Category Archives: 3×32 Strathspeys

Dances for April 7, 2025

April 6, 20253x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance Season, Reels, Strathspeys, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancer of Ottawa

Video: The Cumbrae Reel

The Cumbrae Reel
RSCDS Book 28
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples

1- 8 1s+2s dance ½ R&L, 2s cross RH while 1s dance up to top to form a line of 4 across facing up, 1s+2s set & turn right to face down

9-16 1s+2s dance down in line, turning right about dance back to top 1s ending back-to-back facing in the middle

17-24 1s+2s dance RSh reel of 4 across & 1s end facing 1st corners

25-32 1s turn 1st corners RH, turn partner LH, turn 2nd corners RH & turn partners LH to 2nd place own sides

Tac Notes:
5-6 2nd C cross Rh & 2nd W pulls RSh back to face up, as 1st C approach partner to take nearer hands & dance up.

Manual:
5-6 2nd C give RH in crossing, then 2nd W pulls back RSh to face up on bar 6
9-16 bar 12, all 4 dancers turn round by their right to face up

Video: Jean Martin of Aberdeen

Jean Martin of Aberdeen
RSCDS Three Dances, 2006
(32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple set)

1 – 4 1st couple turn with the right hand and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 All three couples dance six hands round to the left, to finish in lines of three across the dance, women facing down, men facing up.

9 – 12 All set and, giving right hand, change places with partner.

13 – 16 All three couples dance six hands round to the left, to finish in the centre of the dance facing up in the order 3, 1, 2.

17 – 24 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande to finish in the order 2, 1, 3.

25 – 28 1st man and 3rd woman, advancing, set to each other and turn three quarters with both hands. On bar 28, they release hands and turn right about to finish back to back in the centre, man facing down, woman facing up. At the same time 1st woman and 3rd man dance anticlockwise round 1st man and 3rd woman to finish facing partner in a line up and down the dance.

29 – 32 1st and 3rd couples set to partners and turn with both hands to finish on own sides in the order 2, 3, 1.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Note: The figure described in bars 25-32 was devised by the late Robert Campbell of Toronto and is sometimes referred to as a ‘bourrel’.

Devised by: Muriel A Johnstone
Original Tune: Jean Martin of Aberdeen (Muriel A Johnstone)

For Jean Martin, Chairman of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, 2002-2004. The tune was an auction item at Pinewoods Scottish Week, 2004 when the successful bidders presented the tune to Jean.

Dances for March 17, 2025

March 15, 20253x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Montréal Rendezvous

Montréal Rendezvous
Montréal Moments
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple dances down the middle to 3rd place with nearer hands joined and turns the 3rd couple with outside hands (men with right hands, women with left) to finish in 2nd place (2nd couple steps up on bars 3 and 4). Dancing couple then crosses over passing right shoulders and turns the 2nd couple (1st man turns 2nd lady with left hand and 1st woman turns 2nd man with right hand) to meet at the top of the set with nearer hands joined.

9 – 16 1st couple dances down the middle to 3rd place, and turns the 3rd couple with outside hands (1st man turns 3rd woman with left hands and 1st woman turns 3rd man with right hands) to finish in second place. Dancing couple then crosses over passing right shoulders and turns the 2nd couple (men with right hands, women with left) to end in original places.

17 – 20 1st couple sets and casts into 2nd place on own sides. 2nd couple steps up on bars 19 and 20.

21 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance rights and lefts for three couples.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Written by G. Dale Birdsall for the 50th Anniversary of the Montréal Branch.

Music: Monozygotic Phenomenon (Laura Risk)

Video: The Orchards of Co. Armagh

The Orchards of Co. Armagh
Belfast Branch Platinum Anniversary Dances
RSCDS BELFAST BRANCH
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 6 All three couples chase clockwise, in a rectangular shape, halfway round to finish on opposite sides and set.

7 – 8 3rd and 1st couples giving right hands turn three quarters to finish in a line up and down the middle, men facing down.

9 – 12 3rd and 1st couples dance a half reel of four, 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the left to face 2nd couple across the dance, 1st man facing 2nd man, and 3rd woman facing 2nd woman. 1st woman and 3rd man remain in the middle at the top and bottom of the set. Fig 1.

13 – 16 1st man and 3rd woman and 2nd couple dance a half reel of four across the dance, 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the left to face partners up and down the set. Fig 2.

