Category Archives: 8×32 Jigs

Dances for May 21, 2025

May 18, 20258x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2025Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Summer Class

St Margaret’s Loch
Margaret Damell, Imperial Book 4
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd men set and cross over. At the same time, 1st and 2nd women dance half figures of eight, 1st woman round 2nd man’s place and 2nd woman round 3rd man.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd women set and cross over, 1st woman finishing facing out. At the same time, 1st and 2nd men dance half figures of eight, 1st man round 2nd man’s place and 2nd man round 3rd man.

9 – 12 1st couple, passing 2nd couple by the right, dance round 3rd couple by the left and finish in the middle of second place facing up.

13 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd men dance left hands across and 2nd, 1st, and 3rd women dance right hands across.

17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides. To begin, 2nd couple cast, 1st couple dance up and 3rd couple dance in and cast up. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

25 – 32 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, cross over to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: What a Beau my Granny was

What a Beau my Granny was
RSCDS Book 14
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd women set twice and dance three hands round to the left. At the same time, Ist man, followed by 2nd and 3rd men, dances across the top of the set, round the women and back to own side. (Fig.) All finish in original places.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd men set twice and dance three hands round to the left. At the same, Ist woman, followed by: 2nd and 3rd women, dances across the top of the set, round the men and back to own side. 1st and 2nd couple finish in the middle of the set, facing partners with both hands joined. 3rd couple return to places.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Preston’s Selection of the most favorite Country Dances, Reels etc c. 1800 with bars 1-8 and 9-16 in the opposite order.
Original tune: What a Beau my Granny was (Traditional)

No Video

Autumn Gold
John Morris, Vallin Collection Five
8×32 bar Jig – a 3 couple dance in a 4 couple longwise set

1- 8 1s, 2s & 3s dance a normal diagonal rights & lefts for 3 couples
[ 2s change place RH with 1st corner & LH to “middle” couple, then RH to 4th corner & LH to “middle” couple own side ]
[ finish 3-2-1, with 2s (no polite turns) facing down-out, own side and 3s & 1s on opposite side ]

9 – 14 2s dance 3/4 figure of eight across by casting down behind 1s (bottom place)
[1s step up on bars 13-14]
[ finish 3-1-2, all now on opposite side ]

15 – 16 3s, 1s & 2s dance 1/2 RH turn to face up middle (W polite turn), ready for allemande

17 – 24 3s, 1s & 2s dance Allemande [finish 2-1-3 ]
[ on last bar, 2s start to cast out-down, anticipating turn with 1s ]

25 – 32 1s leading up (inside), turn 2s [ finish 2-1-3, with 1s facing in-down ]
then 1s leading down (inside) turn 3s,
[ 3s finish with polite turns in 3rd place to face 1st corner ]
[ finish 2-1-3-4, with 3s ready to start diagonal rights & lefts ]

Repeat, having passed a couple

[at end of 2nd sequence, 1s & 4s turn 1 1/2 to finish 2-3-4-1, with new 3W (old 4W) ready to start diagonal rights & lefts]

This dance is for those dancers (including my wife and I) who have been Scottish Country dancing for at least fifty years. We started dancing in the fifties, which was the time when people were becoming interested in this form of “exercise” with its social connotations. On reflection, this era was possibly the heyday of folk dancing, both English & Scottish. So here’s to these mature dancers ( “the golden oldies” ) who are now in the autumn of their lives, enjoying what they love the most – Scottish Country dancing and hopefully encouraging the newcomers, whether they be young or retired !.

recommended music: colin dewar – “the Vallin Suite four” – track 14
devised by John Morris

Video: Desperation

Desperation
Imperial Book 6
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and rotate to finish 1st man and 2nd woman facing out.

9 – 12 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across once round.

13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in second place, facing up.

17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 2nd and 1st couples pass by the right to begin.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Cliff Fryer.

The dance was devised in desperation as the deadline for competition entries loomed.

Dances for May 14, 2025

May 10, 20258x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Season, Summer, Summer 2025Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: Ladies’ Fancy

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.

No Video

The Khandallah Town Hall
Rod Downey, Golden Bear Coll.
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples, for teaching parallel reels of three on the
sides, and slow phrasing.

