The Calm Before The Storm Ian Boyd, THE KILMARNOCK ALBUM A three couple, 32 bar reel.
1 – 8 First couple dance a chase round second and third men. First woman dances down across the set, round third man passing by the left shoulders, up behind second man and across to own side while first man dances into the middle then follows his partner back to his original place.
9 – 16 First and second couples dance right hands across and back with the left.
17 – 24 First couple dance a chase round second and third women.First man dances down across the set, round third woman passing by right shoulders, up behind second woman and across to own side while first woman dances into the middle then follows her partner back to her original place. First and second couples finish facing the diagonally opposite dancer.
25 – 32 First and second couples dance set and rotate.
25-26 First and second couples set once to the diagonally opposite dancer and begin to turn right about on the spot on bar 26. 27-28 First and second couples cast to the right and dance on one place clockwise to finish facing partner – first couple on the women’s side and second couple on the men’s side. 29-30 First and second couples change places with partner with right hands. 31-32 First and second couples dance on one place clockwise to finish back on own sides having changed places.
The Falkirk Lass THREE COUPLES 8 x 32 STRATHSPEY The Merse Collection [Elaine Brunken]
1 – 4 1st couple turn by the right hand, and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up on 3 and 4).
5 – 8 1st couple cross by the left hand, 1st lady cast down around 3rd man, to finish between 3rd couple as 1st man casts up around 2nd woman, to finish between 2nd couple (all face up or down).
9 – 12 All advance for one step, retire for one step and change places by the right hand, up and down the dance.
13 – 16 All advance for one step, retire for one step, 2nd and 3rd couples change places by the right hand, up and down the dance while the 1st couple turns ¾ by the right hand to face 1st corners.
17 – 20 1st corners pass and turn: 1st couple dance around 1st corners by the right shoulder, dance in through the ends and pass each other by the right shoulder, up and down the dance to face 2nd corners, while corners dance in (1 bar), turn with two hands (1 bar), and dance out to place (2 bars).
21 – 24 2nd corners pass and turn, 1st couple pass right shoulders to finish to finish in 2nd place on their own sides.
25 – 32 All three couples circle round to the left and back to the right.
1-8 1s cross RH, cast down 1 place 2s+1s+3s set & 1s turn LH to face 1st corners
9-16 1s dance ‘Hello-Goodbye’ setting & end turning RH to 2nd place own sides facing out
17-24 1s dance out & chase clockwise to 2nd place opposite sides while 2M+3L change places RH then 2L+3M change places RH; 1s dance 1/2 reels of 3 on sides, LSh to 1st cnr pstn to start
25-32 1s dance 1/2 LSh reels of 3 across (LSh to 3rd cnr pstn to start) ending in 2nd place own sides; 1s turn RH & cast to 3rd place 2 3 1
Sugar Candie RSCDS Book 26 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 4 1st couple set and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
5 – 8 1st couple, passing each other by the left, dance round first corners by the right. On bar 8, 1st couple pull back by the right to finish back to back in the middle, woman facing up, man facing down.
9 – 12 1st woman and 2nd couple, 1st man and 3rd couple dance three hands round to the left. 1st couple pull back by the right to finish facing each other up and down the set.
13 – 16 1st couple set and, giving both hands, turn to face first corners. On bar 16, 1st couple open out as 1st man releases his partner’s right hand.
17 – 24 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, turn to face first corners.
25 – 30 1st couple dance reels of three on the sides passing first corners by the left to begin.
31 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to second place on own sides.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Original tune: The Earl of Angus and Arran (William Marshall, A Collection of Scottish Melodies, Volume 4, 1844).
1 – 4 First couple set and cast off to second place. Second couple step up on bars 3 and 4.
5 – 8 First lady dances three hands across right hand with second couple. First man dances three hands across right hand with third couple. First couple finish in the middle of the dance, first lady facing up and first man facing down the dance.
9 – 10 First couple set as in double triangles. First lady with second couple. First man with third couple.
11 – 14 First lady dances up the dance, casts off round second lady and, passing right shoulders with her partner and finishes in the middle of the dance facing down the dance. First man dances down the dance, casts up round third man and, passing right shoulders with his partner and finishes in the middle of the dance facing up the dance.
