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May’s 100
The Other Kangaroo Paw, A Collection of Scottish Country Dances

A 32 bar jig for three couples in four-couple longwise set
Devised by John Brenchley, Perth, Western Australia.

Bars
1–4        1st couple dance in towards each other, briefly join nearer hands facing up and cast off one place.
        2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4.

5–8        1st couple, giving right hands, turn three quarters and giving left hand to first corners, balance in line.

9–12    1st couple and first corners turn with the left hand once round.  First corners dance a polite turn to finish in promenade hold with 1st couple, facing clockwise, first corners on the left of 1st couple.

13–16    1st couple with their first corners dance half way round the outside of the set.  First corners finish in the opposite first corner position. At the same time, second corners, giving right hands, change places with a half turn and a twirl.  (i.e. second corners, giving right hands, turn half way round to face each other in the middle of the dance.  They release hands and pulling right shoulder back, dance out to opposite second corner positions).

17–20    1st couple, giving right hands, turn three quarters and giving left hand to second corner person, balance in line.

21–24    1st couple and second corners turn with the left hand once round.  Second corners dance a polite turn to finish in promenade hold with 1st couple, facing clockwise, second corners on the left of 1st couple.

25–28    1st couple with their second corners dance half way round the outside of the set.  Second corners finish in original second corner positions. At the same time, first corners, giving right hands, change places with a half turn and a twirl, finishing in original first corner positions.

29–32    1st couple, giving right hands, turn to second place on own sides then 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set. 

Repeat having passed a couple.

For Mrs May Brown on the occasion of her 100th birthday, 22 April 2011.
Sadly, May subsequently died peacefully on 14 June 2011. May was a life member of the RSCDS Western Australia Branch and the devisor of several dances including The McCulloch Strathspey, published as a leaflet by the RSCDS in 1966.

The Birks of Abergeldie
RSCDS Book 9

1-8        1s set & cast 1 place, set & cast to 3rd place
9-16    1s set, lead up to places, cross RH & cast to 2nd place opposite sides
17-24    2s+1s dance R&L 1s end facing 1st corners
25-32    1s set & turn 1st corners, set & turn 2nd corners
33-40    1s lead down between 3s, cast up to 2nd place & turn partner 2H to end in centre (on opposite sides)
41-48    1s lead up between 2s, cast to 2nd place & turn partner 1.1/2 times

Video: Ramadan-ce

RAMADAN-CE
(R8x32) 3C (4C set)
John Drewry Turkish Set

1-8        1s cross down into Inveran Reels with 2s & 3s:
1-4     1s cross down and dance 1⁄2Reel of 3 on other side: To begin 1m passes btwn 2L & 3L, 1L btwn 2M & 3M
5-8     1s cross at the bottom and dance 1⁄2Reel of 3 on own sides, finishing in orig places

9-12     1s cross RH and cast

13-16     1s turn RH and finish facing 1st cnrs

17-20     1s follow path of 1⁄2Diag Reel of 4 passing 1st cnrs RSh WHILE 1st cnrs advance, turn RH 1⁄2way, pull back RSh and
dance out to new exchanged places

21-24     1s pass RSh and repeat Bars 17-20 with 2nd cnrs, and finish facing ptnr’s 1st cnr posn (3rd cnr posn)

25-28     1s dance 1⁄2LSh Reels of 3 ACROSS (Man up, Lady down), and finish facing ptnr’s 2nd cnr posn (4 th cnr posn)

29-32     1s dance 1⁄2RSh Reels of 3 ON OWN SIDES (Man Down, Lady up) and finish in 2nd place own sides

Video: The First Rain of Spring
Video: The First Rain of Spring

THE FIRST RAIN OF SPRING
(J3x32) 3C
Wouter Joubert RSCDS Bk 49
1-6        1s (NH joined) dance down btwn 3s, Cast up around 3s, meet, dance up to top NH joined & face out
7-8        1M+2M (LH) and 1L+2L (RH) 1⁄2Turn. 2s face out

9-16    2s+1s dance Dble Figs of 8 – To Start 1s cross up AS 2s cast. 1s finish in 2nd place own sides

17-18     1s+3s 3⁄4Turn ptnr RH to line up/down the set facing ptnrs (1L top facing down)
19-20     1s+3s Set
21-28     1s+3s dance a 1⁄2Celtic Reel:
21-22     1s+3s Pass ptnr RSh
23-24     1M+3L pass each other RSh wide & dance 1⁄4CL’KWISE to 3rd place OPP SIDES, AS 1L+3M on the inside
dance 3⁄4ROUND each other LSh. All finish facing ptnr in LINE ACROSS

