Category Archives: Summer

Dances taught in the summer classes

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Dances for May 29, 2024

No Video

Silver Seven

48 bar jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Jayne Irwin, March 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight around 2nd couple, crossing down between 2nd couple to start.

9 – 16 1st couple cross over and dance a reel of 3 with 2nd & 3rd couples on the opposite sides

17 – 24 1st couple cross over and dance a reel of 3 on their own side with 2nd & 3rd couples

25 – 32 1st couple dance down the middle for 4 bars with nearer hands joined, on bars 21 & 22 1st woman dances under their raised arms and in front of her partner (as he dances below her) to switch places and face up, and dance up to 2nd place on bars 23 & 24, finishing in the middle of the set. 2nd couple step up on bars 19 & 20

33 – 40 1st man with 2nd & 3rd women dance right hands across, 1st woman with 2nd & 3rd men dance left hands across. 1st woman crosses in front of 1st man to dance right hands across with 2nd & 3rd women, 1st man dances left hands across with 2nd & 3rd men. 1st couple finish in the middle facing up, 2nd couple in top place facing out.

41 – 48 2nd couple, followed by 1st & 3rd couples, cast off & dance in to take nearer hands and continue dancing down for 4 bars. 1st & 3rd couple divide and follow 2nd couple back up to finish in progressed places.


Video:The Laird o’ Dumbiedike’s Favorite

The Laird o’ Dumbiedike’s Favorite
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian

The Dance – 1820 and 2021
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple set

1820 Instructions

1st and 2d Cu: 4 hands round, set and back again.

1st Cu: lead 3 outsides opposite, back again to places

_ poussette & right and left

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples, with two skip change of step, circle to left, then retaining hands, set.

They repeat to the right back to places, dropping hands at the end of bar 6.

9 – 16 1st man, followed by 2nd and 3rd men, cross over, dance down the opposite side, cross through third couple’s position and back up own side. Meanwhile, 1st woman does the same with 2nd and 3rd women.

The women pass below the men at the top and the bottom of the set. 1st and 2nd couples finish in the middle.

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

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

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes

  1. A version of this dance has been previously published by the RSCDS in Book 12 – this interpretation is different.
  2. Historic dance manuals provide no help in reconstructing bars 9 – 16. What is clear is that both 1st man and 1st woman are dancing for these 8 bars at the same time.
  3. The progression in this dance can only have taken place during the poussette. It is suggested that the modern RSCDS poussette should be used. Dancers are welcome to try waltzing round one and a half times, as long as both couples are agreed in advance!
  4. The 1820 instructions do not stipulate whether 1st couple dance the rights and lefts with the 2nd or 3rd couples. The dance seems more interesting if the 3rd couple are involved in these bars.

Video: The Laird of Dumbiedyke’s Favourite

The Laird of Dumbiedyke’s Favourite
RSCDS Book 12 – No. 4
40-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands halfway round to the left and set to partners.

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples dance four hands halfway round to the right and set to partners.

9 – 16 1st couple, followed by 2nd and 3rd couples, cast off to third place, cross over and dance up to partners’ places on opposite sides. (Fig.)

17 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples repeat bars 9-16 to original places, the women again dancing on the inside. 1st and 2nd couples finish in the middle of the set facing partners with both hands joined.

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

33 – 40 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

The Heart of Midlothian … Favourite Dances for 1820, printed by John Sutherland, Edinburgh.

Original tune: Johnnie’s friends are never pleased (Niel Gow’s Repository Part 4).


No Video

Lochindorb
Duncan Brown, The Bovey Collection
32 bar Strathspey for two couples in a three or four couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to the left halfway and ‘melt’ into half a turn, giving both hands, with partners, to finish in original places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle for 4 steps. On bar 13, 1st woman dances under her partner’s arm as 1st man dances below his partner, so that 1st couple have changed sides. 1st couple lead up the middle for 3 steps to finish in 2nd place, opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance a Ladies’ Chain.

25 – 28 1st couple dance half a figure of eight up through 2nd couple.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

When 1 first played this lovely E flat slow air in the mid 1990s, I thought this tune was a ‘cracker’. I thought it deserved a dance – 10 years later I devised this.

Recommended tune:- Lochindorb (Ian Hardie) — published in ‘A Breath of Fresher Airs’ publ.

Ian Hardie, also available at www.ian-hardie.co.uk


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 May 22, 2024

No Video

Marlborough Rant

A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Craig Williams, March 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance a ½ figure of eight on their own sides. Begin by dancing in and down. Take nearer hands when they meet between the 3rd couple, dance up to the top and cast off to 2nd place on own sides, 2nd couple stepping up on bars 7 & 8

9 – 16 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance a 3 couple Espagnole.
9 – 10 2nd man & 3rd woman cross to opposite sides
2nd & 1st women giving right hands, cross to opposite sides, 1st woman passing in front of 2nd woman
1st & 3rd men giving right hands, cross to opposite sides, 1st man passing in front of 3rd man
11 – 12 Repeat bars 9-10 from new positions
13 – 14 Repeat bars 9-10 from new positions. The dancers should finish on opposite sides in order (3, 1, 2) across from their partners
15 – 16 All ½ turn partners with the right hand, finishing ready for allemande.