17 – 20 1st and 3rd couples dance a half reel of four, 1st man and 3rd woman again passing by the left to face own partners.

21 – 24 3rd and 1st couples set and petronella turn to finish on own sides in the order 3, 2, 1.

25 – 28 2nd couple followed by 1st couple dance up to the top and cast off round 3rd couple to finish in third place, 1st couple finish in second place.

29 – 32 All three couples giving both hands turn partners once round finishing in the order 3, 1, 2.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Jinty Anderson
The dance was inspired by the rows of orchards in Portadown.

Dances for February 16, 2025

February 13, 20253x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance SeasonOttawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Workshop Session

Video: The Engine Room

The Engine Room
The San Andreas Collection
32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4-couple set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and mirror reels of three on sides; on bar one, all join hands, on bar two, drop hands to face the direction to start the mirror reels, 1st couple in and down, 2nd couple out and up, 3rd couple in and up

9 – 16 1st couple back to back, cast off one place as 2nd couple step up, and cross with RIGHT hands to face out

17 – 20 1st couple dance around 1st corners, pull back RIGHT shoulders to end back to back, 1st woman facing up, 1st man facing down while: 1st corners dance back to back on the diagonal

21 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance half double triangles up and down (corners set 4 bars)

25 – 28 1st couple dance around 2nd corners, pull back RIGHT shoulders to end back to back facing opposite sides while: 2nd corners dance back to back on the diagonal

29 – 32 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance half double triangles; 1st couple finish on own sides second place (corners set 4 bars)

Repeat having passed a couple

Note: On Bars 31-32 of the second repetition, 1st couple finish the half double triangles by dancing to the bottom of the set as 3 couple moves up with pas de basque

Devisor: Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas, 2007

Music: “The Engine Room” by Muriel Johnstone, To Dance To 1

This dance was written for Muriel Johnstone for the occasion of her 60″ birthday, and presented to her at the Santa Rosa Class’s annual Beginners Ball.

No Video

The Slopes Of Hlidarendi
Bob McMurtry, The Devil’s Quandry
32 bar Strathspey for 3 couple set – 2002

1 – 2 No hands joined, all three couples half set on the right foot and advance with left foot one step on the diagonal toward partner. (Fig. 1 & 2, page 45).

3 – 4 All retire diagonally, one step, with right foot and half set with left on the sides, to original places.

5 – 8 All couples turn once round with both hands.

9 – 12 With hands joined, all set and circle six hands round half way.

13 – 16 Men making an arch, dance back to own sides and set, while women dance under the arches passing right shoulders with partner to own side and set. First part of setting step is done facing out and then pulling back right shoulder to face in (Fig. 3, page 45).

17 – 24 All dance the Rosette**

25 – 28 Dance a half right shoulder reel of three on the sides, 1st man pulling back right shoulder and passing same to begin, while 3rd woman do likewise (Fig. 4, page 45).

29 – 32 1st and 2nd couple set and link, ready to begin the dance from new positions.

Dance Notes: I have given the figure in the first 4 bars the name “Ha,” which is Icelandic for “what?”
On bar 15, men retain hands briefly, releasing on bar 16 as they pull back right shoulders. Women can take hands on bar 15, also releasing on bar 16. Bars 25-28 are reels as in Waverly.

Music: Hallgerd the Beautiful by Bob McMurtry

** Rosette: All set at the sides. Turn partners half way by the right hand, facing partner, retaining hands briefly. Pulling back right shoulders, all dance clockwise back to own sides. Figure devised by John Drewry.

Note: A dance for Elizabeth and John of the Stanford Class, California. Elizabeth suggested the title from the Nja’s Saga, when the hero Gunnar says, “Never have the slopes of Hlidarendi seemed so fair to me. I shall stay and not go into exile, come what may.” Hlidarendi is pronounced Hleether-endce.

Video: The Milngavie Maestro

The Milngavie Maestro
The Diack Dances
Devised by Gary Coull
(Milngavie is pronounced Mil-gai)

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

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and dance right hands across once round. 1st couple cast to 2nd place as 2nd couple dance up to 1st place and face out.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides of the dance, taking nearer hands where possible.
To begin: 2nd couple dance out and down;
1st couple dance in and down;
3rd couple dance out and up.
To finish: 2nd and 3rd couples curve into place and 3rd couple face out.

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

25 – 32 1st couple dance up between the 2nd couple and cast off to second place on own sides. 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.

