Video: Maxwell’s Rant

Maxwell’s Rant
RSCDS Book 18 – No. 10
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 16 1st couple, with 2nd and 3rd couples, dance reels of three on opposite sides and then on own sides. 2nd and 3rd couples remain on own sides throughout.

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Rutherford: Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both old and new… Vol 1, London, c. 1755 as Maxwill’s Rant.

Original tune: Maxwell’s Rant (Traditional)

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Video: Hooper’s Jig

Hooper’s Jig
Miss Milligan’s Miscellany of Scottish Country Dances

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

1 – 4 All clap and 1st couple, passing right shoulders, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across once round.

9 – 12 All clap and 1st couple, passing by the right, cross over and cast up to original places. 2nd couple step down on bars 11-12.

13 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance left hands across once round.

17 – 18 1st man and 3rd woman, giving right hands, change places.

19 – 20 1st woman and 3rd man, giving right hands, change places, while 1st man and 3rd woman dance round ready to cross back.

21 – 22 1st man and 3rd woman, giving right hands, change places and 1st man faces out. At the same time, 1st woman and 3rd man dance round ready to cross back.

23 – 24 1st woman and 3rd man, giving left hands, cross over with 3rd man guiding 1st woman into second place while 1st man casts off to second place. 2nd couple step up.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Rutherford, D: Compleat collection of 200 of the most celebrated country dances, both old and new, c. 1756, London
Customary tune: Peter’s Peerie Boat (Tom Anderson)

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Video: Fair Donald

Fair Donald
RSCDS Book 29 – No. 4
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple dance down between 2nd couple and cast up to meet in the middle of first place, facing down.

5 – 8 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple and cast up to face 1st corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 16 1st couple dance a reel of four with first corners. 1st couple pass each other by the left to face second corners.

17 – 24 1st couple dance a reel of four with second corners. 1st couple finish between 2nd couple facing up.

25 – 26 1st couple cast off one place on own sides.

27 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and, giving both hands, turn once round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Original tune: Lady Dick Lauder’s Strathspey (James Taylor, A Collection of Strathspeys and Reels, Volume 2, 1845).

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Video: Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan

Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan
14 Social Dances for 2000, by Roy Goldring
32 bar reel for 5 couples

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

5 – 8 1st couple, followed by 3rd couple, dance up between 2nd couple and cast off. 1st couple finish in 3rd place, 3rd couple finish in 2nd place.

9 – 16 1st, 4th and 5th couples dance reels of three on the sides. To begin:- 1st couple cross down to 4th place, 4th couple dance out and up, 5th couple dance in and up.

17 – 24 1st, 3rd and 2nd couples dance reels of three on the sides. To begin:- 1st couple cross up to second place on own side, 3rd couple dance out and down, 2nd couple dance in and down.

25 – 28 1st couple set and cast off one place. 4th couple step up on bars 27 – 28.

29 – 32 1st couple, followed by 5th couple, dance up between 4th couple and cast off. 1st couple finish in 5th place, 5th couple finish in 4th place.

Repeat from new positions

Note: 1st couple should begin and end each reel in 3rd place in the sidelines.
For Muriel
Tune: The Ardrossan Hornpipe by Muriel Johnstone

Video: The Machine Without Horses

The Machine Without Horses
RSCDS Book 12 – No. 12
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set and cast up one place. 2nd couple step down on bars 11-12.

13 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance left hands across once round.

17 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple who dance up the sides to begin, dance down between 3rd couple cast up round them, dance up to the top, and cast off into second place, while 2nd couple dance up into top place.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

John Rutherford: Twelve Selected Country Dances…for the year 1772.
Original tune: The Machine Without Horses (Rutherford, 1772).

Video: Grant’s Reel

Grant’s Reel
RSCDS Book 14 – No. 2
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman set to each other and, giving both hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man repeat bars 1-4.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up.

17 – 20 1st couple set and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 1st couple dance back to back.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Rutherford: Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both old and new…Vol 1, London, c. 1755.
Original tune: Grant’s Reel (Rutherford, c. 1755)

TACNotes:’
1-8 When setting, anticipate turn by advancing slightly.