17 – 24 3rd, 1st & 2nd couples dance a allemande.

25 – 32 Circle 6 hands round & back.

Marlborough forest is Ottawa’s largest natural area and lies in the south end of the City. It’s largely unknown to most residents. A 200 km2 patchwork of forest and abandoned homesteads, swamps and fens, dusty forestry roads and claustrophobic thickets — it hides off the beaten path, protecting its secrets


Video: Jeanie Deans’ Strathspey

Jeanie Deans’ Strathspey
RSCDS Sir Walter Scott – A Celebration through Scottish Music and Dance

The Dance — 1820 and 2021
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple set

1820 Instructions

1st Cu: swing round, & cast off there left hand
& set abreast top & bottom, same on the sides,
set cross corners
& lead outsides

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 Giving right hands, 1st couple turn and cast off one place: 2nd cou ple step up. 1st couple, giving left hands, turn to finish man between 3rd couple and woman between 2nd couple.

9 – 12 2nd and 3rd couples face up or down.

All set. 2nd and 3rd couples continue setting as, on bars 11 and 12, 1st man casts up to 2nd place on his own side and 1st woman casts off into 2nd place on her side.

13 – 16 All three couples set twice.

17 – 24 1st couple, advancing, set to first corners. 1st couple dance round each other by the right to face second corners. 1st couple set to second corners, then dance round each other to face the men’s side, man with his partner on his right.

25 – 32 1st couple lead outsides:

Giving nearer hands, 1st couple dance out between 2nd and 3rd men, then cast back into centre. Giving nearer hands, they dance out between 2nd and 3rd women and cast back to 2nd place own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes:

  1. ‘Swing’ meant turn using one hand; ‘turn’ meant both hands.
  2. Bars 9 – 16 are different from modern RSCDS practice. The above version is similar to that in D.A.’s ‘Country Dancing Made Plain and Easy’ of 1764.
  3. The interpretation here of ‘set cross corners’ in bars 17 – 24 is based on Thomas Wilson’s ‘set contrary corners’ on pages 44 – 46 of his ‘Analysis of Country Dancing’ of 1811.
  4. Lead outsides could be simply danced out or the dancers cross, depending on contemporary fashion. In a crowded ballroom with little space for dancers to dance out together, 1st man could cross his partner in front of him, giving left hands.

Video: The Hazel Tree

THE HAZEL TREE
John Drewry, The Brodie Book
devised between 1972 and 1982

for the 25th Anniversary of the Goyt Valley S.C.D. Club

Jig – 3 couples ~ 32 bars
Tune – “Sandy Pirie of Hazelhead” by I. Munro
Kerr’s Thistle Collection page 29

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance “The Espagnole” to change places. See the note at the end of the book. At the end, 2nd couple turn with the right hand to first place on own sides, but 1st couple turn with the left hand to face first corners.

9 – 12 1st couple turn their first corners with the right hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each other by the right to face partners’ first corners. They release hands after three steps but the corners continue to dance for the full four steps.

13 – 16 1st woman turns 3rd woman with the left hand, while 1st man turns 2nd man with the left hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each another by the left to face own second corners.

17 – 20 1st couple turn their second corners with the right hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each other by the right to face partners’ second corners.

21 – 24 1st woman turns 2nd woman with the left hand, while 1st man turns 3rd man with the left hand. At the end, 1st couple pass each other by the left to finish side by side in the middle of the dance in second place on wrong sides facing down.

25 – 28 Joining left hands, 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple crossing over to own sides and cast up to 2nd place.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“The Espagnole” (A new progression)

1 – 2 1st and 2nd women, joining right hands, dance towards the men’s side passing between their partners. On the second step, 1st woman crosses 2nd woman over in front of her, so that 2nd woman dances out and up towards first place while 1st woman dances out and down towards second place.

Meanwhile 1st and 2nd men cross to the women’s side passing on either side of their partners.

3 – 4 1st and 2nd men, joining right hands, dance back towards their own side passing between their partners. On the fourth step, 1st man crosses 2nd man over in front of him, so that 2nd man dances out and up towards first place while 1st man dances out and down towards second place.

Meanwhile 2nd and ist women cross back to their own side passing on either side of their partners.

5 – 8 2nd couple turn with the right hand while 1st couple turn with the left hand.


No Video

CATRIONA’S REEL
Duncan Brown, The Bovey Collection
32 bar Reel for three couples in a four couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, half turn partner to finish in promenade hold facing up.

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

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up, finishing in the middle, facing each other, both hands joined. On bar 24 2nd couple step in to finish in the middle both hands joined.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: On the 2nd, 4th and 6th times through the dance it is recommended to dance a three couple poussette, with the bottom two couples stepping in on bar 24.

Devised for my elder daughter, Catriona.

Recommended tune: Iain MacPhail’s Compliments to the late Gordon Jamieson

Dances for May 15, 2024

Mo Video

Mrs Stewart’s Strathspey
Book 13 – No. 3
48-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and, giving both hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands once round to the left.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing 2nd man, 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three across the set, 1st woman and 2nd man and 1st man and 3rd woman passing by the right to begin. 1st couple; finish facing first corners.

