Category Archives: 8×32 Strathspeys

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Dances for November 14, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2022, Uncategorized

Video: Miss Gibson’s Strathspey

Miss Gibson’s Strathspey
RSCDS Leaflet – No. 10
(Strathspey)

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set on side lines joining nearer hands, then turn partners with two hands once round, opening out into four hands once
round to the left. Finish in original places.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couple dance the KNOT On the last 2 bars 1st couple turn with left hands to first corners while 2nd couple dance over to own sides, in top place.

17 – 24 1st couple turn first corners with right hands, partner with left hands, second corners with right hands, and partner with left hands, finishing ready for,

25 – 28 Right hands across, 1st man with 3rd couple, 1st woman with 2nd couple. 1st couple pass right shoulders into –

29 – 32 Left hands across, 1st man with 2nd couple, 1st woman with 3rd couple, 1st couple finishing in second place.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Derek Haynes, 1979. Inscribed to Miss Muriel Gibson, Secretary R.S.C.D.S.

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bar 24 1st couple stay in the centre of the set at the end of the left hand turn ready to dance right hands across.
Bar 28 Similarly, 1st couple pass right shoulders in the centre of the set to dance left hands across. They do not
dance out to the sidelines.

TACNotes:’
23-24 1st cpl dance a wide, three-quarter LH turn & flow into RH across on bar 25.
28 As 1st cpl pass R shoulders, 2nd & 3rd cpls turn inwards ready to give left hands. Do not dance out to sidelines.

No Video

The Links o’ Forth
Robert M. Campbell, Glasgow Assembly and other SCDs
Hornpipe for three couples

1 – 8 First and second couples dance “THE KNOT”, first couple to finish facing outon own sides, i.e.,

1 – 2 First and second couples turn partner half way round with the right hand to finish in the centre facing down, the women turning clockwise under their partner’s arm into Allemande position.

3 – 4 Second couple, followed by first couple, curve round and dance up the women’s side, Right hands are released on bar 4, the men passing their partner across in front of them to finish with the women slightly in the lead. See Figure 1.

5 – 8 Both couples turn their partner with the left hand, second couple to finish in top place, first couple to finish facing out on own sides in second place. (As they dance both couples centre their turns in the middle.)

9 – 16 First man and first woman cast round the dancer on their left, meet in the middle to turn once round with the left hand then cast round the dancer on their left to finish on own sides in second place. See Figure 2.

17 – 20 First couple turn their first corners with the right hand and meet in the middle to pass by the right shoulder. First corners dance for the four bars to finish back in place.

21 – 24 Passing by the right shoulder first couple turn second corners with the left hand then dance round each other by the left shoulder to finish facing out on opposite sides. Second corners dance for the four bars to finish back in place.

25 – 32 First couple dance reels of three on opposite sides, first man giving left shoulder to second woman, first woman left shoulder to third man to begin. On bars 31-32 first couple cross over, first man up, first woman down, to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: There and Back

There and Back
Graded and Social Dances 3 devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar Reel for 3 couples

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

9 – 16 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up. 1st couple finish in partner’s place.

17 – 24 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place on own side. 1st couple finish in own place.

25 – 28 1st couple dance (nearer hands joined) down between 2nd and 3rd couples, divide and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up one place on bars 27-28.
29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn with right hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Ferguson Frolics (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: The Shetland Shepherdess

The Shetland Shepherdess
The San Andreas Collection by Ron Wallace
32 bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set

1 – 4 1st couple dance down between 2nd couple and cast up to original place

5 – 8 1st couple half figure of 8 down around 2nd couple

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couple cross-over mirror reels of three on the sides, 1st couple cross to 2nd place on own side to begin, 2nd couple out and up and 3rd couple in and up; 2nd couple ends facing out

17 – 18 1st and 2nd women half turn by the LEFT hand while 1st and 2nd men half turn by the RIGHT hand
19 – 20 1st and 3rd women turn by the RIGHT hand while 1st and 3rd men turn by the LEFT hand, 1st couple ends in the middle facing up, and 3rd couple ends back in 3rd place (for 1st couple the turn is ¾ but for the 3rd couple the turn is once round)
21 – 24 1st couple dance up the middle to the top of the set and cast to 2nd place own side

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire, all clap (last beat of Bar 28), and all turn partner by the RIGHT hand once round.

Music: “The Shetland Shepherdess” by Ron Wallace

This title was inspired by a trip to Oslo, Norway, to teach SCD where I met Caroline Nicol, a Shetland shepherdess shepherding in Norway! The dance and music are dedicated to Susan Hagen, my hostess, and all the fine folk in the Oslo SCD Group.

