Test Dance 1 Craig Williams, March 2026 A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 coupe set
1 – 4 1st couple set and 1/2 turn with the right hand moving down to 2nd place finishing in the middle facing each other with right hands joined. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4. 5 – 6 1st couple pull back right shoulders and dance out to 2nd place on opposite sides 7 – 8 1st & 2nd couples, taking hands, set on the sides.
9 – 16 2nd & 1st couples repeat bars 1-8 to finish on opposite sides
17 – 20 2nd couples followed by 1st couple dance a 1/2 figure of eight around 3rd couple. Begin by crossing down between 3rd couple. Finish in own side in progressed places. 21 – 24 1st woman with 2nd couple, 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across
25 – 32 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance reels of 3 on the side. 2nd &1st man, also 1st & 3rd women, pass left shoulders to begin.
No Video
Test Dance 2 Craig Williams, Leaflet August 2025 A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross below 2nd couple, cast down behind 3rd couple and meet below 3rd couple, joining nearer hands, dance up to the top and change sides, woman dancing under the raised arms. Finish in the centre of the set facing down.
9 – 16 All 3 couples dance a mirror reel of three on the sides, 1st couple dancing through 2nd place, 2nd couple dancing out and up, 3rd couple in and up. Finish on the sides in original places.
17 – 24 1st & 2nd couples dance the Rosette: 17 – 18 1st & 2nd couples 1/2 turn RH and take hands in a circle 19 – 20 1st & 2nd couples set 21 – 24 1st & 2nd couples pull back right shoulders and cast into a chase to progressed places
25 – 32 All 3 couples circle for 3 bars, cross right foot over left and pivot to face anti-clockwise, all chase back
The Merchant City Anne Thorn, 90th anniversary of Glasgow Branch 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance ’The Espagnole’ as follows
1 – 2 1st and 2nd women, joining right hands, dance towards the opposite 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. At the same time 1st and 2“d men cross to opposite side passing on either side of their partners.
3 – 4 1st and 2nd man, 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 up and out towards first place while 1st man dances out and down towards second place. At the same time 2nd and 1st women cross back to their own side passing on either side of their partners.
5 – 8 2nd couple turn with right hands while 1st couple turn with left hands.
9 – 12 1st man with 3rd couple, 1st woman with 2nd couple, dance right hands across once round, 1st couple pass by the right
13 – 16 1st man with 2nd couple, 1st woman with 3rd couple, dance left hands across once round, 1st couple finish in second place.
17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance ’The Rosette’ as follows
17 – 20 1st and 3rd couples, with nearer hands joined, set, turn partner right hands halfway round and, staying close together, face partner, release hands and cast by the right towards partner’s place
21 – 24 Dance clockwise halfway round to new positions.
25 – 32 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance six hands round and back.
Repeat from new positions.
The Espagnole and The Rosette are progressions devised by John Drewry. Devised by Anne Thorn for the 90th anniversary of Glasgow Branch of the RSCDS. The figures in the dance reflect the continental trade routes in the city which prospered due to the Glasgow Merchants and Tobacco Lords. Tune: Jessie Smith (Trad)
Campbell’s Frolic RSCDS Book 15 32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples set. 3 – 6 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round. 7 – 8 1st couple cast off one place and 2nd couple dance up to first place.
9 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 1-8 with 3rd couple, dancing left hands across on bars 11-14.
17 – 24 1st couple set, lead up to the top and cast off one place. 3rd couple step down on bars 19-20.
25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
David Rutherford: Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both old and new …Vol 1, London, c. 1755. Original tune: Campbell’s Frolic (Rutherford)
A Trip to the Drakensberg RSCDS Book 38 40-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple set, cast off two places and dance up to the top, remaining in the middle of the set. 2nd couple step in on bars 7-8.
9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette. 1st couple release hands at the end of bar 14 and set advancing, passing each other by the left, to face first corners.
17 – 20 1st couple dance a half reel of four with first corners and pass by the left to finish facing second corners.
21 – 24 1st couple dance a half reel of four with second corners and finish in second place on opposite sides.
25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd men dance a petronella turn and set. At the same time, 3rd, 1st and 2nd women set and dance a petronella turn to face partners.
29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples, giving right hands, turn partners into allemande hold.
33 – 40 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Barbara J Rendle, Somerset West, South Africa. Original tune: The Britches Maker (Nathaniel Gow, Gow’s Fourth Collection) The Drakensberg is a range of mountains in Natal, South Africa.
TACNotes: 21-24 3rd man must move quickly through half reel, to complete curve to right into 2nd woman’s position ready for bar 25.
