Saturday, November 28, 2015
Dances for November 30, 2015
Video: Chrysanthemum
CHRYSANTHEMUM
SBBC Silver Jubilee Book
96 bar Reel for 4 couples in a 4 couple square set
Devised by Betty Grant
1–2 Each woman casts to right behind partner and into centre.
3–6 Right hands across once round (past partner).
7–8 Each woman casts to left behind partner to original place.
9–16 Men repeat by casting to left behind partner into centre, then dance left hands across once round (past partner) and cast to right behind partner to finish in place facing partner.
17–24 STAR GRAND CHAIN halfway round (2 steps each hand). Women finish with backs to the centre facing partners. Men are slightly outside circle facing in to partners.
25–32 Dance back to back with partner and turn with the right hand one and a quarter times to finish in circle. Retain right hands.
33–40 Continue STAR GRAND CHAIN halfway round and women again finish with backs to centre facing partner. Men slightly outside circle facing in.
41 48 Dance back to back with partner and turn with the right hand one and a quarter times to finish with women facing out and men facing in.
49–64 SCHIEHALLION REELS (16 bars) Finish in place.
65–72 In couples nearer hands joined, slip step to left (2 bars) one quarter round and set once (2 bars). Slip step to right (2 bars) to place and set. Bar 8, women advance set towards centre and retaining nearer hands with partner form a cross facing clockwise.
73–80 Dance right hands across in couples. Bar 8, release right hands in centre and curve out to original positions ready to form a circle.
81–88 Eight hands round and back. Retain hands in circle.
89–92 Advance using 2 short skip change of steps, then with nearer hands still joined with partner only, retire using 2 long skip change of steps to original size of square. Finish facing corner.
93–96 Turn corner with LEFT hand once round. Finish facing partner for bow and curtsey.
This dance was devised by Betty Grant, Toronto, Ontario in 1986 to commemorate her visit to Tokyo as a member of the Oriental Fling tour led by the late Bob Blackie and was presented to the Tokyo Scottish Bluebell Club.
Chrysanthemum –
A native of China, the ‘pompom’ originated from the Chusan Daisy, Elaborate Japanese varieties have been developed over hundreds of years. The first chrysanthemum in Britain was grown at Kew Gardens in 1790 and came from France. Chrysanthemums are a worldwide family of flowers. We Scottish Country Dancers are also a worldwide family. Betty Grant
Video: Chased Lovers
Chased Lovers
32-bar jig for three couples in a four couple set
1-8 1st couple set then, without giving hands, cross down one place and face out in second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4. 1st couple dance down behind 3rd couple and up between them to finish in the middle of the dance, 1st woman in front of her partner.
9-16 1st woman, followed by 1st man throughout, dances a reel of three on the diagonal with first corners. 1st couple pass 2nd man by the left to begin. On bar 16, 1st couple pull back right shoulders individually to finish in the middle of the dance, facing down, 1st man in front of his partner.
17-24 1st man, followed by 1st woman throughout, dances a reel of three on the diagonal with second corners. 1st couple pass 3rd man by the right to begin. 1st couple finish facing first corners.
25-28 1st couple and first corners dance corners pass and turn. Corners turn with right hands in the centre. 1st couple finish facing second corners.
29-32 1st couple and second corners repeat bars 25-28. 1st couple pass partner by the right to finish in second place owne side.
Repeat having passed a couple
Devised by Tim Wilson, an IB Member living in San Francisco, California, USA
Music: Fun, flirty jigs with flight
Note: You may notice that 1st couple do not actually youch in this dance. I liked the play on words with “chased” and “chaste” and tried to incorporate both ideas. The dance was first taught to the combined class at the 2013 International Branch Weekend in Kilarney, Ireland.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Dances for November 23, 2015
Video: Best Set in the Hall
Best Set in the Hall
RSCDS Book 46
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1–8 1st couple set and 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts off two places, crosses over below 3rd couple, casts up and dances in to face first corner. 1st man dances up the middle of the set to face his first corner. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.
9–12 1st couple and first corners set and, 1st couple, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in partner’s first corner position. At the same time, first corners dance in towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing own places.
13–16 1st couple and first corners set and first corners, pulling back by the right, dance around each other and out to finish in opposite corner’s position. At the same time, 1st couple dance towards each other and, pulling back by the right, finish back to back in the middle facing second corners.
17–24 1st couple repeat bars 9-16 with second corners and pass each other by the right to finish in second place on opposite sides. 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples face clockwise.
25–28 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance clockwise halfway round the set.
29–32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Helen Greenwood, Auckland, New Zealand.
Note: the movement in bars 9-24 was devised by the late Alec Hay.
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Notes Compiled by teachers, Summer School , St Andrews 2010
15-16 1st couple turn on the spot.
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TACNotes:1-8 1st woman dances straight in on bar 8 to face 1st corner.
The Moudiewort
RSCDS Book 11 – No. 7
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1–4 1st man and 2nd woman set advancing and, giving right 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 and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 15-16.
17–20 1st couple dance down between 3rd couple, cast up one place and cross over to face first corners.
21–24 1st couple set to first corners and then to second corners.
25–30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple pass second corners by the right to begin.
31–32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over to second place on own sides.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Bowman MS, c. 1755-1760.
Original tune: The Moudiewort (Oswald’s Caledonian Pocket Companion, 1752). Burns wrote the song An’o for ane an’ twenty to a version of this tune.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Dances for November 16, 2015
DANCING DOLPHINS
THE DOLPHIN BOOK, 11 SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by Barry Skelton, Auckland, New Zealand, 1994
8 x 32 bar Jig Devised by Barry Skelton 28th October 1993
A jig for three couples danced in longwise four couple sets.
1–8 First couple, cross with the right hand and cast off one place. (Second couple step up on bars 3 & 4.) First couple turn each other with the left hand 1 ¼ times. First couple finish facing the lady’s side, the man has his partner on his right. ***
9–16 First couple in tandem, dance a right shoulder reel of three with second and third lady. *
17–24 First couple in tandem, dance a left shoulder reel of three with second and third men. **
25–32 First couple with promenade hold dance out the ladies’ side and down around third lady. First couple dance up the middle, drop hands and cast around second couple to finish in second place.
First couple repeat from second place.
* First lady, followed by her partner, they pass third lady with the right shoulder to begin. First couple turn by the right to face up the set. First man, followed by first lady pass second lady with the right shoulder. First man, followed by first lady pass third lady with the left shoulder. First couple turning by the left they face down the set. First lady, followed by first man. Dance across the set to face third man.
** First lady, followed by her partner, pass third man with the left shoulder to begin. First couple turn by the left to face up the set. First man, followed by first lady, pass second man by the left shoulder. First man, followed by first lady pass third man with the right shoulder. First couple turning by the right they face down the set. First lady, followed by first man, dance across
the set to finish between second and third lady.
*** Note: First couple should begin parallel with the side of the set and remain parallel with the set throughout the reel. This will require good covering. First couple must be aware of their partner especially on the turns. First couple cover with each other not just follow each other. Where the instructions say follow also read cover.
Video: At the Summit
Note: The first two couples in the video do the first turn wrong.
At the Summit
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1–4 1st couple turn once round with both hands to face up and cast off one place on own sides as 2nd couple step up.
5–8 1st couple cross, giving right hands, cast round first corners by the right and finish back to back in the middle, facing their first corners.
9–12 1st couple set to their first corners. 1st couple then cast around each other by the right to finish in their partner’s first corner position, while their corners dance into the middle and, pulling back right shoulders, finish back to back, facing their original positions.
13–16 1st couple and first corners set to each other. First corners cast round each other by the right to finish on the opposite sides in each other’s original positions, while 1st couple dance into the middle and, pulling back right shoulders, finish back to back, facing their second corners.
17–24 1st couple repeat bars 9–16 with second corners but pass by the right on bars 23-24 to finish in second place on opposite sides. Second corners finish on the opposite sides in each other’s original positions.
25–32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples set and link twice to finish on their own sides in the order 2, 1, 3.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Tune: The Anglins of Ottawa by Muriel Johnstone
Devised by Craig and Jody Williams
This dance was devised for Bob and Barbara Anglin in appreciation of their support and encouragement as we began teaching in Ottawa and running the Ottawa Valley workshop.
We had an exceptional day with Bob & Barbara at the summit of Whistler before the TAC AGM in July, 2009.
Note: The movement described in bars 9-24 was first devised by the late Alex Hay and published in his dance “Peter White”.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Dances for November 9, 2015
Video: Timepiece
Timepiece
Dances from the Redwood Forest
32J 3C (4C Set)
1-4 1st couple cross right hands and cast off one place, 2nd couple step up bars 3-4
5-8 1st couple cross over with left hands and cast left, 1st woman up around 2nd woman and 1st man down around 3rd man to end in lines of three across the set
9-12 1st couple turn once round by the left hand while 2nd and 3rd couple turn once round by the right
13-16 1st couple dance left shoulder around 1st corner positions, to finish in 2nd place on opposite sides, while 2nd and 3rd couples set and petronella turn into the middle of the set.
17-20 1st couple turn once round by the left hand while 2nd and 3rd couple turn once round by the right
21-24 1st man casts up and dances between 2nd couple while 1st woman casts down and dances between 3rd couple. 1st couple end in 2nd place on own side, At the same time, 2nd and 3rd couples set and petronella turn to the opposite side.
25-26 1st couple petronella turn into the middle to end 1st man between 3rd couples to face up, 1st woman between 2nd couple to face down, while 2nd and 3rd couples set
27-32 2nd and 3rd couples La Baratte*, while 1st couple set advancing and slightly to the left to join right hands then dance the last four bars of La Baratte
*La Baratte (The Churn) This figure was danced in the Quadrilles in Canada.
3-4 Each man. Giving right hand, turns the woman opposite him halfway round. They retain hands, but dance sufficiently past each other to stretch their arms almost to the full extent
5-6 Each dancer returns on the line along which he, or she, has just travelled. During bar 5, the woman dances under the man's right arm (pulling back by the right) so that she has her back towards him. The man is now directly behind the woman and he extends his arms sideways with his hands palm upward, just above her shoulder height. The woman puts her left hand under the man's left hand curling her fingers over hisso that both handholds are symmetrical. Releasing right hands, the woman dances under the man's left arm, again pulling back by the right. The dancers retain left hands
7-8 All turn partners half way by the left to end on own sides
Video: The Lea Rig
The Lea Rig
RSCDS, Book 21
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set
1–16 1st couple dance a petronella turn to face each other up and down the dance and set. They repeat this three times to finish in original places. On bars 1-2, 2nd couple step up and set on bars 3-4. They dance petronella turns and set, following the 1st couple one place behind. On the last two bars, instead of setting, 2nd couple dance out to original places, pulling back right shoulders.
17–24 1st couple lead down the middle and up.
25–28 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round to finish facing partners diagonally across the set with 1st woman and 2nd man back to back in the middle.
29–32 1st and 2nd couples dance a half poussette.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Collected from an old MS.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Dances for November 2, 2015
Video: Chased Lovers
Chased Lovers
32-bar jig for three couples in a four couple set
1-8 1st couple set then, without giving hands, cross down one place and face out in second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4. 1st couple dance down behind 3rd couple and up between them to finish in the middle of the dance, 1st woman in front of her partner.
9-16 1st woman, followed by 1st man throughout, dances a reel of three on the diagonal with first corners. 1st couple pass 2nd man by the left to begin. On bar 16, 1st couple pull back right shoulders individually to finish in the middle of the dance, facing down, 1st man in front of his partner.
17-24 1st man, followed by 1st woman throughout, dances a reel of three on the diagonal with second corners. 1st couple pass 3rd man by the right to begin. 1st couple finish facing first corners.
25-28 1st couple and forst corners dance corners pass and turn. Corners turn with right hands in the centre. 1st couple finish facing second corners.