Video: The Button Boy

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance devised by Bill Zobel

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

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

Dances for November 7, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2022

Video: There and Back

There and Back
Graded and Social Dances 3 devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar Reel for 3 couples

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

9 – 16 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up. 1st couple finish in partner’s place.

17 – 24 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place on own side. 1st couple finish in own place.

25 – 28 1st couple dance (nearer hands joined) down between 2nd and 3rd couples, divide and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up one place on bars 27-28.
29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn with right hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Ferguson Frolics (Muriel Johnstone)

No Video

The Bonnie White Rose
John Drewry, Bon Accord Book
The title is taken from the poem “Hame Hame Hame”.by Alan Cunningham,

Strathspey +3 couples – 32 bars.

Tune – “Rose among the Heather” played ABAB.

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on wrong sides. (2nd couple move ‘up on Bars 3-4).

5 – 8 1st man dances up between the 2nd couple and casts off to second place on his own side, while 1st lady dances down between the 3rd couple and casts up to 2nd place on her own side.

9 – 12 1st man dances three hands round to the left with 3rd couple, after two steps 3rd man dances out to his partner’s place, while 1st man turns 3rd lady with both hands to finish in second place on the men’s side with 3rd lady in her partner’s place.

1st lady dances similarly with the 2nd couple, after two steps she turns 2nd man with both hands to finish in second place on her own side and second couple finish. on wrong: sides in top place.

13 – 16 1st man dances three hands round,with the 2nd couple, again moving to the left, after two steps 2nd_man dances out-to his own side in top place, while 1st man turns 2nd lady. with both hands so that she finishes in top place and he in second place on the ladies’ side.

1st lady dances similarly with the 3rd couple, turning 3rd man with both hands and finishing in second place on the men's side, while 3rd couple finish in original places,

17 – 20 Joining nearer hands 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set on the sides, then, giving right hands to partners, they cross over to change places.

21 – 22 2nd; 1st and 3rd couples set again on the sides.

23 – 24 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross back to own sides but remain facing outwards.

1st couple turn right round by the right hand and finish in the centre of the dance facing down with right hands still joined.

25 – 32 “Reels of three on the sides with crossing” (See the note at the end of the book).

1st couple lead down crossing over to third place on wrong sides, then Cast up to second place. Giving right hands, they lead up crossing back to own Sides in top place, then cast off to second place.

3rd couple cast up to second place, then giving right hands they lead up crossing over to top place on, wrong sides. They cast off to second place, then giving right hands they lead down crossing back to original places.

2nd couple cast off to second place (allowing 3rd couple to pass in front) then giving right hands they-lead down crossing over to third place on wrong sides. They cast up to second place (again allowing 3rd couple to pass in front), then giving right hands they lead up crossing back to own sides in top place.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Originally I called this dance “Rose among the Heather” then | found that Mr. Iain Boyd of New Zealand had composed a dance with this title, so [ had to think of a new name for my dance, but, of course, the tune stays the same.

“REELS OF THREE ON THE SIDES WITH CROSSING”
This new figure appears in the Strathspeys “The Bonnie White Rose” and “Among the Farthest, Hebrides” (Nos 9 and 13) and in the Jig “Hot Punch” (No 12). It is normally danced with 1st couple in second place, but in the Strathspey No 13 the 1st couple start from top place and progress to second place at the end of the figure

I have called the figure “Reels of three on the sides with crossing” because that seems to be the easiest way to think of it, but no one dances a figure of eight during the reels. 1st man, 2nd man and 3rd lady dance round an oval on a diagonal in a anticlockwise direction, while their partners dance clockwise round a similar oval on the other diagonal

The figure could be called “White Rose Reels’ because “The, Bonnie White Rose” was the first dance containing the figure which I devised.

Video: The Shetland Shepherdess

The Shetland Shepherdess
The San Andreas Collection by Ron Wallace
32 bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set

1 – 4 1st couple dance down between 2nd couple and cast up to original place

5 – 8 1st couple half figure of 8 down around 2nd couple

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couple cross-over mirror reels of three on the sides, 1st couple cross to 2nd place on own side to begin, 2nd couple out and up and 3rd couple in and up; 2nd couple ends facing out

17 – 18 1st and 2nd women half turn by the LEFT hand while 1st and 2nd men half turn by the RIGHT hand
19 – 20 1st and 3rd women turn by the RIGHT hand while 1st and 3rd men turn by the LEFT hand, 1st couple ends in the middle facing up, and 3rd couple ends back in 3rd place (for 1st couple the turn is ¾ but for the 3rd couple the turn is once round)
21 – 24 1st couple dance up the middle to the top of the set and cast to 2nd place own side

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire, all clap (last beat of Bar 28), and all turn partner by the RIGHT hand once round.