No Video
The Camp of Pleasure RSCDS Book 15 – No. 4 32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round.
5 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman, giving left hands, turn to finish in the middle at second place. On bars 7-8, 2nd man dances up and in to meet 1st woman who steps in. All finish facing up.
9 – 16 2nd man with 1st woman and 1st man with 2nd woman dance an allemande.
17 – 20 1st and 2nd couples lead down the middle, 1st man dancing down and 2nd man dancing up to meet partners.
21 – 24 2nd and 1st couples lead up, 2nd couple finishing in first place and 1st couple in second place.
25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
From an old book of Scottish and Irish Dances (title page lost). Original tune: Charles Leslie of Findrassie’s Strathspey (D Grant)
TACNotes: 7-8 2nd man dances up & in to meet 1st woman, who dances in on bar 8. 17 1st & 2nd women dance in to meet their partners.
No Video
Miss Nicholl’s Reel Joan Dodwell. Imperial Book of SCDs Book 1-3 32-bar reel for four couples in a four-couple longwise set Two chords: on the second chord, 2nd and 4th couples cross to opposite sides.
1 – 2 1st couple cast off one place and 4th couple cast up one place. At the same time, 2nd couple dance up to first place and 3rd couple dance down to fourth place.
3 – 6 1st and 4th couples dance right hands across once round.
7 – 8 2nd, 1st, 4th and 3rd couples set to partners.
9 – 14 2nd, 1st, 4th and 3rd couples repeat bars 1-6 from new positions to finish in original places.
15 – 16 All set advancing to meet partners with both hands joined. 1st and 3rd couples face up, 2nd and 4th couples face down.
17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples, 2nd and 4th couples dance interlocking allemandes to finish in the order 3,4,1,2 with 4th and 2nd couples on opposite sides. (Note)
25 – 28 3rd, 4th, 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and, giving right hands, cross over.
29 – 32 2nd couple lead up between 1st couple, cross and dance out between 4th and 1st couples, cast up to first place on opposite sides and, giving right hands, cross to first place on own sides and face out. 3rd, 4th and 1st couples, taking hands on the sides, step down on bars 31-32.
Repeat from new positions.
Devised by Joan Dodwell.
Note: Bars 17-24 are a variation of the interlocking allemandes described in the Manual of Scottish country dancing. In the standard version, the top two couples face up and the bottom two couples face down but it is essentially the same formation. In the original instructions, the formation is referred to as linked allemandes.
King’s Croft Ann Dix, Real Friends Book 2 A 32 bar reel for Three 2 couple sets in a triangular spoke formation
1 – 4 1st & 2nd couples dance right hands across,
5 – 8 1st & 2nd couples dance a circle to the left
9 – 12 1st & 2nd couples, set advancing to join right hands with partner, 1st woman and & 2nd man join left hands for a balance in line, the women pull back eight shoulders to be beside partners, all facing anticlockwise.
13 – 16 All promenade ⅓ round anticlockwise and face partner in single line, men with backs to centre
17– 24 All dance a petronella & set twice to single line, now women with backs to centre
25 – 28 All ½ Reels of four; 29 – 32 All turn partner ¾ with the right hand to sides (2,1)
A Glasgow Welcome Glasgow Branch 100th Anniversary 32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross down one place, cast off behind 3rd couple and dance up to finish back to back in the middle in second place facing opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
9 – 16 ‘Rotating double triangles’ 9 – 10 1st couple with their 1st and 2nd corners, set in double triangles position. 11 – 12 1st couple set moving round back to back three quarters clockwise, to finish with the man in the middle, facing up, and the woman in the middle, facing down. At the same time, corners dance a petronella turn one corner position anticlockwise. 13 – 14 1st couple with 1st and 2nd corners, set in crown triangles position. 15 – 16 1st couple set moving round back to back clockwise, pulling back by the right to finish, woman in the middle of first place facing the women’s side, man in the middle of third place facing the men’s side. At the same time, corners dance a petronella turn one corner position anticlockwise.
17 – 24 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 3rd man, and 1st man and 2nd woman pass by the right to begin. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.
25 – 28 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance right hands across once round.
29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise halfway round the set to own sides.
Best Set in the Hall RSCDS Book 46 32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple set and 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts off two places, crosses over below 3rd couple, casts up and dances in to face first corner. 1st man dances up the middle of the set to face his first corner. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.
9 – 12 1st couple and first corners set and, 1st couple, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in partner’s first corner position. At the same time, first corners dance in towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing own places. (Fig.)