1-2 1C, 2C set, taking hands on the sides.
3-6 1C, 2C dance four hands round to finish 1C facing 2C up and down taking nearer hands with partner. 3C step in on bars 6 and take nearer hands with partner and face up.
7-8 All 3 couples set.

9-16 Dance right shoulder reels on the side.

17-18 1C, 2C, 3C set on the sides (taking hands).
19-20 1C, 2C, 3C cross over RH.
21-22 1C, 2C, 3C set on the sides.
23-24 3C cross back RH, while 1C, 2C half turn RH into Allemande hold.

25-32 1C, 2C dance an Allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Notes Devised 27/4/2021, as a teaching dance for the second week of basic reels for our new dancers. Khandallah Town Hall is Johnsonville Club’s new home venue, due to our previous venue being carpeted, and the Bowls Club being too small. Recommended tune is ”Dalkeith’s Strathspey” or any other suitable traditional Strathspey, with strong 2 bar phrases. I used an old recording by Jimmy Shand.
The dance has parallel reels of 3 on the sides, and hopefully is a simple alternative to “The 92nd”. Most other Strathspeys with straightforward reels on the side seem to have other formations unsuitable for beginners.

Video: Long Frank’s Reel

Long Frank’s Reel
David G. Queen, Ribble Valley

A 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4-couple set.
Tune: Frank & June Hewitson

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance mirror reels of 3 on the sides. 1St couple begin by crossing down, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up.

9 – 10 1st couple dance down with nearer hands joined and separate onto the opposite side facing down, 2nd couple dance out and up into 1st place.

11 – 12 1st man & 3rd lady turn once round with the right hand while 1st lady & 3rd man turn once round with the left hand. 1St couple face up.

13 – 16 1st man & 2nd lady turn 1 1/2 times with the left hand while 1st lady & 2nd man turn 1 1/2 times with the right hand.

17 – 20 1st couple dance half figure of 8 round 2nd couple, crossing down to begin.

21 – 24 1st & 2nd couples dance right hands across and stay in the middle with partners ready for:-

25 – 32 1st & 2nd couples dance an allepousse. i.e. 1St couple dance a 2 couple allemande into 2nd place while 2nd couple dance a poussette into 1st place.

Repeat having passed a couple.

This dance was devised for Frank Hewitson of Ribble Valley Branch RSCDS who I looked up to since I was in short pants! Frank sadly passed away in 2009, aged 92

Dance devised by David G. Queen 2005

Video: What a Beau my Granny was

What a Beau my Granny was
RSCDS Book 14
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Preston’s Selection of the most favorite Country Dances, Reels etc
c. 1800 with bars 1-8 and 9-16 in the opposite order.
Original tune: What a Beau my Granny was (Traditional)

Dances for March 31, 2025

March 28, 20254x24 Reels, 8x24 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Sunshine and Sweetie’s Jig

Sunshine and Sweetie’s Jig
RSCDS Book 48
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set and, giving right hands, cross over.

9 – 12 1st couple and first corners, giving right hands, turn once round. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

13 – 16 1st couple and first corners dance a half diagonal reel of four. On bars 15-16, 1st man, from third place, crosses up to second place on own side and 1st woman, from first place, crosses down to second place on own side.

17 – 20 1st couple and second corners, giving left hands, turn once round. 1st couple finish facing second corners.

21 – 24 1st couple and second corners dance a half diagonal reel of four, passing by the left to begin. On bars 23-24, 1st man, from first place crosses down to second place on own side and 1st woman, from third place, crosses up to second place on own side.

25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance anticlockwise halfway round the set to finish on the sides in the order 2, 1,3.

29 – 32 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Mervyn Short, Berks/Hants/Surrey Border Branch.

To celebrate the arrival of the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo in December 2011.

Video: The Triumph

The Triumph
RSCDS Book 1
24-bar reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st man leads 1st woman down the middle and up and passes his partner in front of him to present her to 2nd man.

9 – 12 2nd man and 1st woman, with nearer hands joined, dance down the middle, 1st man following. 1st woman turns round by the right retaining the 2nd man’s left hand in her right hand. She crosses her arms, giving her left hand to her partner. 1st man with his left hand takes the 2nd man’s right hand and raises them as high as possible behind 1st woman’s head.