29-32 1st couple and second corners repeat bars 25-28. 1st couple pass partner by the right to finish in second place owne side.
Repeat having passed a couple
Devised by Tim Wilson, an IB Member living in San Francisco, California, USA
Music: Fun, flirty jigs with flight
Note: You may notice that 1st couple do not actually youch in this dance. I liked the play on words with “chased” and “chaste” and tried to incorporate both ideas. The dance was first taught to the combined class at the 2013 International Branch Weekend in Kilarney, Ireland.
Video: The Montgomeries' Rant
The Montgomeries’ Rant
Book 10 – No. 1
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple, giving left hands, cross over and 1st woman casts up one place while 1st man casts off one place. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing 2nd man with 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
9 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 2nd man and 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the right to begin. On bar 16, 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, face 2nd woman.
17 – 24 1st couple set to 2nd woman. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 3rd man and set. 1st couple move round to face 3rd woman and set. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 2nd man and set. 1st couple finish facing second corners.
25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple pass second corners by the right to begin.
31 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to second place on own sides.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749.
Original tune: Lord Eglintoune (John Riddell, c. 1766) but usually danced to Lady Montgomerie (Lord Eglintoune, 1796).
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TACNotes:’
17-24 1st woman is on her partner’s left to begin &, on bar 24, turns L about, with assistance from her partner, to face her second corner.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Dances for October 26, 2015
Ardbrae Christmas Social Cribs
Video: Chrysanthemum
CHRYSANTHEMUM
SBBC Silver Jubilee Book
96 bar Reel for 4 couples in a 4 couple square set
Devised by Betty Grant
1–2 Each woman casts to right behind partner and into centre.
3–6 Right hands across once round (past partner).
7–8 Each woman casts to left behind partner to original place.
9–16 Men repeat by casting to left behind partner into centre, then dance left hands across once round (past partner) and cast to right behind partner to finish in place facing partner.
17–24 STAR GRAND CHAIN halfway round (2 steps each hand). Women finish with backs to the centre facing partners. Men are slightly outside circle facing in to partners.
25–32 Dance back to back with partner and turn with the right hand one and a quarter times to finish in circle. Retain right hands.
33–40 Continue STAR GRAND CHAIN halfway round and women again finish with backs to centre facing partner. Men slightly outside circle facing in.
41–48 Dance back to back with partner and turn with the right hand one and a quarter times to finish with women facing out and men facing in.
49–64 SCHIEHALLION REELS (16 bars) Finish in place.
65–72 In couples nearer hands joined, slip step to left (2 bars) one quarter round and set once (2 bars). Slip step to right (2 bars) to place and set. Bar 8, women advance set towards centre and retaining nearer hands with partner form a cross facing clockwise.
73–80 Dance right hands across in couples. Bar 8, release right hands in centre and curve out to original positions ready to form a circle.
81–88 Eight hands round and back. Retain hands in circle.
89–92 Advance using 2 short skip change of steps, then with nearer hands still joined with partner only, retire using 2 long skip change of steps to original size of square. Finish facing corner.
93–96 Turn corner with LEFT hand once round. Finish facing partner for bow and curtsey.
This dance was devised by Betty Grant, Toronto, Ontario in 1986 to commemorate her visit to Tokyo as a member of the Oriental Fling tour led by the late Bob Blackie and was presented to the Tokyo Scottish Bluebell Club.
Chrysanthemum –
A native of China, the ‘pompom’ originated from the Chusan Daisy, Elaborate Japanese varieties have been developed over hundreds of years. The first chrysanthemum in Britain was grown at Kew Gardens in 1790 and came from France. Chrysanthemums are a worldwide family of flowers. We Scottish Country Dancers are also a worldwide family. Betty Grant
Suggested tune: ‘Natal Day’ by Kerr’s Third Collection
Suggested Music: ‘Da Turlers’ – music tape CWGR057 by John Ellis
Suggested Music: ‘Chrysanthemum’ – Accompanied CD ‘To Be A Wind’ by Fred Moyes
Note on Chrysanthemum:
In the Star Grand Chain men give right hand to partner and dance into the centre, left shoulder to left shoulder, as woman dance outside the circumference but holding hands and extending arms longer than usual. They then release hands and give left hands to next woman to bring women into the centre left shoulder to shoulder, again extending arms. Repeat right hand and left hand, adjusting on the last left such that women are in the centre facing partner, on the outside, ready for back to back. Then turn partner 1 ¼ times to form the square set again (releasing hands as usual), then repeat the Star Grand Chain back to place followed by back to back and a 1 ¼ turn before the Schehallion reel. The Star Grand Chain is, therefore, making the regular grand chain into a series of points of a star. The idea of the Star Grand Chain and the Schehallion Reel is to form the petals of a Chrysanthemum.
Video: The Lea Rig
The Lea Rig
RSCDS Book 21 - No. 5
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set
1–16 1st couple dance a petronella turn to face each other up and down the middle and set. 1 st couple repeat this three times to finish in original places. On bars 1-2, 2nd couple step up and, on bars 3-4 set. 2nd couple dance petronella turns and set, following the 1st couple one place behind. On bars 15-16, instead of setting, 2nd couple dance a petronella turn to original places.
17–24 1st couple lead down the middle and up.
25–28 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round to finish facing partners in a diagonal line across the set with 1st woman and 2nd man back to back in the middle.
29–32 1st and 2nd couples dance a half poussette.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Collected from an old MS.
Original tune: The Lea Rig (Surenne)
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TACNotes:’
17-24 1st cpl finish in original places on sidelines.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Dances for October 19, 2015 - Combined Class
Combined Class
Flowers of Edinburgh
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.
THE GALLOPING CAROUSEL
25 DANCES FOR 25 YEARS, RSCDS Ottawa Branch, 1991
32 bar jig for 4 couples
The dance tells the story of painted horses on a carousel who tire of prancing in endless circles and dream of breaking away to gallop freely. But even in their dreams they always return to the carousel.
1–4 1st couple with 2nd couple, and 3rd couple with 4th couple, dance right hands across once round, ending with 1st woman and 4th man facing out.
5–8 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances behind the women’s side of the dance into fourth place on opposite sides, while 4th man, followed by his partner, dances behind the men’s side into first place on opposite sides.
9–12 Top two couples and bottom two couples dance right hands across once round, ending with 4th man and 1st woman facing out.
13 – 16 4th man, followed by his partner, dances behind the women’s side of the dance back to place, while 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances behind the men’s side back to places, ending with the 1st couple facing down the dance and 4th couple facing up. On bar 16, 2nd couple faces up and 3rd faces down.
17–20 On the sidelines, 1st and 2nd couples set and change places right hands, while 3rd and 4th couples do likewise.
21–24 On the sidelines, 1st and 4th couples set and change places left hands. (The order is now 2, 4, 1, 3.)
25–28 4th couple dances up between 2nd couple and casts back down to second place, while 1st couple dances down between 3rd couple and casts back up to third place.
29–32 All four couples turn partners once round back to places with right hands.
Devised by John de Chastelain
Music: “Killearn”, or
“Genevieve’s Jig”, Music for Book 32
Ca’ the Ewes tae the Knowes, 32S 2C (4C Set), RSCDS Bk 16
1–8 1st couple cast off, dance down behind their own lines and cast up to original places.
9–16 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round, cast off one place and dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple. On bars 15-16, 1st couple lead up to top, 1st man passing his partner in front of him 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 and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.
Knit the Pocky
RSCDS Book 11 – No. 1
32-bar reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set
1–4 1st woman and 2nd man advance and retire.
5–8 1st woman and 2nd man, giving both hands and using skip change of step, turn once round and return to places. (Note)
9–16 1st man and 2nd woman repeat bars 1-8.
17–20 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple who dance up the sides to begin, lead down the middle.
21–24 2nd couple, followed by 1st couple, lead up the middle to finish with 2nd couple in first place and 1st couple in second place.
25–32 2nd and 1st couple dance rights and lefts.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Note: In bars 5-8 and 9-12, turning with both hands gives the appearance of a stitch being made. Therefore, two hands should be given although four skip change of step are danced.
Flowers of Edinburgh
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.
THE GALLOPING CAROUSEL
25 DANCES FOR 25 YEARS, RSCDS Ottawa Branch, 1991
32 bar jig for 4 couples
The dance tells the story of painted horses on a carousel who tire of prancing in endless circles and dream of breaking away to gallop freely. But even in their dreams they always return to the carousel.
1–4 1st couple with 2nd couple, and 3rd couple with 4th couple, dance right hands across once round, ending with 1st woman and 4th man facing out.
5–8 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances behind the women’s side of the dance into fourth place on opposite sides, while 4th man, followed by his partner, dances behind the men’s side into first place on opposite sides.
9–12 Top two couples and bottom two couples dance right hands across once round, ending with 4th man and 1st woman facing out.
13 – 16 4th man, followed by his partner, dances behind the women’s side of the dance back to place, while 1st woman, followed by her partner, dances behind the men’s side back to places, ending with the 1st couple facing down the dance and 4th couple facing up. On bar 16, 2nd couple faces up and 3rd faces down.
17–20 On the sidelines, 1st and 2nd couples set and change places right hands, while 3rd and 4th couples do likewise.
21–24 On the sidelines, 1st and 4th couples set and change places left hands. (The order is now 2, 4, 1, 3.)
25–28 4th couple dances up between 2nd couple and casts back down to second place, while 1st couple dances down between 3rd couple and casts back up to third place.
29–32 All four couples turn partners once round back to places with right hands.
Devised by John de Chastelain
Music: “Killearn”, or
“Genevieve’s Jig”, Music for Book 32
Ca’ the Ewes tae the Knowes, 32S 2C (4C Set), RSCDS Bk 16
1–8 1st couple cast off, dance down behind their own lines and cast up to original places.
9–16 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round, cast off one place and dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple. On bars 15-16, 1st couple lead up to top, 1st man passing his partner in front of him 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 and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.
Knit the Pocky
RSCDS Book 11 – No. 1
32-bar reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set
1–4 1st woman and 2nd man advance and retire.
5–8 1st woman and 2nd man, giving both hands and using skip change of step, turn once round and return to places. (Note)
9–16 1st man and 2nd woman repeat bars 1-8.
17–20 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple who dance up the sides to begin, lead down the middle.
21–24 2nd couple, followed by 1st couple, lead up the middle to finish with 2nd couple in first place and 1st couple in second place.
25–32 2nd and 1st couple dance rights and lefts.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Note: In bars 5-8 and 9-12, turning with both hands gives the appearance of a stitch being made. Therefore, two hands should be given although four skip change of step are danced.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Dances for October 5, 2015
Sorry for sending this out late. I was busy with the Montreal workshop on Saturday.
Timepiece, 32J 3C (4C Set)
G. Thomas, Dances from the Redwood Forest
1–8 1c cross RH | cast (2c up) ; cross LH | cast L to between end couples (M down, W up)
9–16 1c turn LH while{4} 2c+3c turn P RH ; 1c dance through ends (M down, W up) and cast L to 2plx while{4} 2c+3c set and petronella to midline
17–24 1c turn LH while{4} 2c+3c turn P RH ; 1c cast L through opposite side and between end couple to 2pl while{4} 2c+3c set and petronella turn
(to 2x,1,3x)
25–32 2c+3c set | La Baratte while{8} 1c petronella to midline | set advancing to join RH ; join in the last 4 bars of La Baratte (2,1,3)
Scott Meikle
RSCDS Book 46
32-bar reel for four couples in a four-couple longwise set
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 couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.
9–16 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across and left hands back to finish on own sides, 1st and 3rd women facing up, 1st and 3rd men facing down.
17–24 1st woman, followed by 3rd woman, dances a reel of three across the set with 2nd couple. At the same time, 3rd man, followed by 1st man, dances a reel of three across the set with 4th couple. To begin, 1st woman and 2nd man, 3rd man and 4th woman pass by the left. 3rd couple finish in second place, 1st couple in third place.
