Category Archives: 3×32 Strathspeys

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Dances for November 13, 2023

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 | 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|st 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.


Video: The Minister on the Loch

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Roy Goldring for Robert MacKay

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

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

Dances for November 6, 2023

Video: The Minister on the Loch

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Roy Goldring for Robert MacKay

Original tune:
Muriel Johnstone’s compliments to Robert MacKay (Muriel A Johnstone)

Originally published in 24 Graded and Social Dances devised by Roy Goldring

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


No Video

Ardbrae Angels
A 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
Elaine Hoag
Suggested music: Thistle House Live, Track #13 (“The King’s Rant”)

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.

Dances for March 27, 2023

Video: The Scallywag

The Scallywag
RSCDS Book 51
40-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple dance in towards each other almost to touch shoulders and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a quarter times to face first corners.

9 – 12 1st couple set to first corners and, giving right hands, turn to finish 1st woman facing 2nd woman and 1st man facing 3rd man.

13 – 16 All dance half reels of three across the set, passing left shoulders to begin and finishing in lines of three facing up and down the set.

17 – 20 Taking hands, all advance and retire.

21 – 24 1st couple dance round each other by the right shoulder to finish facing third corners (second corner person in partner’s first corner position).

25 – 32 Repeat bars 9 – 16 from new positions. 2nd and 3rd couples finish the half reels of three on own sides facing in, while 1st couple finish facing each other up and down the set.

33 – 34 1st couple set advancing and take right hands.

35 – 36 1st woman turns under her partner’s right arm while setting (pulling back her right shoulder) as 1st man sets moving slightly towards the women’s side. They finish side by side in the middle of the set, facing up, 1st woman on her partner’s left, retaining right hands.

37 – 40 1st couple lead up, cross over above 2nd couple, and cast off to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

On the last two bars of the second time through, 1st coup1e cast to the bottom of the set.

Devised by Jennifer P Kelly, RSCDS San Francisco Branch, February 1997.
An appropriately flirtatious dance devised to honour Mikkel Thompson on reaching his half century.


Video: MacDonald of Keppoch

MacDonald of Keppoch
RSCDS Book 49
Medley of 2 x 32 -bar strathspey and 2 x 32-bar reel
for four couples in a square set

1 – 6 1st and 3rd couples dance the first six bars of rights and lefts, men dancing a polite turn on bar 6, to finish in the middle of the set, back to back with partner, facing the side couples (1st woman facing 2nd woman, 1st man facing 4th man, 3rd woman facing 4th woman, and 3rd man facing 2nd man).

7 – 8 All set.

9 – 16 1st couple with 2nd woman and 4th man, 3rd couple with 2nd man and 4th woman dance reels of four across the set. 1st and 3rd couples finish in a line up and down the middle of the set, women facing each other in the middle (Fig.).

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance a reel of four. 1st and 3rd women pass by the right to begin; all pass by the left at the ends, by the right in the middle and finish in original places facing partner.

25 – 26 All set.

27 – 30 All, giving right hands, turn partner one and a quarter times.

31 – 32 All four couples, in promenade hold, dance on one place anti-clockwise.

Repeat in strathspey time from new positions, finishing opposite original places. Repeat twice more in reel time and finish in original places.

Devised by Chris Ronald, New York Branch.

The title of the dance refers to the clan of which the Ronald family is a sept.


Video: On The Quarter-Deck

On The Quarter-Deck
Scottish Country Dances from THE HARBOUR CITY.
A 32 bar hornpipe for 2 couples in a 4 couple longwise set.

1 – 4 1st couple set once and cross over giving right hands.

5 – 8 1st couple set once and turn with right hands just over halfway round.

9 – 12 1st couple and 2nd man dance right hands across once round.

13 – 16 1st couple and 2nd woman dance left hands across once round.

17 – 20 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances down the middle for two steps, both turn right about and 1st man, followed by his partner, dances back up the middle.

21 – 24 1st man casts down behind 2nd woman and crosses over into 2nd man’s place while 1st woman dances up the middle and casts down behind 2nd woman to finish in 2nd woman’s place. 2nd couple move up on bars 23 and 24.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance right and left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“On the Quarter-deck” was devised by Iain Boyd.


Video: The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights
TAC Silver Anniversary
3 x 32 Bar Strathspey

1 – 4 1st Man and 2nd Lady set to each other advancing, then turn each other with both hands (3/4 turn) to finish back to back in the centre, Man facing down, Lady facing up (they release hands and pivot right about on Bar 4 – i.e. Bob Campbell’s “Birl” from Frae A’ The Airts) Meanwhile: 2nd Man and 1st Lady dance around anticlockwise to finish facing their partner in a line up & down in the centre of the dance

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and turn with both hands to finish on own side of the dance, 1st couple now in 2nd place, 2nd couple in 1st place

9 – 16 1st couple repeat Bars 1 – 8 with 3rd couple. On bars 15 and 16 they turn with both hands finishing in position ready for Allemande. On bar 16, 2nd couple (at top) dance in to position for Allemande.

