Dances for May 8, 2017

Video: Linnea's Strathspey
Video: Linnea's Strathspey

Linnea’s Strathspey
RSCDS Book 47
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

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

5 – 8        1st couple cross over, passing each other by the left, and dance round first corners by the right. 1st couple finish back to back facing first corners.

9 – 14    1st couple set to corners and partner to face each other up and down the set.

15 – 16    1st couple, passing by the right, finish in second place on own sides facing out.

17 – 24    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance a chain progression for three couples.

        17 – 18      2nd and 3rd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn three quarters round. At the same time, 1st couple dance clockwise one quarter round.  (Fig. 1)

        19 – 22      2nd man and 3rd woman, giving left hands, turn one and a half times. At the same time, 1st man and 2nd woman, and 3rd man, with 1st woman on his left, taking promenade hold, dance clockwise halfway round.  (Fig. 2)   

        23 – 24      3rd and 2nd couples, giving right hands to partners, turn three quarters round and remain in the middle of the set, facing up. At the same time, 1st couple dance clockwise one quarter round the set to second place, in the middle, facing up.

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

        Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Tim Wilson, San Francisco Branch.

For Linnea Johnson, a valued member of the Branch class held in San Francisco, on her birthday. With thanks to Tom Winter for suggesting that all three couples dance the chain progression.




Sorry, no video


Keep It Going

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

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

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

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

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

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

        Repeat, having passed a couple.


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