Category Archives: 8×32 Strathspeys

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Dances for February 3, 2025

Ardbrae Ball Walk through

Video: ECCLEFECHAN FELINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

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

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

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


No Video

Ettrick Water
Roy Goldring, Auld Friend Meet
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples

1 – 2 1st couple cross giving right hands.
3 – 4 1st woman and 2nd man, 1st man and 2nd woman change places giving left hands. No polite turn for 1st man.
5 – 6 1st couple cross giving right hands.
7 – 8 1st woman and 3rd woman, 1st man and 3rd man change places giving left hands.

9 – 12 3rd and 1st couples set and cross, giving right hands to partners and stay facing out and up ready for:
13 – 16 Half double figure of eight round the 2nd couple. 3rd couple, followed by 1st couple, begin by dancing up behind 2nd couple then cross down between them. 3rd couple finish in original place.

17 – 20 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 9 – 12 but stay facing out and down.
21 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, dance down behind 3rd couple and cross up between them, staying in the centre ready for:

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples Allemande.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Mrs Mary Stoker (Muriel Johnstone)


Video: The Captain’s House

The Captain’s House
RSCDS Third Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 6 1st couple cast off one place. 2nd couple step up.

7 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, cross to face out second place on opposite sides.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides, 1st couple passing second corners by the left to begin. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with first corners, passing by the right to face second corners.

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

25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn once round.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise halfway round the set to finish on own sides in the order 2, 1, 3.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Holly Boyd, Montreal Branch.

To celebrate the engagement of the deviser’s daughter, Leah Nemiroff, to Sacha Vais.


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


Video: La Tempête

La Tempête (The Tempest)
Reel
RSCDS Book II

The couples stand in fours across the room, two couples facing two couples, women on the right of their partners. (See Fig.).

1 – 8 1st and 4th couples dance four hands across with right hands and back again with left hands.

9 – 16 2nd and 3rd couples repeat bars 1–8.

17 – 24 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples set twice and turn partners with two hands.

25 – 28 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples join both hands with partner and slip across to change places with opposite couple, i.e. 1st with 3rd and 2nd with 4th, men passing back to back.

29 – 32 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples repeat bars 25–28 back to places, women passing back to back.

33 – 36 1st and 3rd couples and at the same time 2nd and 4th couples, dance four hands round to the left.

37 – 40 1st and 3rd couples and at the same time 2nd and 4th couples, dance four hands across (left hands) back to original places.

41 – 43 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples advance two steps and retire one step.

44 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples clap three times.

45 – 48 1st and 2nd couples dancing down the dance, pass under the raised arms of 3rd and 4th couples who are dancing up.

Repeat with the next two couples, and dance the same figures with every line until they arrive at the bottom of the room. As each line reaches the top or bottom of the room, change to correct side of partners and stand during one turn of the dance.

Note: This dance can also be done in groups of four in a circle, in which case, bars 9–16 are omitted.

Collected locally. Tune: La Tempête.
TACNotes:’
17-29 Set twice to partners.


Video: CATCH THE WIND

CATCH THE WIND
RSCDS Book 45
(Hornpipe)

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

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

9 – 12 1st couple set twice. On bars 11-12, 1st woman pulls back right shoulder to finish facing out.

13 – 16 1st woman casts up round 2nd man and dances down to finish between 3rd couple facing 3rd man while 1st man dances across the set and casts up round 2nd man to finish between 2nd couple facing 2nd man.

17 – 24 1st man dances a reel of three with 2nd couple passing 2nd man by the right shoulder to begin while 1st woman dances a reel of three with 3rd couple passing 3rd man by the right shoulder to begin.

25 – 28 1st woman casts up round 3rd man and dances across the set to finish in second place on own side while 1st man dances down the middle and casts up round 3rd man to finish in second place on own side.

29 – 32 1st couple turn with the right hand once round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Romaine Butterfield, RSCDS New Zealand Branch and originally published by that branch in Island Bay Collection (1983). The dance was devised for Noeline O’Connor and Iain Boyd and the name refers to the fact that Iain courted Noeline for some time.

Tune: The Navvie, Traditional

TACNotes:
Bars 25-28 1st woman must lengthen her steps to reach 2nd place, own side, pulling back R shoulder to flow into bar 29.


Video: Strathglass House

Strathglass House
RSCDS Book 13
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and dance six hands round to the left halfway.

5 – 8 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-4 to original places, again moving to the left.

9 – 12 1st couple lead down, cross over below 2nd couple and dance behind 3rd couple to meet below them facing up.