13 – 16 1st woman with 1st and 2nd men dances up the middle in triumph. 2nd man returns to original place and 1st couple finish in the middle of the set on opposite sides with both hands joined.

17 – 24 1st couple poussette to the bottom of the set. 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples step up on bars 23-24.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Manual of Scottish County Dancing:
Poussette for one couple
This formation is danced by one couple within the set, and is found in The Triumph (Book 1 No.2). 1st couple start in the middle at the top and on opposite sides. At each turn, the man pulls with his right hand.
Steps 8 setting steps
No of bars 8
Bars
1 1st couple quarter turn to face up and down,
2 progress down the middle,
3 quarter turn,
4 quarter turn,
5 progress down the middle,
6 progress and start turning,
7 turn to own sides,
8 dance backwards to own sidelines.

Dances for March 24, 2025

March 22, 20254x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Rendez-vous à Vichy

Rendez-vous à Vichy
The Paris Book of Scottish Country Dances, Vol. 1
A 32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn one and a half times to opposite sides.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and link, women finishing facing out.

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance a men’s chain.

17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st and 3rd couples pass by the left to begin. 1st couple finish facing first corners, 1st man pulling back by the right at the end of the reel.

25 – 32 1st couple set to corners and partner, finishing in second place on own sides. All clap on bar 31.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Aliénor Latour to celebrate the Vichy dance weekend, Easter 2016, organized by the Paris Branch.

Music by Pascaline Latour.

Video: The Water of Leith

The Water of Leith
RSCDS Book 53
A 32-bar strathspey for four couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st and 3rd couples set to partner.

3 – 6 1st woman dances down between second couple and casts up round 2nd man into the middle of the set facing down as Ist man dances across, casts round 2nd woman into the middle of the set facing up. At the same time, 3rd couple dance the same figure round the 4th couple.

7 – 8 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hand, change places to finish in a line in the middle of the dance, 1st and 3rd men facing down, 1st and 3rd women facing up.

9 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance a reel of four in the middle of the set.

17 – 20 1st and 2nd couples, also 3rd and 4th couples dance right hands across.

21 – 24 1st man followed by 1st woman casts off round 2nd woman and dances across the set to 2nd place own side, 1st woman finishes in 2nd place own side. At the same time, 3rd couple dance the same figure round the 4th couple. 2nd and 4th couples step up on bars 23 – 24.

25 – 32 1st and 4th couples dance the espagnole.

Finish in order 2, 4, 1, 3.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Wilkinson, Edinburgh Branch.

As Chairman of the RSCDS, in 2013 John presented Queen Elizabeth II with a personal copy
of the Diamond Jubilee Collection, a limited edition of specially devised Scottish country dances to mark Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. John was Chairman of the Society from 2012 to 2014.

Dances for February 16, 2025

February 13, 20253x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance SeasonOttawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Workshop Session

Video: The Engine Room

The Engine Room
The San Andreas Collection
32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4-couple set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and mirror reels of three on sides; on bar one, all join hands, on bar two, drop hands to face the direction to start the mirror reels, 1st couple in and down, 2nd couple out and up, 3rd couple in and up

9 – 16 1st couple back to back, cast off one place as 2nd couple step up, and cross with RIGHT hands to face out

17 – 20 1st couple dance around 1st corners, pull back RIGHT shoulders to end back to back, 1st woman facing up, 1st man facing down while: 1st corners dance back to back on the diagonal

21 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance half double triangles up and down (corners set 4 bars)

25 – 28 1st couple dance around 2nd corners, pull back RIGHT shoulders to end back to back facing opposite sides while: 2nd corners dance back to back on the diagonal

29 – 32 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance half double triangles; 1st couple finish on own sides second place (corners set 4 bars)

Repeat having passed a couple

Note: On Bars 31-32 of the second repetition, 1st couple finish the half double triangles by dancing to the bottom of the set as 3 couple moves up with pas de basque

Devisor: Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas, 2007

Music: “The Engine Room” by Muriel Johnstone, To Dance To 1

This dance was written for Muriel Johnstone for the occasion of her 60″ birthday, and presented to her at the Santa Rosa Class’s annual Beginners Ball.

