Category Archives: 8×32 Jigs

Dances for May 22, 2024

May 19, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

No Video

Marlborough Rant

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

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

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

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

25 – 32 Circle 6 hands round & back.

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

Video: Jeanie Deans’ Strathspey

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

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

1820 Instructions

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

2021 Reconstruction

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

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

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

13 – 16 All three couples set twice.

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

25 – 32 1st couple lead outsides:

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes:

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

Video: The Hazel Tree

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“The Espagnole” (A new progression)

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

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

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

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

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

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Devised for my elder daughter, Catriona.

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

Dances for May 15, 2024

May 9, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x48 Strathspeys, Summer 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Mo Video

Mrs Stewart’s Strathspey
Book 13 – No. 3
48-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and, giving both hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands once round to the left.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing 2nd man, 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three across the set, 1st woman and 2nd man and 1st man and 3rd woman passing by the right to begin. 1st couple; finish facing first corners.

25 – 32 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, turn to lead up on own sides. 1st couple finish in the middle at the top of the set, facing up. 2nd couple step down and in on bars 31-32.

33 – 40 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

41 – 48 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Jacob Harbour’s Third Book of New & Favorite Country Dances, Strathspey Reels, Waltz, & Hornpipes, c. 1800.

Original tune: Jolin Roy Stewart (MacGlashan c. 1800)

No Video

The Heart of Mid-Lothian
The Dance – 1820 and 2021
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple set

1820 Instructions

1st & 2d Cu. 4 Hands across_back again
_down the middle_up again
_set cross corners
& Reel_or lead outsides

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back.

9 – 16 1st couple dance down the middle, then back to second place. (2nd couple step up on bars 11 – 12)

17 – 24 1st couple, advancing, set to first corners. Giving both hands, 1st couple turn 1st corners using skip change and face 2nd corners. 1st couple set and turn 2nd corners likewise. 1st couple finish in the centre, facing the men’s side, man with his partner on his right.

25 – 32 1st couple lead outsides: (see note 4)

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes

Down the middle and back to second place was the commonest progression in the early 19th century. As most formations finished on the sidelines, it would not be common to finish facing 1st corners.
Leading down the middle was done using nearer hands at this time.
Alternative endings were not uncommon. Although three of the dances in this leaflet finish with ‘lead outsides’, this is the only one in quick time and, hence, this is the ending selected for this dance.
Lead outsides could be simply danced out or the dancers cross, depending on contemporary fashion. In a crowded ballroom with little space for dancers to dance out together, 1st man could cross his partner in front of him giving left hands.

No Video

ATLANTA FAIR
Carol Bell – Atlanta Fare
32-bar Jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 6 1st couple cast off two places, meet below 3™ couple, and dance up (nearer hands joined) to their own places.

7 – 8 1 couple set to each other.

9 – 16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight about 2nd couple, then a half figure of eight about third couple, finishing in a diagonal line and joining left hands with partner and right hands with first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 Balance in line, 1st couple advance a quarter turn pas de Basque, balance in line with second corners, and dance out to second place on own sides. .

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Symbolism of the figures:

Casting off — Forms the Coca Cola bottle.

Up the middle and set — Coca Cola pouring out. These first two figures commemorate the Atlanta Branch’s 10″ anniversary and Coca Cola’s 1 00″ anniversary.

Half Figures of Eight — form the petals of the Dogwood Flower, symbol of Atlanta and the Atlanta Branch.

Diagonal Lines — form the St. Andrews Cross and the cross on the Confederate flag and are one of the figures in a favorite Atlanta dance, “The Balgeddie Reel”.

Six Hands Round — dancing around Stone Mountain, where we meet each Fall.

No Video

A Trip To Newtown School
Rod Downey, The Piwakawaka Collection
A 3 couple 32 bar reel in a longwise 4 couple set.

1 – 4 All 3 couples take hands and advance and retire.

5 – 6 All cross RH and face clockwise.

7 – 8 All chase clockwise 14 to form two lines of three, the men across 3rd place and the ladies across first place.

9 – 12 All take hands and advance and retire.

13 – 14 All cross LH, and face anticlockwise.

15 – 16 All chase anticlickwise back to original places.

17 – 24 First man followed by his partner, chase behind the men’s line, across the set below 3rd couple, up behind 3rd lady and across the set in second place, first lady finishing in second ladies place. 2nd couple steps up on bars 5-6. First man should curl into place pulling back right shoulder.

25 – 32 All dance 6 hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Notes Devised 21 August, 2023 as a simple ceilidh-style dance, for the first club night after our annual dance jointly held with Capital City on the 19th August, in Newtown School Hall. Recommended tune is “Unnamed Stallion” by James MacQueen, and a suitable recording is on “Excited States” on the
album by the same name by “Stringfire!”.