25 – 32 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, turn to lead up on own sides. 1st couple finish in the middle at the top of the set, facing up. 2nd couple step down and in on bars 31-32.

33 – 40 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

41 – 48 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Jacob Harbour’s Third Book of New & Favorite Country Dances, Strathspey Reels, Waltz, & Hornpipes, c. 1800.

Original tune: Jolin Roy Stewart (MacGlashan c. 1800)


No Video

The Heart of Mid-Lothian
The Dance – 1820 and 2021
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple set

1820 Instructions

1st & 2d Cu. 4 Hands across_back again
_down the middle_up again
_set cross corners
& Reel_or lead outsides

2021 Reconstruction

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back.

9 – 16 1st couple dance down the middle, then back to second place. (2nd couple step up on bars 11 – 12)

17 – 24 1st couple, advancing, set to first corners. Giving both hands, 1st couple turn 1st corners using skip change and face 2nd corners. 1st couple set and turn 2nd corners likewise. 1st couple finish in the centre, facing the men’s side, man with his partner on his right.

25 – 32 1st couple lead outsides: (see note 4)

Giving nearer hands, 1st couple dance out between 2nd and 3rd men, then cast back into centre. Giving nearer hands, they dance out between 2nd and 3rd women and cast back to 2nd place own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes

  1. Down the middle and back to second place was the commonest progression in the early 19th century. As most formations finished on the sidelines, it would not be common to finish facing 1st corners.
  2. Leading down the middle was done using nearer hands at this time.
  3. Alternative endings were not uncommon. Although three of the dances in this leaflet finish with ‘lead outsides’, this is the only one in quick time and, hence, this is the ending selected for this dance.
  4. Lead outsides could be simply danced out or the dancers cross, depending on contemporary fashion. In a crowded ballroom with little space for dancers to dance out together, 1st man could cross his partner in front of him giving left hands.

No Video

ATLANTA FAIR
Carol Bell – Atlanta Fare
32-bar Jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 6 1st couple cast off two places, meet below 3™ couple, and dance up (nearer hands joined) to their own places.

7 – 8 1 couple set to each other.

9 – 16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight about 2nd couple, then a half figure of eight about third couple, finishing in a diagonal line and joining left hands with partner and right hands with first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 Balance in line, 1st couple advance a quarter turn pas de Basque, balance in line with second corners, and dance out to second place on own sides. .

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Symbolism of the figures:

Casting off — Forms the Coca Cola bottle.

Up the middle and set — Coca Cola pouring out. These first two figures commemorate the Atlanta Branch’s 10″ anniversary and Coca Cola’s 1 00″ anniversary.

Half Figures of Eight — form the petals of the Dogwood Flower, symbol of Atlanta and the Atlanta Branch.

Diagonal Lines — form the St. Andrews Cross and the cross on the Confederate flag and are one of the figures in a favorite Atlanta dance, “The Balgeddie Reel”.

Six Hands Round — dancing around Stone Mountain, where we meet each Fall.


No Video

A Trip To Newtown School
Rod Downey, The Piwakawaka Collection
A 3 couple 32 bar reel in a longwise 4 couple set.

1 – 4 All 3 couples take hands and advance and retire.

5 – 6 All cross RH and face clockwise.

7 – 8 All chase clockwise 14 to form two lines of three, the men across 3rd place and the ladies across first place.

9 – 12 All take hands and advance and retire.

13 – 14 All cross LH, and face anticlockwise.

15 – 16 All chase anticlickwise back to original places.

17 – 24 First man followed by his partner, chase behind the men’s line, across the set below 3rd couple, up behind 3rd lady and across the set in second place, first lady finishing in second ladies place. 2nd couple steps up on bars 5-6. First man should curl into place pulling back right shoulder.

25 – 32 All dance 6 hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Notes Devised 21 August, 2023 as a simple ceilidh-style dance, for the first club night after our annual dance jointly held with Capital City on the 19th August, in Newtown School Hall. Recommended tune is “Unnamed Stallion” by James MacQueen, and a suitable recording is on “Excited States” on the
album by the same name by “Stringfire!”.

Dances for August 8, 2019 – Last Class

No Video


Blackadder House
Blackadder Collection
32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples

Bars Description

1 – 4 1st couple turn each other with the right hand and cast off one place, finishing just inside the sidelines. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 & 4.

5 – 8 1st couple set to each other and turn each other with both hands to finish facing 2nd woman with nearer hands joined, 1st man with his partner on his right.

9 – 12 1st couple set to 2nd woman (who sets back). 1st woman dances under her partner’s arm and they finish facing 3rd man.

13 – 16 1st couple (in promenade hold) dance a right shoulder half reel of 3 with 3rd man and 2nd woman, finishing facing 3rd woman with nearer hands joined.

17 – 20 1st couple set to 3rd woman (who sets back). 1st woman dances under her partner’s arm and they finish facing 2nd man.

