Dances for June 3, 2026

Ottawa Summer Class

Middling, thank you
RSCDS Book 15
40-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set twice and dance half rights and lefts.

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-8 to finish in the middle of the set facing partners, both hands joined.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

25 – 32 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place to face first corners.

33 – 40 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, cross over to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for 1813, published by Button and Whittaker, 1813.
Original tune: Middling, Thank you (Traditional)

TACNotes:’
15-16 2nd woman helps 1st woman, 1st man helps 2nd man, into position for poussette before completing their polite turns.

No Video

Peridot and Sapphire
Debbie Crossley . The Fourth Sheaf Collection of Scottish Country Dances
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 6 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts off behind the women’s line, crosses the set below 3rd couple. 1st woman dances up behind the men’s line to 1st man’s place whilst 1st man dances up the middle of the set to finish in 1st woman’s place (turning in the easy way, left shoulder pulled back).
7 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set on the side.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance a circulating knot, with 1st couple finishing facing partner’s first corner.
(9-10) 1st and 2nd couples turn partner right hand halfway into allemande hold, first couple are facing up and 2nd couple are facing down.
(11-12) 1st couple turn to left to dance across to the men’s side and turn to face down and dance down the sideline to second place whilst 2nd couple turn to dance across to the woman’s side and turn to face up then dance up the sideline to first place.
(13-14) 2nd and 1st couples both release right hand to pass the woman in front as 2nd man continues to dance up the women’s side and 1st man continues to dance down the men’s side.
(15-16) 2nd couple continue to turn by the left hand to finish in first place on own side whilst 1st couple continue to turn by the left hand to finish facing partners first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple and first corners dance corners pass and turn. First corners turn with the right hand. 1st couple pass by the right shoulder to face partner’s second corner.
21 – 24 1st couple and second corners dance pass corners and turn. Second corners turn with the right hand. 1st couple pass by the right shoulder to finish in second place opposite sides.

25 – 28 All three couples chase half-way round clockwise.
29 – 32 1st couple, giving both hands, turn once and finish on own sides whilst 2nd and 3rd couples, giving both hands, turn halfway and face partner before turning to the right to dance out to own sides. Finish 3 1 2.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Debbie Crossley, Sheffield Branch, 2021.
The dance was written to celebrate the marriage of Jana Hesselmann to Reg Stones. The first eight bars remind us of Reg and Jana dancing The Flowers of Edinburgh at the Scunthorpe dance when Luke Brady and his band came to play. The dance was encored with enthusiasm. The second eight bars celebrate Reg and Jana’s unique style of doing things their way. The third eight bars remind us that it’s not unheard of for Reg to switch sides part way through a dance. The final four bars are because Reg and Jana have found the partner they want to keep hold of. Formations in bold can be found in the Formations file.

Video: King’s Croft

King’s Croft
Ann Dix, Real Friends Book 2
A 32 bar reel for Three 2 couple sets in a triangular spoke formation

1 – 4 1st & 2nd couples dance right hands across,

5 – 8 1st & 2nd couples dance a circle to the left

9 – 12 1st & 2nd couples, set advancing to join right hands with partner, 1st woman and & 2nd man join left hands for a balance in line, the women pull back eight shoulders to be beside partners, all facing anticlockwise.

13 – 16 All promenade ⅓ round anticlockwise and face partner in single line, men with backs to centre

17– 24 All dance a petronella & set twice to single line, now women with backs to centre

25 – 28 All ½ Reels of four;
29 – 32 All turn partner ¾ with the right hand to sides (2,1)

Repeat once, ending with Tulloch turn

No Video

The Ottawa Flourish
Craig Williams
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

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

9-16 1st couple lead down the middle and back to 2nd place. 2nd couple step up on bars 11 – 12

17-24 1st woman dance right hands across with 2nd couple while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple. 1st couple pass right shoulders to dance left hands across, 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple.

25-32 2nd couple followed by 1st and 3rd couple, dance down the middle and cast up on own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple

A simple dance inspired by Glasgow Flourish form RSCDS Book 11

Dances for May 27, 2026

No Video

Test Dance 1
Craig Williams, March 2026
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 coupe set

1 – 4 1st couple set and 1/2 turn with the right hand moving down to 2nd place finishing in the middle facing each other with right hands joined. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
5 – 6 1st couple pull back right shoulders and dance out to 2nd place on opposite sides
7 – 8 1st & 2nd couples, taking hands, set on the sides.

