Category Archives: Dance Type

Dances by type – reel, strathspey or jig

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Dances for June 18, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Season, Summer 2025, Uncategorized

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: Whigmaleeries

Whigmaleeries
RSCDS Imperial Book of Scottish Country Dances, Vol. 1-3
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set advancing and turn right about on the spot.

5 – 8 1st couple slip down the middle to below 3rd couple and cast up to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 12 2nd couple and 1st woman, 1st man and 3rd couple dance right hands across once round to finish 1st couple left shoulder to left shoulder in the middle of the set.

13 – 16 1st couple dance out and cast to the left around second corners to meet in the middle of the set and, taking promenade hold, face the women’s side.

17 – 20 1st couple with 3rd couple dance a half reel of three across the set. To begin, 1st couple pass 3rd woman by the right and finish in the middle of the set facing up.

21 – 24 1st man with 2nd man and 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd woman and 3rd man dance half reels of three on sides, 1st couple dancing out and up to begin. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing the men’s side in promenade hold, 1st woman on partner’s left.

25 – 28 1st couple with 3rd couple dance a half reel of three across the set at first place. To begin, 1st couple pass 3rd woman by the right and finish in the middle of the set facing down.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd men, 3rd, 1st and 2nd women dance half reels of three on own sides, 1st couple dance out and down to begin and curve in to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Derek Ivory.
Whigmaleerie —a whim, fanciful notion, fad
Scottish National Dictionary Association Ltd, Concise Scots Dictionary, 1985

No Video

The Crooket-Horned Ewie
RSCDS Book 14
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple lead down, cross over below 2nd couple and dance behind 3rd couple into third place on opposite sides, 2nd and 3rd couples step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 2nd couple lead down, cross over below 3rd couple and dance behind 1st couple into third place on opposite sides. 3rd and 1st couples step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 12 3rd couple lead down, cross over below 1st couple, dance behind 2nd couple into third place on opposite sides. 1st and 2nd couples step up on bars 11-12.

13 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving both hands, turn partner one and a half times to own sides.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down, cross over below 2nd couple and dance behind 3rd couple to meet, lead up, crossing over to own sides at the top, and cast off to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

25 – 28 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple, divide and cast up to second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Original tune: The crooket horned Ewie (Gow, 1799)

No Video

Hidden Village
A 32 bar jig for 2 couples
Craig Williams, May 2025

1 – 4 1st couple dance in towards each other and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4
5 – 8 1st couple cross up between 2nd couple and dance a 1/2 figure of eight around 2nd couple.

9 – 16 1st & 2nd couple Four hands across and back. 1st & 2nd men stay facing out.

17 – 24 1st & 2nd couples dance a ladies chain. 1st man stay facing out

25 – 30 1st man, followed by 1st woman, casts to up, around 2nd woman and dances across the top of the set. 1st man casts off on the men’s side to 2nd place, while 1st woman dances down the middle to 2nd place on the women’s side

31 – 32 1st & 2nd couples set.

Some of the native bands fleeing the Mohawk may have ended up in the Matawatchan area. The word Matawatchan meant “hidden village” in the Algonquin language. If the village was hidden then it was hiding from something. Historically, it was most likely hidden from the Mohawks who had driven most of the Algonquin from the Ottawa Valley.

Video: Tiptoe and sway

Tiptoe and sway
John Bayly, Imperial Book Vol. 3
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set (Note)

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn once round. 2nd and 1st couples cast off one place while 3rd couple lead up to first place and face out.

9 – 16 3rd and 1st couples dance a double figure of eight. To begin, 3rd couple cast off and 1st couple cross up between 2nd couple.

17 – 20 3rd couple, giving right hands, turn once round and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples repeat bars 5-8 from new positions, to finish 1st and 2nd couples in the middle facing up and 3rd couple in original places.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by John Bayly.

Note: This may also be danced as a strathspey.

Dances for June 11, 2025

5x32 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Season, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: The Lea Rig

The Lea Rig
Book 21 – No. 5
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 16 1st couple dance a petronella turn to face each other up and down the middle and set. 1st couple repeat this three times to finish in original places. On bars 1-2, 2nd couple step up and, on bars 3-4 set. 2nd couple dance petronella turns and set, following the 1st couple one place behind. On bars 15-16, instead of setting, 2nd couple dance a petronella turn to original places.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round to finish facing partners in a diagonal line across the set with 1st woman and 2nd man back to back in the middle.

