Dances for September 26, 2022

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2022
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Video: The Paisley Weavers

The Paisley Weavers
RSCDS Third Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances

32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set
Two chords: on the second chord, 2nd couple crosses to opposite sides.

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross down between 2nd couple, cast off one place; giving right hands, cross up between 3rd couple and cast up to original places.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a grand chain. 1st and 2nd men finish facing out.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a ladies’ chain.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

29 – 32 1st and 3rd couples dance half rights and lefts.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Derek Haynes, Headquarters Member.
Printed by permission of Maureen Haynes.

The town of Paisley, seven miles west of Glasgow, was well known in the nineteenth century for its production of shawls and threads. The best known design, a twisted teardrop shape, is known as Paisley pattern.

Video: Orpington Caledonians

Orpington Caledonians
RSCDS Book 49
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple set.

3 – 6 1st woman casts off to second place and dances across the set to face out on the men’s side. At the same time, 1st man dances across the set and casts off to second place on the women’s side. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

7 – 8 1st woman with 3rd man and 1st man with 3rd woman, giving left hands, turn halfway. 1st and 3rd men finish facing out.

9 – 16 3rd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain. 1st man finishes facing out.

17 – 20 1st man casts up to second place and dances across the set to face out. At the same time, 1st woman dances across the set and casts up to second place on the women’s side. 3rd couple step down on bars 19 – 20.

21 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across once round. 1st man and 2nd woman finish facing out.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides, 1st and 3rd couples passing by the left to begin.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by John Brenchley, Western Australia Branch.
The dance was written in 1987 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Orpington and District Caledonian Society.

Video: THE FINDLAY’S JIG

THE FINDLAY’S JIG
14 Social Dances for 2000, devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar jig for 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and back finishing at the top in the centre. 2nd and 3rd couples step in on bar 8.

9 – 16 3 couple allemande.

17 – 20 1st couple dance in, face down and cast up to the top. 3rd and 2nd couples step down on 19-20.
21 – 24 2nd couple repeat bars 17-20. 1st and 3rd couples step down on bars 23-24.

25 – 32 6 hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple

For Faustina and Ian Findlay
Tune: The Groom’s Jig by Ian Findlay

Video: Bohemian Reflections

Bohemian Reflections
RSCDS Book 51
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple lead down two places, cross over below 3rd couple, and cast up to second place on opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn one and a quarter times to finish in the middle facing own sides.

9 – 12 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance right hands across. To finish, 1st couple pass by the right shoulder in the middle.

13 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance left hands across. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies’ chain. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides, 1st man facing out.

25 – 30 1st man, followed by his partner, casts off one place and dances across the set and up behind 3rd man to second place on own side. On the last two bars, 1st woman dances up the middle and into second place on own side, pulling back right shoulder.

31 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, joining hands on the sides, set.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Holger Schuckelt, Central Germany Branch, January 2016.
The dance was inspired by the reflections on the lake behind Průhonice Castle in Bohemia.

Video: The White Cockade

The White Cockade
Book 5 – No. 11
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over. They repeat back to places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in first place in the middle of the set.

17 – 20 1st couple cast off to second place on own sides.
2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance four hands once round to the left.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

William Campbell: 3rd Book of New and Favourite Country Dances and Strathspey Reels, London c.1782.

Original tune: The White Cockade (Traditional, earliest version Aird 1782 as The Ranting Highlandman)

Dances for September 19, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Fall 2022
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Video: The Findlay’s Jig

The Findlay’s Jig
14 Social Dances for 2000, devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar jig for 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle and back finishing at the top in the centre. 2nd and 3rd couples step in on bar 8.
9 – 16 3 couple allemande.

17 – 20 1st couple dance in, face down and cast up to the top. 3rd and 2nd couples step down on 19-20.
21 – 24 2nd couple repeat bars 17-20. 1st and 3rd couples step down on bars 23-24.

25 – 32 6 hands round and back.

Repeat having passed a couple

For Faustina and Ian Findlay
Tune: The Groom’s Jig by Ian Findlay

No Video

Flowers of Texas
Let’s All Dance, Too
32/R/3 by Torf, Austin, Texas & Boston Branch

1 – 6 1st woman, followed by 1st man, casts off two places down the women’s side of the set. 1st woman crosses the set below 3rd couple and dances up behind the men’s line to end in 1st man’s place. 1st man dances in below 3rd woman and dances up the middle of the set to end in 1st woman’s place.

7 – 8 1st couple set.

9 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 1-8 with 1st man leading and 1st couple ending in original places.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up and end ready for…

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

Repeat from new places.