Music: “The Shetland Shepherdess” by Ron Wallace

This title was inspired by a trip to Oslo, Norway, to teach SCD where I met Caroline Nicol, a Shetland shepherdess shepherding in Norway! The dance and music are dedicated to Susan Hagen, my hostess, and all the fine folk in the Oslo SCD Group.

Video: Maple Leaf Rant

Maple Leaf Rant
Devisor Unknown*
Reel – 40 bars – 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple cross over giving right hands and cast off one place (2nd couple step up on bars 3-4). 1st couple cross over giving left hands, then 1st lady casts up around 2nd lady and 1st man casts down around 3rd man to finish giving left hand to partner and right hand to 1st corner (as for balance in line).

9 – 16 1st couple set with 1st corners, moving on the 2nd bar to join right hands with 2nd corners. They set with 2nd corners, moving on the 4th bar to join right hands with partner’s 1st corner. They set, move again on the 6th bar to join right hands with partner’s 2nd corner, set, and move on the last bar to the point where they began the figure. (Note: This figure is danced with 8 pas de basque steps. On the 1st and succeeding alternate bars the dancing couple are setting in a diagonal balance in line with their corners; on every 2nd bar 1st couple dance a left hand quarter turn as they travel to the next corner diagonal.)

17 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple begin by giving left shoulder to 2nd corner, and finish facing 1st corner.

25 – 32 1st couple and 1st corners dance a diagonal reel of four. At the end of the reel, instead of passing left shoulders, 1st couple join right hands as they meet and finish together in the centre facing the top, lady on her partner’s left.

33 – 40 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. To begin 1st couple lead up and cross to own sides at the top, 2nd couple dance out and down, and 3rd couple cast up. 1st couple finish in 2nd place ready to repeat the dance.

  • This dance was collected in Carnoustie, Scotland, by Betty Grant. It was written out by a local dancer on a paper towel from the men’s washroom at the Beach Ballroom. The dance was said to have been brought to Glasgow by a Canadian visitor in 1952-53. To date the author is unknown.

Video: The Button Boy

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance devised by Bill Zobel

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

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

Dances for October 31, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2022

Video: Davy Nick Nack

Davy Nick Nack
GLASGOW ASSEMBLY and other SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by Bob Campbell
A hornpipe for three couples

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

5 – 8 All cross back to own places, and set.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: Neil M Grant

Neil M Grant
RSCDS Book 49
32 bar Reel for three couples in a four couple longwise set
Bars

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

5 – 8 1st couple dance a half figure of 8 (1st man round 2s, 1st woman round 3s), 1st couple finish in balance in line position, left hands joined, and giving right hands to first corners.

9 – 16 1st couple with 2nd and 3rd couples, dance the spoke, finishing facing first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple and first corners dance a half diagonal reel of 4, 1st couple pass right shoulders to face second corners,

21 – 24 1st couple and second corners dance a half diagonal reel of 4, 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides, facing clockwise.

25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise halfway round,

29 – 32 1st woman with 2nd couple, 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Christine Grant, Forres Branch.
The dance was written for Neil Grant on his seventieth birthday, February 2012.

Video: Invercauld’s Reel

Invercauld’s Reel
Book 11 – No. 10
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 cross down between the 3rd couple and cast up to second place on opposite sides.

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Bowman MS, c. 1755-1760.
Original tune: Invercauld’s Reel (McGlashan, 1786; Stewart’s Collection, 1762).

TACNotes:’
5-8 Giving RH to partner, when crossing, is helpful.

Video: The Mountain Stream

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

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

Video: The Reel of the 51st Division

The Reel of the 51st Division
RSCDS Book 13 – No. 10
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set to each other and cast off two places, meet below 3rd couple and lead up the middle to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 12 1st couple set to and turn first corners with the right hand, finishing in a diagonal line by joining left hands with partner.

13 – 14 1st couple and first corners balance in line.

15 – 16 1st couple, releasing right hands with corners, turn each other one and a quarter times to face second corners.

17 – 22 1st couple repeat bars 9-14 with second corners.

23 – 24 1st couple cross to second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Jimmy Atkinson, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and Peter Oliver, Seaforth Highlanders (London Scottish), with advice from Tom Harris-Hunter, Royal Army Service Corps while all were interned in the Prisoner of War camp at Laufen in Germany.

Original tune: The Drunken Piper or Highland Rory, Alex. McLeod, c. 1880

The original instructions in the form of notes, written by Tom Harris-Hunter on a scruffy piece of paper when he was a prisoner of war, clearly show that the dance was intended for a five couple set as it is still danced in Perthshire.

