Category Archives: 8×32 Reels

Dances for May 22, 2024

May 19, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

No Video

Marlborough Rant

A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Craig Williams, March 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance a ½ figure of eight on their own sides. Begin by dancing in and down. Take nearer hands when they meet between the 3rd couple, dance up to the top and cast off to 2nd place on own sides, 2nd couple stepping up on bars 7 & 8

9 – 16 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance a 3 couple Espagnole.
9 – 10 2nd man & 3rd woman cross to opposite sides
2nd & 1st women giving right hands, cross to opposite sides, 1st woman passing in front of 2nd woman
1st & 3rd men giving right hands, cross to opposite sides, 1st man passing in front of 3rd man
11 – 12 Repeat bars 9-10 from new positions
13 – 14 Repeat bars 9-10 from new positions. The dancers should finish on opposite sides in order (3, 1, 2) across from their partners
15 – 16 All ½ turn partners with the right hand, finishing ready for allemande.

17 – 24 3rd, 1st & 2nd couples dance a allemande.

25 – 32 Circle 6 hands round & back.

Marlborough forest is Ottawa’s largest natural area and lies in the south end of the City. It’s largely unknown to most residents. A 200 km2 patchwork of forest and abandoned homesteads, swamps and fens, dusty forestry roads and claustrophobic thickets — it hides off the beaten path, protecting its secrets

Video: Jeanie Deans’ Strathspey

Jeanie Deans’ Strathspey
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott – A Celebration through Scottish Music and Dance

The Dance — 1820 and 2021
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple set

1820 Instructions

1st Cu: swing round, & cast off there left hand
& set abreast top & bottom, same on the sides,
set cross corners
& lead outsides

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 Giving right hands, 1st couple turn and cast off one place: 2nd cou ple step up. 1st couple, giving left hands, turn to finish man between 3rd couple and woman between 2nd couple.

9 – 12 2nd and 3rd couples face up or down.

All set. 2nd and 3rd couples continue setting as, on bars 11 and 12, 1st man casts up to 2nd place on his own side and 1st woman casts off into 2nd place on her side.

13 – 16 All three couples set twice.

17 – 24 1st couple, advancing, set to first corners. 1st couple dance round each other by the right to face second corners. 1st couple set to second corners, then dance round each other to face the men’s side, man with his partner on his right.

25 – 32 1st couple lead outsides:

Giving nearer hands, 1st couple dance out between 2nd and 3rd men, then cast back into centre. Giving nearer hands, they dance out between 2nd and 3rd women and cast back to 2nd place own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes:

‘Swing’ meant turn using one hand; ‘turn’ meant both hands.
Bars 9 – 16 are different from modern RSCDS practice. The above version is similar to that in D.A.’s ‘Country Dancing Made Plain and Easy’ of 1764.
The interpretation here of ‘set cross corners’ in bars 17 – 24 is based on Thomas Wilson’s ‘set contrary corners’ on pages 44 – 46 of his ‘Analysis of Country Dancing’ of 1811.
Lead outsides could be simply danced out or the dancers cross, depending on contemporary fashion. In a crowded ballroom with little space for dancers to dance out together, 1st man could cross his partner in front of him, giving left hands.

Video: The Hazel Tree

THE HAZEL TREE
John Drewry, The Brodie Book
devised between 1972 and 1982

for the 25th Anniversary of the Goyt Valley S.C.D. Club

Jig – 3 couples ~ 32 bars
Tune – “Sandy Pirie of Hazelhead” by I. Munro
Kerr’s Thistle Collection page 29

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance “The Espagnole” to change places. See the note at the end of the book. At the end, 2nd couple turn with the right hand to first place on own sides, but 1st couple turn with the left hand to face first corners.

9 – 12 1st couple turn their first corners with the right hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each other by the right to face partners’ first corners. They release hands after three steps but the corners continue to dance for the full four steps.

13 – 16 1st woman turns 3rd woman with the left hand, while 1st man turns 2nd man with the left hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each another by the left to face own second corners.

17 – 20 1st couple turn their second corners with the right hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each other by the right to face partners’ second corners.

21 – 24 1st woman turns 2nd woman with the left hand, while 1st man turns 3rd man with the left hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each other by the left to finish side by side in the middle of the dance in second place on wrong sides facing down.

25 – 28 Joining left hands, 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple crossing over to own sides and cast up to 2nd place.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with the right hand.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“The Espagnole” (A new progression)

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

Meanwhile 1st and 2nd men cross to the women’s side passing on either side of their partners.

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

Meanwhile 2nd and ist women cross back to their own side passing on either side of their partners.

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

No Video

CATRIONA’S REEL
Duncan Brown, The Bovey Collection
32 bar Reel for three couples in a four couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, half turn partner to finish in promenade hold facing up.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a promenade, finishing in original places.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up, finishing in the middle, facing each other, both hands joined. On bar 24 2nd couple step in to finish in the middle both hands joined.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: On the 2nd, 4th and 6th times through the dance it is recommended to dance a three couple poussette, with the bottom two couples stepping in on bar 24.

