FIFTY YEARS ON
RSCDS Book 43

Two chords.  On the second chord, 3rd and 4th couples change places with their partners to start the dance on the opposite sides of the set.

1–4    2nd and 3rd couples set to and turn partners with the right hand half way round, retaining hold of hands.

5–8        2nd couple lead up, crossing back to own side, and cast off to original places.3rd couple lead down, crossing back to opposite side, and cast up to original places.

9–16    1st and 2nd couples dance a double figure of eight across the dance, 1st couple casting off to begin, while 2nd couple dance up crossing over. At the same time 3rd and 4th couples dance a double figure of eight, 3rd couple dancing down and crossing over to begin while 4th couple cast up. 1st and 4th couples remain facing out.

17–20    1st and 2nd men and 3rd and 4th men turn with the left hand one-and-a-half times to change places.  Meanwhile, 1st and 2nd women and 3rd and 4th women turn with the right hand one-and-a-half times.

21–24    1st and 4th couples (in second and third places) dance half rights and lefts.  1st and 4th men remain facing out.

25–32    2nd and 4th men and 1st and 3rd women dance a reel of four on the men’s side, while their partners dance a reel of four on the women’s side. On bars 31-32, instead of passing left shoulders, 4th man and 1st woman and 4th woman and 1st man, using skip change of step, turn with both hands half-way round, opening out to face across the dance with nearer hands joined.  2nd and 3rd women complete the reel by curving round to the right to take them into the circle.

33–40    2nd, 4th, 1st and 3rd couples dance eight hands round and back.

The finishing order is 2, 4, 1, 3 with 1st and 3rd couples on opposite sides. Repeat from new positions.

Devised by John Drewry, 2002.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
21-24      1st & 4th men finish facing out, omitting polite turns.
25 – 32     Fairly wide 2H turn on bars 31-32.

CABERFEI
Scottish Country Dances of the Eighteenth Century by Jack McConachie
(Caber Feidh – Deer’s Antlers)
Longways set in Reel time for 4 (or 5) couples —
3-couple dance —  32-Bar sequence.

1–8        First and second couples dance right Hands Across (round for 4 “Skip Change” steps), and back again with left Hands Across, to places (4 steps).
9–12    First couple dance down between second couple for 1 step, then turning inwards (towards each other), lead up (with nearer hands), to the top and cast off (on own sides) to 2nd place.  Second couple move up on bars 11-12.
13–16    First couple lead down (with nearer hands), between third couple and cast up (on own         sides) round them to finish facing their 1st Corners (passing each other by the left in 2nd place).(First couple make the shape the of Deer’s Antlers on Bars 9-16).
17–20    First couple set to their 1st Corners (with 1 Pas de Basque on the right foot), then, passing by right shoulders, dance round 1st Corners, while the two “Corner dancers” dance a half Reel of Four (passing each other by the left in the middle) to the opposite Corner position.  First couple finish facing their 2nd Corners (3 “Skip Change” steps, beginning with the left foot).
21–24    Repeat Bars 17-20 with 2nd Corners  (Diagram 3), first couple finishing in 2nd place on the opposite side (all three couples are now on opposite sides – first lady between second and third ladies, and first man between second and third men.
25–28    First three couples set to partners (with 1 Pas de Basque on right foot), then dance six Hands halfway Round, to the left, to own sides (6 Slip steps).
29–32    First three couples turn partners (once round) with right hands (4 “Skip Change” steps). First couple repeat from 2nd place (with third and fourth couples), and cast off to the bottom, while fourth couple move up to 3rd place.

Each couple repeat in turn, as first couple.

Notes:  Release right hands and turn inwards, by the right, on Bar 4.  Release left hands on Bar 7 and dance to original places.
First couple dance down in front of second couple on Bar 9, turn sharply inwards (lady to her right, and man to his left), on Bar 10, then lead up the middle and cast off to 2nd place.
Pas de Basque on the right foot on Bar 17, then hop on the right foot with the left foot extended forward (raised), to change into “Skip Change” step.  The same applies on Bar 21, and on Bar 25 but bringing the left foot to the side – ready to step sideways.

THE COURAGE REEL
THE CANADIAN BOOK OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by John Drewry
for Simon Fraser of “The Courage”, Nairn
Reel – 3 couples – 48 bars.
Tune – “Sneug of Foula” by Tom Georgeson – from “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Welcome to Shetland”.

