Category Archives: Dance Season

Dances taught for a specific session

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Dances for August 7, 2014

Friday Night Reel
32 bar reel for 3 couples

1-8        1st couple lead down the middle for three steps and back for three steps and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7 & 8

9-16    1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across and left hands back

17-24    1st couple dance a figure of eight by dancing between 2nd couple to begin.

25-32    2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat having passed a couple

Bob McMurtry – Dragonfly

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle
(pronounced ave-an-soo-ee)
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four couples longwise set

1-4        1st and 2nd couples set, with nearer hands joined, then 1st couple  cast off to second place while 2nd couple, giving nearer hands, dance up and cast into top place

5-8        1st couple turn 1-1/2 times with the left hand to face their first corners.

9-10    1st couple set to first corners.

11-14    1st couple pulling right shoulder back, cast through partners’s 1st corner position, then curve to their right, 1st woman dancing up the set between the 3rd couple and 1st man dancing down the set between the 2nd couple. Meanwhile, on bar 11, 2nd man and 3rd woman dance towards each other, on bar 12 they turn each other once round with the right hand, then dance back to 1st corner position.

15-16    1st couple turn once round with the right hand to face their 2nd corners.

17-18    1st couple set to second corners.

19-22    1st couple pulling right shoulder back, cast through partner’s 2nd corner position, then curve to their right, passing through second place on their own side on bar 22. Meanwhile, on bar 19 3rd man and 2nd woman dance towards each other, on bar 20, they turn each other once round with the right hand, then dance back to 2nd corner’s position.

23-24    1st couple, cross giving right hands to finish facing out in second place on the opposite sides of the set

25-32    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance a reel of 3 on the opposite side, with 1st couple passing their first corners by the right shoulder to begin. On bars 31-32, 1st woman crosses up to second place and 1st man crosses down to second place on their own sides, while 2nd and 3rd couples finish the rels.

Devised by Deirre MacCuish Bark, Mississauga, written on the Isle of Harris: October 2012 Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, Isle of Harris, was build in1867 by the Earl of Dunmore.

The Thistle and the Columbine
8×32 Jig

1-8        1st couple set and cast off one place, 2nd couple step up on bars 3 & 4. 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across once round, the first couple finish facing theri first corners

9-16    1st couple dance the track of a reel of four to finish back to back in the center of the dance in second place facing theri own sides while 2nd and 4rd couples dance rights and lefts.

17-24    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance double triangles, the 1st couple finishing in the centre of the dance facing down on their own side with nearer hands joined.

25-32    1st couple with nearer hands joined down between 3rd couple, cast up one place to meet in the centre of the dance facing up and with nearer hands joined dance up between the 2nd couple and cast off one place.

This dance wasd devised by Miss janet Renton on August 2007 for a forthcomming visit to Colorado, USA. The dance was named after the emblem of Scotland and the Columbine flower with is the stat flower of Colorado, USA

Craigleith
88-bar reel for four couples in a square set

1-8    1st and 3rdc ouples dance rights and lefts. 1st and 3rd men finish facing out.

9-16    1st adn 3rd coupels dance a ladies’ chain

17-32    2nd and 4th couples repeat bars 1-16

33-36    All four women advance and retire.

37-40    All four women dance right hands across, finish facing out.

41-48    All four women dance clockwise all the way rounf the outside of the set, dancing behind partners to begin.

49-52    All four men advance and retire

53-56    All four men dance left hands across, finish facing out.

57-64    All four men dance anti-clockwise all the way round the outside of the set, dancing behind partners to begin.

65-70    1st and 3rd couples, taking promenade hold, dance round the inside of the set to original places, men passing by the left.

71-72    1st and 3rd couples set, facing into the centre.

73-78    2nd and 4th couples taking promenade hold, dance round the inside of the set to original places, women passing by the right.

79-80    2nd and 4th couples set, facing inwards

81-88    All four couples dance eight hands round and back.

Devised by Roy Goldring for Dorothy Leurs
RSCDS 3rd Graded Book

Dances for July 24, 2014

PURDY PINK BAND SHOES    
32-bar jig for two couples in a three or four-couple longwise set                by Elaine Hoag

1–2         1st and 2nd couples set advancing to join right hands with partners, 1st woman and 2nd man joining left hands in balance-in-line formation.

3–4        1st and 2nd couples balance in line.

5–6        1st and 2nd couples turn partners with the right hand half way round.

7–8        1st man and 2nd woman turn with the left hand three quarters of the way round while 1st woman and 2nd man dance clockwise one quarter of the way round them to finish facing partners in a line across the dance.

9–16    1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the dance. On bars 15-16, 1st woman and 2nd man, having briefly passed left shoulders on bar 14, curve towards the right to finish at the ends of a line of four up and down the middle of the dance. While 1st man and 2nd woman complete the reel by briefly passing left shoulders with one another on bar 16 to face partners. (Fig. 2) All finish in a line up and down the middle of the dance facing partners, women facing up and men facing down. (Fig. 3)

17–24    2nd and 1st couples dance a reel of four up and down the middle of the set.

25–28    2nd and 1st couples set to partners and dance a petronella turn to own sides.

29–32    2nd and 1st couples turn partner with the right hand once round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dedicated to Ardbrae member Deborah Connors who dances in “purdy” hot pink shoes and brings so much energy and joy to her dancing.