Music: “Flowers of Edinburgh”
Note: This dance was devised for use before the poussette is introduced. (T)

No Video: The Penny Reel

The Penny Reel
Jean Attwood, Alexander Book 8
Reel – 3 Couples — 32 Bars.

1 – 4 1st couple set once then turn halfway round with the right hand and face down.

5 – 8 1st couple lead down between 2nd and 3rd couples and cast up to 2nd place on the wrong side, 2nd couple moving up on bars 7 – 8.

9 – 12 Diagonal half rights and lefts ~ 1st and 3rd ladies, 1st and 2nd men crossing, with the right to begin.

13 – 16 Diagonal half rights and lefts ~ 1st lady and 3rd man, 1st man and 2nd lady crossing with the right to begin.

17 – 20 All join hands on the side and set once, then turn partner three-quarter of the way round with the right hand, retaining hold.

21 – 24 All set again and turn partners three-quarters of the way round with the right hand, ending facing up with Allemande hold

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

A Penny Reel was a dance for which one paid an admission charge.

Video: Grey Daylight

Grey Daylight
Let’s All Dance, Too
32/S/2 by Hugh Thurston (1962) Vancouver Branch

1 – 4 1st woman casts off one place and dances across to 2nd man’s place. 1st man follows her by crossing over to her place and casting off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couple circle round…

9 – 12 and back.

13 – 16 1st man casts up one place and dances across to his original place. 1st woman follows him by crossing over to her side and casting up one place. 2nd couple step down on bars 7-8 of the phrase.

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and up.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

Repeat from new places.

Music: “Stirling Castle”

Notes: “Grey Daylight” is an alternative name for “Stirling Castle.” Sometimes a dance is composed for no particular purpose; in response to inspiration, let us say. Sometimes a dance is composed to fill a lack. This one is for dancers who want an easy two-couple strathspey of standard length. (HT)

The dance was originally published in The Thistle, a newsletter of Scottish Country Dancing and Allied Subjects, issued by the West Point Grey Scottish Country Dance Club of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada November, 1962. Hugh was a longtime editor of the publication.

Video: The Deil amang the Tailors

The Deil amang the Tailors
Book 14 – No. 7
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and dance right hands across halfway round.

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and dance left hands across halfway round to original places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in the middle of the set facing up. 2nd couple step in.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dale’s Collection of Reels and Dances c. 1799.
Original tune: The Deil amang the Tailors (Gow)

Dances for September 12, 2022

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Fall 2022, Jigs, Reels, Strathspeys
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Video: Highland Fair

Highland Fair
32 Bar Jig
RSCDS 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. (Figs. 1 and 2.)

25 – 32 First and second couples dance right and left.

Video: The Ox

The Ox
32/J/2
by Marianna Harvey (1992)
San Francisco Branch

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round and back.

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

17 – 24 1st couple lead down the middle and back to 2nd place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4 of the phrase.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples turn partners with right hands, then with left hands.

Repeat from new places.

Music: ‘“Muckin’ o’ Geordie’s Byre”

Note: Here is another modification of “Linton Ploughman” which begins with an “O” and
an “X” and has no poussette.

Video: MacDONALD OF THE ISLES

MacDONALD OF THE ISLES
Strathspey for three-couple sets
The Second Carnforth Collection of Scottish Country Dances devised by Derek Haynes.

1 – 8 2nd couple dance a diagonal reel of four with first corners. On bar 8 2nd couple dance left shoulder around each other to face second corners, ready to dance into a –

9 – 16 Diagonal reel of four with second corners. All finish on the side lines with 1st woman and 3rd man looping round by their right on bar 16.

HORSESHOE CHAIN aka PICK-UP or SNOWBALL CHAIN

17–18 1st couple cross over giving right hands.

19–20 1st and 2nd couples change places giving left hands.

21–22 2nd couple cross over while 1st and 3rd couples change places on the sides, all giving right hands.

23–24 2nd and 3rd couples change places on the sides as 1st couple cross to own sides, all giving left hands.

25–28 3rd and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

29–32 Half figures of eight: 3rd woman crosses down then casts up around 1st woman and 3rd man crosses up then cast off round 2nd man.

Repeat from new places.

Tune: The Smith’s a Gallant Fireman. Recorded on Alastair Hunter’s Lorne Choice, DACD 9716 and also on Deirdre Adamson’s Come Scottish Country Dancing, DACD 9614.

First published on a Glendarroch S.C.D. Sheet in 1966.