No Video

Silver Darlings
Jean Attwod, Old Wick Castle & 3 more
Reel — 3 Couples — 32 Bars .

1 – 4 1st couple cross giving right hand and cast off 1 place, 2nd couple moving up.

5 – 8 Preparing the net — 1st man and 3rd lady turn once round with the left hand while 1st lady and 3rd man turn with the right, 3rd couple ending facing out.

9 – 16 The net – 1st couple dance “crossing” reel of three with 3rd and 2nd couples, who cast into the reel. (1st couple cross dancing down to 3rd place, cast up, cross dancing up to 2nd place and cast to finish in 2nd place on the wrong side facing up. 2nd and 3rd couples dance the reel on own side.

17 – 20 Hauling in the catch – 1st lady and 2nd man turn once round with the left hand, while 1st man and 2nd lady turn with the right.

21 – 24 1st couple dance half figure of eight round 2nd couple, ending in 2nd place on own side.

25 – 32 Boxing the fish – 1st and 3rd couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“Silver darlings” was the nick-name the Scottish fishermen gave to the herring.

Dances for February 10, 2025

February 8, 20253x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2025, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

High Lonesome House
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples
Craig Williams, December 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance down the middle, cross over below 3rd couple and cast up to 2nd place. 2nd couple stepping up on bars 3 – 4. 1st man & 3rd woman turn, with the left hand, 1st woman and 3rd man with the right hand, turn once round.

9 – 16 1st couple followed by 2nd couple dance a ½ figure of eight around 3rd couple. 1st couple dancing up to original places. 1st man & 2nd woman turn with the right hand once round, while 1st woman & 2nd man turn with the left hand once round.

17 – 24 1st & 2nd couple Helice,
1-2 1st & 2nd couple ¾ turn partners right hand, to finish in promenade hold, top couple (1st couple) facing men’s side, bottom couple (2nd couple) facing women’s side, forming a line up and down the dance
3-4 1st & 2nd couple promenade ½ way round anticlockwise (not too close together)
5-6 1st & 2nd couple still in promenade hold, turn to finish in middle of set facing partners – 2nd couple above 1st couple, [top couple on own side (2nd couple), bottom couple on opposite side (1st couple)]
7-8 1st & 2nd couple pull back right shoulder and cast into sidelines, 1st couple facing out on opposite sides

25 – 32 Reels of 3 on the sidelines. 1st woman passing right shoulders with 2nd man to begin. 1st man passing right shoulders with 3rd woman to begin. on bar 28 1st couple ½ turn with the left hand to continue the reel on their own side

Back in 1884, William and Mary McWatty and their 7 children, settled on 200 acres near the town of Packenham. They bought their first livestock: 4 cattle, 4 sheep, 2 horses and 1 hog, cleared 50 acres over the ensuing decades and built a working homestead. The land was farmed and logged continuously until 1997 when it was purchased and donated to the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust. The area is now called the High Lonesome Nature Reserve and is slowly being returned to it’s natural state.

Note: The Helice figure is borrowed from the dance A Trip to Ottawa by Malcolm Brown

No Video

Mr Diack’s Measure
The Diack Dances
Devised by Linda Gaul

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

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

9 – 16 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple who dance up to begin, lead down the middle and up. 2nd couple finish at the top and 1st couple finish facing first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple set to first corners then second corners and, pulling back by the right, finish facing each other up and down with 1st woman between 3rd couple and 1st man between 2nd couple.

21 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, turn one and three quarters to finish in second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for November 24, 2024

November 23, 20243x32 Reels, 3x32 Strathspeys, 64S+64R, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024, Medley, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Mini-workshop Session

Warning: The dances for this session are subject to change depending on the nature of the class

Video: Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine
James Stott , In the Sunlight of Nikko and Kamakura
32 – bar jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple turn by the right hand and cast off one place, dance down below the 3rd couple and cast up to finish in second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4.

9 – 10 1st couple set advancing passing by the left shoulder to finish back to back in the middle woman facing up and man facing down.

11 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance crown triangles. Finish as follows: 1st man and 2nd woman in promenade hold, 1st man with 2nd woman on his left facing down, 1st woman and 3rd man in promenade hold, 1st woman with 3rd man on her left facing up. 2nd and 3rd couples set for eight bars.