Video: Uncle Bill’s Jig

UNCLE BILL’S JIG
Roy Goldring – Graded and Social Dances 3
32 bar Jig for 2 couples

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across to place.

5 – 8 1st couple turn 1 1/4 times with right hands. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple with her partner behind her.

9 – 12 1st woman and 2nd couple, followed by 1st man, dance down the middle. On bar 12, 1st woman releases hands, dances slightly below 2nd couple and curves round by the right. 1st man curves round by the right to finish between 2nd couple who turn towards each other. All face up.

13 – 16 1st man and 2nd couple dance up to the top. 1st woman follows to finish in 2 place in the centre of the dance. At the end of bar 16, 1st couple finish facing up.

17 – 20 1st man, followed by his partner. casts off round 2nd woman and crosses to own side in 2nd place. 1st woman finishes on own side.

21 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance 4 hands round to the left.

25 – 28 2nd man and 1st woman turn once round with right hands.

29 – 32 2nd woman and 1st man turn once round with left hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Mary Bain’s Wedding (Traditional)

For Bill Little of Castle Douglas. who has encouraged children to dance for many a year.

No Video

Cardross House
Elaine Brunken – Moments In Time
32 Bar Strathspey for 3 couples

1 – 4 1st couple Set and Cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4
5 – 8 1st couple dance a Half figure of eight around their 1st corner; (pass 1st corner by the left shoulder. 1st couple finish facing their 1st corner.)

9 – 16 1st couple Set To and Turn corners 1st lady finish between the 3rd couple, 1st man between the 2nd couple. 1st couple face ‘out’. (up or down)

17 – 18 1st couple dance a Half figure of eight around their partners 1st corner. (1st lady around 3rd lady, 1st man around 2nd man, by the left shoulder)

19 – 24 Right shoulder reels of three on sides of dance. (1st lady up to 2nd lady, 1st man down to 3rd man) 2nd and 3rd couples dance a loop on the end of the reel.

25 – 26 2nd 1st and 3rd couples Advance and Retire.
27 – 28 2nd and 1st couples Turn with Two hands.
29 – 32 2nd and 1st couple Circle once to the Left.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised in July 2000.

As you may know from ‘Harry Potter’, British schools assign pupils to ‘a House’. Everything you do in school reflects on your house. Our House names were areas around the school I attended, Broxburn Academy, in West Lothian, central Scotland.

In my senior year I was the ‘Girls Captain’ of my house, the green house, Cardross House!

Suggested tune: Waulkin’ the Fauld (Traditional)

Video: The Highland Rambler

THE HIGHLAND RAMBLER
Roy Goldring, Leeds Branch, Silver Jubilee.
(a 40 bar reel for 3 couples)

1 – 4 1st couple dance towards each other then cast to 2nd place; 2nd couple steps up.

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance Right Hands Across once around; 1st lady remains facing out.

9 – 12 1st and 2nd couples dance Left Hands Across once around; 1st lady remains facing out.

13 – 16 1st lady followed by her partner casts up around 2nd lady and dances down the middle to finish 1st lady between 3rd couple and 1st man between 2nd couple; all facing down.

17 – 24 In lines of three, all dance down the set, turn (pulling back right shoulders) and dance up again; 1st couple remains facing up.

25 – 28 1st man followed by his partner casts off one place on the ladies’ side and dances across the set to 2nd place on his own side; 1st lady finishes on her own side.

29 – 32 1st couple turns by the Right Hand.

33 – 40 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance Six Hands Round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: THERE AND BACK

THERE AND BACK
Graded and Social Dances 3 devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar Reel for 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple, crossing down to begin, dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple.

9 – 16 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up. 1st couple finish in partner’s place.

17 – 24 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place on own side. 1st couple finish in own place.

25 – 28 1st couple dance (nearer hands joined) down between 2nd and 3rd couples, divide and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up one place on bars 27-28.

