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.

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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)

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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

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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

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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

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended Tune: Springtime Bliss by Karen Steven

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

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Video: Kenilworth

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

1822 Instructions :

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

2021 Reconstruction

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Note

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

The Waltz Poussette

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

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

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

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

Bar 8 Retire

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No Video

Waterlily Ballet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Video: The Northern Lights

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
TAC Silver Anniversary
3 x 32 Bar Strathspey

1 – 4 1st Man and 2nd Lady set to each other advancing, then turn each other with both hands (3/4 turn) to finish back to back in the centre, Man facing down, Lady facing up (they release hands and pivot right about on Bar 4 – i.e. Bob Campbell’s “Birl” from Frae A’ The Airts) Meanwhile: 2nd Man and 1st Lady dance around anticlockwise to finish facing their partner in a line up & down in the centre of the dance

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and turn with both hands to finish on own side of the dance, 1st couple now in 2nd place, 2nd couple in 1st place

9 – 16 1st couple repeat Bars 1 – 8 with 3rd couple. On bars 15 and 16 they turn with both hands finishing in position ready for Allemande. On bar 16, 2nd couple (at top) dance in to position for Allemande.

17 – 24 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance Allemande

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples (top and bottom) dance Half Rights and Lefts; WHILE the 3rd couple (in 2nd place) set and cross over giving Right hands

29 – 32 All 3 couples set and cross to own sides giving Right hand to partner

Repeat with new top couple

Dedicated to the Ladies of Prince George, B.C.
Devised by Chas. F. Dobie of Carisbrooke S.C.D.C.

NOTE: The following note appears in the back of Glasgow Assembly and other Scottish Country Dances by Bob Campbell (Fifth Printing, 1990):

THE BOURREL:
This progression, first used in Campsie Glen, also appears in The Northern Meeting and Frae A’ The Airts and was originally known as the Birl. As birling, in its strict sense, does not occur in our dancing the term Bourrel has been substituted.”

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Video: Rivendell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

No Video

Rideau River Reel
Lindsay Clark
32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 3 couple set
The 2s are the dancing/active couple.

1-8 2W and 2M dance mirror figures of eight on their own sides, dancing up and out to begin. They finish in the centre in 2nd position ready for…

9-16 Hands across on both sides, right hand on the ladies’ side, left hand on the men’s side, the 2s passing right shoulder to dance hands across on the opposite side. The 2s end facing their own first corner.

17-24 2s and dancers on 1st corner diagonal dance Corners pass and twirl, the corners ending in opposite position and the 2s passing right shoulder to face their own 2nd corners. Repeat Corners pass and twirl with 2nd corners, the corners ending in the opposite position, and the 2s in 2nd place on opposite sides.[Order is now 3,2,1 with all dancers on the opposite side]

25-32 All chase ½ way round clockwise. [1,2,3] 1s change places with the 2s, left hand on the ladies’ side, right hand on the men’s side (i.e. 1s dance in and down); 1s change places with the 3s, right hand on the ladies’ side, left hand on the men’s side (1s dance out and down). [2,3,1]

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Video: Reuben Butler

Reuben Butler
SCDS Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian
The Dance – 1820 and 2021
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple set

1820 Instructions

1st Cu: lead down the middle, up again _
3 hands round with 2d Lady, same with Gent.
poussette_
right and left.

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 1st couple dance down the middle and back to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 12 Using skip change of step, 1st couple and 2nd woman, dance three hands round to the left.

13 – 16 1st couple and 2nd man, dance three hands round to the left. 2nd and 1st couples finish in sidelines.

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes

1. Hands round in the early 19th century would most likely have used a chassé step, hence
   the skip change of step in bars 9 to 16.
2. The poussette is a full poussette all round, starting from sidelines, and in waltz hold, not
   using pas de basque. See page 61.
3. The original instructions do not stipulate whether the rights and lefts is danced with the
4. 2nd or 3rd couple. As the poussette was with the 2nd couple, it would have been acceptable
5. to dance the rights and lefts with third couple, thus making the dance a three-couple jig.

4, Although there were different versions of rights and lefts in 1820, the version adopted is
the Quadrille rights and lefts, as we do it today.

The Waltz Poussette

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

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

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

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

Bar 8 Retire

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No Video

Lady Charlotte Bruce
Miss Milligan’s Miscellany of Scottish Country Dances
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples advance one step and retire one step, twice. To finish, 1st couple face each other, 2nd couple face down and 3rd couple face up.