Dances for April 29, 2024

April 26, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Video: Falls of Feugh

Falls of Feugh
9 for 90 RSCDS Aberdeen Branch 90th Anniversary
32-bar reel for three couples in a three couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set, dance in towards each other, cast off one place and set advancing to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 12 1st couple, passing first corners by the right, cast round first corner position, pass each other by the right and face second corners.

At the same time first corners, giving right hands half turn to face each other in the middle and pulling back right shoulder dance out to each other’s places.

13 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 9-12 with second corners, meet each other in the middle of the set and pulling back right shoulder finish back to back facing second place opposite sides, ready for double triangles.

17 – 24 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance double triangles to finish 1st man between 3rd couple at the top facing women’s side, 1st woman between 2nd couple facing men’s side.

25 – 28 1st man and 3rd couple, 1st woman and 2nd couple dance half reels of three across the set. 1st and 3rd men, 1st and 3rd women pass by the right.

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

Finish in order 3, 1, 2.
Repeat with new top couple.

Following a house move in 2013, I joined the Banchory Scottish Country Dancing Group. The River Feugh, whose falls are a local landmark, joins the River Dee at Banchory. The dance was written partly to encompass a couple of moves which are favourites of Isobel McMillan the teacher of the Banchory group (who was also a recent Chairman of the Aberdeen RSCDS Branch). Those moves – dancing in
and casting echo both the slow eddies and faster swirling of the Falls of Feugh.

Devised by Andrew Watt, Aberdeen Branch.

Video: Best Set in the Hall

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.

Dances for April 8, 2024

April 6, 202488 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, Ardbrae Spring 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Video: Best Set in the Hall

Best Set in the Hall
RSCDS Book 46
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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.

For Campbell Mackay of Auckland who, when counting lines, encourages dancers to make up numbers by joining the ‘best set in the hall’.

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.

Video: The Piper and the Penguin

The Piper and the Penguin
The Scotia Suite of Scottish Country Dances devised by Roy Goldring

(Reel for Four Couples in a Square Set)

1 – 4 The women dance round their corners, passing in front of them to begin.

5 – 8 The women dance right hands across and remain in the centre.

9 – 12 The women dance round their partners, passing in front of them to begin.

13 – 16 The women dance left hands across and finish in original places.

17 – 32 The men repeat bars 1–16, but dance in front of partners before dancing right hands across, and in front of their corners before dancing left hands across.

33 – 36 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn partners one and a quarter times.

37 – 40 1st man, followed by his partner, dances between 4th couple and cast back to place. Similarly, 3rd couple dance between 2nd couple and cast back to place.

41 – 48 1st and 3rd couple dance rights and lefts.

49 – 64 2nd and 4th couples repeat bars 33–48, 2nd couple dancing between 1st couple and 4th couple dancing between 3rd couple.

65 – 72 The women dance in and pull back right shoulders (2 bars), dance out (2 bars), and cast clockwise half way round the set to opposite woman’s place.

73 – 80 The men repeat bars 65–72, but pull back left shoulders at the end of bar 74, and cast anticlockwise.

81 – 84 All turn partners with the right hand, just over once round, to finish in promenade hold facing anticlockwise.

85 – 88 All promenade halfway round the set. On bar 87, all release right hands and the men lead their partners to original places ready for the bow and curtsey.

Dances for March 4, 2024

March 2, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Video: THE DANCING BELLS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat from new places.

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

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

Video: Bedrule

Bedrule
RSCDS Book XXXIII
(Strathspey)

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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

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

Dances for February 26, 2024

February 20, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Video: SANDS OF MORAR

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

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

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

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

21 – 22 All three couples set.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Tune: Pinky House, Traditional

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

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

Video: ROARING JELLY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Dances for February 5, 2024

February 1, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Video: J. B. Milne

J. B. Milne
A 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman set advancing and, giving right hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 2nd man and 1st woman set advancing and, giving right hands, turn once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set advancing and, giving both hands, turn once round to finish facing the top.

13 – 16 1st couple cast off one place and dance a petronella turn to finish 1st woman between 2nd couple, all facing down, and 1st man between 3rd couple, all facing up. 2nd couple step up on bars 13 – 14.

17 – 20 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, turn three-quarters to finish in second place on opposite sides. At the same time, 2nd and 3rd women and 2nd and 3rd men, giving right hands, change places and set to partner.

21 – 24 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, turn three-quarters to finish 1st woman between the couple in third place and 1st man between the couple in top place. At the same time, 3rd and 2nd couples, giving right hands, cross over and set facing on the sides.

