Dances for March 20, 2023

Video: The Royal Deeside Railway

The Royal Deeside Railway (Reel)
RSCDS Book 40 – No. 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

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


Video: Hana Strathspey

Hana Strathspey
RSCDS Tokyo Branch, 25th Anniversary Dances
A 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross between 2nd couple, cast round 3rd couple on opposite sides and, giving right hands, cross between 3rd couple, and cast round 2nd couple to own sides.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, turn with the right hand and turn with the
left hand.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance helix.

17-18 1st and 2nd couples set advancing and pass by the left shoulders to finish in centre back to back.
19-20 1st and 2nd couples, pulling right shoulders back, cast round partners dancing towards own places.
21-24 1st and 2nd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn halfway and, retaining partner’s hand, dance right hands across halfway.

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

Devised by Alex Gray, 22 March 2009
Recommended tune: Hana by Rentaro Taki (1879 – 1903)
For the Tokyo Branch of RSCDS to celebrate 25 years dancing and more to come (especially for Hiroko for the musical inspiration and Tom for organizing the event).


Video: It’s all right

It’s all right
RSCDS Second Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over to finish facing clockwise.

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples chase halfway to finish in the order 3,2,1 on own sides.

9 – 16 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-8 to finish in original places.

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

25 – 32 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over, cast off one place and, giving right hands, cross to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 29-30.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Elma See.
For those who forget which is their ‘right’ hand.


Video: Mairi’s Wedding

MAIRI’S WEDDING
TWENTY-TWO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by James B. Cosh and TWO OTHERS

(N.B. Dancing couple passing left shoulder in centre.)

1 – 4 First couple turn with right hand and cast one place on own side. (Second couple move up.)

5 – 8 Then turn with left hand to corners.

9 – 12 First couple dance half reel of four with first corners. (The corners changing places.)

13 – 16 First couple dance half reel of four with second corners.

17 – 20 First couple dance half reel of four with first corners, (Who are now on the other side.)

21 – 24 First couple dance half reel of four with second corners.

25 – 32 Reels of three across, the woman with second couple and the man with third couple.

33 – 40 Six hands round and back.

Fig. 1 shows pattern danced by first woman. Fig. 2 shows pattern danced by first man.




Dances for February 27, 2023

Video: The Trysting Place

The Trysting Place
RSCDS Book 35 – No. 6
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set and link.

9 – 12 1st woman and 2nd man set and, giving right hands, change places. At the same time, 1st man and 2nd woman, giving right hands, change places and set.

13 – 16 Repeat bars 9-12 back to original places.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back to finish in a line of four up and down the middle of the set, women facing down and men facing up.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Iain Boyd, New Zealand Branch, 1985.
Original tune: The Duchess of Gordon’s New Strathspey (Robert Mackintosh)

Inscribed to Mary Murray of Vancouver, BC, whose home in Tryst Road, Falkirk was opposite the traditional site of the Falkirk Tryst, where cattle drovers from the Highlands, Lowlands and the north of England met to buy and sell their livestock and produce.

TACNotes:’
31-32 On bars 7-8 of poussette figure, cpls turn 2H, using travelling steps – all starting on R foot.


Video: Follow Me Home

Follow Me Home
RSCDS Book 38 – No. 3
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple, giving left hands, turn to join right hands with first corners in balance in line position. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 10 1st couple and first corners balance in line.

11 – 16 Releasing left hands with partner, 1st couple turn first corners halfway. 1st couple, followed closely by first corners, dance clockwise halfway round the set, passing behind second corners. 1st couple dance in to join right hands with partner and left hands with second corners. 3rd woman finishes in 1st man’s place and 2nd man finishes in 3rd woman’s place.

17 – 18 1st couple and second corners balance in line.

19 – 24 Releasing left hands with partner, 1st couple turn second corners halfway. 1st couple, followed closely by second corners, dance anticlockwise halfway round the set, passing behind 1st corners. 1st couple pass each other by the left to finish in second place on opposite sides facing out. 3rd man finishes in 1st woman’s place and 2nd woman finishes in 3rd man’s place. All are on opposite sides in the order 3, 1, 2.

25 – 28 3rd , 1st and 2nd couples dance half reels of three on the sides, 3rd and 1st men and 1st and 2nd women passing by the left to begin.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands to partners, cross over.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Ellie Briscoe, Alexandria, Virginia.
Original tune: Miss Catherine Stewart, Pettyvaich (William Marshall)

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 11-16 The half turns should be completed in one bar to ensure the corners finish in new place. Similarly for bars 19-24.

