Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Australian Ladies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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Video: Autumn Celebration

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

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

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

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

25 – 32 Circle6 to L & back (3,1,2)

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No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

Wild Creek

32 bar Jig for 3 couples – Bob McMurtry 1998

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple

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

Music: Cock o’ the North

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No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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)

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Video: The Australian Ladies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

No Video

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

Craig Williams
August 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Video: The Pirate

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

1822 Instructions

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

2021 Reconstruction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note:

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

The Waltz Poussette

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

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

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

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

Bar 8 Retire

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No Video

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

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

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

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

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

25 – 32 All circle to the left and back

Repeat from new positions

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

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No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple

Tune: Further Ado by M. G. Hughes 2017

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat from new positions.

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

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

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Video: The Pirate

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

1822 Instructions

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

2021 Reconstruction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note:

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

The Waltz Poussette

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

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

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

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

Bar 8 Retire

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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.”

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No Video

ECLIPSE

A JIG for 3 couples in a 4 couple set; (J 8×32)

1 – 8 1C dance clockwise round set: 1W casts off on own side while 1M crosses set and follows 1W. 1C return to original positions, 1W facing out
Meanwhile; 2C and 3C turn RH round and LH back to place.

9 – 16 1C continue dancing ¾ figure of 8 on own side; 1W casts RSh round 2W then LSh round 3W to end in 2nd place as 2W steps up on bars 3-4.
1M casts RSh round 2M then LSh round 3M to end in 2nd place as 2M steps up on bars 3-4..
1C set to each other (in 2nd place)

Couples position: 2 – 1 – 3

17 – 24 1C turn LH round and RH back to 2nd place Meanwhile; 2C and 3C chase clockwise round set.

25 – 32 2C, 1C and 3C all dance 6 hand round and back.

Note; dancers are dancing around the set or inside the set, in a circular movement….to show the movements of the sun and the moon in an eclipse.

Suggested music: THE HAPPY MEETING 8×32 bars JIG from “The Bobby Brown Collection” of Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accents; CD disc #1. Tune #3

Devised by Deborah Connors
April, 2024

No Video

The Mill Pond Stroll
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Craig Williams, March 2024

1 – 4 1st couple dance a 1/2 figure of eight, across the set, around the 2nd couple.
5 – 8 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, dance down the middle, cross below the 3rd couple and cast up to 2nd place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 7 – 8.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance bars 1 – 6 of a 3 couple knot. On bars 7 – 8 1st man with 3rd couple, 1st woman with 2nd couple, dance 1/2 left hands across to finish in lines of 3 across the set facing up/down

17 – 18 All Set in lines across,
19 – 20 All change places, up/down, giving right hand.
21 – 22 1st couple cast to their right to 2nd place on own sides, while 2nd & 3rd couples advance for 1 bar & retire for 1 bar on the diagonal.
23 – 24 All set on the sides

25 – 28 Six hands round to the left. On Bar 30, all dance into the centre, pulling right shoulders back to face out.
29 – 30 All spiral out clockwise (in a chase) to own sides,
31 – 32 All set on the sides

Jayne and I were out for an early spring hike in the Mill Pond Conservation area, During the hike, we came upon several areas where the air was incredibly perfumed. Looking down we saw thousands of hepatica in bloom. It’s hard to believe that such as a small flower could have such a dramatic effect.

The Mill Pond Conservation area is south of Smiths Falls on the Rideau River.

Recommended Tune: Springtime Bliss by Karen Steven

Note: Bars 25-30 have been taken from the dance Huntly Castle by John Drewry.

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Video: Kenilworth

Kenilworth
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian
The Dance — 1822 and 2021
24-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple set

1822 Instructions :

The 1st Gentm changes sides with his partner, giving right hand, then turn with left full round
The 1st Gentm gives the right hand to the 2d Lady, the 1st Lady gives the right hand to the 2d Gentm, set four holding hands.
The 1st Gentm turns his partner with left hand to her own side, down a couple. Poussette at top

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 Giving right hands, 1st couple cross over and cast off into second place. (2nd couple step up). Giving left hands,1st couple turn, moving up slightly and finish between second couple. Retaining left hands, 1st man gives right hand to 2nd woman and 1st woman gives right hand to 2nd man.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples set twice. 1st couple turn one and a half times, to finish in 2nd place own side.