25 – 28 1st couple set to each other and, giving right hands, change places. At the same time, 3rd and 2nd women and 3rd and 2nd men, giving right hands, change places and set to partner.

29 – 30 1st woman casts off to second place and 1st man casts up to second place. At the same time, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over.

31 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, taking hands on the side, set.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by Hugh Foss.
Original tune: J. B. Milne by Angus Fitchet.
Source: Angus Fitchet Scottish Dance Album.

Video: The Waternish Tangle

The Waternish Tangle
8 x 32 Jig

1 – 4 1st couple giving right hands cross down to 2nd place and set. 2nd couple move up on bars 1 and 2.
5 – 8 1st couple giving left hands cross down to 3rd place and set. 3rd couple move up on bars 5 and 6.

9 – 12 1st couple cross giving right hands then change places on the sides with the 3rd couple giving left
hands.
13 – 16 2nd and 1st couples cross with the right hands then giving left hands on the sides turn 3/4 to finish in a line across the dance with the women in the middle, right hands joined.

17 – 24 The Targe danced as follows:
17 – 18 1st and 2nd women, in the middle, dance a 3/4 turn while 1st and 2nd men dance anticlockwise round them for a 1/4 of a circle.
19 – 20 1st man and 2nd woman, and at the same time 1st woman and 2nd man, turn once around giving left hands.
21 – 22 1st and 2nd women dance a 3/4 turn giving right hands while 1st and 2nd men dance anticlockwise round them for a 1/4 of a circle.
23 – 24 1st man and 2nd woman, and at the same time 1st woman and 2nd man, turn giving left hands so that 2nd couple finish in top place and 1st couple finish facing down the dance on opposite sides.

25 – 32 1st couple dance down crossing below 3rd couple, cast up round them, dance up between 2nd couple and cast down to 2nd place on own sides.

Repeat from 2nd place.

Devised by Andrea Barfoot, Isle of Skye Branch.

Dances for January 22, 2024

January 17, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2024, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Video: The Ferry Louper

The Ferry Louper
24 GRADED and SOCIAL DANCES, Devised by Roy Goldring, Leeds Branch R.S.C.D.S.
32 bar jig for 3 couples

1 – 8 First, second and third couples dance clockwise (chase) round to places.

9 – 16 First and second couples dance right hands across and back with left hands. First couple finish facing out.

17 – 24 First couple cast off two places, dance up the middle and cast off one place. Second couple step up on bars 23 – 24.

25 – 28 Second, first and third couples advance and retire.

29 – 32 Second, first and third couples turn partners with right hands once round.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Recommended tune:- Castle Hill (M.A.J.)

NOTE: The term ‘Ferry Louper’ is an Orkney expression which refers to someone who lives of the Orkney Islands but who was not born there – i.e. someone who just jumped (or ‘louped’) onto the ferry and came over.

Video: Up in the Air

Up in the Air
RSCDS Book 20 – No. 2
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple cast off, dance down behind own lines and cast up to original places. On bar 8, 1st , 2nd and 3rd couples dance in to meet partners and face up.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a promenade. On bars 15-16, 1st couple cast off one place to finish facing first corners while 2nd couple dance up to first place.

17 – 20 1st couple set to first corners and then to second corners, finishing between them.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands once round to the left.

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

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving both hands, turn partners to own sides, 1st couple turning one and a half times.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

W Boag: A Collection of Favourite Reels & Strathspeys by the Most Eminent Composers, 1797.

Original tune: Sir George Clark of Pennycuik (Nathaniel Gow)

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bar 20 1st couple, pulling back right shoulder, turn between corners ready to begin the circle.

TACNotes:’
8 All 3 cpls dance into position for promenade (2nd & 3rd cpls, L foot).
20 1st cpl use last setting step to turn R about into sidelines.

Video: The Pawling Porch

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

1 – 4 1st couple Set and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up on bars 3-4)
5 – 8 1st couple Dance down between 3rd couple and cast up to second place.

9 – 12 1st couple and 1st corners Advance and Retire.
13 – 16 1st couple and 1st corners Turn with the Right Hand.

17 – 20 1st couple and 2nd corners Advance and Retire.
21 – 24 1st couple and 2nd corners Turnwith the Right Hand. (1st couple pass Right shoulder to own side.)

25 – 32 2nd, 1st , and 3rd couple dance Circle Round and Back.

Repeat having passed a couple

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

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

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

Suggested Tune: The Merrymaking (Traditional)

Dances for January 15, 2024

January 12, 20248x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2024Ottawa Dance Scottish

Video: Huntly Castle

Huntly Castle
John Drewery, The Canadian Book of Scottish Country Dances

Huntly Castle, now a ruin, was formerly
the seat of the Earls, lator the Marquises
of Huntly – the chiefs of Clan Gordon.

