Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: The Irish Rover

The Irish Rover
RSCDS 30 Popular Dances, Vol. 2
A 32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple, cast up one place on own side; 1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple. 2nd couple step up on bars 1 — 2.

9 – 12 1st couple dance half reels of four with first corners, then;

13 – 16 1st couple dance half reels of four with second corners. On bar 16, 1st couple turn left hand in centre ready to;

17 – 24 Pass left shoulders with person in first corner’s position for two reels of three across the dance. 1st couple finish in second place on own side.

25 – 32 1st couple dance diagonal rights and lefts:

25 – 26 1st couple change places with person in their first corner’s position (i.e. 1st woman right hand to 3rd woman and 1st man right hand to 2nd man).

27 – 28 Change left hand on sides; 1st woman with 2nd man, 1st man with 3rd.woman. (First corners now back in original places).

29 – 30 1st woman changes places giving right hand ‘to 3rd man (in 2nd woman’s position), while 1st man changes places giving right hand to 2nd woman (in 3rd man’s position).

31 – 32 1st and 2nd women and 1st and 3rd men change places, giving left hands on own side of the dance.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by James B. Cosh.
Original tune: The Irish Rover – Traditional.
Source: Twenty -Two Scottish Country Dances by James B. Cosh and Two Others.

On the fourth of July eighteen hundred and six
We set sail from the sweet cove of Cork
We were sailing away with a cargo of bricks
For the grand city hall in New York
‘Twas a wonderful craft, she was rigged fore-and-aft
And oh, how the wild winds drove her
She’d stood several blasts, she had twenty-seven masts
And we called her the Irish Rover.

The Irish Rover tune is from a traditional Irish folk song about a magnificent but improbable sailing ship that after seven years at sea eventually sinks, leaving a sole survivor: the song narrator!

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Video: Thank You Patricia

Thank You Patricia
RSCDS Book 54
A 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and dance a petronella turn. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 6 1st and 2nd couples set, on bar 6 1st couple advancing to finish in a line across the dance, with 1st woman facing 2nd man and 1st man facing 2nd woman.

7 – 8 1st woman with 2nd man, and 1st man with 2nd woman, giving both hands, turn once round to finish with 1st woman facing her first corner and her partner behind her.

9 – 12 1st couple dance a half reel of three in tandem with lead change with first corners. 1st couple pass 2nd man by the right to begin. 1st man finishes facing partner’s second corner, with his partner behind him.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three in tandem with lead change with second corners. 1st couple pass 3rd man by the right to begin. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing up with nearer hands joined, 1st woman curving round to the right to finish on the right of her partner.

17 – 20 1st couple dance up and cast off to second place on own sides.

21 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round, while 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, turn halfway. All three couples finish in allemande hold.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Deb Lees, RSCDS Newcastle-upon-Tyne & District Branch.

Patricia Cass played piano for the Newcastle Branch Scottish country dancing and Ladies Step classes, often working with Deb Lees as teacher. This dance was written by Deb in conjunction with other members of the Branch class, in appreciation of Patricia’s skill and commitment over many years.

The reels in the dance are a reference to the dance John Cass (RSCDS Book 49) which was written for Patricia’s husband. However, in Patricia’s dance, the woman leads the first tandem reel, reflecting Patricia’s strength as a dancer as well as a musician. Patricia played a key role in the development and
organisation of the Newcastle Festival, held in February each year.

As Deb frequently found herself saying, “Thank you Patricia!”

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Video: The Greenbelt Jig

The Greenbelt Jig
Elaine Brunken, Moments int Time
32 Bar Jig for 3 couples

1 – 6 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ladies Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place.
7 – 8 1st, 2nd, and 3 couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (All are on opposite sides)

9 – 14 1st, 2nd, and 3″ men Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place (Opposite sides).
15 – 16 1st, 2nd, and 3rd couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (1st couple remain facing out)

17 – 24 1st couple Cast off 2 places, join nearer hands and Dance up the middle, and Cast off to 2nd place.
17 – 19 cast 2 places (2nd couple step up on 17&18)
20 – 22 dance up the middle
23 – 24 cast to 2 place

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3 couples Advance and Retire.
29 – 32 2nd 1st and 3rd couples Turn by the Right Hand.

At the end of 2 repetition 1st couple finish in 3rd place and step to the bottom The new 3rd lady dances up from the bottom. 3 man steps up on bars 1-2

Repeat having passed a couple

Devised in March 2010 at the St. Columba’s Class in Greenbelt, Maryland. It’s an easy wee jig for all levels and a good warm up dance.