29 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance a half poussette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Collected from an old MS.
Original tune: The Lea Rig (Surenne)

TACNotes:’
17-24 1st cpl finish in original places on sidelines.

Video: Push about the Jorum

Push about the Jorum
RSCDS Book 14
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st woman and 3rd man, giving right hands, turn once round, 1st woman finishing in second place on own side and 3rd man in original place. 2nd woman steps up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st man and 3rd woman, giving right hands, turn once round, 1st man finishing in the middle of the set at first place and 3rd woman in original place. 2nd couple and 1st woman step in on bars 7-8.

9 – 16 1st man with 2nd woman, 1st woman with 2nd man dance an allemande. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing down and 1st man between 3rd couple facing up.

17 – 20 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set twice. On bars 19-20, 1st couple turn left about to second place on own sides.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set twice.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Skillern’s compleat Collection of Two Hundred & four Reels and Country Dances c. 1789.
Original tune: Push about the Jorum (from Gow)

No Video

Hidden Village Jig
A 32 bar jig for 2 couples
Craig Williams, May 2025

1 – 4 1st couple dance in towards each other and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4
5 – 8 1st couple cross up between 2nd couple and dance a 1/2 figure of eight around 2nd couple.

9 – 16 1st & 2nd couple Four hands across and back. 1st & 2nd men stay facing out.

17 – 24 1st & 2nd couples dance a ladies chain. 1st man stay facing out

25 – 30 1st man, followed by 1st woman, casts to up, around 2nd woman and dances across the top of the set. 1st man casts off on the men’s side to 2nd place, while 1st woman dances down the middle to 2nd place on the women’s side

31 – 32 1st & 2nd couples set.

repeat having passed a couple

Some of the native bands fleeing the Mohawk may have ended up in the Matawatchan area. The word Matawatchan meant “hidden village” in the Algonquin language. If the village was hidden then it was hiding from something. Historically, it was most likely hidden from the Mohawks who had driven most of the Algonquin from the Ottawa Valley.

Video: A REEL FOR ALICE

A REEL FOR ALICE
A REEL FOR ALICE and OTHER SOCIAL DANCES devised by ROY GOLDRING
32 bar reel for 5 couples

1 – 8 Reels of three on the sides.
To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up.

9 – 16 1st couple dance down the middle and up to the top to finish facing out – still on opposite sides.

17 – 24 1st woman progresses down the men’s side changing places with 2nd man with left hands, 3rd man with right hands, 4th man with left hands and 5th man with right hands (each change takes 2 bars). Similarly, 1st man progresses down the women’s side with right hands, left hands, right hands and left hands. 1st couple finish in 5th place facing out.

25 – 32 2nd couple dance a figure of 8 on own side around 3rd and 4th couples, dancing down between 3rd couple to begin.Meanwhile 1st couple dance a figure of 8 on the opposite side around 5th and 4th couples. 1st couple cast up behind 5th couple to begin and cross down to 5th place on own side on bars 31-32.

Repeat with new top couple.

For Alice Murphy, a good and supportive friend as well as a great dancer and teacher.
Tune: The Harriot (Traditional)

Dances for June 4, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Season, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

Hermann’s Jig
Holly Boyd, A Shortcut to Happiness

32 bar jig for three couples in a longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples chase clockwise halfway round the set. 1st couple finish at the bottom, in the middle, facing up, nearer hands joined

5 – 8 1st couple dance up to the top and cast off, passing left shoulder to finish facing partner’s first corner position (their actual first corner person). 2nd couple step down on 5/6

9 – 20 1st couple Dance to Corners and Set (Courage Reels):
9 – 10 1C & 1st crns pass right, 1st crns pass right with % turn to face 2nd crns while 2nd crns set
11 – 12 1st crns and 2nd crns pass right, 2nd crns pass right with % turn as 1C set
13 – 14 2nd crns and 1C pass right, 1C pass right with % turn to face 4th crn position as 1st crns set
15 – 20 repeat 6 bars until crns are back in place and 1C face 1st crn position

21-24 1st couple dance clockwise right round each other doing a wide spiral out to second place their own side

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

Repeat having passed a couple

I wrote this for Hermann Koeppler just after he passed away. We miss him, especially his corny jokes and the twinkle in his eyes when he told them.