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a half grand chain.

9 – 12 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-4 to finish 3rd couple facing down, 2nd couple facing up, and 1st couple facing each other.

13 – 16 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples dance a half grand chain, to finish in original places.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Customary tune: Lady Charlotte Bruce (William Shepherd)

TACNotes:’
5-8 1st woman & 2nd man finish with polite turns.
13-16 Half grand chain begins with RH – 3rd cpl to 2nd cpl & 1st cpl to partner. 1st woman and 2nd man again finish with polite turns.

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Video: Ray Milbourne

Ray Milbourne
Derek Haynes, Carnforth 1

Reel for four-couple sets

On the 2nd chord 2nd and 4th couples change sides

1 – 4 1st and 4th couple, giving right hands, cross over then cast inwards one place. 2nd couple step up and 3rd couple step down on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 1st couple dance a half figure of eight around 2nd couple and 4th couple dance a half figure of eight around 3rd couple.

9 – 12 1st and 4th couple dance half rights and lefts. They omit the polite tum on bar 12 and finish with 4th couple facing up and 1st couple facing down ready to give right shoulders into –

13 – 16 Half reels of four on the sides. They finish in the order 3 1 4 2 with the women facing out and the men in, ready to dance into –

17 – 24 3rd with 1st couple, and at the same time 4th with 2nd couple, dance men’s chains across the dance. The men cross over giving left hands to start

25 – 32 3rd, 1st, 4th and 2nd couples dance eight hands round and back.

Repeat three times, each from new positions.

Tune: Ray Milboume by lain MacPhail. Recorded by David Hall on Diamond Jubilee, DIH 001 CD.

First published by Scottish Dance Archives, September 1976.

No Video

Miamha
Jayne Irwin, April 2024
A 40 bar hornpipe for 4 couples in a square set

1 – 4 All 4 women dance ½ reel of 4 up/down the set. To start: 1st & 2nd women pass right shoulders, 3rd & 4th women pass right shoulders. All finish in the opposite woman’s place (i.e. 1st & 3rd women change places, 2nd & 4th woman change places)

5 – 8 All 4 men dance ½ reel of 4 across the set. To start: 1st & 4th men pass right shoulders, 3rd & 2nd men pass right shoulders. All finish in the opposite man’s place (i.e. 1st & 3rd men change places, 2nd & 4th men change places)

9 – 16 1st & 3rd couples dance a mixed Rondel inside the square to get back to original places.
9 3rd couple dance under an arch made by 1st couple
10 1st & 3rd men guide their partner in front of them
11 1st woman & 3rd man dance to meet each other and join nearer hands (in front of 4th couple), 1st man & 3rd woman dance to meet each other and join nearer hands (in front of 2nd couple.
12 1st man & 3rd woman dance under an arch made by 1st woman & 3rd man
13 1st & 3rd men guide 3rd & 1st women across in front of them
14 1st & 3rd couples dance to meet partners and take nearer hands
15 3rd couple dance under an arch made by 1st couple
16 1st & 3rd men guide their partner across in front to finish in original places.

17 – 24 2nd & 4th couples dance a mixed Rondel inside the square to get back to original places
17 4th couple dance under an arch made by 2nd couple
18 2nd & 4th men guide their partner in front of them
19 2nd woman & 4th man dance to meet each other and join nearer hands (in front of 1st couple), 2nd man & 4th woman dance to meet each other and join nearer hands (in front of 3rd couple.
20 2nd man & 4th woman dance under an arch made by 2nd woman & 4th man
21 2nd & 4th men guide 4th & 2nd women across in front of them
22 2nd & 4th couples dance to meet partners and take nearer hands
23 4th couple dance under an arch made by 2nd couple
24 2nd & 4th men guide their partner across in front to finish in original places.

25 – 28 Sashay in tandem, 1st & 3rd couples with nearer hands joined, advance with pas de basque, passing the other couple by the left, and dance out to opposite sides

29 – 32 Sashay in tandem, 2nd & 4th couples with nearer hands joined, advance with pas de basque, passing the other couple by the left, and dance out to opposite sides

33 – 40 All 4 couples poussette one place clockwise around the square.
33 With both hands joined advance clockwise
34 All ¼ turn pulling back right shoulders
35 All advance clockwise
36 All ¼ turn pulling back right shoulders
37 All advance towards the centre
38 All ¼ turn pulling back right shoulders and open to face the centre of the set
39 – 40 All retire to the sides of the square

Note: Miamha, pronounced mee-ah is meow in Gaelic

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Video: Madge Wildfire’s Strathspey – 1934 Reconstruction
No video for 2021 Reconstruction

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

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

1820 Instructions

Six hands round, back again
3 couples crossing over opposite sides, back again & turn partners
set cross corners
lead outsides

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

9 – 12 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, passing right shoulder, cross over. Passing right shoulder, they cross back.