Video: A Wee Nothin’

A Wee Nothin’
32 Bar jig for 2 couples

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance Right Hands across and Left Hands back to place.

9 – 14 1st Lady followed by the 2nd Lady dance across the top of the set, behind the men’s line, 1st Lady dances below the 2nd man, and 2nd Lady dances between the two men, and across to their own side, both pull LEFT shoulders back.

15 – 16 1st and 2nd ladies join hands and Set. (Men do not set back)

17 – 22 1st Man followed by the 2nd Man dance across the top of the set, behind the ladies’ line, 1st Man dances below the 2nd lady’s position, 2nd Man dances between the two ladies, and across to their own side, both pull RIGHT shoulders back.

23 – 24 1st and 2nd Men join hands and Set. (Ladies do not set back)

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance Rights and Lefts.

Devised by Elaine Brunken as a wee warm up dance.
Note: Please include the polite turns at the end of Rights and Lefts, prior to entry to the wheels.

Suggested tune: Miss Hannah of Elgin

No Video

The “Oban” Reel
32/R or S/2
by John Trew
Let’s All Dance, Beginning Level/Audience Participation Dances
compiled by Jo Hamilton & Susie Langdon Kass

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight around 2nd couple. Dance down and cross to begin.

9 – 16 2nd couple dance a figure of eight round 1st couple. Dance up and cross to begin.

17 – 24 1st couple turn by the right hand and cast off one place on own side (4 bars). 2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4 of the phrase. 1st couple turn left hand to place (4 bars).

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat from new places.

Music: Any good reel or strathspey

Note: This dance was devised for use with a very senior group of adults. In reel time, this dance would be suitable for young children. The dance could be amended to include more advanced figures. Oban is a Scottish town.

Dances for May 30, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, 8x40 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2022
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Video: The Machine Without Horses

The Machine Without Horses
RSCDS Book 12 – No. 12
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set and cast up one place. 2nd couple step down on bars 11-12.

13 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance left hands across once round.

17 – 24 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple who dance up the sides to begin, dance down between 3rd couple cast up round them, dance up to the top, and cast off into second place, while 2nd couple dance up into top place.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

John Rutherford: Twelve Selected Country Dances…for the year 1772.
Original tune: The Machine Without Horses (Rutherford, 1772).

Video: Grant’s Reel

Grant’s Reel
RSCDS Book 14 – No. 2
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st man and 2nd woman set to each other and, giving both hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 1st woman and 2nd man repeat bars 1-4.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up.

17 – 20 1st couple set and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.

21 – 24 1st couple dance back to back.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Rutherford: Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both old and new…Vol 1, London, c. 1755.
Original tune: Grant’s Reel (Rutherford, c. 1755)

TACNotes:’
1-8 When setting, anticipate turn by advancing slightly.

Video: Uncle Bill’s Jig

UNCLE BILL’S JIG
Roy Goldring – Graded and Social Dances 3
32 bar Jig for 2 couples

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across to place.

5 – 8 1st couple turn 1 1/4 times with right hands. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple with her partner behind her.

9 – 12 1st woman and 2nd couple, followed by 1st man, dance down the middle. On bar 12, 1st woman releases hands, dances slightly below 2nd couple and curves round by the right. 1st man curves round by the right to finish between 2nd couple who turn towards each other. All face up.

13 – 16 1st man and 2nd couple dance up to the top. 1st woman follows to finish in 2 place in the centre of the dance. At the end of bar 16, 1st couple finish facing up.

17 – 20 1st man, followed by his partner. casts off round 2nd woman and crosses to own side in 2nd place. 1st woman finishes on own side.

21 – 24 2nd and 1st couples dance 4 hands round to the left.

25 – 28 2nd man and 1st woman turn once round with right hands.

29 – 32 2nd woman and 1st man turn once round with left hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Mary Bain’s Wedding (Traditional)

For Bill Little of Castle Douglas. who has encouraged children to dance for many a year.

No Video

Cardross House
Elaine Brunken – Moments In Time
32 Bar Strathspey for 3 couples

1 – 4 1st couple Set and Cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4
5 – 8 1st couple dance a Half figure of eight around their 1st corner; (pass 1st corner by the left shoulder. 1st couple finish facing their 1st corner.)

9 – 16 1st couple Set To and Turn corners 1st lady finish between the 3rd couple, 1st man between the 2nd couple. 1st couple face ‘out’. (up or down)

17 – 18 1st couple dance a Half figure of eight around their partners 1st corner. (1st lady around 3rd lady, 1st man around 2nd man, by the left shoulder)

19 – 24 Right shoulder reels of three on sides of dance. (1st lady up to 2nd lady, 1st man down to 3rd man) 2nd and 3rd couples dance a loop on the end of the reel.