17 – 24 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance Allemande

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples (top and bottom) dance Half Rights and Lefts; WHILE the 3rd couple (in 2nd place) set and cross over giving Right hands

29 – 32 All 3 couples set and cross to own sides giving Right hand to partner

Repeat with new top couple

Dedicated to the Ladies of Prince George, B.C.
Devised by Chas. F. Dobie of Carisbrooke S.C.D.C.

NOTE: The following note appears in the back of Glasgow Assembly and other Scottish Country Dances by Bob Campbell (Fifth Printing, 1990):

“THE BOURREL
This progression, first used in Campsie Glen, also appears in The Northern Meeting and Frae A’ The Airts and was
originally known as the Birl. As birling, in its strict sense, does not occur in our dancing the term Bourrel has been substituted.”


Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

The Reel of the Royal Scots
Leaflet – No.7
(Reel)

Fig – Bar 16

1 – 2 1st and 2nd women turn with the left hand, while 1st and 2nd men turn with the right hand, 1st couple finishing back to back in the centre of the set in second place.

3 – 4 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set as in double triangles.

5 – 6 1st and 3rd women turn with the right hand, while 1st and 3rd men turn with the left hand to change places.

7 – 8 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples set as in double triangles.

9 – 16 1st couple followed by 3rd couple, dance up between the 2nd couple and cast off, then dance down to third place and cast up to second place, 3rd couple finishing in original places. (1st and 3rd couples join nearer hands with partner on every occasion when dancing up or down in the centre). (Fig.).

17 – 24 1st couple turn first corners with right hands.
1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder.
1st couple turn second corners with right hands.
1st couple passing right shoulders cross to second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) in 1983.

TACNotes:’
17-24 Corners dance for 4 bars.

Dances for February 27, 2023

Video: The Trysting Place

The Trysting Place
RSCDS Book 35 – No. 6
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set and link.

9 – 12 1st woman and 2nd man set and, giving right hands, change places. At the same time, 1st man and 2nd woman, giving right hands, change places and set.

13 – 16 Repeat bars 9-12 back to original places.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back to finish in a line of four up and down the middle of the set, women facing down and men facing up.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Iain Boyd, New Zealand Branch, 1985.
Original tune: The Duchess of Gordon’s New Strathspey (Robert Mackintosh)

Inscribed to Mary Murray of Vancouver, BC, whose home in Tryst Road, Falkirk was opposite the traditional site of the Falkirk Tryst, where cattle drovers from the Highlands, Lowlands and the north of England met to buy and sell their livestock and produce.

TACNotes:’
31-32 On bars 7-8 of poussette figure, cpls turn 2H, using travelling steps – all starting on R foot.


Video: Follow Me Home

Follow Me Home
RSCDS Book 38 – No. 3
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple, giving left hands, turn to join right hands with first corners in balance in line position. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 10 1st couple and first corners balance in line.

11 – 16 Releasing left hands with partner, 1st couple turn first corners halfway. 1st couple, followed closely by first corners, dance clockwise halfway round the set, passing behind second corners. 1st couple dance in to join right hands with partner and left hands with second corners. 3rd woman finishes in 1st man’s place and 2nd man finishes in 3rd woman’s place.

17 – 18 1st couple and second corners balance in line.

19 – 24 Releasing left hands with partner, 1st couple turn second corners halfway. 1st couple, followed closely by second corners, dance anticlockwise halfway round the set, passing behind 1st corners. 1st couple pass each other by the left to finish in second place on opposite sides facing out. 3rd man finishes in 1st woman’s place and 2nd woman finishes in 3rd man’s place. All are on opposite sides in the order 3, 1, 2.

25 – 28 3rd , 1st and 2nd couples dance half reels of three on the sides, 3rd and 1st men and 1st and 2nd women passing by the left to begin.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands to partners, cross over.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Ellie Briscoe, Alexandria, Virginia.
Original tune: Miss Catherine Stewart, Pettyvaich (William Marshall)

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 11-16 The half turns should be completed in one bar to ensure the corners finish in new place. Similarly for bars 19-24.

TACNotes:’
11-16 1st cpl half turn corners, on bar 11, & release hands. Corners follow closely without going back through corner position.
19-24 Bar 19 as well as bar 11 above.


Video: MISS CATHERINE ANN

MISS CATHERINE ANN
David Queen, The Queen Collection

32 Bar Strathspey for a 3 couple set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd men and 1st and 2nd ladies, set and ‘mirror link’ ie. ladies pulling back right shoulders and men pulling back left shoulders.

5 – 8 1st couple dance half a figure of eight round 2nd couple, crossing up to begin.

