Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

Madawaska Strathspey
A 32 bar strathspey 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.

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No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another Costco inspired dance. While watching the graceful ballet of parallel twirling of forklifts parting their separate ways at the top of the set. I’m always amazed they don’t crash. The same as waterlilies.

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No Video

Don’t Make Me Stop, I’ll Get Lost
Rhonda Raye, RSCDS Atlanta Branch Celebrating 40 Years of Dancing Memories
32-bar reel for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple crosses down as 2nd couple steps up (no hand given).

3 – 4 1st couple turns 2nd couple three-quarter way round by left hand women’s side and right hand on the men’s side. All finish in a line across facing down, 1st man with his partner on his right.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples in line dance down the middle for 4 bars and on bar 7 1st couple takes the lead with 2nd couple behind still facing down.

9 – 12 2nd couple followed by 1st couple dance up to finish 2nd couple in first place on own sides and 1st couple in second place on opposite sides.

13 – 20 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies chain.

21 – 24 1st couple dance a half turn and twirl while the 2nd and 3rd couples change places on the side and then set for one bar to that person just passed and then set for one bar across the set to partner finishing 3, 1, 2.

25 – 32 All three couples circle six hands round and back.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Note: The figures “down the middle and up” and “ladies chain” fall across phrases.

Devised by Rhonda Raye in memory of Jane Thomaston, known as “Grandma Jane” to many of her dancing friends.

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Video: Campbell’s Frolic

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)
Music: Eileen Watts Reel by Luke Brady.

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

The Accordion Player
Pam Stephens, Between the Rivers
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples

1 – 4 All three couples advance and retire.

5 – 8 1st couple dance in towards each other and cast off one place, as 2nd couple step up.

9 – 12 All three couples advance and retire.

13 – 16 1st couple turn 2nd corner with left hands once round, finishing back to back in the center facing the opposite side.

17 – 24 Dance inverting double triangles, 1st couple finishing facing 1st corners.

25 – 32 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with 1st corner; repeat with 2nd comer, finishing in second place on own sides.

Repeat from second place.

Devised by Pam Stephens.

Devisor’s note: Dedicated to Liz Donaldson, great musician and piano player, who impressed us all when she also took up the accordion!

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Video: I’ll Gang Nea Mair Tae Yon Toon

I’ll Gang Nea Mair Tae Yon Toon
RSCDS Book 15
40-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1-8 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back.
9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle for three steps, lead up to the top of the set and turn with the right hand once round to finish in original places.

17 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a grand chain.

25 – 28 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over.

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

33 – 36 1st and 2nd couples set twice and, on the second setting, advance to form a diagonal line, 1st woman and 2nd man back to back. 1st and 2nd couples join both hands with partner.

37 – 40 1st and 2nd couples dance a half poussette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.
T Wilson: Analysis of the London Ballroom, 1825.
Original tune: Mr Patrick Duff Junior’s Strathspey (D Grant)

I’ll gang nae mair tae yon town,
O, never a’ my life again;
I’ll ne’er gae back tae yon town
To seek anither wife again.

These are the old words to a tune which appeared in Robert Bremner’s Scots Reels (1757), iin James Oswald’s Caledonian Pocket Companion (1759), and in James Aird’s First Book (circa 1784).

Robert Burns used this widely-known song as the basis for two poems and both were published in James Johnson’s The Scots Musical Museum, Volume 5.

The first, “I’ll Ay Ca’ in by Yon Town”, was written by Burns for his wife, Jean Armour (1767–1834), whom he at long last married in 1788.

In regard to the second, “O Wat Ye Wha’s in Yon Town”, Stenhouse said: “Both of the songs were composed in honour of ‘His Jean’, afterwards Mrs Burns.” This is not entirely true for the second song was written for Jean Lorimer, a friend of Burns for nearly all of his life and whom Burns called “Chloris”. Described by the poet as “one of the finest women in Scotland”, he wrote at least twenty-four songs in her honour. Typical of Burns, he changed the name “Jean”, which occurs several times in the song, to “Lucy” and sent a copy of “O Wat Ye Wha’s in Yon Town” to Lucy Johnstone Oswald, a distinguished amateur composer, a celebrated beauty and Burns’ “imcomparable woman” who was married to Richard Oswald of Auchincruive.