Strathspey – 3 couples – 32 bars,

Tune – “My Only Jo and Dearie O’ Gow’s Repository , 3rd Part, Pace 12, This is the tune to which Bum!s song “I goed a waeful gait yestreen” is usually set,

1 – 6 1st and 2nd couples set on the sides, then circle to the left once round to finish with 1st couple in top place,with nearer hands still joined, facing down. and 2nd couple in second place facing up.

7 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set,

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance a Rondel to change places, 1st couple finish in second place facing out.

17 – 24 Reels of three on the sides.

To begin: – 1st couple dance out and down;
3rd couple, joining nearer hands, dance in and up;
2nd couple, joining nearer hands, dance in and down. |

All join inside hands with partners where possible in the reels.

At the end: – 2nd couple dance in to join nearer hands facing down;
1st couple dance to second place on own sides;
3rd couple dance in to join nearer hands facing up.

25 – 26 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set,

27 – 30 Six hands round to the left. On Bar 30, all dance into the centre, pulling right shoulders back to face out.

31 – 32 All spiral out clockwise (in a chase) to own sides,

Repeat, having passed a couple,

Video: Beach Dancer

Beach Dancer
A 32 bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
For Margaret Blackhall, a teacher at Kamo Club who lives on the coast at Ngunguru.
Devised by Eddy West 2003.
1-4 First couple set and cross giving right hand.
5-8 First couple set to second couple and change places on the side giving left hands (men remain facing out).

9-16 Second and first couples dance a ladies chain, first man finishes facing out. First couple must continue into the next figure without hesitation.

17-20 First man casts down round third lady and crosses to third place, own side then casts up behind third man to second place, first lady follows to own side third place then dances up the middle to second place on own side.
21-24 First and second ladies, and at the same time first and second men, turn giving left hands.

25-32 Second, first and third couples dance reels of three on the sides, first couple passing third couple right shoulder to start.

Repeat having passed a couple
Suggested recorded music “Over the Pond II” – Sound Company CD “On Track”.

Dances for November 13, 2023

November 9, 20233x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2023Ottawa Dance Scottish

Video: The Waternish Tangle

The Waternish Tangle
8 x 32 Jig

1 – 4 1st couple giving right hands cross down to 2nd place and set. 2nd couple move up on bars | and 2.

5 – 8 1st couple giving left hands cross down to 3rd place and set. 3rd couple move up on bars 5 and 6.

9 – 12 1st couple cross giving right hands then change places on the sides with the 3rd couple giving left hands.

13 – 16 2nd and 1st couples cross with the right hands then giving left hands on the sides turn 3/4 to finish in a line across the dance with the women in the middle, right hands joined.

17 – 24 The Targe danced as follows:

17 – 18 1st and 2nd women, in the middle, dance a 3/4 turn while 1st and 2nd men dance anticlockwise round them for a 1/4 of a circle.
19 – 20 1st man and 2nd woman, and at the same time 1st woman and 2nd man, turn once around giving left hands.
21 – 22 1st and 2nd women dance a 3/4 turn giving right hands while|st and 2nd men dance anticlockwise round them for a 1/4 of a circle.
23 – 24 1st man and 2nd woman, and at the same time 1st woman and 2nd man, turn giving left hands so that 2nd couple finish in top place and 1st couple finish facing down the dance on opposite sides.

25 – 32 1st couple dance down crossing below 3rd couple, cast up round them, dance up between 2nd couple and cast down to 2nd place on own sides.

Repeat from 2nd place.

Devised by Andrea Barfoot, Isle of Skye Branch.

Video: The Minister on the Loch

The Minister on the Loch
RSCDS Four Dances 2008
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette right round.

9 – 16 1st couple dance down the middle for two steps and, giving both hands, turn once round to finish in the middle facing up. 1st couple dance up the middle for two steps and, giving both hands, turn once round to finish in the middle facing up.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance a double figure of eight. To begin, 1st couple cast off and 3rd couple cross up. 1st couple finish in original places, facing out.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd women, giving right hands, and 1st and 2nd men, giving left hands, turn one and a half times to change places.

29 – 32 1st and 3rd women, giving left hands, and 1st and 3rd men, giving right hands, turn one and a half times to change places.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Roy Goldring for Robert MacKay

Original tune:
Muriel Johnstone’s compliments to Robert MacKay (Muriel A Johnstone)
Originally published in 24 Graded and Social Dances devised by Roy Goldring

The dance takes its name from the painting:
Reverend Robert Walker (1755-1808) Skating on Duddingston Loch by Sir Henry Raeburn