TACNotes:’
11-16 1st cpl half turn corners, on bar 11, & release hands. Corners follow closely without going back through corner position.
19-24 Bar 19 as well as bar 11 above.


Video: MISS CATHERINE ANN

MISS CATHERINE ANN
David Queen, The Queen Collection

32 Bar Strathspey for a 3 couple set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd men and 1st and 2nd ladies, set and ‘mirror link’ ie. ladies pulling back right shoulders and men pulling back left shoulders.

5 – 8 1st couple dance half a figure of eight round 2nd couple, crossing up to begin.

9 – 12 1st and 3rd couples set and ‘mirror link’ ie.1st man and 3rd lady pulling back right shoulders, 1st lady and 3rd man pulling back left shoulders.

13 – 16 1st couple dance half a figure of eight round 3rd couple, crossing up to begin.

17 – 20 All 3 couples petronella turn into the centre of the set and set to partners.

21 – 24 All turn partners halfway with both hands and damce a petronella turn back out to own sidelines.

25 – 32 All 3 couples flow into a circle round and back.

Start again with a new couple at the top.

For my wife Cathy.


Video: MAIRI’S WEDDING

MAIRI’S WEDDING
TWENTY-TWO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by James B. Cosh and TWO OTHERS

(N.B. Dancing couple passing left shoulder in centre.)

1 – 4 First couple turn with right hand and cast one place on own side. (Second couple move up.)

5 – 8 Then turn with left hand to corners.

9 – 12 First couple dance half reel of four with first corners. (The corners changing places.)

13 – 16 First couple dance half reel of four with second corners.

17 – 20 First couple dance half reel of four with first corners, (Who are now on the other side.)

21 – 24 First couple dance half reel of four with second corners.

25 – 32 Reels of three across, the woman with second couple and the man with third couple.

33 – 40 Six hands round and back.


Video: RABBIE’S REEL

RABBIE’S REEL
RSCDS Book 40
(Reel)

1 – 8 4st woman, followed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th women, dances across the top of the set, down behind the men and back to place.

9 – 16 1st man, followed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th men, dances across the top of the set, down behind the women and back to place.

17 – 20 All four women dance round their partners, passing right shoulders, and back to place.

21 – 24 All four men dance round their partners, passing right shoulders, and back to place.

25 – 28 1st couple lead down to fourth place. 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples step up on bars 27 – 28.

29 – 32 All clap (eight claps).

Repeat with a new top couple.

Devised by members of Fife Council Physical Education Visiting Teacher Service for The
Fife Scottish Country Dance Festival, 1996.




Dances for December 12, 2022 – Ardbrae Christmas Social

Video: The Bramble Circle

The Bramble Circle
Let’s All Dance
32/R or J/single circle by Elinor M. Vandegrift

All face the center of the circle. Men have their partner on their right.

1 – 8 All circle round and back

9 – 12 All advance (2 steps) and retire (2 steps).

13 – 16 Repeat bars 9-12. Finish facing partner.

17 – 20 Turn partner right hand once round and finish facing the dancer behind (woman face the man who was originally on her right and man face the woman who was originally on his left).

21 – 24 Turn the new partner left hand 1 1/4 times, finishing in promenade hold facing counterclockwise, women on the right of their new partner.

25 – 32 Promenade, finishing in single circle ready to repeat the dance.

Repeat with new couples.

Music: Any good reel or jig 4 times through

Note: Audience participation or 1st night dance. “Written in honour of Seattle’s Bramble Band members who give generously of their time to play for many ‘audience participation’ events.” E.M.V.

Video: A Wee Nothin’

A Wee Nothin’
32 Bar jig for 2 couples

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.

Devised by Elaine Brunken as a wee warm up dance. Note: Please include the polite turns at the end of Rights and Lefts, prior to entry to the wheels.

Suggested tune: Miss Hannah of Elgin

Video: The Birks of Invermay

The Birks of Invermay
Book 16 – No. 2
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man, giving both hands, turn once round to places. On bar 8, 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance into the middle of the set to join both hands and face up.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a promenade.

17 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place, lead up between 2nd couple, cross over to own sides and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Skillern’s compleat Collection of Two Hundred & four Reels and Country Dances c. 1789 as Birks of Endermay.

Original tune: The Birks of Invermay (Surenne)

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.

Kate Hughes’ Dancing Book (MS), Dundalk 1867.
Original tune: Flowers of Edinburgh (Traditional)

Video: The Braes of Tulliemet

The Braes of Tulliemet
RSCDS Book 7 – No. 12
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off to third place on opposite sides. 3rd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 12 3rd and 1st couples dance four hands once round to the left.