TACNotes:’
1-8 Set (no stealing) bars 1-2, cast bars 3-5, dance in to meet on bar 6, lead up on bar 7 to face corners on bar 8.

Dances for October 24 – Updated

3x32 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2022

Video: The Braes of Tulliemet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

A Perthshire dance. Collected in the Borders.
Original tune: The Braes of Tulliemet (Miss Stewart’s Collection, 1761).

TACNotes:’
9-12 Finish on sidelines.

No Video

The Missed Third
TACTalk Issue 40-2
A 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4-couple longwise set

Devised by Tim Wilson, description July 22, 2015

1 – 4 1st couple, nearer hands joined, dance down between 2nd couple and cast up one place to meet in first place in the center.

5 – 8 1st couple, nearer hands joined, dance down between 3rd couple and cast up to second place own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 12 1st woman with 2nd couple, and 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across.

13 – 16 1st woman with 3rd couple, and 1st man with 2nd couple dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in the center right shoulders together; 1st man faces the women’s side, 1st woman faces the men’s side.

17 – 20 1st woman, followed by 3rd woman and 3rd man, dances up the men’s side, across the top and down the women’s side, while, at the same time 1st man followed by 2nd man and 2nd woman,dances down the women’s side, across the bottom, and up the men’s side. All finish on own sides in the order 3 1 2.

21 – 24 3rd, 1st, and 2nd couples turn partners with right hands once round.

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

1st couple, from second place, repeat.

Note: The dance was conceived on July 4, 2015 in the Auckland, New Zealand airport while en
route to the 40th Australian Winter School being held in Brisbane. My plane left San Francisco
on July 2nd and arrived in Auckland, twelve hours later, on July 4th.

With its 312 progression, the dance can also be done as a 3x or a 6x. My preference is as an 8x
with both 1st and 2nd couples repeating their roles before 1st couple step down to fourth place.

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: Figure It Out

Figure It Out
Roy Goldring, Graded & Social Dances 3
32 bar Reel for a 3 couple set

1 – 4 1st couple dance a 4 figure of eight round 2nd couple, crossing down to begin.

5 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman turn 1 1/4 with left hands while 1st woman and 2nd man turn 1 1/4 with right hands. 1st couple finish in promenade hold facing 2nd man.

9 – 16 1st couple dance a reel of ‘3’ across the dance with 2nd couple. To begin, 1st couple and 2nd man pass by the right. 2nd couple finish in top place, 1 couple finish in the centre, facing down.

17 – 24 1st man, 2nd and 3rd women dance left hands across and right hands across while 1st woman, 2nd and 3rd man dance right hands across and left hands across. 1st couple finish in the centre facing up.

25 – 28 1st couple. followed by 3 couple, dance up between 2nd couple, divide and cast off. 1st couple finish in 3rd place, 3 couple finish in 2nd place.

29 – 32 1st couple dance a 2 figure of eight round 3rd couple, crossing up to begin.

Repeat from new positions.

Tune: Level Pegging (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: Sleepy Maggie

Sleepy Maggie
Book 11 – No. 5
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st couple set and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across and left hands back. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

17 – 24 1st couple set to and turn corners to finish between them.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Bowman MS c. 1755-1760.

Original tune: Sleepy Maggie (Bremner 1756 – from Gow’s Repository).

Dances for October 17, 2022

3x32 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Fall 2022

Video: Ecclefechan Feline

Ecclefechan Feline
Bob McMurtry, 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: No Video

Braveheart
THE BANKHEAD BOOK, Part 6, Scottish Country Dances by JOHN DREWRY, 1995 – 1996
A dance to mark the passage of 700 years since the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297

Strathspey – 3 couples – 32 bars

1 – 4 1st couple set to each other and then, giving right hands cross over to second place on opposite sides and stay facing out. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple dance round their first corners, passing them by the right and then turn each other with the left hand to finish in the middle of the dance in second place with the man facing down and the woman facing up.

9 – 12 2nd, 1st and 3rd men dance right hands across on the men’s side, while their partners dance right hands across on the women’s side. At the end, 1st couple pass each other by the right.

13 – 16 1st woman dances left hands across with 2nd and 3rd men on the men’s side while 1st man dances left hands across with 2nd and 3rd women on the women’s side.
1st man finishes between 2nd couple in first place all facing down, while 1st woman finishes between 3rd couple in third place all facing up.

17 – 20 All set in lines of three facing down and up and then change places with the opposite person giving right hand.

21 – 24 All set again in lines of three facing down and up and then change places with the opposite person giving right hand. 2nd couple stay facing up in first place, 3rd couple stay facing down in third place and 1st couple turn right about to finish facing each other (Man facing down, woman up).

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

    Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: The Findlay’s Jig

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

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

9 – 16 3 couple allemande.