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Ferguson Frolics (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: THE GATES OF EDINBURGH

THE GATES OF EDINBURGH
RSCDS Book 15
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples

1- 8 1 W dances reel of 3 with 2 & 3 M, while 1M dances reel of 3 with 2 & 3 W

9-16 1C dance reels of 3 on own sides and finish 1L between 2s who have dances up to the top who face down & 1M between 3s who face up

17-24 1s+2s+3s set twice, turn opposite person 2H, 1s end 2nd place on own sides

25-32 2s+1s+3s set twice & turn partners RH

TAC :
1-16 It is accepted that in these reels, partners touch hands where possible. All must move more quickly thru bars 13-16 to allow 1st M to dance thru original position and diagonally down, to finish between 3C while 2C dance up to 1st place.

RSCDS:
The derivation of the name has been the subject of much discussion over the years. Although one school of thought believes that “gates” is used in the sense of the streets, the generally accepted derivation is of the gates of the walled city of Edinburgh being opened and closed at the beginning and end of each day. As a result, it is accepted that in the reels, during bars 1-16, each couple should give nearer hands to partner to signify such opening and closing of the gates.

Video: Bruce’s Men

BRUCE’S MEN
The Scotia Suite of Scottish Country Dances devised by Roy Goldring
(Strathspey for a Three Couple Set)

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to the left. 1st and 2nd couples finish in the middle of the dance facing down. At the end of bar 4, 2nd man curves in to join nearer hands with his partner.

5 – 8 2nd couple, followed by 1st couple, dance down between 3rd couple, divide and cast up. 2nd couple finish in first place.

9 – 12 Half rights and lefts on the diagonal. To begin, 1st woman changes places with 2nd man while 1st man changes places with 3rd woman.

13 – 16 Half rights and lefts on the diagonal. To begin, 1st woman changes places with 2nd woman while 1st man changes places with 3rd man.

17 – 20 1st woman crosses up between 3rd couple (now in first place), and casts off one place, while 1st man crosses down between 2nd couple and casts up one place.

21 – 24 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples set and, giving right hands, turn partners half-way round to finish in the middle of the dance.

25 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples allemande. On bars 31–32, 1st couple cast off to third place while 3rd couple dance up to second place.

Repeat from new positions.

Video: Dalkeith’s Strathspey

Dalkeith’s Strathspey
RSCDS Book 9 – No. 6
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple, joining nearer hands, set to 2nd woman.

3 – 4 1st couple and 2nd woman dance three hands once round to the left. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing 2nd man. 2nd woman finishes in place.

5 – 6 1st couple, retaining nearer hands, set to 2nd man.

7 – 8 1st couple and 2nd man dance three hands once round to the left. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing down. 2nd man returns to place.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up, crossing to finish back to back between 2nd couple, facing opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the dance. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

25 – 32 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, turn to finish facing 3rd woman with nearer hands joined. (Note)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: in bars 31-32 of the second time through, 1st couple cross to own sides.

Collected in the Border Country.

Original tune: Dalkeith’s Strathspey (as a reel in Neil Gow’s 3rd collection, 1792).

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
1-8 The opening formation of this dance needs careful phrasing. To begin the setting, 1st man must take a long setting step to join hands with his partner who dances in to meet him, to face 2nd woman on the diagonal. The circle of three must be formed as they dance the common schottische step to the left. This gives the necessary impetus to the circle, so that in two steps it is possible to get right round – after leaving 2nd woman in place – to face 2nd man. At the end of bar 8, 1st couple finish in the middle facing down, right hands joined.
17-24 At the end of the reel of four, 1st couple pass left shoulders in the middle and finish facing corners.

TACNotes:’
1-8 Steal into circle shape on bar 2 in order to finish bar 4 facing 2nd man. 1st couple finish bar 8 in middle facing down.
24 1st couple pass L shoulder to face corners.

Video: The Reel of the 51st Division

The Reel of the 51st Division
RSCDS Book 13 – No. 10
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set to each other and cast off two places, meet below 3rd couple and lead up the middle to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 12 1st couple set to and turn first corners with the right hand, finishing in a diagonal line by joining left hands with partner.