9 – 16 2nd & 1st couples repeat bars 1-8 to finish on opposite sides

17 – 20 2nd couples followed by 1st couple dance a 1/2 figure of eight around 3rd couple. Begin by crossing down between 3rd couple. Finish in own side in progressed places.
21 – 24 1st woman with 2nd couple, 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across

25 – 32 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance reels of 3 on the side. 2nd &1st man, also 1st & 3rd women, pass left shoulders to begin.

No Video

Test Dance 2
Craig Williams, Leaflet August 2025
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross below 2nd couple, cast down behind 3rd couple and meet below 3rd couple, joining nearer hands, dance up to the top and change sides, woman dancing under the raised arms. Finish in the centre of the set facing down.

9 – 16 All 3 couples dance a mirror reel of three on the sides, 1st couple dancing through 2nd place, 2nd couple dancing out and up, 3rd couple in and up. Finish on the sides in original places.

17 – 24 1st & 2nd couples dance the Rosette:
17 – 18 1st & 2nd couples 1/2 turn RH and take hands in a circle
19 – 20 1st & 2nd couples set
21 – 24 1st & 2nd couples pull back right shoulders and cast into a chase to progressed places

25 – 32 All 3 couples circle for 3 bars, cross right foot over left and pivot to face anti-clockwise, all chase back

Video: The Merchant City

The Merchant City
Anne Thorn, 90th anniversary of Glasgow Branch
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance ’The Espagnole’ as follows

1 – 2 1st and 2nd women, joining right hands, dance towards the opposite side passing between their partners. On the second step, 1st woman crosses 2nd woman over in front of her, so that 2nd woman dances out and up towards first place while 1st woman dances out and down towards second place. At the same time 1st and 2“d men cross to opposite side passing on either side of their partners.

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

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

9 – 12 1st man with 3rd couple, 1st woman with 2nd couple, dance right hands across once round, 1st couple pass by the right

13 – 16 1st man with 2nd couple, 1st woman with 3rd couple, dance left hands across once round, 1st couple finish in second place.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance ’The Rosette’ as follows

17 – 20 1st and 3rd couples, with nearer hands joined, set, turn partner right hands halfway round and, staying close together, face partner, release hands and cast by the right towards partner’s place

21 – 24 Dance clockwise halfway round to new positions.

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

Repeat from new positions.

The Espagnole and The Rosette are progressions devised by John Drewry.
Devised by Anne Thorn for the 90th anniversary of Glasgow Branch of the RSCDS.
The figures in the dance reflect the continental trade routes in the city which prospered
due to the Glasgow Merchants and Tobacco Lords.
Tune: Jessie Smith (Trad)

Video: Campbell’s Frolic

Campbell’s Frolic
RSCDS Book 15
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples set.
3 – 6 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round.
7 – 8 1st couple cast off one place and 2nd couple dance up to first place.

9 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 1-8 with 3rd couple, dancing left hands across on bars 11-14.

17 – 24 1st couple set, lead up to the top and cast off one place. 3rd couple step down on bars 19-20.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

David Rutherford: Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated
Country Dances both old and new …Vol 1, London, c. 1755.
Original tune: Campbell’s Frolic (Rutherford)

Dances for May 20, 2026

No Video

Grandpa’s Wife
Ferne Katzberg
32 Bar Strathspey for Three Couples

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set and cast; 1st couple cast into second place, while 2nd couple dance up to first place and dance a long turn (polite turn) to place

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples set and cast; 1st couple cast into third place, while 3rd couple dance up to second place and face out on bar 8

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rt! couples dance reels of three on own side, all joining nearer hands where possible

1st couple dance in and up to start
3rd couple dance out and down to start
2nd couple dance in and down to start 17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance the Knot, 1st couple finish facing first corners, 3rd couple finish on own side of dance

25 – 32 1st couple dance corner, partner, corner, partner

Repeat having passed a couple.

Music:

The Bonnie Breist Knots (Traditional)
Ben Lomond (Traditional)
Stewart’s Lassie (Traditional)
Miss Muir MacKenzie (Traditional)

Devised for George and Olive Ogilvie, without their dedication Scottish Country Dancing in Yorkton, Saskatchewan would never have become a reality.

Devised by Ferne Katzberg – February 15, 1991

Video: Middling, thank you

Middling, thank you
RSCDS Book 15
40-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set twice and dance half rights and lefts.