13 – 16 Giving both hands, all three couples turn:
1st couple turn for 2 bars then cast off one place.
2nd couple turn for 2 bars and then dance up to top place.
3rd couple turn for four bars.

17 – 24 1st couple, advancing, set to first corners, then turn them, giving both hands, to face second corners. 1st couple set and turn second corners.

1st couple finish in the centre facing the men’s side, man with his partner on his right.

25 – 32 1st couple lead outsides:
Giving nearer hands, 1st couple dance out between 2nd and 3rd men, then cast back into centre. Giving nearer hands, they dance out between 2nd and 3rd women and cast back to 2nd place own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes:

1. In bars 9 — 12, it is unclear if hands would have been given in 1820.
2. It seems clear that the progression must take place during bars 9-16. The above solution is traditional and unobtrusive.
3. As in other dances in this leaflet ‘set cross corners’ is open to interpretation. The interpretation here is ‘set and turn corners’, a common figure which was often followed by a reel or ‘lead outsides’.
4. Lead outsides could be danced out or the dancers cross, depending on fashion. In a crowded ballroom, 1st man could cross his partner in front of him giving left hands.

1934 Reconstruction

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

9 – 12 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, passing by the right, cross to opposite sides.

13 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples repeat bars 9-12 to original places.

17 – 20 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving both hands, turn partners. 1st couple finish facing first corners, and 2nd couple, on bars 19-20, dance up on own sides to first place while 3rd couple finish in original places.

21 – 24 1st couple set to corners.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.
In Heart of Midlothian by Sir Walter Scott, Madge Wildfire is “the nickname of Margaret Murdochson, a beautiful but giddy girl, whose brain was crazed by seduction and the murder of her infant.”
Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 17-20 As 1st couple turn, they dance down the middle, opening out to face first corners, man releasing his left hand.

TACNotes:’
17-20 Cpls turn 2H, 2nd cpl turning in 2 bars & dancing out & up sidelines to top, while 1st cpl move down as they finish the turn & open out to face corners, 1st man dropping his LH & aiding partner.

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No Video

SUSIE’S JIG
Duncan Brown, The Bovey Collection
32 bar Jig for three couples in a four couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands across. 1st man finishes facing out.

9 – 16 1st man, followed by 1st woman, casts off one place, dances across the set, casts off one place and dances across the set. 1st couple finish in 3rd place, own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 11 – 12, 3rd couple step up on bars 15 – 16.

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

25 – 28 1st couple, giving nearer hands, dance up to the top and cast off one place. 3rd couple step down on bars 27-28.

29 – 32 2nd, Ist and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn partner once round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised for my younger daughter, Susie.
Recommended tune: Miss Sally Hunter of Thurston (Nathaniel Gow)

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No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple

Tune: Further Ado by M. G. Hughes 2017

No Video

Marlborough Rant

A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Craig Williams, March 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance a ½ figure of eight on their own sides. Begin by dancing in and down. Take nearer hands when they meet between the 3rd couple, dance up to the top and cast off to 2nd place on own sides, 2nd couple stepping up on bars 7 & 8

9 – 16 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance a 3 couple Espagnole.
9 – 10 2nd man & 3rd woman cross to opposite sides
2nd & 1st women giving right hands, cross to opposite sides, 1st woman passing in front of 2nd woman
1st & 3rd men giving right hands, cross to opposite sides, 1st man passing in front of 3rd man
11 – 12 Repeat bars 9-10 from new positions
13 – 14 Repeat bars 9-10 from new positions. The dancers should finish on opposite sides in order (3, 1, 2) across from their partners
15 – 16 All ½ turn partners with the right hand, finishing ready for allemande.

17 – 24 3rd, 1st & 2nd couples dance a allemande.

25 – 32 Circle 6 hands round & back.