Suitable recorded music (6 x 32 bars):
‘Purdy Pink Band Shoes’ by The Music Makars on , Catch the Wind, Track 9.

Hana
Alex Gray, The Tweeddale Collection, Vol. 4
A 32 bar strathspey for three couples in a four couple set

1-8    1st couple cross down giving right hands between the 2nd couple, cast round th e3rd couple on the opposite side, cross giving right hands between the 3rd couple and cast round the 2nd couple to own place

9-16    1st, 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner right hand (4 steps), and then turn left hand.

17-24    1st and 2nd couples dance the helix (Set advancing towards partner and passing by the left shoulder finish back to back, cast by the right round each other towards own position, half turn partner right hand, 1st and 2nd ccouples hald right hands across to finish on own sides)

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

THORNYCROFT    32Reel 2C

1- 8    1M and 2W dance across the set passing their standing partner by the right shoulder and cast, man down and woman up, to changes place.  They turn 1-1/2 times with the right hand to return to places.

9 -16    1W and 2M repeat bars 1 – 8 but pass partner left shoulder before casting.  Thy turn 1-1/2 times with the left hand to return to places.

17-24    1C, joining both hands, slip down the middle and up, finishing in the centre ready for:

25-32    Poussette

Dances for July 17, 2014

The Double Dragon
32bar Reel for 3 couples – Bob McMurtry, Dragon Fly

1-8        1st couple dance a figure of eight on own sides, begin by dancing down between the 2nd couple.

9-16    1st couple lead down the middle and back, 2nd couple step in on bar 16

17-24    1st and 2nd couples dance an Allemande.

25-32    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance a mirror reel of three on the sides. 1St couple begin by dancing between the 3rd couple.

Untitled Dance
32 bar reel for 3 couples, Craig Williams

1-8    1st couple turn with the right hand and stay together right hands joined facing down. 1st couple lead down, cross over and cast up around 3rd couple to 2nd place and dance in to finish back to back facing 1st corners. 2nd couple step up on 3 & 4

9-16    1st couple set to corners and partner. Finish by pulling back right shoulder to face 2nd corner

17-20    1st couple & 2nd corners dance a 1/2 reel of four, at the end 1st couple give left hands to turn to face 1st corners
21-24    1st couple & 1st corners dnace a 1/2 reel of four at the end 1st couple give left hands to turn to 2nd place on own side

25-28    3rd, 1st and 2nd couples chase clockwise 1/2 way round the set
29-32    1st couple turn 1 1/2 times with right hand.

The Hypochondriac’s Delight
A 32 Bar Strathspey for Three Couples
Devised by Claudette Sigg, California Gold

1-6    1st couple cast into 2nd place, while 2nd couple step up. 1St couple dances a half figure of eight around 2nd couple, crossing up to begin and finishing in 2nd place on opposite sides of the dance.

7-8    1st couple dance around each other by the left shoulder, ending facing 1st corner

9-16    1st couple set to corners and partner, and finish back to back in the center of the dance facing 2nd corners

17-20    Giving right shoulder to 2nd corners, 1st couple dance a half reel of three on the side of the dance with their corners

21-24    While corners continue the reel of three on the side, 1st lady crosses up into 1st place on the ladies’ side of the dance and 1st man crosses down into 3rd place in men’s side of the dance; lady casts down and mand casts up into second place on their own sides of the dance, thus completing the second half of the reel

25-28    1st couple dance back to back while 2nd and 3rd couples set twice

29-32    1st couple sets twice while 2nd and 3rd couple dance back to back.

Dancing with Deirdre
32 bar Jig for 2 couples – Bob McMurtry, Dragonfly

1-6    1st woman casts off one place, dances below 2nd couple, across to opposite side, casts up round 2nd man, to end in the middle, behind partner, facing women’s side. Meanwhile 1st man dances down between the 2nd couple, casts right sround 2nd man, to end at the top in the middle facing woman’s side of the dance, his partner behind him

7-8    1st couple set, turning to face down, ending in promenade hild on the last step.

9-16    1st couple dance a reel of three across the dance with the 2nd couple. 1st couple begins by passing left shoulders with 2nd woman and end in the middle, top place, facing down.

17-20    1st couple, releasing hands, dance between the 2nd couple and cast up one place to partner’s side.

21-24    1st couple dance a half figure of eight between the 2nd couple, ending in the middle with both hands joined, 2nd couple step in on the last bar joining both hands.

25-32    1st and 2nd couple dance a poussette

Dances for July 10, 2014

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 coupel cross to opposite side, passing right shoudlers on bars 15-16. 1st man face out.

17-24    2nd and 1st couple danc eLadies Chain

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

29-32    1st coupel turn with left hands once roundand 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

Chesterton or The Spinning Wheel
Strathspey – 2 couples (8×32)

1-4    1st and 2nd couples set to each other in the side lines, then set to partner

5-8    1st couple turn right hand once and a half and cast off into 2nd place  on the opposite side while 2nd couple turn right hand once round and lead up into top place.

9-16    1st and 2nd couples dance the Spinning Wheel: 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and back with the left: on bar 2 and again on bar 4 women cast behind men and rejoin the wheel, and on bar 5 and again on bar 7 men cast behind women and rejoing the wheel. All finish this movement where they began it.

17-24    1st and 2nd couples dance ladies chain.