25 – 26 2nd 1st and 3rd couples Advance and Retire.
27 – 28 2nd and 1st couples Turn with Two hands.
29 – 32 2nd and 1st couple Circle once to the Left.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Devised in July 2000.

As you may know from ‘Harry Potter’, British schools assign pupils to ‘a House’. Everything you do in school reflects on your house. Our House names were areas around the school I attended, Broxburn Academy, in West Lothian, central Scotland.

In my senior year I was the ‘Girls Captain’ of my house, the green house, Cardross House!

Suggested tune: Waulkin’ the Fauld (Traditional)

Video: The Highland Rambler

THE HIGHLAND RAMBLER
Roy Goldring, Leeds Branch, Silver Jubilee.
(a 40 bar reel for 3 couples)

1 – 4 1st couple dance towards each other then cast to 2nd place; 2nd couple steps up.

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples dance Right Hands Across once around; 1st lady remains facing out.

9 – 12 1st and 2nd couples dance Left Hands Across once around; 1st lady remains facing out.

13 – 16 1st lady followed by her partner casts up around 2nd lady and dances down the middle to finish 1st lady between 3rd couple and 1st man between 2nd couple; all facing down.

17 – 24 In lines of three, all dance down the set, turn (pulling back right shoulders) and dance up again; 1st couple remains facing up.

25 – 28 1st man followed by his partner casts off one place on the ladies’ side and dances across the set to 2nd place on his own side; 1st lady finishes on her own side.

29 – 32 1st couple turns by the Right Hand.

33 – 40 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance Six Hands Round and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for May 16, 2022

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2022
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Video: THERE AND BACK

THERE AND BACK
Graded and Social Dances 3 devised by Roy Goldring
32 bar Reel for 3 couples

1 – 8 1st couple, crossing down to begin, dance a figure of eight round 2nd couple.

9 – 16 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place, 2nd couple dance out and up, 3rd couple dance in and up. 1st couple finish in partner’s place.

17 – 24 Reels of three on the sides. To begin, 1st couple cross down to 2nd place on own side. 1st couple finish in own place.

25 – 28 1st couple dance (nearer hands joined) down between 2nd and 3rd couples, divide and cast up one place. 2nd couple step up one place on bars 27-28.

29 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn with right hands.

Repeat having passed a couple.

Tune: Ferguson Frolics (Muriel Johnstone)

Video: THE GATES OF EDINBURGH

THE GATES OF EDINBURGH
RSCDS Book 15
32 Bar Reel for 3 couples

1- 8 1 W dances reel of 3 with 2 & 3 M, while 1M dances reel of 3 with 2 & 3 W

9-16 1C dance reels of 3 on own sides and finish 1L between 2s who have dances up to the top who face down & 1M between 3s who face up

17-24 1s+2s+3s set twice, turn opposite person 2H, 1s end 2nd place on own sides

25-32 2s+1s+3s set twice & turn partners RH

TAC :
1-16 It is accepted that in these reels, partners touch hands where possible. All must move more quickly thru bars 13-16 to allow 1st M to dance thru original position and diagonally down, to finish between 3C while 2C dance up to 1st place.

RSCDS:
The derivation of the name has been the subject of much discussion over the years. Although one school of thought believes that “gates” is used in the sense of the streets, the generally accepted derivation is of the gates of the walled city of Edinburgh being opened and closed at the beginning and end of each day. As a result, it is accepted that in the reels, during bars 1-16, each couple should give nearer hands to partner to signify such opening and closing of the gates.

Video: Bruce’s Men

BRUCE’S MEN
The Scotia Suite of Scottish Country Dances devised by Roy Goldring
(Strathspey for a Three Couple Set)

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands round to the left. 1st and 2nd couples finish in the middle of the dance facing down. At the end of bar 4, 2nd man curves in to join nearer hands with his partner.

5 – 8 2nd couple, followed by 1st couple, dance down between 3rd couple, divide and cast up. 2nd couple finish in first place.

9 – 12 Half rights and lefts on the diagonal. To begin, 1st woman changes places with 2nd man while 1st man changes places with 3rd woman.

13 – 16 Half rights and lefts on the diagonal. To begin, 1st woman changes places with 2nd woman while 1st man changes places with 3rd man.

17 – 20 1st woman crosses up between 3rd couple (now in first place), and casts off one place, while 1st man crosses down between 2nd couple and casts up one place.

21 – 24 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples set and, giving right hands, turn partners half-way round to finish in the middle of the dance.