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No Video

Blue Moon Rendezvous
32 bar jig for 3 couples

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

5-8 1st couple set and turn three quarters round, giving left hands and end in the center, 1st man facing up, 1st woman facing down. Meanwhile, 2nd and 3rd couples turn once round, giving left hands and end facing out on own sides.

9-16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance left shoulder reels of three on own sides. 1st man passes left shoulder with 2nd man and 1st woman passes left shoulder with 3rd woman to begin. 1st couple finish the reel by dancing towards each other through 2nd place, pulling back right shoulder to end back to back in the center facing own sides. 2nd and 3rd couples dance long loops at end of reels.

17-22 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six bars of double triangles.

23-24 1st couple, with two pas de basques and staying back to back, dance three quarters round to the right, to end 1st man facing up and 1st woman facing down. 2nd and 3rd couples continue setting.

25–28 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple circle once round to the left (8 slip steps). 1st couple release right hands on 6th step and open out to finish in 2nd place own side. 2nd and 3rd couples retain hands with partners.

29-32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples circle once round to the left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Music: “Linda Henderson of Alamo, California” ©2007 Andy Imbrie

This dance was devised by Fred DeMarse for Linda Henderson, originally from North Berwick, Scotland and currently of Alamo, California on the occasion of her first Scottish Country Dance workshop teaching engagement in Truckee, California on June 30th, 2007, which coincided with an occurrence of a Blue Moon.

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Video: Campbell’s Frolic

Campbell’s Frolic
Book 15 – No. 3
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)

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: Kirsten’s Jig

Kirsten’s Jig
Ron Wallace, Give it a Whirl
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance the bourrel using RIGHT hands for the turns:
1st man and 2nd woman set advancing, turn by the RIGHT hands just over halfway and turn RIGHT about to face partner. 1st man faces down and 1st woman faces up.
while:
1st woman and 2nd man dance anti-clockwise round to face partner in a line up and down the middle of the set.
All set to partner and turn by the RIGHT hand. 1st couple turn right about to face first corners while 2nd couple cross to own side in first place

9 – 16 Corners pass and advance and retire:
1st couple pass first corners RIGHT shoulder and dance to meet partner to pass RIGHT shoulder, pass second corners RIGHT shoulder and join right hands to face up the middle in second place.
while:
9 – 12 First corners advance and retire.
13 – 16 Second corners advance and retire.
(On bar 10 (first corners) and bar 14 (second corners), corners slap both thighs on count “1”, clap hands together on count ‘and’ clap both hands to opposite corner on count “2”). Coach: advance for 1, slap clap clap, retire, retire

17 – 24 2nd,1st, and 3rd couples dance mirror reels:
1st couple lead up the middle and cross over to begin, 2nd couple dance out and down, 3rd couple dance out and up, all joining nearer hands with partner during the reel.
NOTE: At the end of the reel, 2nd couple continue to dance out and down as 1st couple dance up the middle to smoothly connect the reel and the non-progressive allemande, while the 3rd couple dance the long way into place to complete the reel.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance a non-progressive allemande:
25 – 26 1st couple dance up the middle taking hands in promenade hold before lifting them over smoothly into allemande hold.
while: 2nd couple cast off and dance down the side lines to meet in second place and take hands in promenade hold.
27 – 28 1st couple dance bars 3-4 of a standard allemande for two couples.
while: 2nd couple dance up the middle as they lift joined hands into allemande hold then turn onto the men’s side behind 1st couple.
29 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance bars 5-8 of a standard allemande for two couples.

Deviser: Ron Wallace
Music: “Kirsten’s Jig” by Muriel Johnstone
This dance was commissioned by Kirsten Steinbach’s husband, Jenz, and first presented in Freiburg, Germany at a weekend course there.

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Video: This is no’ my ain Hoose

This is no’ my ain Hoose
RSCDS Book 15
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round. On bar 4, 1st couple cast off one place and 2nd couple dance up.