25-28    1st couple dance half a figure of eight through 2nd couple

29-32    1st couple rith right hand once round

Jackie Johnstone – Loreburn Dances – Book 2

Claymore and  Thistle
32Reel for 2 Couples – Bob McMurtry 1998

1-8    1st couple followed by the 2nd couple lead down the middle and back. 2Nd couple separate and follow as 1st couple lead back to the top.

9-12    1st and 2nd couples cross giving right hands with partners and set.

13-16    1st and 2nd couples petronella into the middle and set to partners. Men are facing down and women are facing up.

17-24    1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four in the middle. 1st woman and 2nd man pass right shoulders on bar 24 to face partner

25-28    Both couples petronella turn to own sides and set.

29-32    1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across hld way and turn partner by th eright hand back to own side.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Last Exit to Soquel, 32J 3C (4C Set)
Paula Jacobson, Devil’s Quandry

1-8        1st couple dacne a figure of eight on their owne sides, start by passing right shoulder with 2nd couple person

9-16    1st couple dance a right shoudler reel of three on the sides of the dance, passing right shoudler with 2nd couple to begin.

17-24    1st couple lead down the middle and back.

25-32    1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette

Dances for July 3, 2014 – California Night

Cross Links, 32J 4C (4C Set)
Gary Thomas, The San Andreas Collection

1-2        1st couple turn right hands hald way moving down themiddle while 4th couple do the same moving up; 2nd couple step up and 3rd coupel step down.

3-4        1st and 4th couples right hands across hald way to the end on the sides of the set, 1st man with 4th woman, and 1st woman with 4th man, retaining right hands.

5-8        1st and 4th couples half turn, then pass nearest corner by the left shoulder and dance around and in to join right hands across, join nearer hands with corners.

9-12    All set and link, 2nd and 3rd couples end left hands joined across

13-16    2nd and 3rd couples dance left hands across once round while: 1st and 4th couples dance clockwise half way round the outside, turning back over right shoulder to join the 2nd and 3rd couples.

17-20    All set and link, 2nd and 3rd couples end facing clockwise.

21-24    1st and 4th couples dance left hands across once round to end on the sides of the set, 1st man with 4th woman and 1st woman with 4th man retaining left hands while: 2nd and 3rd couples dance clockwise half way round the outside an remain facing clockwise.

25-28    1st and 4th couples half turn, then pass nearest corner by the right shoulders and dance around and in to finish left hands joined across while: 2nd and 3rd couples dance clockwise into the middle – women from the sides, men from the ends – to dance left hands across hlaf way to the opposite corner.

29-32    1st and 4th couples left hands across half way, then cross with left hands with partner to sides of set.

The Flourish, 32S 3C (4C Set)
Tim Wilson, Measures of Pleasure

1-8        1st couple turn with both hands once round to face up and cast off once place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4. 1st couple turn one and a half times with right hands to flow into:

9-16    Reels of three across the dance: 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple. 1st woman gives right shoulder to 2nd woman to begin, 1st man gives right shoulder to 3rd man to begin. 1st couple finish in the center back to back facing first corners.

17-20    1st couple with first corners set advancing, pass by and pull back right shoulders to face at theend of bar 18, and change places with right hands; 1st couple finish by pulling back right shoulders for:

21-24    Left hands across: 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple. On bar 24,1st couple pass right shoulders to face second corners.

25-28    1st couple repeat bars 17-20 with second corners.

29-32    Left hands across: 1st couple with their corners. On bar 32, 1st couple pass right shoulders to finish in second palce on own side inside the setlines ready to repeat. at the end of their second time through, th e”old” 1st couple may repeat bars 1-4 as the new 1st couple starts.

Kittens in the Hoose, 32R 3C (4C Set)
Bob McMurtry

1-8        1st couple leads down the middel for three bars and back for three, cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7 & 8

9-16    1st couple dance right hands across, 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple, passing irght shoulders in the middle to dance

13-16    1st couple left hands across, 1st man with 2nd couple, 1st woman with 3rd couple, passing left shoulders to end facing first corners.

17-24    1st couple set to first corners, then to each other across the set. 1st couple set to second corners, then to each other up and down the set. Petronella turn to own side.

25-32    1st couple dances down between 3rd couple and cast up. 1st couple then dances up between 2nd couple and casts off, ending in second place.

Last Exit to Soquel, 32J 3C (4C Set)
Paula Jacobson, Devil’s Quandry

1-8        1st couple dacne a figure of eight on their owne sides, start by passing right shoulder with 2nd couple person

9-16    1st couple dance a right shoudler reel of three on the sides of the dance, passing right shoudler with 2nd couple to begin.

17-24    1st couple lead down the middle and back.

25-32    1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette

Dances for June 26, 2014

Auld Friends Meet, 32S 3C (3C Set)
Roy Goldring, Auld Friends Meet

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

5-6        1st couple and 1st corners set – 1st couple advance and pass left shoudlers, finish back to back with partner.

7-8        1st couple turn 1st corners with both hands (about 3/4 turn) opening out for:

9-12    Four hands round to the left. Corners return to place; 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing down; 1st man finishes between 3rd couple facing up.

13-16    Repeat bars 5-8 with 2nd corners.

17-20    Four hands round to the left. Corners return to palce; 1st couple finish in 2nd place on the opposite side of the dance.

21-24    1st couple set; advancing on bar 22, and turn with both hands to finish facing up, lady on the left of her partner.