13 – 16 1st couple dance up to the top and cast off one place to face first corners. 3rd couple step down on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 1st couple set to and turn corners and finish facing first corners.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

A Perthshire dance. Collected in the Borders.

Original tune:
The Braes of Tulliemet (Miss Stewart’s Collection, 1761).

TACNotes:’
9-12 Finish on sidelines.

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: The Findlay’s Jig

The Findlay’s Jig
14 Social Dances for 2000, devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar jig for 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and back finishing at the top in the centre.2nd and 3rd couples step in on bar 8.

9 – 16 3 couple allemande.

17 – 20 1st couple dance in, face down and cast up to the top. 3rd and 2nd couples step down on 19-20.

21 – 24 2nd couple repeat bars 17-20. 1st and 3rd couples step down on bars 23-24.

25 – 32 6 hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple

For Faustina and Ian Findlay
Tune: The Groom’s Jig by Ian Findlay

Video: The Piper and the Penguin

The Piper and the Penguin
The Scotia Suite of Scottish Country Dances devised by Roy Goldring
(Reel for Four Couples in a Square Set)

1 – 4 The women dance round their corners, passing in front of them to begin.

5 – 8 The women dance right hands across and remain in the centre.

9 – 12 The women dance round their partners, passing in front of them to begin.

13 – 16 The women dance left hands across and finish in original places.

17 – 32 The men repeat bars 1–16, but dance in front of partners before dancing right hands across, and in front of their corners before dancing left hands across.

33 – 36 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn partners one and a quarter times.

37 – 40 1st man, followed by his partner, dances between 4th couple and cast back to place. Similarly, 3rd couple dance between 2nd couple and cast back to place.

41 – 48 1st and 3rd couple dance rights and lefts.

49 – 64 2nd and 4th couples repeat bars 33–48, 2nd couple dancing between 1st couple and 4th couple dancing between 3rd couple.

65 – 72 The women dance in and pull back right shoulders (2 bars), dance out (2 bars), and cast clockwise half way round the set to opposite woman’s place.

73 – 80 The men repeat bars 65–72, but pull back left shoulders at the end of bar 74, and cast anticlockwise.

81 – 84 All turn partners with the right hand, just over once round, to finish in promenade hold facing anticlockwise.

85 – 88 All promenade halfway round the set. On bar 87, all release right hands and the men lead their partners to original places ready for the bow and curtsey.

Video: MacDONALD OF THE ISLES

MacDONALD OF THE ISLES
The Second Carnforth Collection of Scottish Country Dances devised by Derek Haynes.
Strathspey for three-couple sets

1 – 8 2nd couple dance a diagonal reel of four with first corners. On bar 8 2nd couple dance left shoulder around each other to face second corners, ready to dance into a –

9 – 16 Diagonal reel of four with second corners. All finish on the side lines with 1st woman and 3rd man looping round by their right on bar 16.

HORSESHOE CHAIN aka PICK-UP or SNOWBALL CHAIN

17 – 18 1st couple cross over giving right hands.

19 – 20 1st and 2nd couples change places giving left hands.

21 – 22 2nd couple cross over while 1st and 3rd couples change places on the sides, all giving right hands.

23 – 24 2nd and 3rd couples change places on the sides as 1st couple cross to own sides, all giving left hands.

25 – 28 3rd and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

29 – 32 Half figures of eight: 3rd woman crosses down then casts up around 1st woman and 3rd man crosses up then cast off round 2nd man.

Repeat from new places.

Tune: The Smith’s a Gallant Fireman. Recorded on Alastair Hunter’s Lorne Choice, DACD 9716 and also on Deirdre Adamson’s Come Scottish Country Dancing, DACD 9614.

First published on a Glendarroch S.C.D. Sheet in 1966.

Video: The Deil amang the Tailors

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

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.

Dale’s Collection of Reels and Dances c. 1799.
Original tune: The Deil amang the Tailors (Gow)




Dances for December 5, 2022

Video: The Machine Without Horses

The Machine Without Horses
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: The Birks of Invermay

The Birks of Invermay
RSCDS Book 16 – No. 2
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man, giving both hands, turn once round to places. On bar 8, 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance into the middle of the set to join both hands and face up.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a promenade.

17 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place, lead up between 2nd couple, cross over to own sides and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Skillern’s compleat Collection of Two Hundred & four Reels and Country Dances c. 1789 as Birks of Endermay.