13 – 16 1st couple and first corners set and first corners, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in opposite corner’s position. At the same time, 1st couple dance towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing second corners.
17 – 24 1st couple repeat bars 9-16 with second corners and pass each other by the right to finish in second place on opposite sides. 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples face clockwise.
25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise halfway round the set.
29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Helen Greenwood, Auckland, New Zealand. Note: the movement in bars 9-24 was devised by the late Alec Hay.
Notes Compiled by teachers, Summer School , St Andrews 2010 15-16 1st couple turn on the spot.
TACNotes:1-8 1st woman dances straight in on bar 8 to face 1st corner.
Best Set in the Hall RSCDS Book 46 32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple set and 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts off two places, crosses over below 3rd couple, casts up and dances in to face first corner. 1st man dances up the middle of the set to face his first corner. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.
9 – 12 1st couple and first corners set and, 1st couple, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in partner’s first corner position. At the same time, first corners dance in towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing own places. (Fig.)
13 – 16 1st couple and first corners set and first corners, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in opposite corner’s position. At the same time, 1st couple dance towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing second corners.
17 – 24 1st couple repeat bars 9-16 with second corners and pass each other by the right to finish in second place on opposite sides. 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples face clockwise.
25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise halfway round the set.
29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Helen Greenwood, Auckland, New Zealand. Note: the movement in bars 9-24 was devised by the late Alec Hay.
Notes Compiled by teachers, Summer School , St Andrews 2010 15-16 1st couple turn on the spot.
TACNotes:1-8 1st woman dances straight in on bar 8 to face 1st corner.
The Dream Catcher RSCDS, Book 45 (96-bar Strathspey for four couples in a square set)
Part 1 1 – 8 All dance eight hands round and back.
9 – 16 The swirl
9 – 10 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with the right hand once round to finish in allemande hold facing across the set.
11 – 12 1st and 3rd couples dance round each other half way, men passing left shoulders, to finish in the middle of the set. On bar 12, 1st and 3rd couples release right hands and retain left hands.
13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across. On bar 16 they dance in and, pulling back left shoulder, dance on to finish back to back with partner facing the side couples. 1st woman and 3rd man face 2nd couple, 3rd woman and 1st man face 4th couple. [Fig.]
17 – 24 All dance reels of four across the dance, passing right shoulders to begin.
25 – 26 All set.
27 – 32 1st man with 3rd woman, 3rd man with 1st woman, retaining nearer hands, dance out between the 4th and 2nd couples respectively, cross and cast to places then, giving right hands, change places with partners.
Part 2 1 – 4 All four couples, joining nearer hands with partners, set then advance to join hands in a circle in the middle.
5 – 8 Releasing partners’ hands and retaining nearer hands with corners, all retire on the diagonal and set.
9 – 16 1st woman and 4th man, 2nd man and 3rd woman dance rights and lefts. To begin, 1st woman gives right hand to 2nd man and 4th man gives right hands to 3rd woman.
17 – 24 1st man and 2nd woman, 4th woman and 3rd man dance rights and lefts. To begin, 1st man gives right hand to 4th woman and 2nd woman gives right hand to 3rd man.
25 – 28 All four couples, joining nearer hands with corners, set then advance to join hands in a circle in the middle.
29 – 32 Releasing corners’ hands and retaining nearer hands with partners, all retire to original places and set.
Part 3 1 – 8 2nd and 4th couples repeat bars 9-16 of Part 1.
9 – 16 All dance reels of four up and down the dance, passing right shoulders to begin.
17 – 18 All set.
19 – 24 2nd man with 4th woman, 4th man with 2nd woman, retaining nearer hands, dance out between the 1st and 3rd couples respectively, cross and cast to places then, giving right hands, change places with partners.
25 – 32 All dance eight hands round and back.
Devised by Eileen Orr, RSCDS Royal Tunbridge Wells Branch and first published by that branch in the Silver Anniversary Book of Dances (2001). The swirl was devised by Alex Gray of South Wales Branch and first introduced in two dances published by Edinburgh Branch in Edinburgh Diamond Jubilee Dances 1984.
Shows position at end of bar 15 of Part 1 and track of 1st woman and 3rd man on bar 16. 3rd woman and 1st man dance similarly.
The dream catcher is like a spider’s web, decorated with beads, semi-precious stones, feathers and strips of leather. Native North Americans believe that good and bad dreams come from the night sky and that bad dreams are trapped in the web, allowing only good dreams to get through. The bad dreams then evaporate in the rays of the early morning sun.