25-30    Reels of three on the side. To begin: 1st couple dance up; 2nd couple dance out and down (but do not cast); 3rd couple dance out and up (but do not cast).

31-32    1st couple cross to 2nd place on their own side.

Note: At the end of bars 8 and 16, 1st couple have their corners on their right.

Barren Rocks of Aden, 32R 3C (4C Set)
John Mitchell, Whetherly Book 15

1-2        1st couple cast off into second place
3-4        1st couple cross giving left hand to face 1st corners.
5-6        1st couple change places with their 1st corners giving right hand
7-8        2nd man & 3rd woman (1st corners) turn 3/4 with the left hand to face their partners

9-10    2nd and 3rd couples change places with partner giving right hand
11-12    2nd woman & 3rd man turn (2nd corners) turn with the left hand 3/4 to face the 1st couple
13-14    1st woman with 3rd man & 1st man with 2nd woman, change places givign right hand.
15-16    1st couple turn with the left hand to finish back to back, 1st woman facing up, 1st man facing down, 2nd & 3rd men face down, 2nd & 3rd woman face up.

17-24    Ruptured Triangles:
17-18    All join nearer hands in triangle formation and set
19-22    1st woman dances up and casts off into 2nd place on own side, whilst the 1st man dances down and casts up into 2nd place on own side, they pass by the left to finish to finish back to back in the center of the set, 1st man facin gthe women’s side and 1st woman facing the men’s side; At the same time 2nd and 3rd couples dance half right and lefts giving right hands on teh sides to commence;
23-24    1st man joins hands with the 3rd couple on the women’s side and 1st woman joins hands with 2nd couple on the men’s side in triangle formation.

25-28    1st couple dance a hlaf reel of four with the 2nd woman & 3rd man, who are in 1st corner positions; 1st couple finish in 2nd place on own side facing out.

29-32    half reels of three on own side of the set, to commence the 1st and 3rd man pass by the right, as do the 1st and 2nd women; 1st coupel finish in 2nd place facing out ready to start again.

Repeat from 2nd place, the 1st coupel finish in 2nd place facing out and cast to the foot as the next couple starts.

The Black Craig of Dee, 32R 2C (4C Set)

1-4        1st woman casts off one place and crosses to below 2nd man, while 1st man follows, crossing, casting off and ending below 2nd woman (2nd couple step up on 3-4)

5-8        1st man casts off one place and crosses to below 3rd man, while 1st woman follows, crossing, casting off and ending below 3rd woman (3rd couple move up on 7-8)

9-14    All six dancers follow each other round once counter-clockwise to where the started

15-16    1st couple lead up to face 1st corners (3rd couple move down)

17-24    1st couple set to and turn corners, ending between them.

25-26    Taking hands at the sides, all set.

27-28    1st couple turn each other half way round by the right hand, while 2nd and 3rd set again.

29-32    1st couple continue their turn and 2nd and 3rd couples taking partners by the right hand all turn once ot own sides.

Border Lassies, 32J 3C (4C Set)
Roy Goldring, Auld Friends Meet

1-4        1st couple cross giving right hands, cast off one place and meet in the center of the dance left shoulder to left shoulder

5-8        1st woman dances right hands across with the 3rd couple; 1st man dances right hands across with the 2nd couple. At the end of bar 8 1st couple pass left shoulders.

9-12    1st woman cast up on own side  and dances down in the center; 1st man casts down and dances up the center. They meet left shoulder to left shoulder in the center of the dance.

13-16    1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd and 3rd men; 1st man dances right hands across with 2nd and 3rd women.

17-18    1st couple give left hands to partner and right hand to 1st corners – all balance in line.

19-22    1st couple turn with left hand (about 1 1/4 times) to finish between 2nd corners.

23-24    Balance in line with 2nd corners.

25-30    Reels fo three across the dance – 1st woman wiht 3rd couple, 1st man with 2nd couple. To begin 1st and 2rd women (also 1st and 2nd men) pass left shoulders.

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

Dances for June 19, 2014

THE CHINOOK  (J4x48)  4C set          (3rd & 4th Couples start on opp sides)                               John Drewry, Greenburn Book

1-4          1s+2s and 3s+4s dance RH across once round 2s+3s stay facing out

5-6          1s cross down to 2nd place as 2s cast to top place, 4s cross up as 3s cast to bottom

7-8          1W+2M turn RH, 1M+2W turn LH ¾ to line of 4 across the set (1s facing down, 2s up), 3s & 4s dance similarly (4s face up, 3s down on ends)

9-12        All set, turn ends into the middle

13-16     All set and ½ turn 1s & 4s back into the middle

17-24     1M & 4W dance figure of 8 on womans’ side and partners dance figure of 8 on mans’ side; 1s finish in promenade hold facing each other between end couples

25-32     1s dance reel of 3 across the dance with 2s, LSh to 2nd W and 4s dance reel of 3 with 3s, LSh to 3W

33-38     1s+4s approach up & down, join hands with person opp and dance out sides back to places at bar 32

39-40     1s dance down middle to 4th place between 3s, 2s dance into join hands at top as 4s dance up to join end of lines with 2s all facing down

41-44     All dance down in lines of 4, on bar 4 2s draw 4s into the middle below them as they turn to face up (1s & 3s dance similarly)

45-48     2s, 4s, 1s, 3s dance up and out to sides

The Iron Man, 32S 3C (4C Set)
John Drewry

1-4        The couple in top place (i.e. 1st couple initially) dance down crossing over to third palce on opposite sides, the cast up to second place. The couple in second place (i.e. 2nd couple initially) set to one another then dance dwon crossing over to third place on opposite sides and stay facing out. The couple in third place (i.e. 3rd couple initially) cast up to the top place and set to one another

5-12    All repeat bars 1-4 twice from new positions. All are now back in original places.