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-8 to finish in the middle of the set facing partners, both hands joined.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

25 – 32 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place to face first corners.

33 – 40 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, cross over to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for 1813, published by Button and Whittaker, 1813.
Original tune: Middling, Thank you (Traditional)

TACNotes:
15-16 2nd woman helps 1st woman, 1st man helps 2nd man, into position for poussette before completing their polite turns.

No Video

Peridot and Sapphire
Debbie Crossley . The Fourth Sheaf Collection of Scottish Country Dances
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

Repeat from new positions.

Video: The Celtic Kiwi

The Celtic Kiwi
John Drewry, Bankhead Part 1
October 1991
for the dancers of Whangarei, New Zealand

Hornpipe – 3 couples – 32 bars

Tune – “The Redesdale Hornpipe” by James Hill, who also composed the “High Level Hornpipe”
use of this tune was suggested by Janette Johns of Whangarei.

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides.
To begin:- 1st couple dance down crossing over to reel on opposite sides;
2nd couple dance out and up;
3rd couple dance in and up.
All join nearer hands with partners where possible in the reels.
At the end:- 1st couple dance in to join nearer hands facing down;
2nd couple stay facing out;
3rd couple dance in to join nearer hands facing up.

9 – 16 1st and 3rd couples set and dance “petronella in tandem” half way round the set while 2nd couple dance as follows:- 2nd man casts up and dances into the middle in top place, while 2nd woman casts off and dances into the middle in third place; 2nd couple, giving right hands, change places up and down the middle and cast to their right to second place on own sides.

17 – 20 2nd woman dances right hands across with 3rd couple, who are in first place, while 2nd man dances right hands across with 1st couple, who are in third place. Make sure that these wheels are in the middle of the dance.

21 – 24 2nd man, followed by 1st couple, dances up the men’s side while 2nd woman, followed by 3rd couple, dances down the women’s side. All continue to chase clockwise until 1st and 2nd couples are in partners’ original places and 3rd couple are in own original places.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance a “Kiwi Knot”. i.e. upside-down. They turn partners with the right hand halfway round to finish facing up with hands in allemande hold; they dance out to the men’s side and down (with 2nd couple following 1st couple). Dropping right hands, 2nd and 1st couples dance into the middle and turn partners with the left hand to own sides. (N.B. This is a longer turn than in the ordinary Knot and the dancers need to anticipate this by keeping the whole progression well within the confines of the set.)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

NOTES —- “Petronella in tandem” see notes at end of book,

While I was staying in Whangarei, I was taken (17-10-91) with a group of dancers for a sail in Keith Wright’s yacht “Waihaka” (“The Water Dancer”) A coastal cargo boat passed us; it was called “THE CELTIC KIWI”. The name fired the imagination of the dancers and I was commissioned to write a
dance for them with this title. The dance was to contain “petronella in tandem”, wheels and a knot. I devised the dance the same evening and taught it several times over the next few days.

Imagine our surprise at the Auckland Weekend (26-10-91) to hear that The Celtic Kiwi had sunk on its way to Norfolk Island. The crew (13 men) had been rescued. I have heard recently that the boat was probably overloaded. In any case the blame could not be laid at my door because the boat had changed its name from the “Holmdale” and so, with a name-change and a 13-man crew it was chancing its luck.

“Petronella in Tandem” occurs in several of these dances. Usually it is preceded by setting. It was first used in “Anna Holden’s Strathspey”. In spite of its simplicity, I thought that it was a new idea, but Iain Boyd, in New Zealand, and Marie Boehmer, in Ontario, say they have used it (without a name) in their dances. At least it now has a label.

In my dances, it is danced by a man and a woman standing side by side (the man having the woman on his right – if they were the other way, the man would precede the woman) or by two men or two women standing side by side.

The dancer on the right executes an ordinary petronella turn except that he or she travels slightly beyond the normal position to leave room for the other dancer. The dancer on the left also executes a petronella turn dancing initially closely behind the other dancer (i.e. “in tandem”) to finish once again on the left of the other dancer.

In reels or jigs it is best to execute the movement with skip change of step.

Dances for March 23, 2026

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Seeing Stars

Seeing Stars
Eilidh Hart, Glasgow Branch 100th anniversary Dances
40-bar reel for five couples in a five-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 3rd couples set advancing into the middle of the set and dance right hands across halfway, 3rd man and 1st woman remain facing out.