No Video

The Slopes Of Hlidarendi
Bob McMurtry, The Devil’s Quandry
32 bar Strathspey for 3 couple set – 2002

1 – 2 No hands joined, all three couples half set on the right foot and advance with left foot one step on the diagonal toward partner. (Fig. 1 & 2, page 45).

3 – 4 All retire diagonally, one step, with right foot and half set with left on the sides, to original places.

5 – 8 All couples turn once round with both hands.

9 – 12 With hands joined, all set and circle six hands round half way.

13 – 16 Men making an arch, dance back to own sides and set, while women dance under the arches passing right shoulders with partner to own side and set. First part of setting step is done facing out and then pulling back right shoulder to face in (Fig. 3, page 45).

17 – 24 All dance the Rosette**

25 – 28 Dance a half right shoulder reel of three on the sides, 1st man pulling back right shoulder and passing same to begin, while 3rd woman do likewise (Fig. 4, page 45).

29 – 32 1st and 2nd couple set and link, ready to begin the dance from new positions.

Dance Notes: I have given the figure in the first 4 bars the name “Ha,” which is Icelandic for “what?”
On bar 15, men retain hands briefly, releasing on bar 16 as they pull back right shoulders. Women can take hands on bar 15, also releasing on bar 16. Bars 25-28 are reels as in Waverly.

Music: Hallgerd the Beautiful by Bob McMurtry

** Rosette: All set at the sides. Turn partners half way by the right hand, facing partner, retaining hands briefly. Pulling back right shoulders, all dance clockwise back to own sides. Figure devised by John Drewry.

Note: A dance for Elizabeth and John of the Stanford Class, California. Elizabeth suggested the title from the Nja’s Saga, when the hero Gunnar says, “Never have the slopes of Hlidarendi seemed so fair to me. I shall stay and not go into exile, come what may.” Hlidarendi is pronounced Hleether-endce.

Video: The Milngavie Maestro

The Milngavie Maestro
The Diack Dances
Devised by Gary Coull
(Milngavie is pronounced Mil-gai)

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

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and dance right hands across once round. 1st couple cast to 2nd place as 2nd couple dance up to 1st place and face out.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides of the dance, taking nearer hands where possible.
To begin: 2nd couple dance out and down;
1st couple dance in and down;
3rd couple dance out and up.
To finish: 2nd and 3rd couples curve into place and 3rd couple face out.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance a double figure of eight. To begin: 1st couple dance down, crossing over and 3rd couple dance up on the sides.

25 – 32 1st couple dance up between the 2nd couple and cast off to second place on own sides. 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.

No Video

Silver Darlings
Jean Attwod, Old Wick Castle & 3 more
Reel — 3 Couples — 32 Bars .

1 – 4 1st couple cross giving right hand and cast off 1 place, 2nd couple moving up.

5 – 8 Preparing the net — 1st man and 3rd lady turn once round with the left hand while 1st lady and 3rd man turn with the right, 3rd couple ending facing out.

9 – 16 The net – 1st couple dance “crossing” reel of three with 3rd and 2nd couples, who cast into the reel. (1st couple cross dancing down to 3rd place, cast up, cross dancing up to 2nd place and cast to finish in 2nd place on the wrong side facing up. 2nd and 3rd couples dance the reel on own side.

17 – 20 Hauling in the catch – 1st lady and 2nd man turn once round with the left hand, while 1st man and 2nd lady turn with the right.

21 – 24 1st couple dance half figure of eight round 2nd couple, ending in 2nd place on own side.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“Silver darlings” was the nick-name the Scottish fishermen gave to the herring.

Dances for February 3, 2025

February 2, 20258x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2025, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Ball Walk through

Video: ECCLEFECHAN FELINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

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

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

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

No Video

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

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

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

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

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples Allemande.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Mrs Mary Stoker (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: The Captain’s House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Holly Boyd, Montreal Branch.

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

No Video

Wild Creek
32 bar Jig for 3 couples – Bob McMurtry 1998

1-4 1st couple cross by the right hand and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bar 3 & 4

5-8 1st couple turn with left hands once and three-quarters, end with 1st man facing down between 3rd couple and 1st woman facing up between 2nd couple

9-16 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance a 6 bar left shoulder reel of three across the dance. 1st couple pass left shoulders with first corners to begin. 1st couple cross to opposite side, passing right shoulders on bars 15-16. 1st man face out.

