Category Archives: Summer

Dances taught in the summer classes

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Dances for June 18, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Season, Summer 2025, Uncategorized

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: Whigmaleeries

Whigmaleeries
RSCDS Imperial Book of Scottish Country Dances, Vol. 1-3
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set advancing and turn right about on the spot.

5 – 8 1st couple slip down the middle to below 3rd couple and cast up to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 12 2nd couple and 1st woman, 1st man and 3rd couple dance right hands across once round to finish 1st couple left shoulder to left shoulder in the middle of the set.

13 – 16 1st couple dance out and cast to the left around second corners to meet in the middle of the set and, taking promenade hold, face the women’s side.

17 – 20 1st couple with 3rd couple dance a half reel of three across the set. To begin, 1st couple pass 3rd woman by the right and finish in the middle of the set facing up.

21 – 24 1st man with 2nd man and 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd woman and 3rd man dance half reels of three on sides, 1st couple dancing out and up to begin. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing the men’s side in promenade hold, 1st woman on partner’s left.

25 – 28 1st couple with 3rd couple dance a half reel of three across the set at first place. To begin, 1st couple pass 3rd woman by the right and finish in the middle of the set facing down.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd men, 3rd, 1st and 2nd women dance half reels of three on own sides, 1st couple dance out and down to begin and curve in to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Derek Ivory.
Whigmaleerie —a whim, fanciful notion, fad
Scottish National Dictionary Association Ltd, Concise Scots Dictionary, 1985

No Video

The Crooket-Horned Ewie
RSCDS Book 14
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple lead down, cross over below 2nd couple and dance behind 3rd couple into third place on opposite sides, 2nd and 3rd couples step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 2nd couple lead down, cross over below 3rd couple and dance behind 1st couple into third place on opposite sides. 3rd and 1st couples step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 12 3rd couple lead down, cross over below 1st couple, dance behind 2nd couple into third place on opposite sides. 1st and 2nd couples step up on bars 11-12.

13 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving both hands, turn partner one and a half times to own sides.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down, cross over below 2nd couple and dance behind 3rd couple to meet, lead up, crossing over to own sides at the top, and cast off to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Original tune: The crooket horned Ewie (Gow, 1799)

No Video

Hidden Village
A 32 bar jig for 2 couples
Craig Williams, May 2025

1 – 4 1st couple dance in towards each other and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4
5 – 8 1st couple cross up between 2nd couple and dance a 1/2 figure of eight around 2nd couple.

9 – 16 1st & 2nd couple Four hands across and back. 1st & 2nd men stay facing out.

17 – 24 1st & 2nd couples dance a ladies chain. 1st man stay facing out

25 – 30 1st man, followed by 1st woman, casts to up, around 2nd woman and dances across the top of the set. 1st man casts off on the men’s side to 2nd place, while 1st woman dances down the middle to 2nd place on the women’s side

31 – 32 1st & 2nd couples set.

Some of the native bands fleeing the Mohawk may have ended up in the Matawatchan area. The word Matawatchan meant “hidden village” in the Algonquin language. If the village was hidden then it was hiding from something. Historically, it was most likely hidden from the Mohawks who had driven most of the Algonquin from the Ottawa Valley.

Video: Tiptoe and sway

Tiptoe and sway
John Bayly, Imperial Book Vol. 3
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set (Note)

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

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn once round. 2nd and 1st couples cast off one place while 3rd couple lead up to first place and face out.

9 – 16 3rd and 1st couples dance a double figure of eight. To begin, 3rd couple cast off and 1st couple cross up between 2nd couple.

17 – 20 3rd couple, giving right hands, turn once round and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples repeat bars 5-8 from new positions, to finish 1st and 2nd couples in the middle facing up and 3rd couple in original places.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by John Bayly.

Note: This may also be danced as a strathspey.

Dances for June 11, 2025

5x32 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Season, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: The Lea Rig

The Lea Rig
Book 21 – No. 5
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 16 1st couple dance a petronella turn to face each other up and down the middle and set. 1st couple repeat this three times to finish in original places. On bars 1-2, 2nd couple step up and, on bars 3-4 set. 2nd couple dance petronella turns and set, following the 1st couple one place behind. On bars 15-16, instead of setting, 2nd couple dance a petronella turn to original places.

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

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round to finish facing partners in a diagonal line across the set with 1st woman and 2nd man back to back in the middle.

29 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance a half poussette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Collected from an old MS.
Original tune: The Lea Rig (Surenne)

TACNotes:’
17-24 1st cpl finish in original places on sidelines.

Video: Push about the Jorum

Push about the Jorum
RSCDS Book 14
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st woman and 3rd man, giving right hands, turn once round, 1st woman finishing in second place on own side and 3rd man in original place. 2nd woman steps up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st man and 3rd woman, giving right hands, turn once round, 1st man finishing in the middle of the set at first place and 3rd woman in original place. 2nd couple and 1st woman step in on bars 7-8.

9 – 16 1st man with 2nd woman, 1st woman with 2nd man dance an allemande. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing down and 1st man between 3rd couple facing up.

17 – 20 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set twice. On bars 19-20, 1st couple turn left about to second place on own sides.

21 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set twice.

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.
Original tune: Push about the Jorum (from Gow)

No Video

Hidden Village Jig
A 32 bar jig for 2 couples
Craig Williams, May 2025

1 – 4 1st couple dance in towards each other and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4
5 – 8 1st couple cross up between 2nd couple and dance a 1/2 figure of eight around 2nd couple.

9 – 16 1st & 2nd couple Four hands across and back. 1st & 2nd men stay facing out.

