Category Archives: 8×32 Strathspeys

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Dances for June 10, 2026

3x32 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2026

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: Kirsten’s Jig

Kirsten’s Jig
Ron Wallace, Give it a Whirl
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance the bourrel using RIGHT hands for the turns:
1st man and 2nd woman set advancing, turn by the RIGHT hands just over halfway and turn RIGHT about to face partner. 1st man faces down and 1st woman faces up.
while:
1st woman and 2nd man dance anti-clockwise round to face partner in a line up and down the middle of the set.
All set to partner and turn by the RIGHT hand. 1st couple turn right about to face first corners while 2nd couple cross to own side in first place

9 – 16 Corners pass and advance and retire:
1st couple pass first corners RIGHT shoulder and dance to meet partner to pass RIGHT shoulder, pass second corners RIGHT shoulder and join right hands to face up the middle in second place.
while:
9 – 12 First corners advance and retire.
13 – 16 Second corners advance and retire.
(On bar 10 (first corners) and bar 14 (second corners), corners slap both thighs on count “1”, clap hands together on count ‘and’ clap both hands to opposite corner on count “2”). Coach: advance for 1, slap clap clap, retire, retire

17 – 24 2nd,1st, and 3rd couples dance mirror reels:
1st couple lead up the middle and cross over to begin, 2nd couple dance out and down, 3rd couple dance out and up, all joining nearer hands with partner during the reel.
NOTE: At the end of the reel, 2nd couple continue to dance out and down as 1st couple dance up the middle to smoothly connect the reel and the non-progressive allemande, while the 3rd couple dance the long way into place to complete the reel.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance a non-progressive allemande:
25 – 26 1st couple dance up the middle taking hands in promenade hold before lifting them over smoothly into allemande hold.
while: 2nd couple cast off and dance down the side lines to meet in second place and take hands in promenade hold.
27 – 28 1st couple dance bars 3-4 of a standard allemande for two couples.
while: 2nd couple dance up the middle as they lift joined hands into allemande hold then turn onto the men’s side behind 1st couple.
29 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance bars 5-8 of a standard allemande for two couples.

Deviser: Ron Wallace
Music: “Kirsten’s Jig” by Muriel Johnstone
This dance was commissioned by Kirsten Steinbach’s husband, Jenz, and first presented in Freiburg, Germany at a weekend course there.

Video: This is no’ my ain Hoose

This is no’ my ain Hoose
RSCDS Book 15
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round. On bar 4, 1st couple cast off one place and 2nd couple dance up.

5 – 8 1st couple repeat bars 1-4 with 3rd couple, dancing left hands across.

9 – 16 1st couple set, lead up to the top, cast off one place and, giving right hands, turn to face first corners. 3rd couple step down on bars 13-14.

17 – 24 1st couple dance round first corners, passing by the right and dance round partner, passing by the left, to face second corners. 1st couple dance round second corners passing by the right and, giving left hands, turn to face first corners.

25 – 32 1st couple set to first corners, set to each other across the set, set to second corners and, giving right hand to partner, turn to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Holmain Ms. c.1710-1720: from a notebook (early 18th Century) found in the Holmain (Dumfriesshire) Family Charter Chest. (Now in National Archives of Scotland.) By courtesy of the
Rev. W Mitchell Carruthers and Mr A Stanley Carruthers.

Original tune: Mrs Colonel Sinclair of Forss (D Grant)

Video: The Reel Of The Gordon Highlanders

The Reel Of The Gordon Highlanders
(32 bar reel for three couples in a four-couple set)
Aad L.M. Boode, The Delft Book Of Scottish Country Dances

1 – 8 1st couple cross over giving right hand, cast off 1 place (2nd couple move up); 1st man dances a ½ figure of eight between 3rd couple and round 3rd man – while – 1st woman does the same between 2nd couple and round 2nd woman, to finish 1st couple in 2nd place on own sides.

9 – 16 1st couple dance reels of three on own sides with 2nd and 3rd couples, giving LEFT shoulder to the person on their LEFT to begin, i.e.: 1st and 2nd men pass left shoulder and 1st and 3rd women pass left shoulder, to finish 1st couple in a diagonal line RIGHT hand joined with partner and LEFT hand with partner’s 1st corner. 2nd and 3rd couples turn the long way round to places.