15 – 16 First couple set as in double triangles, first man with second couple, first lady with third couple.
17 – 20 First man dances up the dance and casts up round first lady’s position to finish in second lady’s position facing down the dance. First lady dances down the dance and casts off round third man’s position to finish in second man’s position facing up the dance. Meanwhile second and third couples dance half rights and lefts starting by dancing up and down the dance and finish facing out on the opposite side of the dance.
21 – 24 First lady dances left shoulder half reel of three with second and third ladies giving left shoulder to third lady to start. First man dances left shoulder half reel of three with second and third men giving left shoulder to second man to start. Second and third couples finish the half reel facing up and down the dance.
25 – 28 First couple dance a quick turn left hands 3/4 turn. First man dances down the dance and cast off round third man’s position to finish in second man’s position facing up the dance. First lady dances up the dance and cast up round first lady’s position to finish in second lady’s position facing down the dance. Meanwhile second and third couples dance half rights and lefts starting by dancing up and down the dance and finish facing out on their own side of the dance.
29 – 32 First lady dances left shoulder half reel of three with second and third lady giving left shoulder to second lady to start. First man dances left shoulder half reel of three with second and third men giving left shoulder to third man to start.
Written by Charlie Inglis to recognise the tremendous amount of work undertaken by Eileen Black in organizing the Jones Falls Weekend Workshop for twenty-five years on behalf of the RSCDS Ottawa Branch
The Jubilee Greeting John Drewry, Bankheand Book, Part 5 April 1990 A dance for the Silver Jubilee of the Ottawa Branch in 1991
Strathspey – 3 couples – 32 bars Tune – “The Homecoming” by Moira Reekie ; The tune was printed in the leaflet produced by the Ottawa Branch.
1 – 4 1st couple turn with both hands halfway round and, staying in the middle (close enough the join hands), set to each other.
5 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross back to own sides and cast off to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.
9 – 10 1st couple turn their first corners with both hands three quarters round and open out to face diagonally across the dance with nearer hands still joined. (The corners are on the left of 1st couple)
11 – 12 1st couple and their first corners set.
13 – 16 1st couple and their first corners advance diagonally, pass the opposite person by the left and then, staying in the middle, dance left hands across part way round. The corners return to place while 1st couple finish in the middle facing 2nd corners. N.B. The dancers should retain hold of nearer hands during bar 13.
17 – 24 1st couple repeat bars 9-16 with second corners. At the end, 1st couple finish facing partner’s first corner.
25 – 32 1st man dances a reel of three across the dance with 2nd couple. He begins by giving right shoulder to 2nd man. 1st woman, similarly, dances a reel of three across the dance with 3rd couple. She begins by giving right shoulder to 3rd woman. At the end, 1st couple dance to second place on own sides.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
NOTE This dance was published with music in a leaflet by the Ottawa Branch of the RSCDS.
The leaflet does not seem to have been distributed widely and so, because I am rather fond of the dance, I have decided to print it here.
Juniper Island Square Patrick Mackenzie, Ottawa 60th Anniversary Book A 96 bar jig for 4 couples in a square set
1 – 8 Women weave clw around set, dancing in front of their ptnr to begin. 9 – 16 Men repeat, weaving cclw and dancing front of ptr to begin.
17 – 24 1C dance down as 3C dance up (1C making an arch for 3C to pass under ) and, turning toward their partner, dance back to places, 3C making an arch for 1C to pass under.
25 – 32 2C and 4C repeat bars 17-24, with 2C making the arch first time and 4C making the arch on the return.
33 – 40 All turn crnr LH (4), turn ptnr RH (4) into allemande hold facing cclw
41 – 48 In allemande hold, dance cclw around the set back to place.
49 – 57 1C and 3C advance for 2, retire for 2, turn person opposite RH once round
58 – 64 2C and 4C repeat bars 49-57
65 – 72 All dance back to back with corner, then back to back with partner, finish facing partners.
72 – 88 All pass partner giving right, pass next person giving left hand, and so on, around the set and back to place, 2 bars per person passed.
88 – 96 Circle 8 hands round and back.