17 – 20 In promenade hold, 1st man with 2nd woman and 1st woman with 3rd man dance for two steps, in the inside of the set. They pass by the right then guide the 2nd woman and 3rd man into the diagonally opposite corner positions. 1st couple dance on two steps, 1st woman picking up 3rd woman and 1st man picking up 2nd man in promenade hold while 2nd woman and 3rd man dance on for two steps into the opposite corners.

21 – 24 1st woman with 3rd woman and 1st man with 2nd man in promenade hold, in the inside of the set, pass by the right for two steps then guide their partners into the diagonally opposite corner positions. 3rd woman and 2nd man dance on for two steps into the diagonally opposite corners while 1st couple pass by the right to finish in 2nd place on own side. The dancers are now in the following positions: 3rd couple in 1st place and 2nd couple in 3rd place on opposite sides, 1st couple on own sides in second place.

25 – 28 3rd and 2nd couples turn once round by the right hand and finish facing out. 1st couple set and cross over giving right hands.

29 – 32 All three couples chase clockwise half-way round to finish: 2, 1, 3

Repeat the dance from the new positions.

No Video

Walking the Dogs
Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas, Give it a Whirl
32 bar reel for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, giving RIGHT hands, half turn, moving down one place. 2nd couple steps up on bars 1-2. 1st couple, giving RIGHT hands, half turn, moving down below 3rd couple, facing out. 1st couple cast up around the 3rd couple to 2nd place on own side, turn by the RIGHT hand three-quarters to face up the middle. 1st woman followed by 1st man.

9 – 12 Half dolphin reel across the set, RIGHT shoulder to 2nd woman, 1st man takes the lead on bar 10. Finish with 1st couple in the middle back to back, 1st woman having turned right about.

13 1st couple join hands as for double triangles and all set onto RIGHT foot.
14 Releasing hands, all pas de basque onto LEFT foot, 1st couple moving to their RIGHT one quarter, remaining back to back. While: 2nd and 3rd couples set turning to face up and down.
15 All join hands as for crown triangles and set onto RIGHT foot.
16 Releasing hands, all set onto LEFT foot. 1st woman remains facing down as 1st man turns right about.

17 – 20 1st couple repeat bars 9-12 above with 3rd couple giving a RIGHT shoulder to 3rd man. 1st man takes the lead on bar 18. Finish with 1st couple in the middle back to back, 1st woman having turned right about.

21 – 24 As bars 13-16 above. 1st couple turn right about to face their first corners, who are in their partner’s first corner position.

25 – 32 1st couple half reel of 4 with first corners. 1st couple pass right shoulders in the middle to dance a half reel of 4 with second corners. 3 1 2

Repeat from new positions.

Deviser: Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas
Music: Walking the Dogs, Muriel Johnstone

For dear friend, Emily Evans, whose generosity and friendship helped pave our way into California and sustain us for many years! Dedicated to all who spend hours and hours in that loftiest of pursuits, walking the dog!

No Video

Norcan Crossing
Craig Williams, leaflet
A 64 bar Strathspey + 64 bar Reel Medley in a square set

Strathspey – Heading out
1 – 8 All Circle round and back

9 – 12 1st & 3rd couple chase counter-clockwise one position and into the middle. 1st couple below 4th woman, 3rd couple above 2nd woman
13 – 16 1st & 3rd couples, left hands across 1 ¼ round

17 – 20 1st couple with 2nd couple, 3rd couple with 4th couple, right hands across once round
21 – 24 1st & 3rd couples dance left shoulders around each other to finish in 1st couple in 3rd place and 3rd couple in 1st place.

25 – 28 2nd & 4th couple chase counter-clockwise one position and into the middle. 2nd couple pass 3rd woman (in 1st woman’s place) by the left, 4th couple pass 1st woman (in 3rd woman’s place) by the left.
29 – 32 2nd & 4th couples, left hands across 1 ¼ round

33 – 36 2nd couple with 1st couple (in 3rd couple’s place), 4th couple with 3rd couple (in 1st couple’s place), right hands across once round
37 – 40 2nd & 4th couple dance around each other by the left shoulder to finish 2nd couple in 4th place and 4th couple in 2nd place.

41 – 56 All dance Schehallion Reels. Women finish by dancing to take left hands across, giving right hands with partners.

57 – 60 All Highland schottische balance in line
61 – 64 All turn 1 ¼ with the right hand to finish on the sides.

Reel – The Return Trip
1 – 16 All dance Schehallion Reels. Women finish back to back in the middle facing partners on the sides.