25 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples allemande. On bars 31–32, 1st couple cast off to third place while 3rd couple dance up to second place.

Repeat from new positions.

Video: Dalkeith’s Strathspey

Dalkeith’s Strathspey
RSCDS Book 9 – No. 6
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple, joining nearer hands, set to 2nd woman.

3 – 4 1st couple and 2nd woman dance three hands once round to the left. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set facing 2nd man. 2nd woman finishes in place.

5 – 6 1st couple, retaining nearer hands, set to 2nd man.

7 – 8 1st couple and 2nd man dance three hands once round to the left. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing down. 2nd man returns to place.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up, crossing to finish back to back between 2nd couple, facing opposite sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 11-12.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the dance. 1st couple finish facing first corners.

25 – 32 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, turn to finish facing 3rd woman with nearer hands joined. (Note)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: in bars 31-32 of the second time through, 1st couple cross to own sides.

Collected in the Border Country.

Original tune: Dalkeith’s Strathspey (as a reel in Neil Gow’s 3rd collection, 1792).

The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
1-8 The opening formation of this dance needs careful phrasing. To begin the setting, 1st man must take a long setting step to join hands with his partner who dances in to meet him, to face 2nd woman on the diagonal. The circle of three must be formed as they dance the common schottische step to the left. This gives the necessary impetus to the circle, so that in two steps it is possible to get right round – after leaving 2nd woman in place – to face 2nd man. At the end of bar 8, 1st couple finish in the middle facing down, right hands joined.
17-24 At the end of the reel of four, 1st couple pass left shoulders in the middle and finish facing corners.

TACNotes:’
1-8 Steal into circle shape on bar 2 in order to finish bar 4 facing 2nd man. 1st couple finish bar 8 in middle facing down.
24 1st couple pass L shoulder to face corners.

Video: The Reel of the 51st Division

The Reel of the 51st Division
RSCDS 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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.

Dances for May 9, 2022

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2022
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Video: Lamb Skinnet

Lamb Skinnet
Book 14 – No. 12
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1–4 1st couple set and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
5–8 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.
9–12 1st couple set and cast off to third place. 3rd couple step up on bars 11-12.
13–16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 3rd couple.
17–24 1st couple lead up to first place, set and cast off one place on own sides. 2nd and 3rd couples step down on bars 19-20 and 2nd couple step up on bars 23-24.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances c. 1755 without setting on bars 1-4 and 9-12.
Original tune: Lamb Skinnet (Traditional)

TACNotes:’
17-24 1st cpl approach prtnr (bar 17), lead up & dance short way into sides on bar 20.

Video: Jim Johnstone’s Reel

Jim Johnstone’s Reel
Roy Goldring – Auld Friends Meet
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 women’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.

Note: 1st couple should move strongly during bars 9 – 12 and 17 – 20 but 1 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)
2004

No Video

SIMON BRODIE
Dances of the 18th Century, J. Young
Longways set in Strathspey time for 4 couples – 3-couple dance – 32-Bar sequence

1–4 First man and second lady, advancing towards the middle set to each other (2 steps), then, giving both hands, turn each other and return to places.

5–8 First lady and second man repeat Bars 1 – 4.

9–12 First couple lead down the middle between second and third couples and, crossing over between third couple, cast up round them to finish in 2nd place on the opposite side of the Set (Diagram 1). Second couple move up on Bars 11-12.

13–16 First and second couples dance Right and Left, giving right hands to partners to begin, and taking one step to each hand. First couple finish facing their 1st Corners (see diagram 4 – “Macdonald’s Rant”).

17–24 First couple set to and turn their Corners, finishing in the middle with first lady nearer the top, both facing the ladies’ side.

25–28 First couple lead out (with nearer hands) between second and third ladies, and first lady casts up round second lady while first man casts off round third lady; they meet in the middle (at the end of Bar 27) and, giving both hands, turn each other once round and open out to face the men’s side on Bar 28 (Diagram 2).

29–32 First couple lead out (as above) between second and third men and first lady casts up round second man, while first man casts off round third man; they meet in the middle (at the end of Bar 31) and turn each other with left hands to own sides, in 2nd place, on Bar 32 (Diagram 3).

First couple repeat from 2nd place (with third and fourth couples) and turn each other to the bottom, on the last 2 steps, while fourth couple move up to 3rd place. Each couple repeat in turn, as first couple.

Video: Birls Allowed

Birls Allowed
A 32 Bar Jig for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Music: Mary MacKechnie by Nicol McLaren

1 – 4 1st couple cross right hand and cast off 2 places. 2nd and 3rd couples step up on Bars 3 – 4.