17 – 24 1st & 2nd couples dance a ladies chain. 1st man stay facing out

25 – 30 1st man, followed by 1st woman, casts to up, around 2nd woman and dances across the top of the set. 1st man casts off on the men’s side to 2nd place, while 1st woman dances down the middle to 2nd place on the women’s side

31 – 32 1st & 2nd couples set.

repeat having passed a couple

Some of the native bands fleeing the Mohawk may have ended up in the Matawatchan area. The word Matawatchan meant “hidden village” in the Algonquin language. If the village was hidden then it was hiding from something. Historically, it was most likely hidden from the Mohawks who had driven most of the Algonquin from the Ottawa Valley.

Video: A REEL FOR ALICE

A REEL FOR ALICE
A REEL FOR ALICE and OTHER SOCIAL DANCES devised by ROY GOLDRING
32 bar reel for 5 couples

1 – 8 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.

9 – 16 1st couple dance down the middle and up to the top to finish facing out – still on opposite sides.

17 – 24 1st woman progresses down the men’s side changing places with 2nd man with left hands, 3rd man with right hands, 4th man with left hands and 5th man with right hands (each change takes 2 bars). Similarly, 1st man progresses down the women’s side with right hands, left hands, right hands and left hands. 1st couple finish in 5th place facing out.

25 – 32 2nd couple dance a figure of 8 on own side around 3rd and 4th couples, dancing down between 3rd couple to begin.Meanwhile 1st couple dance a figure of 8 on the opposite side around 5th and 4th couples. 1st couple cast up behind 5th couple to begin and cross down to 5th place on own side on bars 31-32.

Repeat with new top couple.

For Alice Murphy, a good and supportive friend as well as a great dancer and teacher.
Tune: The Harriot (Traditional)

Dances for June 4, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Season, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

Hermann’s Jig
Holly Boyd, A Shortcut to Happiness

32 bar jig for three couples in a longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples chase clockwise halfway round the set. 1st couple finish at the bottom, in the middle, facing up, nearer hands joined

5 – 8 1st couple dance up to the top and cast off, passing left shoulder to finish facing partner’s first corner position (their actual first corner person). 2nd couple step down on 5/6

9 – 20 1st couple Dance to Corners and Set (Courage Reels):
9 – 10 1C & 1st crns pass right, 1st crns pass right with % turn to face 2nd crns while 2nd crns set
11 – 12 1st crns and 2nd crns pass right, 2nd crns pass right with % turn as 1C set
13 – 14 2nd crns and 1C pass right, 1C pass right with % turn to face 4th crn position as 1st crns set
15 – 20 repeat 6 bars until crns are back in place and 1C face 1st crn position

21-24 1st couple dance clockwise right round each other doing a wide spiral out to second place their own side

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

Repeat having passed a couple

I wrote this for Hermann Koeppler just after he passed away. We miss him, especially his corny jokes and the twinkle in his eyes when he told them.

February 2015

No Video

The Bonniest Lass in all the World
RSCDS Book 14 – No. 10
40-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and, giving both hands, turn once round to face down.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd women, 1st and 2nd men set and, giving both hands, turn once round.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle, divide, cast up round 3rd couple to second place and set twice.2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

25 – 28 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance three hands round to the left. On bar 28, 1st couple pass each other by the right.

29 – 32 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance three hands round to the right.On bar 32, 1st couple pass by the left to finish in the middle of the set facing the women’s side, 1st man below his partner.

33 – 40 1st couple lead out between 2nd and 3rd women, 1st woman casting up and 1st man casting down. They meet in the middle of the set, dance out between 2nd and 3rd men and cast as before to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances c. 1755.
Original tune: Miss Coxe’s Strathspey (Mrs Mcintyre)

Video: Tiptoe and sway

Tiptoe and sway
John Bayly, Imperial Book Vol. 3
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set (Note)

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

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn once round. 2nd and 1st couples cast off one place while 3rd couple lead up to first place and face out.

9 – 16 3rd and 1st couples dance a double figure of eight. To begin, 3rd couple cast off and 1st couple cross up between 2nd couple.

17 – 20 3rd couple, giving right hands, turn once round and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples repeat bars 5-8 from new positions, to finish 1st and 2nd couples in the middle facing up and 3rd couple in original places.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by John Bayly.
Note: This may also be danced as a strathspey.

No Video

Skidaddle Ridge
Gale Cragg, New Brunswick Coll.
32 bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set.

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance back-to-back with partners.

5 – 8 First three couples dance six hands round to the left, ending on the opposite sides of the dance in the order 3-2-1.

9 – 12 2nd and 1st couples dance back-to-back with partners.

13 – 16 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across half way round then, retaining partner’s right hand cross to partners’ sides of the dance, to end in order 3-1-2.

17 – 20 1st couple “‘skidaddles,’” 1st woman round 3rd couple, Ist man round 2nd couple. They dance a small step into the middle to face each other then, pulling right shoulder back, they turn and dance out through the space they just left to continue dancing around the person on their right. 1st woman ends facing down between 3rd couple at the top, 1st man facing up between 2nd couple in third place. (Figure 1)

21 – 24 1st couple repeats the ‘‘skidaddle”* to end in second place on their own sides of the dance. (Figure 2)

25 – 38 1st couple with 3rd woman and 2nd man dance half diagonal rights and lefts, the two women and the two men giving right hands to begin.

29 – 32 1st couple with 3rd man and 2nd woman dance half diagonal rights and lefts. 1st woman and 3rd man, and 1st man and 2nd woman giving right hands to begin.