Easily adapts to a 2 couple dance: 1-16 and 25-32 done by 1st and 2nd couple. Bars 17-24 1st couple cast off one place in 4 bars (dance in for one and out for one, then cast for 2), dance up to the top, and cast into 2nd place. (2nd couple step up on 19 & 20)

Suggested Tune: Ride the Wind (Tatsu-Do) (Muriel Johnstone)

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Thank You Patricia

Thank You Patricia
Deb Lees , RSCDS Book 54
A 32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and dance a petronella turn. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 6 1st and 2nd couples set, on bar 6 1st couple advancing to finish in a line across the dance, with 1st woman facing 2nd man and 1st man facing 2nd woman.

7 – 8 1st woman with 2nd man, and 1st man with 2nd woman, giving both hands, turn once round to finish with 1st woman facing her first corner and her partner behind her.

9 – 12 1st couple dance a half reel of three in tandem with lead change with first corners. 1st couple pass 2nd man by the right to begin. 1st man finishes facing partner’s second corner, with his partner behind him.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half reel of three in tandem with lead change with second corners. 1st couple pass 3rd man by the right to begin. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing up with nearer hands joined, 1st woman curving round to the right to finish on the right of her partner.

17 – 20 1st couple dance up and cast off to second place on own sides.

21 – 24 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round, while 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, turn halfway. All three couples finish in allemande hold.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Deb Lees, RSCDS Newcastle-upon-Tyne & District Branch.

Patricia Cass played piano for the Newcastle Branch Scottish country dancing and Ladies Step classes, often working with Deb Lees as teacher. This dance was written by Deb in conjunction with other members of the Branch class, in appreciation of Patricia’s skill and commitment over many years.

The reels in the dance are a reference to the dance John Cass (RSCDS Book 49) which was written for Patricia’s husband. However, in Patricia’s dance, the woman leads the first tandem reel, reflecting Patricia’s strength as a dancer as well as a musician. Patricia played a key role in the development and
organisation of the Newcastle Festival, held in February each year.

As Deb frequently found herself saying, “Thank you Patricia!”

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Video: Inchmickery

Inchmickery
Roy Goldring, RSCDS Book 53
A 32-bar jig for five couples in a five-couple longwise set.

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to the left. 1st couple dance in towards each other and then cast off two places (2nd and 3rd couples step up on bars 7 – 8).

9 – 16 1st couple dance right hands across, 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 4th couple, 1st couple pass by the right to dance left hands across with the other couple.

17 – 24 1st woman with 2nd man also 1st man with 5th woman, giving right hands, turn once round; 1st couple pass by the right; then 1st woman with 5th man also 1st man with 2nd woman, giving left hands, turn once round, 1st couple finishing in 3rd place.

25 – 32 1st couple dance in towards each other, then cast off two places (4th and 5th couples step up on bars 27 – 28), 1st and 5th couples dance four hands round to the right.

Finish in the order 2, 3, 4, 5, 1.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Roy Goldring, Leeds Branch, 2000. Reprinted by kind permission of Simon and Peter Goldring.

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Video: Flowers of Edinburgh

Flowers of Edinburgh
RSCDS Book 1
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)

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: A Glasgow Welcome

A Glasgow Welcome
Glasgow Branch 100th Anniversary
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross down one place, cast off behind 3rd couple and dance up to finish back to back in the middle in second place facing opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 16 ‘Rotating double triangles’
9 – 10 1st couple with their 1st and 2nd corners, set in double triangles position.
11 – 12 1st couple set moving round back to back three quarters clockwise, to finish with the man in the middle, facing up, and the woman in the middle, facing down. At the same time, corners dance a petronella turn one corner position anticlockwise.
13 – 14 1st couple with 1st and 2nd corners, set in crown triangles position.
15 – 16 1st couple set moving round back to back clockwise, pulling back by the right to finish, woman in the middle of first place facing the women’s side, man in the middle of third place facing the men’s side. At the same time, corners dance a petronella turn one corner position anticlockwise.

17 – 24 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 3rd man, and 1st man and 2nd woman pass by the right to begin. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

25 – 28 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance right hands across once round.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Niall Bootland.

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Video: The Fiddler’s Wife

The Fiddler’s Wife
Barb Anglin
(32 bar strathspey for three couples)

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

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

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 3rd couple.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with the right hand once round to finish in promenade hold, in the middle, facing up.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Minister kissed the fiddler’s wife,
An’ could na preach for thinkin’ o’t.
Robert Burns – My Love she’s but a Lassie yet

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Video: The Sailor

The Sailor
RSCDS Book 24
32-bar hornpipe for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple, giving right hands, cross down, 1st woman to face 2nd and 3rd men, 1st man to face 2nd and 3rd women. 2nd couple step up.

3 – 4 1st woman with 2nd and 3rd men and 1st man with 2nd and 3rd women, joining nearer hands, set. (Fig.)