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

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

25 – 32 Using skip change of step, 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Note

1, The progression in the source instructions is very clear and occurs before the poussette. This means the poussette must be a full poussette. See page 61.

The Waltz Poussette

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

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

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

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

Bar 8 Retire

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No Video

Waterlily Ballet

A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 3 couple set
Jayne Irwin, May 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight around the 2nd & 3rd couples on the sides. 1st couple begin by dancing out & down.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd & 3rd couples dance a mirror reel of three on the sides. Right shoulder on the women;s side, left shoulder on the men’s side. 1st couple dance out & down, 2nd couple in and up, 3rd couple out & up

17 – 20 1st man with 2nd man turn 1 ½ times with the left hand. 1st woman with 2nd woman turn 1 ½ times with the right hand

21 – 24 1st man with 3rd man turn once round with the right hand. 1st woman with 3rd woman turn once round with the left hand

25 – 32 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance a 3 couple knot

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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.”

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Video: Rivendell

RIVENDELL
Iain Boyd, The Lord of the Rings Coll.
A three couple, 32 bar reel.

1 – 4 First couple cross over giving right hands and cast down round second couple on opposite sides. Second couple move up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 First couple cross over giving left hands and cast down round third couple on own sides. Third couple move up on bars 7-8 and finish facing down.

9 – 16 Second, third and first couples dance reels of three on the sides. Second couple dance in and down, third couple dance out and down while first couple cross up between third couple to begin. First couple finish on opposite sides in third place.

17 – 18 Second, third and first couples set with nearer hands joined on the sides.

19 – 20 Second couple cross over giving right hands while third couple lead down with right hands and cross over between first couple while first couple cast up one place.

21 – 22 Second, first and third couples set with nearer hands joined on the sides.

23 – 24 Second couple lead down with left hands and cross over between first couple to finish facing out while first couple cast up one place while third couple cross over giving left hands.

25 – 28 First and second couples dance a half double figure of eight. First couple cross down while second couple dance up the side-lines to begin. Second couple finish on opposite sides facing out.

29 – 32 First couple turn with right hands once round down between second couple while second couple dance up the side-lines to top place and cross over giving right hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

No Video

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

1 – 8 First and second couples set and rotate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devised by Barbara Anglin

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No Video

Madge Wildfire’s Reel
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian

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

1820 Instructions

1st & 2d Cu: hands across, back again,
down the middle, up again,
set cross corners & turn
Reel

2021 Reconstruction

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

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

17 – 20 1st couple set to first corners, then set to second corners.

21 – 24 Giving right hands,1st couple turn one and a half times.

25 – 32 1st couple dance reels of three on the opposite side, passing first corner right shoulder to begin. All dance the full 8 bars. 1st couple dance to 2nd place own sides on the final bar, 1st man crossing down from the top and 1st woman crossing up from the bottom.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes

1. In this dance we have the instruction ‘set cross corners & turn’ while in two of the other dances in the leaflet it is simply ‘set cross corners’.
2. There is no evidence of 6-bar reels from the early 19th century. Starting the reels passing first corner by the right allows all three couples to dance for the full 8 bars.

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No Video

Ann’s Recess Time
32 bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1-81st couple half figure eight around 2nd couple, cross giving RIGHT hands and
cast off one place as 2nd couple steps up.
9-161st couple half figure eight around 3rd couple, cross giving LEFT hands and cast
left, man down to finish between 3rd couple, woman up to finish between 2nd
couple.
17-241st couple petronella turn to end second place opposite, then petronella turn
again to finish facing up and down, giving RIGHT hands, change places and
chase clockwise to own side second place.
while:
2nd and 3rd couples set and rotate.
25-323rd, 1st and 2nd couples circle six hands round halfway, giving RIGHT hands,
cross with partner, and set.
Repeat having passed a couple.

NOTE: In Bars 21-22, all three couples are changing places with partner, giving right
hands, up and down the set before the chase.