17 – 24 Balance in line RIGHT ROUND or THE SPOKE (clockwise)
(Note: Everyone is dancing for 8 Pas de Basque steps. Only 1st couple move round, the other dancers set diagonally across the set when hands are not joined diagonally (1st couple may use skip change of step on last bar).)
1st couple retaining partner’s RIGHT hand throughout,
 balance in line with partner’s 1st corner,
 move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
 balance in line with 2nd corner,
 move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
 balance in line with 1st corner,
 move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
 balance in line with partner’s 2nd corner,
 1st couple drop hands and dance into 2nd place own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Aad L.M. Boode, Delft, 1994)

No Video

Don’t Make Me Stop, I’ll Get Lost
Rhonda Raye, RSCDS Atlanta Branch Celebrating 40 Years of Dancing Memories
32-bar reel for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple crosses down as 2nd couple steps up (no hand given).

3 – 4 1st couple turns 2nd couple three-quarter way round by left hand women’s side and right hand on the men’s side. All finish in a line across facing down, 1st man with his partner on his right.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples in line dance down the middle for 4 bars and on bar 7 1st couple takes the lead with 2nd couple behind still facing down.

9 – 12 2nd couple followed by 1st couple dance up to finish 2nd couple in first place on own sides and 1st couple in second place on opposite sides.

13 – 20 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies chain.

21 – 24 1st couple dance a half turn and twirl while the 2nd and 3rd couples change places on the side and then set for one bar to that person just passed and then set for one bar across the set to partner finishing 3, 1, 2.

25 – 32 All three couples circle six hands round and back.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Note: The figures “down the middle and up” and “ladies chain” fall across phrases.

Devised by Rhonda Raye in memory of Jane Thomaston, known as “Grandma Jane” to many of her dancing friends.

Music: Eileen Watts Reel by Luke Brady.

Dances for May 20, 2026

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, 8x40 Jig, Summer, Summer 2026, Uncategorized

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

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: 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 May 13, 2026

3x32 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer 2026

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: A Trip to the Drakensberg

A Trip to the Drakensberg
RSCDS Book 38
40-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set, cast off two places and dance up to the top, remaining in the middle of the set. 2nd couple step in on bars 7-8.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette. 1st couple release hands at the end of bar 14 and set advancing, passing each other by the left, to face first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half reel of four with first corners and pass by the left to finish facing second corners.

21 – 24 1st couple dance a half reel of four with second corners and finish in second place on opposite sides.

25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd men dance a petronella turn and set. At the same time, 3rd, 1st and 2nd women set and dance a petronella turn to face partners.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples, giving right hands, turn partners into allemande hold.

33 – 40 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Barbara J Rendle, Somerset West, South Africa.
Original tune: The Britches Maker (Nathaniel Gow, Gow’s Fourth Collection)
The Drakensberg is a range of mountains in Natal, South Africa.

TACNotes:
21-24 3rd man must move quickly through half reel, to complete curve to right into 2nd woman’s position ready for bar 25.

No Video

The Camp of Pleasure
RSCDS Book 15 – No. 4
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman, giving left hands, turn to finish in the middle at second place. On bars 7-8, 2nd man dances up and in to meet 1st woman who steps in. All finish facing up.

9 – 16 2nd man with 1st woman and 1st man with 2nd woman dance an allemande.

17 – 20 1st and 2nd couples lead down the middle, 1st man dancing down and 2nd man dancing up to meet partners.

21 – 24 2nd and 1st couples lead up, 2nd couple finishing in first place and 1st couple in second place.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

From an old book of Scottish and Irish Dances (title page lost).
Original tune: Charles Leslie of Findrassie’s Strathspey (D Grant)

TACNotes:
7-8 2nd man dances up & in to meet 1st woman, who dances in on bar 8.
17 1st & 2nd women dance in to meet their partners.

No Video

Miss Nicholl’s Reel
Joan Dodwell. Imperial Book of SCDs Book 1-3
32-bar reel for four couples in a four-couple longwise set
Two chords: on the second chord, 2nd and 4th couples cross to opposite sides.