9 – 12 1st and 3rd couples set and ‘mirror link’ ie.1st man and 3rd lady pulling back right shoulders, 1st lady and 3rd man pulling back left shoulders.

13 – 16 1st couple dance half a figure of eight round 3rd couple, crossing up to begin.

17 – 20 All 3 couples petronella turn into the centre of the set and set to partners.

21 – 24 All turn partners halfway with both hands and damce a petronella turn back out to own sidelines.

25 – 32 All 3 couples flow into a circle round and back.

Start again with a new couple at the top.

For my wife Cathy.


Video: MAIRI’S WEDDING

MAIRI’S WEDDING
TWENTY-TWO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by James B. Cosh and TWO OTHERS

(N.B. Dancing couple passing left shoulder in centre.)

1 – 4 First couple turn with right hand and cast one place on own side. (Second couple move up.)

5 – 8 Then turn with left hand to corners.

9 – 12 First couple dance half reel of four with first corners. (The corners changing places.)

13 – 16 First couple dance half reel of four with second corners.

17 – 20 First couple dance half reel of four with first corners, (Who are now on the other side.)

21 – 24 First couple dance half reel of four with second corners.

25 – 32 Reels of three across, the woman with second couple and the man with third couple.

33 – 40 Six hands round and back.


Video: RABBIE’S REEL

RABBIE’S REEL
RSCDS Book 40
(Reel)

1 – 8 4st woman, followed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th women, dances across the top of the set, down behind the men and back to place.

9 – 16 1st man, followed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th men, dances across the top of the set, down behind the women and back to place.

17 – 20 All four women dance round their partners, passing right shoulders, and back to place.

21 – 24 All four men dance round their partners, passing right shoulders, and back to place.

25 – 28 1st couple lead down to fourth place. 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples step up on bars 27 – 28.

29 – 32 All clap (eight claps).

Repeat with a new top couple.

Devised by members of Fife Council Physical Education Visiting Teacher Service for The
Fife Scottish Country Dance Festival, 1996.

Dances for February 13, 2023

Video: Miss Catherine Ann

Miss Catherine Ann
David Queen, The Queen Collection
32 Bar Strathspey for a 3 couple set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd men and 1st and 2nd ladies, set and ‘mirror link’ ie. ladies pulling back right shoulders and men pulling back left shoulders.

5 – 8 1st couple dance half a figure of eight round 2nd couple, crossing up to begin.

9 – 12 1st and 3rd couples set and ‘mirror link’ ie.1st man and 3rd lady pulling back right shoulders, 1st lady and 3rd man pulling back left shoulders.

13 – 16 1st couple dance half a figure of eight round 3rd couple, crossing up to begin.

17 – 20 All 3 couples petronella turn into the centre of the set and set to partners.

21 – 24 All turn partners halfway with both hands and damce a petronella turn back out to own sidelines.

25 – 32 All 3 couples flow into a circle round and back.

Start again with a new couple at the top.

For my wife Cathy.


Video: The Ratcatcher’s Reel

The Ratcatcher’s Reel
David Queen, The Queen Collection, Vol. 1
32 bar Reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set and mirror link, ie. Men link by the left and Ladies link by the night.

5 – 8 1st, 2nd & 3rd couples dance half a reel of three on the sides, 1st couple dancing in and down to begin, 2nd couple out and down and 3rd couple out and up.

9 – 12 3rd and 1st couples set and mirror link ie. Men link by the left and ladies link by the right.

13 – 16 1st, 3rd & 2nd couples dance half a reel of three on the sides, 1st couple dancing out and down to begin, 3rd couple in and down and 2nd couple out and up.

17 – 18 1st man and 3rd man dance half a turn with the right hand, while 1st lady and 3rd lady dance half a turn with the left hand.

19 – 20 1st man and 2nd man dance half a turn with the left hand, while 1st lady and 2nd lady dance half a turn with the right hand.

21 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance half a figure of eight, 1st couple casting down and 2nd couple crossing up to begin.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande starting by dancing a right hand turn into allemande hold facing up using the first two bars (as in the knot) and continuing to dance a normal two couple allemande.

This dance was devised for David Rye from West Wales who lists among his many talents and professions, the role of Ratcatcher.


Video: It’s all right

It’s all right
RSCDS Second Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples chase halfway to finish in the order 3,2,1 on own sides.

9 – 16 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-8 to finish in original places.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up.

25 – 32 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over, cast off one place and, giving right hands, cross to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 29-30.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Elma See.
For those who forget which is their ‘right’ hand.


No Video

Longtown Rant
Evelyn Ramwell, The Second Kirkbrae Collection
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple set.
Tune: ‘Bill & Betty Galbraith’ (Donald Ridley) or any good reel.

1 – 4 1st couple dance down the middle for two steps, release hands & set to partner.

5 – 8 1st couple dance up and cast to corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 7 & 8.

9 – 12 1st couple turn 1st corner by the Right hand, pass partner by the Right shoulder to face 2nd corner. (Corners dance four bar turns.)

