Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa
No Video
The Mill Pond Stroll
Craig Williams, Ardbrae Celebrates 60 Years
A 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
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 28, 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: ECCLEFECHAN FELINE
ECCLEFECHAN FELINE
Le Petit Chat Celtique
32 bar Jig for 3 couples – McMurtry – 2006
1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight on their own side. 1st couple dance between the 2nd couple to begin, taking nearer hands briefly wherever possible.
9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a mirror reel of three on the sides, 1st couple dancing in and down, 2nd couple up and out and 3rd couple in and up to begin.
17 – 24 1st couple dance down for three steps, back for three steps and cast off one place, 2nd couple stepping up on bars 23 & 24.
25 – 28 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance right hands across, passing right shoulders on the last bar to change places.
29 – 32 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in second place on own sides.
Repeat having passed a couple.
Dance Notes: 1st couple phrase step to finish on the sidelines at the end.
Recommended Recording: Track #8 Just in Time on CD, Campbell’s Birl with Muriel Johnstone and Keith Smith
Try to say the title quickly, 3 times in a row.
Video: THE OLD MAN OF STORR
THE OLD MAN OF STORR
Scottish Country Dances for Children No. 6
(Reel)
1 – 4 First and second couples right hands across once round – first woman finishes facing out.
5 – 8 First woman casts off one place and crosses over to the men’s side of the dance, while the first man follows his partner, finishing in second place on the women’s side. Second couple step on bars 7– 8.
9 – 12 First and third couples left hands across once round – first woman finishes facing out.
13 – 16 First woman casts off behind the third man and crosses to her own side while the first man again follows his partner, finishing in third place on his own side. Third couple step up on bars 15–16.
17 – 24 First couple set, then with nearer hands joined dance up to the top and cast off one place on own sides. Third couple step down on bars 21–22.
25 – 32 Second and first couples right and left.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by R. Goldring, 1980.
Tune: Mrs Ella Wilson
TACNotes:’
8 1st woman dances across & faces down (no turn).