13 – 16 1st couple lead up to the top and cast off one place on opposite sides to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 1st couple turn first corner with right hand, partner with the left hand, second corner with the right hand, partner with the left hand to finish between corners.

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire.

29 – 32 1st couple, giving both hands, turn one and a half times to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

R Bremner: A Second Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances c. 1765.

Original tune: Mr Muir Mackenzie’s Favourite (Mr Sharpe of Hoddom)

TACNotes:’
1 – 8 On second setting step (bars 2 & 6) 1st man & 3rd woman must begin to move into circle shape so that the half circle is completed in two steps (bars 3-4 & 7-8).
13 – 16 Nearer hand lead. 2nd cpl step up on bars 15-16.


Video: Blue Bonnets

Blue Bonnets
RSCDS Book 3
32-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man dance back to back, passing by the right to begin.

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Allan’s Reference Guide to the Ball-Room, Glasgow c.1900.

Original tune: Blue Bonnets (Traditional)
17th century tune known as Lesley’s March to Scotland. Published in Watt’s Musical Miscellany 1731 and Oswald 1755. Sir Walter Scot wrote the song Blue Bonnets over the Border to this tune.


Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

The Reel of the Royal Scots
RSCDS Leaflet
(Reel)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

TACNotes:
17-24 Corners dance for 4 bars.

Dances for January 20, 2025

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 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.


Video: Strathglass House

Strathglass House
RSCDS Book 13 – No. 9
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and dance six hands round to the left halfway.

5 – 8 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-4 to original places, again moving to the left.

9 – 12 1st couple lead down, cross over below 2nd couple and dance behind 3rd couple to meet below them facing up.

13 – 16 1st couple lead up to the top and cast off one place on opposite sides to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 1st couple turn first corner with right hand, partner with the left hand, second corner with the right hand, partner with the left hand to finish between corners.

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire.

29 – 32 1st couple, giving both hands, turn one and a half times to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

R Bremner: A Second Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances c. 1765.

Original tune: Mr Muir Mackenzie’s Favourite (Mr Sharpe of Hoddom)

TACNotes:’
1 – 8 On second setting step (bars 2 & 6) 1st man & 3rd woman must begin to move into circle shape so that the half circle is completed in two steps (bars 3-4 & 7-8).
13 – 16 Nearer hand lead. 2nd cpl step up on bars 15-16.

Dances for January 13, 2025

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Captain’s House

The Captain’s House
RSCDS Third Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 6 1st couple cast off one place. 2nd couple step up.

7 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, cross to face out second place on opposite sides.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides, 1st couple passing second corners by the left to begin. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with first corners, passing by the right to face second corners.

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

25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn once round.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise halfway round the set to finish on own sides in the order 2, 1, 3.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Holly Boyd, Montreal Branch.To celebrate the engagement of the deviser’s daughter, Leah Nemiroff, to Sacha Vais.


No Video

Ettrick Water
Roy Goldring, Auld Friend Meet
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples

1 – 2 1st couple cross giving right hands.
3 – 4 1st woman and 2nd man, 1st man and 2nd woman change places giving left hands. No polite turn for 1st man.
5 – 6 1st couple cross giving right hands.
7 – 8 1st woman and 3rd woman, 1st man and 3rd man change places giving left hands.

9 – 12 3rd and 1st couples set and cross, giving right hands to partners and stay facing out and up ready for:
13 – 16 Half double figure of eight round the 2nd couple. 3rd couple, followed by 1st couple, begin by dancing up behind 2nd couple then cross down between them. 3rd couple finish in original place.

17 – 20 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 9 – 12 but stay facing out and down.
21 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, dance down behind 3rd couple and cross up between them, staying in the centre ready for:

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples Allemande.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Mrs Mary Stoker (Muriel Johnstone)

Dances for December 9, 2024

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: General Stuart’s Reel

General Stuart’s Reel or
The New Way of Gildon (Reel)
RSCDS Book 10

1 – 4 1st man sets to 2nd woman and casts off one place. 2nd man steps up on bars 3–4.

5 – 8 1st woman sets to 2nd man and casts off to second place. 2nd woman steps up on bars 7–8.

9 – 12 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand then, passing each other by the right shoulder, face second corners.

13 – 16 1st couple turn second corners with the left hand then, passing each other by the right shoulder, face first corners.

17 – 24 1st couple set to first corners, set to each other across the dance, set to second corners, then set to each other up and down the dance and finish man facing up and woman facing down the dance. 1st couple turn by the right throughout.

