Category Archives: Dance Season

Dances taught for a specific session

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Dances for February 10, 2025

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

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

No Video

High Lonesome House
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples
Craig Williams, December 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance down the middle, cross over below 3rd couple and cast up to 2nd place. 2nd couple stepping up on bars 3 – 4. 1st man & 3rd woman turn, with the left hand, 1st woman and 3rd man with the right hand, turn once round.

9 – 16 1st couple followed by 2nd couple dance a ½ figure of eight around 3rd couple. 1st couple dancing up to original places. 1st man & 2nd woman turn with the right hand once round, while 1st woman & 2nd man turn with the left hand once round.

17 – 24 1st & 2nd couple Helice,
1-2 1st & 2nd couple ¾ turn partners right hand, to finish in promenade hold, top couple (1st couple) facing men’s side, bottom couple (2nd couple) facing women’s side, forming a line up and down the dance
3-4 1st & 2nd couple promenade ½ way round anticlockwise (not too close together)
5-6 1st & 2nd couple still in promenade hold, turn to finish in middle of set facing partners – 2nd couple above 1st couple, [top couple on own side (2nd couple), bottom couple on opposite side (1st couple)]
7-8 1st & 2nd couple pull back right shoulder and cast into sidelines, 1st couple facing out on opposite sides

25 – 32 Reels of 3 on the sidelines. 1st woman passing right shoulders with 2nd man to begin. 1st man passing right shoulders with 3rd woman to begin. on bar 28 1st couple ½ turn with the left hand to continue the reel on their own side

Back in 1884, William and Mary McWatty and their 7 children, settled on 200 acres near the town of Packenham. They bought their first livestock: 4 cattle, 4 sheep, 2 horses and 1 hog, cleared 50 acres over the ensuing decades and built a working homestead. The land was farmed and logged continuously until 1997 when it was purchased and donated to the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust. The area is now called the High Lonesome Nature Reserve and is slowly being returned to it’s natural state.

Note: The Helice figure is borrowed from the dance A Trip to Ottawa by Malcolm Brown

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for February 3, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Uncategorized

Ardbrae Ball Walk through

Video: ECCLEFECHAN FELINE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

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

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

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

No Video

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

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

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

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

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples Allemande.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Mrs Mary Stoker (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: The Captain’s House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Holly Boyd, Montreal Branch.

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

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple

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

Music: Cock o’ the North

Video: La Tempête

La Tempête (The Tempest)
Reel
RSCDS Book II

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video: CATCH THE WIND

CATCH THE WIND
RSCDS Book 45
(Hornpipe)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Tune: The Navvie, Traditional

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

Video: Strathglass House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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

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

Video: Blue Bonnets

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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

Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

The Reel of the Royal Scots
RSCDS Leaflet
(Reel)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

TACNotes:
17-24 Corners dance for 4 bars.

Dances for January 27, 2025

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

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Bees of Maggieknockater

The Bees of Maggieknockater
John Drewry, RSCDS 30 Popular Dances
A 32-bar jig for four couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across. On bar 8, 3rd woman turns towards 1st man and takes promenade hold facing the woman’s side while 1st woman turns towards 3rd man and takes promenade hold facing the man’s side.

9 – 12 1st man and 3rd woman dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman right shoulder to begin while 1st woman and 3rd man dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man right shoulder to begin. On bar 12, 1st and 3rd men pass right shoulder to take promenade hold with partner, 1st couple facing down and 3rd couple facing up.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man (in 4th place) left shoulder to begin while 3rd couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman (in top place) left shoulder to begin. On bar 16, 1st and 3rd women pass left shoulder to take promenade hold with 3rd and 1st men respectively, 1st woman and 3rd man facing down and 1st man and 3rd woman facing up.

17 – 20 1st woman and 3rd man dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman right shoulder to begin while 1st man and 3rd woman dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man right shoulder to begin. On bar 20, 1st and 3rd men pass right shoulder to take promenade hold with partner, 1st couple facing up and 3rd couple facing down.