Instructions taken from the Ottawa Branch Ball program 2026
Miss Milligan’s Strathspey RSCDS Leaflets (Strathspey)
1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to finish, 1st couple facing down, 2nd couple facing up, nearer hands joined.
5 – 6 1st and 2nd couples set. On the second step, 1st couple turn towards each other to face up.
7 – 8 1st couple cast off to second place, while 2nd couple dance up to first place and face out.
9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides, all joining nearer hands with partner where possible. (Fig. 1). 2nd and 3rd couples turn the long way round to places.
17 – 18 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set.
19 – 20 2nd and 1st couples turn partners by the left hand halfway round, to finish facing down the dance.
21 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, lead down, cross over below 3rd couple (Fig. 2) and cast up to original place.
Progression: “The Knot” 25 – 26 1st and 2nd couples turn partners halfway round by right hand to finish in the centre, facing down, the woman turning clockwise under her partner’s arm to allemande position. (Fig. 3).
27 – 28 2nd couple, followed by 1st couple, dance up the woman’s side of the dance to positions as in Fig. 4.
29 – 32 2nd and 1st couples turn partners by the left hand to own sides.
No Video
Churchill Hall Craig Williams, Ardbrae Celebrates 60 Years A 32 bar jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7–8
9 – 12 1st man ½ figure of 8 around 2nd couple, 1st woman ½ figure of 8 around 3rd couple.
13 – 16 1st couple turn right hand to finish facing 1st corners
17 – 20 1st couple set to corners, finishing between corners
21 – 24 1st set and turn right hand 3/4
25 – 32 1st couple, passing 2nd corner right shoulder, dance a reel of 3 across the set. 1st couple finish in 2nd place.
The Irish Rover RSCDS 30 Popular Dances, Vol. 2 A 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple, cast up one place on own side; 1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple. 2nd couple step up on bars 1 — 2.
9 – 12 1st couple dance half reels of four with first corners, then;
13 – 16 1st couple dance half reels of four with second corners. On bar 16, 1st couple turn left hand in centre ready to;
17 – 24 Pass left shoulders with person in first corner’s position for two reels of three across the dance. 1st couple finish in second place on own side.
25 – 32 1st couple dance diagonal rights and lefts:
25 – 26 1st couple change places with person in their first corner’s position (i.e. 1st woman right hand to 3rd woman and 1st man right hand to 2nd man).
27 – 28 Change left hand on sides; 1st woman with 2nd man, 1st man with 3rd.woman. (First corners now back in original places).
29 – 30 1st woman changes places giving right hand ‘to 3rd man (in 2nd woman’s position), while 1st man changes places giving right hand to 2nd woman (in 3rd man’s position).
31 – 32 1st and 2nd women and 1st and 3rd men change places, giving left hands on own side of the dance.
Repeat having passed a couple.
Devised by James B. Cosh. Original tune: The Irish Rover – Traditional. Source: Twenty -Two Scottish Country Dances by James B. Cosh and Two Others.
On the fourth of July eighteen hundred and six We set sail from the sweet cove of Cork We were sailing away with a cargo of bricks For the grand city hall in New York ‘Twas a wonderful craft, she was rigged fore-and-aft And oh, how the wild winds drove her She’d stood several blasts, she had twenty-seven masts And we called her the Irish Rover.
The Irish Rover tune is from a traditional Irish folk song about a magnificent but improbable sailing ship that after seven years at sea eventually sinks, leaving a sole survivor: the song narrator!
No Video
Test Dance 32 bar strathspey for 2 couples in a four couple set Craig Williams, July 2025
1 – 2 1st couple turn with the right hand, moving down the set one place, Finish back to back between 2nd couple, 1st man facing 2nd man, 1st woman facing 2nd woman 3 – 4 1st & 2nd couple set 5 – 8 1st couple dance right shoulder around 2nd couple, 1st man around 2nd man, 1st woman around 2nd woman, and pass each other left shoulder to finish 1st man facing 2nd woman, 1st woman facing 2nd man
9 – 16 1st & 2nd couple dance a reel of four across the set.
17 – 18 1st man & 2nd woman, also 1st woman & 2nd man, turn once round with the right hand 19 – 20 1st couple turn once round with the left hand and finish facing up. 21 – 24 1st couple dance up, cross and cast to second place. 2nd couple stepping up on bars 23 – 24
Midsummer Common RSCDS Book 49 Devised by Tom and Lindsey Ibbotson, Cambridge Branch. 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, turn halfway; lead down, crossing over below 3rd couple and cast up to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.