1 – 2 1st couple cast off one place and 4th couple cast up one place. At the same time, 2nd couple dance up to first place and 3rd couple dance down to fourth place.

3 – 6 1st and 4th couples dance right hands across once round.

7 – 8 2nd, 1st, 4th and 3rd couples set to partners.

9 – 14 2nd, 1st, 4th and 3rd couples repeat bars 1-6 from new positions to finish in original places.

15 – 16 All set advancing to meet partners with both hands joined. 1st and 3rd couples face up, 2nd and 4th couples face down.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples, 2nd and 4th couples dance interlocking allemandes to finish in the order 3,4,1,2 with 4th and 2nd couples on opposite sides. (Note)

25 – 28 3rd, 4th, 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and, giving right hands, cross over.

29 – 32 2nd couple lead up between 1st couple, cross and dance out between 4th and 1st couples, cast up to first place on opposite sides and, giving right hands, cross to first place on own sides and face out. 3rd, 4th and 1st couples, taking hands on the sides, step down on bars 31-32.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Joan Dodwell.

Note: Bars 17-24 are a variation of the interlocking allemandes described in the Manual of Scottish country dancing. In the standard version, the top two couples face up and the bottom two couples face down but it is essentially the same formation. In the original instructions, the formation is referred to as linked allemandes.

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

Dances for April 27, 2026

8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2026

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Calm Before The Storm

The Calm Before The Storm
Ian Boyd, THE KILMARNOCK ALBUM
A three couple, 32 bar reel.

1 – 8 First couple dance a chase round second and third men. First woman dances down across the set, round third man passing by the left shoulders, up behind second man and across to own side while first man dances into the middle then follows his partner back to his original place.

9 – 16 First and second couples dance right hands across and back with the left.

17 – 24 First couple dance a chase round second and third women.First man dances down across the set, round third woman passing by right shoulders, up behind second woman and across to own side while first woman dances into the middle then follows her partner back to her original place. First and second couples finish facing the diagonally opposite dancer.

25 – 32 First and second couples dance set and rotate.

25-26 First and second couples set once to the diagonally opposite dancer and begin to turn right about on the spot on bar 26.
27-28 First and second couples cast to the right and dance on one place clockwise to finish facing partner – first couple on the women’s side and second couple on the men’s side.
29-30 First and second couples change places with partner with right hands.
31-32 First and second couples dance on one place clockwise to finish back on own sides having changed places.

Video: The Falkirk Lass

The Falkirk Lass
THREE COUPLES 8 x 32 STRATHSPEY
The Merse Collection [Elaine Brunken]

1 – 4 1st couple turn by the right hand, and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up on 3 and 4).

5 – 8 1st couple cross by the left hand, 1st lady cast down around 3rd man, to finish between 3rd couple as 1st man casts up around 2nd woman, to finish between 2nd couple (all face up or down).

9 – 12 All advance for one step, retire for one step and change places by the right hand, up and down the dance.

13 – 16 All advance for one step, retire for one step, 2nd and 3rd couples change places by the right hand, up and down the dance while the 1st couple turns ¾ by the right hand to face 1st corners.

17 – 20 1st corners pass and turn: 1st couple dance around 1st corners by the right shoulder, dance in through the ends and pass each other by the right shoulder, up and down the dance to face 2nd corners, while corners dance in (1 bar), turn with two hands (1 bar), and dance out to place (2 bars).

21 – 24 2nd corners pass and turn, 1st couple pass right shoulders to finish to finish in 2nd place on their own sides.

25 – 32 All three couples circle round to the left and back to the right.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for April 20, 2026

3x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2026

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The March Hare

The March Hare
3/3L · R32
Michael Ross Bentley

1-8 1s cross RH, cast down 1 place 2s+1s+3s set & 1s turn LH to face 1st corners

9-16 1s dance ‘Hello-Goodbye’ setting & end turning RH to 2nd place own sides facing out

17-24 1s dance out & chase clockwise to 2nd place opposite sides while 2M+3L change places RH then 2L+3M change places RH; 1s dance 1/2 reels of 3 on sides, LSh to 1st cnr pstn to start

25-32 1s dance 1/2 LSh reels of 3 across (LSh to 3rd cnr pstn to start) ending in 2nd place own sides; 1s turn RH & cast to 3rd place 2 3 1

Video: Sugar Candie

Sugar Candie
RSCDS Book 26
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st couple, passing each other by the left, dance round first corners by the right. On bar 8, 1st couple pull back by the right to finish back to back in the middle, woman facing up, man facing down.