5 – 8 3rd man, followed by his partner, dances down behind 2nd woman and across the set, while 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances up behind 2nd man and across the set. 1st and 3rd couples finish in original places.

9 – 12 2nd and 4th couples set advancing into the middle of the set and dance left hands across halfway. 2nd man and 4th woman remain facing out.

13 – 16 2nd man, followed by his partner, dances up behind 3rd woman and across the set, while 4th woman, followed by her partner, dances down behind 3rd man and across the set. 2nd and 4th couples finish in original places.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples lead down the middle and up to face first corners. 2nd and 4th step up on bars 23-24.

25 – 32 1st and 3rd couples dance set to corners and partner [hello-goodbye setting], with a petronella turn to finish, 1st couple in second place and 3rd couple in fourth place, all on own sides.

33 – 36 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place.

37 – 40 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn one and a half times to their own sides,

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Eilidh Hart.

Eilidh was helping candidates prepare for their Unit 2 examination in Glasgow and could see the Advanced Class, on the other side of the hall, working on setting steps, which made her think of star formations.

Deviser’s note:
“As there is little time for the dancing couples to rest in this dance, I feel that they may also be seeing stars before the end!”

Video: Langholm Fair

Langholm Fair
The Alexander Dances, Book 3 by Jean Attwood
Strathspey – 3 Couples – 32 Bars.
Tune – Mr. Michie (Skinner)

1 – 4 The boys looking for a partner – 1st man, followed by 2nd and 3rd men, dance across the top of the set and down behind the ladies.
5 – 6 1st man crosses to 3rd place below 3rd lady, 2nd man to 2nd place below partner and 3rd man to 1 st place below 1st lady.
7 – 8 All join hands on the side and set once.

9 – 16 General movement of the Fair – 2nd lady with 1st lady and 3rd man. 2nd man with 1st man and 3rd lady dance right hands across, 2nd couple passing each other by the right to dance left hands across with other “couple”.

17 – 20 Girls choose their partners – 1st lady, followed by 2nd and 3rd ladies, dance across the top of the set and down behind the men, to end side by side with original partner, the men having turned the longways round on bar 20.
21 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd and 3rd couples, dance half promenade to original places, 1st couple finishing side by side in the middle of the set facing up.

25 – 26 The handfasting – 1st couple cast off one place on own side while 2nd couple continue dancing up on the side.
27 – 28 1st couple turn once round with both hands.
29 – 30 The marriage – 1st couple cast off another place on own side, 3rd couple moving up.
31 – 32 1st couple turn once round with both hands.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Handfasting was a form of trial marriage which took place in Scotland during the 16th to 18th centuries. Annual Handfasting Fairs were held (one such being near Langholm, in the Borders) where young couples, joining hands before witnesses, would undertake to live together as man and wife for the following twelve months. They would then return to the Fair the next year where, if the handfasting had proved satisfactory, they would be married by a travelling priest.

Dances for February 9, 2026

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

The Bridge City Strathspey
A 32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 3 couple triangular set

1-8 All couples set and link twice. Finish facing partner.

9 – 12 All set to partner, turn by the right hand 3/4, bringing the women into the centre, retaining right hands joined with partner.
13 – 16 All balance in line with partners with Highland Schottische setting step, as follows: setting to the right, releasing right hands, passing partners face to face and joining left hands, setting to the left, releasing left hands, passing partners face to face. All women join left hands in the centre at the end of bar 16.

17 – 24 All dance a targe for 3 couples as follows:
17 – 18 All women, dance left hands across two positions around, while men dance one position clockwise around the outside of the set, to meet partner.
19 – 20 All turn partner with the right hand once round.
21 – 24 Repeat the previous 4 bars finishing one position to the right of original places, facing partner with women in the centre and men on the sides of the set.

25-26 All set advancing to pass partner by the left shoulder, pull back right shoulder to face partner.
27-28 All turn partner 3/4 with 2 hands out to places.
29-30 All dance passing partner by the right shoulder to meet a new partner and take promenade hold. The women will be on the right of their new partner, facing counter clockwise. The dancers will be between positions in the set.
31-32 All dance counter clockwise to finish in new places.

Repeat twice more to meet your original partner.

The strathspey part of a set of dances for the Saskatchewan Centennial
Originally published in A Collection of Scottish Country Dances for Saskatchewan’s Centennial Year by the RSCDS Saskatchewan Branch in 2005

The city Saskatoon is known as The Bridge City. The South Saskatchewan River runs through the city and there are many bridges crossing the river.