17 – 20 All Set & Spring Point
21 – 24 All turn by the right hand 1 1/4 (4 bars) to finish on the sides. (Alternatively, birl with your partner)

25 – 28 1st & 3rd couple chase clockwise one position and into the middle. 1st couple above 2nd man (in 4th man’s place), 3rd couple below 4th man (in 2nd man’s place
29 – 32 1st & 3rd couples, right hands across 1 ¼ round

33 – 36 1st couple with 4th couple, 3rd couple with 2nd couple, left hands across once round
37 – 40 1st & 3rd couples dance right shoulders around each other to finish in original places.

41 – 44 2nd & 4th couple chase clockwise one position and into the middle. 2nd couple pass 1st man by the right, 4th couple pass 3rd man by the right.
45 – 48 2nd & 4th couples, right hands across 1 ¼ round

49 – 52 2nd couple with 3rd couple, 4th couple with 1st couple, left hands across once round
53 – 54 2nd & 4th couple dance around each other by the right shoulder to finish in original places.

57 – 64 All circle round and back

No Video

The Publisher
The Diack Dances
Devised by William Williamson

32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set and link.

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set; 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to the opposite side and stay facing out.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides (8 bars ). 1st couple pass first corners by the right to begin. On bars 15 – 16 giving left hand, 1st couple pass to face first corner.

17 – 24 1st couple dance corner pass and turn with first corners, the corners turn giving both hands, 1st couple pass by the right to face second corners. 1st couple dance corner pass and turn with second corners, the corners turn giving both hands, 1st couple pass by the right to finish in second place on own sides.

25 – 28 1st and 3rd couples set and link.

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

Repeat from new positions.

No Video

The Milngavie Maestro
The Diack Dances
Devised by Gary Coull
(Milngavie is pronounced Mil-gai)

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

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and dance right hands across once round. 1st couple cast to 2nd place as 2nd couple dance up to 1st place and face out.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides of the dance, taking nearer hands where possible. To begin: 2nd couple dance out and down; 1st couple dance in and down; 3rd couple dance out and up.To finish: 2nd and 3rd couples curve into place and 3rd couple face out.

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

25 – 32 1st couple dance up between the 2nd couple and cast off to second place on own sides. 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.

No Video

Mr Diack’s Measure
The Diack Dances
Devised by Linda Gaul

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

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

9 – 16 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple who dance up to begin, lead down the middle and up. 2nd couple finish at the top and 1st couple finish facing first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple set to first corners then second corners and, pulling back by the right, finish facing each other up and down with 1st woman between 3rd couple and 1st man between 2nd couple.

21 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, turn one and three quarters to finish in second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for November 11, 2024

November 7, 20243x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: General Stuart’s Reel

General Stuart’s Reel or
The New Way of Gildon (Reel)
RSCDS Book 10 – No. 3

1 – 4 1st man sets to 2nd woman and casts off one place. 2nd man steps up on bars 3–4.

5 – 8 1st woman sets to 2nd man and casts off to second place. 2nd woman steps up on bars 7–8.

9 – 12 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand then, passing each other by the right shoulder, face second corners.

13 – 16 1st couple turn second corners with the left hand then, passing each other by the right shoulder, face first corners.

17 – 24 1st couple set to first corners, set to each other across the dance, set to second corners, then set to each other up and down the dance and finish man facing up and woman facing down the dance. 1st couple turn by the right throughout.

25 – 30 1st couple dance reels with their corners. 1st couple begin the reels by giving right shoulders to second corners.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Source: The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749.
Music: The Stuarts’ Rant, Bremner, 1768.

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 9-16 Corners dance two steps when turning.

TACNotes:’
9-16 Corners must dance into middle to meet 1st cpl on bars 9 & 13 then out to places on bars 10 & 14 releasing 1st cpl to face up & down the set.

Video: The Wind on Loch Fyne

The Wind on Loch Fyne
A 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple triangular set

1 – 8 1st woman dances a figure of eight round 2nd couple, passing right shoulder with 2nd man to begin, while 1st man dances similarly round 3rd couple, passing left shoulder with 3rd woman to begin. 1st couple take nearer hands briefly on bar 4, and right hands on bar 8 to finish facing each other.

9 – 16 All dance interlocking reels of four, passing right shoulders with partners to begin. All acknowledge partners on bar 12 while turning away to complete the reels. All give right hands to partners on bar 16 to turn the men into the centre.

