 – 24 1st couple dance up with nearer hands and cast off around 2nd couple to finish in second place on opposite side.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and link for three couples twice, as in bars 25-32 of Gang the Same Gate (RSCDS Bk. 36).

Ends 312 ready for a new couple to begin.

Video: The Waternish Tangle

The Waternish Tangle
8 x 32 Jig

1 – 4 1st couple giving right hands cross down to 2nd place and set. 2nd couple move up on bars 1 and 2.

5 – 8 1st couple giving left hands cross down to 3rd place and set. 3rd couple move up on bars 5 and 6.

9 – 12 1st couple cross giving right hands then change places on the sides with the 3rd couple giving left hands.

13 – 16 2nd and 1st couples cross with the right hands then giving left hands on the sides turn 3/4 to finish in a line across the dance with the women in the middle, right hands joined.

17 – 24 The Targe danced as follows:

17 – 18 1st and 2nd women, in the middle, dance a 3/4 turn while 1st and 2nd men dance anticlockwise round them for a 1/4 of a circle.
19 – 20 1st man and 2nd woman, and at the same time 1st woman and 2nd man, turn once around giving left hands.
21 – 22 1st and 2nd women dance a 3/4 turn giving right hands while 1st and 2nd men dance anticlockwise round them for a 1/4 of a circle.
23 – 24 1st man and 2nd woman, and at the same time 1st woman and 2nd man, turn giving left hands so that 2nd couple finish in top place and 1st couple finish facing down the dance on opposite sides.

25 – 32 1st couple dance down crossing below 3rd couple, cast up round them, dance up between 2nd couple and cast down to 2nd place on own sides.

Repeat from 2nd place.

Devised by Andrea Barfoot, Isle of Skye Branch.

Dances for November 27, 2023

November 24, 20233x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2023Ottawa Dance Scottish

No Video

Ardbrae Angels
a 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
Elaine Hoag
1-8 1s+2s+3s dance Mirror Reels of 3 (1s dance in and down to begin)

17-24 “Interrupted Hello-Goodbye Setting” (1s finish in 2nd place own side)

25-32 Six hands round and back

After the 2nd repetition, dancing couple steps to the bottom as 4th couple dances in and up to begin the Mirror Reel of 3

** In the dance world, “angels” are individuals who are especially active in supporting dance groups and encouraging new dancers.

Video: The Minister on the Loch

The Minister on the Loch
RSCDS Four Dances 2008
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette right round.

9 – 16 1st couple dance down the middle for two steps and, giving both hands, turn once round to finish in the middle facing up. 1st couple dance up the middle for two steps and, giving both hands, turn once round to finish in the middle facing up.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance a double figure of eight. To begin, 1st couple cast off and 3rd couple cross up. 1st couple finish in original places, facing out.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd women, giving right hands, and 1st and 2nd men, giving left hands, turn one and a half times to change places.

29 – 32 1st and 3rd women, giving left hands, and 1st and 3rd men, giving right hands, turn one and a half times to change places.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Roy Goldring for Robert MacKay

Original tune: Muriel Johnstone’s compliments to Robert MacKay (Muriel A Johnstone)
Originally published in 24 Graded and Social Dances devised by Roy Goldring

The dance takes its name from the painting: Reverend Robert Walker (1755-1808) Skating on Duddingston Loch
by Sir Henry Raeburn