13 – 16 1st couple turn 2nd corner by the Right hand, (corners dance four bar turns), 1st couple cross to 2nd place own side, passing Right shoulder, and face out, ready for:

17 – 24 Reels of 3 on own sides, 1st lady dancing down, 1st man up, passing Right shoulders to begin.

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

Repeat having passed a couple.


No Video

Raccoon Ramble
Susie Langdon Kass, Let’s All Dance, Too
32/R/3 couple set by Susie Langdon Kass (1996)
San Francisco Branch

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight around 2nd couple, crossing down to begin.

9 – 16 1st couple cross with right hands and cast off one place; cross with left hands and cast off to 3rd place. 2nd couple move up on bars 3-4 and 3rd couple move up on bars 7-8 of the phrase.

17 – 24 3rd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

25 – 32 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples circle 6 hands round and back.

Repeat from new places.

Music: Any good reel

Notes: An easy dance for 3 couples in which only the 1st couple start, and the dance ends with a circle. For teaching purposes, the rights and lefts in bars 17-24 may be replaced with right hands across and left hands back, set and cross right and set and cross back for 3 couples, or promenade for 3 couples or any other appropriate, non-progressive, formation. If there is a 4th couple the last circle is 8 hands round and back.

The name of the dance came to mind one night when some raccoons came into my back yard while I was preparing the lesson for my class. (SLK)

Dances for January 9, 2023

Video: The “Ballater” Reel

The “Ballater” Reel
Let’s All Dance
32/R or S/32 by John Trew

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and up; staying in the middle ready for…

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance rights and lefts.

25 – 32 1st couple dance a figure of eight around the 2nd couple.

Repeat from new places.

Music: Any good reel or strathspey

Note: This dance was devised for use with a very senior group of adults. In reel time, this dance would be suitable for young children. The dance could be amended to include more advanced figures. Ballater is a Scottish town.

Video: The Kissing Gates

The Kissing Gates
A Strathspey for 3 couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts. All finish facing diagonally to the centre, 1st man and 2nd woman having made polite turns.

5 – 6 1st man and 2nd woman set, whilst 1st woman and 2nd man change places diagonally, giving right hands.

7 – 8 1st and 2nd couples chase clockwise one place. 2nd couple are now in top place and 1st couple in second place.

9 – 12 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across once round. 1st man finishes facing out on his own side in second place, ready for:

13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across once round to finish facing partners across the dance.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples repeat bars 1 – 8.

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

Repeat, with a new top couple.

Suggested music:

‘The Silver Star’ recorded by Rob Gordon and his Band, on The Complete Caledonian
Ball, LCOM9007 Track 8.

Dance devised by Ken Jones.

Note: A kissing gate is a gate which allows people to pass through, one at a time, but not livestock. The gate “kisses” the enclosure either side rather than needing to be securely latched. However, some people use the name as an excuse to kiss the following person before letting them through.

Video: Lady Catherine Bruce’s Reel

Lady Catherine Bruce’s Reel
RSCDS Graded Book

1 – 8 First couple lead down the middle for 4 skip change of step and lead up for four. Finish ready for allemande, second couple coming in behind first couple on last bar.
9 – 16 First and second couples allemande to change places.
17 – 24 First couple dance the figure of eight round the second couple who stand still.
25 – 32 First and second couples dance four hands round and back to places – 8 slip steps to left and 8 to right.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: Collie Law

Collie Law
A 32 bar jig for 2 couples
R Goldring
24 Graded & Social Dances

1- 4 1st and 2nd couples, joining nearer hands on the sides, advance and retire
5-8 1st and 2nd couples turn partner once round with right hands finishing in the center, facing up, ready for: –

9-16 1st and 2nd couples dance Allemande

17-24 1st couple, crossing up to begin, dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple.

25-32 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across & left hands back

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)

Dances for December 12, 2022 – Ardbrae Christmas Social

Video: The Bramble Circle

The Bramble Circle
Let’s All Dance
32/R or J/single circle by Elinor M. Vandegrift

All face the center of the circle. Men have their partner on their right.

1 – 8 All circle round and back

9 – 12 All advance (2 steps) and retire (2 steps).

13 – 16 Repeat bars 9-12. Finish facing partner.

17 – 20 Turn partner right hand once round and finish facing the dancer behind (woman face the man who was originally on her right and man face the woman who was originally on his left).

21 – 24 Turn the new partner left hand 1 1/4 times, finishing in promenade hold facing counterclockwise, women on the right of their new partner.

25 – 32 Promenade, finishing in single circle ready to repeat the dance.

Repeat with new couples.

Music: Any good reel or jig 4 times through

Note: Audience participation or 1st night dance. “Written in honour of Seattle’s Bramble Band members who give generously of their time to play for many ‘audience participation’ events.” E.M.V.