1–8    1st couple and 2nd couple dance the “Espagnole”  (See Glayva) to change places. At the end 1st couple continue turning by the left hand to face first corners.

9–32    1st couple and their first and second corners “dance to each corner and set” moving right round back to the same positions as at the end of Bar 8. (SEE BELOW FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE) On the last bar, 1st couple can join right hands to help turn one another to face first corners again.

33–38    1st couple dance reels of three on the sides with their corners, beginning by giving left shoulders to first corner.

39–40    1st couple, giving right hands, cross to own sides in second place.

41–48    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

“DANCE TO EACH CORNER AND SET”
A new figure in which 1st couple and their first and second corners dance to each of the four corner positions by turn and set in those positions.

9–10    1st couple dance out to first corner positions, passing their corners by the right. First corners dance in, passing 1st couple by the right, then they pass one another in the centre of the dance by the right to face the next corner position round the set anticlockwise. Second corners set facing one another diagonally across the set.

11–12    1st couple set in first corner positions, facing one another diagonally. First corners dance out to the next corner positions (i.e. 3rd lady to top lady’s place, and 2nd man to 3rd man’s place) passing second corners by the right. Second corners dance in passing first corners by the right, then they pass one another in the centre of the dance by the right to face the next corner positions round the set anticlockwise.

13–14    1st couple dance in, passing their partner’s second corners by the right, then they pass one another in the centre of the dance by the right to face the next corner positions. First corners set, facing one another diagonally across the set. Second corners dance out to the next corner positions, passing 1st couple by the right.

15–32    Repeat the movements of the last six bars three more times so that each dancer visits each corner position in turn moving anticlockwise round the set.

NOTE: – This figure consists (so far as the movements are concerned) of four phases of six bars each. Each six-bar phrase consists of three two-bar movements.

For the 1st couple these are: – two bars to dance out, two to set, and two to dance in.
For first corners: – two bars to dance in, two to dance out, and two to set.
For second corners: – two bars to set, two to dance in, and two to dance out.

MONTREAL RENDEZVOUS
Farewell, My Fancy and more Scottish Country Dances by Bob Campbell

A Medley for Three Couples

1–8        First couple turn with the right hand, cast off one place then turn partially with the left hand, the man dancing up and casting off round second man, the woman dancing down and casting         up round third woman.  Second couple step up on bars 3-4.                     

9–12    Six hands once round to finish in from the sidelines facing partner at an angle.

13–14    All dance back to back with partner.

15–16    All cross to opposite sides giving right hands.

Reel

1–2        All clap and first couple dance a Petronella turn, the man to finish between second couple who face down, the woman to finish between third couple who face up.

3–4        Set three and three.

5–8        First couple dance a Petronella turn to own sides then set three and three.

9–12        All clap and first man dances a half reel of three with second couple giving right shoulder to second man while first woman dances a half reel of three with third couple giving right shoulder to third woman.  First couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

13–16    First couple turn once and a half with the right hand to finish on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Linton Ploughman
Book 5 – No. 6
32-bar jig for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1–8        1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to the left and back to places.

9–16    1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Collected in Peebles-shire.

Original tune:
The Muckin’ o Geordie’s Byre (Oswald’s Curious Scots Tunes, 1742)

Davy Nick Nack
GLASGOW ASSEMBLY and other SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by Bob Campbell

A hornpipe for three couples

1–4        First, second and third couples cross over giving right hands to finish a little in front of opposite side lines, and set.

5–8    All cross back to own places, and set.

9–16    First couple turn time and a half with the right hand, cast off one place on opposite sides, then turn with the left hand to finish in a diagonal line with first corners. Second couple step up on bars 13–14.

17–18    First couple turn first corners with the right hand to change places, corners finishing back to back facing first couple.

19–20    First couple set to corners in their new position.

21–24    First couple turn their first corners back into place with the right hand then turn each other with the left hand to finish in a diagonal line with second corners.

25–28    The same as bars 17–20 but with second corners.

29–32    First couple turn second corners back into place with the right hand then, giving left hands briefly in passing, curve into second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

A Little Hush, 32S 3C (4C Set)
Holly Boyd, Here’s to You

1-4 1st couple cross over giving right hands and cast to 2nd place; 2nd couple step up on 3&4
5-8 1st couple turn both hands to face their 1st corners

9-12 1st couple change places right hand with 1st corners.  1st corners change places left hand in the centre, then change places right hand with 1st couple (who have looped around corner’s position). 1st corners finish in the diagonally opposite position, and 1st couple pass right shoulder to face 2nd corners.
13-16 1st couple repeat bars 9-12 with their 2nd corners, passing right shoulders to end in the centre facing their own side.  3s and 2s are now on opposite sides.