25 – 30 1st couple dance reels with their corners. 1st couple begin the reels by giving right shoulders to second corners.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Source: The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749.
Music: The Stuarts’ Rant, Bremner, 1768.

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 9-16 Corners dance two steps when turning.

TACNotes:’
9-16 Corners must dance into middle to meet 1st cpl on bars 9 & 13 then out to places on bars 10 & 14 releasing 1st cpl to face up & down the set.


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 28, 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.

Dances for November 18, 2024

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

The Mill Pond Stroll
Craig Williams, Ardbrae Celebrates 60 Years
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a 4 couple set

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 28, 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.


Video: ECCLEFECHAN FELINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

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

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

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


Video: THE OLD MAN OF STORR

THE OLD MAN OF STORR
Scottish Country Dances for Children No. 6
(Reel)

1 – 4 First and second couples right hands across once round – first woman finishes facing out.

5 – 8 First woman casts off one place and crosses over to the men’s side of the dance, while the first man follows his partner, finishing in second place on the women’s side. Second couple step on bars 7– 8.

9 – 12 First and third couples left hands across once round – first woman finishes facing out.

13 – 16 First woman casts off behind the third man and crosses to her own side while the first man again follows his partner, finishing in third place on his own side. Third couple step up on bars 15–16.

17 – 24 First couple set, then with nearer hands joined dance up to the top and cast off one place on own sides. Third couple step down on bars 21–22.

25 – 32 Second and first couples right and left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by R. Goldring, 1980.
Tune: Mrs Ella Wilson

TACNotes:’
8 1st woman dances across & faces down (no turn).

Dances for October 28, 2024

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Bees of Maggieknockater

The Bees of Maggieknockater
John Drewry, RSCDS 30 Popular Dances, Vol. 2
A 32-bar jig for four couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple cross, giving right hands, and cast to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across. On bar 8, 3rd woman turns towards 1st man and takes promenade hold facing the woman’s side while 1st woman turns towards 3rd man and takes promenade hold facing the man’s side.

9 – 12 1st man and 3rd woman dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman right shoulder to begin while 1st woman and 3rd man dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man right shoulder to begin. On bar 12, 1st and 3rd men pass right shoulder to take promenade hold with partner, 1st couple facing down and 3rd couple facing up.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man (in 4th place) left shoulder to begin while 3rd couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman (in top place) left shoulder to begin. On bar 16, 1st and 3rd women pass left shoulder to take promenade hold with 3rd and 1st men respectively, 1st woman and 3rd man facing down and 1st man and 3rd woman facing up.

17 – 20 1st woman and 3rd man dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman right shoulder to begin while 1st man and 3rd woman dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man right shoulder to begin. On bar 20, 1st and 3rd men pass right shoulder to take promenade hold with partner, 1st couple facing up and 3rd couple facing down.

21 – 24 1st couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman (in top place) left shoulder to begin while 3rd couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man (in 4th place) left shoulder to begin. 1st couple finish in the centre in 2nd place facing down while 3rd couple finish in original places facing up.

25 – 28 1st man turns 3rd woman left hand one and a half times while 1st woman turns 3rd man right hand one and a half times. 3rd couple finish in 2nd place and 1st couple cross down to 3rd place on their own side.

29 – 32 1st man turns 4th man right hand one and a half times while 1st woman turns 4th woman left hand one and a half times.

    Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Drewry. Published with permission of the Scottish Country Dance Teachers’ Association (Canada).

Original tune: Forres Country Dance by Robert R Gourlay.

Source: The Canadian Book of Scottish Country Dances.


No Video

Ettrick Water
Roy Goldring, Auld Friend Meet
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples

1 – 2 1st couple cross giving right hands.
3 – 4 1st woman and 2nd man, 1st man and 2nd woman change places giving left hands. No polite turn for 1st man.
5 – 6 1st couple cross giving right hands.
7 – 8 1st woman and 3rd woman, 1st man and 3rd man change places giving left hands.

9 – 12 3rd and 1st couples set and cross, giving right hands to partners and stay facing out and up ready for:
13 – 16 Half double figure of eight round the 2nd couple. 3rd couple, followed by 1st couple, begin by dancing up behind 2nd couple then cross down between them. 3rd couple finish in original place.

17 – 20 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 9 – 12 but stay facing out and down.
21 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, dance down behind 3rd couple and cross up between them, staying in the centre ready for:

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples Allemande.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Mrs Mary Stoker (Muriel Johnstone)

Dances for October 21, 2024

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Strathglass House

Strathglass House
RSCDS Book 13 – No. 9
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and dance six hands round to the left halfway.