17 – 18 Men dance left hands across to move two places, while women dance clockwise around one place.

19 – 20 All turn partners once round, giving right hands.

21 – 24 Repeat bars 17-20 to finish one place to the right of original positions.

25 – 26 All set, joining nearer hands with partner.

27 – 28 All dance six hands round to the left halfway.

29 – 30 All turn partners once round, giving both hands.

31 – 32 All dance six hands round to the left halfway.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Bowie Dickson.
Original tune: Scotch Mist – Traditional.
Source: Dunedin Dances – 11 Scottish Dances Book 1.

Dances for November 4, 2024

November 2, 20243x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Wind on Loch Fyne

The Wind on Loch Fyne
A 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple triangular set

17 – 18 Men dance left hands across to move two places, while women dance clockwise around one place.

19 – 20 All turn partners once round, giving right hands.

21 – 24 Repeat bars 17-20 to finish one place to the right of original positions.

25 – 26 All set, joining nearer hands with partner.

27 – 28 All dance six hands round to the left halfway.

29 – 30 All turn partners once round, giving both hands.

31 – 32 All dance six hands round to the left halfway.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Bowie Dickson.
Original tune: Scotch Mist – Traditional.
Source: Dunedin Dances – 11 Scottish Dances Book 1.

Video: Clatterin’ Brig

Clatterin’ Brig
Roy Goldring, Graded and Social Dances 2
32 bar reel for 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle (4 steps), turn inwards and lead up to finish in the centre in 2nd place.
2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

9 – 10 Taking promenade hold, 1st couple set to 2nd woman.
11 – 12 Moving to the right, 1st couple set to 3rd woman.
13 – 14 Moving to the right, 1st couple set to 3rd man.
15 – 16 Moving to the right, 1st couple set to 2nd man.
On bar 16, 1st couple finish facing the top.

17 – 20 1st couple lead up to the top and cast off to 2nd place.
21 – 24 All turn once round with right hands to finish in the centre, facing up, ready for:-

25 – 32 3 couple promenade.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Recommended Tune: The Pied Wagtail (Muriel Johnstone)
Recording: SSCD06 “Haste Ye Back” Track 13

Dances for September 23, 2024

September 22, 20243x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Australian Ladies

The Australian Ladies
THE GLASGOW ASSEMBLY and other Scottish Country Dances by Bob Campbell. Oakville, Ontario
A reel for three couples

1–4 First couple cross over giving the right hand and cast off two places. Second and third couples step up.

5–8 First and third couples dance right hands across once round, first couple finishing in the middle facing up with right hands joined.

9–12 First couple lead up, cross over and cast off round second couple to finish in second place on own sides. Third couple step down.

13-16 First and second couples dance left hands across once round.

17-20 First couple cross over giving the right hand and cast round first corner’s position to finish, first man between third couple facing up, first woman between second couple facing down. At the same time second and third couples set to partner then cross over giving the right hand, second couple to face down, third couple up. See Figure 1.

21-24 First couple change places giving the right hand and cast round second corner’s position to finish in second place on opposite sides. At the same time second and third men, and women, set to each other then change places giving the right hand to finish facing partner across the dance. See Figure 2 for bars 23-24.

25-28 First couple cross back to own sides giving the right hand and cast round partner’s first corner’s position to finish, first man between third couple facing down, first woman between second couple facing up. At the same time second and third couples set to partner then cross back to own sides giving the right hand, second couple to face up, third couple down.

29-32 First c First couple change places giving the right hand and cast round partner’s second corner’s position to finish on own sides in second place. At the same time second and third men, and women, set to each other then change places giving the right hand. (Second woman and third man make a ‘polite’ turn at the end of bar 32.)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: Autumn Celebration

Autumn Celebration
Trudy Roughgarden
strathspey for 3 couples in a 3 couple set

1 – 8 All set twice ; all ½ turn RH | cast away to opp side

9 – 16 All chase ½ way clw (3,2,1) ; 1c ½ turn BH moving up while{2} 2c dance down to 2pl. 1c dance RSh round P to face 1cnr

17 – 24 1c+1cnrs Corner Pass & Turn ; 1c+2cnrs repeat, 1c end on own side

25 – 32 Circle6 to L & back (3,1,2)

No Video

The 27th of October
by Sue McKinnell
8X32 Jig for 3C

1-4 1W, followed by 2W, dance across the set, between 1M and 2M, up behind 1M, across the set and down the women’s side (the women have changed places).