17-24 1st couple dance figures of 8 on their own sides of the dance, 1st woman giving a right shoulder to 2nd man to begin, and 1st man giving a right shoulder to 3rd woman to begin.  1st couple end in 2nd place on opposite sides.

25-32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance set and link for 3 twice to finish 2,1,3.

Corn Rigs
RSCDS Book 4 – No. 12
32-bar reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1–8    1st couple cast off and dance down behind their own lines for four steps, turn inwards and dance up to original places.

9–16    1st couple dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thomas Wilson:  Companion to the Ballroom, London, 1816.
Tuner:  Corn Rigs (Traditional)

Please remember this is a combined class at the Churchill Recreation Centre

THE MOUNTAIN STREAM
Graded and Social Dances 3,  devised by Roy Goldring                                   
32 bar Reel for 2 couples

1–8        1st woman and 2nd man set twice then turn with right hands.They finish in place.

9–16    1st man and 2nd woman set twice then turn with left hands.They finish in place – 1st man facing out.

17–24    1st man, followed by his partner, casts behind 2nd man, crosses up between 2nd couple, casts behind 2nd woman and crosses to 2nd place on own side. 1st woman finishes in 2nd woman’s place. 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

25 – 32    2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across and left hands across.

Tune:    Miss Jean Donaldson’s Hornpipe (Traditional – James Walker 1st Collection)

The Left-Handed Fiddler,  32R 3C (4C Set)
Howard Lasnik, 1997
1-4    1st couple turn by the left hand and cast into 2nd place (2nd couple stepping up on bars 3-4).            
5-8    1st couple cross by the left hand and cast to the left, 1st man around 2nd woman and 1st woman around 3rd man, finishing in the center of the set, nearer hands joined, facing 2nd woman on the diagonal (as in The Montgomeries’ Rant except the 1st woman is on the 1st man’s right).            

9-12    1st couple set to 2nd woman, change hands and set to 3rd man.

13-16    Set to 3rd woman, change hands and set to 2nd man. End facing 1st corners, 1st man having pulled back his left shoulder.

 17-20    1st couple turn 1st corners by the left hand. 1st couple turn by the right hand to face 2nd corners.

21-24    1st couple turn 2nd corners by the left hand. 1st couple turn by the right hand to finish in 2nd place, own side.

25-32    Couples 2, 1, and 3 dance six hands around to the left and back to the right.

THE SILVER STRATHSPEY
Book 44.  No. 3
(Strathspey)

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

5–8        2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set and circle halfway round to the left, all finishing on    opposite sides, 3rd couple in first place, 1st couple in second place and 2nd couple in third place. 2nd and 3rd couples finish facing in diagonally.

9–12    1st couple, giving right hands, cross and cast to the right: 1st woman casts down round 3rd woman’s place to finish between 3rd couple facing up, while 1st man cast up round 1st man’s place to finish between 2nd couple facing down. At the same time, 3rd and 2nd couples set and dance right hands across halfway round to places.

13–16    1st couple, giving right hands, cross up and down the dance and cast to the right:             1st woman casts off into second place on her own side while 1st man casts up intosecond place on his own side. Meanwhile, 2nd and 3rd couples set and dance right hands across halfway round. 3rd couple finish in first place on opposite sides and 2nd couple finish in third place on opposite sides.

17–20    1st woman, giving right shoulder to 2nd woman, dances a half reel of three with 2nd couple. Meanwhile, 1st man, giving right shoulder to 3rd man, dances a half reel of three with 3rd couple.

21–24    1st couple turn with both hands, one-and-a-half times.

25–32    3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance the knot.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised in 1989 by Mrs Moira Stacey to celebrate Moira and Keith’s Silver Wedding Anniversary.

Tune:   Florence MacLean of Ardholm, Eric Allan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 13-16    2nd and 3rd couples face diagonally in to set as in bars 9-12.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:
13-16    Corners face diagonally to set. On bar 16 the corners curve naturally to the Right to flow into the ½ reels on bar 17, but note that for 3rd woman and 2nd man (finishing in 1st man’s & 3rd woman’s position respectively) this is a complete R about turn to change direction.