Video: A Wee Nothin’

A Wee Nothin’
32 Bar jig for 2 couples

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance Right Hands across and Left Hands back to place.

9 – 14 1st Lady followed by the 2nd Lady dance across the top of the set, behind the men’s line, 1st Lady dances below the 2nd man, and 2nd Lady dances between the two men, and across to their own side, both pull LEFT shoulders back.

15 – 16 1st and 2nd ladies join hands and Set. (Men do not set back)

17 – 22 1st Man followed by the 2nd Man dance across the top of the set, behind the ladies’ line, 1st Man dances below the 2nd lady’s position, 2nd Man dances between the two ladies, and across to their own side, both pull RIGHT shoulders back.

23 – 24 1st and 2nd Men join hands and Set. (Ladies do not set back)

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance Rights and Lefts.

Devised by Elaine Brunken as a wee warm up dance. Note: Please include the polite turns at the end of Rights and Lefts, prior to entry to the wheels.

Suggested tune: Miss Hannah of Elgin

Video: The Birks of Invermay

The Birks of Invermay
Book 16 – No. 2
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man, giving both hands, turn once round to places. On bar 8, 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance into the middle of the set to join both hands and face up.

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

17 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place, lead up between 2nd couple, cross over to own sides and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Skillern’s compleat Collection of Two Hundred & four Reels and Country Dances c. 1789 as Birks of Endermay.

Original tune: The Birks of Invermay (Surenne)

Video: Flowers of Edinburgh

Flowers of Edinburgh
RSCDS Book 1 – No. 6
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 6 1st woman casts off two places, crosses to the opposite side and dances up behind 2nd and 3rd men to her partner’s original place. 1st man follows his partner, crossing over and dancing behind 2nd and 3rd women, and up the middle to his partner’s original place.

7 – 8 1st couple set to each other.

9 – 14 1st couple repeat bars 1-6, with 1st man casting off and 1st woman following. 1st couple finish in original places.

15 – 16 1st couple set to each other.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish facing each other in the middle of the set with both hands joined. 2nd couple step in.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Kate Hughes’ Dancing Book (MS), Dundalk 1867.
Original tune: Flowers of Edinburgh (Traditional)

Video: The Braes of Tulliemet

The Braes of Tulliemet
RSCDS Book 7 – No. 12
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and cast off one place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off to third place on opposite sides. 3rd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 12 3rd and 1st couples dance four hands once round to the left.

13 – 16 1st couple dance up to the top and cast off one place to face first corners. 3rd couple step down on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 1st couple set to and turn corners and finish facing first corners.

25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple pass first corners by the left to begin.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

A Perthshire dance. Collected in the Borders.

Original tune:
The Braes of Tulliemet (Miss Stewart’s Collection, 1761).

TACNotes:’
9-12 Finish on sidelines.

Video: The Highland Rambler

The Highland Rambler
Roy Goldring, Leeds Branch, Silver Jubilee.
(a 40 bar reel for 3 couples)

1 – 4 1st couple dance towards each other then cast to 2nd place; 2nd couple steps up.

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance Right Hands Across once around; 1st lady remains facing out.

9 – 12 1st and 2nd couples dance Left Hands Across once around; 1st lady remains facing out.

13 – 16 1st lady followed by her partner casts up around 2nd lady and dances down the middle to finish 1st lady between 3rd couple and 1st man between 2nd couple; all facing down.

17 – 24 In lines of three, all dance down the set, turn (pulling back right shoulders) and dance up again; 1st couple remains facing up.

25 – 28 1st man followed by his partner casts off one place on the ladies’ side and dances across the set to 2nd place on his own side; 1st lady finishes on her own side.

29 – 32 1st couple turns by the Right Hand.

33 – 40 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance Six Hands Round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: The Findlay’s Jig

The Findlay’s Jig
14 Social Dances for 2000, devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar jig for 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and back finishing at the top in the centre.2nd and 3rd couples step in on bar 8.

9 – 16 3 couple allemande.

17 – 20 1st couple dance in, face down and cast up to the top. 3rd and 2nd couples step down on 19-20.

21 – 24 2nd couple repeat bars 17-20. 1st and 3rd couples step down on bars 23-24.

25 – 32 6 hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple

For Faustina and Ian Findlay
Tune: The Groom’s Jig by Ian Findlay

Video: The Piper and the Penguin

The Piper and the Penguin
The Scotia Suite of Scottish Country Dances devised by Roy Goldring
(Reel for Four Couples in a Square Set)

1 – 4 The women dance round their corners, passing in front of them to begin.

5 – 8 The women dance right hands across and remain in the centre.

9 – 12 The women dance round their partners, passing in front of them to begin.

13 – 16 The women dance left hands across and finish in original places.

17 – 32 The men repeat bars 1–16, but dance in front of partners before dancing right hands across, and in front of their corners before dancing left hands across.