Craig Williams
February, 2004

Video: Bannocks and Brose

Bannocks and Brose
TWELVE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES devised by Members of the Birmingham Branch, R.S.C.D.S., 1973
Devised by Anna Holden
(Jig)

1 – 4 First couple dance half figure of eight round the second couple.
5 – 8 First and second couples half Rights and Lefts.

9 – 12 First and third couples half Rights and Lefts.Second, third and first couples are now on their wrong side of the dance.

13 – 16 All three couples turn partners one and a half times with right hands. Second couple finish on own side lines, third and first couples finish in the middle facing the top, as in Fig.

17 – 24 Third and first couples Allemande.

25 – 32 Six hands round and back.

Dances for January 26, 2026

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Irish Rover

The Irish Rover
RSCDS 30 Popular Dances, Vol. 2
A 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple, cast up one place on own side; 1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple. 2nd couple step up on bars 1 — 2.

9 – 12 1st couple dance half reels of four with first corners, then;

13 – 16 1st couple dance half reels of four with second corners. On bar 16, 1st couple turn left hand in centre ready to;

17 – 24 Pass left shoulders with person in first corner’s position for two reels of three across the dance. 1st couple finish in second place on own side.

25 – 32 1st couple dance diagonal rights and lefts:

25 – 26 1st couple change places with person in their first corner’s position (i.e. 1st woman right hand to 3rd woman and 1st man right hand to 2nd man).

27 – 28 Change left hand on sides; 1st woman with 2nd man, 1st man with 3rd.woman. (First corners now back in original places).

29 – 30 1st woman changes places giving right hand ‘to 3rd man (in 2nd woman’s position), while 1st man changes places giving right hand to 2nd woman (in 3rd man’s position).

31 – 32 1st and 2nd women and 1st and 3rd men change places, giving left hands on own side of the dance.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by James B. Cosh.
Original tune: The Irish Rover – Traditional.
Source: Twenty -Two Scottish Country Dances by James B. Cosh and Two Others.

On the fourth of July eighteen hundred and six
We set sail from the sweet cove of Cork
We were sailing away with a cargo of bricks
For the grand city hall in New York
‘Twas a wonderful craft, she was rigged fore-and-aft
And oh, how the wild winds drove her
She’d stood several blasts, she had twenty-seven masts
And we called her the Irish Rover.

The Irish Rover tune is from a traditional Irish folk song about a magnificent but improbable sailing ship that after seven years at sea eventually sinks, leaving a sole survivor: the song narrator!

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.

Dances for November 16, 2025

Ottawa Sunday Workshop

Video: The Pika

The Pika
32 bar Jig for 3 couples
Suggested Music: The Merry Dancers (RSCDS Book 4-2)
1 – 8 1st couple casts behind their own lines, meets below the third couple, dances up the middle to the top, and casts to second while couple 2 steps up.
9 – 12 Half diagonal mixed chain with first corners. 1st couple changes by the right hand to face their first corner positions while the first corners dance around to their right to second place. 1st couple turns first corners one half by the left hand. (This is similar to half of a ladies’ chain but danced on the first diagonal.)
13 – 16 1st couple dances half a figure eight, the lady up and the man down, while the first corners dance counter clockwise to second place and change by the right hand to the opposite corner.
17 – 20 Half diagonal mixed chain with second corners. 1st couple changes by the left hand to face their second corner positions while second corners dance around to their left to second place. 1st couple turns second corners one half by the right hand. (This is similar to half of a men’s chain but danced on the second diagonal.)
21 – 24 1st couple dances half a figure eight, the lady down and the man up, while the second corners dance clockwise to second place and change by the left hand to the opposite corner.
25 – 28 1st couple dances half diagonal rights and lefts with first corners, the lady up and the man down.
29 – 32 1st couple dances half diagonal rights and lefts with second corners, the lady up and the man down.

The dance repeats having progressed one place. Couple 1 ends the first time of the dance facing out to simplify the cast behind their lines.

The dance was devised by Jeff Davis to be performed on the top of Pikes Peak where the SCD of Colorado set a high altitude record for Scottish country dancing. The author hoped that there might be enough other total idiots who would want to dance a jig as well as the planned strathspey at that elevation. Small and rabbit-like, the pika can be found scurrying through the rocks at high altitude gathering and storing the tundra grasses in little hay stacks for the
coming winter.
© June 1995, Jeff Davis

No Video

SUSAN’S SOUVENIR
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 3-couple set
Devised by Tim Wilson draft August 20, 2011

1-8 1st and 2nd couples dance the Tournee.