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

25 – 32 6 hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple

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

Video: Figure It Out

Figure It Out
Roy Goldring, Graed & Social Dances 3
32 bar Reel for a 3 couple set

1 – 4 1st couple dance a 4 figure of eight round 2nd couple, crossing down to begin.

5 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman turn 1 1/4 with left hands while 1st woman and 2nd man turn 1 1/4 with right hands. 1st couple finish in promenade hold facing 2nd man.

9 – 16 1st couple dance a reel of ‘3’ across the dance with 2nd couple. To begin, 1st couple and 2nd man pass by the right. 2nd couple finish in top place, 1 couple finish in the centre, facing down.

17 – 24 1st man, 2nd and 3rd women dance left hands across and right hands across while 1st woman, 2nd and 3rd man dance right hands across and left hands across. 1st couple finish in the centre facing up.

25 – 28 1st couple. followed by 3 couple, dance up between 2nd couple, divide and cast off. 1st couple finish in 3rd place, 3 couple finish in 2nd place.

29 – 32 1st couple dance a 2 figure of eight round 3rd couple, crossing up to begin.

Repeat from new positions.

Tune: Level Pegging (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: The Pawling Porch

The Pawling Porch
Moments in Time, 21 Scottish Country Dances devised by Elaine Brunken
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples

1 – 4 1st couple Set and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up on bars 3-4)
5 – 8 1st couple Dance down between 3rd couple and cast up to second place.
9 – 12 1st couple and 1st corners Advance and Retire.
13 – 16 1st couple and 1st corners Turn with the Right Hand.
17 – 20 1st couple and 2nd corners Advance and Retire.
21 – 24 1st couple and 2nd corners Turnwith the Right Hand. (1st couple pass Right shoulder to own side.)
25 – 32 2nd, 1st , and 3rd couple dance Circle Round and Back.

Repeat having passed a couple

Devised May 2005, at the Pawling Weekend in Sylvan Lake, New York.

Muriel (Johnstone) and I had a small porch off our cabin, which seemed to become
the place everyone stopped for a drink after classes, before lunch, after lunch, before dinner…….. (now there’s a surprise!)

Pawling Weekend (run by the New York Branch) and situated 45 miles north of ‘the City’ is a brilliant weekend. The New York Branch is one of the friendliest, most welcoming groups that I have met in my many travels.

Suggested Tune: The Merrymaking (Traditional)

Dances for September 19, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2022

Video: The Findlay’s Jig

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

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and back finishing at the top in the centre. 2nd and 3rd couples step in on bar 8.
9 – 16 3 couple allemande.

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

25 – 32 6 hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple

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

No Video

Flowers of Texas
Let’s All Dance, Too
32/R/3 by Torf, Austin, Texas & Boston Branch

1 – 6 1st woman, followed by 1st man, casts off two places down the women’s side of the set. 1st woman crosses the set below 3rd couple and dances up behind the men’s line to end in 1st man’s place. 1st man dances in below 3rd woman and dances up the middle of the set to end in 1st woman’s place.

7 – 8 1st couple set.

9 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 1-8 with 1st man leading and 1st couple ending in original places.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up and end ready for…

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

Repeat from new places.

Music: “Flowers of Edinburgh”
Note: This dance was devised for use before the poussette is introduced. (T)

No Video: The Penny Reel

The Penny Reel
Jean Attwood, Alexander Book 8
Reel – 3 Couples — 32 Bars.

1 – 4 1st couple set once then turn halfway round with the right hand and face down.

5 – 8 1st couple lead down between 2nd and 3rd couples and cast up to 2nd place on the wrong side, 2nd couple moving up on bars 7 – 8.

9 – 12 Diagonal half rights and lefts ~ 1st and 3rd ladies, 1st and 2nd men crossing, with the right to begin.

13 – 16 Diagonal half rights and lefts ~ 1st lady and 3rd man, 1st man and 2nd lady crossing with the right to begin.

17 – 20 All join hands on the side and set once, then turn partner three-quarter of the way round with the right hand, retaining hold.

21 – 24 All set again and turn partners three-quarters of the way round with the right hand, ending facing up with Allemande hold

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

A Penny Reel was a dance for which one paid an admission charge.

Video: Grey Daylight

Grey Daylight
Let’s All Dance, Too
32/S/2 by Hugh Thurston (1962) Vancouver Branch

1 – 4 1st woman casts off one place and dances across to 2nd man’s place. 1st man follows her by crossing over to her place and casting off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couple circle round…

9 – 12 and back.

13 – 16 1st man casts up one place and dances across to his original place. 1st woman follows him by crossing over to her side and casting up one place. 2nd couple step down on bars 7-8 of the phrase.