13-16    Repeat bars 1-4 once again, but, at the end, 1st couple dance in to face second corner positions, and 3rd couple cross over to top place on opposite sides. 2nd lady and 3rd man stay facing out.

17-20    1st couple dance half diagonal reel of four with their second corners, and at the end 1st couple pass one another by the left to face first corner positions.

21-24    1st couple dance half diagonal reel of four with their first corners, and at the end 1st couple finish left shoulder to left shoulder with 1st lady facing down and 1st man facing up.

25-28    1st man dances right hands across with 2nd and 3rd ladies on the ladies’ side and at the end 2nd lady and 1st man stay facing up. Meanwhile 1st lady dances right hands across with 2nd and 3rd men on the men’s side, and at the end 3rd man and 1st lady stay facing down.

29-32    1st man dances 1st man dances left hands across with 2nd couple, while 1st lady dances left hands across with 3rd couple. 1st couple finish in second place on owwn sides

During the crossing on Bars 1-16, I suggest that right hands are used when starting from own sides, and left hand when starting from wrong sides.

Los Molinos – The Windmills, 40R 3C (4C Set)
J. Drewry, The Stoneywood Coll. Vol. 2

1-4        1st couple dance down crossing over towards second place on opposite sides, while 2nd couple dance out and up towards first place on own sides. 1st man and 2nd woman join left hands as soon as convenient and continue turning just over once round, until 2nd woman finishes in first place on her oen side and 1st man finishes in second place on the women’s side. 1st woman and 2nd man, similarly, join right hands and turn until 2nd man finishes in first place on his own side and 1st woman finishes in second place on the men’s side. At the end, 1st couple stay facing out.

5-8        1st man turns 3rd woman with the right hand one and a half times, while 1st woman turns 3rd man with the left hand one and a half times. At the end 3rd couple stay facing out in second place and 1st couple face in in third place.

9-12    1st couple cross up to second place on own sides, while 3rd couple danc eout and down back to original places. 1st and 3rd men turn with the left hand, while 1st and 3rd woman turn with the right hand to bring 1st cople back to second place on own sides, where they face out, and 3rd couple back to original places.

13-16    1st and 2nd men turn with the right hand on and a half times, while 1st and 2nd women turn with the left hand one and a half times to brin gall back to original places.

17-20    1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off to second place on opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21-24    1st woman dances up between 2nd couple crossing over and casts off to second palce on her own side, while 1st man dances down between 3rd couple crossing over and casts up to second place on his own side.

25-28    1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple, while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple.

29-32    1st woman dances left hands across with 3rd couple, while 1st man dances left hands across with 2nd couples. At the end, 2nd woman stays facing out ready to dance down to enter the reel with 1st woman, while 3rd man similarly, stays facing out ready to danc eout and up to enter the reel with 1st man.

33-40    1st woman dances a reel of three across the dance with 2nd couple beginning by giving left shoulder to 2nd man, while 1st man dances a reel of three across the dance with 3rd couple beginning by giving left shoulder to 2rd woman.

Dances for June 12, 2014

SKIPPIN’ BARFIT THRO’ the HEATHER
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set by Barbara Anglin

1–8         1st couple, giving right hands, cross to opposite sides and cast off behind 2nd couple who step up on bars 3-4. 1st couple cross down between 3rd couple and cast up behind them to second place on own sides.

9–12    1st couple dance right hands across with the couple on their right; i.e. 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple. 1st couple finish in the middle, left shoulder to left shoulder.

13–16    1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a snake pass, as follows:
1st man, followed by 3rd couple, dances out to the women’s side and up, across the top of the set, and down to second place on his own side.  Meanwhile, 1st woman, followed by 2nd couple, dances out to the men’s side and down, across the bottom of the set, and up to second place on her own side. The two ‘snakes’ pass by the left.  All finish on own sides in order 3, 1, 2 with women facing up and men facing down.

17–24    All chase counter clockwise round the set. On bar 24, all dance into the middle to take promenade hold, facing up.

25–32    3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

As I was walkin’ doon yon hill, O but she was neatly dressed,
It was on a summer’s evening, She neither needed hat nor feather,
T’was there I met a bonnie lass, She was a queen amang them a’,
Skippin’ barfit throw the heather. Skippin’ barfit throw the heather.