5-8 1C and 2C RH across.
9-12 1M, followed by 2M, dance across the set, between 2W and 1W, up behind 2W, across the set and down the men’s side (the men have changed places).

13-16 2C and 1C LH across. 1C end facing down.

17-24 Parallel reels of three on the sides, 1C passing 3C RS to begin. 1W end facing out.
25-32 1W, followed by 1M, cast off behind 3W, up the center of the set to above 2C. 1C cast off to 2nd place on own sides.
Repeat.

Suggested music is Flights of Fancy from Celebrate 50 Years with the Boston Branch.
Written in honor of Doug Schneider’s 70th Birthday on the 27th of October 2013.

Dances for September 16, 2024

September 16, 20243x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

Wild Creek

32 bar Jig for 3 couples – Bob McMurtry 1998

1-4 1st couple cross by the right hand and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bar 3 & 4

5-8 1st couple turn with left hands once and three-quarters, end with 1st man facing down between 3rd couple and 1st woman facing up between 2nd couple

9-16 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance a 6 bar left shoulder reel of three across the dance. 1st couple pass left shoulders with first corners to begin. 1st couple cross to opposite side, passing right shoulders on bars 15-16. 1st man face out.

17-24 2nd and 1st couple dance Ladies Chain

25-28 1st couple dance a half figure of eight between 3rd couple.

29-32 1st couple turn with left hands once round and end in second place.

Repeat having passed a couple

Dance Notes: The turn on bars 5-8 may be anticipated a bit and should flow right into the reels of three

Music: Cock o’ the North

No Video

TOP OF THE HILL
a 32-bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 3-couple set

1 – 8 First and second couples set and rotate.
9 – 10 All three couples turn partners with the right hand three-quarters of the way round into a line up and down the middle of the set, women facing down, men facing up.
11 – 16 All dance a half reel of six. (As in a reel of four, on odd bars, all pass right shoulders. On even bars, dancers at the ends of the reel dance a small loop while the others pass the dancer they face by left shoulders. After 6 bars, all will be facing their partners.)

17 – 18 All three couples turn partners with the right hand three-quarters of the way round to finish on own sides ready to flow into…

19 – 24 All dance six hands once round to the left. Order is now 3,1,2.

25 – 28 First couple (in second place), followed by second couple, dance up between the standing third couple at the top and cast off to finish in the order 3,2,1. (First and second couples dance straight down behind the lines and turn into place together on bar 28.)

29 – 32 Second couple, followed by third couple, dance down between first couple, (now at the bottom), and cast up to finish the dance in order 2, 3, 1.
(The pattern is continuous for 2nd couple who turn in on bar 28 and dance down immediately, followed by 3rd couple. As in the previous four bars, the dancers casting up dance in a straight line and turn in together on bar 32.)

Suggested music: October in Rechberg, Muriel Johnstone, Dancing on Air

This dance was written to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Ardbrae – the half reel of six and the circle represent 60. The first classes in 1964 were held at Ridgemont High School. Hence, the Scottish group name, Ardbrae – high or top (ard) hill (brae).
The pattern of the last 8 bars appears in the dance, Seagreen, by John Drewry.
• Devised by Barbara Anglin

Video: The Deil amang the Tailors

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Video: The Australian Ladies

The Australian Ladies
A reel for three couples
THE GLASGOW ASSEMBLY and other Scottish Country Dances by Bob Campbell. Oakville, Ontario

1–4 First couple cross over giving the right hand and cast off two places. Second and third couples step up.

5–8 First and third couples dance right hands across once round, first couple finishing in the middle facing up with right hands joined.

9–12 First couple lead up, cross over and cast off round second couple to finish in second place on own sides. Third couple step down.

13-16 First and second couples dance left hands across once round.

29-32 First couple change places giving the right hand and cast round partner’s second corner’s position to finish on own sides in second place. At the same time second and third men, and women, set to each other then change places giving the right hand. (Second woman and third man make a ‘polite’ turn at the end of bar 32.)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for July 24, 2024

July 20, 20243x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Summer 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

No Video

The Jam on Jerry’s Rock
A 32 bar jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set

Craig Williams
August 2023

1 – 8 1st couple cross down to dance a reel of 3 on the opposite sides with 2nd & 3rd couples. 1s finish in partners place

9 – 12 1st couple cross giving right hands & cast off one place.