Deviser: Gary Thomas, 2014

Music: “Ann’s Jig” by Ron Wallace, 2014
Devised for Ann Glenn to celebrate her 2014 retirement from years of service as a schoolteacher.

© Gary Thomas and Ron Wallace

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Video: The Black-Haired Lassie

The Black-Haired Lassie
Let’s All Dance, Too
32/R or S/3
by Carolyn Hunt (1993)
San Francisco Branch

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance mirror reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple dance in and down, 2nd couple dance out and up, and 3rd couple dance in and up.

9 – 12 1st couple cross over with right hands and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4 of the phrase.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight crossing up between 2nd couple to begin.

17 – 20 1st couple turn 1st corners with right hands, then pass partners with right shoulders to approach 2nd corners. Corners use all four steps.

21 – 24 1st couple turn 2nd corners with right hands, then pass partners with right shoulders to own sides of the dance in 2nd place. Corners use all four steps.

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

Repeat from new places.

Music: Any good reel or strathspey

Note: As a new 1st couple begins at the top, 3rd couple dance up into the reel from 4th place and the former 1st couple step to the bottom.

The black-haired lassie is Julie Osborne, who was in the Stockton beginners’ class. (CH)

No Video

SKATING ON THE RIDEAU CANAL
32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a longwise set

1-8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance Inveran reels, 1s crossing down to begin. Second couple finish facing out.
9-16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance Inveran reels, 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 “turn and twirl” to cross to the opposite side.
21-24 1st and 2nd couples chase clockwise 2 places While 3rd couple turn right hand 1 ½ times to own side. [Order now: 2,1,3]
25-28 All 3 couples dance “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 to own side. [Order now: 2,3,1] Lady dancing into 2nd lady position finishes facing out.*

*At the end of the third and last repetition, lady dancing into 2nd place would face in for bow and curtsey.

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.

Submitted by Lindsay Clark

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Video:The Laird o’ Dumbiedike’s Favorite

The Laird o’ Dumbiedike’s Favorite
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian

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

1820 Instructions

1st and 2d Cu: 4 hands round, set and back again.

1st Cu: lead 3 outsides opposite, back again to places

_ poussette & right and left

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples, with two skip change of step, circle to left, then retaining hands, set.

They repeat to the right back to places, dropping hands at the end of bar 6.
9 – 16 1st man, followed by 2nd and 3rd men, cross over, dance down the opposite side, cross through third couple’s position and back up own side. Meanwhile, 1st woman does the same with 2nd and 3rd women.

The women pass below the men at the top and the bottom of the set. 1st and 2nd couples finish in the middle.
17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes

A version of this dance has been previously published by the RSCDS in Book 12 – this interpretation is different.
Historic dance manuals provide no help in reconstructing bars 9 – 16. What is clear is that both 1st man and 1st woman are dancing for these 8 bars at the same time.
The progression in this dance can only have taken place during the poussette. It is suggested that the modern RSCDS poussette should be used. Dancers are welcome to try waltzing round one and a half times, as long as both couples are agreed in advance!
The 1820 instructions do not stipulate whether 1st couple dance the rights and lefts with the 2nd or 3rd couples. The dance seems more interesting if the 3rd couple are involved in these bars.

1938 Reconstruction
Video: The Laird of Dumbiedyke’s Favourite

The Laird of Dumbiedyke’s Favourite
RSCDS Book 12 – No. 4
40-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands halfway round to the left and set to partners.

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples dance four hands halfway round to the right and set to partners.

9 – 16 1st couple, followed by 2nd and 3rd couples, cast off to third place, cross over and dance up to partners’ places on opposite sides. (Fig.)

17 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples repeat bars 9-16 to original places, the women again dancing on the inside. 1st and 2nd couples finish in the middle of the set facing partners with both hands joined.

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

33 – 40 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Heart of Midlothian … Favourite Dances for 1820, printed by John Sutherland, Edinburgh.

Original tune: Johnnie’s friends are never pleased (Niel Gow’s Repository Part 4).