Marlborough forest is Ottawa’s largest natural area and lies in the south end of the City. It’s largely unknown to most residents. A 200 km2 patchwork of forest and abandoned homesteads, swamps and fens, dusty forestry roads and claustrophobic thickets — it hides off the beaten path, protecting its secrets

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Video: Jeanie Deans’ Strathspey

Jeanie Deans’ Strathspey
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott – A Celebration through Scottish Music and Dance

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

1820 Instructions

1st Cu: swing round, & cast off there left hand
& set abreast top & bottom, same on the sides,
set cross corners
& lead outsides

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 Giving right hands, 1st couple turn and cast off one place: 2nd cou ple step up. 1st couple, giving left hands, turn to finish man between 3rd couple and woman between 2nd couple.

9 – 12 2nd and 3rd couples face up or down.

All set. 2nd and 3rd couples continue setting as, on bars 11 and 12, 1st man casts up to 2nd place on his own side and 1st woman casts off into 2nd place on her side.

13 – 16 All three couples set twice.

17 – 24 1st couple, advancing, set to first corners. 1st couple dance round each other by the right to face second corners. 1st couple set to second corners, then dance round each other to face the men’s side, man with his partner on his right.

25 – 32 1st couple lead outsides:

Giving nearer hands, 1st couple dance out between 2nd and 3rd men, then cast back into centre. Giving nearer hands, they dance out between 2nd and 3rd women and cast back to 2nd place own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes:

1. ‘Swing’ meant turn using one hand; ‘turn’ meant both hands.
2. Bars 9 – 16 are different from modern RSCDS practice. The above version is similar to that in D.A.’s ‘Country Dancing Made Plain and Easy’ of 1764.
3. The interpretation here of ‘set cross corners’ in bars 17 – 24 is based on Thomas Wilson’s ‘set contrary corners’ on pages 44 – 46 of his ‘Analysis of Country Dancing’ of 1811.
4. Lead outsides could be simply danced out or the dancers cross, depending on contemporary fashion. In a crowded ballroom with little space for dancers to dance out together, 1st man could cross his partner in front of him, giving left hands.

Video: The Hazel Tree

THE HAZEL TREE
John Drewry, The Brodie Book
devised between 1972 and 1982

for the 25th Anniversary of the Goyt Valley S.C.D. Club

Jig – 3 couples ~ 32 bars
Tune – “Sandy Pirie of Hazelhead” by I. Munro
Kerr’s Thistle Collection page 29

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance “The Espagnole” to change places. See the note at the end of the book. At the end, 2nd couple turn with the right hand to first place on own sides, but 1st couple turn with the left hand to face first corners.

9 – 12 1st couple turn their first corners with the right hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each other by the right to face partners’ first corners. They release hands after three steps but the corners continue to dance for the full four steps.

13 – 16 1st woman turns 3rd woman with the left hand, while 1st man turns 2nd man with the left hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each another by the left to face own second corners.

17 – 20 1st couple turn their second corners with the right hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each other by the right to face partners’ second corners.

21 – 24 1st woman turns 2nd woman with the left hand, while 1st man turns 3rd man with the left hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each other by the left to finish side by side in the middle of the dance in second place on wrong sides facing down.

25 – 28 Joining left hands, 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple crossing over to own sides and cast up to 2nd place.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“The Espagnole” (A new progression)

1 – 2 1st and 2nd women, joining right hands, dance towards the men’s side passing between their partners. On the second step, 1st woman crosses 2nd woman over in front of her, so that 2nd woman dances out and up towards first place while 1st woman dances out and down towards second place.

Meanwhile 1st and 2nd men cross to the women’s side passing on either side of their partners.

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

Meanwhile 2nd and ist women cross back to their own side passing on either side of their partners.

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

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No Video

CATRIONA’S REEL
Duncan Brown, The Bovey Collection
32 bar Reel for three couples in a four couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over.

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, half turn partner to finish in promenade hold facing up.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a promenade, finishing in original places.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up, finishing in the middle, facing each other, both hands joined. On bar 24 2nd couple step in to finish in the middle both hands joined.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: On the 2nd, 4th and 6th times through the dance it is recommended to dance a three couple poussette, with the bottom two couples stepping in on bar 24.

Devised for my elder daughter, Catriona.

Recommended tune: Iain MacPhail’s Compliments to the late Gordon Jamieson

Video: The Dean Bridge of Edinburgh

The Dean Bridge of Edinburgh
RSCDS Book 23 – No. 4
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set and link.

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples set and link.

9 – 12 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples advance one step and retire one step and, giving both hands to partners, half turn to face partners in the middle of the set.