25–28 1st and 4th couples dance half rights and lefts.
29–32 4th and 1st couples, giving right hands, turn one and half times.
Repeat with a new top couple.
Devised by Alice McLean, Monklands Branch.
Scott Meikle is the son of well-known bandleader, George Meikle, and was a member of the team that danced for HM the Queen at Edinburgh City Chambers as part of the Society’s 75th Anniversary celebrations in 1998.
Timepiece, 32J 3C (4C Set)
G. Thomas, Dances from the Redwood Forest
1–8 1c cross RH | cast (2c up) ; cross LH | cast L to between end couples (M down, W up)
9–16 1c turn LH while{4} 2c+3c turn P RH ; 1c dance through ends (M down, W up) and cast L to 2plx while{4} 2c+3c set and petronella to midline
17–24 1c turn LH while{4} 2c+3c turn P RH ; 1c cast L through opposite side and between end couple to 2pl while{4} 2c+3c set and petronella turn
(to 2x,1,3x)
25–32 2c+3c set | La Baratte while{8} 1c petronella to midline | set advancing to join RH ; join in the last 4 bars of La Baratte (2,1,3)
Scott Meikle
RSCDS Book 46
32-bar reel for four couples in a four-couple longwise set
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 couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.
9–16 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across and left hands back to finish on own sides, 1st and 3rd women facing up, 1st and 3rd men facing down.
17–24 1st woman, followed by 3rd woman, dances a reel of three across the set with 2nd couple. At the same time, 3rd man, followed by 1st man, dances a reel of three across the set with 4th couple. To begin, 1st woman and 2nd man, 3rd man and 4th woman pass by the left. 3rd couple finish in second place, 1st couple in third place.
25–28 1st and 4th couples dance half rights and lefts.
29–32 4th and 1st couples, giving right hands, turn one and half times.
Repeat with a new top couple.
Devised by Alice McLean, Monklands Branch.
Scott Meikle is the son of well-known bandleader, George Meikle, and was a member of the team that danced for HM the Queen at Edinburgh City Chambers as part of the Society’s 75th Anniversary celebrations in 1998.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Dances for September 28, 2015
The Flower of Glasgow
RSCDS Book 46
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set
1–6 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts off two places, crosses over below 3rd couple and casts up while her partner dances up the middle of the set. 1st couple finish in second place on opposite sides. 2nd couple dance up on the side lines to first place on bars 5-6.
7–8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set advancing to finish in the middle in promenade hold, 2nd and 3rd couples facing up and 1st couple facing down.
9–16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance a circulating allemande: 2nd and 3rd couples dance as first and third couples of a standard allemande to finish in third and first places on own sides. At the same time, 1st couple, from second place, dance an allemande but dance out to the men’s side and down to begin. Finish in the order 3, 1, 2 with 1st couple on opposite sides.
17–20 1st woman dances a half figure of eight round 3rd couple and 1st man dances a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.
21–24 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples, giving both hands, turn partners once round.
25–32 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette right round.
Devised by Ruth Taylor, Kingston (Ontario) Branch.
Note: the ‘circulating allemande’ in bars 9-16 was devised by Terry Glasspool.
For Kay Munn, who is originally from Glasgow, to celebrate a special birthday.
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Notes compiled by teachers, Summer School, St Andrews 2010
9-16 Effectively two three-couple allemandes, one going up with a ‘phantom’ 2nd couple, the other going down with ‘phantom’ 1st and 3rd couples.
17-20 3rd couple are in first place and 2nd couple in third place.
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TACNotes:
7-8 Hands joined to advance.
The Griffin's Flight
A 32 bar jig for three couples
1-8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a reel of three on their own sidesof the dance, 1st couple befin by dancing in and down, second couple out and up, and third couple in and up. Take nearer hands whenever possible.
9-16 1st couple, followed by second couple (who dance up to the top), dance down between 3rd couple, cast up around them, meet above 3rd couple, danc eup to the top and cast into 2nd place. 2Nd couple turn into place at the top. Both couples take nearer hands whenever possible.
17-24 1st couple turn 1st corners with the right hand, pass each other by right shoulders, and turn 2nd corners with the right hand. They dance around each other, passing right shouldersm to end 1st woman facing down and 1st man facing up.
25-28 1st woman dances left hands across with the 3rd couple while 1st mand dances left hands across with 2nd couple.
29-32 1st woman dances right hands across with the second couple while 1st man dances right hands across with the 3d couple.
Suggested music: “High Lodge” on Muriel Johnstone's Dancing Fingers 2
Devised by Claudette Sigg in December 1995 for Boll Griffiths
Bratach Bana
32R 3C (4C Set)
J. Drewry, Bon Accord Book
1-4 1st couple turn by the right hand and cast off to second place on own sides. (2nd couple move up on Bars 3 - 4)
5–8 1st man dances down between 3rd couple and then casts up to second place on the ladies' side. 1st lady dances up between 2nd couple and then casts off to second place on the men's side.
9-12 Half reels of three on the sides. 1st man gives right shoulder to 2nd lady, while 1st lady gives right shoulder to 3rd man.
13–16 Half reels of three across the dance. 1st man cuts up between 3rd couple who are in top place, giving left shoulder to 3rd man. 1st lady cuts down between 2nd couple who are in 3rd place, giving left shoulder to 2nd lady. NOTE: The 2nd and 3rd couples dance round loops on the corners between the half reels. (1st couple are now in second place on own sides, 2nd couple are in third place on wrong sides, and 3rd couple are in top place on wrong sides).
17–18 1st couple turn each other with the left hand.
19–20 1st couple turn first corners (who are on the wrong sides) by the right hand.
21–22 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder to face second corners.
23–24 1st couple turn second corners by the right hand and finish on own sides in second place retaining hold of second corners by the right hand and giving them left hands also in promenade hold.
25–26 1st couple lead their second corners diagonally across the dance, 1st man and 2nd lady passing above 1st lady and 3rd man.
27- 28 Dropping left hands, 1st couple turn their second corners half-way round by the right hand, so that 1st couple finish in second place on wrong sides while their corners are in their proper places i.e. 2nd lady is in top place, and 3rd man in third place on own sides.**
29-30 1st man and 3rd lady change places giving right hands. 1st lady and 2nd man change places similarly.
31- 32 1st and 2nd men, and 1st and 3rd ladies change places on the sides giving left hands. This last four bar figure is like half rights and lefts but on the diagonal, and 2nd man and 3rd lady do "polite" turns at the end.
Friday Night Reel
Bob McMurtry – Dragonfly
32 bar reel for 3 couples
1-8 1st couple lead down the middle for three steps and back for three steps and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7 & 8
9-16 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across and left hands back
17-24 1st couple dance a figure of eight by dancing between 2nd couple to begin.
25-32 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.
Repeat having passed a couple
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Dances for September 21, 2015
First full class of the season. You can view the schedule for the class at the class schedule on my blog site. I will be updating it as programs are developed.
For the first few classes we will be focusing on dances for the Ottawa Branch 50th Anniversary dance. I have made some unofficial cribs for the program and posted then to my blog.
West's Hornpipe
32R 4C (4C Set)
1–8 First woman dances a reel of three with second and third men finishing in her partner’s place while first man does same with second and third women.
9–16 First, second and third couples dance reels of three on own sides.
17–24 First couple lead down the middle and up again, turning inwards on last step to face second couple diagonally.
25–28 First couple set to second couple and, joining nearer hands, dance down to foot of the set and turn inwards. Second, third and fourth couples move up.
29–32 First and fourth couples dance four hands round.
Repeat with new couple.
Ladies’ Pocket Book 1797
Tune: Robertson’s Hornpipe.
Bedrule
RSCDS Book XXXIII – No. 7
(Strathspey)
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.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Betty Grant, Toronto, Ontario, 1984, in memory of her great, great grandmother Elizabeth Turnbull Dickson who left her home, Bedrule, near Jedburgh, in 1834 to emigrate to Canada.
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The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bar 20 1st woman dances into second place on her own side pulling her right shoulder back, to prepare for left hands across.
Bar 24 1st woman dances straight out to second place on her own side, to give right shoulder to 3rd woman as she enters the reels of three.
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TACNotes:’
1-8 1st & 2nd cpls stay in the middle at end of bar 6, & flow into the 2H turns.
17-20 On bar 20, 1st woman turns R about into sidelines & faces up ready for LH across.
21-24 On bar 24, 1st woman dances into 2nd place, facing down, to enter reel with 3rd woman.
25-32 1st cpl finish facing down, 3rd cpl facing up, ready for bar 1 of repetition.
For the first few classes we will be focusing on dances for the Ottawa Branch 50th Anniversary dance. I have made some unofficial cribs for the program and posted then to my blog.
West's Hornpipe
32R 4C (4C Set)
1–8 First woman dances a reel of three with second and third men finishing in her partner’s place while first man does same with second and third women.
9–16 First, second and third couples dance reels of three on own sides.
17–24 First couple lead down the middle and up again, turning inwards on last step to face second couple diagonally.
25–28 First couple set to second couple and, joining nearer hands, dance down to foot of the set and turn inwards. Second, third and fourth couples move up.
29–32 First and fourth couples dance four hands round.
Repeat with new couple.
Ladies’ Pocket Book 1797
Tune: Robertson’s Hornpipe.
Bedrule
RSCDS Book XXXIII – No. 7
(Strathspey)
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.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Betty Grant, Toronto, Ontario, 1984, in memory of her great, great grandmother Elizabeth Turnbull Dickson who left her home, Bedrule, near Jedburgh, in 1834 to emigrate to Canada.
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The Manual of Scottish Country Dancing:
Bar 20 1st woman dances into second place on her own side pulling her right shoulder back, to prepare for left hands across.
Bar 24 1st woman dances straight out to second place on her own side, to give right shoulder to 3rd woman as she enters the reels of three.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
1-8 1st & 2nd cpls stay in the middle at end of bar 6, & flow into the 2H turns.
17-20 On bar 20, 1st woman turns R about into sidelines & faces up ready for LH across.
21-24 On bar 24, 1st woman dances into 2nd place, facing down, to enter reel with 3rd woman.
25-32 1st cpl finish facing down, 3rd cpl facing up, ready for bar 1 of repetition.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Dances for May 4, 2015 - Churchill Recreation Center
THE SHORES OF SOLWAY
10 SOCIAL DANCES devised by ROY GOLDRING
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples
1–4 First couple dance in towards each other and cast off to third place. Second and third couples step up on bars 3–4.
5–8 Second couple repeat bars 1–4. Third and first couples step up on bars 7–8.
9–16 Three couple knot. First couple finish facing first corners.
17–20 First couple set to first corners then dance round each other by the right to second corners.
21–24 First couple set to second corners then dance round each other by the right to second place on own sides.
25–32 Six hands round and back.
Repeat having passed a couple.
For Joe Murphy
THE QUINTE GATHERING
32-bar reel for three couples in a four couple longwise set
Bars
1-8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance crossover reels of 3, all couples crossing to the opposite sides when they reach the top.
9-12 As 2nd couple continue to dance up into 1st place, 1st couple cross down, giving left hands, through 2nd place and cast to their right, 1st woman down around 3rd man (in 3rd woman's place) and 1st man up around 2nd woman (in 1st man’s place).
13-16 1st couple, giving right hands, change places up and down the middle of the set and cast to their right, 1st woman casting between 2nd couple and 1st man between 3rd couple. They finish with left hands joined in a diagonal line between 2nd corner positions (1st woman is above her partner; hands are not joined with 2nd man and 3rd woman).
Corner Targe
17-18 1st couple turns by the left 3/4, while corners dance clockwise to the next corner.
19-20 1st couple turns the person in 1st corner positions by the right hand once round (1st man with 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd man). 3rd man and 2nd woman set.