9 – 12 1st couple and first corners set, 1st couple advancing to finish back to back. 1st couple and first corners, giving both hands, turn to finish 1st woman between 2nd couple and 1st man between 3rd couple.
13 – 16 1st couple and second corners set, 1st couple advancing to finish back to back. 1st couple and second corners, giving both hands, turn.
17 – 20 1st couple lead second corners into three hands once round to the left, 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple. 1st couple pull back by the right to finish facing each other up and down the set.
21 – 24 1st couple set and dance a petronella turn to second place on own sides.
25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance a poussette.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Note: On bar 16, 1st couple, with right hands, retain hold of second corners’ left hands.
No Video
Churchill Hall Craig Williams, Ardbrae Celebrates 60 Years A 32 bar jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7–8
9 – 12 1st man ½ figure of 8 around 2nd couple, 1st woman ½ figure of 8 around 3rd couple.
13 – 16 1st couple turn right hand to finish facing 1st corners
17 – 20 1st couple set to corners, finishing between corners
21 – 24 1st set and turn right hand 3/4
25 – 32 1st couple, passing 2nd corner right shoulder, dance a reel of 3 across the set. 1st couple finish in 2nd place.
1 – 2 1st man casts off one place. 2nd man steps up.
3 – 8 1st man and 3rd woman set and turn with right hands to places.
9 – 10 1st woman casts off one place. 2nd woman steps up.
11 – 16 1st woman and 3rd man set and turn with left hands to places.
17 – 20 1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple, while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple, 1st couple finish in the centre, with left hands joined, facing the opposite side. (Fig.).
21 – 24 1st couple set and dance out to opposite side.
25 – 28 1st man dances right hands across with 2nd couple, while 1st woman dances right hands across with 3rd couple. 1st couple finish in the centre with left hands joined, facing own side.
29 – 32 1st couple set and dance out to own side.
TACNotes:’ 3-4 Emphasize that 1st man stays on the sidelines as he sets to 3rd woman. 24 1st cpl flow through 2nd position on the side, before entry into RH across on bar 25. 32 1st man may finish facing out to flow on into his cast on bars 1-2 of the repetition.
The Lass of Richmond Hill RSCDS Second Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple lead down middle and up to the top to finish in the middle of the set, facing up.
9 – 14 1st couple cast off one place and, passing partner by the left, dance round first corners by the right and into the middle of the set. 2nd couple step up on bars 9-10. 15 – 16 1st couple , giving left hands, turn to face first corners.
17 – 24 1st couple and first corners dance a corner chain. 1st couple finish facing second corners.
25 – 32 1st couple and second corners dance a corner chain. 1st couple finish in second place on own sides.
Bonnie Stronshiray Robert M. Campbell, Dancing Gems & Glasgow Assembly 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
Robert M. Campbell, Glasgow Assembly Music: Bonnie Stronshiray, READY…AND! Bobby Brown & The Scottish Accent
1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples turn partner with both hands to finish in a line up and down the middle of the set, dance a half reel of four, then turn partner with both hands to finish on own sides, having changed places.
9 – 12 1st couple set to each other, advancing to pass left shoulders and turn first corners with both hands, ending with 1st woman between the 2nd couple facing down and 1st man between the 3rd couple facing up.
13 – 16 1st couple set to each other, advancing to pass left shoulders and turn second corner with both hands, ending with 1st couple between their corners.
17 – 20 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples cross giving a right hand; as 1st couple faces out and casts to their right, corners pull their right shoulder back to face each other diagonally to advance and retire, one step each way.
21 – 24 Repeat bars 17-20, crossing up and down the set, with 1st couple finishing facing their fourth corner position (the person they just cast around).