Jig to The Music, 32J 3C (3C Set)
RSCDS 2nd Graded Book
1-4        1st, 2nd adn 3rd couples advance and retire
5-8        1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance back to back
9-16    1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn once round and, giving left hands, turn once round to places
17-20    1st couple, with both hands joined, dance four slip steps down the middle and four slip steps back up to finish at first place in the middle of the set facing up.
21-24    1st couple cast off two places. 2nd and 3rd couples step up on bars 23-24
25-32    2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance six hands round and back

St. John’s Road

32 bar reel for 3 couples

1-4: 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.)

5-8: 1st woman dances 1⁄2 figure of eight around 3rd couple, 1st man dances 1⁄2 figure of eight around 2nd couple, finish in 2nd place on own side.

9-12: 2nd , 1st , and 3rd couple dance 1⁄2 reels of three on the side. 2nd and 1st woman, 1st and 3rd men giving right shoulder to begin.

13-16: 1st woman with 3rd couple, 1st man with 2nd couple dance 1⁄2 reels of three across the dance, 1st woman giving left shoulder to 3rd man, 1st man giving left shoulder to 2nd woman. 1st couple finish facing partner’s first corner position.

17-20: 1st couple and first corners set and, 1st couple, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in first corner position. At the same time, 1st corners dance in towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing corner position.

21-24: 1st couple and first corners set and first corners, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in first corner position. At the same time, 1st couple dance in towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing partner’s second corner position.

25-32: 1st couple repeat bars 17-24 with second corners and pass each other by the right shoulder to finish in 2nd place on own side.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Note: the movement in bars 17-32 was devised by the late Alec Hay.

Chasing the Eclipse

32 Bar strathspey for 3 couples

in a 3 couple set

1-8:    1st couple set, dance down below third couple, cast up to 2nd place and pass left shoulder to face first corner. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9-16: 2nd, 1st, and 3rd couple dance reels of three on the side, 1st man and 3rd woman, 1st woman and 2nd man passing right shoulder. 1st couple finish in the center facing 1st corner.

17-24: 1st couple set to first corners, dance 3⁄4 round partner by the right shoulder, set to second corners, and dance round partner to 2nd place on own side and face out.

25-32: Chain Progression (promenade).

25-26: 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner 3⁄4 with right hands while 1st couple dance clockwise 1⁄4 round the set.

27-30: 2nd man and 3rd woman turn with left hands 1 1⁄2 times while 1st man and 2nd woman take promenade hold and 1st woman and 3rd man take reverse promenade hold and dance clockwise 1⁄2 way round the set.

31-32: 3rd and 2nd couples turn partner 3⁄4 with right hands to own sides while 1st couple dance clockwise 1⁄4 round the set to end in 2nd place

The new positions are 3,1,2.

Repeat from new positions.

Note: the movement in bars 25-32 was devised by Tim Wilson.

Tune: “Chasing the Eclipse” – M. Johnstone

Suggested Music: “Elisabeth Hunter’s Strathspey” – 15 Social Dances Muriel Johnstone & Her Band

Devised for Mike and Eilean Yates of North Carolina, in February 2013. The Yates’ have been pillars of dancing in Shelby and the Carolinas for decades and also involved in the dancing at the Loch Norman Highland Games almost since the beginning. Sadly, Mike passed away in March 2013.

Beyond dancing, Mike’s passion for viewing solar eclipses has taken them all over the world. You can detect that in the Promenade Chain progression (thanks, Mary!)

FATHER CONNELLY’S JIG

THE DONSIDE BOOK of Scottish Country Dances, 1989-1990 by John Drewry

Dance devised January 1990

Jig – 4 couples – 64 bars

Tune – “Father Connelly’s Jig” – by John Mason, the conductor of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra

1–8    1st and 2nd couples “Set and Rotate”.

9–12    1st couple and their first corners dance half right and left on the diagonal.

Meanwhile second corners set to each other and then change places giving right hands. At the end, 3rd and 2nd couples stay facing out.

13–16    3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance half reels of three on opposite sides. To begin:- 1st and 3rd men, and 1st and 2nd women, pass by the right. At the end:- 2nd and 3rd couples veer into place (i.e. no extra loops).

17–20    1st couple and their second corners dance half right and left on the diagonal (1st couple begin by giving right hands to second corners in person). Meanwhile first corners set to each other and then change places giving right hands. At the end, 3rd and 2nd couples stay facing out.