33 – 36 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn partners one and a quarter times.

37 – 40 1st man, followed by his partner, dances between 4th couple and cast back to place. Similarly, 3rd couple dance between 2nd couple and cast back to place.

41 – 48 1st and 3rd couple dance rights and lefts.

49 – 64 2nd and 4th couples repeat bars 33–48, 2nd couple dancing between 1st couple and 4th couple dancing between 3rd couple.

65 – 72 The women dance in and pull back right shoulders (2 bars), dance out (2 bars), and cast clockwise half way round the set to opposite woman’s place.

73 – 80 The men repeat bars 65–72, but pull back left shoulders at the end of bar 74, and cast anticlockwise.

81 – 84 All turn partners with the right hand, just over once round, to finish in promenade hold facing anticlockwise.

85 – 88 All promenade halfway round the set. On bar 87, all release right hands and the men lead their partners to original places ready for the bow and curtsey.

Video: MacDONALD OF THE ISLES

MacDONALD OF THE ISLES
The Second Carnforth Collection of Scottish Country Dances devised by Derek Haynes.
Strathspey for three-couple sets

1 – 8 2nd couple dance a diagonal reel of four with first corners. On bar 8 2nd couple dance left shoulder around each other to face second corners, ready to dance into a –

9 – 16 Diagonal reel of four with second corners. All finish on the side lines with 1st woman and 3rd man looping round by their right on bar 16.

HORSESHOE CHAIN aka PICK-UP or SNOWBALL CHAIN

17 – 18 1st couple cross over giving right hands.

19 – 20 1st and 2nd couples change places giving left hands.

21 – 22 2nd couple cross over while 1st and 3rd couples change places on the sides, all giving right hands.

23 – 24 2nd and 3rd couples change places on the sides as 1st couple cross to own sides, all giving left hands.

25 – 28 3rd and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

29 – 32 Half figures of eight: 3rd woman crosses down then casts up around 1st woman and 3rd man crosses up then cast off round 2nd man.

Repeat from new places.

Tune: The Smith’s a Gallant Fireman. Recorded on Alastair Hunter’s Lorne Choice, DACD 9716 and also on Deirdre Adamson’s Come Scottish Country Dancing, DACD 9614.

First published on a Glendarroch S.C.D. Sheet in 1966.

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)

Dances for November 21, 2022

No Video

Blue Moon Rendezvous
32 bar jig for 3 couples

1-4 1st couple set and cast off one place, 2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4.

5-8 1st couple set and turn three quarters round, giving left hands and end in the center, 1st man facing up, 1st woman facing down. Meanwhile, 2nd and 3rd couples turn once round, giving left hands and end facing out on own sides.

9 -16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance left shoulder reels of three on own sides. 1st man passes left shoulder with 2nd man and 1st woman passes left shoulder with 3rd woman to begin. 1st couple finish the reel by dancing towards each other through 2nd place, pulling back right shoulder to end back to back in the center facing own sides. 2nd and 3rd couples dance long loops at end of reels.

17 – 22 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six bars of double triangles.

23 – 24 1st couple, with two pas de basques and staying back to back, dance three quarters round to the right, to end 1st man facing up and 1st woman facing down. 2nd and 3rd couples continue setting.
25 – 28 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple circle once round to the left (8 slip steps). 1st couple release right hands on 6th step and open out to finish in 2nd place own side. 2nd and 3rd couples retain hands with partners.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples circle once round to the left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Music: “Linda Henderson of Alamo, California” ©2007 Andy Imbrie

This dance was devised by Fred DeMarse for Linda Henderson, originally from North Berwick, Scotland and currently of Alamo, California on the occasion of her first Scottish Country Dance workshop teaching engagement in Truckee, California on June 30th, 2007, which coincided with an occurrence of a Blue Moon.

No Video

Carol’s Delight
Frances Walduck, The Dancing Brolga Collection, Vol 2
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 3 couple longwise set.

1 – 12 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance rights and lefts for three couples.

13 – 16 1st couple dance down between the 3 couple and cast up into second place. 2nd couple dance up and face out in top place on bars 15 – 16.

17 – 24 All three couples dance a mirror reels of three on own sides. 1st couple dance in and up; 2nd couple dance out and down and the 3rd couple dance in , face down and cast out and up into the reel. 2nd and 3rd couples dance the long way into place at the end of the reel.

25 -32 2nd, 1st and 3” couples dance the knot.

(Finish 3,1,2.)
Repeat from new positions.

For Carol Aitken to mark a significant birthday.

© Devised by Francis Walduck, Brisbane, Queensland Branch RSCDS, May 2004.
Suggested music: The Silver Star Strathspey, track 8, The Complete Caledonian Ball – Rob Gordon and his Band.