9 – 12 1st woman and 2nd couple, 1st man and 3rd couple dance three hands round to the left. 1st couple pull back by the right to finish facing each other up and down the set.

13 – 16 1st couple set and, giving both hands, turn to face first corners. On bar 16, 1st couple open out as 1st man releases his partner’s right hand.

17 – 24 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, turn to face first corners.

25 – 30 1st couple dance reels of three on the sides passing first corners by the left to begin.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Original tune: The Earl of Angus and Arran (William Marshall, A Collection of Scottish Melodies, Volume 4, 1844).

Dances for March 30, 2026

8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, 96 Jig, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2026

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Jones Falls Hornpipe

Jones Falls Hornpipe
32 Bar Hornpipe
3 Couples

1 – 4 First couple set and cast off to second place. Second couple step up on bars 3 and 4.

5 – 8 First lady dances three hands across right hand with second couple. First man dances three hands across right hand with third couple. First couple finish in the middle of the dance, first lady facing up and first man facing down the dance.

9 – 10 First couple set as in double triangles. First lady with second couple. First man with third couple.

11 – 14 First lady dances up the dance, casts off round second lady and, passing right shoulders with her partner and finishes in the middle of the dance facing down the dance. First man dances down the dance, casts up round third man and, passing right shoulders with his partner and finishes in the middle of the dance facing up the dance.

15 – 16 First couple set as in double triangles, first man with second couple, first lady with third couple.

17 – 20 First man dances up the dance and casts up round first lady’s position to finish in second lady’s position facing down the dance. First lady dances down the dance and casts off round third man’s position to finish in second man’s position facing up the dance. Meanwhile second and third couples dance half rights and lefts starting by dancing up and down the dance and finish facing out on the opposite side of the dance.

21 – 24 First lady dances left shoulder half reel of three with second and third ladies giving left shoulder to third lady to start. First man dances left shoulder half reel of three with second and third men giving left shoulder to second man to start. Second and third couples finish the half reel facing up and down the dance.

25 – 28 First couple dance a quick turn left hands 3/4 turn. First man dances down the dance and cast off round third man’s position to finish in second man’s position facing up the dance. First lady dances up the dance and cast up round first lady’s position to finish in second lady’s position facing down the dance. Meanwhile second and third couples dance half rights and lefts starting by dancing up and down the dance and finish facing out on their own side of the dance.

29 – 32 First lady dances left shoulder half reel of three with second and third lady giving left shoulder to second lady to start. First man dances left shoulder half reel of three with second and third men giving left shoulder to third man to start.

Written by Charlie Inglis to recognise the tremendous amount of work undertaken by Eileen Black in organizing the Jones Falls Weekend Workshop for twenty-five years on behalf of the RSCDS Ottawa Branch

Video: The Jubilee Greeting

The Jubilee Greeting
John Drewry, Bankheand Book, Part 5
April 1990
A dance for the Silver Jubilee of the Ottawa Branch in 1991

Strathspey – 3 couples – 32 bars
Tune – “The Homecoming” by Moira Reekie ;
The tune was printed in the leaflet produced by the Ottawa Branch.

1 – 4 1st couple turn with both hands halfway round and, staying in the middle (close enough the join hands), set to each other.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross back to own sides and cast off to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 10 1st couple turn their first corners with both hands three quarters round and open out to face diagonally across the dance with nearer hands still joined. (The corners are on the left of 1st couple)

11 – 12 1st couple and their first corners set.

13 – 16 1st couple and their first corners advance diagonally, pass the opposite person by the left and then, staying in the middle, dance left hands across part way round. The corners return to place while 1st couple finish in the middle facing 2nd corners. N.B. The dancers should retain hold of nearer hands during bar 13.