5 – 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance half reel of three with 1st man giving right shoulder to 3rd lady and 1st lady giving left shoulder to 3rd man.

9 – 16 1st, 3rd and 2nd couples dance a full reel of three with 1st couple crossing down to own side to start.

17 – 24 3rd and 2nd couples set and rotate.

25 – 28 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

29 – 32 2nd and 1st couples turn right hand one and a half times (birls allowed).

Repeat from new positions.

Dance devised by Alec Taylor to celebrate a special birthday of Mary MacKechnie, a long term invaluable member of RSCDS Stirling.

Video: The Reel of the Royal Scots

The Reel of the Royal Scots
RSCDS Leaflet – No.7
(Reel)

1-2 1st and 2nd women turn with the left hand, while 1st and 2nd men turn with the right hand, 1st couple finishing back to back in the centre of the set in second place.

3-4 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set as in double triangles.

5-6 1st and 3rd women turn with the right hand, while 1st and 3rd men turn with the left hand to change places.

7-8 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples set as in double triangles.

9-16 1st couple followed by 3rd couple, dance up between the 2nd couple and cast off, then dance down to third place and cast up to second place, 3rd couple finishing in original places. (1st and 3rd couples join nearer hands with partner on every occasion when dancing up or down in the centre). (Fig.).

17–24 1st couple turn first corners with right hands. 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder. 1st couple turn second corners with right hands. 1st couple passing right shoulders cross to second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Roy Goldring to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) in 1983.

TACNotes:’
17-24 Corners dance for 4 bars.

Dances for May 2, 2022

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae Spring 2022
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Last week we had a 10 dancers attend. We were all happy to be back together. We all enjoyed dancing and socializing again. I hope to see more out this coming week.

Video: The White Cockade

The White Cockade
Book 5 – No. 11
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over. They repeat back to places.
9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in first place in the middle of the set. (Fig.)
17 – 20 1st couple cast off to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 19-20.
21 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance four hands once round to the left.
25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

No Video

SYLVIA FULL OF GRACE
RSCDS Atlanta Branch Celebrating 40 Years of Dancing Memories
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 2nd couple turn right hand once around and then left hand once around while 1st and 3rd couples chase clockwise around back to place. 1st and 2nd couples finish in center ready for Allemande. Note: 1st woman will have to push the end of the chase slightly and loop around pulling back on her right shoulder to finish in the center ready for the Allemande.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance Allemande.

17 – 24 1st couple dance a full figure of eight, woman up around 2nd couple and man down around 3rd couple.

25 – 32 1st and 3rd couples dance the Knot. Finish in order 2, 3, 1.

Repeat from new positions.

Note: A slightly longer than normal set will add to the grace.

Devised by Marshall and Anne McLaughlin, February 13, 2012, for Sylvia Gilliland Chandler on the occasion of her 75″ birthday.

Music: A Set of Strathspeys from the album “Terpsichore” by Elke Baker and Liz Donaldson.

No Video

THE THREE CREEKS SHORE
Aye Afloat, The Portknockie Collection of Scottish Country Dances, devised by Margaret Zadworny
8 x 32 – 3 Couple Jig

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

5 – 8 1st lady dance right hands across with 2nd couple while 1st man dance right hands across with 3rd couple to finish in 2nd place; 1st lady facing in and down and 1st man facing in and up.

9 – 16 1st couple figure of eight on own sides. 1st lady pass 3rd lady left shoulder and 1st man pass 2nd man left shoulder to begin.

17 – 20 1st lady dance left hands across with 3rd couple while 1st man dance left hands across with 2nd couple. First couple finish in the middle with right hands joined.

21 – 24 1st couple turn with right hand once round.

25 – 32 1st lady with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple dance reels of three across. 1st lady pass 3rd man with right shoulder, while 1st man pass 2nd lady with right shoulder to begin. 1st couple finish in 2nd place.

Video: Strathglass House

Strathglass House
RSCDS Book 13 – No. 9
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and dance six hands round to the left halfway.

5 – 8 3rd, 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-4 to original places, again moving to the left.

9 – 12 1st couple lead down, cross over below 2nd couple and dance behind 3rd couple to meet below them facing up.

13 – 16 1st couple lead up to the top and cast off one place on opposite sides to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 24 1st couple turn first corner with right hand, partner with the left hand, second corner with the right hand, partner with the left hand to finish between corners.

25 – 28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire.