Original tune: The Birks of Invermay (Surenne)

Video: The Piper and the Penguin

The Piper and the Penguin
The Scotia Suite of Scottish Country Dances devised by Roy Goldring
(Reel for Four Couples in a Square Set)

1 – 4 The women dance round their corners, passing in front of them to begin.

5 – 8 The women dance right hands across and remain in the centre.

9 – 12 The women dance round their partners, passing in front of them to begin.

13 – 16 The women dance left hands across and finish in original places.

17 – 32 The men repeat bars 1–16, but dance in front of partners before dancing right hands across, and in front of their corners before dancing left hands across.

33 – 36 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn partners one and a quarter times.

37 – 40 1st man, followed by his partner, dances between 4th couple and cast back to place. Similarly, 3rd couple dance between 2nd couple and cast back to place.

41 – 48 1st and 3rd couple dance rights and lefts.

49 – 64 2nd and 4th couples repeat bars 33–48, 2nd couple dancing between 1st couple and 4th couple dancing between 3rd couple.

65 – 72 The women dance in and pull back right shoulders (2 bars), dance out (2 bars), and cast clockwise half way round the set to opposite woman’s place.

73 – 80 The men repeat bars 65–72, but pull back left shoulders at the end of bar 74, and cast anticlockwise.

81 – 84 All turn partners with the right hand, just over once round, to finish in promenade hold facing anticlockwise.

85 – 88 All promenade halfway round the set. On bar 87, all release right hands and the men lead their partners to original places ready for the bow and curtsey.

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.




Dances for November 28, 2022

Video: Wells House

Wells House
Roy Goldring, Auld Friends Meet, 1981
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples
Bars

1 – 2 1st couple cross down to 2nd place on opposite sides. 2nd couple step up.

3 – 4 1st woman and 3rd man, 1st man and 3rd woman, set to each other on the side lines.

5 – 6 1st couple set to each other across the dance.

7 – 8 2nd man and 1st woman, 2nd woman and 1st man, set to each other on the side lines.

9 – 12 2nd and 1st couples dance half figures of eight.
1st couple cross up to begin and 2nd couple dance down to begin.

13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance half figures of eight.
1st couple cross down to begin and 3rd couple dance up to begin. (All are now on opposite sides).

17 – 20 All three couples petronella to the centre and set, moving slightly to the left on the last step.

21 – 24 2nd woman, followed by 1st and 3rd women, dances across and down own side (finishing in 3rd place) while 3 man, followed by 1st and 2nd men, dances across and up own side (to top place).

25 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance the three couple Knot.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Miss Margaret Anderson (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: The Button Boy

The Button Boy
The Allanton Collection, 9 New Dances
32 bar Reel

1 – 8 First couple dance reels of three on their own sides first and second men giving right shoulder, first and second ladies giving left shoulder to begin.

9 – 16 First couple dance reels of three on opposite sides, first man giving right shoulder to third lady, first lady giving left shoulder to third man to begin. Second couple finish the reels in first place, first couple in the middle of the set back to back, facing the opposite side.

17 – 24 Double Triangles, first couple finish facing the bottom of the set with nearer hands joined, first man with his partner on his right.

25 – 32 First couple dance down the middle, change sides at the end of bar 28 (lady dancing under her partner’s arm), and back into second place.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance devised by Bill Zobel

The nautical flavour of the tune gave rise to the title “The Button Boy”. In the Naval tradition of manning the mast, the button boy is the seaman chosen to climb all the way to the top and stand on the button. This is deemed to be a high accolade.

This tune is a favourite of Bill’s who could also be described as the “button boy” when sitting at the sound desk in our recording studio at Allanton.

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.

Video: The Black-Haired Lassie

The Black-Haired Lassie
Let’s All Dance, Too
32/R or S/3
by Carolyn Hunt (1993)
San Francisco Branch

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance mirror reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple dance in and down, 2nd couple dance out and up, and 3rd couple dance in and up.

9 – 12 1st couple cross over with right hands and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4 of the phrase.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight crossing up between 2nd couple to begin.

17 – 20 1st couple turn 1st corners with right hands, then pass partners with right shoulders to approach 2nd corners. Corners use all four steps.

21 – 24 1st couple turn 2nd corners with right hands, then pass partners with right shoulders to own sides of the dance in 2nd place. Corners use all four steps.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples circle 6 hands round and back.

Repeat from new places.

Music: Any good ree] or strathspey

Note: As a new 1st couple begins at the top, 3rd couple dance up into the reel from 4th place and the former 1st couple step to the bottom.

The black-haired lassie is Julie Osborne, who was in the Stockton beginners’ class. (CH)

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.




Dances for May 30, 2022

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.