Category Archives: 3×32 Strathspeys

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Dances for October 27, 2025

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

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Bonnie Stronshiray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dance Notes:

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

No Video

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

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

Repeat from new places

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

Video: Come What May

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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

Dances for July 30, 2025

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

Ottawa Summer Class – Last Class

Video: A TRIP TO CRINAN

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

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

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

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video: The Provost Wynd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring.

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

Video: The Left-Handed Fiddler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dances for July 9, 2025

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

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

Campbell Chute
Craig Williams
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple

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

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

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

dance 5.11 devised by John Morris

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for April 7, 2025

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance Season, Reels, Strathspeys, Uncategorized

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

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025

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

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance Season

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

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Uncategorized

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

3x32 Reels, 3x32 Strathspeys, 64S+64R, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024, Medley, Uncategorized

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

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024

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

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024

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

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.

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