25-26     1s+3s pass ptnr RSh
27-28     1L+3M pass each other RSh wide & dance 1⁄4CL’KWISE, AS 1M+3L on the inside dance 3⁄4ROUND each other
LSh to face ptnr in LINE UP&DOWN the set – 3M at top, 1L at bottom
29-30     3s+1s 3⁄4Turn ptnr RH to own side 2 3 1
31-32     2s+3s+1s Set

The Rocks of Gibraltar, 32R 2C (4C Set)
Elizabeth MacLachlan, Border Dance Book

1–4    First woman sets to second man and turns him with right hand.
5–8    First man sets to second woman and turns her with right hand.
9–16    First couple rights and lefts across and back with second couple.
17–24    Down the middle and up again, and cast off one place on wrong sides. (Second couple move up.)
25–28    First and second couples advance and retire.
29–32    First couple turn one and a half times to own sides, finishing one place down.

Keep It Going
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1–8         1st couple lead down the middle and up, finishing in the middle as 2nd couple step in ready for…
9–16    1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.
17–24    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and link twice to finish in order 3, 1, 2, all on opposite sides.
25–28    All dance clockwise halfway round the set to finish on own sides in the order 2, 1, 3.
29–32    All turn once round with the right hand back to place.
Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Deborah Connors   

The Royal Wedding, 32S 3C (4C Set)
RSCDS 5 dances for ’82

1–8    1st couple set, turn with two hands once round, retaining nearer hands dance down the centre one place, then turn with two hands to face 1st corners. 2nd couple dance up on bars 3-4.
9–10    1st couple turn 1st corner with right hand and finish 1st woman between 2nd couple facing down, 1st man between 3rd couple facing up.
11–12    1st couple advance setting and pass left shoulders to face 2nd corners, while 2nd and 3rd couples set facing diagonally to the centre.
13–14    1st couple turn 2nd corner with right hand and finish on the sides between their corners, facing across the dance.
15–16    1st couple advance setting and pass left shoulders to face partner’s 1st corner (1st woman face 3rd woman, 1st man face 2nd man), while 2nd and 3rd couples set facing diagonally to the centre.
17–20    1st couple dance half-reel of four with 1st corners, passing left shoulders on bar 20 to face partner’s 2nd corner (1st woman face 2nd woman, 1st man face 3rd man).
21–24    1st couple dance half-reel of four with 2nd corners, passing left shoulders on bar 24 to finish still in centre of set facing the opposite side of the dance.
25–28    3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance round the set clockwise half-way – the women led by 3rd woman who begins by dancing across top place to her own side, and the men, led by 2nd man who dances across 3rd place to his own side. 1st couple dance out to 2nd place on opposite sides and turn right to follow immediately after the lead dancer. Figs. 1 and 2.
29–32    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partner with two hands once round.

CLATTERIN’ BRIG
Roy Goldring, Graded and Social Dances 2
32 bar reel for 3 couples

1–8        1st couple lead down the middle (4 steps), turn inwards and lead up to finish in the centre in 2nd place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.
9–10    Taking promenade hold, 1st couple set to 2nd woman.
11–12    Moving to the right, 1st couple set to 3rd woman.
13–14    Moving to the right, 1st couple set to 3rd man.
15–16    Moving to the right, 1st couple set to 2nd man. On bar 16, 1st couple finish facing the top.
17–20    1st couple lead up to the top and cast off to 2nd place.
21–24    All turn once round with right hands to finish in the centre, facing up, ready for:-
25–32    3 couple promenade.

The Bees Of Maggieknockater, 32J 4C (4C Set)
J. Drewry, Canadian Book

1–4    1st couple, giving right hands in passing, cross over to opposite sides and cast off to second place. (2nd couple step up on Bars 3-4)
5–8    1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across. At the end:- 3rd lady turns towards 1st man, retaining hold of his right hand, then joins left hands with him in promenade hold facing out towards the ladies’ side; 1st lady dances similarly with 3rd man so that they finish facing out towards the men’s side of the dance.
9–12    Reels of three on the sides. 1st man and 3rd lady, dancing together, dance half a reel of three on the ladies’ side with 4th and 2nd ladies. They pass 4th lady by the right to begin. 1st lady and 3rd man, dancing together, similarly dance half a reel of three on the men’s side with 2nd and 4th men. They pass 2nd man by the right to begin. On Bar 12, when they meet in the centre of the dance, 1st and 3rd couples drop hands and join hands with partners in promenade hold so that 1st couple are facing towards the men’s side and 3rd couple facing towards the ladies’ side.       
13–16    Continuing the reels of three on the sides:- 1st couple dance half a reel of three on the men’s side with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man (in fourth place) by the left; 3rd couple dance half a reel of three on the ladies’ side with 4th and 2nd ladies, passing 4th lady (in top place) by the left. On Bar 16 1st man and 3rd lady join hands in promenade hold facing the men’s side, while 1st lady and 3rd man join hands in promenade hold facing the ladies’ side.
17–20    Continuing the reels of three on the sides:- 1st man and 3rd lady dance on the men’s side passing 2nd man by the right. 1st lady and 3rd man dance on the ladies’ side passing 4th lady by the right. On Bar 20 1st and 3rd couples join hands with partners.   
21–24    Continuing the reels of three on the sides:- 1st couple dance on the ladies’ side passing 4th lady by the left. 3rd couple dance on the men’s side passing 2nd man by the left.
25–28    1st man turns 3rd lady by the LEFT hand one and a half times to leave her in second place; 1st lady, similarly, turns 3rd man by the RIGHT hand. At the end 1st couple dance down crossing over to face 4th couple on own sides.
29–32    1st man turns 4th man one and a half times by the right hand; 1st lady turns 4th lady by the left hand. 1st couple finish in fourth place.