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No Video

The Wind’s Twelve Quarters
Kate Nealley, Delaware Valley Gold

a 32-bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4-couple set

1 – 8 1st couple cross by the right hand and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple dance a half figure eight up around 2nd couple. 24 couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 12 1st couple cross by the right hand and cast to their right while 2″¢ and 3’4 couples dance as in set & link for three:

9 – 10 2nd and 3rd couples set on the sidelines.
11 – 12 2nd woman and 3rd man cast to the other end of the sideline while 2nd man and 3rd woman dance to their right through the middle of the set to the other end of the sideline, pulling right shoulder back to end in lines of three across the dance, 1st man between the 2nd couple facing up, 1st woman between the 3rd couple facing down.

13 – 16 1st couple change places by the right and cast to their right while 39 and 24 couples dance as in set & link for three:

13 – 14 2nd and 3 couples set facing up and down.
15 – 16 2nd woman and 3 man cast across the dance while 2nd man and 3’¢ woman dance to their right through the middle of the set across the dance, pulling right shoulder back to end on the sidelines. Order is now 3x, 1x, 2x.

17 – 24 Repeat bars 9-16. Order is now 2, 1, 3.

25 – 32 All dance six hands round to the left and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devisor: Kate Nealley, 2019
The title comes from A. E. Housman’s poem “A Shropshire Lad.” Each dancer goes to all the points of
the compass in the course of the dance.

Teaching notes: Bars 9 – 24> Each supporting dancer follows the same path all the way around the set, either casting or dancing through the middle. 1St couple cast to their right around the same person (their 1St corner person in different positions) all four times.

Music: Calliope House, composed D. Richardson, Gilderoy Music MCPS/PRS

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No Video

Crum Creek Hornpipe
Becky Birtha, Delaware Valley Gold

a 32-bar Hornpipe for 3 couples in a 4-couple set

1 – 4 1st couple set and cast one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
5 – 6 1st and 3 couples face each other up and down the dance, nearer hands joined with partner, and set.
7 – 8 1st and 3 couples change places, 3st couple making an arch and 1st couple dancing under it. Order is now 2, 3, 1.

9 – 12 2nd couple set and cast one place. 3rd couple step up on bars 11-12.
13 – 14 1st and 2nd couples face each other, nearer hands joined, and set.
15 – 16 1st and 2nd couples change places, 1st couple making an arch and 2nd couple dancing under it. Order is now 3, 1, 2.

17 – 20 1st couple dance up between 3 couple and cast down one place.
21 – 24 All three couples turn by the right hand into allemande hold.

25 – 32 3rd, 1st, and 2nd couples dance a three-couple allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devisor: Becky Birtha, 2009
Crum Creek, named by early 18″ century settlers, runs through Chester and Delaware Counties, including the woods on the Swarthmore College campus, and eventually reaches the Delaware River.
“Crum” is Dutch for “crooked.”

Music: Crum Hornpipe, by Josh Burdick

Video: The Ruby Celebration Strathspey

The Ruby Celebration Strathspey
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a 2 couple set

1 – 8 1s+3s Petronella turn & set; Petronella turn & set. (1) 2 (3)

9 – 16 2s dance Diagonal R&L (2M down, 2L up). 3 2 1

17 – 24 2s+1s dance Bourrel:

17 – 20 2M+1L set advancing, 3/4 turn 2H & twirl to end BtoB (Lady facing up & Man down) while partners chase anticlockwise to face partner

21 – 24 Set to partners & turn 2H own sides having changed places

25 – 32 3s+1s+2s circle 6H round & back

Devised by Anne Thorn in April 2018 for the 40th Helensburgh Weekend School.

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Video: J. B. Milne

J. B. Milne
A 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 2nd man and 1st woman set advancing and, giving right hands, turn once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set advancing and, giving both hands, turn once round to finish facing the top.

13 – 16 1st couple cast off one place and dance a petronella turn to finish 1st woman between 2nd couple, all facing down, and 1st man between 3rd couple, all facing up. 2nd couple step up on bars 13 – 14.

17 – 20 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, turn three-quarters to finish in second place on opposite sides. At the same time, 2nd and 3rd women and 2nd and 3rd men, giving right hands, change places and set to partner.

21 – 24 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, turn three-quarters to finish 1st woman between the couple in third place and 1st man between the couple in top place. At the same time, 3rd and 2nd couples, giving right hands, cross over and set facing on the sides.