21-22 1st couple turn by the left hand 3/4, while the corners dance clockwise to the next corner.
23-24 1st couple turn the person in 2nd corner position by the right hand once round (1st man with 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd man). 3rd man and 2nd woman set. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides.
25-28 1st couple dance half reels of 3 on the sides, 1st woman giving left shoulder to 3rd man to begin, 1st man giving left shoulder 2nd woman to begin. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides.
29-32 1st man dances a half figure of eight around 2nd couple, while 1st woman dances a 1/2 figure of eight around 3rd couple.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Craig Williams, Ottawa. Inscribed to the Belleville Scottish Country Dance Group for their wonderful workshops.
10 SOCIAL DANCES devised by ROY GOLDRING
32 bar strathspey for 3 couples
1–4 First couple dance in towards each other and cast off to third place. Second and third couples step up on bars 3–4.
5–8 Second couple repeat bars 1–4. Third and first couples step up on bars 7–8.
9–16 Three couple knot. First couple finish facing first corners.
17–20 First couple set to first corners then dance round each other by the right to second corners.
21–24 First couple set to second corners then dance round each other by the right to second place on own sides.
25–32 Six hands round and back.
Repeat having passed a couple.
For Joe Murphy
THE QUINTE GATHERING
32-bar reel for three couples in a four couple longwise set
Bars
1-8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance crossover reels of 3, all couples crossing to the opposite sides when they reach the top.
9-12 As 2nd couple continue to dance up into 1st place, 1st couple cross down, giving left hands, through 2nd place and cast to their right, 1st woman down around 3rd man (in 3rd woman's place) and 1st man up around 2nd woman (in 1st man’s place).
13-16 1st couple, giving right hands, change places up and down the middle of the set and cast to their right, 1st woman casting between 2nd couple and 1st man between 3rd couple. They finish with left hands joined in a diagonal line between 2nd corner positions (1st woman is above her partner; hands are not joined with 2nd man and 3rd woman).
Corner Targe
17-18 1st couple turns by the left 3/4, while corners dance clockwise to the next corner.
19-20 1st couple turns the person in 1st corner positions by the right hand once round (1st man with 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd man). 3rd man and 2nd woman set.
21-22 1st couple turn by the left hand 3/4, while the corners dance clockwise to the next corner.
23-24 1st couple turn the person in 2nd corner position by the right hand once round (1st man with 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd man). 3rd man and 2nd woman set. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides.
25-28 1st couple dance half reels of 3 on the sides, 1st woman giving left shoulder to 3rd man to begin, 1st man giving left shoulder 2nd woman to begin. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides.
29-32 1st man dances a half figure of eight around 2nd couple, while 1st woman dances a 1/2 figure of eight around 3rd couple.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Craig Williams, Ottawa. Inscribed to the Belleville Scottish Country Dance Group for their wonderful workshops.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Dances for April 27, 2015 - Glashan School
Bouncing Braids
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1–8 1st couple cross, giving right hands, and cast off one place as 2nd couple step up. 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple to finish facing first corners.
9–16 1st couple turn corners and partner to finish in second place on opposite sides, facing out.
17–22 1st couple cast to their left, man up, woman down, round second corner positions. They change places up and down the dance in the middle, giving right hands, and cast to second place on own sides. Meanwhile, 2nd and 3rd couples cross, giving right hands, and set, facing up and down on the sidelines (2nd man to 3rd man and 2nd woman to 3rd woman). They change places on the sidelines, giving left hands. On bar 18, 2nd woman and 3rd man make a long turn as do 2nd man and 3rd woman on bar 22.
23–24 All set to partners.
25–32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and left on the diagonal, twice.
Repeat from new positions.
Devised by Brian Mortimer and presented to Carol Mortimer and Peter Schut on the occasion of their wedding, 21 May 1988.
STANFORD SWING
The Devil’s Quandary by Bob McMurtry
40 bar Jig/Reel for 3 couples – May 2002
1–6 1st couple set, cross with right hands and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 5 & 6.
7–8 1st couple turn three quarters, with the left hand, to face first corners.
9–16 1st couple dance the La Baratte with first corners. 1st couple stay facing out while corners stay facing in.
17–20 1st couple dance round second corners, passing left shoulders, and in the ends of the set, 1st man dancing between the 2nd couple and 1st woman through the 3rd couple. 1st couple end in the middle left shoulder to left shoulder, while first corners turn by the right hand for 4 bars and back to place.
21–24 1st couple turn by the left hand one and a half times to face second corner.
25–32 1st couple dance a La Baratte with second corners. 1st couple stay facing out while corners stay facing in.
33–36 1st man dances left round 2nd man into second place on own side, facing down, while 1st woman dances left round 3rd woman into second place own side facing up. Second corners turn by the right hand, once round, back to place but facing the 1st couple, as they arrive in second place.
37–40 1st man with 3rd man, 1st woman with 2nd woman, dance back to back on the sides
Repeat having passed a couple.
Dance Notes: Corners use the full 4 bars for the turn in bars 17-20 and 33-36. 1st corners should utilize the vacated spot in second place to dance through to avoid running into 1st couple on bars 17-24. The turn for 1st couple on bars 21-24 should be quick. 1st couple slow down on bars 33-36. Second corners and 1st couple should flow into the back to back figure.
Music: Jeannie o’ the Witchin E’e (jig) on Dances from the Collections of Mary MacNab, Volume 2 (CD) and The Bull Stane (reel) on Memories of Fife.
Notes: Dedicated to the Stanford Class in their final year of dancing in the San Francisco Branch.
Additional Note: On bars 25 &26 there should be a setting step before La Baratte.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Dances for April 20, 2015 - Glashan School
Farewell to Benbecula
32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples 3 x 32
1–2 1st & 2nd couples set with nearer hands joined
3–4 1st & 2nd couples half turn partner 2H & finish in the centre with the 1st couple facing down & the 2nd couple facing up.
5–6 1st & 2nd couples, nearer hands joined, set advancing, passing the other couple by the left.
7–8 1st & 2nd couples half turn partner 2H & finish on the sides with the 1st couple in 2nd place facing out.
9–14 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance a right shoulder reel of three on the sides of the set. 1W & 3W also 1M & 2M pass right to begin. 1St couple again face out in 2nd place on #14.
15–16 1W & 2W change places LH while 1M & 2M change places RH.
17–20 1st couple petronella turn to the right finishing in the centre of the dance & set.
21–24 1st couple turn partner RH x1&1/4 to own sides & face in.
25–32 1st, 2nd & 3rd couples dance a Slip Knot for 3 couples
Bars:
25-26 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn partners half‐way round to finish in the middle facing down, each woman turning to the right under her partner’s arm into allemande hold.
27-29 3rd couple, followed by 2nd and 1st couples, curve round and dance up the women’s side, releasing right hands at the end of bar 5.
30 The men, continuing to dance up the women’s side, begin to turn as they pass their partners across in front of them. The women take a long step towards the middle.
31-32 1st couple, in third place, turn with the left hand to own sides. At the same time 3rd and 2nd couples dance left hands across halfway round to finish on own sides in the order 2, 3, 1.
Deirdre MacCuish Bark: January 2014.
For Theresa Malek to celebrate a special birthday:
Theresa's ancestors were cleared from Benbecula in the 1840s & compelled to emigrate to North America.
Recommended Music: Farewell to Benbecula by Marian Anderson (Ask Deirdre)
The tunes played by Marian are “Farewell to Benbecula”, “Calum’s Road”
And the third is a Muriel Johnston tune “The Inman’s of Allanton” or Ribble Valley CD: David Queen's Strathspey.
The Montgomeries’ Rant
RSCDS Book 10 – No. 1
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple, giving left hands, cross over and 1st woman casts up one place while 1st man casts off one place. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing 2nd man with 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
9 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 2nd man and 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the right to begin. On bar 16, 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, face 2nd woman.
17 – 24 1st couple set to 2nd woman. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 3rd man and set. 1st couple move round to face 3rd woman and set. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 2nd man and set. 1st couple finish facing second corners.
25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple pass second corners by the right to begin.
31 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to second place on own sides.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749.
Original tune: Lord Eglintoune (John Riddell, c. 1766) but usually danced to Lady Montgomerie (Lord Eglintoune, 1796).
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TACNotes:’
17-24 1st woman is on her partner’s left to begin &, on bar 24, turns L about, with assistance from her partner, to face her second corner.
32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples 3 x 32
1–2 1st & 2nd couples set with nearer hands joined
3–4 1st & 2nd couples half turn partner 2H & finish in the centre with the 1st couple facing down & the 2nd couple facing up.
5–6 1st & 2nd couples, nearer hands joined, set advancing, passing the other couple by the left.
7–8 1st & 2nd couples half turn partner 2H & finish on the sides with the 1st couple in 2nd place facing out.
9–14 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance a right shoulder reel of three on the sides of the set. 1W & 3W also 1M & 2M pass right to begin. 1St couple again face out in 2nd place on #14.
15–16 1W & 2W change places LH while 1M & 2M change places RH.
17–20 1st couple petronella turn to the right finishing in the centre of the dance & set.
21–24 1st couple turn partner RH x1&1/4 to own sides & face in.
25–32 1st, 2nd & 3rd couples dance a Slip Knot for 3 couples
Bars:
25-26 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands, turn partners half‐way round to finish in the middle facing down, each woman turning to the right under her partner’s arm into allemande hold.
27-29 3rd couple, followed by 2nd and 1st couples, curve round and dance up the women’s side, releasing right hands at the end of bar 5.
30 The men, continuing to dance up the women’s side, begin to turn as they pass their partners across in front of them. The women take a long step towards the middle.
31-32 1st couple, in third place, turn with the left hand to own sides. At the same time 3rd and 2nd couples dance left hands across halfway round to finish on own sides in the order 2, 3, 1.
Deirdre MacCuish Bark: January 2014.
For Theresa Malek to celebrate a special birthday:
Theresa's ancestors were cleared from Benbecula in the 1840s & compelled to emigrate to North America.
Recommended Music: Farewell to Benbecula by Marian Anderson (Ask Deirdre)
The tunes played by Marian are “Farewell to Benbecula”, “Calum’s Road”
And the third is a Muriel Johnston tune “The Inman’s of Allanton” or Ribble Valley CD: David Queen's Strathspey.
The Montgomeries’ Rant
RSCDS Book 10 – No. 1
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place on opposite sides. 1st couple, giving left hands, cross over and 1st woman casts up one place while 1st man casts off one place. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple facing 2nd man with 1st man between 3rd couple facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
9 – 16 1st woman with 2nd couple and 1st man with 3rd couple dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 2nd man and 1st man and 3rd woman pass by the right to begin. On bar 16, 1st couple, with nearer hands joined, face 2nd woman.
17 – 24 1st couple set to 2nd woman. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 3rd man and set. 1st couple move round to face 3rd woman and set. 1st couple turn towards each other and change hands to face 2nd man and set. 1st couple finish facing second corners.
25 – 30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple pass second corners by the right to begin.
31 – 32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to second place on own sides.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, 1749.
Original tune: Lord Eglintoune (John Riddell, c. 1766) but usually danced to Lady Montgomerie (Lord Eglintoune, 1796).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
17-24 1st woman is on her partner’s left to begin &, on bar 24, turns L about, with assistance from her partner, to face her second corner.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Dances for April 13, 2015 - Glashan School
Bonnie Ina Campbell
RSCDS Book XXXVII No. 6
(Strathspey)
1–8 1st couple turn once round with the right hand, lead down the middle, dance out below 3rd couple, cast up to second place on own sides and turn with the left hand to finish with 1st woman in the middle of the dance in top place facing 2nd man and 1st man in the middle in third place facing 3rd woman. 2nd couple step up on bars 3–4.
