Dances for November 4, 2019

Video: Memories of Mary Ann

Memories of Mary Ann
RSCDS Book 47, #7
32 bar strathspey for three couples in a three couple longwise set

1-4 1st couple set and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4

5-8 1st woman and 2nd couple, 1st man and 3rd couple dance half reels of three across the set. 1st couple pass first corners by the left to begin. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

9-12 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance set and link

13-16 1st couple, giving left hands, turn once round to face first corner positions.

17-20 3rd woman, 1st couple and 2nd man dance a half diagonal reel of four, passing by the right to begin. On bar 20, 1st couple pass by the right to face second corners positions

21-24 3rd man, 1st couple and 2nd woman dance a half diagonal reel of four, passing by the right to begin. On bar 24, 1st couple pass each other by the right to finish in second place on own sides.

25-32 1st and 3rd couples dance a knot.

Devised by Pam Stephens, Washington DC.

In memory of Mary Ann Williamson, and elegant dancer and much loved teacher in Washington DC.

Video: The Reel of the 51st Division

The Reel of the 51st Division
Book 13 – No. 10
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set to each other and cast off two places, meet below 3rd couple and lead up the middle to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9 – 12 1st couple set to and turn first corners with the right hand, finishing in a diagonal line by joining left hands with partner.

13 – 14 1st couple and first corners balance in line.

15 – 16 1st couple, releasing right hands with corners, turn each other one and a quarter times to face second corners.

17 – 22 1st couple repeat bars 9-14 with second corners.

23 – 24 1st couple cross to second place on own sides.

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

    Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Jimmy Atkinson, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and Peter Oliver, Seaforth Highlanders (London Scottish), with advice from Tom Harris-Hunter, Royal Army Service Corps while all were interned in the Prisoner of War camp at Laufen in Germany.

Original tune: The Drunken Piper or Highland Rory
Alex. McLeod, c. 1880

The original instructions in the form of notes, written by Tom Harris-Hunter on a scruffy piece of paper when he was a prisoner of war, clearly show that the dance was intended for a five couple set as it is still danced in Perthshire.

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TACNotes:’
1-8 Set (no stealing) bars 1-2, cast bars 3-5, dance in to meet on bar 6, lead up on bar 7 to face corners on bar 8.