21–24    3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance half reels of three on the sides.To begin:- 1st and 2nd men, and 1st and 3rd women, pass by the right. At the end:- 2nd and 3rd couples dance round loops on the corners to enter the reels across the dance.

25–32    1st woman dances a reel of three across the dance with 2nd couple (left shoulder to 2nd man) while 1st man dances a reel of three across the dance with 3rd couple (left shoulder to 3rd woman).

33–40    1st couple, giving right hands, dance down between 3rd couple crossing over to opposite sides; 1st woman casts up round 3rd man while 1st man cast off round 4th woman. 1st couple, giving left hands, change places up and down the dance; 1st woman casts up round 4th woman while 1st man cast off round 3rd man. 3Rd couple step up on bars 39-40. (1st couple are now in third place on own sides.)

41–56    3rd, 1st and 4th couples dance the figures danced by 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples during bars 9-24.

57–64    3rd, 1st and 4th couples six hands round and back – (2nd couple could join in too to make it eight hands round and back).

Repeat with a new top couple.

NOTE   The dance is really two dances each of 32 bars. Bars 9-24 of each dance are similar. 1st couple dance the first part with 2nd and 3rd couples and the second part with 3rd and 4th couples. Either part could be danced separately as a normal 8 X 32  bar dance. The reason for this unusual structure is that the tune contains 64 bars and it was thought that this arrangement would make it less tiring for the dancers than a 8 X 64 bar dance.

In the half right and left on the diagonal it is essential for the dancers to be in the side lines before changing places with the left hand to leave the centre of the set free for the other dancers.

 THE JUBILEE JIG (J8x32) 3C (4C set)
RSCDS Leaflet

1- 8 1M casts to 2nd place, sets to 3W, turns RH & dances back to 2nd place on own side
9-16 1W casts to 2nd place, sets to 3M, turns LH & dances back to 2nd place
17-24 1W with 2s & 1M with 3s dance RH across, 1s end in centre LH joined, 1s set in centre & dance out to 2nd place on opposite sides
25-32 1M with 2s & 1W with 3s dance RH across, 1s end in centre LH joined, 1s set in centre & dance out to 2nd place on own sides

SEANN TRUIBHAS WILLICHAN (S8x32) 2C (4C set)
RSCDS Book 27

1- 8 1s cast & dance down behind own lines, turn outwards & dance back to top
9-16 1W+2M set & change places RH while 1M+2W change places & set & repeat
17-24 1s lead down for 2 steps, turn RH, lead up to top & cast to 2nd place
25-32 2s+1s set & turn partner 2H opening out to circle 4H round to left

ST. JOHN’S ROAD (R8x32) 3C (4C set)
Sandy Gallamore,
The Highland Road Collection
1-4 1s cross RH & cast off 1 place, 2s step up
5-8 1W dances ½ Fig of 8 round 3s, 1M dances ½ Fig of 8 round 2s, 1s finish in 2nd place own side
9-12 2s+1s+3s dance ½ reels of 3 on the side(2W+1W & 1M+3M pass RSh to begin)
13-16 1W with 3s, 1M with 2s dance ½ reels of 3 across the dance (1W+3M & 1M+2W pass LSh to begin) 1s finish facing partner’s 1st corner position
17-20 1s and 1st corners set and 1s pulling back RSh dance around each other to finish in 1st corner position while 1st corners dance in toward each other and pull back RSh to finish BtB in the middle facing 1st corner position
21-24 1s and 1st corners set and 1st corners pulling back RSh dance around each other to finish in 1st corner position while 1s dance in and pull back RSh to finish BtB in the middle facing partner’s 2nd corner position
25-32 1s repeat bars 17-24 with 2nd corners and pass by RSh to finish in 2nd place on own sides

REEL OF THE ROYAL SCOTS (R8x32) 3C (4C set)
RSCDS Leaflet
1- 8 1s ½ turn 2s on sides (1M RH – 1L LH) to face out, 2s+1s+3s set, 1s ½ turn 3s on sides (1M LH – 1L RH) end 3s facing out & 2s+3s+1s set
9-16 1s followed by 3s dance up between 2s, cast down 1 place, dance in & 1s cast up to 2nd place 3s end in 3rd place
17-24 1s turn 1st corners RH, pass partner RSh turn 2nd corners RH & cross passing partner RSh to 2nd place own sides
25-32 2s+1s+3s circle 6H round & back

THE BUCKIE LOON (R8x32) 3C (4C set)
Bill Zobel & Muriel Johnstone,
Dancing on Air

1-8 1s and 2s set and dance RH across ½ way. 1s and 3s set and dance LH across ½ way.