13 – 16 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples set and cast by the right to opposite sides. 2nd couple face each other, 3rd couple face down and 1st couple face up.

17 – 18 2nd couple, giving right hands cross over. 3rd and 1st women, 3rd and 1st men, giving right hands, change places.

19 – 20 2nd man and 1st woman, 2nd woman and 1st man, giving left hands, change places. 3rd couple, giving left hands, cross over.

Finish in the order 1,2,3, 1st couple on opposite sides.

21 – 24 1st and 2nd couples set and link. 1st couple finish back to back in the middle of the set facing opposite sides.

25 – 28 1st man with 2nd and 3rd women, 1st woman with 2nd and 3rd men advance one step and retire one step. 1st couple advance one step and turn right about to face in. 2nd and 3rd couples advance one step and turn right about to finish back to back facing own sides. (Note)

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples repeat bars 25 to 28, 1st couple, giving right hands on bars 31-32, to cross to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Alec Hay, Auckland, New Zealand.
Original Tune: The Dean Bridge of Edinburgh (Traditional)

Note: The deviser did not intend that hands be given in bars 25-28.

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Video: Jeannie o’ the Witchin’ E’e

Jeannie o’ the Witchin’ E’e
RSCDS: Scottish Dances collected by Mary Isdal MacNab
(Jig)

l – 4 1st woman advances to partner and sets to him.
5 – 6 1st woman dances round behind 2nd man and faces him. Fig. 1.
7 – 8 1st woman sets to 2nd man

9 – 12 1st woman gives right hand to partner then left hand to 2nd man and all three set twice.
13 – 16 1st man turns his partner under his right arm to finish in allemande position facing 2nd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 22 1st couple dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple, passing 2nd woman with right shoulder to begin. Fig. 2.
23 – 24 1st man turns his partner under his right arm to finish back to back in the middle of the set, 1st man facing 2nd woman and 1st woman facing 2nd man, ready for a reel of four.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the dance, 1st couple finish facing each other in the middle having passed each other with right shoulders.

33 – 40 1st couple set twice then turn one and a half times with the right hand to finish on own sides in second place.

Repeat having passed a couple

Dedicated to my friend Miss Jean Milligan

Collected originally in Ayrshire but gifted by Mrs Fassiefern Bain of Vancouver, late of Appin, daughter of the Rev. W. Stewart, Nether Lochaber

RSCDS: Scottish Dances collected by Mary Isdal MacNab

Video: THE DANCING BELLS

THE DANCING BELLS
Ann Campbell – Who’s Who in Toronto
A 32-bar Jig for three couples in a four-couple set

1 – 8 1st couple set, cast off one place, cross over giving right hands, and cast, 1st man round 3rd woman and 1st woman round 2nd man, to finish 1st woman between 2nd couple facing down and 1st man between 3rd couple facing up. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 12 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple advance and retire.

13 – 16 1st couple change places up and down giving right hands and cast to the right to finish in second place on opposite sides, while 2nd and 3rd men and 2nd and 3rd women turn giving right hands.

17 – 20 1st man with 2nd and 3rd women, and 1st woman with 2nd and 3rd men, advance and retire.

21 – 24 1st man dances a half figure of eight round second couple and 1st woman dances a half figure of eight round 3rd couple to finish in second place.

25 – 28 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple while 1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple. 1st couple pass by the right shoulder.

29 – 32 1st man dances left hands across with 2nd couple while 1st woman dances left hands across with 3rd couple. 1st couple finish in second place.

Repeat from new places.

Devised in October, 2004.
Written to mark significant birthdays of Carole and Ron Bell.

Suggested Music: “The Dancing Bells”
Bobby Brown & The Scottish Accent
Celtic Fire in the Music (Disc 2, Track 2) ;

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Video: Bedrule

Bedrule
RSCDS Book XXXIII
(Strathspey)

1–8 1st and 2nd women, and at the same time 1st and 2nd men, turn once round with both hands,opening out on the side lines and continuing into four hands round to the left and then 1st and 2nd couples turn partners once round to finish in the middle of the set, ready for promenade. On bar 8, 3rd couple dance in and take promenade hold.

9–16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples promenade. On bars 15 – 16, 1st couple cast off to second place, while 2nd couple dance up to first place and 3rd couple return to original place.

17–20 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across, finishing on the sidelines.