Bedrule, 32S 3C (4C Set)
Betty Grant, RSCDS Book 33

1–8    1st and 2nd women, and at the same time 1st and 2nd men, turn once round with both hands,opening out on the side lines and continuing into four hands round to the left and then 1st and 2nd couples turn partners once round to finish in the middle of the set, ready for promenade. On bar 8, 3rd couple dance in and take promenade hold.
9–16    1st, 2nd and 3rd couples promenade. On bars 15 – 16, 1st couple cast off to second place, while 2nd couple dance up to first place and 3rd couple return to original place.
17–20    1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across, finishing on the sidelines.
21–24    1st and 2nd couples dance left hands across, 1st couple finishing in second place facing down.
25–32    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple begin the reels by giving right shoulder to 3rd couple, and at the end they face down ready to repeat the dance.

Highland Fair, 32J 2C (3C Set)
RSCDS 1st Graded Book

1–8    First couple cast off and dance down behind own line for 4 skip change of step, turn outwards and dance four steps back to place.
9–16    First and second couples turn partner with right hand and return to place – 4 skip change of step, then repeat, giving left hand.
17–24    First couple, followed by second couple, lead down the middle for 4 skip change of step. Second couple, followed by first couple, lead up the middle to finish second couple at top and first couple in second place.
25–32    First and second couples dance right and left.

Wisp of Thistle, 32S 3C (4C Set)
RSCDS Bk 37
1–4    1st and 3rd couples dance “Petronella turns” into the middle of the dance
5–8    1st and 3rd couples dance a half reel of four.
9–10    3rd and 1st couples dance “Petronella turns” to own sides. (3rd couple are in first place and 1st couple in third place.)
11–12    3rd, 2nd and 1st couples set joining nearer hands on the sides.
13–16    3rd, 2nd and 1st couples turn partners with right hand to finish ready for allemande.
17–24    3rd, 2nd and 1st couples allemande.
25–28    1st couple cross over giving right hands and cast off one place.2nd couple step up on bars 27–28.
29–32    1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.

The Goodtime Reel
Let’s All Dance, Too, 1997
32/R/3 by Tracy Antley-Olander Seattle Branch

1–8        1st couple turn with right hands (2 steps) and cast off one place (own side). 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4. 1st couple turn with right hand (4 steps) to end facing down in the middle of the set, right hands joined (1st man has a polite turn).

9–16    1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, lead down the middle. 2nd couple, followed by 1st couple, lead up, to end 2nd couple at the top and 1st couple in 2nd place.

17 – 24    2nd, 1st, and 3rd couples with hands joined on the sides, set and cross with right hands. Repeat the set and cross with right hands back to place.

25 – 32    2nd, 1st, and 3rd couples circle 6 hands round and back.

Video: The Faraway Isle

THE FARAWAY ISLE
THE CANADIAN BOOK OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by John Drewry

A dance for the visit to Majorca

Jig – 4 couples – 48 bars.
Tune – “Tam’s Hunting Horn” by I Munro – from Kerr’s Thistle Collection Page 32.

In this dance 3rd and 4th couples start on the wrong sides.

1–8       1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off to second place on wrong sides (2nd couple step up on Bars 3-4), then 1st couple dance half a figure of eight round 2nd couple to finish in second place on own sides. 4th couple, similarly, cross over and cast up to third place (3rd couple step down), then dance half a figure of eight round 3rd couple to finish in third place on wrong sides.

9–16    1st and 4th couples dance right hands across, after four steps the ladies turn and join left hands to return, but each man dances out from the wheel, and round his partner, to enter the left hand wheel behind her. Finish with 1st lady facing 2nd man; 1st man, 2nd lady; 4th man,3rd lady; and 4th lady, 3rd man.

