Dances for July 22, 2026

July 18, 20264x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2026Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Summer Class

Last class for the Summer of 2026

Whigmaleeries
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
RSCDS Imperial Book of Scottish Country Dances, Vol. 1-3

1 – 4 1st couple set advancing and turn right about on the spot.

5 – 8 1st couple slip down the middle to below 3rd couple and cast up to second place on own sides. 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8.

9 – 12 2nd couple and 1st woman, 1st man and 3rd couple dance right hands across once round to finish 1st couple left shoulder to left shoulder in the middle of the set.

13 – 16 1st couple dance out and cast to the left around second corners to meet in the middle of the set and, taking promenade hold, face the women’s side.

17 – 20 1st couple with 3rd couple dance a half reel of three across the set. To begin, 1st couple pass 3rd woman by the right and finish in the middle of the set facing up.

21 – 24 1st man with 2nd man and 3rd woman, 1st woman with 2nd woman and 3rd man dance half reels of three on sides, 1st couple dancing out and up to begin. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set, facing the men’s side in promenade hold, 1st woman on partner’s left.

25 – 28 1st couple with 3rd couple dance a half reel of three across the set at first place. To begin, 1st couple pass 3rd woman by the right and finish in the middle of the set facing down.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd men, 3rd, 1st and 2nd women dance half reels of three on own sides, 1st couple dance out and down to begin and curve in to finish in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Derek Ivory.
Whigmaleerie —a whim, fanciful notion, fad
Scottish National Dictionary Association Ltd, Concise Scots Dictionary, 1985

No Video

Miss Irene Whyte’s Strathspey
Leslie Broughton, Diamond Jubilee Coll. (Inverness)
Tune Miss Irene Whyte’s Strathspey
8 x 32 bar strathspey

A strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set
Bars

1 – 4 1st couple giving right hands, turn once round and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4.

5 – 8 1st couple giving left hands, turn to face first corners.

9 – 12 1st couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with first corners and finish in the centre of the set, left shoulder to left shoulder, 1st man facing up and 1st woman facing down.

13 -16 1st man with 2nd couple, who are on the women’s side, and 1st woman with 3rd couple, who are on the men’s side, dance right hands across once round. 1st couple finish facing second corners.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with second corners. 1st couple finish in the centre of the set, left shoulder to left shoulder, facing their own side of the dance.

21 – 24 1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance right hands across once round. 1st couple finish facing out in second place on their own side of the dance.

25 – 30 1st couple cast behind their partner’s first corner position, 1st man passing through the centre of first place, 1st woman passing through the centre of third place and giving right hands 1st couple change places up and down the set and cast to the right to finish in second place on own sides. Meanwhile 3rd and 2nd couples cross giving right hands, set to partners across the dance and then 3rd and 2nd men, also 3rd and 2nd women, giving right hands, change places on the sidelines.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Leslie Broughton, 1998.

Leslie devised this dance in appreciation of the many years that Irene has served the Branch as Teacher, Chairman and Hon. Secretary.

No Video

Madawaska Jig
Craig Williams
A 32 bar jig for 4 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set. Giving right hands, cross down below 2nd couple. 1st woman cast up while 1st man casts down. 1st couple turn with the right hand to finish between 2nd couple, 1st man facing 2nd woman, 1st woman facing 2nd man

9 – 24 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th couple dance the spurtle:
(A series of three modified half reels of four danced across the set)
9 1st woman and 2nd man, and 1st man and 2nd woman dancing to the left on a curve pass right shoulders.
10 2nd couple pass left shoulder while 1st couple dance out and round the loop by the right to face in.
11 – 12 1st couple, continuing on this curve, give right hand and turn each other to finish in the middle of the set, 1st woman facing 3rd man, 1st man facing 3rd woman. Meanwhile, 2nd couple dance up to first place on the opposite side, the woman pulling back her right shoulder and the man his left shoulder to finish.
13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples dance a half reel of four as above, 3rd couple finishing in second place on the opposite side and 1st couple facing 4th couple across the dance.
17 – 20 1st and 4th couples dance a half reel of four as above, 4th couple finishing in third place on the opposite side and 1st couple in fourth place on the opposite side.
21 – 24 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 1st couples set to partners and, giving right hands, cross to own sides.

25-32 All circle eight hands round and back

Craig Williams
February 2025

Video: The Gates of Edinburgh

The Gates of Edinburgh
RSCDS Book 15
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 16 1st couple, with 2nd and 3rd couples, dance reels of three on opposite sides of the set and then on own sides. 2nd and 3rd couples remain on own sides throughout. All give nearer hands to partner when possible. 1st woman finishes between 2nd couple, who dance up to first place, all facing down and 1st man between 3rd couple, all facing up. (Fig.)