9-16 All 3C dance LSh reels of 3 on the sides, 1M+3W(also 1W+3M) giving LSh to begin. 1W finish in 3rd place facing out.

17-20 1W, followed by her partner, casts up behind 3M & crosses to the men’s side while her partner dances across the set & casts up to 2nd place on the ladies’ side.

21-24 1s turn LH once round to finish in 2nd place on opposite sides.

25-32 All 3C, giving NH, dance down the middle, change sides on bar 28 with the women dancing under her partner’s arm and back up the middle to finish on own sides.

FAIR JENNY’S JIG (J8x32) 3C (4C Set)
Ron Wallace,
From the Redwood Forest
1- 8 1s set, cast 1 place, set & ½ turn RH to face 1st corners

9-16 1s turn 1st corner LH, turn partner RH, turn 2nd corner LH & turn partner RH to end 2nd place own sides

17-24 1s dance reels of 3 on sides (RSh to 3rd corner to start) ending BtoB facing own sides

25-32 1s dance Double Triangles ending in 2ndplaces

MEMORIES OF MARY ANN (S3x32) 3C set
RSCDS Book 47

1-4 1s set & cast off, 2s step up
5-8 1s dance ½ reels of 3 across giving LSh to 1st corner

9-16 All set & link to lines across, 1s turn LH to face 1st corners

17-24 1s dance ½ reel of 4 with 1st corners, pass RSh & repeat with 2nd corners, 1s crossing RSh to own
sides

25-32 3s+1s dance the Knot

FATHER CONNELLY’S JIG
THE DONSIDE BOOK of Scottish Country Dances, 1989-1990 by John Drewry
Dance devised January 1990

Jig – 4 couples – 64 bars
Tune – “Father Connelly’s Jig” – by John Mason, the conductor of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra

1–8    1st and 2nd couples “Set and Rotate”.

9–12    1st couple and their first corners dance half right and left on the diagonal.
Meanwhile second corners set to each other and then change places giving right hands. At the end, 3rd and 2nd couples stay facing out.

13–16    3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance half reels of three on opposite sides. To begin:- 1st and 3rd men, and 1st and 2nd women, pass by the right. At the end:- 2nd and 3rd couples veer into place (i.e. no extra loops).

17–20    1st couple and their second corners dance half right and left on the diagonal (1st couple begin by giving right hands to second corners in person). Meanwhile first corners set to each other and then change places giving right hands. At the end, 3rd and 2nd couples stay facing out.

21–24    3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance half reels of three on the sides.To begin:- 1st and 2nd men, and 1st and 3rd women, pass by the right. At the end:- 2nd and 3rd couples dance round loops on the corners to enter the reels across the dance.

25–32    1st woman dances a reel of three across the dance with 2nd couple (left shoulder to 2nd man) while 1st man dances a reel of three across the dance with 3rd couple (left shoulder to 3rd woman).

33–40    1st couple, giving right hands, dance down between 3rd couple crossing over to opposite sides; 1st woman casts up round 3rd man while 1st man cast off round 4th woman. 1st couple, giving left hands, change places up and down the dance; 1st woman casts up round 4th woman while 1st man cast off round 3rd man. 3Rd couple step up on bars 39-40. (1st couple are now in third place on own sides.)

41–56    3rd, 1st and 4th couples dance the figures danced by 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples during bars 9-24.

57–64    3rd, 1st and 4th couples six hands round and back – (2nd couple could join in too to make it eight hands round and back).

Repeat with a new top couple.

NOTE   The dance is really two dances each of 32 bars. Bars 9-24 of each dance are similar. 1st couple dance the first part with 2nd and 3rd couples and the second part with 3rd and 4th couples. Either part could be danced separately as a normal 8 X 32  bar dance. The reason for this unusual structure is that the tune contains 64 bars and it was thought that this arrangement would make it less tiring for the dancers than a 8 X 64 bar dance.

In the half right and left on the diagonal it is essential for the dancers to be in the side lines before changing places with the left hand to leave the centre of the set free for the other dancers.

St. John’s Road
32 bar reel for 3 couples

1-4: 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.)

5-8: 1st woman dances 1⁄2 figure of eight around 3rd couple, 1st man dances 1⁄2 figure of eight around 2nd couple, finish in 2nd place on own side.