17–24    Double diagonal reels of four, with left-hand half-wheels in the centre. At the end, 1st and 4th couples do not dance left hands across but curve in as at the end of a foursome reel to face the opposite end of the diagonal from that faced at the beginning of the reel. That is, 1st man is facing 3rd lady; 1st lady, 3rd man; 4th man, 2nd lady; and 4th lady, 2nd man.         

25–32    All set twice to the person facing, then turn that person by the right hand to finish in two lines across the dance in top and fourth places. 4th couple are between 2nd couple in top place, and 1st couple are between 3rd couple in fourth place, ready for reels of four across the dance.

33–40    Two reels of four across the dance. At the end, 1st and 4th couples pass partners by the right to finish in the positions from which they began the reels, but facing partners.

41–44    4th couple, joining right hands, lead up crossing over and cast off to second place on own sides. 1st couple, similarly, lead down crossing over and cast up to third place on wrong sides.

45–48    All turn partners once by the right hand.

The final order is 2, 4, 1, 3 and 1st and 3rd couples are on wrong sides.

Repeat with a new top couple.

The Millers’ Book Room
TAC, Brock Summer Celebration
32 bar Jig for 3 Couples
       
1–8        1st and 2nd couples dance the Espagnole:
   
1–4        1st and 2nd women, briefly giving right hands, cross diagonally to the opposite side, 2nd woman passing in front of 1st woman, turn away from each other and cross straight over to their own side having changed places. Meanwhile, 1st and 2nd men cross over to the opposite side, turn toward each other, and briefly give right hands as they cross diagonally to their own side, 2nd man passing in front of 1st man.
5–8        2nd couple turn once round with the right hand while 1st couple turn once round with the left hand  (see notes).

9–12    1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across once round. 2nd and 3rd couples dance out to places and remain facing clockwise while 1st couple remain in the centre.

13–16    1st couple turn with the left hand to face 1st corner positions while the corners dance clockwise halfway round to the diagonally opposite positions.

17–20    1st couple change places with their partner’s 1st corner giving right hands (2 bars). 1st couple set to each other while 1st corners change places on the diagonal giving left hands.

21–22    1st couple change places with 1st corners giving right hands.

23–24    1st couple turn with the left hand to face 2nd corner positions while 1st corners set diagonally to each other.

25–30    1st couple and 2nd corners repeat bars 17-22.

31–32    1st couple cross to second place on own sides giving left hands, while 2nd corners set diagonally to each other (see notes).

Repeat having passed a couple.

Notes:    The Espagnole progression was devised by John Drewry and is described for the dance “Glayva” in his Canadian Book of Scottish Country Dances.

On bar 8, the 2nd and 1st couples dance right out to the sides. At the end of bar 32, 1st couple turn left about into places.

Suggested music:    “The Island Fling” on Bobby Brown and The Scottish Accent, The Island Fling, Brownrigg BRG001.

 Dedicated to Anne and Paul Miller who provided many years of dedicated service to the Scottish Country Dance community by running TACBOOKS from their home.

Devised by Kent Smith, February 1992.

MCKEOWN’S HORNPIPE
THE CANADIAN BOOK OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by John Drewry

for Stuart McKeown of Milngarvie
This dance came to me while I listened to his playing.

Hornpipe – 3 couples – 40 bars.

1–8        1st couple, giving right hands, cross over to opposite sides and cast off to second place, they dance up crossing back to own sides and cast off to second place. 2nd couple half-turn by the right hand, dance up to top place on opposite sides, cast off to second place, then dance up crossing back to own sides and stay facing out.

9–16    Reels of three on own sides of the dance. To begin: – 1st couple, joining nearer hands, dance in and down; 3rd couple dance out and up; 2nd couple dance out and down. All join nearer hands with partners where possible in the reels. At the end 2nd and 3rd couples stay facing out in top and 3rd places.

17–32    1st couple dance a full Petronella figure to return to second place on own sides. They must move well up and down the set on Bars 17-18, and again on Bars 25-26 to give 2nd and 3rd couples space to dance between them.

Meanwhile 2nd and 3rd couples dance as follows:-

17–18    2nd couple cast off to just above second place, and 3rd couple cast up to just below second place.

19–20    Joining nearer hands, 2nd and 3rd couples cross to opposite sides, the ladies passing under an arch made by the men. All stay facing out.

21–22    With the person on the right having precedence (i.e. 3rd man and 2nd lady here), 2nd couple and 3rd couple cross tracks so that 2nd couple cast off to third place on opposite sides, and 3rd couple cast up to top place on opposite sides.

23–24    3rd and 2nd couples, giving right hands, cross back to own sides and stay facing out.     