Repeat having passed a couple.

N.B. On bars 25 – 26 and 29 – 30, 1st woman dances diagonally up while Ist man dances
diagonally down.
Dance devised by Gale Cragg, 1982
Suitable recorded music: Old Nick’s Lumber Room

Skidaddle Ridge is almost due east of Florenceville near South Knowlesville in Carleton County.

Skidaddle Ridge Drop Cookies

Skidaddle Ridge, New Brunswick, came by its name because it was a hideout for draft dodgers. The ‘‘Skidaddlers’’ were Democrats who, not in sympathy with the Republican party during the American Civil War, ‘‘skidaddled’’ out of the country. Most of them returned home after the war, but many stayed to settle in New Brunswick and Southern Quebec. These cookies are frequently packed in the lunch boxes carried by hunters of this region.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a baking sheet lightly.

Sift or blend together
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 teaspoon salt

Cream together
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups light packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat in
I egg
1 cup well-drained canned fruit cocktail

Stir in dry ingredients.

Fold in
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Drop batter from a teaspoon about 2 inches apart on a prepared baking sheet.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Makes about six dozen.
The Laura Secord Canadian Cook Book
(Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1966), p. 125.

Dances for May 28, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x40 Strathspey, Dance Season, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

Silver Darlings
Jean Attwod, Old Wick Castle & 3 more
Reel — 3 Couples — 32 Bars .

1 – 4 1st couple cross giving right hand and cast off 1 place, 2nd couple moving up.

5 – 8 Preparing the net — 1st man and 3rd lady turn once round with the left hand while 1st lady and 3rd man turn with the right, 3rd couple ending facing out.

9 – 16 The net – 1st couple dance “crossing” reel of three with 3rd and 2nd couples, who cast into the reel. (1st couple cross dancing down to 3rd place, cast up, cross dancing up to 2nd place and cast to finish in 2nd place on the wrong side facing up. 2nd and 3rd couples dance the reel on own side.

17 – 20 Hauling in the catch – 1st lady and 2nd man turn once round with the left hand, while 1st man and 2nd lady turn with the right.

21 – 24 1st couple dance half figure of eight round 2nd couple, ending in 2nd place on own side.

25 – 32 Boxing the fish – 1st and 3rd couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“Silver darlings” was the nick-name the Scottish fishermen gave to the herring.

No Video

The Bonniest Lass in all the World
RSCDS Book 14 – No. 10
40-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and, giving both hands, turn once round to face down.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd women, 1st and 2nd men set and, giving both hands, turn once round.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle, divide, cast up round 3rd couple to second place and set twice. 2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

25 – 28 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance three hands round to the left. On bar 28, 1st couple pass each other by the right.

29 – 32 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance three hands round to the right.On bar 32, 1st couple pass by the left to finish in the middle of the set facing the women’s side, 1st man below his partner.

33 – 40 1st couple lead out between 2nd and 3rd women, 1st woman casting up and 1st man casting down. They meet in the middle of the set, dance out between 2nd and 3rd men and cast as before to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances c. 1755.
Original tune: Miss Coxe’s Strathspey (Mrs Mcintyre)

No Video

Autumn Gold
John Morris, Vallin Collection Five
8×32 bar Jig – a 3 couple dance in a 4 couple longwise set

1- 8 1s, 2s & 3s dance a normal diagonal rights & lefts for 3 couples
[ 2s change place RH with 1st corner & LH to “middle” couple, then RH to 4th corner & LH to “middle” couple own side ]
[ finish 3-2-1, with 2s (no polite turns) facing down-out, own side and 3s & 1s on opposite side ]

9 – 14 2s dance 3/4 figure of eight across by casting down behind 1s (bottom place)
[1s step up on bars 13-14]
[ finish 3-1-2, all now on opposite side ]

15 – 16 3s, 1s & 2s dance 1/2 RH turn to face up middle (W polite turn), ready for allemande

17 – 24 3s, 1s & 2s dance Allemande [finish 2-1-3 ]
[ on last bar, 2s start to cast out-down, anticipating turn with 1s ]

25 – 32 1s leading up (inside), turn 2s [ finish 2-1-3, with 1s facing in-down ]
then 1s leading down (inside) turn 3s,
[ 3s finish with polite turns in 3rd place to face 1st corner ]
[ finish 2-1-3-4, with 3s ready to start diagonal rights & lefts ]

Repeat, having passed a couple

at end of 2nd sequence, 1s & 4s turn 1 1/2 to finish 2-3-4-1, with new 3W (old 4W) ready to start diagonal rights & lefts

This dance is for those dancers (including my wife and I) who have been Scottish Country dancing for at least fifty years. We started dancing in the fifties, which was the time when people were becoming interested in this form of “exercise” with its social connotations. On reflection, this era was possibly the heyday of folk dancing, both English & Scottish. So here’s to these mature dancers ( “the golden oldies” ) who are now in the autumn of their lives, enjoying what they love the most – Scottish Country dancing and hopefully encouraging the newcomers, whether they be young or retired !.

recommended music: colin dewar – “the Vallin Suite four” – track 14
devised by John Morris

Video: Desperation

Desperation
Cliff Fryer, Imperial Book 6
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and rotate to finish 1st man and 2nd woman facing out.

9 – 12 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across once round.

13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in second place, facing up.

17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 2nd and 1st couples pass by the right to begin.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Cliff Fryer.
The dance was devised in desperation as the deadline for competition entries loomed.