5 – 8 1st woman casts up round 2nd man to finish between 2nd couple, all facing down; 1st man casts down round 3rd woman to finish between 3rd couple, all facing up. All set in lines of three across.

9 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance reels of three across the set. To begin, 1st woman and 2nd man, 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the right. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle (two steps) and up, cross at the top and cast off one place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Collected by Miss Jenny MacLachlin.
Original tune: The Davy Hornpipe (Traditional)

TACNotes:’
3-4 Note Fig. – not a double triangles position.
5-8 Cast – not a right hand turn with 2nd man and 3rd woman.

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video The Fiddler’s Wife

The Fiddler’s Wife
(32 bar strathspey for three couples)

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

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

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 3rd couple.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with the right hand once round to finish in promenade hold, in the middle, facing up.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Minister kissed the fiddler’s wife,
An’ could na preach for thinkin’ o’t.
Robert Burns – My Love she’s but a Lassie yet

Manuscript Leaflet

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Video: The Greenbelt Jig

The Greenbelt Jig
Elaine Brunken, Moments int Time
32 Bar Jig for 3 couples

1 – 6 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ladies Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place.
7 – 8 1st, 2nd, and 3 couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (All are on opposite sides)

9 – 14 1st, 2nd, and 3″ men Dance around their partners passing Right shoulder, and dance back to place (Opposite sides).
15 – 16 1st, 2nd, and 3rd couples Cross over giving Right Hands. (1st couple remain facing out)

17 – 24 1st couple Cast off 2 places, join nearer hands and Dance up the middle, and Cast off to 2nd place.
17 – 19 cast 2 places (2nd couple step up on 17&18)
20 – 22 dance up the middle
23 – 24 cast to 2 place

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3 couples Advance and Retire.
29 – 32 2nd 1st and 3rd couples Turn by the Right Hand.

At the end of 2 repetition 1st couple finish in 3rd place and step to the bottom The new 3rd lady dances up from the bottom. 3 man steps up on bars 1-2

Repeat having passed a couple

Devised in March 2010 at the St. Columba’s Class in Greenbelt, Maryland. It’s an easy wee jig for all levels and a good warm up dance.

Easily adapts to a 2 couple dance: 1-16 and 25-32 done by 1st and 2nd couple. Bars 17-24 1st couple cast off one place in 4 bars (dance in for one and out for one, then cast for 2), dance up to the top, and cast into 2™ place. (2™ couple step up on 19 & 20)

Suggested Tune: Ride the Wind (Tatsu-Do) (Muriel Johnstone)

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Video: Davy Nick Nack

Davy Nick Nack
GLASGOW ASSEMBLY and other SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by Bob Campbell
A hornpipe for three couples

1 – 4 First, second and third couples cross over giving right hands to finish a little in front of opposite side lines, and set. See Figure 1.
5 – 8 All cross back to own places, and set.

9 – 16 First couple turn time and a half with the right hand, cast off one place on opposite sides, then turn with the left hand to finish in a diagonal line with first corners. Second couple step up on bars 13–14. See Figure 2.

17 – 18 First couple turn first corners with the right hand to change places, corners finishing back to back facing first couple. See Figure 3.
19 – 20 First couple set to corners in their new position.
21 – 24 First couple turn their first corners back into place with the right hand then turn each other with the left hand to finish in a diagonal line with second corners.

25 – 28 The same as bars 17–20 but with second corners.
29 – 32 First couple turn second corners back into place with the right hand then, giving left hands briefly in passing, curve into second place on own sides. See Figure 4.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa

Video: Come What May

Come What May
Romaine Butterfield, RSCDS Book 51
32-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman dance back to back.

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

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

21 – 24 2nd couple repeat bars 17-20. 1st couple step up on bars 23-24.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples, joining hands on the sides, advance and retire.

29 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Romaine Butterfield, New Zealand Branch, May 2010.

This dance was devised on 1st May 2010 – hence the choice of title.

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Video: Monymusk

Monymusk
RSCDS Book 11
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one-and-a-quarter times to finish 1st woman between the 2nd couple facing down, and 1st man between the 3rd couple, facing up.

9 – 12 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple set twice. On bars 11-12, 1st couple turn to the right into second place on opposite sides.

13 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set twice.

17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st woman passes 3rd man and 1st man passes 2nd woman by the right to begin.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Francis Werner: Book XVIII for the year 1785 as Mony Musk.
Original tune: Monymusk (Joshua Campbell’s Collection, 1788)
Composed by Daniel Dow and called by him Sir Archibald Grant of Monymusk’s Reel.

TACNotes:’
11-12 1st cpl petronella turn to sidelines, assisted by 2nd man & 3rd woman.

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Video: Flowers of Edinburgh

Flowers of Edinburgh
RSCDS Book 1
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)