February 2015

No Video

The Bonniest Lass in all the World
RSCDS Book 14 – No. 10
40-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and, giving both hands, turn once round to face down.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd women, 1st and 2nd men set and, giving both hands, turn once round.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle, divide, cast up round 3rd couple to second place and set twice.2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

25 – 28 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance three hands round to the left. On bar 28, 1st couple pass each other by the right.

29 – 32 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance three hands round to the right.On bar 32, 1st couple pass by the left to finish in the middle of the set facing the women’s side, 1st man below his partner.

33 – 40 1st couple lead out between 2nd and 3rd women, 1st woman casting up and 1st man casting down. They meet in the middle of the set, dance out between 2nd and 3rd men and cast as before to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances c. 1755.
Original tune: Miss Coxe’s Strathspey (Mrs Mcintyre)

Video: Tiptoe and sway

Tiptoe and sway
John Bayly, Imperial Book Vol. 3
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set (Note)

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn once round. 2nd and 1st couples cast off one place while 3rd couple lead up to first place and face out.

9 – 16 3rd and 1st couples dance a double figure of eight. To begin, 3rd couple cast off and 1st couple cross up between 2nd couple.

17 – 20 3rd couple, giving right hands, turn once round and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples repeat bars 5-8 from new positions, to finish 1st and 2nd couples in the middle facing up and 3rd couple in original places.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by John Bayly.
Note: This may also be danced as a strathspey.

No Video

Skidaddle Ridge
Gale Cragg, New Brunswick Coll.
32 bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set.

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance back-to-back with partners.

5 – 8 First three couples dance six hands round to the left, ending on the opposite sides of the dance in the order 3-2-1.

9 – 12 2nd and 1st couples dance back-to-back with partners.

13 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across half way round then, retaining partner’s right hand cross to partners’ sides of the dance, to end in order 3-1-2.

17 – 20 1st couple “‘skidaddles,’” 1st woman round 3rd couple, Ist man round 2nd couple. They dance a small step into the middle to face each other then, pulling right shoulder back, they turn and dance out through the space they just left to continue dancing around the person on their right. 1st woman ends facing down between 3rd couple at the top, 1st man facing up between 2nd couple in third place. (Figure 1)

21 – 24 1st couple repeats the ‘‘skidaddle”* to end in second place on their own sides of the dance. (Figure 2)

25 – 38 1st couple with 3rd woman and 2nd man dance half diagonal rights and lefts, the two women and the two men giving right hands to begin.

29 – 32 1st couple with 3rd man and 2nd woman dance half diagonal rights and lefts. 1st woman and 3rd man, and 1st man and 2nd woman giving right hands to begin.

Repeat having passed a couple.

N.B. On bars 25 – 26 and 29 – 30, 1st woman dances diagonally up while Ist man dances
diagonally down.
Dance devised by Gale Cragg, 1982
Suitable recorded music: Old Nick’s Lumber Room

Skidaddle Ridge is almost due east of Florenceville near South Knowlesville in Carleton County.

Skidaddle Ridge Drop Cookies

Skidaddle Ridge, New Brunswick, came by its name because it was a hideout for draft dodgers. The ‘‘Skidaddlers’’ were Democrats who, not in sympathy with the Republican party during the American Civil War, ‘‘skidaddled’’ out of the country. Most of them returned home after the war, but many stayed to settle in New Brunswick and Southern Quebec. These cookies are frequently packed in the lunch boxes carried by hunters of this region.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a baking sheet lightly.

Sift or blend together
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 teaspoon salt

Cream together
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups light packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat in
I egg
1 cup well-drained canned fruit cocktail

Stir in dry ingredients.

Fold in
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Drop batter from a teaspoon about 2 inches apart on a prepared baking sheet.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Makes about six dozen.
The Laura Secord Canadian Cook Book
(Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1966), p. 125.

Dances for May 28, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x40 Strathspey, Dance Season, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

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.

No Video

The Bonniest Lass in all the World
RSCDS Book 14 – No. 10
40-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and, giving both hands, turn once round to face down.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd women, 1st and 2nd men set and, giving both hands, turn once round.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle, divide, cast up round 3rd couple to second place and set twice. 2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

25 – 28 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance three hands round to the left. On bar 28, 1st couple pass each other by the right.

29 – 32 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance three hands round to the right.On bar 32, 1st couple pass by the left to finish in the middle of the set facing the women’s side, 1st man below his partner.