Dances for May 21, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: St Margaret’s Loch

St Margaret’s Loch
Margaret Damell, Imperial Book 4
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd men set and cross over. At the same time, 1st and 2nd women dance half figures of eight, 1st woman round 2nd man’s place and 2nd woman round 3rd man.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd women set and cross over, 1st woman finishing facing out. At the same time, 1st and 2nd men dance half figures of eight, 1st man round 2nd man’s place and 2nd man round 3rd man.

9 – 12 1st couple, passing 2nd couple by the right, dance round 3rd couple by the left and finish in the middle of second place facing up.

13 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd men dance left hands across and 2nd, 1st, and 3rd women dance right hands across.

17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides. To begin, 2nd couple cast, 1st couple dance up and 3rd couple dance in and cast up. 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, cross over to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: What a Beau my Granny was

What a Beau my Granny was
RSCDS Book 14
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd women set twice and dance three hands round to the left. At the same time, Ist man, followed by 2nd and 3rd men, dances across the top of the set, round the women and back to own side. (Fig.) All finish in original places.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd men set twice and dance three hands round to the left. At the same, Ist woman, followed by: 2nd and 3rd women, dances across the top of the set, round the men and back to own side. 1st and 2nd couple finish in the middle of the set, facing partners with both hands joined. 3rd couple return to places.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

25 – 32 1st and 3rd couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Preston’s Selection of the most favorite Country Dances, Reels etc c. 1800 with bars 1-8 and 9-16 in the opposite order.
Original tune: What a Beau my Granny was (Traditional)

No Video

Autumn Gold
John Morris, Vallin Collection Five
8×32 bar Jig – a 3 couple dance in a 4 couple longwise set

1- 8 1s, 2s & 3s dance a normal diagonal rights & lefts for 3 couples
[ 2s change place RH with 1st corner & LH to “middle” couple, then RH to 4th corner & LH to “middle” couple own side ]
[ finish 3-2-1, with 2s (no polite turns) facing down-out, own side and 3s & 1s on opposite side ]

9 – 14 2s dance 3/4 figure of eight across by casting down behind 1s (bottom place)
[1s step up on bars 13-14]
[ finish 3-1-2, all now on opposite side ]

15 – 16 3s, 1s & 2s dance 1/2 RH turn to face up middle (W polite turn), ready for allemande

17 – 24 3s, 1s & 2s dance Allemande [finish 2-1-3 ]
[ on last bar, 2s start to cast out-down, anticipating turn with 1s ]

25 – 32 1s leading up (inside), turn 2s [ finish 2-1-3, with 1s facing in-down ]
then 1s leading down (inside) turn 3s,
[ 3s finish with polite turns in 3rd place to face 1st corner ]
[ finish 2-1-3-4, with 3s ready to start diagonal rights & lefts ]

Repeat, having passed a couple

[at end of 2nd sequence, 1s & 4s turn 1 1/2 to finish 2-3-4-1, with new 3W (old 4W) ready to start diagonal rights & lefts]

This dance is for those dancers (including my wife and I) who have been Scottish Country dancing for at least fifty years. We started dancing in the fifties, which was the time when people were becoming interested in this form of “exercise” with its social connotations. On reflection, this era was possibly the heyday of folk dancing, both English & Scottish. So here’s to these mature dancers ( “the golden oldies” ) who are now in the autumn of their lives, enjoying what they love the most – Scottish Country dancing and hopefully encouraging the newcomers, whether they be young or retired !.

recommended music: colin dewar – “the Vallin Suite four” – track 14
devised by John Morris

Video: Desperation

Desperation
Imperial Book 6
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set and rotate to finish 1st man and 2nd woman facing out.

9 – 12 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across once round.

13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in second place, facing up.

17 – 24 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 2nd and 1st couples pass by the right to begin.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Cliff Fryer.

The dance was devised in desperation as the deadline for competition entries loomed.

Dances for May 14, 2025

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Dance Season, Summer, Summer 2025

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: Ladies’ Fancy

Ladies’ Fancy
RSCDS Book 13
32-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman, giving right hands, turn once round back to place.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a half times to face down with 1st woman on her partner’s right. (Note) 2nd woman steps up on bars 7-8 to be on left of 1st man.

9 – 16 1st man with 1st and 2nd women dance down the middle and up. On bars 15-16, 1st man hands his partner across in front of him.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back to finish in the middle of the set, facing partner with both hands joined.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: in bars 7-8, it is helpful to join both hands.

Collected in Angus but see D Anderson’s Ball-Room Guide c. 1886
Original tune: Peggie’s Wedding (Bremner, here from Gow)

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 15-16 On coming up the middle on bars 15-16, 1st man brings his partner round to her own side of the dance and hands her right hand to 2nd man who has come in behind him to receive it. 2nd woman quickly changes her hand and the wheel is formed.

TACNotes;’
16 1st man hands his partner across in front of him towards own side, while 2nd woman pulls L shoulder back to face down ready for RH across.

No Video

The Khandallah Town Hall
Rod Downey, Golden Bear Coll.
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples, for teaching parallel reels of three on the
sides, and slow phrasing.

1-2 1C, 2C set, taking hands on the sides.
3-6 1C, 2C dance four hands round to finish 1C facing 2C up and down taking nearer hands with partner. 3C step in on bars 6 and take nearer hands with partner and face up.
7-8 All 3 couples set.

9-16 Dance right shoulder reels on the side.

17-18 1C, 2C, 3C set on the sides (taking hands).
19-20 1C, 2C, 3C cross over RH.
21-22 1C, 2C, 3C set on the sides.
23-24 3C cross back RH, while 1C, 2C half turn RH into Allemande hold.