5 – 8 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-4 to original places, again moving to the left.

9 – 12 1st couple lead down, cross over below 2nd couple and dance behind 3rd couple to meet below them facing up.

13 – 16 1st couple lead up to the top and cast off one place on opposite sides to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 1st couple turn first corner with right hand, partner with the left hand, second corner with the right hand, partner with the left hand to finish between corners.

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire.

29 – 32 1st couple, giving both hands, turn one and a half times to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

R Bremner: A Second Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances c. 1765.

Original tune: Mr Muir Mackenzie’s Favourite (Mr Sharpe of Hoddom)

TACNotes:’
1 – 8 On second setting step (bars 2 & 6) 1st man & 3rd woman must begin to move into circle shape so that the half circle is completed in two steps (bars 3-4 & 7-8).
13 – 16 Nearer hand lead. 2nd cpl step up on bars 15-16.


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.


Video: The Montgomeries’ Rant

The Montgomeries’ Rant
RSCDS Book 10 – No. 1

32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple, giving left hands, cross over and 1st woman casts up one place while 1st man casts off one place. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing 2nd man with 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 2nd man and 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the right to begin. On bar 16, 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, face 2nd woman.

17 – 24 1st couple set to 2nd woman. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 3rd man and set. 1st couple move round to face 3rd woman and set. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 2nd man and set. 1st couple finish facing second corners.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749.

Original tune: Lord Eglintoune (John Riddell, c. 1766) but usually danced to Lady Montgomerie (Lord Eglintoune, 1796).

TACNotes:’
17-24 1st woman is on her partner’s left to begin &, on bar 24, turns L about, with assistance from her partner,
to face her second corner.

Dances for October 6, 2024

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Niles Roberts’ Farewell to Pasadena

Niles Roberts’ Farewell to Pasadena
Doug MacDonald, RSCDS Book 53
A 32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, cross and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3–4.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, cross below 3rd couple and cast up to face first corners in the middle.

9 – 12 1st couple dance a half reel of four on the diagonal with first corners, passing by the right to begin, while second corners, facing diagonally, set twice. 1st couple finish in 2nd position on opposite sides.

13 – 16 All dance half reels of three on the sides. To begin 1st couple pass second corners by the left.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half reel of four on the diagonal with second corner persons (who are now in first corner positions), passing by the right to begin, while first corner persons, facing diagonally, set twice. 1st couple finish in 2nd position on opposite sides.

21 – 24 All dance half reels of three on the sides. To begin 1st couple pass second corner positions by the left. 1st couple finish in the centre side-by-side ready to give left hands.

25 – 28 1st couple, giving left hands, turn halfway (2 bars) and dance out the ends of the set (man dances up and woman dances down) while 3rd and 2nd couples cross giving right hands with partners and set.

29 – 30 1st couple cast left to second places on own sides while 2nd and 3rd men, and also 2nd and 3rd women change places giving right hands on the side of the set.

31 – 32 Joining hands on the side, all three couples set.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: The half reels of bars 9 – 24 alternate between being on the diagonal and on the side. First couple may try to reform the diagonal line at bar 17 but should keep in mind that the following half reel begins passing by the right.

Devised by Doug Macdonald, San Gabriel Valley Branch, 1991.


No Video

The Borussia Strathspey
Duncan Brown, The Bovey Collection
32 bar Strathspey for three couples in a four couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hand, cross down below 3rd couple and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple dance half a figure of eight, 1st woman up through 2nd couple and 1st man down through 3rd couple, finishing by passing each other left shoulder to face 1st corners.

9 – 12 1st couple dance the path of ‘Corners Pass and Turn’, but on bar 12 pull back right shoulders to finish with 1st man facing down and 1st woman facing up. At the same time, 1st corners dance half turn and twirl with right hands to change places.

13 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 9-12 with 4th corners (partner’s 2nd corner person), finishing facing 3rd corner position (own 1st corner person). At the same time, 4th corners dance half turn and twirl with right hands to change places.

17 – 22 1st couple dance ‘Hello-Goodbye’ setting to finish facing up and down the dance.

23 – 24 1st couple dance a petronella turn to 2nd place, opposite sides.