“Skippin’ Barfit Thro’ the Heather”, traditional Scottish folk song

While the traditional song tune is not a jig, I thought that jig tempo better suited my image of
“skipping barefoot through the heather.”   BA

RASCAL FAIR (S6x32) 2C (3C set)
G Thomas From the Redwood Forest
1-4        1s cross RH and cast off 1 place to face up with NH joined, while 2s set and dance up 1 place to face down with NH joined
5-6        1s+2s set
7-8        1s+2s change places with partner, W turning counterclockwise under arm on bar 7; change to RH in RH and turn 1⁄2 way on bar 8, 1M face down and 1W face up
9-10    W turn LH 3⁄4 to end 1 place clockwise (1W face up, 2W down) while M dance 1 place clockwise
11-12     M turn LH 3⁄4 to end 1 place clockwise and face in while W dance one place clockwise
13-16     Repeat bars 5-8 to end in a line in the middle 1s above 2s women in the middle
17-24     1⁄2 reel of 4, set and 2s turn RH to own sides while 1s turn LH to own sides
25-32     2s+1s poussette

Barren Rocks of Aden, 32R 3C (4C Set)
J. MItchell, Wheatherly Book 15
1-2        1st couple cast off into second place
3-4        1st couple cross giving left hand to face 1st corners.
5-6        1st couple change places with their 1st corners giving right hand
7-8        2nd man & 3rd woman (1st corners) turn 3/4 with the left hand to face their partners

9-10    2nd and 3rd couples change places with partner giving right hand
11-12    2nd woman & 3rd man turn (2nd corners) turn with the left hand 3/4 to face the 1st couple
13-14    1st woman with 3rd man & 1st man with 2nd woman, change places givign right hand.
15-16    1st couple turn with the left hand to finish back to back, 1st woman facing up, 1st man facing down, 2nd & 3rd men face down, 2nd & 3rd woman face up.

17-24    Ruptured Triangles:
17-18    All join nearer hands in triangle formation and set
19-22    1st woman dances up and casts off into 2nd place on own side, whilst the 1st man dances down and casts up into 2nd place on own side, they pass by the left to finish to finish back to back in the center of the set, 1st man facin gthe women’s side and 1st woman facing the men’s side; At the same time 2nd and 3rd couples dance half right and lefts giving right hands on teh sides to commence;
23-24    1st man joins hands with the 3rd couple on the women’s side and 1st woman joins hands with 2nd couple on the men’s side in triangle formation.

25-28    1st couple dance a hlaf reel of four with the 2nd woman & 3rd man, who are in 1st corner positions; 1st couple finish in 2nd place on own side facing out.

29-32    half reels of three on own side of the set, to commence the 1st and 3rd man pass by the right, as do the 1st and 2nd women; 1st coupel finish in 2nd place facing out ready to start again.

Repeat from 2nd place, the 1st coupel finish in 2nd place facing out and cast to the foot as the next couple starts.

The Black Craig of Dee, 32R 2C (4C Set)
H. Foss

1-4        1st woman casts off one place and crosses to below 2nd man, while 1st man follows, crossing, casting off and ending below 2nd woman (2nd couple step up on 3-4)

5-8        1st man casts off one place and crosses to below 3rd man, while 1st woman follows, crossing, casting off and ending below 3rd woman (3rd couple move up on 7-8)

9-14    All six dancers follow each other round once counter-clockwise to where the started

15-16    1st couple lead up to face 1st corners (3rd couple move down)

17-24    1st couple set to and turn corners, ending between them.

25-26    Taking hands at the sides, all set.

27-28    1st couple turn each other half way round by the right hand, while 2nd and 3rd set again.

29-32    1st couple continue their turn and 2nd and 3rd couples taking partners by the right hand all turn once ot own sides.

Dances for June 5, 2014

The Maryland Strathspey, 32S 2C (2C RR)
Jackie Johnstone, Loreburn Dances, Vol. 3

1-4        With nearer hands joined, set to the opposite couple and turn them with both hands, maintaining nearer hands to face partners

5-8        Set and turn partners with both hands

9-16    Two couples give right hands across (4 steps) and back by the left hand

17-24    Ladies Chain

25-32    Couple facing clockwise: Set to partner (2) turn partner right hands (2) lead through oncoming couple (2) and turn each other right hands (2) finish facing new couple. Couple facing anti-clockwise: lead through opposite couple (2) turn partner right hands (2) set to partner (2) turn partner right hands

Burnt Potato, 40J 3C (4C Set)
W. Mitchell, Whetherly SCD Sheets

1-2        1st couple cross over giving right hand
3-4        1st couple cast off into 2nd place; the second couple step up.

5-8        The 1st lady dances up to the top between the 2nd couple crossing back to her own side, cast off behind the 2nd lady and dances in to pass her partner by the left shoulder and finish facing the second man. At the same time the 1st man crosses over and casts up to the top behind the 2nd man; he then dances in to pass his partner by the left shoulder and fin ish facing the 2nd lady.

9-16    The 1st and second couples dance a reel of four across the set. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, on the wrong side, facing down.

17-24    1st couple dance down the middle and back.

25-32    1st and 2nd couples dance a double figure of eight. To start the first couple lead up crossing over to own side, whilst the 2nd couple cast off. The 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides, facing in, and the 2nd couple finish in top place on own side, facing out.

33-38    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. The first couple dancing down between the 3rd couple to start

39-40    1st couple cross back to own side giving right hand in passing.

 

Mrs. Jappy’s Measure
32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples

1-4        1st and 2nd couple set, 1st and 2nd ladies, taking nearer hands dance between the men and cast into their partner’s place while the 1st and 2nd men dance across the set and curve towards each other into their partner’s place

5-8        1st couple turn with right hand 1 1/2 times, moving down the set to finish on own sides in 2nd place while the 2nd couple cross with left hand and cast up one place.