29 – 32 1st couple, giving both hands, turn one and a half times to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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TACNotes:’
1 – 8 On second setting step (bars 2 & 6) 1st man & 3rd woman must begin to move into circle shape so that the half circle is completed in two steps (bars 3-4 & 7-8).
13 – 16 Nearer hand lead. 2nd cpl step up on bars 15-16.

Video: Flowers of Edinburgh

Flowers of Edinburgh
RSCDS Book 1 – No. 6
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 6 1st woman casts off two places, crosses to the opposite side and dances up behind 2nd and 3rd men to her partner’s original place.
1st man follows his partner, crossing over and dancing behind 2nd and 3rd women, and up the middle to his partner’s original place.

7 – 8 1st couple set to each other.

9 – 14 1st couple repeat bars 1-6, with 1st man casting off and 1st woman following. 1st couple finish in original places.

15 – 16 1st couple set to each other.

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

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for April 25, 2022

3x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae Spring 2022
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Welcome all to our first class in over 2 years. Here are some of the dances I’m planning. I know we will all be quite rusty at dancing. I will have additional dances planned in order to adapt to how the evening goes.

A Wee Nothin’
32 Bar jig for 2 couples
Published: Moment’s in Time
Devisor: Elaine Brunken

1–8 1st and 2nd couples dance Right Hands across and Left Hands back to place.

9 – 14 1st Lady followed by the 2nd Lady dance across the top of the set, behind the men’s line, 1st Lady dances below the 2nd man, and 2nd Lady dances between the two men, and across to their own side, both pull LEFT shoulders back.

15 – 16 1st and 2nd ladies join hands and Set. (Men do not set back)

17 – 22 1st Man followed by the 2nd Man dance across the top of the set, behind the ladies’ line, 1st Man dances below the 2nd lady’s position, 2nd Man dances between the two ladies, and across to their own side, both pull RIGHT shoulders back.

23 – 24 1st and 2nd Men join hands and Set. (Ladies do not set back)

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance Rights and Lefts.

Note: Please include the polite turns at the end of Rights and Lefts, prior to entry to the wheels.

Capelthwaite
32 bar reel for two couples
Published in: San Francisco Coll. Vol. 2
Devisor: Claudette Sigg

1 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman turn by the right hand for 4 bars and dance in a clockwise direction around their partner’s position to finish in each other’s place. Meanwhile, 1st woman and 2″‘1 man set twice to each other on the diagonal and advance and retire.

9 – 16 Repeat bars 1 – 8 from opposite positions: 1st woman and 2ml man turn by the right hand for 4 bars finishing facing out, and dance in a clockwise direction to finish in each other’s place. Meanwhile, 1st man and 2nd woman set twice to each other on the diagonal and advance and retire.

17 – 24 2nd and 1st couples, on opposite sides, dance a chain progression (see below).

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couple change places with a poussette.

Chain Progression:
17 – 18 Turn partner 3/4 by the right hand.

19 – 20 1st man and 2nd woman turn half-way with the left hand, while 1st woman and 2nd man dance half-way round in clockwise direction to meet partners. 1st couple are now in top place and 2nd couple in second place, in a line down the center of the set.

21 – 24 Turn partner 1 1/4 times with right hand, ending ready for poussette.

No Video

McMARLEY’S CROSS
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 3 couple set
Rose and Thistle Book, of dances devised by Wigan Thistle Society
Devised by – Lorna Grundy, Lisa Jones, Ailsa Longmuir, Rebecca Markey, Kathryn Parkinson, Katherine Small and Nicola Strachan, some of the Junior Members of the

1 – 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner by the right hand once round.

5 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner by the left hand once round.

9 – 12 1st couple set and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up bars 11 & 12.)

13 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across.

17 – 20 1st couple set and cast off one place. (3rd couple step up bars 19 & 20.)

21 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across.

25 – 32 2nd, 3rd and 1st couples dance a grand chain. (1st couple face 3rd couple and 2nd couple cross.)

Andrew and Gordon’s Jig
32 bar jig for 4 couples
Graded and Social Dances 2, devised by Roy Goldring

1 – 4 First couple cross giving right hands and cast off two places.Second and third couples step up on bars 3–4.
5 – 8 Second and first couples advance and retire on the diagonal.

9 – 12 First couple cross giving right hands and cast up two places. Second and third couples step down on bars 11–12.
13 – 16 First and third couples advance and retire on the diagonal.

17 – 24 First couple lead down the middle and up to place finishing facing out.

25 – 26 First and second women change places giving right hands while first and second men change places giving left hands.