13 – 14 1st couple and first corners balance in line.

15 – 16 1st couple, releasing right hands with corners, turn each other one and a quarter times to face second corners.

17 – 22 1st couple repeat bars 9-14 with second corners.

23 – 24 1st couple cross to second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Jimmy Atkinson, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and Peter Oliver, Seaforth Highlanders (London Scottish), with advice from Tom Harris-Hunter, Royal Army Service Corps while all were interned in the Prisoner of War camp at Laufen in Germany.

Original tune: The Drunken Piper or Highland Rory – Alex. McLeod, c. 1880

The original instructions in the form of notes, written by Tom Harris-Hunter on a scruffy piece of paper when he was a prisoner of war, clearly show that the dance was intended for a five couple set as it is still danced in Perthshire.

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TACNotes:’
1-8 Set (no stealing) bars 1-2, cast bars 3-5, dance in to meet on bar 6, lead up on bar 7 to face corners on bar 8.

Video: Lamb Skinnet

Lamb Skinnet
Book 14 – No. 12
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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 and cast off to third place. 3rd couple step up on bars 11-12.
13–16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 3rd couple.
17–24 1st couple lead up to first place, set and cast off one place on own sides. 2nd and 3rd couples step down on bars 19-20 and 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances c. 1755 without setting on bars 1-4 and 9-12.
Original tune: Lamb Skinnet (Traditional)

TACNotes:’
17-24 1st cpl approach prtnr (bar 17), lead up & dance short way into sides on bar 20.

Video: Jim Johnstone’s Reel

Jim Johnstone’s Reel
Roy Goldring – Auld Friends Meet
32 bar reel for 3 couples

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

9 – 12 1st couple (now on opposite sides) dance down the middle; 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts up behind 3rd man to finish side by side, taking nearer hands briefly as they dance through 2nd man’s place. 2nd couple step up on bars 11 – 12.

13 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple dance left hands across. 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across.

17 – 20 1st couple dance out through the women’s side; 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts up around 2nd woman. As they begin to dance down the middle, they take nearer hands briefly.

21 – 24 1st woman with 2nd and 3rd men dance right hands across. 1st man with 2nd and 3rd women dance left hands across.

25 – 26 1st couple set to 3rd couple (who remain on the sidelines). 1st couple turn inwards on bar 26.

27 – 28 1st couple set to 2nd couple (who remain on the sidelines).

29 – 32 Releasing hands, 1st couple cross up to the top and cast off to 2nd place on own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Note: 1st couple should move strongly during bars 9 – 12 and 17 – 20 but 1 woman should shorten her steps to ‘collect’ her partner towards the end of each phrase.

For Jim Johnstone – with gratitude for some wonderful music.
Tune: The Well Wynd (Jim Johnstone)
2004

No Video

SIMON BRODIE
Dances of the 18th Century, J. Young
Longways set in Strathspey time for 4 couples – 3-couple dance – 32-Bar sequence

1–4 First man and second lady, advancing towards the middle set to each other (2 steps), then, giving both hands, turn each other and return to places.

5–8 First lady and second man repeat Bars 1 – 4.

9–12 First couple lead down the middle between second and third couples and, crossing over between third couple, cast up round them to finish in 2nd place on the opposite side of the Set (Diagram 1). Second couple move up on Bars 11-12.

13–16 First and second couples dance Right and Left, giving right hands to partners to begin, and taking one step to each hand. First couple finish facing their 1st Corners (see diagram 4 – “Macdonald’s Rant”).

17–24 First couple set to and turn their Corners, finishing in the middle with first lady nearer the top, both facing the ladies’ side.

25–28 First couple lead out (with nearer hands) between second and third ladies, and first lady casts up round second lady while first man casts off round third lady; they meet in the middle (at the end of Bar 27) and, giving both hands, turn each other once round and open out to face the men’s side on Bar 28 (Diagram 2).