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

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

Repeat from new places.

Music: “Stirling Castle”

Notes: “Grey Daylight” is an alternative name for “Stirling Castle.” Sometimes a dance is composed for no particular purpose; in response to inspiration, let us say. Sometimes a dance is composed to fill a lack. This one is for dancers who want an easy two-couple strathspey of standard length. (HT)

The dance was originally published in The Thistle, a newsletter of Scottish Country Dancing and Allied Subjects, issued by the West Point Grey Scottish Country Dance Club of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada November, 1962. Hugh was a longtime editor of the publication.

Video: The Deil amang the Tailors

The Deil amang the Tailors
Book 14 – No. 7
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and dance right hands across halfway round.

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and dance left hands across halfway round to original places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in the middle of the set facing up. 2nd couple step in.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dale’s Collection of Reels and Dances c. 1799.
Original tune: The Deil amang the Tailors (Gow)

Dances for May 30, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, 8x40 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2022

Video: The Machine Without Horses

The Machine Without Horses
RSCDS Book 12 – No. 12
32-bar jig 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 and 3rd couples dance right hands across once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set and cast up one place. 2nd couple step down on bars 11-12.

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

17 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple who dance up the sides to begin, dance down between 3rd couple cast up round them, dance up to the top, and cast off into second place, while 2nd couple dance up into top place.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

John Rutherford: Twelve Selected Country Dances…for the year 1772.
Original tune: The Machine Without Horses (Rutherford, 1772).

Video: Grant’s Reel

Grant’s Reel
RSCDS Book 14 – No. 2
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man repeat bars 1-4.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up.

17 – 20 1st couple set and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 1st couple dance back to back.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

TACNotes:’
1-8 When setting, anticipate turn by advancing slightly.

Video: Uncle Bill’s Jig

UNCLE BILL’S JIG
Roy Goldring – Graded and Social Dances 3
32 bar Jig for 2 couples

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across to place.

5 – 8 1st couple turn 1 1/4 times with right hands. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple with her partner behind her.

9 – 12 1st woman and 2nd couple, followed by 1st man, dance down the middle. On bar 12, 1st woman releases hands, dances slightly below 2nd couple and curves round by the right. 1st man curves round by the right to finish between 2nd couple who turn towards each other. All face up.

13 – 16 1st man and 2nd couple dance up to the top. 1st woman follows to finish in 2 place in the centre of the dance. At the end of bar 16, 1st couple finish facing up.

17 – 20 1st man, followed by his partner. casts off round 2nd woman and crosses to own side in 2nd place. 1st woman finishes on own side.

21 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance 4 hands round to the left.

25 – 28 2nd man and 1st woman turn once round with right hands.

29 – 32 2nd woman and 1st man turn once round with left hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Mary Bain’s Wedding (Traditional)

For Bill Little of Castle Douglas. who has encouraged children to dance for many a year.

No Video

Cardross House
Elaine Brunken – Moments In Time
32 Bar Strathspey for 3 couples

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 around their 1st corner; (pass 1st corner by the left shoulder. 1st couple finish facing their 1st corner.)

9 – 16 1st couple Set To and Turn corners 1st lady finish between the 3rd couple, 1st man between the 2nd couple. 1st couple face ‘out’. (up or down)

17 – 18 1st couple dance a Half figure of eight around their partners 1st corner. (1st lady around 3rd lady, 1st man around 2nd man, by the left shoulder)

19 – 24 Right shoulder reels of three on sides of dance. (1st lady up to 2nd lady, 1st man down to 3rd man) 2nd and 3rd couples dance a loop on the end of the reel.

25 – 26 2nd 1st and 3rd couples Advance and Retire.
27 – 28 2nd and 1st couples Turn with Two hands.
29 – 32 2nd and 1st couple Circle once to the Left.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised in July 2000.

As you may know from ‘Harry Potter’, British schools assign pupils to ‘a House’. Everything you do in school reflects on your house. Our House names were areas around the school I attended, Broxburn Academy, in West Lothian, central Scotland.

In my senior year I was the ‘Girls Captain’ of my house, the green house, Cardross House!

Suggested tune: Waulkin’ the Fauld (Traditional)

Video: The Highland Rambler

THE HIGHLAND RAMBLER
Roy Goldring, Leeds Branch, Silver Jubilee.
(a 40 bar reel for 3 couples)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for May 16, 2022

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2022

Video: THERE AND BACK

THERE AND BACK
Graded and Social Dances 3 devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar Reel for 3 couples

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

9 – 16 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up. 1st couple finish in partner’s place.

17 – 24 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place on own side. 1st couple finish in own place.