9-12: 2nd , 1st , and 3rd couple dance 1⁄2 reels of three on the side. 2nd and 1st woman, 1st and 3rd men giving right shoulder to begin.

13-16: 1st woman with 3rd couple, 1st man with 2nd couple dance 1⁄2 reels of three across the dance, 1st woman giving left shoulder to 3rd man, 1st man giving left shoulder to 2nd woman. 1st couple finish facing partner’s first corner position.

17-20: 1st couple and first corners set and, 1st couple, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in first corner position. At the same time, 1st corners dance in towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing corner position.

21-24: 1st couple and first corners set and first corners, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in first corner position. At the same time, 1st couple dance in towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing partner’s second corner position.

25-32: 1st couple repeat bars 17-24 with second corners and pass each other by the right shoulder to finish in 2nd place on own side.

Repeat having passed a couple.
Note: the movement in bars 17-32 was devised by the late Alec Hay.

Chasing the Eclipse
32 Bar strathspey for 3 couples
in a 3 couple set

1-8:    1st couple set, dance down below third couple, cast up to 2nd place and pass left shoulder to face first corner. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

9-16: 2nd, 1st, and 3rd couple dance reels of three on the side, 1st man and 3rd woman, 1st woman and 2nd man passing right shoulder. 1st couple finish in the center facing 1st corner.

17-24: 1st couple set to first corners, dance 3⁄4 round partner by the right shoulder, set to second corners, and dance round partner to 2nd place on own side and face out.

25-32: Chain Progression (promenade).
25-26: 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner 3⁄4 with right hands while 1st couple dance clockwise 1⁄4 round the set.
27-30: 2nd man and 3rd woman turn with left hands 1 1⁄2 times while 1st man and 2nd woman take promenade hold and 1st woman and 3rd man take reverse promenade hold and dance clockwise 1⁄2 way round the set.
31-32: 3rd and 2nd couples turn partner 3⁄4 with right hands to own sides while 1st couple dance clockwise 1⁄4 round the set to end in 2nd place

The new positions are 3,1,2.
Repeat from new positions.

Note: the movement in bars 25-32 was devised by Tim Wilson.
Tune: “Chasing the Eclipse” – M. Johnstone
Suggested Music: “Elisabeth Hunter’s Strathspey” – 15 Social Dances Muriel Johnstone & Her Band

Devised for Mike and Eilean Yates of North Carolina, in February 2013. The Yates’ have been pillars of dancing in Shelby and the Carolinas for decades and also involved in the dancing at the Loch Norman Highland Games almost since the beginning. Sadly, Mike passed away in March 2013.

Beyond dancing, Mike’s passion for viewing solar eclipses has taken them all over the world. You can detect that in the Promenade Chain progression (thanks, Mary!)

ST. JOHN’S ROAD (R8x32) 3C (4C set)
Sandy Gallamore, The Highland Road Collection

1-4    1s cross RH & cast off 1 place, 2s step up
5-8    1W dances 1⁄2 Fig of 8 round 3s, 1M dances 1⁄2 Fig of 8 round 2s, 1s finish in 2 nd place own side

9-12 2s+1s+3s dance 1⁄2 reels of 3 on the side (2W+1W & 1M+3M pass RSh to begin)

13-16 1W with 3s, 1M with 2s dance 1⁄2 reels of 3 across the dance (1W+3M & 1M+2W pass LSh to begin) 1s finish facing partner’s 1 st corner position

17-20 1s and 1 st corners set and 1s pulling back RSh dance around each other to finish in 1 st corner
position while 1 st corners dance in toward each other and pull back RSh to finish BtB in the middle facing 1 st corner position
21-24 1s and 1 st corners set and 1 st corners pulling back RSh dance around each other to finish in
1 st corner position while 1s dance in and pull back RSh to finish BtB in the middle facing partner’s 2 nd corner position

25-32 1s repeat bars 17-24 with 2 nd corners and pass by RSh to finish in 2 nd place on own sides

MEMORIES OF MARY ANN (S8x32) 3C (4C set)
RSCDS Book 47
1-4    1s set & cast off, 2s step up
5-8    1s dance 1⁄2 reels of 3 across giving LSh to 1 st corner

9-16 All set & link to lines across, 1s turn LH to face 1st corners
17-24 1s dance 1⁄2 reel of 4 with 1 st corners, pass RSh & repeat with 2nd corners, 1s crossing RSh to own sides
25-32 3s+1s dance the Knot