17-24 2nd and 1st couple dance Ladies Chain

25-28 1st couple dance a half figure of eight between 3rd couple.

29-32 1st couple turn with left hands once round and end in second place.

Repeat having passed a couple

Dance Notes: The turn on bars 5-8 may be anticipated a bit and should flow right into the reels of three

Music: Cock o’ the North

Video: La Tempête

La Tempête (The Tempest)
Reel
RSCDS Book II

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video: CATCH THE WIND

CATCH THE WIND
RSCDS Book 45
(Hornpipe)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Tune: The Navvie, Traditional

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

Video: Strathglass House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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

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

Video: Blue Bonnets

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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

Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

The Reel of the Royal Scots
RSCDS Leaflet
(Reel)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

TACNotes:
17-24 Corners dance for 4 bars.

Dances for January 6, 2025

January 5, 20254x48 Reel, 8x32 Jigs, Ardbrae Spring 2025, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Pelorus Jack

Pelorus Jack
RSCDS Book 41
(Jig)

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

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across to finish with 1st man facing his first corner and his partner behind him ready for a tandem reel.

9 – 12 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with first corners as follows: 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulder with 3rd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd man to finish facing 1st man’s second corner (2nd woman).

13 – 16 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with second corners as follows: 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulder with 3rd man to finish facing 1st woman’s first corner position (3rd woman).

17 – 20 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with first corners as follows: 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulders with 3rd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd man to finish facing the 1st woman’s second corner position (2nd woman).

21 – 24 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with second corners as follows: 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulder with 3rd man to finish in the middle of the set facing the women’s side.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance left hands across. 1st couple, retaining left hands, dance a half turn to finish in second place on their own side. 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, joining nearer hands, set.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Pelorus Jack (named after Pelorus Sound in Marlborough) was a famous dolphin who piloted ships through Cook Strait for some 24 years (from 1888 to 1912). Although protected by an Act of Parliament in 1904, the dolphin disappeared after four Norwegian whaling ships passed through the Strait.

Devised by Barry Skelton, New Zealand, 1993.

Tune: Christian Catto (Copyright Deeay Music).

TACNotes:’
9–24 In each half reel the leading dancer dances beyond the corner position in order to loop together.

Video: La Tempête

La Tempête
(The Tempest) (Reel)
RSCDS Book 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collected locally. Tune: La Tempête.

TACNotes:’
17-29 Set twice to prtnrs.

Dances for November 24, 2024

November 23, 20243x32 Reels, 3x32 Strathspeys, 64S+64R, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024, Medley, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Mini-workshop Session

Warning: The dances for this session are subject to change depending on the nature of the class

Video: Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine
James Stott , In the Sunlight of Nikko and Kamakura
32 – bar jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple turn by the right hand and cast off one place, dance down below the 3rd couple and cast up to finish in second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4.

9 – 10 1st couple set advancing passing by the left shoulder to finish back to back in the middle woman facing up and man facing down.

11 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance crown triangles. Finish as follows: 1st man and 2nd woman in promenade hold, 1st man with 2nd woman on his left facing down, 1st woman and 3rd man in promenade hold, 1st woman with 3rd man on her left facing up. 2nd and 3rd couples set for eight bars.

17 – 20 In promenade hold, 1st man with 2nd woman and 1st woman with 3rd man dance for two steps, in the inside of the set. They pass by the right then guide the 2nd woman and 3rd man into the diagonally opposite corner positions. 1st couple dance on two steps, 1st woman picking up 3rd woman and 1st man picking up 2nd man in promenade hold while 2nd woman and 3rd man dance on for two steps into the opposite corners.

21 – 24 1st woman with 3rd woman and 1st man with 2nd man in promenade hold, in the inside of the set, pass by the right for two steps then guide their partners into the diagonally opposite corner positions. 3rd woman and 2nd man dance on for two steps into the diagonally opposite corners while 1st couple pass by the right to finish in 2nd place on own side. The dancers are now in the following positions: 3rd couple in 1st place and 2nd couple in 3rd place on opposite sides, 1st couple on own sides in second place.

25 – 28 3rd and 2nd couples turn once round by the right hand and finish facing out. 1st couple set and cross over giving right hands.