Note: The RSCDS Technique Committee has provided the following additional information:
Bars 9-10 1st & 3rd couples dance a complete turn RH, finishing in allemande hold, facing into the set.
Bars 11-12 1st & 3rd couples dance half way round each other, men passing left shoulder, to finish in the middle of the set, facing towards their original places (1st couple facing 1st couple’s place), – during bar 12 all release RH and join up LH in the middle.
Bars 13-15 1st & 3rd couples dance LH across, nearly once round (more than ¾).
Bar 16 1st & 3rd couples release LH and all pull back L Sh to turn completely round, moving slightly forward, (a “pirouette” movement), to finish ready for the reels of 4 across, 1st & 3rd couples are back to back with partner, 1M facing 4L, 1L facing 2M.
In practice the LH across is virtually all the way round and the pirouette is then almost on the spot.
Note: Although we have referred to it as a “pirouette”, a small travelling step is used to turn round.
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.
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.
Through the Looking Glass Matt Billmers , Northampton 20th Anniversary Book 32 Bar Jig for 3 Couples
1 – 16 First couple dance crossover mirror reels of three on the sides of the dance with the second and third couples.
17 – 24 First couple with nearer hands joined, dance down the middle for 3 bars. On bar 20, retaining nearer hands, rotate as a couple (man backing up, woman dancing forward) half way around to face up. Dance up the middle in 4 bars to end above the second couple on partners’ side of the dance facing out.
25 – 28 First couple turn second couple 1-1/2 times, first man and second woman with the right hand, first woman and second man with the left hand.
20 – 32 First couple dance a half figure of eight around third couple.
Repeat having passed a couple.
Note: — Through the Looking Glass was written in 2003, after graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The dance is entirely symmetrical, although in each 8-bar phrase the first couple crosses over through the line of the mirror.
Devised by Matt Billmers (With apologies to Lewis Carroll) .
2003 Northampton 20th Anniversary Book
No Video
Test Dance 32 bar reel for 3C in a 4C set
1 – 8 1st couple dance down the middle for 4 bars with nearer hands joined, on bars 5-6 1st woman dances under their raised arms and in front of her partner (as he dances below her) to switch places and face up, on bars 7-8 they dance up to 2nd place on opposite sides.(2nd couple step up on 3-4)
9 – 20 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance rights and lefts for three couples.
21 – 24 1st couple dance half a figure eight, 1st woman around 3rd couple, 1st man around 2nd couple to second place own side.
25 – 32 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance six hands round and back
The Bridge City Strathspey A 32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 3 couple triangular set
1-8 All couples set and link twice. Finish facing partner.
9 – 12 All set to partner, turn by the right hand 3/4, bringing the women into the centre, retaining right hands joined with partner. 13 – 16 All balance in line with partners with Highland Schottische setting step, as follows: setting to the right, releasing right hands, passing partners face to face and joining left hands, setting to the left, releasing left hands, passing partners face to face. All women join left hands in the centre at the end of bar 16.
17 – 24 All dance a targe for 3 couples as follows: 17 – 18 All women, dance left hands across two positions around, while men dance one position clockwise around the outside of the set, to meet partner. 19 – 20 All turn partner with the right hand once round. 21 – 24 Repeat the previous 4 bars finishing one position to the right of original places, facing partner with women in the centre and men on the sides of the set.
25-26 All set advancing to pass partner by the left shoulder, pull back right shoulder to face partner. 27-28 All turn partner 3/4 with 2 hands out to places. 29-30 All dance passing partner by the right shoulder to meet a new partner and take promenade hold. The women will be on the right of their new partner, facing counter clockwise. The dancers will be between positions in the set. 31-32 All dance counter clockwise to finish in new places.
Repeat twice more to meet your original partner.
The strathspey part of a set of dances for the Saskatchewan Centennial Originally published in A Collection of Scottish Country Dances for Saskatchewan’s Centennial Year by the RSCDS Saskatchewan Branch in 2005
The city Saskatoon is known as The Bridge City. The South Saskatchewan River runs through the city and there are many bridges crossing the river.
Bannocks and Brose TWELVE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES devised by Members of the Birmingham Branch, R.S.C.D.S., 1973 Devised by Anna Holden (Jig)
1 – 4 First couple dance half figure of eight round the second couple. 5 – 8 First and second couples half Rights and Lefts.
9 – 12 First and third couples half Rights and Lefts.Second, third and first couples are now on their wrong side of the dance.
13 – 16 All three couples turn partners one and a half times with right hands. Second couple finish on own side lines, third and first couples finish in the middle facing the top, as in Fig.
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 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.