21 – 24 1st couple (in promenade hold) dance a right shoulder half reel of 3 with 2nd man and 3rd woman, finishing in the centre of the set facing down. On the last bar 2nd and 3rd couples dance in on the left foot to join partners and face down.

25 – 30 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance an ‘upside down’ allemande for 6 bars.

31 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples half turn to own sides giving right hand.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Blackadder House by Muriel Johnstone

Dance devised by Muriel Johnstone and Bill Zobel.

Blackadder House was the home of the Houstons of Boswall. It was described in the local gazette as “An imposing Georgian Mansion of stone, occupying a remarkable position on a cliff-like rock formation. rising abruptly from the east bank of the River Blackadder. Commanding beautiful and varied views over a wide panorama extending to the Lammermuir and Cheviot ranges, it is surrounded by boldly undulating parks of 300 acres finely timbered and protected by towering woodlands. Three carriage drives through beautiful avenues approximating to a mile in length are guarded by stone lodges in character. The house contains 1 1 principal rooms, 31 bed and dressing rooms and 5 bathrooms. The western terrace which, running the length of the Mansion, dominates the beautiful valley of the Blackadder, has a concealed gate which opens from the bold balustrading, onto romantic zig-zag paths screened by evergreen and flowering shrubs, descending under the shelter of the cliffs and old forest trees to ‘The Lower Terrace’. A few feet above the river, guarded by dwarf walls and railing and protected by magnificent hanging woodlands”. Sadly a few ruins are all that remain of this once magnificent home. The village of Allanton was part of the Blackadder estate.

© Scotscores 2002

No Video


East of Yeadon
Roy Goldring – Auld Friends Meet
32 bar jig for 3couples

Bars

1 – 4 1st woman crosses over passing her partner by the right shoulder and casts off into 3rd man’s place. At the same time, 3rd man crosses over passing his partner by the right shoulder and casts up into 1st woman’s place.

5 – 8 Similar to bars 1 – 4. 1st man and 3rd woman cross passing the person opposite by the left shoulder and cast (man down, woman up) into each other’s place.

9 – 12 3rd and 1st couples turn once round with right hands. 3rd man and 1st woman finish facing out.

13 – 16 3rd man, followed by his partner, casts down behind 2nd woman, 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts up behind 2nd man. They finish in original places, 1st woman facing down.

17 – 20 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across. 1st couple finish in the centre of the dance facing down.

21 – 24 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple, divide and cast up to 2nd place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 23 – 24.

25 – 32 Six hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple

In memory of Gordon Lennox.

Tune: I am a Young Man that Lived with my Mother (Traditional)

1992

No Video

Sleepwalking
32 R 3C

Katherine Giacoletti
Devised 10/22/1996

1 – 8 1st couple cross giving right hands anc1 cast off one place as 2nd couple steps up. 1st couple turn by the left and cast off one place as 3rd couple steps up.

9 – 16 Mirror reels of three on the sides of the dance – 1st couple begin dancing in and up, 3rd couple begin dancing out and down, and 2nd couple begin dancing in and down.

17 – 24 1st couple dance to the top, nearer hands joined (as 3rd couple dances down to third place behind them, continuing the reel) and cast off one place. 1st couple dance a half figure of eight down around 3rd couple, ending in 2nd place on own sides.

25 – 32 1st couple turn 1st corner by the right, pass each other by right shoulders, turn 2nd corner by the right, and pass each other by right shoulders to end in progressed places (corners \ turn for 4 bars).

Repeat from new places.

This dance is dedicated to Kate & Ed Nealley, and to Inverarity, with many happy
memories of dancing there.

Dances for August 1, 2019

Video: City Lights
Video: City Lights
Video: City Lights

City Lights
Nicola Scott -RSCDS Book 52

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

Bars Description

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 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a quarter times to face first corners.

9 – 12 First corners dance in, passing 1st couple by the right shoulder, and dance an allemande turn to the right (Note). At the same time, 1st couple dance out and curve to their right, passing through first corner positions and back into the middle.

13 – 16 All four corners chase clockwise halfway while 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a quarter times to finish in the middle facing second corner positions (1st woman facing 2nd woman, 1st man facing 3rd man).

17 – 20 Repeat bars 9 – 12 with second corners.

21 – 24 Repeat bars 13 – 16, except 1st couple finish in the middle left shoulder to left shoulder facing opposite sides.

25 – 28 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across, all finishing on own sides in the order 2, 1, 3.

29 — 32 All three couples, giving right hands, turn once round or birl.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Nicola Scott, RSCDS Birmingham Branch, December 2015.

The dance was inspired by the excellent Charlie Chaplin film, City Lights.

Note: Allemande turns — Dancers advance towards each other and, giving right hands,the woman dances under the man’s arm and curves out to place while the man retires.

No Video

Sunrise on Dean’s Bay
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Craig Williams — July 2019

1 – 2 1st couple cross giving right hands

3 – 8 1st couple dance a 3/4 figure of eight on opposite sides finishing in second place on opposite sides. 2nd couple stepping up on bars 3 – 4.