13 – 16 1st couple set advancing and 1/2 turn 2 hands, cast to opposite side using with pas de basque. Finish facing out.

17 – 18 1st couple turn 3rd couple 3/4, 1st man & 3rd woman with the right hand, 1st woman & 3rd man with the left hand. 3rd couple return to place. 1st couple finish with nearer hand joined between 3rd couple

19 – 20 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, dance up the middle.

21 – 22 1st couple turn 2nd couple 3/4, 1st man & 2rd woman with the right hand, 1st woman & 2nd man with the left hand. 2nd couple return to top place

23 – 24 1st couple dance through 2nd place and pass right shoulder to own side.

25 – 32 All 3 couples circle 6 hands round & back

I discovered the folk song, “The Jam on Jerry’s Rock”, while reading about the history of the Ottawa area. Like many other areas in North America, logging was a key industry. The song tells the tragic tale of a six of young men and foreman young Monroe, sent to break a log jam on a river.

Video: The Pirate

The Pirate
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian
The Dance – 1822 and 2021
24-bar reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1822 Instructions

The 2d Gentm and 1st Lady turn to right and set at top and bottom, turn to right
again into each other’s places (in the dance) set
the 1st Gentm and 2d Lady do the same
Poussette at top

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 4 1st woman and 2nd man, using travelling step and pulling right shoulders back, dance into the middle to face each other and set. 1st woman facing down and 2nd man facing up.

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man using travelling step, pass by the left, and pulling right shoulders back, dance to each other’s original places and set.

9 – 12 1st man and 2nd woman, using travelling step, pass by the left, and pulling right shoulders back dance into the middle and set. 2nd woman facing down and 1st man facing up.

13 – 16 2nd woman and 1st man using travelling step and pulling right shoulder back, dance to each other’s original places and set. At the end of bar 16, 1st couple are in 2nd place opposite side. The 2nd couple are in 1st place opposite side.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance a waltz poussette to finish back on own sides.

Note: In the 1822 leaflet this is a 24-bar dance for 2 couple. As 24-bar 2-couple dances are not that common today, an additional optional 8 bars have been added below should you wish to dance this as a 32-bar dance for three couples.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note:

The movements in bars 1 — 16 are similar to a petronella turn. Travelling step is recommended,
As it is clear that the progression takes place during bars 1 – 16, the poussette must be a full poussette, but starting from the opposite sides. See page 61.

The Waltz Poussette

Starting from sidelines and using waltz turns throughout the dancers should follow the general pattern below:

Bar 1 Dance in and meet in waltz hold (two hand hold may also be used).

Bar 2 – 4 Dance out to the sides (couple in second place to woman’s side and couple in 1st place to men’s side) and continuing dancing waltz turns round other couple and back into centre in progressed position.

Bar 5 – 7 Repeat bars 2 – 4 to finish in centre in original positions

Bar 8 Retire

No Video

Diamond of the Water
A 3 couple strathspey for a 3 couple set
Jayne Irwin, July 2024

1 – 4 All 3 couples turn with both hands once round and set.

5 – 8 All 3 couples dance in and take nearer hands, facing up.
1st couple casts off to 3rd place.
2nd couple dance up and cast of to original places.
3rd couple dance and cast into 1st place.
On bar 8 all three couples dance in to take promenade hold.

9 – 16 3rd, 2nd & 1st couples dance a 3 couple promenade, 3rd couple casts of to 2nd place and 2nd couple dance to the top on the last two bars.

17 – 18 2nd, 3rd & 1st couple turn once round with both hands
19 – 20 All advance for one step & retire one step
21 – 24 All dance back to back

25 – 32 All circle to the left and back

Repeat from new positions

Our canoe, gliding gently in the reflective water and watching the fish below swishing to and fro.

No Video

Further Ado
Lydia Hedge, Further Ado
32 bar Reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
devised by Lydia Hedge 2019.

1 – 8 1s set, cross down between 2s (as 2s step up), cast behind 3s, dance up between 3s to 2nd place in the centre.

9 – 16 2s, 1s and 3s dance mirror reels of 3 (1s out and up, 2s in and down, 3s in and up) 1s finish back to back facing opposite sides.

17 – 22 2s, 1s and 3s dance 6 bars of double triangles.

23 – 24 1s petronella turn out to own sides in 2nd place.

25 – 32 2s, 1s and 3s circle 6 hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple

Tune: Further Ado by M. G. Hughes 2017