25–32    2nd and 3rd couples repeat Bars 17-24 from new positions except that on Bars 31-32 they half-turn partners by the right hand to finish ready for the circle.

33–40    Six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: Early Spring
Video: Early Spring
The video shows the 4c version of the dance, authorised by the deviser (who is dancing in the video). The 4th couple do everything except the allemande.

Early Spring
RSCDS International Branch, World Wide Weavings
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set.

1–4        Men dance around partners, passing right shoulder, and back to place.

5–8        All turn partners right hand back to place.

9–12    Women dance round partners, passing left shoulder, and back to place.

13–16    All turn partners left hand, and stay in the middle facing up, holding left hand.

17–24    1st, 2nd, 3rd couples dance allemande to finish in the order 3, 2, 1.

25–32    3rd and 2nd couples dance the tourbillon to finish in the order 2, 3, 1.
   
25–26    3rd and 2nd couples turn partners halfway with both hands, then 3rd man and 2nd woman lead partners on one place clockwise to end with 3rd couple on women’s side and 2nd couple on men’s side, 3rd woman and 2nd man in original places.
   
27–28    3rd couple set to 2nd couple.

29–30    3rd and 2nd couples turn partners halfway with both hands, 3rd woman and 2nd man lead partners on one place clockwise to end with 2nd couple in first place and 3rd couple in second place on opposite sides.

31–32    2nd couple and 3rd couple cross by the right hand to own sides.

Devised by Isabel Neves, an IB Member living in Rio Demouro, Portugal.

Video: The Whistling Wind

The Whistling Wind
(Reel)

1–6        1st couple set to each other and using four steps cast off to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

7–8        1st couple set to each other advancing to finish facing first corners.

9–12    1st couple dance a half reel of four with their first corners and pass each other by the right to face second corners.

13–16    1st couple dance a half reel of four with their second corners and finish back to back in the middle of the dance with 1st man facing up and 1st woman facing down.

17–24    3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance double triangles facing down and up the dance. At the end, 1st couple dance out to second place on own sides.

25–28    1st and 3rd women change places giving right hands, while 1st and 2nd men do the same, then 1st woman and 2nd man change places giving left hands while 1st man and 3rd woman do the same

29–32    1st woman and 3rd man change places giving right hands, while 1st man and 2nd woman do the same, and then 1st and 2nd women change places giving left hands while 1st and 3rd men do the same.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

This dance was devised on a cold night in January 1984 for the Fort Garry class who brave the cold and wind to come dancing

Devised by Elizabeth Goosen  (Winnipeg Branch).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:
3-6    1st couple dance in slightly to acknowledge partner, before casting.
17-24    Width of the set should be slightly less than normal, to facilitate positioning of double triangles.

Video: The Bees of Maggieknockater
Video: The Bees of Maggieknockater

The Bees Of Maggieknockater,
32J 4C (4C Set)                       
J. Drewry, Canadian Book

1–4    1st couple, giving right hands in passing, cross over to opposite sides and cast off to second place. (2nd couple step up on Bars 3-4)

5–8    1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across. At the end:- 3rd lady turns towards 1st man, retaining hold of his right hand, then joins left hands with him in promenade hold facing out towards the ladies’ side; 1st lady dances similarly with 3rd man so that they finish facing out towards the men’s side of the dance.

9–12    Reels of three on the sides. 1st man and 3rd lady, dancing together, dance half a reel of three on the ladies’ side with 4th and 2nd ladies. They pass 4th lady by the right to begin. 1st lady and 3rd man, dancing together, similarly dance half a reel of three on the men’s side with 2nd and 4th men. They pass 2nd man by the right to begin. On Bar 12, when they meet in the centre of the dance, 1st and 3rd couples drop hands and join hands with partners in promenade hold so that 1st couple are facing towards the men’s side and 3rd couple facing towards the ladies’ side.       

13–16    Continuing the reels of three on the sides:- 1st couple dance half a reel of three on the men’s side with 2nd and 4th men, passing 2nd man (in fourth place) by the left; 3rd couple dance half a reel of three on the ladies’ side with 4th and 2nd ladies, passing 4th lady (in top place) by the left. On Bar 16 1st man and 3rd lady join hands in promenade hold facing the men’s side, while 1st lady and 3rd man join hands in promenade hold facing the ladies’ side.

17–20    Continuing the reels of three on the sides:- 1st man and 3rd lady dance on the men’s side passing 2nd man by the right. 1st lady and 3rd man dance on the ladies’ side passing 4th lady by the right. On Bar 20 1st and 3rd couples join hands with partners.   

21–24    Continuing the reels of three on the sides:- 1st couple dance on the ladies’ side passing 4th lady by the left. 3rd couple dance on the men’s side passing 2nd man by the left.