9 – 12 1st & 2nd couples right hands across

13 – 16 1st & 3rd couples left hands across

17 – 24 1st, 2nd & 3rd couples half turn, set, pull back right shoulders and cast to opposite sides and cross giving right hands. 1st couple finish facing out

25 – 30 1st couple dance a reel of three on opposite sides, giving right shoulder to 1st corner to begin.

31 – 32 1st couple cross from the ends to 2nd place on own sides

No Video

The Road to the Border
Elaine Brunken – Moments in Time
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples Cross with Right hand and Set.

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples Cross with Left hand and Set.

9 – 12 1st couple Turn with the Right hand and Cast off one place. (2nd couple step up on bars 11-12)

13 – 16 1st couple Cross with Left hand, and Cast to the left. (Lady down around 3rd man, Man up around 2nd Lady). Finish back to back in center, facing opposite sides.

17 – 18 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples Set, as in double triangles.

19 – 20 1st couple Turn first corner with the Right Hand. (finish back to back)

21 – 22 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples Set, as in double triangles.

23 – 24 1st couple Turn second corner with the Left Hand. (finish 1st lady between the 3rd couple. 1st man between the 2nd couple)

25 – 30 Right Shoulder Reels of three across the dance.

31 – 32 1st couple Dance out to second place (pass left shoulder).

Repeat having passed a couple

Devised in July 2004 and taught at the 2004 ISCDS workshop. I created this while driving through Maine on my way to Nova Scotia. It’s a long way through Maine at night!

The working title….Maine Moose Madness! I never did see any moose in Maine. but I did in Cape Breton.

Suggested Tune: David Cunningham’s Welcome to Canada (Muriel Johnstone)

Dances for July 25, 2019

No video

Petaluma Express
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples
Craig Williams
May 2019

1-4 1st & 2nd men with left hand, 1st & 2nd women with right hand turn 1 ½ times
5-8 1st & 3rd men with right hand, 1st & 3rd women with left hand turn 1 ½ times

9-16 1st couple cast up to the top, turn 1 ½ times with right hands progressing down to 2nd place on opposite sides. 3rd couple step down on bars 11-12.

17-24 1st couple set & La baratte and finish facing 1st corners.

25-32 1st couple Set to corners and partner to finish with a petronella to 2nd place on own sides facing out.

While visiting San Francisco in the fall 2018. I saw a bus with the destignation “Petaluma Express”. I though that would make a good name for a dance.

No Video

Holding Hands In The Moonlight
Iain Boyd – May I have The Pleasure?

A three couple, 32 bar strathspey for four couples in a longwise set.

1 – 6 First and second couples dance three—quarter rights and lefts.
7 – 8 Second, first and third couples set with nearer hands joined on the sides.
9 – 16 Second, first and third couples dance six hands round and back.

17 – 24 First couple dance down between third couple With nearer hands joined, cast up round third couple on own sides, dance a half figure of eight round third couple and dance up outside opposite sidelines to finish in first place

while second couple dance down between third couple with nearer hands joined, cast up round third couple on own sides and dance a half figure of eight round third couple to finish on opposite sides in second place.

25 – 26 First and second couples turn partner with right hands half way round to finish in the middle facing up with hands joined in ‘allemande’ hold.

27 – 32 First and second couples dance bars 3 – 8 of a two-couple allemande.

First couple cast to the left and dance out to the men’s side to finish facing down (bar 27), dance down the men’s sideline (bar 28) then continue to dance first couple’s track of a normal two—couple allemande (bars 29 – 32) while second couple dance directly up the middle (bar 27), cast to the left and dance out to the men’s side to finish facing down (bar 28) then continue to dance second couple’s track of a normal two-couple allemande (bars 29 – 32).

Repeat, having passed a couple.

At the end of the second time through, first couple finish in third place. On bars 3—4 of the
next repeat, first couple step down along the sidelines to fourth place while fourth couple
step in and up to third place.

No Video

ISLE OF BUTE
Bob McMurtry – Devil’s Quandary
32 bar jig for 3 couples

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance light hands across.

5 – 6 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and finish facing up and down. Couples turn to face each other on the last setting step.

7 – 8 1st and 2nd couple turn on the sidelines with right hand.

9 – 16 1st couple dance a right shoulder reel of three on the sides, 1st couple start giving right shoulders to the 2nd couple.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle for three steps and back, cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 23 & 24.

25 – 32 All three couples dance back to back and turn with the right hand for 4 bars.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dance Notes: On bars 7 8L 8, care should be taken not to rush entry into the reel. This is a slightly more challenging dance for beginners.

Note: The Isle of Bute is on the southwestern coast of Scotland, where the Scottish side of my family
comes from.

Dances for July 18, 2019

Video: Haughs o’Cromdale

Haughs o’Cromdale
Book 4 – N o. 10

16-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

Bars Description

1 – 2 1st man and 2nd woman, giving right hands, turn halfway round.

3 – 4 1st woman and 2nd man join in to dance right hands across.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance left hands across to finish with 2nd couple on the women’s side and 1st couple on, the men’s side, both hands joined, with men facing down and women facing up.

9 – 10 1st and 2nd couples dance one Highland Schottische step to cross to opposite sides, 1st couple passing below 2nd couple and moving down the men’s side while 2nd couple move up the women’s side. 1st man and 2nd woman begin with left foot.