17 – 24 1st couple repeat bars 9-16 with second corners. At the end, 1st couple finish facing partner’s first corner.

25 – 32 1st man dances a reel of three across the dance with 2nd couple. He begins by giving right shoulder to 2nd man. 1st woman, similarly, dances a reel of three across the dance with 3rd couple. She begins by giving right shoulder to 3rd woman. At the end, 1st couple dance to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

NOTE This dance was published with music in a leaflet by the Ottawa Branch of the RSCDS.

The leaflet does not seem to have been distributed widely and so, because I am rather fond of the dance, I have decided to print it here.

Video: Juniper Island Square

Juniper Island Square
Patrick Mackenzie, Ottawa 60th Anniversary Book
A 96 bar jig for 4 couples in a square set

1 – 8 Women weave clw around set, dancing in front of their ptnr to begin.
9 – 16 Men repeat, weaving cclw and dancing front of ptr to begin.

17 – 24 1C dance down as 3C dance up (1C making an arch for 3C to pass under ) and, turning toward their partner, dance back to places, 3C making an arch for 1C to pass under.

25 – 32 2C and 4C repeat bars 17-24, with 2C making the arch first time and 4C making the arch on the return.

33 – 40 All turn crnr LH (4), turn ptnr RH (4) into allemande hold facing cclw

41 – 48 In allemande hold, dance cclw around the set back to place.

49 – 57 1C and 3C advance for 2, retire for 2, turn person opposite RH once round

58 – 64 2C and 4C repeat bars 49-57

65 – 72 All dance back to back with corner, then back to back with partner, finish facing partners.

72 – 88 All pass partner giving right, pass next person giving left hand, and so on, around the set and back to place, 2 bars per person passed.

88 – 96 Circle 8 hands round and back.

Instructions taken from the Ottawa Branch Ball program 2026

Dances for March 16, 2026

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2026

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Miss Milligan’s Strathspey

Miss Milligan’s Strathspey
RSCDS Leaflets
(Strathspey)

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to finish, 1st couple facing down, 2nd couple facing up, nearer hands joined.

5 – 6 1st and 2nd couples set. On the second step, 1st couple turn towards each other to face up.

7 – 8 1st couple cast off to second place, while 2nd couple dance up to first place and face out.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides, all joining nearer hands with partner where possible. (Fig. 1). 2nd and 3rd couples turn the long way round to places.

17 – 18 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set.

19 – 20 2nd and 1st couples turn partners by the left hand halfway round, to finish facing down the dance.

21 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, lead down, cross over below 3rd couple (Fig. 2) and cast up to original place.

Progression: “The Knot”
25 – 26 1st and 2nd couples turn partners halfway round by right hand to finish in the centre, facing down, the woman turning clockwise under her partner’s arm to allemande position. (Fig. 3).

27 – 28 2nd couple, followed by 1st couple, dance up the woman’s side of the dance to positions as in Fig. 4.

29 – 32 2nd and 1st couples turn partners by the left hand to own sides.

No Video

Churchill Hall
Craig Williams, Ardbrae Celebrates 60 Years
A 32 bar jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7–8

9 – 12 1st man ½ figure of 8 around 2nd couple, 1st woman ½ figure of 8 around 3rd couple.

13 – 16 1st couple turn right hand to finish facing 1st corners

17 – 20 1st couple set to corners, finishing between corners

21 – 24 1st set and turn right hand 3/4

25 – 32 1st couple, passing 2nd corner right shoulder, dance a reel of 3 across the set. 1st couple finish in 2nd place.

Repeat having passed a couple

Dances for March 9, 2026

8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2026, Reels, Strathspeys

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

Test Dance
32 bar strathspey for 2 couples in a four couple set
Craig Williams, July 2025

1 – 2 1st couple turn with the right hand, moving down the set one place, Finish back to back between 2nd couple, 1st man facing 2nd man, 1st woman facing 2nd woman
3 – 4 1st & 2nd couple set
5 – 8 1st couple dance right shoulder around 2nd couple, 1st man around 2nd man, 1st woman around 2nd woman, and pass each other left shoulder to finish 1st man facing 2nd woman, 1st woman facing 2nd man

9 – 16 1st & 2nd couple dance a reel of four across the set.