25-32 1C, 2C dance an Allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Notes Devised 27/4/2021, as a teaching dance for the second week of basic reels for our new dancers. Khandallah Town Hall is Johnsonville Club’s new home venue, due to our previous venue being carpeted, and the Bowls Club being too small. Recommended tune is ”Dalkeith’s Strathspey” or any other suitable traditional Strathspey, with strong 2 bar phrases. I used an old recording by Jimmy Shand.
The dance has parallel reels of 3 on the sides, and hopefully is a simple alternative to “The 92nd”. Most other Strathspeys with straightforward reels on the side seem to have other formations unsuitable for beginners.

Video: Long Frank’s Reel

Long Frank’s Reel
David G. Queen, Ribble Valley

A 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4-couple set.
Tune: Frank & June Hewitson

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

9 – 10 1st couple dance down with nearer hands joined and separate onto the opposite side facing down, 2nd couple dance out and up into 1st place.

11 – 12 1st man & 3rd lady turn once round with the right hand while 1st lady & 3rd man turn once round with the left hand. 1St couple face up.

13 – 16 1st man & 2nd lady turn 1 1/2 times with the left hand while 1st lady & 2nd man turn 1 1/2 times with the right hand.

17 – 20 1st couple dance half figure of 8 round 2nd couple, crossing down to begin.

21 – 24 1st & 2nd couples dance right hands across and stay in the middle with partners ready for:-

25 – 32 1st & 2nd couples dance an allepousse. i.e. 1St couple dance a 2 couple allemande into 2nd place while 2nd couple dance a poussette into 1st place.

Repeat having passed a couple.

This dance was devised for Frank Hewitson of Ribble Valley Branch RSCDS who I looked up to since I was in short pants! Frank sadly passed away in 2009, aged 92

Dance devised by David G. Queen 2005

Video: What a Beau my Granny was

What a Beau my Granny was
RSCDS Book 14
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd women set twice and dance three hands round to the left. At the same time, Ist man, followed by 2nd and 3rd men, dances across the top of the set, round the women and back to own side. (Fig.) All finish in original places.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd men set twice and dance three hands round to the left. At the same, Ist woman, followed by: 2nd and 3rd women, dances across the top of the set, round the men and back to own side. 1st and 2nd couple finish in the middle of the set, facing partners with both hands joined. 3rd couple return to places.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

25 – 32 1st and 3rd couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Preston’s Selection of the most favorite Country Dances, Reels etc
c. 1800 with bars 1-8 and 9-16 in the opposite order.
Original tune: What a Beau my Granny was (Traditional)

Dances for July 24, 2024

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Summer 2024

No Video

The Jam on Jerry’s Rock
A 32 bar jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set

Craig Williams
August 2023

1 – 8 1st couple cross down to dance a reel of 3 on the opposite sides with 2nd & 3rd couples. 1s finish in partners place

9 – 12 1st couple cross giving right hands & cast off one place.

13 – 16 1st couple set advancing and 1/2 turn 2 hands, cast to opposite side using with pas de basque. Finish facing out.

17 – 18 1st couple turn 3rd couple 3/4, 1st man & 3rd woman with the right hand, 1st woman & 3rd man with the left hand. 3rd couple return to place. 1st couple finish with nearer hand joined between 3rd couple

19 – 20 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, dance up the middle.

21 – 22 1st couple turn 2nd couple 3/4, 1st man & 2rd woman with the right hand, 1st woman & 2nd man with the left hand. 2nd couple return to top place

23 – 24 1st couple dance through 2nd place and pass right shoulder to own side.

25 – 32 All 3 couples circle 6 hands round & back

I discovered the folk song, “The Jam on Jerry’s Rock”, while reading about the history of the Ottawa area. Like many other areas in North America, logging was a key industry. The song tells the tragic tale of a six of young men and foreman young Monroe, sent to break a log jam on a river.

Video: The Pirate

The Pirate
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian
The Dance – 1822 and 2021
24-bar reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1822 Instructions

The 2d Gentm and 1st Lady turn to right and set at top and bottom, turn to right
again into each other’s places (in the dance) set
the 1st Gentm and 2d Lady do the same
Poussette at top

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 4 1st woman and 2nd man, using travelling step and pulling right shoulders back, dance into the middle to face each other and set. 1st woman facing down and 2nd man facing up.

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man using travelling step, pass by the left, and pulling right shoulders back, dance to each other’s original places and set.

9 – 12 1st man and 2nd woman, using travelling step, pass by the left, and pulling right shoulders back dance into the middle and set. 2nd woman facing down and 1st man facing up.

13 – 16 2nd woman and 1st man using travelling step and pulling right shoulder back, dance to each other’s original places and set. At the end of bar 16, 1st couple are in 2nd place opposite side. The 2nd couple are in 1st place opposite side.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance a waltz poussette to finish back on own sides.

Note: In the 1822 leaflet this is a 24-bar dance for 2 couple. As 24-bar 2-couple dances are not that common today, an additional optional 8 bars have been added below should you wish to dance this as a 32-bar dance for three couples.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance a grand chain. Repeat having passed a couple.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note:

  1. The movements in bars 1 — 16 are similar to a petronella turn. Travelling step is recommended,
  2. As it is clear that the progression takes place during bars 1 – 16, the poussette must be a full poussette, but starting from the opposite sides. See page 61.

The Waltz Poussette

Starting from sidelines and using waltz turns throughout the dancers should follow the general pattern below:

Bar 1 Dance in and meet in waltz hold (two hand hold may also be used).