11 – 12 Repeat bars 9-10, 1st couple moving up the women’s side and 2nd couple moving down the men’s side and 1st couple passing above 2nd couple. On bar 12, they finish in a diagonal line between 1st man’s place and 2nd woman’s place, 1st man and 2nd woman back to back in the middle. (Note)

13 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance a half poussette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thomas Wilson: A Companion to the Ballroom, London, 1816.

Tune: The Haughs 0f Cromdale (Traditional)

Note: At the end of bar 12, the dancers are not in the normal starting position for a half poussette.

Video: Ciamar A Tha

Ciamar A Tha (How are You?)
Roy Goldring – Auld Friends Meet
32 bar jig for 3 couples

Bars

1 – 2 1st couple dance down the middle.
3 – 4 1st and 3rd woman turn with left hands while 1st and 3rd men turn with right hands. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on own side. 2nd couple step up.
5 – 6 1st couple cross passing right shoulders.
7 – 8 1st woman and 3rd man turn with left hands while 1st man and 3rd woman turn with right hands. 1st couple meet between the 3rd couple.

9 – 10 1st couple dance up the middle.
11 – 12 1st woman and 2nd man turn with left hands while 1st man and 2nd woman turn with right hands. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite side.
13 – 14 1st couple cross passing right shoulders.
15 – 16 1st and 2nd women turn with left hands while 1st and 2nd men turn with right hands. 1st couple meet between 2nd couple at the top.

17 – 20 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple and cast up to 2nd place.
21 – 22 1st couple dance a petronella turn to finish: woman between 2nd couple facing down, man between 3rd couple facing up.
23 – 24 All set.

25 – 26 All change places with the person opposite giving right hands.
27 – 28 All set.
29 – 30 Repeat bars 25 – 26. 1st woman finishes facing up; 1st man finishes facing down.
31 – 32 1st woman casts off, 1st man casts up, to finish in 2nd place on own side.

Repeat having passed a couple.

F or the Ilkley Scottish Country Dance Club in celebration of their 21st Anniversary.

Note: A simple pronunciation is Kamera Ha.
It has been suggested that a more correct pronunciation is Kem ar-a haa 00.
Tune: Tribute to Leeds SCD Society (Donald Ridley)

No Video

FIDDLIN’ ROUND
Bob McMurtry – Devil’s Quandary

32 b Reel/Jig for 3 couples – 1998

1 – 4 1st couple cross by the right and cast off one place, 2nd couple step up on bars 3 & 4.

5 – 8 1st couple dances a half figure of eight between 2nd couple; end facing first corners.

9 – 16 1st couple tum first corners by the right and pass right shoulders in the middle to face second corners. 1st couple tum second corner by the right hand, passing right shoulders in the middle, ending in second place on own sides facing out.

16 – 24 1st couple dances a figure of eight around 2nd and 3rd couples on their own sides, start by passing right shoulder with partner’s first corner

25 – 32 All three couples circle six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dance Notes: For more advanced dancers, a reel of three on the sides may be substituted in bars 16-24.

Note: The San Francisco Branch has been blessed to have so many fine fiddlers play for balls and monthly parties. This dance is a tribute to their dedication and to many years of listening and dancing pleasure.

Dances for July 11, 2019

Video: The Aviator
Video: The Aviator

The Aviator
Carola Fischer – RSCDS Book 52
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

Bars Description

1 – 4 1st couple lead down the middle. On bar 4, 1st man brings his partner in front of him to face the men’s side while he moves slightly towards the women’s side. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 1st woman, followed closely by her partner, dances out and up behind the men’s side and in between 2nd and 3rd men to face 3rd woman.

9 – 12 Passing 3rd woman by the right shoulder to begin, 1st couple, in tandem, dance half a diagonal reel of three with 3rd woman and 2nd man, changing lead on the corner. See notes.

13 – 16 1st man (now leading) completes the reel with 3rd woman and 2nd man while 1st woman and 3rd man turn with the left hand. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing up with the man in front of his partner.

17 – 24 1st couple repeat the pattern of bars 9 – 16 with 2nd woman and 3rd man, passing 2nd woman by the right shoulder to begin the reel. After the first half of the reel, 1st woman (now leading) completes the reel with 2nd woman and 3rd man while 1st man and 3rd woman turn with the left hand. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides, 1st woman facing out.

25 – 30 1st couple dance round 2nd couple by the right shoulder to the top of the set, 1st woman going behind 2nd man, 1st man in front of 2nd woman. 1st man followed by 1st woman dances down behind 2nd woman and across the set to finish 1st couple in second place on own sides. (Figs)

31 – 32 Taking hands on the sides, all three couples set.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Carola Fischer, RSCDS Central Germany Branch, 2011.

Devised for Hans Prade 0n the occasion of his 80th birthday. Hans was keen on flying gliders and the deviser’s father nicknamed him ”the aviator”. Hans once had the wonderful experience of being joined by a blizzard which flew at his wingtip and mirrored his movements. This dance depicts Hans taking off, banking round, enjoying his flight with the blizzard and then landing safely.