29 – 32 All three couples chase clockwise half-way round to finish: 2, 1, 3

Repeat the dance from the new positions.

No Video

Walking the Dogs
Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas, Give it a Whirl
32 bar reel for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, giving RIGHT hands, half turn, moving down one place. 2nd couple steps up on bars 1-2. 1st couple, giving RIGHT hands, half turn, moving down below 3rd couple, facing out. 1st couple cast up around the 3rd couple to 2nd place on own side, turn by the RIGHT hand three-quarters to face up the middle. 1st woman followed by 1st man.

9 – 12 Half dolphin reel across the set, RIGHT shoulder to 2nd woman, 1st man takes the lead on bar 10. Finish with 1st couple in the middle back to back, 1st woman having turned right about.

13 1st couple join hands as for double triangles and all set onto RIGHT foot.
14 Releasing hands, all pas de basque onto LEFT foot, 1st couple moving to their RIGHT one quarter, remaining back to back. While: 2nd and 3rd couples set turning to face up and down.
15 All join hands as for crown triangles and set onto RIGHT foot.
16 Releasing hands, all set onto LEFT foot. 1st woman remains facing down as 1st man turns right about.

17 – 20 1st couple repeat bars 9-12 above with 3rd couple giving a RIGHT shoulder to 3rd man. 1st man takes the lead on bar 18. Finish with 1st couple in the middle back to back, 1st woman having turned right about.

21 – 24 As bars 13-16 above. 1st couple turn right about to face their first corners, who are in their partner’s first corner position.

25 – 32 1st couple half reel of 4 with first corners. 1st couple pass right shoulders in the middle to dance a half reel of 4 with second corners. 3 1 2

Repeat from new positions.

Deviser: Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas
Music: Walking the Dogs, Muriel Johnstone

For dear friend, Emily Evans, whose generosity and friendship helped pave our way into California and sustain us for many years! Dedicated to all who spend hours and hours in that loftiest of pursuits, walking the dog!

No Video

Norcan Crossing
Craig Williams, leaflet
A 64 bar Strathspey + 64 bar Reel Medley in a square set

Strathspey – Heading out
1 – 8 All Circle round and back

9 – 12 1st & 3rd couple chase counter-clockwise one position and into the middle. 1st couple below 4th woman, 3rd couple above 2nd woman
13 – 16 1st & 3rd couples, left hands across 1 ¼ round

17 – 20 1st couple with 2nd couple, 3rd couple with 4th couple, right hands across once round
21 – 24 1st & 3rd couples dance left shoulders around each other to finish in 1st couple in 3rd place and 3rd couple in 1st place.

25 – 28 2nd & 4th couple chase counter-clockwise one position and into the middle. 2nd couple pass 3rd woman (in 1st woman’s place) by the left, 4th couple pass 1st woman (in 3rd woman’s place) by the left.
29 – 32 2nd & 4th couples, left hands across 1 ¼ round

33 – 36 2nd couple with 1st couple (in 3rd couple’s place), 4th couple with 3rd couple (in 1st couple’s place), right hands across once round
37 – 40 2nd & 4th couple dance around each other by the left shoulder to finish 2nd couple in 4th place and 4th couple in 2nd place.

41 – 56 All dance Schehallion Reels. Women finish by dancing to take left hands across, giving right hands with partners.

57 – 60 All Highland schottische balance in line
61 – 64 All turn 1 ¼ with the right hand to finish on the sides.

Reel – The Return Trip
1 – 16 All dance Schehallion Reels. Women finish back to back in the middle facing partners on the sides.

17 – 20 All Set & Spring Point
21 – 24 All turn by the right hand 1 1/4 (4 bars) to finish on the sides. (Alternatively, birl with your partner)

25 – 28 1st & 3rd couple chase clockwise one position and into the middle. 1st couple above 2nd man (in 4th man’s place), 3rd couple below 4th man (in 2nd man’s place
29 – 32 1st & 3rd couples, right hands across 1 ¼ round

33 – 36 1st couple with 4th couple, 3rd couple with 2nd couple, left hands across once round
37 – 40 1st & 3rd couples dance right shoulders around each other to finish in original places.