25 – 32 Taking hands, 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance set and link for three, twice.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised for Petra Dolata of Calgary, Canada (formerly of Dortmund, Germany). Petra is one of Borussia Dortmund Football Club’s biggest fans, hence the Borussia in the title

Recommended tune: Beeswing Village (J McNab) Kinpurnie Collection


Video: Catch the Wind

CATCH THE WIND
RSCDS Book 45. No. 5
(Hornpipe)

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

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

9 – 12 1st couple set twice. On bars 11-12, 1st woman pulls back right shoulder to finish facing out.

13 – 16 1st woman casts up round 2nd man and dances down to finish between 3rd couple facing 3rd man while 1st man dances across the set and casts up round 2nd man to finish between 2nd couple facing 2nd man.

17 – 24 1st man dances a reel of three with 2nd couple passing 2nd man by the right shoulder to begin while 1st woman dances a reel of three with 3rd couple passing 3rd man by the right shoulder to begin.

25 – 28 1st woman casts up round 3rd man and dances across the set to finish in second place on own side while 1st man dances down the middle and casts up round 3rd man to finish in second place on own side.

29 – 32 1st couple turn with the right hand once round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Romaine Butterfield, RSCDS New Zealand Branch and originally published by that branch in Island Bay Collection (1983). The dance was devised for Noeline O’Connor and Iain Boyd and the name refers to the fact that Iain courted Noeline for some time.

Tune: The Navvie, Traditional

TACNotes:’
Bars 25-28 1st woman must lengthen her steps to reach 2nd place, own side, pulling back R shoulder to flow into bar 29.

Dances for Spetember 30, 2024

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

The Borussia Strathspey
Duncan Brown, The Bovey Collection
32 bar Strathspey for three couples in a four couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hand, cross down below 3rd couple and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple dance half a figure of eight, 1st woman up through 2nd couple and 1st man down through 3rd couple, finishing by passing each other left shoulder to face 1st corners.

9 – 12 1st couple dance the path of ‘Corners Pass and Turn’, but on bar 12 pull back right shoulders to finish with 1st man facing down and 1st woman facing up. At the same time, 1st corners dance half turn and twirl with right hands to change places.

13 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 9-12 with 4th corners (partner’s 2nd corner person), finishing facing 3rd corner position (own 1st corner person). At the same time, 4th corners dance half turn and twirl with right hands to change places.

17 – 22 1st couple dance ‘Hello-Goodbye’ setting to finish facing up and down the dance.

23 – 24 1st couple dance a petronella turn to 2nd place, opposite sides.

25 – 32 Taking hands, 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance set and link for three, twice.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised for Petra Dolata of Calgary, Canada (formerly of Dortmund, Germany). Petra is one of Borussia Dortmund Football Club’s biggest fans, hence the Borussia in the title

Recommended tune: Beeswing Village (J McNab) Kinpurnie Collection


Video: The Montgomeries’ Rant

The Montgomeries’ Rant
RSCDS Book 10
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple, giving left hands, cross over and 1st woman casts up one place while 1st man casts off one place. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing 2nd man with 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 2nd man and 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the right to begin. On bar 16, 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, face 2nd woman.

17 – 24 1st couple set to 2nd woman. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 3rd man and set. 1st couple move round to face 3rd woman and set. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 2nd man and set. 1st couple finish facing second corners.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749.

Original tune: Lord Eglintoune (John Riddell, c. 1766) but usually danced to Lady Montgomerie (Lord Eglintoune, 1796).

TACNotes:’
17-24 1st woman is on her partner’s left to begin &, on bar 24, turns L about, with assistance from her partner, to face her second corner.


Video: Pint O’ Ale Is Fain

Pint O’ Ale Is Fain
Bob McMurtry, Devil’s Quandry
32 bar Jig for 3 couples

1 – 4 All three couples turn by the right hand and out to place, to end facing clockwise round the set, men facing toward the top and women toward the bottom.

5 – 8 Dance clockwise, 3rd woman followed by 2nd and 1st women, to men’s side of the dance. 1st man dances the same to women’s side followed by 2nd and 3rd men.

9 – 12 All three couples turn by the left and out to place.

13 – 16 Dance anti-clockwise back to original positions at the beginning of the dance, women following, 1st woman and men following 3rd man.

17 – 24 1st couple dances a figure of eight on their own sides with 2nd and 3rd couples, giving left shoulders to 2nd couple to begin. For more advanced dancers, a reel of three on the sides may be substituted.