21–24 1st and 2nd couples dance left hands across, 1st couple finishing in second place facing down.

25–32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple begin the reels by giving right shoulder to 3rd couple, and at the end they face down ready to repeat the dance.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Betty Grant, Toronto, Ontario, 1984, in memory of her great, great grandmother Elizabeth Turnbull Dickson who left her home, Bedrule, near Jedburgh, in 1834 to emigrate to Canada.

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bar 20 1st woman dances into second place on her own side pulling her right shoulder back, to prepare for left
hands across.
Bar 24 1st woman dances straight out to second place on her own side, to give right shoulder to 3rd woman as she
enters the reels of three.

TACNotes:’
1-8 1st & 2nd cpls stay in the middle at end of bar 6, & flow into the 2H turns.
17-20 On bar 20, 1st woman turns R about into sidelines & faces up ready for LH across.
21-24 On bar 24, 1st woman dances into 2nd place, facing down, to enter reel with 3rd woman.
25-32 1st cpl finish facing down, 3rd cpl facing up, ready for bar 1 of repetition.

Video: SANDS OF MORAR

SANDS OF MORAR
RSCDS Book 45. No. 6
(Strathspey)

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple, giving right hands when crossing down from own side and left hands when crossing back.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides, joining nearer hands with partner when possible. To begin 1st couple dance in and down, 2nd couple dance out and up and 3rd couple dance in and up. 2nd couple finish facing out.

17 – 20 1st couple turn with both hands once round and, retaining nearer hands, dance down to third place. 2nd couple dance out and up to first place and, joining nearer hands, dance down to second place to finish in the middle behind 1st couple. 3rd couple dance in to give nearer hands (3rd man right hand, 3rd woman left hand) and dance up and out to first place to finish in the middle behind 2nd couple. All three couples are in the middle of the set facing down.

21 – 22 All three couples set.

23 – 24 1st couple cast up to first place, while 2nd couple, following them, cast up to second place and 3rd couple dance down to third place.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance the tourbillon as follows:

25-26 1st and 2nd couples turn with both hands halfway round. After one bar, 1st man releases his left hand to dance into 2nd woman’s place while 1st woman dances into her original place. 2nd woman similarly releases her left hand to dance into 1st man’s place while 2nd man dances into his original place.

27-28 1st couple set to 2nd couple.

29-30 1st and 2nd couples turn with both hands halfway round. After one bar, 1st woman releases her left hand to dance into 2nd man’s place while 1st man dances into 2nd woman’s place. 2nd man similarly releases his left hand to dance into 1st woman’s place while 2nd woman dances into 1st man’s place.

31-32 2nd and 1st couples, giving right hands, cross over.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Barry Priddey, RSCDS Sutton Coldfield Branch and originally published by Glasgow Branch in The Diamond Jubilee Book (1983).

Tune: Pinky House, Traditional

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 23-24 1st and 2nd couples must cast quickly so that 3rd couple can dance into place by the end of bar 24.

TACNotes:
23-24 1st cpl, followed by 2nd cpl, must cast quickly to allow 3rd cpl to dance down & short way into places.
27-28 Retain nearer hands with partner at end of bar 28 ready for 2H turn on bar 29.
29-30 At beginning of bar 30, 1st woman & 2nd man draw partners along sidelines with RH, then release to cross set.

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Video: ROARING JELLY

ROARING JELLY
Dance devised by Hugh Foss. (Published in Glendarroch Sheet No. 6)
(Jig)

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

5 – 8 Giving right hands again, they cross back and the man casts up one place to go between 2nd couple and the woman casts off one place to go between 3rd couple.

9 – 16 The three couples dance six hands round to the left and back. They take hands in threes at the end of bar 8 and don’t let go until the end of bar 16. 2nd and 3rd men – and women – let go of each other at bar 15.

17 – 24 1st couple go up and down the dance, giving right hands, and 1st man dances a figure of eight round 3rd couple, passing 3rd man right shoulder to begin, while 1st woman, passing 2nd woman right shoulder, dances a figure of eight round 2nd couple. 1st couple end in 2nd place, ‘wrong’ sides.

25 – 30 Reels of three at the sides: to begin, 1st man passes 2nd woman right shoulder and 1st woman 3rd man right shoulder.

31 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross back to own sides, 2nd place.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Tune: Roaring Jelly, as given in Kerr’s Caledonian Collection, p. 18, but with each 8 bars repeated, and Allan’s Reels, etc. p. 25.