9–16 1st couple dance reels of three across the dance with 2nd and 3rd couples, 1st woman giving left shoulder to 2nd man to begin, and 1st man giving left shoulder to 3rd woman. 2nd and 3rd couples dance complete reels but, on bar 12, 1st couple turn each other with the right hand to continue in the track of each other’s reel. At the end, 1st couple meet in the middle in second place and pull right shoulders back to face first corners.
17–18 1st couple change places with their first corners giving right hands while second corners set facing each other.
19–20 First corners turn with the left hand three quarters round, while 1st couple and second corners dance round clockwise to the next corner position.
21–22 1st couple change places with their first corners in person giving right hands while second corners set facing each other.
23–24 1st couple turn with the left hand one and a quarter times to face first corner positions, while the corners dance round clockwise to the next corner position.
25–28 Giving right shoulder to person in first corner position, 1st couple dance a half reel of four with first corners. At the end, 1st couple pass by the right to face second corner positions.
29–32 Giving right shoulder to the person in second corner position, 1st couple dance a half reel of four with second corners. At the end, 1st couple pass by the right to second place on own sides.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by George Will (Vancouver Branch)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
9-16 Note that 1st woman dances towards men’s side for both half reels, while 1st man dances towards women’s side for both.
Polharrow Burn
RSCDS Three Dances by Hugh Foss
32-bar reel for five couples in a five-couple longwise set
1–4 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over and cast off one place. 2nd and 4th couples step up on bars 3-4.
5–8 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple while 3rd couple dance a half figure of eight round 4th couple.
9–16 1st and 3rd couples turn with the right hand once round, then with the left hand to finish facing first corner positions. At the same time 2nd couple, giving right hands, cross over and 2nd man, followed by his partner, dances down behind the women’s line and across at the foot of the set to finish in fifth place on own side of the dance. Similarly, 5th couple, giving right hands, cross over and 5th woman, followed by her partner, dances up behind the men’s line and across to finish in first place on own side of the dance.
17–20 1st and 3rd couples dance a half reel of four with the dancers in first corner positions. To finish they pass by the left shoulder to face second corner positions.
21–24 1st and 3rd couples dance a half reel of four with the dancers in second corner positions. To finish, they pass by the left shoulder to face their partners’ first corner positions.
25–28 1st and 3rd couples dance a half reel of four with the dancers in their partners’ first corner positions and finish, passing by the left shoulder to second and fourth place on own sides of the dance. The order is now 2, 1, 4, 3, 5.
29–32 1st and 3rd couples turn with the left hand and cast off one place on own sides. 4th and 5th couples step up on bars 31-32.
Repeat from new posititions.
Originally published as Glendarroch Sheet No. 18
Original tune: Miss Clementina Loughan (Nathaniel Gow) From Old Scottish Music by Annie Shand
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Dances for March 31, 2015 - Churchill Recreation Centre
I made some minor clarifications to Stanford Swing
STANFORD SWING
The Devil’s Quandary by Bob McMurtry
40 bar Jig/Reel for 3 couples – May 2002
1–6 1st couple set, cross with right hands and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 5 & 6.
7–8 1st couple turn three quarters, with the left hand, to face first corners.
9–16 1st couple set and dance the La Baratte with first corners. 1st couple stay facing out while corners stay facing in.
17–20 1st couple dance round second corners, passing left shoulders, and in the ends of the set, 1st man dancing between the 2nd couple and 1st woman through the 3rd couple. 1st couple end in the middle left shoulder to left shoulder, while first corners turn by the right hand for 4 bars and back to place.
21–24 1st couple turn by the left hand one and a half times to face second corner.
25–32 1st couple set and dance a La Baratte with second corners. 1st couple stay facing out while corners stay facing in.
33–36 1st man dances left round 2nd man into second place on own side, facing down, while 1st woman dances left round 3rd woman into second place own side facing up. Second corners turn by the right hand, once round, back to place but facing the 1st couple, as they arrive in second place.
37–40 1st man with 3rd man, 1st woman with 2nd woman, dance back to back on the sides.
Repeat having passed a couple.
Dance Notes: Corners use the full 4 bars for the turn in bars 17-20 and 33-36. 1st corners should utilize the vacated spot in second place to dance through to avoid running into 1st couple on bars 17-24. The turn for 1st couple on bars 21-24 should be quick. 1st couple slow down on bars 33-36. Second corners and 1st couple should flow into the back to back figure.
Music: Jeannie o’ the Witchin E’e (jig) on Dances from the Collections of Mary MacNab, Volume 2 (CD) and The Bull Stane (reel) on Memories of Fife.
Notes: Dedicated to the Stanford Class in their final year of dancing in the San Francisco Branch.
Bratach Bana
THE BON ACCORD BOOK OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by John Drewry
Reel - 3 couples - 32 bars
Tune - "Bratach Bana"
1-4 1st couple turn by the right hand and cast off to second place on own sides. (2nd couple move up on Bars 3 - 4)
5–8 1st man dances down between 3rd couple and then casts up to second place on the ladies' side. 1st lady dances up between 2nd couple and then casts off to second place on the men's side.
9-12 Half reels of three on the sides. 1st man gives right shoulder to 2nd lady, while 1st lady gives right shoulder to 3rd man.
13–16 Half reels of three across the dance. 1st man cuts up between 3rd couple who are in top place, giving left shoulder to 3rd man. 1st lady cuts down between 2nd couple who are in 3rd place, giving left shoulder to 2nd lady. NOTE The 2nd and 3rd couples dance round loops on the corners between the half reels. (1st couple are now in second place on own sides, 2nd couple are in third place on wrong sides, and 3rd couple are in top place on wrong sides).
17–18 1st couple turn each other with the left hand.
19–20 1st couple turn first corners (who are on the wrong sides) by the right hand.
21–22 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder to face second corners.
23–24 1st couple turn second corners by the right hand and finish on own sides in second place retaining hold of second corners by the right hand and giving them left hands also in promenade hold.
25–26 1st couple lead their second corners diagonally across the dance, 1st man and 2nd lady passing above 1st lady and 3rd man.
27-28 Dropping left hands, 1st couple turn their second corners half-way round by the right hand, so that 1st couple finish in second place on wrong sides while their corners are in their proper places i.e. 2nd lady is in top place, and 3rd man in third place on own sides.**
29-30 1st man and 3rd lady change places giving right hands. 1st lady and 2nd man change places similarly.
31-32 1st and 2nd men, and 1st and 3rd ladies change places on the sides giving left hands. This last four bar figure is like half rights and lefts but on the diagonal, and 2nd man and 3rd lady do "polite" turns at the end.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
** I am indebted to Derek Haynes for suggesting this improvement in the dance. Originally I had 1st couple and their second corners turning with two pas de basque, while retaining promenade hold.
STANFORD SWING
The Devil’s Quandary by Bob McMurtry
40 bar Jig/Reel for 3 couples – May 2002
1–6 1st couple set, cross with right hands and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 5 & 6.
7–8 1st couple turn three quarters, with the left hand, to face first corners.
9–16 1st couple set and dance the La Baratte with first corners. 1st couple stay facing out while corners stay facing in.
17–20 1st couple dance round second corners, passing left shoulders, and in the ends of the set, 1st man dancing between the 2nd couple and 1st woman through the 3rd couple. 1st couple end in the middle left shoulder to left shoulder, while first corners turn by the right hand for 4 bars and back to place.
21–24 1st couple turn by the left hand one and a half times to face second corner.
25–32 1st couple set and dance a La Baratte with second corners. 1st couple stay facing out while corners stay facing in.
33–36 1st man dances left round 2nd man into second place on own side, facing down, while 1st woman dances left round 3rd woman into second place own side facing up. Second corners turn by the right hand, once round, back to place but facing the 1st couple, as they arrive in second place.
37–40 1st man with 3rd man, 1st woman with 2nd woman, dance back to back on the sides.
Repeat having passed a couple.
Dance Notes: Corners use the full 4 bars for the turn in bars 17-20 and 33-36. 1st corners should utilize the vacated spot in second place to dance through to avoid running into 1st couple on bars 17-24. The turn for 1st couple on bars 21-24 should be quick. 1st couple slow down on bars 33-36. Second corners and 1st couple should flow into the back to back figure.
Music: Jeannie o’ the Witchin E’e (jig) on Dances from the Collections of Mary MacNab, Volume 2 (CD) and The Bull Stane (reel) on Memories of Fife.
Notes: Dedicated to the Stanford Class in their final year of dancing in the San Francisco Branch.
Bratach Bana
THE BON ACCORD BOOK OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES by John Drewry
Reel - 3 couples - 32 bars
Tune - "Bratach Bana"
1-4 1st couple turn by the right hand and cast off to second place on own sides. (2nd couple move up on Bars 3 - 4)
5–8 1st man dances down between 3rd couple and then casts up to second place on the ladies' side. 1st lady dances up between 2nd couple and then casts off to second place on the men's side.
9-12 Half reels of three on the sides. 1st man gives right shoulder to 2nd lady, while 1st lady gives right shoulder to 3rd man.
13–16 Half reels of three across the dance. 1st man cuts up between 3rd couple who are in top place, giving left shoulder to 3rd man. 1st lady cuts down between 2nd couple who are in 3rd place, giving left shoulder to 2nd lady. NOTE The 2nd and 3rd couples dance round loops on the corners between the half reels. (1st couple are now in second place on own sides, 2nd couple are in third place on wrong sides, and 3rd couple are in top place on wrong sides).
17–18 1st couple turn each other with the left hand.
19–20 1st couple turn first corners (who are on the wrong sides) by the right hand.
21–22 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder to face second corners.
23–24 1st couple turn second corners by the right hand and finish on own sides in second place retaining hold of second corners by the right hand and giving them left hands also in promenade hold.
25–26 1st couple lead their second corners diagonally across the dance, 1st man and 2nd lady passing above 1st lady and 3rd man.
27-28 Dropping left hands, 1st couple turn their second corners half-way round by the right hand, so that 1st couple finish in second place on wrong sides while their corners are in their proper places i.e. 2nd lady is in top place, and 3rd man in third place on own sides.**
29-30 1st man and 3rd lady change places giving right hands. 1st lady and 2nd man change places similarly.
31-32 1st and 2nd men, and 1st and 3rd ladies change places on the sides giving left hands. This last four bar figure is like half rights and lefts but on the diagonal, and 2nd man and 3rd lady do "polite" turns at the end.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
** I am indebted to Derek Haynes for suggesting this improvement in the dance. Originally I had 1st couple and their second corners turning with two pas de basque, while retaining promenade hold.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Dances for March 23, 2015 - Churchill Recreation Centre
I have updated the schedule for the remainder of the year. You can have a look at it here Ardbrae Intermediate Class Schedule. I may make some changes to the classes after the Ottawa Branch Ball.
SETON’S CEILIDH BAND
The Morison’s Bush Collection
A 64 bar jig for four couples.
1-8 First couple cross over giving right hands, cast off behind second couple (who move up on bars 3 - 4), dance in front of third couple (who move up on bars 5 - 6) and behind fourth couple (who move up on bars 7 - 8) to finish in fourth place on opposite sides.
9-16 First woman dances a reel of three with third and fourth men while first man dances a reel of three with third and fourth women. First couple dance up between fourth couple to begin the reels.
17-24 First couple repeat bars 1 - 8, dancing up the set to original places.
25-32 First woman dances a reel of three with second and third women while first man dances a reel of three with second and third men. First couple dance down between second couple to begin the reels.
33-36 First couple cross over giving right hands and cast off one place to finish between first corners - right hands joined with partner and left hands joined with corners. Second couple move up on bars 35 - 36.
37-38 All balance in line.
39–40 First couple turn by right hands to finish between second corners.
41-42 All balance in line.
41–44 First couple dance down behind third couple on opposite sides.
45-48 First couple lead up to the top and cross over to finish on their own sides, facing down. Second couple move down on bars 47 - 48 and face up.