41 – 44 2nd & 4th couple chase clockwise one position and into the middle. 2nd couple pass 1st man by the right, 4th couple pass 3rd man by the right.
45 – 48 2nd & 4th couples, right hands across 1 ¼ round

49 – 52 2nd couple with 3rd couple, 4th couple with 1st couple, left hands across once round
53 – 54 2nd & 4th couple dance around each other by the right shoulder to finish in original places.

57 – 64 All circle round and back

No Video

The Publisher
The Diack Dances
Devised by William Williamson

32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set; 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to the opposite side and stay facing out.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides (8 bars ). 1st couple pass first corners by the right to begin. On bars 15 – 16 giving left hand, 1st couple pass to face first corner.

17 – 24 1st couple dance corner pass and turn with first corners, the corners turn giving both hands, 1st couple pass by the right to face second corners. 1st couple dance corner pass and turn with second corners, the corners turn giving both hands, 1st couple pass by the right to finish in second place on own sides.

25 – 28 1st and 3rd couples set and link.

29 – 32 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples, giving both hands, turn once round.

Repeat from new positions.

No Video

The Milngavie Maestro
The Diack Dances
Devised by Gary Coull
(Milngavie is pronounced Mil-gai)

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

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and dance right hands across once round. 1st couple cast to 2nd place as 2nd couple dance up to 1st place and face out.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides of the dance, taking nearer hands where possible. To begin: 2nd couple dance out and down; 1st couple dance in and down; 3rd couple dance out and up.To finish: 2nd and 3rd couples curve into place and 3rd couple face out.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance a double figure of eight. To begin: 1st couple dance down, crossing over and 3rd couple dance up on the sides.

25 – 32 1st couple dance up between the 2nd couple and cast off to second place on own sides. 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.

No Video

Mr Diack’s Measure
The Diack Dances
Devised by Linda Gaul

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

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

9 – 16 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple who dance up to begin, lead down the middle and up. 2nd couple finish at the top and 1st couple finish facing first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple set to first corners then second corners and, pulling back by the right, finish facing each other up and down with 1st woman between 3rd couple and 1st man between 2nd couple.

21 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, turn one and three quarters to finish in second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for November 25, 2024

November 20, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: John of Bon Accord

John of Bon Accord
RSCDS Book XXXIII
(Reel)

1 – 16 Four progressive half-reels of three across the dance – danced as follows:

1 – 4 1st couple with 2nd woman dance a half-reel of three. 1st woman passes her partner with the right shoulder to begin and finishes in the middle of the set facing her own side of the dance. 1st man finishes in 1st woman’s original place and 2nd woman in 1st man’s original place.

5 – 8 1st couple with 2nd man dance a half-reel of three. 1st woman passes her partner with the left shoulder to begin and finishes in the middle of the set facing the men’s side of the dance. 1st man finishes in 2nd man’s original place and 2nd man in 1st woman’s original place.

9 – 12 1st couple repeat bars 1-4 with 3rd woman who finishes in 2nd man’s original place.

13 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 5-8 with 3rd man, who finishes in 2nd woman’s original place. 1st couple finish in third place in the middle of the set.

17 – 20 1st couple turn with right hands and cast up one place on own sides. 3Rd couple step down on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 1st couple dance half figure of eight round 2nd couple.

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with right hands three-quarters round to finish in a line up and down the dance; facing partners and retaining right hands, all set.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with right hands to finish on own sides and then, joining hands on the sides, set to partners.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring and inscribed to John Drewry of Aberdeen.

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 1-16 In the four progressive half reels across the dance, the 1st woman cuts each reel through the middle giving her partner, successively, right, left, right and left shoulders.

TAC Notes:’
1-16 For the four consecutive half reels of three, 1st woman starts by facing her partner, giving him R, L, R, & then L shouders. Note: support dancers all dance up into their half reels & finish one place up on opposite sides.
29-30 This is a tight turn – do not “steal” on bar 28.

Video: Blue Bonnets

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Dances for November 18, 2024

November 13, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Fall 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended Tune: Springtime Bliss by Karen Steven

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

Video: ECCLEFECHAN FELINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

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

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

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

Video: THE OLD MAN OF STORR

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

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

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

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

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

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

25 – 32 Second and first couples right and left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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