21 – 24 1st couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman (in top place) left shoulder to begin while 3rd couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man (in 4th place) left shoulder to begin. 1st couple finish in the centre in 2nd place facing down while 3rd couple finish in original places facing up.

25 – 28 1st man turns 3rd woman left hand one and a half times while 1st woman turns 3rd man right hand one and a half times. 3rd couple finish in 2nd place and 1st couple cross down to 3rd place on their own side.

29 – 32 1st man turns 4th man right hand one and a half times while 1st woman turns 4th woman left hand one and a half times.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Drewry. Published with permission of the Scottish Country Dance Teachers’ Association (Canada).

Original tune: Forres Country Dance by Robert R Gourlay.

Source: The Canadian Book of Scottish Country Dances.

Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

The Reel of the Royal Scots
RSCDS Leaflet
(Reel)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) in 1983.
TACNotes:
17-24 Corners dance for 4 bars.

Dances for January 20, 2025

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

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Australian Ladies

The Australian Ladies
THE GLASGOW ASSEMBLY and other Scottish Country Dances by Bob Campbell. Oakville, Ontario
A reel for three couples

1–4 First couple cross over giving the right hand and cast off two places. Second and third couples step up.

5–8 First and third couples dance right hands across once round, first couple finishing in the middle facing up with right hands joined.

9–12 First couple lead up, cross over and cast off round second couple to finish in second place on own sides. Third couple step down.

13-16 First and second couples dance left hands across once round.

17-20 First couple cross over giving the right hand and cast round first corner’s position to finish, first man between third couple facing up, first woman between second couple facing down. At the same time second and third couples set to partner then cross over giving the right hand, second couple to face down, third couple up. See Figure 1.

21-24 First couple change places giving the right hand and cast round second corner’s position to finish in second place on opposite sides. At the same time second and third men, and women, set to each other then change places giving the right hand to finish facing partner across the dance. See Figure 2 for bars 23-24.

25-28 First couple cross back to own sides giving the right hand and cast round partner’s first corner’s position to finish, first man between third couple facing down, first woman between second couple facing up. At the same time second and third couples set to partner then cross back to own sides giving the right hand, second couple to face up, third couple down. .

29-32 First couple change places giving the right hand and cast round partner’s second corner’s position to finish on own sides in second place. At the same time second and third men, and women, set to each other then change places giving the right hand. (Second woman and third man make a ‘polite’ turn at the end of bar 32.)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: Strathglass House

Strathglass House
RSCDS Book 13 – No. 9
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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

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

Dances for January 13, 2025

8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Spring 2025

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Captain’s House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Holly Boyd, Montreal Branch.To celebrate the engagement of the deviser’s daughter, Leah Nemiroff, to Sacha Vais.

No Video

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

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

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

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

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples Allemande.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Mrs Mary Stoker (Muriel Johnstone)

Dances for January 6, 2025

4x48 Reel, 8x32 Jigs, Ardbrae Spring 2025, Uncategorized

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Pelorus Jack

Pelorus Jack
RSCDS Book 41
(Jig)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Devised by Barry Skelton, New Zealand, 1993.

Tune: Christian Catto (Copyright Deeay Music).

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

Video: La Tempête

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collected locally. Tune: La Tempête.

TACNotes:’
17-29 Set twice to prtnrs.

Dances for December 9, 2024

8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae Fall 2024

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: General Stuart’s Reel

General Stuart’s Reel or
The New Way of Gildon (Reel)
RSCDS Book 10

1 – 4 1st man sets to 2nd woman and casts off one place. 2nd man steps up on bars 3–4.

5 – 8 1st woman sets to 2nd man and casts off to second place. 2nd woman steps up on bars 7–8.

9 – 12 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand then, passing each other by the right shoulder, face second corners.

13 – 16 1st couple turn second corners with the left hand then, passing each other by the right shoulder, face first corners.

17 – 24 1st couple set to first corners, set to each other across the dance, set to second corners, then set to each other up and down the dance and finish man facing up and woman facing down the dance. 1st couple turn by the right throughout.