33 – 40 1st couple lead out between 2nd and 3rd women, 1st woman casting up and 1st man casting down. They meet in the middle of the set, dance out between 2nd and 3rd men and cast as before to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances c. 1755.
Original tune: Miss Coxe’s Strathspey (Mrs Mcintyre)

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
Cliff Fryer, 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 21, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: St Margaret’s Loch

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

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Season, Summer, Summer 2025

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

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)

Dances for April 28, 2025

8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance Season, Uncategorized

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Katherine Hamilton

Katherine Hamilton
Delaware Valley Gold
a 32-bar Strathspey for 3 couples ina 4-couple set

1 – 4 1st couple turn once by the right hand, then cast off one place.

5 – 8 1st couple turn 1 1/2 times by the left hand, finishing in 2nd place on opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st, and 3rd couples dance set & link. Repeat. Order is now 3x, 1, 2x.

17 – 18 3rd, 1st, and 2nd couples cross by the right hand.

19 – 20 1st couple cast to their right while supporting dancers advance for one bar and retire for one bar on the diagonal to finish in lines of three across the dance, 1st man between 2nd couple facing up, 1st woman between 3:4 couple facing down.

21 – 22 All change places up and down by the left hand.

23 – 24 1st couple cast to their left while Supporting dancers advance for one bar and retire for one bar on the diagonal. Order is now 2, 1, 3.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples poussette right round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devisor: Kate Nealley, née Katherine Hamilton Prahl, 2019

Music: Katherine Hamilton, by Dave Wiesler
For Kate Neailey.

Video: The Royal Deeside Railway

The Royal Deeside Railway (Reel)
RSCDS Book 40

1 – 4 1st couple, without giving hands, dance down, cross below 3rd couple and cast up to finish in the middle of the set facing 2nd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st couple and 2nd woman dance right hands across once round.

9 – 12 1st couple and 2nd man dance left hands across once round. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing up, with the woman in front of the man.

13 – 16 With 1st woman leading, 1st couple dance up and cast off on own sides round 2nd couple to finish in the middle of the set facing 3rd man.

17 – 20 1st couple and 3rd man dance right hands across once round.

21 – 24 1st couple and 3rd woman dance left hands across once round. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing down, with the woman in front of the man.

25 – 28 With 1st woman leading, 1st couple dance down and cast up on own sides round 3rd couple to second place.

29 – 32 All three couples turn with the right hand once round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised in 1987 by Ron Arrowsmith, Vancouver for the Kerrisdale Community Centre Scottish Country Dance Class.
Tune: On the Fiddle (Copyright J. Hornsby)

TACNotes:’
5–12 1st woman is ahead of her partner in both ‘wheels’. 1st cpl finish in middle below 2nd cpl – approximately at 2nd position.
17–24 1st woman is again ahead of partner in both ‘wheels’, 1st cpl finish in middle at 2nd place, above 3rd cpl.

Dances for April 14, 2025

8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance Season

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: City of Stirling Reel

City of Stirling Reel
RSCDS Book 53
A 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a pick-up chain (snowball chain).
1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples giving right hands, change places on the side.
3 – 4 2nd couple giving left hands cross and face down while 1st and 3rd couples giving left hands, change places on the side.
5 – 6 2nd and 3rd couples giving right hands, change places on the side, while 1st couple giving right hands cross and face up.
7 – 8 3rd couple giving left hands cross while 2nd and 1st couples giving left hands, change places on the side, finishing in the order 3, 1, 2, all on opposite sides. 1st woman omits the polite turn on bars 7 – 8.

9 – 10 1st couple cross to own sides passing by the right and face out.
11 – 12 1st couple and dancers in partner’s first corner positions giving right hands turn halfway and 1st couple face each other on the diagonal.
13 – 14 1st couple followed by the corners pass by the left on the diagonal as they dance across to the opposite side.
15 – 16 1st couple cast into 2nd place on opposite sides, the corners finish in their original positions.

17 – 18 1st couple cross to own sides, passing by the left and face out.
19 – 20 1st couple and dancers in partner’s second corner positions giving left hands turn halfway and 1st couple face each other on the diagonal.
21 – 22 1st couple followed by the corners pass by the right on the diagonal as they dance across to the opposite side.
23 – 24 1st couple cast into 2nd place on opposite sides, the corners finish in their original positions.