25 – 32 1st couple leads down the middle for three bars and back for three, cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 31&32.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Music: Pint o’ Ale by Bob McMurtry

Dances for July 17, 2024

No Video

A Trip to Ottawa
Strathspey
Malcolm Brown

1-4 1s Set, cast one place (2s step up)

5-8 1s ½ figure of eight up through 2s

9-16 1s & 2s Helice
1-2 1s & 2s ¾ turn partners RH, to finish in promenade hold, top couple (2s) facing men’s side, bottom couple (1s) facing ladies side, forming a line up and down the dance
3-4 1s & 2s promenade ½ way round anticlockwise (not too close togeher)
5-6 1s & 2s still in promenade hold, turn to finish in middle of set facing partners – 1s above 2s, [top couple on own side (1s), bottom couple on opposite side (2s)]
7-8 1s & 2s pull back R Sh and cast into sidelines

17-24 2s set, cast up one place (1s step down), ½ figure of eight down through 1s, All finish in middle, (1s & 3s dance in on left foot), ready for

25-32 1s 2s 3s Promenade

  • Helice is pronounced “hell-eese” (eese as in (g)eese

September 2008

Version B – 2 couple dance

Version C – 3 couple set (1s cast to 3rd place on bar 32, while 3s dance up to 2nd place)


No Video

JIG ON THE HILL
32 bar jig for 4 couples in a square set

1 – 8 First and third couples dance a Ladies’ Chain.

9 – 16 Second and fourth couples dance a Men’s Chain. On bar 16, second and fourth women finish facing out and first and third women turn about to face out as well. All the men face in.

17 – 24 All dance 8 bars of Schiehallion reels as follows:
17 – 20 All four men dance on to the position of the woman on their right in two long steps and then, with two short steps, dance a small loop into the man’s position to face in. Meanwhile, the women dance a small loop into their partner’s place and then follow their partners into the woman’s position to their right and stay facing out.
21 – 24 Repeat to finish opposite the original position, women still facing out.

25 – 32 All turn partners with the right hand into promenade hold, women on the right, facing clockwise. All promenade one place on, turning to face in, and all set. All are now in one position to the right of their original place.

Bars 17 – 24 are taken from the dance, Schiehallion, by Hugh Thurston where the full reel for 4 couples takes 16 bars. Schiehallion is a mountain in the middle of Scotland. The reels are danced in a square shape, presumably around the mountain.
The title refers to Parliament Hill in Ottawa as well as the hill, or brae where the first Ardbrae classes were held.

Suggested Music: Celtic Fire in the Music, Disc 1, track 10, Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent


No Video

The Cairn Strathspey
Roy Goldring, Auld Friends Meet
32 bar strathspey for 4 couples

1 – 4 1 couple with 2nd couple (also 3rd couple with 4th couple) dance right hands across opening out into:

5 – 8 Eight hands round halfway.
Finish 4, 3, 2, 1 all on opposite sides.

9 – 12 4th woman with 3rd woman (also 2bd Woman with 1st woman) nearer hands joined, dance between their partners, divide, dance back to the men’s side. 4th and 3rd women face each other, 2nd and 1st women face each other ready for:

13 – 16 Half reel of four, passing right shoulders to begin.

17 – 24 All four men repeat bars 9 -16. (Men dance between the women opposite — not their partners. )

25 – 28 1st couple cross giving right hands and cast to 4th place while. 2Nd, 3rd and 4th couples set and cross up one place giving right hands.

29 – 32 All four couples turn once round with both hands.

Repeat from new positions.

For Shirley Shields and the Cairn Dancers.

Tune: Falkland Palace (Nancy Dickson)
1980


No Video

Jackie Stewart’s Reel
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples.
Music: The Flying Scotsman 8x32r

1-8: 1st couple cross with left hands, cast and meet in the middle to turn by the left hands 1½ times for 4 bars to face out on own sides. 2nd couple steps up on bars 3-4.


9-16: 1st couple dance around the person on their left in 2 bars and meet In the middle (with man facing up and woman facing down) to turn by the left hands 1½ times for 4 bars, then dance around the person on their left in 2 bars to finish in 2nd place on their own sides.
Meanwhile, on bars 9-10 3rd man and 2nd woman exchange places, passing left shoulders. On bars 15-16 3rd woman and 2nd man exchange places, passing left shoulders.

17-24: 1st couple leads down and back. On bars 21-22, 3rd and 2nd couple cross by the left hands halfway round and step in on bars 23-24 to prepare for an allemande.

25-32: 3rd, 1st, and 2nd couples dance an allemande.
On the second time through, replace every occurrence of “left” with “right”.

Notes for Jackie Stewart’s Reel
Start your engines…

Brid 24-05