This week we are going to introduce Reels of Three. Always a challenge as there is the danger of collision. Don’t worry, we will make it as easy as walking.
We are also going to introduce the Strathspey rhythm to the class. It is always a challenge for the dancers to move at half the speed. We will also be pushing the boundary of what is taught to beginning dancers by teaching the Rondel figure. This is on the Christmas dance and we think the class is up to the challenge.
From now until the end of November we will be covering dances for the beginners on the Ardbrae Christmas Dance.
Here are the instructions for the dances tonight. Hope to see you out tonight
ALLT AN DUIN (THE BURN BY THE HILLOCK)
24 GRADED and SOCIAL DANCES, Devised by Roy Goldring, Leeds Branch R.S.C.D.S.
32 bar reel for 3 couples
Bars
1 – 8 First couple cross over giving right hands and cast off below second
couple (who stand still); cross over giving left hands and cast up to
place.
9 – 16 Reels of three on own sides. To begin, first couple dance in and down,
second couple dance out and up, third couple dance in and up.
17 – 24 First couple dance down the middle (4 steps), set to each other and
dance up. They finish in the centre of the dance in second place, facing
up. Second couple step up on bars 19 – 20.
25 – 28 First woman dances right hands across with second and third women
while first man dances left hands across with second and third men.
29 – 32 First couple dance up to the top and cast off to second place on own
side.
Repeat having passed a couple.
Recommended tune:- Jessie Walker (M.A.J.)
The Silver Tassie
Leaflet – No. 1, Devised by John Drewry
(Strathspey)
MUSIC DESCRIPTION
Bars
1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands to partners, cross over and joining hands on the sides, set.
5 – 8 Repeat bars 1 – 4.
9 – 16 1st couple dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple, who stand still. 1st couple dance down between 2nd couple, crossing over, to begin the figure. 3rd couple also dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple, beginning by casting up to top place, then dancing down crossing over.
17 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd and 3rd couples, dance down the middle for four steps. 1st couple dance up the middle, while 2nd and 3rd couples divide to allow 1st couple through. 2nd couple meet and dance up between 3rd couple, who then meet and dance up.
25 – 32 1st and 2nd couple Rondel, i.e.
25 1st couple dance down under the arch made by 2nd couple, who dance up.
26-27 2nd and 1st women cross in front of partners, then all cast to meet the other woman or man on the opposite sides and join nearer hands.
28 2nd and 1st women and at the same time 2nd and 1st men cross to own sides, the women passing under the arch made by the men.
29-30 1st man and 1st woman cross in front of 2nd man and 2nd woman, then all cast to meet partners in original places as in bar 25.
31-32 1st couple dance under the arch made by 2nd couple and all dance out to own sides, having changed places.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
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The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 17 – 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples give nearer hands throughout, i.e. they dance down and dance up.
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TACNotes:’
17-24 Note use of word “dance”, i.e. all 3 cpls use nearer hands, down and up.
25-32 On bar 32, cpls dance straight into places.