9-12    All 3 couples advance one step and retire one step. 1st couple turn two hands just over half a turn and both pulling right shoulder back finish facing 1st corners

13-14    1st couple dance round 1st corners to finish man between 3rd couples facing up, lady between 2nd couple facing down while 2nd man and 3rd lady advance one step and retire one step on the diagonal

15-16    All three couples set in lines across the dance.

17-20    All 3 couples advance one step and retire one step. 1St couple turn two hands just over half a turn and both pulling right shoulder back finish facing 2nd corners.

21-22    1st couple dance around 2nd corners to finish in 2nd place on opposite sides while 3rd man and 2nd lady advance one step and retire one step on the diagonal.

23-24    All three couples set on the sidelines.

25-30    1st man dances a reel of three across with 3rd couple, 1st lady dances a reel of three across with 2nd couple.

31-32    1st couple cross giving left hand to finish on own sides in 2nd place.

Repeat having passed a couple

Tune: Muriel Johnstone’s Compliments to Ruth Jappy (Muriel Johnstone)

Dance devised by Bill Zobel as a tribute to Ruth Jappy of Delta, Vancouver, who has for decades been one of the world’s leading ambassadors for Scottish Country Dancing and its music.

 

The Radical Road (new dance)
Dancers stand facing partner, each couple on one side of a square. A’s with partners on right
1st couple with back to the music others numbered clockwise round the set
FIRST CHORUS
Taking 32 walking steps, A’s dancing anti-clockwise, B’s clockwise, pass partner right shoulder, next
person left shoulder, and continue weaving until you meet partner on opposite side of the square. Turn
partner right hand once round and face them. Passing partner right hand, next person left shoulder,
continue weaving until you meet partner back in place and turn into waltz hold facing across.
1st and 3rd couples dance eight slip steps to change places the A’s passing back to back.
1st and 3rd couples dance eight slip steps to change back the B’s passing back to back.
Side couples repeat this crossing and back
DANCE
1st and 3rd A’s step into middle and dance their own style of dance for 8 bars of music, while others
circle to the left for 6 slip steps, cross right foot over left to pivot facing back and chase back to place
1st A’s with partner, 2nd B’s and 4th A’s dance a left hand wheel then a right hand wheel while at the
same time 3rd A’s with partner, 2nd A’s and 4th B’s dance a left hand wheel then a right hand wheel
and finish with 2nd and 4th middle
2nd and 4th A’s dance their own style of dance for 8 bars of music, while others circle to the left for
6 slip steps, cross right foot over left to pivot facing back and chase back to place
4th A’s with partner, 1st B’s and 3rd A’s dance a left hand wheel then a right hand wheel while at the
same time 2nd A’s with partner, 1st A’s and 3rd B’s dance a left hand wheel then a right hand wheel
and finish 1st and 3rd B’s in middle
Repeat with 1st and 3rd B’s in middle
Repeat with 2nd and 4th B’s in middle and all finish in waltz hold facing centre
SECOND CHORUS
1st and 3rd couples dance eight slip steps to change places the A’s passing back to back. 1st and 3rd couples dance eight slip steps to change back the B’s passing back to back. Side couples repeat this crossing and back Taking 32 walking steps, A’s dancing anti-clockwise, B’s clockwise, pass partner right shoulder, next person left shoulder, and continue weaving until you meet partner on opposite side of the square. Turn
partner right hand once round and face them. Passing partner right hand, next person left shoulder, continue weaving until you meet partner back in place and turn into waltz hold facing across

 

Los Molinos – The Windmills, 40R 3C (4C Set)
J. Drewry, The Stoneywood Coll. Vol. 2

1-4        1st couple dance down crossing over towards second place on opposite sides, while 2nd couple dance out and up towards first place on own sides. 1st man and 2nd woman join left hands as soon as convenient and continue turning just over once round, until 2nd woman finishes in first place on her oen side and 1st man finishes in second place on the women’s side. 1st woman and 2nd man, similarly, join right hands and turn until 2nd man finishes in first place on his own side and 1st woman finishes in second place on the men’s side. At the end, 1st couple stay facing out.

5-8        1st man turns 3rd woman with the right hand one and a half times, while 1st woman turns 3rd man with the left hand one and a half times. At the end 3rd couple stay facing out in second place and 1st couple face in in third place.

9-12    1st couple cross up to second place on own sides, while 3rd couple danc eout and down back to original places. 1st and 3rd men turn with the left hand, while 1st and 3rd woman turn with the right hand to bring 1st cople back to second place on own sides, where they face out, and 3rd couple back to original places.

13-16    1st and 2nd men turn with the right hand on and a half times, while 1st and 2nd women turn with the left hand one and a half times to brin gall back to original places.

17-20    1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off to second place on opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21-24    1st woman dances up between 2nd couple crossing over and casts off to second palce on her own side, while 1st man dances down between 3rd couple crossing over and casts up to second place on his own side.

25-28    1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple, while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple.

29-32    1st woman dances left hands across with 3rd couple, while 1st man dances left hands across with 2nd couples. At the end, 2nd woman stays facing out ready to dance down to enter the reel with 1st woman, while 3rd man similarly, stays facing out ready to danc eout and up to enter the reel with 1st man.

33-40    1st woman dances a reel of three across the dance with 2nd couple beginning by giving left shoulder to 2nd man, while 1st man dances a reel of three across the dance with 3rd couple beginning by giving left shoulder to 2rd woman.

Dances for May 22, 2014

 

The Leccamore Jig, 32J 3C (4C Set)
Janet Brayson, The Leeds Golden Coll.