25–28    1st man turns 3rd lady by the LEFT hand one and a half times to leave her in second place; 1st lady, similarly, turns 3rd man by the RIGHT hand. At the end 1st couple dance down crossing over to face 4th couple on own sides.

29–32    1st man turns 4th man one and a half times by the right hand; 1st lady turns 4th lady by the left hand. 1st couple finish in fourth place.

Video: The Earl of Northampton

The Earl of Northampton
Boston Branch, RSCDS, Celebrate 50 Years of Dancing
A 32-bar Strathspey for 2 couples in a 4-couple set by Virginia Van Scoy

1–8        1st and 2nd couples set and link, flowing into four hands round to the left.

9–16        2nd and 1st couples dance back to back with partners, then turn with both hands, finishing ready for allemande.

17–24    2nd and 1st couples allemande, but on bars 23-24 each couple turns once round with the right hand, staying in the middle retaining right hands ready for the knot.

25–32    1st and 2nd couples dance the knot.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Virginia van Scoy is the founder of the Northampton, Massachusetts, class. She devised this dance in 1995 to honor fiddler
Earl Gaddis’ fiftieth birthday and to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the class. Earl has played for the class since it began, joined on occasion by Karen Axelrod, who wrote the tune as an additional tribute.

Video: J. B. Milne

J. B. Milne,
32R 3C (4C Set)                               
H. Foss RSCDS Guide to SCD
1–4     1st man and 2nd woman set, approaching, and turn by the right hand back to places.
5–8     1st woman and 2nd man do the same.
9–12    1st couple set to each other, approaching, and turn with both hands, the man letting go with his left hand first.
13–14   1st couple cast off into 2nd place (2nd move up),
15–16      And turn, as in Petronella, so that the man is between 3rd couple and woman between 2nd.
17–18   1st couple set to each other, while 2nd and  3rd women – and men – change places, giving right hands.
19–20   1st couple turn by the right hand three-quarters round to ‘wrong’ sides, 2nd place, while 2nd and 3rd couples set to partners
21–24   1st couple set to each other and turn three-quarters round by the right hand. Meanwhile 2nd and 3rd couples cross over, giving right hands to partners, then 2nd and 3rd women – and men – set to each other.
25–28   1st couple set to each other, facing up and down the dance, and change places, giving right hands, while 2nd and 3rd women – and men – change places, giving right hands, and set to partners.
29–30   Continuing, 1st woman casts off, and 1st man casts up, to 2nd place, own sides, while 2nd and 3rd couples cross over, giving right hands to partners
31–32   Taking hands at the sides, all three couples set to partners.

Five Scottish Country Dances   No. 4
THE ROYAL WEDDING
(Strathspey)

MUSIC                           DESCRIPTION
Bars
1 – 8        1st couple set, turn with two hands once round, retaining nearer hands dance down the centre oneplace, then turn with two hands to face 1st corners. 2nd couple dance up on bars 3-4.

9 – 10        1st couple turn 1st corner with right hand and finish 1st woman between 2nd couple facing down, 1st man between 3rd couple facing up.

11 – 12        1st couple advance setting and pass left shoulders to face 2nd corners, while 2nd and 3rd couples set facing diagonally to the centre.

13 – 14        1st couple turn 2nd corner with right hand and finish on the sides between their corners, facing across the dance.

15 – 16        1st couple advance setting and pass left shoulders to face partner’s 1st corner (1st woman face 3rd woman, 1st man face 2nd man), while 2nd and 3rd couples set facing diagonally to the centre.

17 – 20        1st couple dance half-reel of four with 1st corners, passing left shoulders on bar 20 to face partner’s 2nd corner (1st woman face 2nd woman, 1st man face 3rd man).

21 – 24        1st couple dance half-reel of four with 2nd corners, passing left shoulders on bar 24 to finish still in centre of set facing the opposite side of the dance.

25 – 28        3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance round the set clockwise half-way – the women led by 3rd woman who begins by dancing across top place to her own side, and the men, led by 2nd     man who dances across 3rd place to his own side. 1st couple dance out to 2nd place on opposite sides and turn right to follow immediately after the lead dancer.

29 – 32        2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partner with two hands once round.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised by Gene MacKinnon and presented to the R.S.C.D.S. by the Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa, Canada as their contribution to the festivities of the wedding of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer, July 1981.

Tune: Our Highland Queen
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The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 7-8       1st man releases his left hand and, with his right hand, helps 1st woman round to face her first corner.
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TACNotes:’
1-8       1st cpl finish turn (bars 3-4) slightly above 1st place. On bar 7, they dance a wide turn & open out on bar 8, 1st man
             retaining prtnr’s LH in his RH to assist her to face her first corner.
11-12    1st cpl are setting to partner. Also bars 15-16.