25 – 32 1st couple dance a half reel of four on the second corner diagonal (fourth corner position), dance round each other left shoulder and dance a half reel of four on the first corner diagonal (third corner position). On the last two bars, 1st couple turn with the right hand to finish in second place on own side.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Dance Notes: Stronshiray is the former name of the part of southwest Argyll from which Bob Campbell’s family came. (ref Glasgow Assembly book). Although there is no mention of this place on maps anymore, there are some notes that there is a connection to the Campbell’s STRONSHIRA HOUSE — a stone-built house on the edge of Loch Fyne that is available to rent and may reference Stronshiray.
The Greenbelt Jig Elaine Brunken, Moments int Time 32 Bar Jig for 3 couples
1 – 6 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ladies Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place. 7 – 8 1st, 2nd, and 3 couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (All are on opposite sides)
9 – 14 1st, 2nd, and 3″ men Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place (Opposite sides). 15 – 16 1st, 2nd, and 3rd couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (1st couple remain facing out)
17 – 24 1st couple Cast off 2 places, join nearer hands and Dance up the middle, and Cast off to 2nd place. 17 – 19 cast 2 places (2nd couple step up on 17&18) 20 – 22 dance up the middle 23 – 24 cast to 2 place
25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3 couples Advance and Retire. 29 – 32 2nd 1st and 3rd couples Turn by the Right Hand.
At the end of 2 repetition 1st couple finish in 3rd place and step to the bottom The new 3rd lady dances up from the bottom. 3 man steps up on bars 1-2
Repeat having passed a couple
Devised in March 2010 at the St. Columba’s Class in Greenbelt, Maryland. It’s an easy wee jig for all levels and a good warm up dance.
Easily adapts to a 2 couple dance: 1-16 and 25-32 done by 1st and 2nd couple. Bars 17-24 1st couple cast off one place in 4 bars (dance in for one and out for one, then cast for 2), dance up to the top, and cast into 2nd place. (2nd couple step up on 19 & 20)
Suggested Tune: Ride the Wind (Tatsu-Do) (Muriel Johnstone)
Davy Nick Nack Bob Campbell, Glasgow Assembly And Other Scottish Country Dances Reel
1 – 4 First, second and third couples cross over giving right hands to finish a little in front of opposite side lines, and set. 5 – 8 All cross back to own places, and set.
9 – 16 First couple turn time and a half with the right hand, cast off one place on opposite sides, then turn with the left hand to finish in a diagonal line with first corners. Second couple step up on bars 13–14.
17 – 18 First couple turn first corners with the right hand to change places, corners finishing back to back facing first couple. 19 – 20 First couple set to corners in their new position. 21 – 24 First couple turn their first corners back into place with the right hand then turn each other with the left hand to finish in a diagonal line with second corners.
25 – 28 The same as bars 17–20 but with second corners. 29 – 32 First couple turn second corners back into place with the right hand then, giving left hands briefly in passing, curve into second place on own sides.
Monymusk RSCDS Book 11 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round and cast off one place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one-and-a-quarter times to finish 1st woman between the 2nd couple facing down, and 1st man between the 3rd couple, facing up.
9 – 12 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple set twice. On bars 11-12, 1st couple turn to the right into second place on opposite sides.
13 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set twice.
17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.
25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st woman passes 3rd man and 1st man passes 2nd woman by the right to begin.
31 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over to second place, own sides.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Francis Werner: Book XVIII for the year 1785 as Mony Musk. Original tune: Monymusk (Joshua Campbell’s Collection, 1788) Composed by Daniel Dow and called by him Sir Archibald Grant of Monymusk’s Reel.
TACNotes:’ 11-12 1st cpl petronella turn to sidelines, assisted by 2nd man & 3rd woman.
Ladies’ Fancy RSCDS Book 13 32-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman, giving right hands, turn once round back to place.
5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a half times to face down with 1st woman on her partner’s right. (Note) 2nd woman steps up on bars 7-8 to be on left of 1st man.
9 – 16 1st man with 1st and 2nd women dance down the middle and up. On bars 15-16, 1st man hands his partner across in front of him.
17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back to finish in the middle of the set, facing partner with both hands joined.
25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Note: in bars 7-8, it is helpful to join both hands.
Collected in Angus but see D Anderson’s Ball-Room Guide c. 1886 Original tune: Peggie’s Wedding (Bremner, here from Gow)
The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing: Bars 15-16 On coming up the middle on bars 15-16, 1st man brings his partner round to her own side of the dance and hands her right hand to 2nd man who has come in behind him to receive it. 2nd woman quickly changes her hand and the wheel is formed.