1-8        1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reel of three on own sides. 1st and 2nd men pass right shoulders to begin whilst 1st and 2nd women pass left shoulders. All giving nearer hands to partners whenever possible.

9-12    1st man dances across and down behind 2nd woman as she steps up on bars 11-12, whilst 1st woman dances diagonally down between 2nd couple, and cast up round 2nd man.
13-16    1st and 2nd couples set diagonally and dance half right hands across

17-20    1st man dances diagonally down between 2nd couple’s place and cast up to 1st woman’s place as 2nd man steps down whilst 1st woman now in second placecrosses over and cast up to 1st man’s place.
21-24    1st and second couple set diagonally and dance half right hands across.

25-28    1st couple dance up between 2nd couple now at the top and cast into second place.
29-32    1st man turns 3rd man with right hand as 1st womanturns 3rd woman eith the left hand once round.

 

Quidenham, 32S 5C (5C Set)
Roy Goldring, Auld Friends Meet

1-4        1st and 3rd couples dance in, touch nearer hands as they face up and cast off one place. 2nd and 4th couples step up on bars 3-4.
5-8        Right hands across: 1st woman with 2nd couple, 1st man and 3rd woman with 4th couple, 3rd man with 5th couple. 1st and 3rd couples finish in the centre of the dance facing their 1st corners.

Modified Corner Chain with 1st corners
9-10    1st and 3rd couples change places with their 1st corners passing by the right.
11-12    1st and 3rd couples set to partner as 1st corners turn once round wiht left hands.
13-14    1st and 3rd couples repeat bars 9-10 (and corners return to places).
15-16    1st and 3rd couples turn partner with left hands to finish facing their 2nd corners.

Modified Corner Chain with 2nd corners
17-22    1st and 3rd couples repeat bars 9-14 with 2nd corners.
23-24    1st and 3rd couples turn partners with left hands to finish in the opposite sidelines, women facing down and men facing up.

25-26    1st and 3rd couple set to 2nd corners, pulling back left shoulders on bar 26.
27-28    1st and 3rd coules set to 1st corners.
29-32    1st and 3rd couples cross giving right hands and cast off one place. 4th and 5th coule step up on bars 31-32.

 

City of Sterling Reel, 32R 3C (4C set)
Roy Goldring, Auld Friends Meet

Pick-up of snowball chain
1-2        1st & 2nd women (also 1st & 2nd men) change places with right hands
3-4        1st & 3rd women (also 1st & 3rd men) change places with left hands. 2nd couple cross giving left hands and face down.
5-6        1st couple cross giving right hands and face up. 2nd woman & 3rd man (also 2nd man & 3rd woman) change places with right hands.
7-8        1st & 2nd women (also 1st & 2nd men) change places with left hands. 3rd couple at the top, cross giving left hands.
Order now 3, 1, 2 all on opposite sides. No polite turn by 1st woman on bar 8.

9-10    1st couple cross to own sides passing right shoulders to face out.
11-12    1st man & 3rd woman (also 1st woman & 2nd man) turn halfway with right hands. 1st couple face each other on the diagonal (no interweaving)
13-14    1st couple followed by 1st corners, pass by the left on the diagonal (no interweaving).
15-16    1st couple curve into 2nd place on opposite sides. 2nd man & 3rd woman finish in own corner places.

Similar to bars 9-16
17-18    1st couple cross to own sides passing left shoulders to face out.
19-20    1st woman & 3rd man (also 1st man & 2nd woman) turn halfway with left hands. 1st couple face each other on the diagonal.
13-14    1st couple followed by 2nd corners, pass by the right on the diagonal.
15-16    1st couple curve into 2nd place on opposite sides. 2nd woman & 3rd man finish in own corner places.

25-28    All turn partners once round with right hands.
29-32    1st couple dance half figures of eight; 1st woman crossing up between 2nd couple, 1st man crossing down between 3rd cople. Finish in 2nd place on own side.

 

Toad of Toad Hall, 32R 3C (4C Set)
Tom Winter, Dunsmuir Dances

1-8        1st couple set, dance down the middle, cast up around 3rd couple, and turn with right hands a little more that 1/2 way to finish in the middle retaining right hands. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4

9-12    1st couple balance in line with 1st corners. 1st couple turn 1st corners with left hands and advance to finish between 2nd corners, left hands joine with partner.

13-16    1st couple balance in line with 2nd corners. 1st couple turn 2nd corners with right hands to finish in second place on opposite sides.

17-24    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples reels of three. 1st couple give left shoulders to 1st corners to begin. 1st couple cross over with right hands to open sides on bars 23-24.

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

 

 

I’ll mak’ ye fain to follow me, 32J 3C (4C Set)
RSCDS Book 6

1-4        1st woman, followed by 1st man, casts off twoplaces and crosses over o 3rd man’s place, with 1st man in 3rd woman’s place. 2nd and 3rd couples step up on bars 3-4

5-8        1st man, followed by 1st woman, casts up behind 3rd and 2nd woman, and crosses to original place: 1st woman finishes in her place. 2nd and 3rd couples step down on bars 7-8

9-12    1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up.

13-16    1st couple, giving left hands, cross over cast off one place and lead up to face first corners

17-24    1st couple set to and turn corners to finish between them facing first corners.

25-30    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couples pass first corners by the left to begin.

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