Bar 2 – 4 Dance out to the sides (couple in second place to woman’s side and couple in 1st place to men’s side) and continuing dancing waltz turns round other couple and back into centre in progressed position.

Bar 5 – 7 Repeat bars 2 – 4 to finish in centre in original positions

Bar 8 Retire

No Video

Diamond of the Water
A 3 couple strathspey for a 3 couple set
Jayne Irwin, July 2024

1 – 4 All 3 couples turn with both hands once round and set.

5 – 8 All 3 couples dance in and take nearer hands, facing up.
1st couple casts off to 3rd place.
2nd couple dance up and cast of to original places.
3rd couple dance and cast into 1st place.
On bar 8 all three couples dance in to take promenade hold.

9 – 16 3rd, 2nd & 1st couples dance a 3 couple promenade, 3rd couple casts of to 2nd place and 2nd couple dance to the top on the last two bars.

17 – 18 2nd, 3rd & 1st couple turn once round with both hands
19 – 20 All advance for one step & retire one step
21 – 24 All dance back to back

25 – 32 All circle to the left and back

Repeat from new positions

Our canoe, gliding gently in the reflective water and watching the fish below swishing to and fro.

No Video

Further Ado
Lydia Hedge, Further Ado
32 bar Reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
devised by Lydia Hedge 2019.

1 – 8 1s set, cross down between 2s (as 2s step up), cast behind 3s, dance up between 3s to 2nd place in the centre.

9 – 16 2s, 1s and 3s dance mirror reels of 3 (1s out and up, 2s in and down, 3s in and up) 1s finish back to back facing opposite sides.

17 – 22 2s, 1s and 3s dance 6 bars of double triangles.

23 – 24 1s petronella turn out to own sides in 2nd place.

25 – 32 2s, 1s and 3s circle 6 hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple

Tune: Further Ado by M. G. Hughes 2017

Dances for July 17, 2024

4x32 Jigs, 4x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer 2024

No Video

A Trip to Ottawa
Strathspey
Malcolm Brown

1-4 1s Set, cast one place (2s step up)

5-8 1s ½ figure of eight up through 2s

9-16 1s & 2s Helice
1-2 1s & 2s ¾ turn partners RH, to finish in promenade hold, top couple (2s) facing men’s side, bottom couple (1s) facing ladies side, forming a line up and down the dance
3-4 1s & 2s promenade ½ way round anticlockwise (not too close togeher)
5-6 1s & 2s still in promenade hold, turn to finish in middle of set facing partners – 1s above 2s, [top couple on own side (1s), bottom couple on opposite side (2s)]
7-8 1s & 2s pull back R Sh and cast into sidelines

17-24 2s set, cast up one place (1s step down), ½ figure of eight down through 1s, All finish in middle, (1s & 3s dance in on left foot), ready for

25-32 1s 2s 3s Promenade

  • Helice is pronounced “hell-eese” (eese as in (g)eese

September 2008

Version B – 2 couple dance

Version C – 3 couple set (1s cast to 3rd place on bar 32, while 3s dance up to 2nd place)

No Video

JIG ON THE HILL
32 bar jig for 4 couples in a square set

1 – 8 First and third couples dance a Ladies’ Chain.

9 – 16 Second and fourth couples dance a Men’s Chain. On bar 16, second and fourth women finish facing out and first and third women turn about to face out as well. All the men face in.

17 – 24 All dance 8 bars of Schiehallion reels as follows:
17 – 20 All four men dance on to the position of the woman on their right in two long steps and then, with two short steps, dance a small loop into the man’s position to face in. Meanwhile, the women dance a small loop into their partner’s place and then follow their partners into the woman’s position to their right and stay facing out.
21 – 24 Repeat to finish opposite the original position, women still facing out.

25 – 32 All turn partners with the right hand into promenade hold, women on the right, facing clockwise. All promenade one place on, turning to face in, and all set. All are now in one position to the right of their original place.

Bars 17 – 24 are taken from the dance, Schiehallion, by Hugh Thurston where the full reel for 4 couples takes 16 bars. Schiehallion is a mountain in the middle of Scotland. The reels are danced in a square shape, presumably around the mountain.
The title refers to Parliament Hill in Ottawa as well as the hill, or brae where the first Ardbrae classes were held.

Suggested Music: Celtic Fire in the Music, Disc 1, track 10, Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent

No Video

The Cairn Strathspey
Roy Goldring, Auld Friends Meet
32 bar strathspey for 4 couples

1 – 4 1 couple with 2nd couple (also 3rd couple with 4th couple) dance right hands across opening out into:

5 – 8 Eight hands round halfway.
Finish 4, 3, 2, 1 all on opposite sides.

9 – 12 4th woman with 3rd woman (also 2bd Woman with 1st woman) nearer hands joined, dance between their partners, divide, dance back to the men’s side. 4th and 3rd women face each other, 2nd and 1st women face each other ready for:

13 – 16 Half reel of four, passing right shoulders to begin.

17 – 24 All four men repeat bars 9 -16. (Men dance between the women opposite — not their partners. )

25 – 28 1st couple cross giving right hands and cast to 4th place while. 2Nd, 3rd and 4th couples set and cross up one place giving right hands.

29 – 32 All four couples turn once round with both hands.

Repeat from new positions.

For Shirley Shields and the Cairn Dancers.

Tune: Falkland Palace (Nancy Dickson)
1980

No Video

Jackie Stewart’s Reel
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples.
Music: The Flying Scotsman 8x32r

1-8: 1st couple cross with left hands, cast and meet in the middle to turn by the left hands 1½ times for 4 bars to face out on own sides. 2nd couple steps up on bars 3-4.