TACNotes;’ 16 1st man hands his partner across in front of him towards own side, while 2nd woman pulls L shoulder back to face down ready for RH across.
The Deil amang the Tailors RSCDS Book 14 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and dance right hands across halfway round.
5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and dance left hands across halfway round to original places.
9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in the middle of the set facing up. 2nd couple step in.
17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.
25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Dale’s Collection of Reels and Dances c. 1799. Original tune: The Deil amang the Tailors (Gow)
Dances for January 19, 2026
Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa
No Video
The Archivist A 32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 4-couple set
1 – 8 1st, 2nd, and 3nd couples dance 3-couple set and rotate as follows: All three couples set and cast to finish in lines of 3 across the dance, men facing down, women up. All change places right hands with the dancer opposite. All chase clockwise one place on to finish on the sidelines in order 3,2,1 with 1st man facing out.
9 – 12 1st man casts up behind the men’s line and down in front of 3rd man to finish in 2nd place facing out and down, while 1st woman dances up the middle and casts off around 3rd woman to finish in 2nd place facing in and down. 2nd couple step down on bars 11–12. Dancers in order 3,1,2
13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three on the sides, giving a left shoulder to 2nd couple to begin. Dancers dance straight into place – 1st man and 3rd woman pull back a right shoulder at the end of the reel to face in, 2nd woman pulls back a left shoulder. Dancers in order 2,1,3
17 – 20 Starting from the sidelines and passing each other by the right shoulder to begin, 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with their 1st corners, the corners turn giving both hands. 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder to face their 2nd corners.
21 – 24 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with their 2nd corners, the corners turn giving both hands. 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder to 2nd place on their own sides.
25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance a poussette right round. Finish in order 2,1,3
Repeat having passed a couple
At the end of second repetition for each dancing couple, the following alternate ending may be danced: 31 – 32 2nd couple finish the poussette as normal. 1st couple finish bar 31 in the centre facing down with nearer hands joined. On bar 32, 1st couple down to 4th place. 3rd couple dance up the sidelines (2 bars) to finish ready to begin the 3-couple set and rotate with a new top couple.
Suggested music: The Quaich (Many Happy Returns – Hanneke Cassel and Dave Wiesler)
In memory of Elaine Hoag, an archivist both professionally, with Library and Archives Canada, and in her dancing life with the Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa. With our mutual love of the strathspey poussette and covering opportunities, it’s the kind of strathspey we would have enjoyed dancing together.
1 – 2 1st man casts off one place. 2nd man steps up.
3 – 8 1st man and 3rd woman set and turn with right hands to places.
9 – 10 1st woman casts off one place. 2nd woman steps up.
11 – 16 1st woman and 3rd man set and turn with left hands to places.
17 – 20 1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple, while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple, 1st couple finish in the centre, with left hands joined, facing the opposite side. (Fig.).
21 – 24 1st couple set and dance out to opposite side.
25 – 28 1st man dances right hands across with 2nd couple, while 1st woman dances right hands across with 3rd couple. 1st couple finish in the centre with left hands joined, facing own side.
29 – 32 1st couple set and dance out to own side.
TACNotes: 3-4 Emphasize that 1st man stays on the sidelines as he sets to 3rd woman. 24 1st cpl flow through 2nd position on the side, before entry into RH across on bar 25. 32 1st man may finish facing out to flow on into his cast on bars 1-2 of the repetition.
Ladies’ Fancy RSCDS Book 13 32-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman, giving right hands, turn once round back to place.
5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a half times to face down with 1st woman on her partner’s right. (Note) 2nd woman steps up on bars 7-8 to be on left of 1st man.
9 – 16 1st man with 1st and 2nd women dance down the middle and up. On bars 15-16, 1st man hands his partner across in front of him.
17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back to finish in the middle of the set, facing partner with both hands joined.
25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Note: in bars 7-8, it is helpful to join both hands.
Collected in Angus but see D Anderson’s Ball-Room Guide c. 1886 Original tune: Peggie’s Wedding (Bremner, here from Gow)
The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing: Bars 15-16 On coming up the middle on bars 15-16, 1st man brings his partner round to her own side of the dance and hands her right hand to 2nd man who has come in behind him to receive it. 2nd woman quickly changes her hand and the wheel is formed.