49–50 First and second women change places giving right hands while first and second men do the same.
51-52 Second and first couples cross over giving left hand to partner.
53-56 First couple repeat bars 49 - 52 with third couple - first woman changing places with third man and first man with third woman.
57–60 First couple repeat bars 49 - 52 with fourth couple.
61-64 All four couples turn partner with right hand one and a half times to own sides.
Repeat with a new top couple.
"Seton's Ceilidh Band" was devised by Bruce Fordyce.
CHRYSANTHEMUM
SBBC Silver Jubilee Book
96 bar Reel for 4 couples in a 4 couple square set
Devised by Betty Grant
1–2 Each woman casts to right behind partner and into centre.
3–6 Right hands across once round (past partner).
7–8 Each woman casts to left behind partner to original place.
9–16 Men repeat by casting to left behind partner into centre, then dance left hands across once round (past partner) and cast to right behind partner to finish in place facing partner.
17–24 STAR GRAND CHAIN halfway round (2 steps each hand). Women finish with backs to the centre facing partners. Men are slightly outside circle facing in to partners.
25–32 Dance back to back with partner and turn with the right hand one and a quarter times to finish in circle. Retain right hands.
33–40 Continue STAR GRAND CHAIN halfway round and women again finish with backs to centre facing partner. Men slightly outside circle facing in.
41–48 Dance back to back with partner and turn with the right hand one and a quarter times to finish with women facing out and men facing in.
49–64 SCHIEHALLION REELS (16 bars) Finish in place.
65–72 In couples nearer hands joined, slip step to left (2 bars) one quarter round and set once (2 bars). Slip step to right (2 bars) to place and set. Bar 8, women advance set towards centre and retaining nearer hands with partner form a cross facing clockwise.
73–80 Dance right hands across in couples. Bar 8, release right hands in centre and curve out to original positions ready to form a circle.
81–88 Eight hands round and back. Retain hands in circle.
89–92 Advance using 2 short skip change of steps, then with nearer hands still joined with partner only, retire using 2 long skip change of steps to original size of square. Finish facing corner.
93–96 Turn corner with LEFT hand once round. Finish facing partner for bow and curtsey.
This dance was devised by Betty Grant, Toronto, Ontario in 1986 to commemorate her visit to Tokyo as a member of the Oriental Fling tour led by the late Bob Blackie and was presented to the Tokyo Scottish Bluebell Club.
Chrysanthemum –
A native of China, the ‘pompom’ originated from the Chusan Daisy, Elaborate Japanese varieties have been developed over hundreds of years. The first chrysanthemum in Britain was grown at Kew Gardens in 1790 and came from France. Chrysanthemums are a worldwide family of flowers. We Scottish Country Dancers are also a worldwide family. Betty Grant
Suggested tune: ‘Natal Day’ by Kerr’s Third Collection
Suggested Music: ‘Da Turlers’ – music tape CWGR057 by John Ellis
Suggested Music: ‘Chrysanthemum’ – Accompanied CD ‘To Be A Wind’ by Fred Moyes
SETON’S CEILIDH BAND
The Morison’s Bush Collection
A 64 bar jig for four couples.
1-8 First couple cross over giving right hands, cast off behind second couple (who move up on bars 3 - 4), dance in front of third couple (who move up on bars 5 - 6) and behind fourth couple (who move up on bars 7 - 8) to finish in fourth place on opposite sides.
9-16 First woman dances a reel of three with third and fourth men while first man dances a reel of three with third and fourth women. First couple dance up between fourth couple to begin the reels.
17-24 First couple repeat bars 1 - 8, dancing up the set to original places.
25-32 First woman dances a reel of three with second and third women while first man dances a reel of three with second and third men. First couple dance down between second couple to begin the reels.
33-36 First couple cross over giving right hands and cast off one place to finish between first corners - right hands joined with partner and left hands joined with corners. Second couple move up on bars 35 - 36.
37-38 All balance in line.
39–40 First couple turn by right hands to finish between second corners.
41-42 All balance in line.
41–44 First couple dance down behind third couple on opposite sides.
45-48 First couple lead up to the top and cross over to finish on their own sides, facing down. Second couple move down on bars 47 - 48 and face up.
49–50 First and second women change places giving right hands while first and second men do the same.
51-52 Second and first couples cross over giving left hand to partner.
53-56 First couple repeat bars 49 - 52 with third couple - first woman changing places with third man and first man with third woman.
57–60 First couple repeat bars 49 - 52 with fourth couple.
61-64 All four couples turn partner with right hand one and a half times to own sides.
Repeat with a new top couple.
"Seton's Ceilidh Band" was devised by Bruce Fordyce.
CHRYSANTHEMUM
SBBC Silver Jubilee Book
96 bar Reel for 4 couples in a 4 couple square set
Devised by Betty Grant
1–2 Each woman casts to right behind partner and into centre.
3–6 Right hands across once round (past partner).
7–8 Each woman casts to left behind partner to original place.
9–16 Men repeat by casting to left behind partner into centre, then dance left hands across once round (past partner) and cast to right behind partner to finish in place facing partner.
17–24 STAR GRAND CHAIN halfway round (2 steps each hand). Women finish with backs to the centre facing partners. Men are slightly outside circle facing in to partners.
25–32 Dance back to back with partner and turn with the right hand one and a quarter times to finish in circle. Retain right hands.
33–40 Continue STAR GRAND CHAIN halfway round and women again finish with backs to centre facing partner. Men slightly outside circle facing in.
41–48 Dance back to back with partner and turn with the right hand one and a quarter times to finish with women facing out and men facing in.
49–64 SCHIEHALLION REELS (16 bars) Finish in place.
65–72 In couples nearer hands joined, slip step to left (2 bars) one quarter round and set once (2 bars). Slip step to right (2 bars) to place and set. Bar 8, women advance set towards centre and retaining nearer hands with partner form a cross facing clockwise.
73–80 Dance right hands across in couples. Bar 8, release right hands in centre and curve out to original positions ready to form a circle.
81–88 Eight hands round and back. Retain hands in circle.
89–92 Advance using 2 short skip change of steps, then with nearer hands still joined with partner only, retire using 2 long skip change of steps to original size of square. Finish facing corner.
93–96 Turn corner with LEFT hand once round. Finish facing partner for bow and curtsey.
This dance was devised by Betty Grant, Toronto, Ontario in 1986 to commemorate her visit to Tokyo as a member of the Oriental Fling tour led by the late Bob Blackie and was presented to the Tokyo Scottish Bluebell Club.
Chrysanthemum –
A native of China, the ‘pompom’ originated from the Chusan Daisy, Elaborate Japanese varieties have been developed over hundreds of years. The first chrysanthemum in Britain was grown at Kew Gardens in 1790 and came from France. Chrysanthemums are a worldwide family of flowers. We Scottish Country Dancers are also a worldwide family. Betty Grant
Suggested tune: ‘Natal Day’ by Kerr’s Third Collection
Suggested Music: ‘Da Turlers’ – music tape CWGR057 by John Ellis
Suggested Music: ‘Chrysanthemum’ – Accompanied CD ‘To Be A Wind’ by Fred Moyes
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Dances for March 16, 2015 - Churchill Recreation Centre
THE QUINTE GATHERING
32-bar reel for three couples in a four couple longwise set
1-8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance crossover reels of 3, all couples crossing to the opposite sides when they reach the top.
9-12 As 2nd couple continue to dance up into 1st place, 1st couple cross down, giving left hands, through 2nd place and cast to their right, 1st woman down around 3rd man (in 3rd woman's place) and 1st man up around 2nd woman (in 1st man’s place).
13-16 1st couple, giving right hands, change places up and down the middle of the set and cast to their right, 1st woman casting between 2nd couple and 1st man between 3rd couple. They finish with left hands joined in a diagonal line between 2nd corner positions (1st woman is above her partner; hands are not joined with 2nd man and 3rd woman).
Corner Targe
17-18 1st couple turns by the left 3/4, while corners dance clockwise to the next corner.
19-20 1st couple turns the person in 1st corner positions by the right hand once round (1st man with 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd man). 3rd man and 2nd woman set.
21-22 1st couple turn by the left hand 3/4, while the corners dance clockwise to the next corner.
23-24 1st couple turn the person in 2nd corner position by the right hand once round (1st man with 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd man). 3rd man and 2nd woman set. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides.
25-28 1st couple dance half reels of 3 on the sides, 1st woman giving left shoulder to 3rd man to begin, 1st man giving left shoulder 2nd woman to begin. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides.
29-32 1st man dances a half figure of eight around 2nd couple, while 1st woman dances a 1/2 figure of eight around 3rd couple.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Craig Williams, Ottawa. Inscribed to the Belleville Scottish Country Dance Group for their wonderful workshops.
The Bridge City Strathspey
A strathspey for three couples, in a triangular set, in 32 bars
1-8 All 3 couples Set and link twice. Finish facing partner.
9-12 All Set to partner, turn by the right hand ¾, bringing the women into the centre. Women retain right hand with partner and give left hands in the middle.
13-16 Highland Schottische balance in line with partner.
17-24 Targe in strathspey time. Women LH across 2/3 way around (2 bars), while men dance 1/3 way clockwise around the outside of the set. All couples turn partner with the right hand (2 bars).
Repeat the previous 4 bars finishing facing partner with women in the centre and men on the sides of the set.
25-26 All set advancing to pass back to back, pulling back RS to face partner
27-28 All turn partner ¾ with 2 hands out to places on the sides.
29-30 All pass partner right shoulder to meet a new partner and take promenade hold, women on the right of their new partner, facing counter clockwise. (The women will be leading the men to their new position.)
31-32 All dance counter clockwise to finish in new places.
Repeat twice more to meet your original partner.
Craig Williams
February, 2004
32-bar reel for three couples in a four couple longwise set
1-8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance crossover reels of 3, all couples crossing to the opposite sides when they reach the top.
9-12 As 2nd couple continue to dance up into 1st place, 1st couple cross down, giving left hands, through 2nd place and cast to their right, 1st woman down around 3rd man (in 3rd woman's place) and 1st man up around 2nd woman (in 1st man’s place).
13-16 1st couple, giving right hands, change places up and down the middle of the set and cast to their right, 1st woman casting between 2nd couple and 1st man between 3rd couple. They finish with left hands joined in a diagonal line between 2nd corner positions (1st woman is above her partner; hands are not joined with 2nd man and 3rd woman).
Corner Targe
17-18 1st couple turns by the left 3/4, while corners dance clockwise to the next corner.
19-20 1st couple turns the person in 1st corner positions by the right hand once round (1st man with 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd man). 3rd man and 2nd woman set.
21-22 1st couple turn by the left hand 3/4, while the corners dance clockwise to the next corner.
23-24 1st couple turn the person in 2nd corner position by the right hand once round (1st man with 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd man). 3rd man and 2nd woman set. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides.
25-28 1st couple dance half reels of 3 on the sides, 1st woman giving left shoulder to 3rd man to begin, 1st man giving left shoulder 2nd woman to begin. 1st couple finish in 2nd place on opposite sides.
29-32 1st man dances a half figure of eight around 2nd couple, while 1st woman dances a 1/2 figure of eight around 3rd couple.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Craig Williams, Ottawa. Inscribed to the Belleville Scottish Country Dance Group for their wonderful workshops.
The Bridge City Strathspey
A strathspey for three couples, in a triangular set, in 32 bars
1-8 All 3 couples Set and link twice. Finish facing partner.
9-12 All Set to partner, turn by the right hand ¾, bringing the women into the centre. Women retain right hand with partner and give left hands in the middle.
13-16 Highland Schottische balance in line with partner.
17-24 Targe in strathspey time. Women LH across 2/3 way around (2 bars), while men dance 1/3 way clockwise around the outside of the set. All couples turn partner with the right hand (2 bars).