Video: Davy Nick Nack

Davy Nick Nack
GLASGOW ASSEMBLY and other SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by Bob Campbell
A hornpipe for three couples
1 – 4 First, second and third couples cross over giving right hands to finish a little in front
of opposite side lines, and set. See Figure 1.
5 – 8 All cross back to own places, and set.

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

17 – 18 First couple turn first corners with the right hand to change places, corners finishing back to back facing first couple.

19 – 20 First couple set to corners in their new position.

21 – 24 First couple turn their first corners back into place with the right hand then turn each other with the left hand to finish in a diagonal line with second corners.

25 – 28 The same as bars 17–20 but with second corners.

29 – 32 First couple turn second corners back into place with the right hand then, giving left hands briefly in passing, curve into second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: Ecclefechan Feline

ECCLEFECHAN FELINE
Le Petit Chat Celtique
32 bar Jig for 3 couples – McMurtry – 2006

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight on their own side. 1st couple dance between the 2nd couple to begin, taking nearer hands briefly wherever possible.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a mirror reel of three on the sides, 1st couple dancing in and down, 2nd couple up and out and 3rd couple in and up to begin.

17 – 24 1st couple dance down for three steps, back for three steps and cast off one place, 2nd couple stepping up on bars 23 & 24.

25 – 28 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance right hands across, passing right shoulders on the last bar to change places.

29 – 32 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance Notes: 1st couple phrase step to finish on the sidelines at the end.

Recommended Recording: Track #8 Just in Time on CD, Campbell’s Birl with Muriel Johnstone and Keith Smith

Try to say the title quickly, 3 times in a row.

Video: The Button Boy

The Button Boy
The Allanton Collection, 9 New Dances
32 bar Reel

1 – 8 First couple dance reels of three on their own sides first and second men giving right shoulder, first and second ladies giving left shoulder to begin.

9 – 16 First couple dance reels of three on opposite sides, first man giving right shoulder to third lady, first lady giving left shoulder to third man to begin. Second couple finish the reels in first place, first couple in the middle of the set back to back, facing the opposite side.

17 – 24 Double Triangles, first couple finish facing the bottom of the set with nearer hands joined, first man with his partner on his right.

25 – 32 First couple dance down the middle, change sides at the end of bar 28 (lady dancing under her partner’s arm), and back into second place.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance devised by Bill Zobel

The nautical flavour of the tune gave rise to the title “The Button Boy”. In the Naval tradition of manning the mast, the button boy is the seaman chosen to climb all the way to the top and stand on the button. This is deemed to be a high accolade.

This tune is a favourite of Bill’s who could also be described as the “button boy” when sitting at the sound desk in our recording studio at Allanton.

Dances for October 3, 2022

Video: No Video

Lassie Will Ye Come and Dance?
Iain Boyd, Let’s All Dance
A 32 bar jig for 3 Couples

1 – 8 1st couple set twice, cross right hands and cast down round 2nd couple on opposite sides. 2nd couple moves up on 7 & 8.

9 – 16 1stwoman dances a figure of 8 round 2nd couple, passing 2nd woman by the right shoulder, while 1st man dances a figure of 8 round 3rd couple passing 3rd man right shoulders to begin. 1stcouple finishes on opposite sides in 2nd place.

17 – 20 2nd, 1st, & 3rd C set twice with nearer hands joined on the sides.

21 – 24 1st couple turn with right hands 1 ¼ times to finish with 1st woman between 2nd couple and 1st man between 3rd couple.

25 – 28 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple, set twice with nearer hands joined in threes across the set.

29 – 32 1st couple turn with right hands 1 ¼ times to finish on own sides in 2nd place.

No Video

Opossum Impossible
Le Petit Chat Celtique
32 bar Reel for 3 couples – McMurtry – 2006

1 – 8 1st couple dance in for one step and cast off two places, below 3rd couple. 1st couple, giving left hands, cross up between 3rd couple to end in second place opposite sides. 2nd and 1st couples facing up and down, set to each other, 2nd couple step up on bars 3 & 4.

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies chain, 1st man remain facing out.

17 – 20 1st man cast up round 2nd woman passing left shoulder and dance down between 2nd couple to second place in the middle. Meanwhile 1st woman dances between 3rd couple and cast up round 3rd woman, passing left shoulders to end in the middle. 1st couple end side by side in the middle facing down (Fig. 1).

21 – 24 1st couple giving right hands lead down and cross between 3rd couple and cast up one place.

25 – 30 1st woman dance a right shoulder reel of three across the dance with 2nd couple passing right shoulders with 2nd woman to begin, while 1st man dance a right shoulder reel of three across the dance with 3rd couple passing right shoulder with 3rd man to begin.

31 – 32 1st couple giving right hands cross to second place on own side. Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance Note: 1st couple should not be below the 3rd couple until the end of bar 4, the cast to second place taking the additional 2 bars. At the end of bar 20, 1st couple should be in the middle facing down the set, right hand in right.