25 – 28 1st couple dance (nearer hands joined) down between 2nd and 3rd couples, divide and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up one place on bars 27-28.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn with right hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Ferguson Frolics (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: THE GATES OF EDINBURGH

THE GATES OF EDINBURGH
RSCDS Book 15
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples

1- 8 1 W dances reel of 3 with 2 & 3 M, while 1M dances reel of 3 with 2 & 3 W

9-16 1C dance reels of 3 on own sides and finish 1L between 2s who have dances up to the top who face down & 1M between 3s who face up

17-24 1s+2s+3s set twice, turn opposite person 2H, 1s end 2nd place on own sides

25-32 2s+1s+3s set twice & turn partners RH

TAC :
1-16 It is accepted that in these reels, partners touch hands where possible. All must move more quickly thru bars 13-16 to allow 1st M to dance thru original position and diagonally down, to finish between 3C while 2C dance up to 1st place.

RSCDS:
The derivation of the name has been the subject of much discussion over the years. Although one school of thought believes that “gates” is used in the sense of the streets, the generally accepted derivation is of the gates of the walled city of Edinburgh being opened and closed at the beginning and end of each day. As a result, it is accepted that in the reels, during bars 1-16, each couple should give nearer hands to partner to signify such opening and closing of the gates.

Video: Bruce’s Men

BRUCE’S MEN
The Scotia Suite of Scottish Country Dances devised by Roy Goldring
(Strathspey for a Three Couple Set)

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to the left. 1st and 2nd couples finish in the middle of the dance facing down. At the end of bar 4, 2nd man curves in to join nearer hands with his partner.

5 – 8 2nd couple, followed by 1st couple, dance down between 3rd couple, divide and cast up. 2nd couple finish in first place.

9 – 12 Half rights and lefts on the diagonal. To begin, 1st woman changes places with 2nd man while 1st man changes places with 3rd woman.

13 – 16 Half rights and lefts on the diagonal. To begin, 1st woman changes places with 2nd woman while 1st man changes places with 3rd man.

17 – 20 1st woman crosses up between 3rd couple (now in first place), and casts off one place, while 1st man crosses down between 2nd couple and casts up one place.

21 – 24 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples set and, giving right hands, turn partners half-way round to finish in the middle of the dance.

25 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples allemande. On bars 31–32, 1st couple cast off to third place while 3rd couple dance up to second place.

Repeat from new positions.

Video: Dalkeith’s Strathspey

Dalkeith’s Strathspey
RSCDS Book 9 – No. 6
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple, joining nearer hands, set to 2nd woman.

3 – 4 1st couple and 2nd woman dance three hands once round to the left. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing 2nd man. 2nd woman finishes in place.

5 – 6 1st couple, retaining nearer hands, set to 2nd man.

7 – 8 1st couple and 2nd man dance three hands once round to the left. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing down. 2nd man returns to place.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up, crossing to finish back to back between 2nd couple, facing opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the dance. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

25 – 32 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 finish facing 3rd woman with nearer hands joined. (Note)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: in bars 31-32 of the second time through, 1st couple cross to own sides.

Collected in the Border Country.

Original tune: Dalkeith’s Strathspey (as a reel in Neil Gow’s 3rd collection, 1792).

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
1-8 The opening formation of this dance needs careful phrasing. To begin the setting, 1st man must take a long setting step to join hands with his partner who dances in to meet him, to face 2nd woman on the diagonal. The circle of three must be formed as they dance the common schottische step to the left. This gives the necessary impetus to the circle, so that in two steps it is possible to get right round – after leaving 2nd woman in place – to face 2nd man. At the end of bar 8, 1st couple finish in the middle facing down, right hands joined.
17-24 At the end of the reel of four, 1st couple pass left shoulders in the middle and finish facing corners.

TACNotes:’
1-8 Steal into circle shape on bar 2 in order to finish bar 4 facing 2nd man. 1st couple finish bar 8 in middle facing down.
24 1st couple pass L shoulder to face corners.

Video: The Reel of the 51st Division

The Reel of the 51st Division
RSCDS Book 13 – No. 10
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set to each other and cast off two places, meet below 3rd couple and lead up the middle to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 12 1st couple set to and turn first corners with the right hand, finishing in a diagonal line by joining left hands with partner.

13 – 14 1st couple and first corners balance in line.

15 – 16 1st couple, releasing right hands with corners, turn each other one and a quarter times to face second corners.

17 – 22 1st couple repeat bars 9-14 with second corners.

23 – 24 1st couple cross to second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Jimmy Atkinson, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and Peter Oliver, Seaforth Highlanders (London Scottish), with advice from Tom Harris-Hunter, Royal Army Service Corps while all were interned in the Prisoner of War camp at Laufen in Germany.