Keep It Going
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8         1st couple lead down the middle and up, finishing in the middle as 2nd couple step in ready for…

9 – 16        1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

17 – 24    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and link twice to finish in order 3, 1, 2, all on opposite sides.

25 – 28    All dance clockwise halfway round the set to finish on own sides in the order 2, 1, 3.

29 – 32    All turn once round with the right hand back to place.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Deborah Connors   

Suitable recorded music: 
‘Lassies of Dunse’ by Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent on Ready…And!, Track 6

Sorry, no video for this one

MCKEOWN’S HORNPIPE, 40R, 3C (4C Set)
THE CANADIAN BOOK OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by John Drewry

1–8        1st couple, giving right hands, cross over to opposite sides and cast off to second place, they dance up crossing back to own sides and cast off to second place. 2nd couple half-turn by the right hand, dance up to top place on opposite sides, cast off to second place, then dance up crossing back to own sides and stay facing out.

9–16    Reels of three on own sides of the dance. To begin: –   1st couple, joining nearer hands, dance in and down; 3rd couple dance out and up; 2nd couple dance out and down. All join nearer hands with partners where possible in the reels. At the end 2nd and 3rd couples stay facing out in top and 3rd places.

17–32    1st couple dance a full Petronella figure to return to second place on own sides. They must move well up and down the set on Bars 17-18, and again on Bars 25-26 to give 2nd and 3rd couples space to dance between them. Meanwhile 2nd and 3rd couples dance as follows:-

17–18    2nd couple cast off to just above second place, and 3rd couple cast up to just below second place.

19–20    Joining nearer hands, 2nd and 3rd couples cross to opposite sides, the ladies passing under an arch made by the men. All stay facing out.

21–22    With the person on the right having precedence (i.e. 3rd man and 2nd lady here), 2nd couple and 3rd couple cross tracks so that 2nd couple cast off to third place on opposite sides, and 3rd couple cast up to top place on opposite sides.

23–24    3rd and 2nd couples, giving right hands, cross back to own sides and stay facing out.   

25–32    2nd and 3rd couples repeat Bars 17-24 from new positions except that on Bars 31-32 they half-turn partners by the right hand to finish ready for the circle.

33–40    Six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Video: The Whiteadder Jig

The Whiteadder Jig
The Whiteadder Collection

1–4        First and second couples set and link.
5–8        First and second couples dance right hands across once round.

9–10     First couple set.

11–13    First man dance a half reel of three across with third couple, giving left shoulder to third lady to begin while first lady dances a half reel of three across with second couple, giving left shoulder to second man to begin.

14–16    The three men dance a half reel of three on the ladies’ side, first man giving right shoulder to second man to begin, while the three ladies dance a half reel of three on the men’s side, first lady giving right shoulder to third lady to begin. Finish in the order 3, 1, 2.

17–20    All three couples set and link for three.

21–24    All three couples turn the opposite person once round with the right hand.

25–28    All three couples set and link for three.

29–32    All three couples turn partners once round with the right hand.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance devised by Muriel Johnstone.

Muriel’s enjoyment of the figure “link for three”, as in Gang the Same Gate, led her to incorporate it in jig time for this dance.

“Pearlin’ Jean” was an ill-fated lady crossed in love, who became the subject of several versions of a local ghost story. The house where she met her untimely death overlooked the River Whiteadder just outside Allanton.

Video: The Faraway Isle

THE FARAWAY ISLE

THE CANADIAN BOOK OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by John Drewry

A dance for the visit to Majorca
Jig – 4 couples – 48 bars.
Tune – “Tam’s Hunting Horn” by I Munro – from Kerr’s Thistle Collection Page 32.

In this dance 3rd and 4th couples start on the wrong sides.

1–8       1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off to second place on wrong sides (2nd couple step up on Bars 3-4), then 1st couple dance half a figure of eight round 2nd couple to finish in second place on own sides. 4th couple, similarly, cross over and cast up to third place (3rd couple step down), then dance half a figure of eight round 3rd couple to finish in third place on wrong sides.

9–16    1st and 4th couples dance right hands across, after four steps the ladies turn and join left hands to return, but each man dances out from the wheel, and round his partner, to enter the left hand wheel behind her. Finish with 1st lady facing 2nd man; 1st man, 2nd lady; 4th man,3rd lady; and 4th lady, 3rd man.

17–24    Double diagonal reels of four, with left-hand half-wheels in the centre. At the end, 1st and 4th couples do not dance left hands across but curve in as at the end of a foursome reel to face the opposite end of the diagonal from that faced at the beginning of the reel. That is, 1st man is facing 3rd lady; 1st lady, 3rd man; 4th man, 2nd lady; and 4th lady, 2nd man.          