Notes: There is no fixed distance for dancing down the middle (bars 1 – 4). Where there is more than one set, the dancing couple may, on bar 5, dance out through the men’s side below fourth couple, or even in the set below. Regarding bars 9 – 12 and 17 – 20, reels where dancers change lead are known in some areas as “dolphin reels”.

No Video

The Bridge City Strathspey
A strathspey for three couples, in a triangular set, in 32 bars

The strathspey part of a triptych of dances for the Saskatchewan Centennial

Craig Williams
February, 2004
1-8 All 3 couples Set and link twice. Finish facing partner.

9-12 All Set to partner, turn by the right hand ¾, bringing the women into the centre. Women retain right hand with partner and give left hands in the middle.
13-16 Highland Schottische balance in line with partner.

17-24 Targe in strathspey time.
Women LH across 2/3 way around (2 bars), while men dance 1/3 way clockwise around the outside of the set. All couples turn partner with the right hand (2 bars).Repeat the previous 4 bars finishing facing partner with women in the centre and men on the sides of the set.

25-26 All set advancing to pass back to back, pulling back RS to face partner
27-28 All turn partner ¾ with 2 hands out to places on the sides.
29-30 All pass partner right shoulder to meet a new partner and take promenade hold, women on the right of their new partner, facing counter clockwise. (The women will be leading the men to their new position.)
31-32 All dance counter clockwise to finish in new places.

Repeat twice more to meet your original partner.

No Video

MacPhail’s Rant

32 Bar Reel for Three Couples

1 – 8 First couple, casting quickly to begin, and touching hands whenever possible, dance a figure eight on their own sides, round the standing second and third couples. First cast off into second place on 7 & 8 as second couple step up.

9 – 12 Second and third couples advance for two skip change retire for two, while first couple, in middle, advance turning half turn both hands, then retire into second place, opposite sides.

13 – 24 Three couple rights and lefts, first couple finish back to back facing first corners i.e.

13 – 14 All cross, giving right hands to partners.

15 – 16 All change places, giving left hands; second man and third woman diagonally, the others on the sides (second woman with first man, first woman with third man).

17 – 18 All cross, giving right hands to person opposite.

19 – 20 All change places, giving left hands; first couple diagonally, the others on the sides with (partners).

21 – 22 All cross giving right hands to person opposite.

23 – 24 All giving left hands, third man and second woman change places diagonally, the others turn on the sides (first woman with second man, third women with first man). The first couple finish back to back facing first corners.

25 – 26 First couple set to first corners and partner (hello/goodbye)

27 – 28 Using skip change first couple turn by the right hand to face second corners.

29 – 32 Then repeat with second corners to finish in second place on own side, facing out.

Repeat having passed a couple

Inscribed To Dana & David MacPhail of Nanoose, Vancouver Island B. C. Music – Heather Hill, Susan C. MacLean, Jackie Coleman, Spootiskerrv,

Bobby Brown C.D. (For Old Times Sake)
Wesley Clindinning – Vancouver Island 2002

Dances for July 4, 2019

Video: Slytherin House


Slytherin House
Chris Ronald – RSCDS Book 52
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four–couple longwise set

Bars Description

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

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples dance four hands round to the left.

9 – 16 1st couple, pulling right shoulder back, dance around their third corner by the right shoulder, pass each other by the left shoulder up and down the middle of the set, dance around their first corner by the left shoulder to second place on opposite sides, and turn partner with left hands to finish in the middle, woman above man, facing opposite sides.

17 – 20 1st woman with 2nd couple, and 1st man with 3rd couple, dance right hands across once round, finishing with hands still joined.

21 – 24 All dance a snake pass as follows: Releasing hands, 1st woman followed by 2nd woman and 2nd man dances down the men’s side, across the set at third place and into the middle. 2nd couple finish in third place on own sides. At the same time, 1st man followed by 3rd man and 3rd woman, passing the other line of dancers by left shoulders, dances up the women’s side, across the set at first place, and into the middle of the set. 3rd couple finish in first place on own sides. 1st couple finish in the middle, right shoulder to right shoulder facing opposite sides. (Fig)

25 – 28 1st man with 3rd couple (at the top) and 1st woman with 2nd couple (at the bottom) dance left hands across once round, finishing with hands still joined.

29 – 32 All dance a snake pass as follows: Releasing hands, 1st man followed by 3rd man and 3rd woman dances down the women’s side, across at third place and up to second place on own sides. At the same time, 1st woman followed by 2nd woman and 2nd man, passing the other line of dancers by right shoulders, dances up the men’s side, across the set at first place and down to second place on own sides. A11 finish on own side in the order 2, 1, 3.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Chris Ronald, RSCDS New York Branch, September 2016 and named after the “house” in the Harry Potter books that features a snake as its emblem.

Note: The ”snake pass” figure in bars 17 – 32 closely resembles that in bars 9 – 24 of The Devil’s Elbow, devised by I. Trevor Stephenson in 1981, but was named after the version of the movement in Norman Churnside’s dance The Snake Pass.