The Calm Before the Storm, 32R 3C (4C Set)
Iain Boyd, The Kilmarnock Album

1-8    1L followed by partner dances a Fig of 8 round 2M+3M (LSh to 3M to start)
9-16   1s+2s dance RH across & LH back
17-24  1M followed by partner dances a Fig of 8 round 2L+3L (RSh to 3L to start)
25-32  1s+2s Set & Rotate : Set, rotate singly & dance on 1 place clockwise, change places RH on sides & dance on 1 place to own sides (1s in 2nd pl)

John of Bon Accord
RSCDS Book XXXIII – No. 5
(Reel)

1–16    Four progressive half-reels of three across the dance – danced as follows:
       
1–4        1st couple with 2nd woman dance a half-reel of three. 1st woman passes her partner with the right shoulder to begin and finishes in the middle of the set facing her own side of the dance. 1st man finishes in 1st woman’s original place and 2nd woman in 1st man’s original place.

5–8        1st couple with 2nd man dance a half-reel of three. 1st woman passes her partner with the left shoulder to begin and finishes in the middle of the set facing the men’s side of the dance. 1st man finishes in 2nd man’s original place and 2nd man in 1st woman’s original place.

9–12       1st couple repeat bars 1-4 with 3rd woman who finishes in 2nd man’s original place.

13–16      1st couple repeat bars 5-8 with 3rd man, who finishes in 2nd woman’s original place. 1st couple finish in third place in the middle of the set.

17–20      1st couple turn with right hands and cast up one place on own sides. 3rd couple step down on bars 19-20.

21–24      1st couple dance half figure of eight round 2nd couple.

25–28      2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with right hands three-quarters round to finish in a line up and down the dance; facing partners and retaining right hands, all set.

29–32      2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn partners with right hands to finish on own sides and then, joining hands on the sides, set to partners.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring and inscribed to John Drewry of Aberdeen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bars 1-16   In the four progressive half reels across the dance, the 1st woman cuts each reel through the middle giving her partner, successively, right, left, right and left shoulders.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TAC Notes:’
1-16          For the four consecutive half reels of three, 1st woman starts by facing her partner, giving him R, L, R, & then L shouders. Note: support dancers all dance up into their half reels & finish one place up on opposite sides.
29-30    This is a tight turn – do not “steal” on bar 28.  

The Magic Airt O’ Gow, 32S 2C (4C set)
Johnd Drewry, Rondel Book

1-8        1s+2s dance RH across 1/2 way, change places with partners RH & circle 4H round to left ending on sides
9-16    2s+1s dance LH across 1/2 way, change places with partners LH, set & 1s cast to 2nd place as 2s dance up
17-24    1s in prom hold dance reel of 3 across with 2s giving RSh to 2L to start & 1s end dancing up centre & face down as 2s dance in
25-32    1s+2s dance the Rondel

REST AND BE THANKFUL
The Grampian Collection of Scottish Country Dances by Jack McConachie
Longways Sets in Reel time for 4 (or 5) couples —

3–couple dance — 32– Bar sequence.

1–4         First couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on the opposite side. Second couple move up on Bars 3 – 4.

5–8         First couple, giving left hands, cross over and first lady casts up round second lady, while first man casts off round third man, to finish beside their 1st Corner.

9–12     First couple, holding their 1st Corner in Promenade position on their right, leads them round behind their 2nd Corner and places them in the opposite 1st Corner position. At the same time the 2nd Corners Advance towards each other and Retire.

13–16     First couple turn each other with left hands to finish beside their 2nd Corner. (Turn strongly for one and a quarter times.)

17–20     First couple, holding their 2nd Corner in Promenade position on their right, leads them round behind their 1st Corners (who are on the wrong side) and places them in the opposite 2nd Corner position. At the same time the 1st Corners Advance towards each other and Retire.

21–24     First couple turn each other with left hands to finish facing their usual 1st Corner position (first lady faces third lady while first man faces second man).

25–28     First couple dance a half Reel of Four diagonally across the Set with their 1st Corners —first couple , passing by the right to begin, curve by their right round the 1st Corner position, while the Corners pass each other by the left in the middle to their own sides.

29–32     First couple, passing each other by the right in the middle, dance a half Reel of Four diagonally across the Set with their 2nd Corners—again passing by the right to begin, then crossing over by the right to finish in 2nd place on their own sides (Diagram 2).

First couple repeat from the 2nd place and cross by the left, down between fourth couple, to the bottom. Each couple repeat in turn as first couple.