27 – 28 First and third women change places giving left hands while first and third men change places giving right hands.
29 – 32 First and fourth women turn 1½ times with right hands while first and fourth men turn 1½ times with left hands.

Repeat from new positions.

Note : – If this has to be danced in three couple sets, the first couple may progress by turning the second couple 1½ times (on bars 25–28) and third couple 1½ times (on bars 29–32).

The Deil amang the Tailors
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
RSCDS Book 14 – No. 7

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and dance right hands across halfway round.

5 – 8 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and dance left hands across halfway round to original places.

9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle and up to finish in the middle of the set facing up. 2nd couple step in.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for March 9, 2020

Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2020
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Video: Midsummer Common

Midsummer Common
RSCDS Book 49
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, turn halfway; lead down, crossing over below 3rd couple and cast up to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 12 1st couple and first corners set, 1st couple advancing to finish back to back. 1st couple and first corners, giving both hands, turn to finish 1st woman between 2nd couple and 1st man between 3rd couple.

13 – 16 1st couple and second corners set, 1st couple advancing to finish back to back. 1st couple and second corners, giving both hands, turn.

17 – 20 1st couple lead second corners into three hands once round to the left, 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple. 1st couple pull back by the right to finish facing each other up and down the set.

21 – 24 1st couple set and dance a petronella turn to second place on own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Note: On bar 16, 1st couple, with right hands, retain hold of second corners’ left hands.
Devised by Tom and Lindsey Ibbotson, Cambridge Branch.

No Video

Ardbrae Angels
a 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
Elaine Hoag

1-8 1s+2s+3s dance Mirror Reels of 3 (1s dance in and down to begin)

9-16 1s+2s+3s dance a Crossover Reel of 3 (1s cross over to 2nd place opposite side to begin; 2s and 3s continue to reel on their own side). 1s finish the reel facing their own 1st corner while 2s accelerate at the end of the reel to finish at the top

17-24 “Interrupted Hello-Goodbye Setting” (1s finish in 2nd place own side)
17-18 1s+1st corners set, 1s finishing between corners facing partner
19-20 1s turn each other ¾ RH to face 2nd corner
21-22 1s+2nd corners set, 1W finishing between 3s, 1M between 2s
23-24 1s turn each other ¾ RH to 2nd place own side

25-32 Six hands round and back

After the 2nd repetition, dancing couple steps to the bottom as 4th couple dances in and up to begin the Mirror Reel of 3

** In the dance world, “angels” are individuals who are especially active in supporting dance groups and encouraging new dancers.

Dances for March 2, 2020

8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Ardbrae, Ardbrae 2020
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No Video

Ardbrae Angels
a 32-bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set
Elaine Hoag

1-8 1s+2s+3s dance Mirror Reels of 3 (1s dance in and down to begin)

9-16 1s+2s+3s dance a Crossover Reel of 3 (1s cross over to 2nd place opposite side to begin; 2s and 3s continue to reel on their own side). 1s finish the reel facing their own 1st corner while 2s accelerate at
the end of the reel to finish at the top

17-24 “Interrupted Hello-Goodbye Setting” (1s finish in 2nd place own side)

17-18 1s+1st corners set, 1s finishing between corners facing partner
19-20 1s turn each other ¾ RH to face 2nd corner
21-22 1s+2nd corners set, 1W finishing between 3s, 1M between 2s
23-24 1s turn each other ¾ RH to 2nd place own side

25-32 Six hands round and back

After the 2nd repetition, dancing couple steps to the bottom as 4th couple dances in and up to begin the Mirror Reel of 3

** In the dance world, “angels” are individuals who are especially active in supporting dance groups and encouraging new dancers.

First danced at Ardbrae’s Spring Social on March 29th, 2020. Dedicated to all of Ardbrae’s “dance angels,” but especially to Deborah Connors and Guy Quesnel who have cheerfully supported the Ardbrae Scottish Country Dancers of Ottawa in countless ways for many years, and who celebrate birthdays on March 28th and 29th respectively.

Video: The Laird of Milton’s Daughter

The Laird of Milton’s Daughter
RSCDS Book 22 – No. 10
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set and, giving right hands, cross over, cast off one place and, giving left hands, turn to face first corners. 2nd couple step up on bars 5-6.

9 – 16 1st couple and first corners dance a corner chain. 1st couple finish facing second corners.

17 – 24 1st couple and second corners dance a corner chain. 1st couple finish in 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 Lord Craigmyle while in India.
Original tune: The Laird of Milton’s Daughter (W G M Christian)

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TACNotes:’
17-24 The turn for 1st cpl on bars 23-24 is really a slow crossing to own sides, giving LH.