25 – 28 All three couples giving right hands turn.
29 – 32 1st couple dance half figures of eight, Ist woman up through the 2nd couple and 1st man down through the 3rd couple, to finish in 2nd place on own side.

Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Roy Goldring, Leeds Branch, 2006.

Video: Cuillins of Skye

Cuillins of Skye
RSCDS FOUR SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES, 1978
(Strathspey)

1 – 2 1st couple cross over giving right hands, while 2nd and 3rd women change places giving left hands and 2nd and 3rd men change places giving right hands, ready for

3 – 8 Reels of 3 on side lines, 1st couple begin by dancing out and down, 3rd couple in and up, 2nd couple out and up.

9 – 10 1st couple cast off one place on opposite side. 3rd couple (now in 2nd place) dance up to the top giving nearer hands.

11 – 14 1st woman crosses up between 3rd couple and casts down into 2nd place, while 1st man crosses down between 2nd couple and casts up into 2nd place on own sides.

15 – 16 1st couple turn each other with left hands 1¼ times ready for

17 – 20 Right hands across, 1st man with 2nd and 1st woman with 3rd couple. All finish on side lines.

21 – 24 Left hands across, 1st man with 3rd and 1st woman with 2nd couple.

25 – 32 Third, first and second couples dance the Knot.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The phrasing for THE KNOT for THREE COUPLES is as follows:

1 – 2 All 3 couples turn partners ½ way round with right hands to finish in the centre, facing down, the women turning clockwise under partner’s arm to allemande position. (Fig.1)

3 – 5 2nd couple followed by 1st and 3rd couples dance up the women’s side of the dance. (Fig. 2)

6 – 8 All couples turn partners with left hands to own sides.

Devised by Roy Goldring 1977

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
3-8 On bar 8, 2nd & 3rd cpls must remember to finish the reel where they started it.

Dances for April 7, 2025

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Dance Season, Reels, Strathspeys, Uncategorized

Ardbrae Dancer of Ottawa

Video: The Cumbrae Reel

The Cumbrae Reel
RSCDS Book 28
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples


1- 8 1s+2s dance ½ R&L, 2s cross RH while 1s dance up to top to form a line of 4 across facing up, 1s+2s set & turn right to face down

9-16 1s+2s dance down in line, turning right about dance back to top 1s ending back-to-back facing in the middle

17-24 1s+2s dance RSh reel of 4 across & 1s end facing 1st corners

25-32 1s turn 1st corners RH, turn partner LH, turn 2nd corners RH & turn partners LH to 2nd place own sides

Tac Notes:
5-6 2nd C cross Rh & 2nd W pulls RSh back to face up, as 1st C approach partner to take nearer hands & dance up.

Manual:
5-6 2nd C give RH in crossing, then 2nd W pulls back RSh to face up on bar 6
9-16 bar 12, all 4 dancers turn round by their right to face up

Video: Jean Martin of Aberdeen

Jean Martin of Aberdeen
RSCDS Three Dances, 2006
(32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple set)

1 – 4 1st couple turn with the right hand and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 All three couples dance six hands round to the left, to finish in lines of three across the dance, women facing down, men facing up.

9 – 12 All set and, giving right hand, change places with partner.

13 – 16 All three couples dance six hands round to the left, to finish in the centre of the dance facing up in the order 3, 1, 2.

17 – 24 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande to finish in the order 2, 1, 3.

25 – 28 1st man and 3rd woman, advancing, set to each other and turn three quarters with both hands. On bar 28, they release hands and turn right about to finish back to back in the centre, man facing down, woman facing up. At the same time 1st woman and 3rd man dance anticlockwise round 1st man and 3rd woman to finish facing partner in a line up and down the dance.

29 – 32 1st and 3rd couples set to partners and turn with both hands to finish on own sides in the order 2, 3, 1.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Note: The figure described in bars 25-32 was devised by the late Robert Campbell of Toronto and is sometimes referred to as a ‘bourrel’.

Devised by: Muriel A Johnstone
Original Tune: Jean Martin of Aberdeen (Muriel A Johnstone)

For Jean Martin, Chairman of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, 2002-2004. The tune was an auction item at Pinewoods Scottish Week, 2004 when the successful bidders presented the tune to Jean.

Dances for March 31, 2025

4x24 Reels, 8x24 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Uncategorized

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.