25 – 28 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, change places. At the same time, 3rd and 2nd women and 3rd and 2nd men, giving right hands, change places and set to partner.

29 – 30 1st woman casts off to second place and 1st man casts up to second place. At the same time, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over.

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by Hugh Foss.

Original tune: J. B. Milne by Angus Fitchet.

Source: Angus Fitchet Scottish Dance Album.

Video: Triple Happiness

Triple Happiness
RSCDS Book 52
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple advance one step, take right hands briefly, and retire one step.
3 – 4 1st couple, giving left hands, turn halfway to finish in the middle facing down.
5 – 8 1st couple, retaining left hands, lead down, cross below 2nd couple and cast up to original places.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance the knot. On bars 15-16 1st couple, retaining left hands, turn to face first corners. 2nd couple finish in first place.

17 – 20 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with first corners. First corners turn with both hands. 1st couple pass by the right shoulder to finish facing second corners.

21 – 24 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with second corners. Second corners turn with both hands. 1st couple pass by the right shoulder to finish in second place on own sides facing clockwise.

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples chase clockwise halfway round the set.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples, giving both hands to partner, turn halfway, release hands and, pulling right shoulder back, dance on a curve to own sides of the set.

Finish in order 3, 1, 2.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Yoshiki Oyama, RSCDS Tokai Branch, January 2016.

Devised for the Scottish country dance group Mie Scottish Country Dance Family on the occasion of their special ball.

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Video: The Royal Deeside Railway

The Royal Deeside Railway (Reel)
RSCDS Book 40

1 – 4 1st couple, without giving hands, dance down, cross below 3rd couple and cast up to finish in the middle of the set facing 2nd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple and 2nd woman dance right hands across once round.

9 – 12 1st couple and 2nd man dance left hands across once round. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing up, with the woman in front of the man.

13 – 16 With 1st woman leading, 1st couple dance up and cast off on own sides round 2nd couple to finish in the middle of the set facing 3rd man.

17 – 20 1st couple and 3rd man dance right hands across once round.

21 – 24 1st couple and 3rd woman dance left hands across once round. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing down, with the woman in front of the man.

25 – 28 With 1st woman leading, 1st couple dance down and cast up on own sides round 3rd couple to second place.

29 – 32 All three couples turn with the right hand once round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised in 1987 by Ron Arrowsmith, Vancouver for the Kerrisdale Community Centre Scottish Country Dance Class.
Tune: On the Fiddle (Copyright J. Hornsby)

TACNotes:’
5–12 1st woman is ahead of her partner in both ‘wheels’. 1st cpl finish in middle below 2nd cpl – approximately at 2nd position.
17–24 1st woman is again ahead of partner in both ‘wheels’, 1st cpl finish in middle at 2nd place, above 3rd cpl.

No Video

Ardbrae Angels
a 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
Elaine Hoag
1-8 1s+2s+3s dance Mirror Reels of 3 (1s dance in and down to begin)

9-16 1s+2s+3s dance a Crossover Reel of 3 (1s cross over to 2nd place opposite side to begin; 2s and 3s continue to reel on their own side). 1s finish the reel facing their own 1st corner while 2s accelerate at
the end of the reel to finish at the top

17-24 “Interrupted Hello-Goodbye Setting” (1s finish in 2nd place own side)

17-18 1s+1st corners set, 1s finishing between corners facing partner
19-20 1s turn each other ¾ RH to face 2nd corner
21-22 1s+2nd corners set, 1W finishing between 3s, 1M between 2s
23-24 1s turn each other ¾ RH to 2nd place own side

25-32 Six hands round and back

After the 2nd repetition, dancing couple steps to the bottom as 4th couple dances in and up to begin the Mirror Reel of 3

** In the dance world, “angels” are individuals who are especially active in supporting dance groups and encouraging new dancers.

First danced at Ardbrae’s Spring Social on March 29th, 2020. Dedicated to all of Ardbrae’s “dance angels,” but especially to Deborah Connors and Guy Quesnel who have cheerfully supported the Ardbrae Scottish Country Dancers of Ottawa in countless ways for many years, and who celebrate birthdays on March 28th and 29th respectively.

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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