This week’s theme is dances by Roy Goldring from the book Auld Friends Meet. Just the one video this week.

Video: Jim Johnston’s Reel

Jim Johnstone’s Reel
32 bar reel for 3 couples

1 – 8 Reels of three on the sides. To begin: 1st couple cross down to second place, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up.

9 – 12 1st couple (now on opposite sides) dance down the middle; 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts up behind 3rd man to finish side by side, taking nearer hands briefly as they dance through 2nd man’s place. 2nd couple step up on bars 11 – 12.
13 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple dance left hands across. 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across.

17 – 20 1st couple dance out through the woman’s side; 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts up around 2nd woman. As they begin to dance down the middle they take nearer hands briefly.
21 – 24 1st woman with 2nd and 3rd men dance right hands across. 1st man with 2nd and 3rd women dance left hands across.

25 – 26 1st couple set to 3rd couple (who remain on the sidelines). 1st couple turn inwards on bar 26.
27 – 28 1st couple set to 2nd couple (who remain on the sidelines).
29 – 32 Releasing hands, 1st couple cross up to the top and cast off to 2nd place on own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Not: 1st couple should move strongly during bars 9 – 12 and 17 – 20 but 1st woman should shorten her steps to ‘collect’ her partner towards the end of each phrase.

For Jim Johnstone – with gratitude for some wonderful music.

Tune: The Well Wynd (Jim Johnstone)

An Ilkley Gift
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples

1 – 2 All Set.
3 – 4 1st couple dance down to 3rd place own sides and face out. 2nd and 3rd couple dance up one place and face in.
5 – 8 1st and 3rd women turn 1 ½ times with the left hands tochange places while 1st and 3rd men turn 1 ½ times with right hands to change places.

9 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance a double figure of eight, crossing up between 2nd couple to begin. 1st couple finish in third place. 3rd couple finish in 2nd place.

17 – 18 All set.
19 – 20 1st couple dance up to the top on own sides and face out. 2nd and 3rd couples dance down one place and face in.
21 – 24 1st and 2nd women turn 1 ½ times with right hands to change places while 1st and 2nd men turn 1 ½ times with left hands to change places. 2nd couple finish facing out.

25 – 32 Reels of three on own sides. To begin: 2nd couple dance out and down, 1st couple cross up to the top, 3rd couple dance out and up. On bars 29 – 30, 1st couple cross down through 3rd place and cast up to finish in 2nd place.

Repeat having passed a couple

Devised in 2007 and given to RSCDS Pretoria Branch who published thedance in ‘Many Happy Hours’.

Tune: Roy Goldring of Ilkley (Muriel Johnstone)

The Invitation Dance
23 bar jig for 3 couples

1 – 4 1st man crosses over passing partner by theright (no hands given) and casts off one place. Meanwhile 1st woman dances in, pulls back right shoulder and follows her partner. 1st couple finish side by side in 2nd place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.
5 – 8 1st woman dances right hands across with 2nd couple. 1st man dances left hands across with 3rd couple. 1st couple meet in the centre of the dance facing the men’s side.

9 – 16 Reel of ‘three’ on the diagonal – 1st couple with 1st corners. To begin, 1st couple in promenade hold, pass 2nd man by the right. 1st couple finish facing 3rd man.

17 – 24 Reel of ‘three’ on the diagonal – 1st couple with 2nd corners. To begin, 1st couple in promenade hold, pass 3rd man by the left. On bar 24, 1st couple begin to dance down the middle.

25 – 28 Releasing right hands, 1st man leads his partner between 3rd couple, crossing over and casting up to 2nd place on own sides.
29 – 32 All turn partner with right hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

To help celebrate his 75th birthday, Derek Kendall asked dancers from a wide area to join him for a memorable evening at Leeds Branch. This dance was and addition to Derek’s programme.

Tune: Bakers Wood (Jim Johnstone)