9-16: 1st couple dance around the person on their left in 2 bars and meet In the middle (with man facing up and woman facing down) to turn by the left hands 1½ times for 4 bars, then dance around the person on their left in 2 bars to finish in 2nd place on their own sides.
Meanwhile, on bars 9-10 3rd man and 2nd woman exchange places, passing left shoulders. On bars 15-16 3rd woman and 2nd man exchange places, passing left shoulders.

17-24: 1st couple leads down and back. On bars 21-22, 3rd and 2nd couple cross by the left hands halfway round and step in on bars 23-24 to prepare for an allemande.

25-32: 3rd, 1st, and 2nd couples dance an allemande.
On the second time through, replace every occurrence of “left” with “right”.

Notes for Jackie Stewart’s Reel
Start your engines…

Brid 24-05

Dances for July 10, 2024

3x32 Reels, 3x32 Strathspeys, 8x24 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, Summer 2024

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repeat from new positions.

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

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

Video: The Pirate

The Pirate
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian
The Dance – 1822 and 2021
24-bar reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1822 Instructions

The 2d Gentm and 1st Lady turn to right and set at top and bottom, turn to right
again into each other’s places (in the dance) set
the 1st Gentm and 2d Lady do the same
Poussette at top

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 4 1st woman and 2nd man, using travelling step and pulling right shoulders back, dance into the middle to face each other and set. 1st woman facing down and 2nd man facing up.

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man using travelling step, pass by the left, and pulling right shoulders back, dance to each other’s original places and set.

9 – 12 1st man and 2nd woman, using travelling step, pass by the left, and pulling right shoulders back dance into the middle and set. 2nd woman facing down and 1st man facing up.

13 – 16 2nd woman and 1st man using travelling step and pulling right shoulder back, dance to each other’s original places and set. At the end of bar 16, 1st couple are in 2nd place opposite side. The 2nd couple are in 1st place opposite side.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance a waltz poussette to finish back on own sides.

Note: In the 1822 leaflet this is a 24-bar dance for 2 couple.As 24-bar 2-couple dances are not that common today, an additional optional 8 bars have been added below should you wish to dance this as a 32-bar dance for three couples.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance a grand chain. Repeat having passed a couple.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note:

  1. The movements in bars 1 — 16 are similar to a petronella turn. Travelling step is recommended,
  2. As it is clear that the progression takes place during bars 1 – 16, the poussette must be a full poussette, but starting from the opposite sides. See page 61.

The Waltz Poussette

Starting from sidelines and using waltz turns throughout the dancers should follow the general pattern below:

Bar 1 Dance in and meet in waltz hold (two hand hold may also be used).

Bar 2 – 4 Dance out to the sides (couple in second place to woman’s side and couple in 1st place to men’s side) and continuing dancing waltz turns round other couple and back into centre in progressed position.

Bar 5 – 7 Repeat bars 2 – 4 to finish in centre in original positions

Bar 8 Retire

Video: The Northern Lights

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
TAC Silver Anniversary
3 x 32 Bar Strathspey

1 – 4 1st Man and 2nd Lady set to each other advancing, then turn each other with both hands (3/4 turn) to finish back to back in the centre, Man facing down, Lady facing up (they release hands and pivot right about on Bar 4 – i.e. Bob Campbell’s “Birl” from Frae A’ The Airts) Meanwhile: 2nd Man and 1st Lady dance around anticlockwise to finish facing their partner in a line up & down in the centre of the dance

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and turn with both hands to finish on own side of the dance, 1st couple now in 2nd place, 2nd couple in 1st place

9 – 16 1st couple repeat Bars 1 – 8 with 3rd couple. On bars 15 and 16 they turn with both hands finishing in position ready for Allemande. On bar 16, 2nd couple (at top) dance in to position for Allemande.

17 – 24 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance Allemande

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples (top and bottom) dance Half Rights and Lefts; WHILE the 3rd couple (in 2nd place) set and cross over giving Right hands

29 – 32 All 3 couples set and cross to own sides giving Right hand to partner

Repeat with new top couple

Dedicated to the Ladies of Prince George, B.C.
Devised by Chas. F. Dobie of Carisbrooke S.C.D.C.

NOTE: The following note appears in the back of Glasgow Assembly and other Scottish Country Dances by Bob Campbell (Fifth Printing, 1990):

“THE BOURREL
This progression, first used in Campsie Glen, also appears in The Northern Meeting and Frae A’ The Airts and was originally known as the Birl. As birling, in its strict sense, does not occur in our dancing the term Bourrel has been substituted.”

No Video

ECLIPSE

A JIG for 3 couples in a 4 couple set; (J 8×32)

1 – 8 1C dance clockwise round set: 1W casts off on own side while 1M crosses set and follows 1W. 1C return to original positions, 1W facing out
Meanwhile; 2C and 3C turn RH round and LH back to place.

9 – 16 1C continue dancing ¾ figure of 8 on own side; 1W casts RSh round 2W then LSh round 3W to end in 2nd place as 2W steps up on bars 3-4.
1M casts RSh round 2M then LSh round 3M to end in 2nd place as 2M steps up on bars 3-4..
1C set to each other (in 2nd place)

Couples position: 2 – 1 – 3

17 – 24 1C turn LH round and RH back to 2nd place Meanwhile; 2C and 3C chase clockwise round set.

25 – 32 2C, 1C and 3C all dance 6 hand round and back.

Note; dancers are dancing around the set or inside the set, in a circular movement….to show the movements of the sun and the moon in an eclipse.