No Video

Chasing a Wish
32 bar Reel
Bars

1 – 8 1st couple set to each other, dance down for 2 bars, nearer hands joined. They set again, turning away from each other on the second step to cast up into 2nd place 2nd couple step up on bars 7 – 8.

9 – 12 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round the 2nd couple.

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round the 3rd couple to end facing their 1st corners.

17 – 20 1st couple dance half a reel of four, right shoulder, with their 1st corners to end facing their 2nd corners.

21 – 24 1st couple dance half a reel of four, right shoulder, with their 2nd corners to end in 2nd place on opposite sides.

25 – 28 1st couple turn each other to their own side of the dance, with both hands joined, using four pas de basque steps, whi1st 2nd and 3rd couples dance clockwise half way round the set.

29 – 32 All three couples turn their partners once round to places giving right hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by George D. Carr

No Video

The Falkland Beauty
RSCDS Book 4 – No. 11
24-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

Bars Description

1 – 2 1st couple, passing each other by the right, cross down to finish back to back facing first corners. 2nd couple step up.

3 – 4 1st couple set to first corner, then second corner and, pulling back right shoulder, finish in second place on opposite sides, facing in.

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire.

9 – 12 1st man, with 2nd and 3rd women on the women’s side of the set and 1st woman, with 2nd and 3rd men on the men’s side, dance three hands round to the left.

13 – 16 1st couple, giving both hands and using pas de basque, turn half way round to first place, remaining in the middle of the set. 2nd couple step down and in on bars 15-16.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.
From the Border Country.
Original tune: The Falkland Beauty (Traditional)

Dances for June 27, 2019

Video: Highland Laddie

Book 4 – No. 9
Highland Laddie
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

Bars Description

1 – 4 1st couple set and cast off to third place. 2nd and 3rd couples step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over to opposite sides.

9 – 12 1st couple lead up to the top. 2nd and 3rd couples step down on bars 11-12.

13 – 16 1st couple set and cast off one place to finish facing second corners who are on opposite sides. (1st man faces 2nd woman and 1st woman faces 3rd man.) 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 1st couple set to and turn second corners, set to and turn first corners, and finish between them, facing out on own sides. (Fig)

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples balance in line twice. On the last step, 1st couple release hands and turn to face in.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn partners to own sides, 2nd and 3rd couples turning one and a half times.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thomas Wilson: A Companion to the Ballroom, London, 1816.

Original tune: Cairney Mount (Aird’s Collection, 1788), earlier as Highland Lassie in Oswald’s Collection, 1740

No Video

The Emerald Isle
2004
Wes Clindinning – Canada’s Irish Rover
32 bar strathspey for three couples in a four couple set

Bars

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples turn both hands half way round, finishing in the middle facing each other. Set, pull right shoulder back and curve out to partner’s place. Cross right hand to own side, 1st couple finish facing out

9 – 14 Joining nearer hands when possible, 1st couple dance figure of eight on their own sides, around 2nd and 3rd couples

15 – 16 1st couple cast one place to face first corners; 2nd couple join hands, dance up and cast into 1st place

17 – 24 1st couple set to and turn corners (both hands); finish between corners

25 – 28 All three couples, joining hands on sides, advance for one, retire for one, twice

29 – 32 1st couple turn 1 1/2 times with both hands and dance out to 2nd place, while 2nd couple turn each other with right hands for four bars and out to 15t place; 3rd couple turn each other left hands for four bars and out to 3rd place

On second repetition 1St couple turns and casts to 4th place, 4th couple turns into 3rd place.

Inscribed to June and Brian McFadden from Ulster

Video: Ciamar A Tha

Ciamar A Tha
(How are You?)

Roy Goldring – Auld Friends Meet
32 bar jig for 3 couples

1 – 2 1st couple dance down the middle.
3 – 4 1st and 3rd woman turn with left hands while 1st and 3rd men turn with right hands. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on own side. 2nd couple step up.
5 – 6 1st couple cross passing right shoulders.
7 – 8 1st woman and 3rd man turn with left hands while 1st man and 3rd woman turn with right hands. 1st couple meet between the 3rd couple.

9 – 10 1st couple dance up the middle.
11 – 12 1st woman and 2nd man turn with left hands while 1st man and 2nd woman turn with right hands. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite side.
13 – 14 1st couple cross passing right shoulders.
15 – 16 1st and 2nd women turn with left hands while 1st and 2nd men turn with right hands. 1st couple meet between 2nd couple at the top.

17 – 20 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple and cast up to 2nd place.
21 – 22 1st couple dance a petronella turn to finish: woman between 2nd couple facing down, man between 3rd couple facing up.
23 – 24 All set.

25 – 26 All change places with the person opposite giving right hands.
27 – 28 All set.
29 – 30 Repeat bars 25 – 26. 1st woman finishes facing up; 1st man finishes facing down.
31 – 32 1st woman casts off, 1st man casts up, to finish in 2nd place on own side.

Repeat having passed a couple.

F or the Ilkley Scottish Country Dance Club in celebration of their 21st Anniversary.

Note: A simple pronunciation is Kamera Ha.
It has been suggested that a more correct pronunciation is Kem ar-a haa 00.
Tune: Tribute to Leeds SCD Society (Donald Ridley)