Repeat the previous 4 bars finishing facing partner with women in the centre and men on the sides of the set.
25-26 All set advancing to pass back to back, pulling back RS to face partner
27-28 All turn partner ¾ with 2 hands out to places on the sides.
29-30 All pass partner right shoulder to meet a new partner and take promenade hold, women on the right of their new partner, facing counter clockwise. (The women will be leading the men to their new position.)
31-32 All dance counter clockwise to finish in new places.
Repeat twice more to meet your original partner.
Craig Williams
February, 2004
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Dances for March 9, 2015 - Glashan School
Down Corkery Road
48-bar jig for three couples in a three-couple longwise set
1–8 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.
9–16 1st couple set to first corners and dance la baratte.
17–20 2nd man, followed by 1st man dances up behind 2nd woman and down the middle while 3rd woman, followed by 1st woman dances down behind 3rd man and up the middle.
21–24 1st couple and first corners dance left hands across to finish with 1st couple in second place on own sides and first corners having changed places (i.e. 2nd man in 3rd woman’s place and 3rd woman in 1st man’s place).
25–32 1st couple set to second corners and dance la baratte, beginning with a left hand turn.
33–36 3rd man, followed by 1st man dances down behind 2nd man (in third place) and up the middle while 2nd woman, followed by 1st woman, dances up behind 3rd woman (in first place) and down the middle.
37–40 1st couple and second corners dance right hands across to finish with 1st couple in second place on own sides and second corners having changed places (i.e. 3rd man in 1st woman’s place and 2nd woman in 3rd man’s place).
41–44 Half reels of three across the dance, 1st man up, passing 3rd man by the right and 1st woman down, passing 2nd woman by the right to begin.
45–48 1st couple turn partner with the right hand one and a half times to finish in second place on own sides.
Repeat from new positions.
Devised by Craig Williams
THE PLANTATION REEL
A 32-bar reel for 5 couples
1–4 First and third couples cross by the right and cast off one place, second and fourth couples stepping up.
5–8 First (third) couple lead down between fourth (fifth) couple and cast back up to second (fourth) place, still on wrong sides.
9–12 First and second couples, half rights and lefts; third and fourth couples, the same.
13–14 First and second couples dance a Petronella turn one place to the right around their square; third and fourth couples, the same.
15–16 Repeat bars 13–14; this brings you all back to where you were at the end of bar 8.
17–20 Right hand wheels: first man with second couple; first lady and third man with fourth couple; and third lady with fifth couple. All end on the sidelines.
21–24 Left hand wheels: first lady with second couple; first man and third lady with fourth couple; and third man with fifth couple. Again, end on the sidelines.
25–28 First and third couples cross by the right and cast off one place on your own side, fourth and fifth couples stepping up.
29–32 All turn partners once by the right hand.
Repeat with a new top couple.
The fifth time through, “birl as you will” on bars 29–32.
Tony Moretti
Auburn, N.H.
Dedicated to Andrew Rankine for his contributions to Scottish Country Dancing.
Suggested music: “The Plantation Reel” on Andrew Rankine’s record “Westering Home” (Emerald GES 1141) –a medley of folk tunes from the southern U.S.A., played in S.C.D. style!
The Pinewoods Collection of Scottish Country Dances, Vol. 2
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Dances for March 2, 2015 - Glashan School
THE SHELTERED COVE
Aye Afloat, The Portknockie Collection of Scottish Country Dances, devised by Margaret Zadworny
8 x 32 - 2 Couple Strathspey
1–4 1st couple set and change places with right hand. Finish facing down.
5–8 1st and 2nd couples change places on the sides with left hand and set.
9–16 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies chain.
17–24 1st couple lead down (two steps) lead back up crossing above 2nd couple, and cast off one place.
25–32 2nd and 1st couples poussette right round.
Repeat from second place.
The hythe (or Sheltered Cove) was a natural harbour which, especially when the piers were added in the late 1880’s, provided shelter and good protection for the fishing fleet.
Duke of Perth or Pease Strae or Broun’s Reel
Book 1 – No. 8
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1–4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
5–8 1st couple, giving left hands, turn to face first corners.
9–16 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and partner with the left hand to finish facing first corners.
17–24 1st couple set to and turn corners to finish between them facing first corners.
25–30 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides. 1st couple pass first corners by the left to begin.
31–32 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over to second place on own sides.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
J. P. Boulogne: The Ball-Room or the Juvenile Pupil’s Assistant, Glasgow 1827.
Original tune: Duke of Perth’s Reel (Bremner, 1757)
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Dances for February 23 - Churchill Recreation Centre
Purdy Pink Shoes
32-bar jig for two couples in a three or four-couple longwise set
1–2 1st and 2nd couples set advancing to join right hands with partners, 1st woman and 2nd man joining left hands in balance-in-line formation.
3–4 1st and 2nd couples balance in line.
5–6 1st and 2nd couples turn partners with the right hand half way round.
7–8 1st man and 2nd woman turn with the left hand three quarters of the way round while 1st woman and 2nd man dance clockwise one quarter of the way round them to finish facing partners in a line across the dance.
9–16 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the dance. On bars 15-16, 1st woman and 2nd man, having briefly passed left shoulders on bar 14, curve towards the right to finish at the ends of a line of four up and down the middle of the dance. 1st man and 2nd woman complete the reel by briefly passing left shoulders with one another on bar 16 to face partners. All finish in a line up and down the middle of the dance facing partners, women facing up and men facing down.
17–24 2nd and 1st couples dance a reel of four up and down the middle of the set.
25–28 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and dance a petronella turn to own sides.
29–32 2nd and 1st couples turn partner with the right hand once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Elaine Hoag and dedicated to Ardbrae member, Deborah Connors, who dances in “purdy” hot pink shoes and brings so much energy and joy to her dancing.
Suitable recorded music (6 x 32 bars):
‘Purdy Pink Band Shoes’ by The Music Makars on Catch the Wind, Track 9
THE PLANTATION REEL
A 32-bar reel for 5 couples
1–4 First and third couples cross by the right and cast off one place, second and fourth couples stepping up.
5–8 First (third) couple lead down between fourth (fifth) couple and cast back up to second (fourth) place, still on wrong sides.
9–12 First and second couples, half rights and lefts; third and fourth couples, the same.
13–14 First and second couples dance a Petronella turn one place to the right around their square; third and fourth couples, the same.
15–16 Repeat bars 13–14; this brings you all back to where you were at the end of bar 8.
17–20 Right hand wheels: first man with second couple; first lady and third man with fourth couple; and third lady with fifth couple. All end on the sidelines.
21–24 Left hand wheels: first lady with second couple; first man and third lady with fourth couple; and third man with fifth couple. Again, end on the sidelines.
25–28 First and third couples cross by the right and cast off one place on your own side, fourth and fifth couples stepping up.
29–32 All turn partners once by the right hand.
Repeat with a new top couple.
The fifth time through, “birl as you will” on bars 29–32.
Tony Moretti, Auburn, N.H.
Dedicated to Andrew Rankine for his contributions to Scottish Country Dancing.
Suggested music: “The Plantation Reel” on Andrew Rankine’s record “Westering Home” (Emerald GES 1141) –a medley of folk tunes from the southern U.S.A., played in S.C.D. style!
The Pinewoods Collection of Scottish Country Dances, Vol. 2
32-bar jig for two couples in a three or four-couple longwise set
1–2 1st and 2nd couples set advancing to join right hands with partners, 1st woman and 2nd man joining left hands in balance-in-line formation.
3–4 1st and 2nd couples balance in line.
5–6 1st and 2nd couples turn partners with the right hand half way round.
7–8 1st man and 2nd woman turn with the left hand three quarters of the way round while 1st woman and 2nd man dance clockwise one quarter of the way round them to finish facing partners in a line across the dance.
9–16 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of four across the dance. On bars 15-16, 1st woman and 2nd man, having briefly passed left shoulders on bar 14, curve towards the right to finish at the ends of a line of four up and down the middle of the dance. 1st man and 2nd woman complete the reel by briefly passing left shoulders with one another on bar 16 to face partners. All finish in a line up and down the middle of the dance facing partners, women facing up and men facing down.
17–24 2nd and 1st couples dance a reel of four up and down the middle of the set.
25–28 2nd and 1st couples set to partners and dance a petronella turn to own sides.
29–32 2nd and 1st couples turn partner with the right hand once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Elaine Hoag and dedicated to Ardbrae member, Deborah Connors, who dances in “purdy” hot pink shoes and brings so much energy and joy to her dancing.
Suitable recorded music (6 x 32 bars):
‘Purdy Pink Band Shoes’ by The Music Makars on Catch the Wind, Track 9
THE PLANTATION REEL
A 32-bar reel for 5 couples
1–4 First and third couples cross by the right and cast off one place, second and fourth couples stepping up.
5–8 First (third) couple lead down between fourth (fifth) couple and cast back up to second (fourth) place, still on wrong sides.
9–12 First and second couples, half rights and lefts; third and fourth couples, the same.
13–14 First and second couples dance a Petronella turn one place to the right around their square; third and fourth couples, the same.
15–16 Repeat bars 13–14; this brings you all back to where you were at the end of bar 8.
17–20 Right hand wheels: first man with second couple; first lady and third man with fourth couple; and third lady with fifth couple. All end on the sidelines.
21–24 Left hand wheels: first lady with second couple; first man and third lady with fourth couple; and third man with fifth couple. Again, end on the sidelines.
25–28 First and third couples cross by the right and cast off one place on your own side, fourth and fifth couples stepping up.
29–32 All turn partners once by the right hand.
Repeat with a new top couple.
The fifth time through, “birl as you will” on bars 29–32.
Tony Moretti, Auburn, N.H.
Dedicated to Andrew Rankine for his contributions to Scottish Country Dancing.
Suggested music: “The Plantation Reel” on Andrew Rankine’s record “Westering Home” (Emerald GES 1141) –a medley of folk tunes from the southern U.S.A., played in S.C.D. style!
The Pinewoods Collection of Scottish Country Dances, Vol. 2
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Dances for February 9, 2015
SAM’S BUTTER CHURN
Devised by Claude Hutton in February, 2013 to once more honour The Sam Waller Museum in The Pas, Manitoba and danced for the first time at their second annual fund raising gala on St. Patrick's Day, 2013.
32 bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set
1-4 1W and 2M set and giving RH change places, while 1M & 2W giving RH change places and set.
5-8 Repeat bars 1-4 to original places.
9-12 2s, followed by 1s, lead down for two bars, then dance RH across half-way.
13-14 2s, followed by 1s, taking nearer hands, dance up and out to the sidelines, 2s at the top finish facing out and 1s in 2nd place finish facing up, all on opposite sides.
15-16 2W, on the men’s side, pulls back LSh and turns 1W LH right round to end facing in on the sidelines with nearer hands joined. At the same time, 2M, on the women’s side, pulls back RSh and turns 1M RH right round to finish facing in on the sidelines with nearer hands joined.
17-18 With nearer hands joined, 2s & 1s set.
19-24 2s & 1s dance La Baratte.
25-32 2s & 1s dance rights and lefts.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
La Baratte (6.18)
‘La Baratte’ is described during bars 3-8, however, it is usually preceded by setting on bars 1-2 of the eight bar phrase.
6 setting steps in 6 bars in quick time or strathspey tempo
Bars 1-2: Each man, giving right hands, turns the woman opposite him halfway round. They retain hands, but dance sufficiently past each other to stretch their arms almost to the full extent.
Bar 3-4: Each dancer returns on the line along which he, or she, has just travelled. During bar 3, the woman dances under the man’s right arm, (pulling back by the right) so that she has her back towards him. The man is now directly behind the woman and he extends his arms sideways with his hands, palms upward, just above her shoulder height. The woman puts her left hand under the man’s left hand curling her fingers over his so that both handholds are symmetrical. Releasing right hands, the woman dances under the man’s left arm, again pulling back by the right. The dancers’ retain left hands.