5 – 8 1st couple repeat bars 1-4 with 3rd couple, dancing left hands across.

9 – 16 1st couple set, lead up to the top, cast off one place and, giving right hands, turn to face first corners. 3rd couple step down on bars 13-14.

17 – 24 1st couple dance round first corners, passing by the right and dance round partner, passing by the left, to face second corners. 1st couple dance round second corners passing by the right and, giving left hands, turn to face first corners.

25 – 32 1st couple set to first corners, set to each other across the set, set to second corners and, giving right hand to partner, turn to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Holmain Ms. c.1710-1720: from a notebook (early 18th Century) found in the Holmain (Dumfriesshire) Family Charter Chest. (Now in National Archives of Scotland.) By courtesy of the
Rev. W Mitchell Carruthers and Mr A Stanley Carruthers.

Original tune: Mrs Colonel Sinclair of Forss (D Grant)

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Video: The Reel Of The Gordon Highlanders

The Reel Of The Gordon Highlanders
(32 bar reel for three couples in a four-couple set)
Aad L.M. Boode, The Delft Book Of Scottish Country Dances

1 – 8 1st couple cross over giving right hand, cast off 1 place (2nd couple move up); 1st man dances a ½ figure of eight between 3rd couple and round 3rd man – while – 1st woman does the same between 2nd couple and round 2nd woman, to finish 1st couple in 2nd place on own sides.

9 – 16 1st couple dance reels of three on own sides with 2nd and 3rd couples, giving LEFT shoulder to the person on their LEFT to begin, i.e.: 1st and 2nd men pass left shoulder and 1st and 3rd women pass left shoulder, to finish 1st couple in a diagonal line RIGHT hand joined with partner and LEFT hand with partner’s 1st corner. 2nd and 3rd couples turn the long way round to places.

17 – 24 Balance in line RIGHT ROUND or THE SPOKE (clockwise)
(Note: Everyone is dancing for 8 Pas de Basque steps. Only 1st couple move round, the other dancers set diagonally across the set when hands are not joined diagonally (1st couple may use skip change of step on last bar).)
1st couple retaining partner’s RIGHT hand throughout,
 balance in line with partner’s 1st corner,
 move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
 balance in line with 2nd corner,
 move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
 balance in line with 1st corner,
 move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
 balance in line with partner’s 2nd corner,
 1st couple drop hands and dance into 2nd place own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Aad L.M. Boode, Delft, 1994)

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No Video

Don’t Make Me Stop, I’ll Get Lost
Rhonda Raye, RSCDS Atlanta Branch Celebrating 40 Years of Dancing Memories
32-bar reel for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple crosses down as 2nd couple steps up (no hand given).

3 – 4 1st couple turns 2nd couple three-quarter way round by left hand women’s side and right hand on the men’s side. All finish in a line across facing down, 1st man with his partner on his right.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples in line dance down the middle for 4 bars and on bar 7 1st couple takes the lead with 2nd couple behind still facing down.

9 – 12 2nd couple followed by 1st couple dance up to finish 2nd couple in first place on own sides and 1st couple in second place on opposite sides.

13 – 20 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies chain.

21 – 24 1st couple dance a half turn and twirl while the 2nd and 3rd couples change places on the side and then set for one bar to that person just passed and then set for one bar across the set to partner finishing 3, 1, 2.

25 – 32 All three couples circle six hands round and back.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Note: The figures “down the middle and up” and “ladies chain” fall across phrases.

Devised by Rhonda Raye in memory of Jane Thomaston, known as “Grandma Jane” to many of her dancing friends.

Music: Eileen Watts Reel by Luke Brady.

No Video

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.

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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

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Video: The Merchant City

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)

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Video: Campbell’s Frolic

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)

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: A Trip to the Drakensberg

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.

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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.

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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.

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Video: King’s Croft

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)

Repeat once, ending with Tulloch turn

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: A Glasgow Welcome

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.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Niall Bootland.

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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.

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

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.

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Video: The Dream Catcher

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.

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Miss Milligan’s Strathspey

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.

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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.

Repeat having passed a couple

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Midsummer Common

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.

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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.

Repeat having passed a couple

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

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

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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