25–32    All set twice to the person facing, then turn that person by the right hand to finish in two lines across the dance in top and fourth places. 4th couple are between 2nd couple in top place, and 1st couple are between 3rd couple in fourth place, ready for reels of four across the dance.

33–40    Two reels of four across the dance. At the end, 1st and 4th couples pass partners by the right to finish in the positions from which they began the reels, but facing partners.

41–44    4th couple, joining right hands, lead up crossing over and cast off to second place on own sides. 1st couple, similarly, lead down crossing over and cast up to third place on wrong sides.

45–48    All turn partners once by the right hand.

The final order is 2, 4, 1, 3 and 1st and 3rd couples are on wrong sides.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Video: The Whiteadder Jig

The Whiteadder Jig

The Whiteadder Collection

1–4        First and second couples set and link.
5–8        First and second couples dance right hands across once round.

9–10     First couple set.
11–13    First man dance a half reel of three across with third couple, giving left shoulder to third lady to begin while first lady dances a half reel of three across with second couple, giving left shoulder to second man to begin.
14–16    The three men dance a half reel of three on the ladies’ side, first man giving right shoulder to second man to begin, while the three ladies dance a half reel of three on the men’s side, first lady giving right shoulder to third lady to begin. Finish in the order 3, 1, 2.

17–20    All three couples set and link for three.
21–24    All three couples turn the opposite person once round with the right hand.

25–28    All three couples set and link for three.
29–32    All three couples turn partners once round with the right hand.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Dance devised by Muriel Johnstone.

Muriel’s enjoyment of the figure “link for three”, as in Gang the Same Gate, led her to incorporate it in jig time for this dance.

“Pearlin’ Jean” was an ill-fated lady crossed in love, who became the subject of several versions of a local ghost story. The house where she met her untimely death overlooked the River Whiteadder just outside Allanton.

THE FARAWAY ISLE

THE CANADIAN BOOK OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by John Drewry
A dance for the visit to Majorca
Jig – 4 couples – 48 bars.
Tune – “Tam’s Hunting Horn” by I Munro – from Kerr’s Thistle Collection Page 32.

In this dance 3rd and 4th couples start on the wrong sides.

1–8        1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off to second place on wrong sides (2nd couple step up on Bars 3-4), then 1st couple dance half a figure of eight round 2nd couple to finish in second place on own sides. 4th couple, similarly, cross over and cast up to third place (3rd couple step down), then dance half a figure of eight round 3rd couple to finish in third place on wrong sides.

9–16    1st and 4th couples dance right hands across, after four steps the ladies turn and join left hands to return, but each man dances out from the wheel, and round his partner, to enter the left hand wheel behind her. Finish with 1st lady facing 2nd man; 1st man, 2nd lady; 4th man,3rd lady; and 4th lady, 3rd man.

17–24    Double diagonal reels of four, with left-hand half-wheels in the centre. At the end, 1st and 4th couples do not dance left hands across but curve in as at the end of a foursome reel to face the opposite end of the diagonal from that faced at the beginning of the reel. That is, 1st man is facing 3rd lady; 1st lady, 3rd man; 4th man, 2nd lady; and 4th lady, 2nd man.           

25–32    All set twice to the person facing, then turn that person by the right hand to finish in two lines across the dance in top and fourth places. 4th couple are between 2nd couple in top place, and 1st couple are between 3rd couple in fourth place, ready for reels of four across the dance.

33–40    Two reels of four across the dance. At the end, 1st and 4th couples pass partners by the right to finish in the positions from which they began the reels, but facing partners.

41–44    4th couple, joining right hands, lead up crossing over and cast off to second place on own sides. 1st couple, similarly, lead down crossing over and cast up to third place on wrong sides.

45–48    All turn partners once by the right hand.

The final order is 2, 4, 1, 3 and 1st and 3rd couples are on wrong sides.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Video: The Sauchie Haugh

The Sauchie Haugh
Leaflet – No. 12
(Strathspey)

1 – 8    1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish facing down the dance; 2nd couple move in to face 1st couple.

9 – 16    1st and 2nd couples Rondel.

17 – 24    With nearer hands joined, 2nd and 1st women and 2nd and 1st  men advance one step, retire one step then turn partners once round and merge into four hands round to places on sides.  (2nd couple at top, 1st couple in second place.)

25 – 32    2nd and 1st couples all round pousette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by George S. Emmerson, 1967.
The Sauchie Haugh refers to the willowy meadow by the river (in this case the meadow which gave modern Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow its name).

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TACNotes:’

9-16    Cpls dance short way into place on bar 16.