Original tune: The Drunken Piper or Highland Rory – Alex. McLeod, c. 1880

The original instructions in the form of notes, written by Tom Harris-Hunter on a scruffy piece of paper when he was a prisoner of war, clearly show that the dance was intended for a five couple set as it is still danced in Perthshire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
1-8 Set (no stealing) bars 1-2, cast bars 3-5, dance in to meet on bar 6, lead up on bar 7 to face corners on bar 8.

Dances for May 9, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2022

Video: Lamb Skinnet

Lamb Skinnet
Book 14 – No. 12
32-bar jig 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 dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.
9–12 1st couple set and cast off to third place. 3rd couple step up on bars 11-12.
13–16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 3rd couple.
17–24 1st couple lead up to first place, set and cast off one place on own sides. 2nd and 3rd couples step down on bars 19-20 and 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances c. 1755 without setting on bars 1-4 and 9-12.
Original tune: Lamb Skinnet (Traditional)

TACNotes:’
17-24 1st cpl approach prtnr (bar 17), lead up & dance short way into sides on bar 20.

Video: Jim Johnstone’s Reel

Jim Johnstone’s Reel
Roy Goldring – Auld Friends Meet
32 bar reel for 3 couples

1 – 8 Reels of three on the sides.
To begin: 1st couple cross down to second place, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up.

9 – 12 1st couple (now on opposite sides) dance down the middle; 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts up behind 3rd man to finish side by side, taking nearer hands briefly as they dance through 2nd man’s place. 2nd couple step up on bars 11 – 12.

13 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple dance left hands across. 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across.

17 – 20 1st couple dance out through the women’s side; 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts up around 2nd woman. As they begin to dance down the middle, they take nearer hands briefly.

21 – 24 1st woman with 2nd and 3rd men dance right hands across. 1st man with 2nd and 3rd women dance left hands across.

25 – 26 1st couple set to 3rd couple (who remain on the sidelines). 1st couple turn inwards on bar 26.

27 – 28 1st couple set to 2nd couple (who remain on the sidelines).

29 – 32 Releasing hands, 1st couple cross up to the top and cast off to 2nd place on own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Note: 1st couple should move strongly during bars 9 – 12 and 17 – 20 but 1 woman should shorten her steps to ‘collect’ her partner towards the end of each phrase.

For Jim Johnstone – with gratitude for some wonderful music.
Tune: The Well Wynd (Jim Johnstone)
2004

No Video

SIMON BRODIE
Dances of the 18th Century, J. Young
Longways set in Strathspey time for 4 couples – 3-couple dance – 32-Bar sequence

1–4 First man and second lady, advancing towards the middle set to each other (2 steps), then, giving both hands, turn each other and return to places.

5–8 First lady and second man repeat Bars 1 – 4.

9–12 First couple lead down the middle between second and third couples and, crossing over between third couple, cast up round them to finish in 2nd place on the opposite side of the Set (Diagram 1). Second couple move up on Bars 11-12.

13–16 First and second couples dance Right and Left, giving right hands to partners to begin, and taking one step to each hand. First couple finish facing their 1st Corners (see diagram 4 – “Macdonald’s Rant”).

17–24 First couple set to and turn their Corners, finishing in the middle with first lady nearer the top, both facing the ladies’ side.

25–28 First couple lead out (with nearer hands) between second and third ladies, and first lady casts up round second lady while first man casts off round third lady; they meet in the middle (at the end of Bar 27) and, giving both hands, turn each other once round and open out to face the men’s side on Bar 28 (Diagram 2).

29–32 First couple lead out (as above) between second and third men and first lady casts up round second man, while first man casts off round third man; they meet in the middle (at the end of Bar 31) and turn each other with left hands to own sides, in 2nd place, on Bar 32 (Diagram 3).

First couple repeat from 2nd place (with third and fourth couples) and turn each other to the bottom, on the last 2 steps, while fourth couple move up to 3rd place. Each couple repeat in turn, as first couple.

Video: Birls Allowed

Birls Allowed
A 32 Bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Music: Mary MacKechnie by Nicol McLaren

1 – 4 1st couple cross right hand and cast off 2 places. 2nd and 3rd couples step up on Bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance half reel of three with 1st man giving right shoulder to 3rd lady and 1st lady giving left shoulder to 3rd man.

9 – 16 1st, 3rd and 2nd couples dance a full reel of three with 1st couple crossing down to own side to start.

17 – 24 3rd and 2nd couples set and rotate.

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

29 – 32 2nd and 1st couples turn right hand one and a half times (birls allowed).

Repeat from new positions.

Dance devised by Alec Taylor to celebrate a special birthday of Mary MacKechnie, a long term invaluable member of RSCDS Stirling.

Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

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