Spice It Up
32 bar jig for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple lead down middle and up. Stay in centre as 2nd and 3rd couples step in for…

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance an Allemande. (Finish 3,2, 1)

17 – 20 3rd and 2nd couples (two top couples) set and link. (Finish 2, 3,1)

21 – 24 3rd and 1st couples (two bottom couples) set and link. (Finish 2, 1, 3)

25 – 28 All three couples set and cross, giving right hands.

29 – 32 All three couples chase clockwise to own side. (Finish 3,1, 2)

Repeat from new positions.

Note: This dance also works well as a three couple dance in a four—couple set. The progression is unusual: 3, 1, 2, 4.

Devised by Merrill Heubach

Previously published in Eight by 32. Reprinted with permission from Merrill Heubach,RSCDS Nova Scotia Branch

 

 

Video: The Millville Grange

The Millville Grange
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 4-couple set

1 – 7 1st couple set advancing, turn two hands once round, dance down between 3rd couple and cast up to 2nd place on own side, 211d couple step up on Bars 5 – 6

8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance into the middle LEFT foot to join RIGHT hands with partners and face up

9 – 16 3 couple allemande, on Bars 7—8 1st couple turn by the RIGHT hand to end 1st woman between the 3rd couple (in 1st place) facing 3rd woman and 1st man between 2nd couple (in 3rd place) facing 2nd man

17 – 22 RIGHT shoulder reels of three across the set, finishing as at start of the reel

23 – 24 1st couple cast RIGHT around partners’ 2nd comer position to end back to back, 1st woman facing up and 1st man facing down while: 3rd and 2nd couples advance and retire (1 step each way) with partner

25 – 32 1st woman with 3rd couple (in 1st place) and 1st man with 2nd couple (in 3rd place) circle 3 hands round to the LEFT, 1st couple release LEFT hands and circle 6 hands round to the LEFT to opposite sides of the set, then all three couples cross over to own side with RIGHT hand to partner

Repeat having passed a couple

Devisor: Ron Wallace, December 17, 2007

Music: “The Grange Hall” by Muriel Johnstone

In 1995 Margaret Anne Schlobohm moved from our Santa Rosa(Ca1ifornia) Scottish Country Dance community to a mountain paradise in Northern California. When frustrated by the lack of Scottish Country Dance in the Redding area, she started a class. This dance celebrates the talent and charisma of the woman who started that class and pursued the art of teaching. “The Millville Grange” (which refers to the building where classes are held) and “The Grange Hall” were commissioned by the Shasta Scottish Dancers for their teacher.

 

 

Video: The Punch Bowl

The Punch Bowl
RSCDS Book 5 – No. 5
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, cross over and cast off below 3rd couple on own sides to finish with 1st woman, followed by her partner in the middle of the set facing out between 2nd and 3rd women.

9 – 16 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances between 2nd and 3rd women. 1st woman casts off round 3rd woman and 1st man casts up round 2nd woman. 1st couple meet and, giving right hands, lead between 2nd and 3rd men, cross and cast, 1st woman up round 2nd man and 1st man down round 3rd man to finish with 1st couple in the middle of the set facing down.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish facing partner in the middle of the set with both hands joined. 2nd couple step in.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

David Rutherford: Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both old and new…, London 1756.

Original tune: The Bottom of the Punch Bowl (McGibbon, 1763)