29–32 First couple lead out (as above) between second and third men and first lady casts up round second man, while first man casts off round third man; they meet in the middle (at the end of Bar 31) and turn each other with left hands to own sides, in 2nd place, on Bar 32 (Diagram 3).

First couple repeat from 2nd place (with third and fourth couples) and turn each other to the bottom, on the last 2 steps, while fourth couple move up to 3rd place. Each couple repeat in turn, as first couple.

Video: Birls Allowed

Birls Allowed
A 32 Bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Music: Mary MacKechnie by Nicol McLaren

1 – 4 1st couple cross right hand and cast off 2 places. 2nd and 3rd couples step up on Bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance half reel of three with 1st man giving right shoulder to 3rd lady and 1st lady giving left shoulder to 3rd man.

9 – 16 1st, 3rd and 2nd couples dance a full reel of three with 1st couple crossing down to own side to start.

17 – 24 3rd and 2nd couples set and rotate.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

29 – 32 2nd and 1st couples turn right hand one and a half times (birls allowed).

Repeat from new positions.

Dance devised by Alec Taylor to celebrate a special birthday of Mary MacKechnie, a long term invaluable member of RSCDS Stirling.

Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

The Reel of the Royal Scots
RSCDS Leaflet – No.7
(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.

Last week we had a 10 dancers attend. We were all happy to be back together. We all enjoyed dancing and socializing again. I hope to see more out this coming week.

Video: The White Cockade

The White Cockade
Book 5 – No. 11
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over. They repeat back to places.
9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in first place in the middle of the set. (Fig.)
17 – 20 1st couple cast off to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.
21 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance four hands once round to the left.
25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

No Video

SYLVIA FULL OF GRACE
RSCDS Atlanta Branch Celebrating 40 Years of Dancing Memories
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 2nd couple turn right hand once around and then left hand once around while 1st and 3rd couples chase clockwise around back to place. 1st and 2nd couples finish in center ready for Allemande. Note: 1st woman will have to push the end of the chase slightly and loop around pulling back on her right shoulder to finish in the center ready for the Allemande.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance Allemande.

17 – 24 1st couple dance a full figure of eight, woman up around 2nd couple and man down around 3rd couple.

25 – 32 1st and 3rd couples dance the Knot. Finish in order 2, 3, 1.

Repeat from new positions.

Note: A slightly longer than normal set will add to the grace.

Devised by Marshall and Anne McLaughlin, February 13, 2012, for Sylvia Gilliland Chandler on the occasion of her 75″ birthday.

Music: A Set of Strathspeys from the album “Terpsichore” by Elke Baker and Liz Donaldson.

No Video

THE THREE CREEKS SHORE
Aye Afloat, The Portknockie Collection of Scottish Country Dances, devised by Margaret Zadworny
8 x 32 – 3 Couple Jig

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

5 – 8 1st lady dance right hands across with 2nd couple while 1st man dance right hands across with 3rd couple to finish in 2nd place; 1st lady facing in and down and 1st man facing in and up.

9 – 16 1st couple figure of eight on own sides. 1st lady pass 3rd lady left shoulder and 1st man pass 2nd man left shoulder to begin.

17 – 20 1st lady dance left hands across with 3rd couple while 1st man dance left hands across with 2nd couple. First couple finish in the middle with right hands joined.

21 – 24 1st couple turn with right hand once round.

25 – 32 1st lady with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple dance reels of three across. 1st lady pass 3rd man with right shoulder, while 1st man pass 2nd lady with right shoulder to begin. 1st couple finish in 2nd place.

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.

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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: Flowers of Edinburgh

Flowers of Edinburgh
RSCDS Book 1 – No. 6
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 6 1st woman casts off two places, crosses to the opposite side and dances up behind 2nd and 3rd men to her partner’s original place.
1st man follows his partner, crossing over and dancing behind 2nd and 3rd women, and up the middle to his partner’s original place.

7 – 8 1st couple set to each other.

9 – 14 1st couple repeat bars 1-6, with 1st man casting off and 1st woman following. 1st couple finish in original places.