Suggested music: THE HAPPY MEETING 8×32 bars JIG from “The Bobby Brown Collection” of Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accents; CD disc #1. Tune #3

Devised by Deborah Connors
April, 2024

Dances for July 3, 2024

3x32 Reels, 3x32 Strathspeys, 8x24 Jig, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer 2024, Uncategorized

No Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended Tune: Springtime Bliss by Karen Steven

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

Video: Kenilworth

Kenilworth
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian
The Dance — 1822 and 2021
24-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple set

1822 Instructions :

The 1st Gentm changes sides with his partner, giving right hand, then turn with left full round
The 1st Gentm gives the right hand to the 2d Lady, the 1st Lady gives the right hand to the 2d Gentm, set four holding hands.
The 1st Gentm turns his partner with left hand to her own side, down a couple. Poussette at top

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 Giving right hands, 1st couple cross over and cast off into second place. (2nd couple step up). Giving left hands,1st couple turn, moving up slightly and finish between second couple. Retaining left hands, 1st man gives right hand to 2nd woman and 1st woman gives right hand to 2nd man.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples set twice. 1st couple turn one and a half times, to finish in 2nd place own side.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couple dance a waltz poussette.

Note In the 1822 leaflet this is 24-bar dance for 2 couples.
As 24-bar 2-couple dances are not that common today, an additional optional 8 bars have been added below should you wish to dance this as a 32-bar dance for three couples.

25 – 32 Using skip change of step, 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Note

1, The progression in the source instructions is very clear and occurs before the poussette. This means the poussette must be a full poussette. See page 61.

The Waltz Poussette

Starting from sidelines and using waltz turns throughout the dancers should follow the general pattern below:

Bar 1 Dance in and meet in waltz hold (two hand hold may also be used).

Bar 2 – 4 Dance out to the sides (couple in second place to woman’s side and couple in 1st place to men’s side) and continuing dancing waltz turns round other couple and back into centre in progressed position.

Bar 5 – 7 Repeat bars 2 – 4 to finish in centre in original positions

Bar 8 Retire

No Video

Waterlily Ballet

A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 3 couple set
Jayne Irwin, May 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight around the 2nd & 3rd couples on the sides. 1st couple begin by dancing out & down.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd & 3rd couples dance a mirror reel of three on the sides. Right shoulder on the women;s side, left shoulder on the men’s side. 1st couple dance out & down, 2nd couple in and up, 3rd couple out & up

17 – 20 1st man with 2nd man turn 1 ½ times with the left hand. 1st woman with 2nd woman turn 1 ½ times with the right hand

21 – 24 1st man with 3rd man turn once round with the right hand. 1st woman with 3rd woman turn once round with the left hand

25 – 32 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance a 3 couple knot

Video: The Northern Lights

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
TAC Silver Anniversary
3 x 32 Bar Strathspey

1 – 4 1st Man and 2nd Lady set to each other advancing, then turn each other with both hands (3/4 turn) to finish back to back in the centre, Man facing down, Lady facing up (they release hands and pivot right about on Bar 4 – i.e. Bob Campbell’s “Birl” from Frae A’ The Airts) Meanwhile: 2nd Man and 1st Lady dance around anticlockwise to finish facing their partner in a line up & down in the centre of the dance

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and turn with both hands to finish on own side of the dance, 1st couple now in 2nd place, 2nd couple in 1st place

9 – 16 1st couple repeat Bars 1 – 8 with 3rd couple. On bars 15 and 16 they turn with both hands finishing in position ready for Allemande. On bar 16, 2nd couple (at top) dance in to position for Allemande.

17 – 24 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance Allemande

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples (top and bottom) dance Half Rights and Lefts; WHILE the 3rd couple (in 2nd place) set and cross over giving Right hands

29 – 32 All 3 couples set and cross to own sides giving Right hand to partner

Repeat with new top couple

Dedicated to the Ladies of Prince George, B.C.
Devised by Chas. F. Dobie of Carisbrooke S.C.D.C.

NOTE: The following note appears in the back of Glasgow Assembly and other Scottish Country Dances by Bob Campbell (Fifth Printing, 1990):

THE BOURREL:
This progression, first used in Campsie Glen, also appears in The Northern Meeting and Frae A’ The Airts and was originally known as the Birl. As birling, in its strict sense, does not occur in our dancing the term Bourrel has been substituted.”

Video: Rivendell

RIVENDELL
Iain Boyd, The Lord of the Rings Coll.
A three couple, 32 bar reel.

1 – 4 First couple cross over giving right hands and cast down round second couple on opposite sides. Second couple move up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 First couple cross over giving left hands and cast down round third couple on own sides. Third couple move up on bars 7-8 and finish facing down.

9 – 16 Second, third and first couples dance reels of three on the sides. Second couple dance in and down, third couple dance out and down while first couple cross up between third couple to begin. First couple finish on opposite sides in third place.

17 – 18 Second, third and first couples set with nearer hands joined on the sides.

19 – 20 Second couple cross over giving right hands while third couple lead down with right hands and cross over between first couple while first couple cast up one place.

21 – 22 Second, first and third couples set with nearer hands joined on the sides.

23 – 24 Second couple lead down with left hands and cross over between first couple to finish facing out while first couple cast up one place while third couple cross over giving left hands.

25 – 28 First and second couples dance a half double figure of eight. First couple cross down while second couple dance up the side-lines to begin. Second couple finish on opposite sides facing out.

29 – 32 First couple turn with right hands once round down between second couple while second couple dance up the side-lines to top place and cross over giving right hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.