TACNotes; 16 1st man hands his partner across in front of him towards own side, while 2nd woman pulls L shoulder back to face down ready for RH across.
Monymusk RSCDS Book 11 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round and cast off one place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one-and-a-quarter times to finish 1st woman between the 2nd couple facing down, and 1st man between the 3rd couple, facing up.
9 – 12 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple set twice. On bars 11-12, 1st couple turn to the right into second place on opposite sides.
13 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set twice.
17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.
25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st woman passes 3rd man and 1st man passes 2nd woman by the right to begin.
31 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over to second place, own sides.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Francis Werner: Book XVIII for the year 1785 as Mony Musk.
Original tune: Monymusk (Joshua Campbell’s Collection, 1788) Composed by Daniel Dow and called by him Sir Archibald Grant of Monymusk’s Reel.
TACNotes:’ 11-12 1st cpl petronella turn to sidelines, assisted by 2nd man & 3rd woman.
The Deil amang the Tailors RSCDS Book 14 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and dance right hands across halfway round.
5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and dance left hands across halfway round to original places.
9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in the middle of the set facing up. 2nd couple step in.
17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.
25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Dale’s Collection of Reels and Dances c. 1799. Original tune: The Deil amang the Tailors (Gow)
Dances for December 1, 2025
Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa
No Video
The Archivist Emily Porter, Ardbrae Celebrates 60 Years A 32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 4-couple set
1 – 8 1st, 2nd, and 3nd couples dance 3-couple set and rotate as follows: All three couples set and cast to finish in lines of 3 across the dance, men facing down, women up. All change places right hands with the dancer opposite. All chase clockwise one place on to finish on the sidelines in order 3,2,1 with 1st man facing out.
9 – 12 1st man casts up behind the men’s line and down in front of 3rd man to finish in 2nd place facing out and down, while 1st woman dances up the middle and casts off around 3rd woman to finish in 2nd place facing in and down. 2nd couple step down on bars 11–12. Dancers in order 3,1,2
13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three on the sides, giving a left shoulder to 2nd couple to begin. Dancers dance straight into place – 1st man and 3rd woman pull back a right shoulder at the end of the reel to face in, 2nd woman pulls back a left shoulder. Dancers in order 2,1,3
17 – 20 Starting from the sidelines and passing each other by the right shoulder to begin, 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with their 1st corners, the corners turn giving both hands. 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder to face their 2nd corners.
21 – 24 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with their 2nd corners, the corners turn giving both hands. 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder to 2nd place on their own sides.
25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance a poussette right round. Finish in order 2,1,3
Repeat having passed a couple
At the end of second repetition for each dancing couple, the following alternate ending may be danced: 31 – 32 2nd couple finish the poussette as normal. 1st couple finish bar 31 in the centre facing down with nearer hands joined. On bar 32, 1st couple down to 4th place. 3rd couple dance up the sidelines (2 bars) to finish ready to begin the 3-couple set and rotate with a new top couple.
Suggested music: The Quaich (Many Happy Returns – Hanneke Cassel and Dave Wiesler)
In memory of Elaine Hoag, an archivist both professionally, with Library and Archives Canada, and in her dancing life with the Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa. With our mutual love of the strathspey poussette and covering opportunities, it’s the kind of strathspey we would have enjoyed dancing together.
HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS By Joyce & Gary Lindsey, Patty Lindsay, and Lee Fuell A 32bar reel for 3 couples in a 4-couple longwise set. Recommended Music: Christmas Reels 8×32, from Scottish Christmas Dance Party recorded by Jim Lindsay and His Band.
1-8 1st couple dance down the middle and back, finish in first place facing out.
9-16 1st, 2nd, and 3rd couples dance mirror reels on the side,1st couple starting by going out and down to begin.
17-20 1st couple cast into second place while 2nd couple dances up and curves into top place; 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set.
21-24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partner with right hand.
25-32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance 6 hands round and back.
Note: The last time through the dance, all 4 couples dance bars 19-32 (25 – 32 will be 8 hands round and back)