Bars 5-6: Dance a half turn out to opposite sides.
Baratte is the French word for churn, as in butter churn. It can be danced by one or more couples.
DOWN CORKERY ROAD
48-bar jig for three couples in a three-couple longwise set by Craig Williams
1–8 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.
9–16 1st couple set to first corners and dance la baratte.
17–20 2nd man, followed by 1st man dances up behind 2nd woman and down the middle while 3rd woman, followed by 1st woman dances down behind 3rd man and up the middle.
21–24 1st couple and first corners dance left hands across to finish with 1st couple in second place on own sides and first corners having changed places (i.e. 2nd man in 3rd woman’s place and 3rd woman in 1st man’s place).
25–32 1st couple set to second corners and dance la baratte, beginning with a left hand turn..
33–36 3rd man, followed by 1st man dances down behind 2nd man (in third place) and up the middle while 2nd woman, followed by 1st woman, dances up behind 3rd woman (in first place) and down the middle.
37–40 1st couple and second corners dance right hands across to finish with 1st couple in second place on own sides and second corners having changed places (i.e. 3rd man in 1st woman’s place and 2nd woman in 3rd man’s place).
41–44 Half reels of three across the dance, 1st man up, passing 3rd man by the right and 1st woman down, passing 2nd woman by the right to begin.
45–48 1st couple turn partner with the right hand one and a half times to finish in second place on own sides.
Repeat from new positions.
Devised by Claude Hutton in February, 2013 to once more honour The Sam Waller Museum in The Pas, Manitoba and danced for the first time at their second annual fund raising gala on St. Patrick's Day, 2013.
32 bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set
1-4 1W and 2M set and giving RH change places, while 1M & 2W giving RH change places and set.
5-8 Repeat bars 1-4 to original places.
9-12 2s, followed by 1s, lead down for two bars, then dance RH across half-way.
13-14 2s, followed by 1s, taking nearer hands, dance up and out to the sidelines, 2s at the top finish facing out and 1s in 2nd place finish facing up, all on opposite sides.
15-16 2W, on the men’s side, pulls back LSh and turns 1W LH right round to end facing in on the sidelines with nearer hands joined. At the same time, 2M, on the women’s side, pulls back RSh and turns 1M RH right round to finish facing in on the sidelines with nearer hands joined.
17-18 With nearer hands joined, 2s & 1s set.
19-24 2s & 1s dance La Baratte.
25-32 2s & 1s dance rights and lefts.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
La Baratte (6.18)
‘La Baratte’ is described during bars 3-8, however, it is usually preceded by setting on bars 1-2 of the eight bar phrase.
6 setting steps in 6 bars in quick time or strathspey tempo
Bars 1-2: Each man, giving right hands, turns the woman opposite him halfway round. They retain hands, but dance sufficiently past each other to stretch their arms almost to the full extent.
Bar 3-4: Each dancer returns on the line along which he, or she, has just travelled. During bar 3, the woman dances under the man’s right arm, (pulling back by the right) so that she has her back towards him. The man is now directly behind the woman and he extends his arms sideways with his hands, palms upward, just above her shoulder height. The woman puts her left hand under the man’s left hand curling her fingers over his so that both handholds are symmetrical. Releasing right hands, the woman dances under the man’s left arm, again pulling back by the right. The dancers’ retain left hands.
Bars 5-6: Dance a half turn out to opposite sides.
Baratte is the French word for churn, as in butter churn. It can be danced by one or more couples.
DOWN CORKERY ROAD
48-bar jig for three couples in a three-couple longwise set by Craig Williams
1–8 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.
9–16 1st couple set to first corners and dance la baratte.
17–20 2nd man, followed by 1st man dances up behind 2nd woman and down the middle while 3rd woman, followed by 1st woman dances down behind 3rd man and up the middle.
21–24 1st couple and first corners dance left hands across to finish with 1st couple in second place on own sides and first corners having changed places (i.e. 2nd man in 3rd woman’s place and 3rd woman in 1st man’s place).
25–32 1st couple set to second corners and dance la baratte, beginning with a left hand turn..
33–36 3rd man, followed by 1st man dances down behind 2nd man (in third place) and up the middle while 2nd woman, followed by 1st woman, dances up behind 3rd woman (in first place) and down the middle.
37–40 1st couple and second corners dance right hands across to finish with 1st couple in second place on own sides and second corners having changed places (i.e. 3rd man in 1st woman’s place and 2nd woman in 3rd man’s place).
41–44 Half reels of three across the dance, 1st man up, passing 3rd man by the right and 1st woman down, passing 2nd woman by the right to begin.
45–48 1st couple turn partner with the right hand one and a half times to finish in second place on own sides.
Repeat from new positions.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Dances for February 1, 2015 - Ball Walkthrough
Domino Five
RSCDS Second Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances32-bar reel for five dancers in a square formation.
Four dancers numbered 1 to 4 clockwise each stand at one corner of a square facing a fifth dancer who is in the middle facing up towards dancers 1 and 4.
1–4 Dancers 5, 1 and 2 dance right hands across once round.
5–8 Dancers 5, 3 and 4 dance left hands across once round.
9–16 Dancers 5, 1 and 3 dance a diagonal reel of three, dancers 5 and 1 pass by the right to start. Dancer 5 finishes back in place facing dancer 4.
17–24 Dancers 5, 4 and 2 dance a diagonal reel of three, dancers 5 and 4 pass by the left to start. Dancer 5 finishes back in place facing dancer 1.
25–26 Dancers 5 and 1 change places, passing by the right.
27–28 Dancers 1 and 4 change places, passing by the right.
29–30 Dancers 4 and 3 change places, passing by the right.
31–32 Dancers 3 and 2 change places, passing by the right. Dancer 2 finishes in the middle facing up.
Repeat four times, each time from new positions.
In bars 25-32 the track from one corner to the next should be a smooth curve.
Devised by Derek Haynes.
First published in The Fourth Carnforth Collection. ©Maureen Haynes, printed with permission.
Pelorus Jack (Jig)
RSCDS Book 41 – No. 1
1–4 1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 – 4.
5–8 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across to finish with 1st man facing his first corner and his partner behind him ready for a tandem reel.
9–12 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with first corners as follows: 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulder with 3rd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd man to finish facing 1st man’s second corner (2nd woman).
13–16 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with second corners as follows: 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulder with 3rd man to finish facing 1st woman’s first corner position (3rd woman).
17–20 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with first corners as follows: 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulders with 3rd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd man to finish facing the 1st woman’s second corner position (2nd woman).
21–24 1st couple, in tandem, dance a half reel with second corners as follows: 1st woman, followed by her partner, passes right shoulder with 2nd woman then 1st couple each turn about by the right in corner position to change direction. 1st man, followed by his partner, passes right shoulder with 3rd man to finish in the middle of the set facing the women’s side.
25–32 2nd and 1st couples dance left hands across. 1st couple, retaining left hands, dance a half turn to finish in second place on their own side. 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, joining nearer hands, set.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Pelorus Jack (named after Pelorus Sound in Marlborough) was a famous dolphin who piloted ships through Cook Strait for some 24 years (from 1888 to 1912). Although protected by an Act of Parliament in 1904, the dolphin disappeared after four Norwegian whaling ships passed through the Strait.
Devised by Barry Skelton, New Zealand, 1993.
Tune: Christian Catto (Copyright Deeay Music).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
9–24 In each half reel the leading dancer dances beyond the corner position in order to loop together.
THE FALKIRK LASS
THREE COUPLES 8 x 32 STRATHSPEY
The Merse Collection [Elaine Brunken]
****************************************
1-4 1st couple turn by the right hand, and cast off one place. (2nd couple step up on 3 and 4).
5-8 1st couple cross by the left hand, 1st lady cast down around 3rd man, to finish between 3rd couple as 1st man casts up around 2nd woman, to finish between 2nd couple (all face up or down).
9-12 All advance for one step, retire for one step and change places by the right hand, up and down the dance.
13-16 All advance for one step, retire for one step, 2nd and 3rd couples change places by the right hand, up and down the dance while the 1st couple turns ¾ by the right hand to face 1st corners.
17-20 1st corners pass and turn: 1st couple dance around 1st corners by the right shoulder, dance in through the ends and pass each other by the right shoulder, up and down the dance to face 2nd corners, while corners dance in (1 bar), turn with two hands (1 bar), and dance out to place (2 bars).
21-24 2nd corners pass and turn, 1st couple pass right shoulders to finish to finish in 2nd place on their own sides.
25-32 All three couples circle round to the left and back to the right.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
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.
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.
Neidpath Castle
RSCDS Book 22 – No. 9
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set
1–2 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set to partners.
3–6 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples, giving both hands, turn twice round.
7–8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set to partners.
9–16 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance a grand chain.
17–24 1st couple dance figures of eight on own sides, dancing in and down to begin and giving nearer hands when possible. 1st couple finish in the middle and, on bar 24, 2nd couple dance in to form a diagonal line with 1st couple, 1st woman and 2nd man back to back.
25–28 1st and 2nd couples dance a half poussette, 2nd couple finishing in top place while 1st couple turn in the middle. On bar 28, 3rd couple dance in to form a diagonal line with 1st couple, 1st woman and 3rd man back to back.
29–32 1st and 3rd couples dance a half poussette to finish in the order 2, 3, 1.
Repeat with a new top couple.
Devised by Derek Haynes, Liverpool Branch.
Original tune: Dr and Mrs Green (K Macaulay-Jones)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
25–28 Slow turn for 1st cpl on bars 27-28.
The Deil amang the Tailors
RSCDS 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)
John McAlpin
RSCDS Three Dances by Hugh Foss
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
1–2 1st couple advance one step, take right hands briefly and retire one step.
3–4 1st couple, giving left hands, cross over.
5–6 1st couple lead down to second place in the middle of the set. 2nd couple step up.
7–8 1st couple turn with the left hand to finish facing first corners.
9–16 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hands to partner, cross to second place on own side of the dance.
17–18 2nd, 1st and 3rd women set.
19–20 2nd, 1st and 3rd women advance while 2nd, 1st and 3rd men set.
21–24 2nd, 1st and 3rd women retire and set, while 2nd, 1st and 3rd men advance and retire.
25–26 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving right hands, cross over to finish ready to form a circle.
27–28 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round to the left half way.
29–32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, giving left hands, cross over to form a circle and dance six hands round to the right.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Originally published in The Galloway Album
Original tune: John McAlpin (Traditional)
CATCH THE WIND
RSCDS Book 45. No. 5
(Hornpipe)
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 twice. On bars 11-12, 1st woman pulls back right shoulder to finish facing out.
13–16 1st woman casts up round 2nd man and dances down to finish between 3rd couple facing 3rd man while 1st man dances across the set and casts up round 2nd man to finish between 2nd couple facing 2nd man.
17–24 1st man dances a reel of three with 2nd couple passing 2nd man by the right shoulder to begin while 1st woman dances a reel of three with 3rd couple passing 3rd man by the right shoulder to begin.
25–28 1st woman casts up round 3rd man and dances across the set to finish in second place on own side while 1st man dances down the middle and casts up round 3rd man to finish in second place on own side.
29–32 1st couple turn with the right hand once round.
Repeat, having passed a couple.
Devised by Romaine Butterfield, RSCDS New Zealand Branch and originally published by that branch in Island Bay Collection (1983). The dance was devised for Noeline O’Connor and Iain Boyd and the name refers to the fact that Iain courted Noeline for some time.
Tune: The Navvie, Traditional
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TACNotes:’
Bars 25-28 1st woman must lengthen her steps to reach 2nd place, own side, pulling back R shoulder to flow into bar 29.
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.
Kate Hughes’ Dancing Book (MS), Dundalk 1867.
Original tune: Flowers of Edinburgh (Traditional)
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