15 – 16 1st couple set to each other.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Welcome all to our first class in over 2 years. Here are some of the dances I’m planning. I know we will all be quite rusty at dancing. I will have additional dances planned in order to adapt to how the evening goes.

A Wee Nothin’
32 Bar jig for 2 couples
Published: Moment’s in Time
Devisor: Elaine Brunken

1–8 1st and 2nd couples dance Right Hands across and Left Hands back to place.

9 – 14 1st Lady followed by the 2nd Lady dance across the top of the set, behind the men’s line, 1st Lady dances below the 2nd man, and 2nd Lady dances between the two men, and across to their own side, both pull LEFT shoulders back.

15 – 16 1st and 2nd ladies join hands and Set. (Men do not set back)

17 – 22 1st Man followed by the 2nd Man dance across the top of the set, behind the ladies’ line, 1st Man dances below the 2nd lady’s position, 2nd Man dances between the two ladies, and across to their own side, both pull RIGHT shoulders back.

23 – 24 1st and 2nd Men join hands and Set. (Ladies do not set back)

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance Rights and Lefts.

Note: Please include the polite turns at the end of Rights and Lefts, prior to entry to the wheels.

Capelthwaite
32 bar reel for two couples
Published in: San Francisco Coll. Vol. 2
Devisor: Claudette Sigg

1 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman turn by the right hand for 4 bars and dance in a clockwise direction around their partner’s position to finish in each other’s place. Meanwhile, 1st woman and 2″‘1 man set twice to each other on the diagonal and advance and retire.

9 – 16 Repeat bars 1 – 8 from opposite positions: 1st woman and 2ml man turn by the right hand for 4 bars finishing facing out, and dance in a clockwise direction to finish in each other’s place. Meanwhile, 1st man and 2nd woman set twice to each other on the diagonal and advance and retire.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples, on opposite sides, dance a chain progression (see below).

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couple change places with a poussette.

Chain Progression:
17 – 18 Turn partner 3/4 by the right hand.

19 – 20 1st man and 2nd woman turn half-way with the left hand, while 1st woman and 2nd man dance half-way round in clockwise direction to meet partners. 1st couple are now in top place and 2nd couple in second place, in a line down the center of the set.

21 – 24 Turn partner 1 1/4 times with right hand, ending ready for poussette.

No Video

McMARLEY’S CROSS
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 3 couple set
Rose and Thistle Book, of dances devised by Wigan Thistle Society
Devised by – Lorna Grundy, Lisa Jones, Ailsa Longmuir, Rebecca Markey, Kathryn Parkinson, Katherine Small and Nicola Strachan, some of the Junior Members of the

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner by the right hand once round.

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner by the left hand once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up bars 11 & 12.)

13 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across.

17 – 20 1st couple set and cast off one place. (3rd couple step up bars 19 & 20.)

21 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across.

25 – 32 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance a grand chain. (1st couple face 3rd couple and 2nd couple cross.)

Andrew and Gordon’s Jig
32 bar jig for 4 couples
Graded and Social Dances 2, devised by Roy Goldring

1 – 4 First couple cross giving right hands and cast off two places.Second and third couples step up on bars 3–4.
5 – 8 Second and first couples advance and retire on the diagonal.

9 – 12 First couple cross giving right hands and cast up two places. Second and third couples step down on bars 11–12.
13 – 16 First and third couples advance and retire on the diagonal.

17 – 24 First couple lead down the middle and up to place finishing facing out.

25 – 26 First and second women change places giving right hands while first and second men change places giving left hands.

27 – 28 First and third women change places giving left hands while first and third men change places giving right hands.
29 – 32 First and fourth women turn 1½ times with right hands while first and fourth men turn 1½ times with left hands.

Repeat from new positions.

Note : – If this has to be danced in three couple sets, the first couple may progress by turning the second couple 1½ times (on bars 25–28) and third couple 1½ times (on bars 29–32).

The Deil amang the Tailors
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
RSCDS Book 14 – No. 7

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and dance right hands across halfway round.

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and dance left hands across halfway round to original places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in the middle of the set facing up. 2nd couple step in.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.