25 – 30 1st couple dance reels with their corners. 1st couple begin the reels by giving right shoulders to second corners.

31 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over to own sides in second place.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Source: The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749.
Music: The Stuarts’ Rant, Bremner, 1768.

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 9-16 Corners dance two steps when turning.

TACNotes:’
9-16 Corners must dance into middle to meet 1st cpl on bars 9 & 13 then out to places on bars 10 & 14 releasing 1st cpl to face up & down the set.

No Video

The Mill Pond Stroll
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Craig Williams, March 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended Tune: Springtime Bliss by Karen Steven

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

Dances for December 2, 2024

4x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024, Uncategorized

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Bees of Maggieknockater

The Bees of Maggieknockater
John Drewry, RSCDS 30 Popular Dances, Vol. 2
A 32-bar jig for four couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across. On bar 8, 3rd woman turns towards 1st man and takes promenade hold facing the woman’s side while 1st woman turns towards 3rd man and takes promenade hold facing the man’s side.

9 – 12 1st man and 3rd woman dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman right shoulder to begin while 1st woman and 3rd man dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man right shoulder to begin. On bar 12, 1st and 3rd men pass right shoulder to take promenade hold with partner, 1st couple facing down and 3rd couple facing up.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man (in 4th place) left shoulder to begin while 3rd couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman (in top place) left shoulder to begin. On bar 16, 1st and 3rd women pass left shoulder to take promenade hold with 3rd and 1st men respectively, 1st woman and 3rd man facing down and 1st man and 3rd woman facing up.

17 – 20 1st woman and 3rd man dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman right shoulder to begin while 1st man and 3rd woman dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man right shoulder to begin. On bar 20, 1st and 3rd men pass right shoulder to take promenade hold with partner, 1st couple facing up and 3rd couple facing down.

21 – 24 1st couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th women, passing 4th woman (in top place) left shoulder to begin while 3rd couple dance a half reel of three with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man (in 4th place) left shoulder to begin. 1st couple finish in the centre in 2nd place facing down while 3rd couple finish in original places facing up.

25 – 28 1st man turns 3rd woman left hand one and a half times while 1st woman turns 3rd man right hand one and a half times. 3rd couple finish in 2nd place and 1st couple cross down to 3rd place on their own side.

29 – 32 1st man turns 4th man right hand one and a half times while 1st woman turns 4th woman left hand one and a half times.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Drewry. Published with permission of the Scottish Country Dance Teachers’ Association (Canada).

Original tune: Forres Country Dance by Robert R Gourlay.

Source: The Canadian Book of Scottish Country Dances.

Video: Here Comes Santa Claus

Here Comes Santa Claus
By Joyce & Gary Lindsey, Patty Lindsay, and Lee Fuell
A 32bar reel for 3 couples in a 4-couple longwise set.
Recommended Music: Christmas Reels 8×32, from Scottish Christmas Dance
Party recorded by Jim Lindsay and His Band.

1 – 8 1st couple dance down the middle and back, finish in first place facing out.
9 – 16 1st, 2nd, and 3rd couples dance mirror reels on the side, 1st couple starting by going out and down to begin.
17 – 20 1st couple cast into second place while 2nd couple dances up and curves into top place; 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set.
21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partner with right hand.
25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance 6 hands round and back.

Note: The last time through the dance, all 4 couples dance bars 19-32 (25 – 32 will be 8 hands round and back)

Dances for November 24, 2024

3x32 Reels, 3x32 Strathspeys, 64S+64R, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024, Medley, Uncategorized

Ottawa Mini-workshop Session

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

Video: Toshogu Shrine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat the dance from the new positions.

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat from new positions.

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

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

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

57 – 64 All circle round and back

No Video

The Publisher
The Diack Dances
Devised by William Williamson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat from new positions.

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for November 25, 2024

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2024

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: John of Bon Accord

John of Bon Accord
RSCDS Book XXXIII
(Reel)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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

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

Video: Blue Bonnets

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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