Music: Belle Femme de Bretague by Boh McMurtry – page 16

Note: Alfie, one of my cats, was trying to stalk an opossum. Though the opossum was a juvenile, it was still big enough to intimidate the stalking cat. I can happily report that neither animal was injured in the devising of this dance.

Video: The Paisley Weavers

The Paisley Weavers
RSCDS Third Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set
Two chords: on the second chord, 2nd couple crosses to opposite sides.

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross down between 2nd couple, cast off one place; giving right hands, cross up between 3rd couple and cast up to original places.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a grand chain. 1st and 2nd men finish facing out.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a ladies’ chain.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

29 – 32 1st and 3rd couples dance half rights and lefts.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Derek Haynes, Headquarters Member.
Printed by permission of Maureen Haynes.

The town of Paisley, seven miles west of Glasgow, was well known in the nineteenth century for its production of shawls and threads. The best known design, a twisted teardrop shape, is known as Paisley pattern.

Video: The Mountain Stream

The Mountain Stream
Graded and Social Dances 3, devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar Reel for 2 couples

1 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man set twice then turn with right hands. They finish in place.

9 – 16 1st man and 2nd woman set twice then turn with left hands.
They finish in place – 1st man facing out.

17 – 24 1st man, followed by his partner, casts behind 2nd man, crosses up between 2nd couple, casts behind 2nd woman and crosses to 2nd place on own side. 1st woman finishes in 2nd woman’s place. 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across and left hands across.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Miss Jean Donaldson’s Hornpipe (Traditional – James Walker 1st Collection)

Video: The Deil amang the Tailors

The Deil amang the Tailors
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)

Dances for September 26, 2022

Video: The Paisley Weavers

The Paisley Weavers
RSCDS Third Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances

32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set
Two chords: on the second chord, 2nd couple crosses to opposite sides.

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross down between 2nd couple, cast off one place; giving right hands, cross up between 3rd couple and cast up to original places.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a grand chain. 1st and 2nd men finish facing out.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a ladies’ chain.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

29 – 32 1st and 3rd couples dance half rights and lefts.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Derek Haynes, Headquarters Member.
Printed by permission of Maureen Haynes.

The town of Paisley, seven miles west of Glasgow, was well known in the nineteenth century for its production of shawls and threads. The best known design, a twisted teardrop shape, is known as Paisley pattern.

Video: Orpington Caledonians

Orpington Caledonians
RSCDS Book 49
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple set.

3 – 6 1st woman casts off to second place and dances across the set to face out on the men’s side. At the same time, 1st man dances across the set and casts off to second place on the women’s side. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

7 – 8 1st woman with 3rd man and 1st man with 3rd woman, giving left hands, turn halfway. 1st and 3rd men finish facing out.

9 – 16 3rd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain. 1st man finishes facing out.

17 – 20 1st man casts up to second place and dances across the set to face out. At the same time, 1st woman dances across the set and casts up to second place on the women’s side. 3rd couple step down on bars 19 – 20.

21 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across once round. 1st man and 2nd woman finish facing out.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides, 1st and 3rd couples passing by the left to begin.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by John Brenchley, Western Australia Branch.
The dance was written in 1987 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Orpington and District Caledonian Society.

Video: THE FINDLAY’S JIG

THE FINDLAY’S JIG
14 Social Dances for 2000, devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar jig for 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and back finishing at the top in the centre. 2nd and 3rd couples step in on bar 8.

9 – 16 3 couple allemande.

17 – 20 1st couple dance in, face down and cast up to the top. 3rd and 2nd couples step down on 19-20.
21 – 24 2nd couple repeat bars 17-20. 1st and 3rd couples step down on bars 23-24.

25 – 32 6 hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple

For Faustina and Ian Findlay
Tune: The Groom’s Jig by Ian Findlay

Video: Bohemian Reflections

Bohemian Reflections
RSCDS Book 51
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple lead down two places, cross over below 3rd couple, and cast up to second place on opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a quarter times to finish in the middle facing own sides.

9 – 12 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance right hands across. To finish, 1st couple pass by the right shoulder in the middle.

13 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides, 1st man facing out.

25 – 30 1st man, followed by his partner, casts off one place and dances across the set and up behind 3rd man to second place on own side. On the last two bars, 1st woman dances up the middle and into second place on own side, pulling back right shoulder.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Holger Schuckelt, Central Germany Branch, January 2016.
The dance was inspired by the reflections on the lake behind Průhonice Castle in Bohemia.

Video: The White Cockade

The White Cockade
Book 5 – No. 11
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over. They repeat back to places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in first place in the middle of the set.

17 – 20 1st couple cast off to second place on own sides.
2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance four hands once round to the left.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

William Campbell: 3rd Book of New and Favourite Country Dances and Strathspey Reels, London c.1782.

Original tune: The White Cockade (Traditional, earliest version Aird 1782 as The Ranting Highlandman)