Devised for my elder daughter, Catriona.

Recommended tune: Iain MacPhail’s Compliments to the late Gordon Jamieson

Dances for May 15, 2024

May 9, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x48 Strathspeys, Summer 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Mo Video

Mrs Stewart’s Strathspey
Book 13 – No. 3
48-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and, giving both hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands once round to the left.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing 2nd man, 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three across the set, 1st woman and 2nd man and 1st man and 3rd woman passing by the right to begin. 1st couple; finish facing first corners.

25 – 32 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 lead up on own sides. 1st couple finish in the middle at the top of the set, facing up. 2nd couple step down and in on bars 31-32.

33 – 40 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

41 – 48 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Jacob Harbour’s Third Book of New & Favorite Country Dances, Strathspey Reels, Waltz, & Hornpipes, c. 1800.

Original tune: Jolin Roy Stewart (MacGlashan c. 1800)

No Video

The Heart of Mid-Lothian
The Dance – 1820 and 2021
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple set

1820 Instructions

1st & 2d Cu. 4 Hands across_back again
_down the middle_up again
_set cross corners
& Reel_or lead outsides

2021 Reconstruction

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

9 – 16 1st couple dance down the middle, then back to second place. (2nd couple step up on bars 11 – 12)

17 – 24 1st couple, advancing, set to first corners. Giving both hands, 1st couple turn 1st corners using skip change and face 2nd corners. 1st couple set and turn 2nd corners likewise. 1st couple finish in the centre, facing the men’s side, man with his partner on his right.

25 – 32 1st couple lead outsides: (see note 4)

Giving nearer hands, 1st couple dance out between 2nd and 3rd men, then cast back into centre. Giving nearer hands, they dance out between 2nd and 3rd women and cast back to 2nd place own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes

Down the middle and back to second place was the commonest progression in the early 19th century. As most formations finished on the sidelines, it would not be common to finish facing 1st corners.
Leading down the middle was done using nearer hands at this time.
Alternative endings were not uncommon. Although three of the dances in this leaflet finish with ‘lead outsides’, this is the only one in quick time and, hence, this is the ending selected for this dance.
Lead outsides could be simply danced out or the dancers cross, depending on contemporary fashion. In a crowded ballroom with little space for dancers to dance out together, 1st man could cross his partner in front of him giving left hands.

No Video

ATLANTA FAIR
Carol Bell – Atlanta Fare
32-bar Jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 6 1st couple cast off two places, meet below 3™ couple, and dance up (nearer hands joined) to their own places.

7 – 8 1 couple set to each other.

9 – 16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight about 2nd couple, then a half figure of eight about third couple, finishing in a diagonal line and joining left hands with partner and right hands with first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 Balance in line, 1st couple advance a quarter turn pas de Basque, balance in line with second corners, and dance out to second place on own sides. .

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Symbolism of the figures:

Casting off — Forms the Coca Cola bottle.

Up the middle and set — Coca Cola pouring out. These first two figures commemorate the Atlanta Branch’s 10″ anniversary and Coca Cola’s 1 00″ anniversary.

Half Figures of Eight — form the petals of the Dogwood Flower, symbol of Atlanta and the Atlanta Branch.

Diagonal Lines — form the St. Andrews Cross and the cross on the Confederate flag and are one of the figures in a favorite Atlanta dance, “The Balgeddie Reel”.

Six Hands Round — dancing around Stone Mountain, where we meet each Fall.

No Video

A Trip To Newtown School
Rod Downey, The Piwakawaka Collection
A 3 couple 32 bar reel in a longwise 4 couple set.

1 – 4 All 3 couples take hands and advance and retire.

5 – 6 All cross RH and face clockwise.

7 – 8 All chase clockwise 14 to form two lines of three, the men across 3rd place and the ladies across first place.

9 – 12 All take hands and advance and retire.

13 – 14 All cross LH, and face anticlockwise.

15 – 16 All chase anticlickwise back to original places.

17 – 24 First man followed by his partner, chase behind the men’s line, across the set below 3rd couple, up behind 3rd lady and across the set in second place, first lady finishing in second ladies place. 2nd couple steps up on bars 5-6. First man should curl into place pulling back right shoulder.

25 – 32 All dance 6 hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Notes Devised 21 August, 2023 as a simple ceilidh-style dance, for the first club night after our annual dance jointly held with Capital City on the 19th August, in Newtown School Hall. Recommended tune is “Unnamed Stallion” by James MacQueen, and a suitable recording is on “Excited States” on the
album by the same name by “Stringfire!”.

Dances for April 29, 2024

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

Video: Falls of Feugh

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.