17 – 18 1st man & 2nd woman, also 1st woman & 2nd man, turn once round with the right hand
19 – 20 1st couple turn once round with the left hand and finish facing up.
21 – 24 1st couple dance up, cross and cast to second place. 2nd couple stepping up on bars 23 – 24

25 – 32 1st & 2nd couples dance a poussette

Dances for March 2, 2026

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2026

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Midsummer Common

Midsummer Common
RSCDS Book 49
Devised by Tom and Lindsey Ibbotson, Cambridge Branch.
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, turn halfway; lead down, crossing over below 3rd couple and cast up to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 12 1st couple and first corners set, 1st couple advancing to finish back to back. 1st couple and first corners, giving both hands, turn to finish 1st woman between 2nd couple and 1st man between 3rd couple.

13 – 16 1st couple and second corners set, 1st couple advancing to finish back to back. 1st couple and second corners, giving both hands, turn.

17 – 20 1st couple lead second corners into three hands once round to the left, 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple. 1st couple pull back by the right to finish facing each other up and down the set.

21 – 24 1st couple set and dance a petronella turn to second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: On bar 16, 1st couple, with right hands, retain hold of second corners’ left hands.

No Video

Churchill Hall
Craig Williams, Ardbrae Celebrates 60 Years
A 32 bar jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7–8

9 – 12 1st man ½ figure of 8 around 2nd couple, 1st woman ½ figure of 8 around 3rd couple.

13 – 16 1st couple turn right hand to finish facing 1st corners

17 – 20 1st couple set to corners, finishing between corners

21 – 24 1st set and turn right hand 3/4

25 – 32 1st couple, passing 2nd corner right shoulder, dance a reel of 3 across the set. 1st couple finish in 2nd place.

Repeat having passed a couple

Dances for February 2, 2025 – Ball Walk-through

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2026

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Jubilee Jig

Jubilee Jig
RSCDS Leaflets

1 – 2 1st man casts off one place. 2nd man steps up.

3 – 8 1st man and 3rd woman set and turn with right hands to places.

9 – 10 1st woman casts off one place. 2nd woman steps up.

11 – 16 1st woman and 3rd man set and turn with left hands to places.

17 – 20 1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple, while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple, 1st couple finish in the centre, with left hands joined, facing the opposite side. (Fig.).

21 – 24 1st couple set and dance out to opposite side.

25 – 28 1st man dances right hands across with 2nd couple, while 1st woman dances right hands across with 3rd couple. 1st couple finish in the centre with left hands joined, facing own side.

29 – 32 1st couple set and dance out to own side.

TACNotes:’
3-4 Emphasize that 1st man stays on the sidelines as he sets to 3rd woman.
24 1st cpl flow through 2nd position on the side, before entry into RH across on bar 25.
32 1st man may finish facing out to flow on into his cast on bars 1-2 of the repetition.

Video: The Lass of Richmond Hill

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

1 – 8 1st couple lead down middle and up to the top to finish in the middle of the set, facing up.

9 – 14 1st couple cast off one place and, passing partner by the left, dance round first corners by the right and into the middle of the set. 2nd couple step up on bars 9-10.
15 – 16 1st couple , giving left hands, turn to face first corners.

17 – 24 1st couple and first corners dance a corner chain. 1st couple finish facing second corners.

25 – 32 1st couple and second corners dance a corner chain. 1st couple finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Fiona Turnbull, RSCDS Richmond Branch.
First published in Richmond Anniversary Book 1952-1992.
©RSCDS Richmond Branch, printed with permission.

Video: Bonnie Stronshiray

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

Robert M. Campbell, Glasgow Assembly
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.

Video: The Greenbelt Jig

The Greenbelt Jig
Elaine Brunken, Moments int Time
32 Bar Jig for 3 couples

1 – 6 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ladies Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place.
7 – 8 1st, 2nd, and 3 couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (All are on opposite sides)

9 – 14 1st, 2nd, and 3″ men Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place (Opposite sides).
15 – 16 1st, 2nd, and 3rd couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (1st couple remain facing out)

17 – 24 1st couple Cast off 2 places, join nearer hands and Dance up the middle, and Cast off to 2nd place.
17 – 19 cast 2 places (2nd couple step up on 17&18)
20 – 22 dance up the middle
23 – 24 cast to 2 place

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3 couples Advance and Retire.
29 – 32 2nd 1st and 3rd couples Turn by the Right Hand.