9-16 1st woman with 2nd couple, and 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across; 1st woman with 3rd couple, and 1st man with 2nd couple dance left hands across (“teapots”). On bar 16, 1st couple pass left shoulders to face 1st corners.

17-24 1st couple set to corners and partner (“hello-goodbye”), on bars 23-24, 1st couple dance a petronella turn to second place own side.

25-32 1st and 3rd couples dance the Tourbillon.

Ends 312. New 1st and 2nd couples ready to begin.

Tune: McOwens’ Farewell (Susan Worland)

Note: Susan Worland Bentley was moved to make recording in memory of her mother and good friends who have passed away. The theme of the project was farewells and remembrance. The dance was written at Susan’s request to accompany a 3×32 strathspey she was planning to record.

No Video

Captain Campbell’s Hornpipe
(alt. Black Pete’s Reel)
Craig Williams, September 2025

1 – 8 1st couple, near hands joined, dance down the middle and up, dividing to dance behind 3rd couple into 2nd place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

9 – 10 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples set.
11 – 12 All corners petronella turn one corner position anticlockwise. 1st couple set advancing to finish back to back facing own side.
13 – 14 1st couple with 1st and 2nd corners set as in double triangles,
15 – 16 All corners petronella turn one corner position anticlockwise. 1st couple set moving round back to back to finish facing opposite sides.

17 – 20 1st couple with dancers in 1st corner position dance a diagonal 1/2 reels of 4. 1st couple pass right shoulders to face 2nd corner position

21 – 24 1st couple with dancers in 2nd corner position dance a diagonal 1/2 reels of 4. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on own sides.

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

Captain Peter “Black Pete” Campbell (1846-1915) – his thick dark beard and fierce looking earned him his nickname – was known for taking daring risks at sea and for pushing ships’ boilers and steam engines to their limits, and beyond. He was captain of the of the Manitoulin, a wooden steamer, when it was on a run from Killarney to Manitowaning, on May 18, 1882, and a fire broke out in the engine room. After running the ship ashore, he cut a large hole in the hull to allow water inside and extinguish the flames. The ship was rebuild and renamed Atlantic.

Video: The Flying Spur

The Flying Spur
John Drewry, The Canadian Book
for Jackie Johnstone of Dumfries
the Johnstone Clan Crest bears a winged spur.

Jig – 3 couples – 32 bars

Tune – “Captain White” S.C.D. Music for Books 8-14, Winifred Bird Matthew, page 13.
Kerr’s 1st @ollection of Merry Melodies for the Violin, page 28.

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands in passing, cross over and cast off to second place on opposite sides. (2nd couple step up on Bars 3-4)

5 – 8 1st man dances up between 2nd couple and casts off to second place on his own side; 1st lady dances down between 3rd couple and casts up to second place on her own side; meanwhile 2nd and 3rd couples set, then, giving right hands to partners, cross over and stay facing out.

9 – 16 1st man dances & reel of three on the men’s side with 2nd and 3rd ladies; he begins by passing 3rd lady by the right.
1st lady, similarly, dances a reel of three on the ladies’ side with 2nd and 3rd men; she begins by passing 2nd men by the right.

At the end of the reels:

1st man dances down to finish in the centre of the dance in third place facing ups
1st lady dances up to finish in the centre of the dance in top place facing down;
2nd couple dance out and down, while 3rd couple dance out and up to meet the other lady or man on the side lines (wrong sides) and join nearer hands.

17 – 20 1st couple set to one another, then turn petronella-wise into second place on wrong sides; 2nd and 3rd couples cross to own sides, the ladies passing under an arch made by the men, then 2nd couple dance out and up into top place, while 3rd couple dance out and down to third place.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners by the right hand. 2nd and 3rd couples return to own sides to finish facing down and up the dance, while 1st couple finish in the centre of the dance, still on wrong sides, facing down.

25 – 32 1st couple dance down between third places, cast up to second place on wrong sides, they lead up between top places crossing over to own sides and cast off to second place. Meanwhile 2nd and 3rd couples dance rights and lefts beginning by changing places on the sides with right hands, and then crossing the dance giving left hands to partners.

Repeat, having passed a couple,

Dances for October 27, 2025

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

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.

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

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.