At the end of 2 repetition 1st couple finish in 3rd place and step to the bottom The new 3rd lady dances up from the bottom. 3 man steps up on bars 1-2

Repeat having passed a couple

Devised in March 2010 at the St. Columba’s Class in Greenbelt, Maryland. It’s an easy wee jig for all levels and a good warm up dance.

Easily adapts to a 2 couple dance: 1-16 and 25-32 done by 1st and 2nd couple. Bars 17-24 1st couple cast off one place in 4 bars (dance in for one and out for one, then cast for 2), dance up to the top, and cast into 2nd place. (2nd couple step up on 19 & 20)

Suggested Tune: Ride the Wind (Tatsu-Do) (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: The Fiddler’s Wife

The Fiddler’s Wife
Barb Anglin, Leaflet
(32 bar strathspey for three couples)

1 – 4 1st couple set and cast off one place as 2nd couple step up.

5 – 8 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 3rd couple.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with the right hand once round to finish in promenade hold, in the middle, facing up.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance a promenade.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Minister kissed the fiddler’s wife,
An’ could na preach for thinkin’ o’t.
Robert Burns – My Love she’s but a Lassie yet

Video: Davy Nick Nack

Davy Nick Nack
Bob Campbell, Glasgow Assembly And Other Scottish Country Dances
Reel

1 – 4 First, second and third couples cross over giving right hands to finish a little in front of opposite side lines, and set.
5 – 8 All cross back to own places, and set.

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

17 – 18 First couple turn first corners with the right hand to change places, corners finishing back to back facing first couple.
19 – 20 First couple set to corners in their new position.
21 – 24 First couple turn their first corners back into place with the right hand then turn each other with the left hand to finish in a diagonal line with second corners.

25 – 28 The same as bars 17–20 but with second corners.
29 – 32 First couple turn second corners back into place with the right hand then, giving left hands briefly in passing, curve into second place on own sides.

Video: Monymusk

Monymusk
RSCDS Book 11
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round and cast off one place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one-and-a-quarter times to finish 1st woman between the 2nd couple facing down, and 1st man between the 3rd couple, facing up.

9 – 12 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple set twice. On bars 11-12, 1st couple turn to the right into second place on opposite sides.

13 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set twice.

17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st woman passes 3rd man and 1st man passes 2nd woman by the right to begin.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Francis Werner: Book XVIII for the year 1785 as Mony Musk.
Original tune: Monymusk (Joshua Campbell’s Collection, 1788)
Composed by Daniel Dow and called by him Sir Archibald Grant of Monymusk’s Reel.

TACNotes:’
11-12 1st cpl petronella turn to sidelines, assisted by 2nd man & 3rd woman.

Video: Ladies’ Fancy

Ladies’ Fancy
RSCDS Book 13
32-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman, giving right hands, turn once round back to place.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a half times to face down with 1st woman on her partner’s right. (Note) 2nd woman steps up on bars 7-8 to be on left of 1st man.

9 – 16 1st man with 1st and 2nd women dance down the middle and up. On bars 15-16, 1st man hands his partner across in front of him.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back to finish in the middle of the set, facing partner with both hands joined.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: in bars 7-8, it is helpful to join both hands.

Collected in Angus but see D Anderson’s Ball-Room Guide c. 1886
Original tune: Peggie’s Wedding (Bremner, here from Gow)

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 15-16 On coming up the middle on bars 15-16, 1st man brings his partner round to her own side of the dance and hands her right hand to 2nd man who has come in behind him to receive it. 2nd woman quickly changes her hand and the wheel is formed.

TACNotes;’
16 1st man hands his partner across in front of him towards own side, while 2nd woman pulls L shoulder back to face down ready for RH across.

Video: The Deil amang the Tailors

The Deil amang the Tailors
RSCDS Book 14
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)