17 – 20 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set twice.

21 – 24 2nd and 3rd couples, giving both hands to the dancer opposite, turn once round while 1st couple, giving both hands, turn one and a quarter times to finish in second place on own sides.

25 – 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set twice and, giving right hands, turn partners once round.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

David Rutherford: Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both old and new …Vol 1, London c. 1755.
Original tune: The Gates of Edinburgh (Rutherford, c. 1755)

Dances for July 15, 2026

July 12, 20263x40 Reel, 4x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x48 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2026Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

Rick’s Farewell to Saskatoon
Castle Glen Archives
A 40 bar reel for 3 couples in a 3 couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple set and cross giving right hands and remain facing out.

5 – 8 1st, 2nd & 3rd couples dance a half mirror reels of three on the sides, 1st man & 2nd woman pass right shoulder, 1st woman & 2nd man pass left shoulder to, 3rd couple dance out and up. 1st couple stay facing out at the end of the half reel.

9 – 10 1st couple cast up to 2nd place, while 2nd couple dance down to 3rd place.

11 – 16 1st couple, giving right hands, cross up, cast off one place and dance in to face 1st corner position.

17 – 24 1st couple with the dancers in 1st corner position dance set and spring point, turn with the right hand. 1st couple pass each other by the right shoulder to finish facing 2nd corner position.

25 – 32 1st couple with the dancers in 2nd corner position dance set and spring point, turn with the right hand, 1st couple passing each other by the right shoulder to finish in 2nd place on their own sides.

32 – 40 All Circle six hands round and back. Finish in order 3, 1, 2

Repeat from new positions.

This dance was devised to mark the leaving of Rick Forsyth and family from Saskatoon. Originally published in 75th Anniversary Dances by the RSCDS Saskatchewan Branch

Craig Williams
1998

No Video

The Theekit Hoose
RSCDS Book 15
48-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-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 2nd couple repeat bars 1-8. 1st couple step up on bars 15-16.

17 – 20 1st and 2nd men dance between 1st and 2nd women, cast round partners and return to places.

21 – 24 1st and 2nd women repeat bars 17-20.

25 – 32 1st couple and 2nd woman dance a reel of three diagonally across the set. To begin, 1st couple pass by the right and 2nd woman dances up and passes 1st man by the left.

33 – 40 1st couple and 2nd man dance a reel of three diagonally across the set. To begin, 1st couple pass by the left and 2nd man dances up and passes 1st woman by the right.

41 – 44 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and, giving right hands, cross over.

45 – 48 1st and 2nd couples dance half rights and lefts.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Thompson’s Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances c. 1755 as The Thatch’d House.
Original tune: McVicar’s Strathspey (Gow)

TACNotes:
The Theeket Hoose
[as me kit, as loose]
25 – 32 Reel starts with 1st man & 2nd woman dancing up & in, as 1 st woman dances through middle, Right shoulder to partner.
33 – 40 2nd man & 1st woman dance up & in to start reel as 1st man dances through middle, Left shoulder to partner.
43 – 44 Give Right Hand in crossing.

No Video

Kaleidoscope
A 32 bar jig for 4 couples in a longwise set
Jayne Williams, November 2025

1 – 8 All 4 couples chase clockwise back to places

9 – 16 All 4 couples dance down the middle, change sides with women dancing under raised arms and mend dancing below. All 4 couples dance up to places on opposite sides

17 – 22 1st woman & 4th man lead a snake pass. Always passing the other dancers by the right
1st woman, followed by 1st man, 2nd man & 2nd woman, dance down to 2nd man’s place, diagonally cross to 3rd woman’s place, passing 4th man by the right, down to 4th woman’s place, across to 4th man’s place, up to 3rd man’s place and across to 3rd woman’s place.
4th man, followed by 4th woman, 3rd woman & 3rd man, dance up to 3rd woman’s place, diagonally cross to 2nd man’s place, passing 1st woman by the right, up to 1st man’s place across to 1st woman’s place down to 2nd woman’s place and across to 2nd man’s place.
Finish in order: 3, 4, 1, 2

23 – 24 All set on the sides

25 – 28 4th & 1st couples, 1/2 Rights & Lefts

29 – 32 4th & 1st couples, set & cross over giving right hands

Video: For Old Times’ Sake

For Old Times’ Sake
Mrs M Linklater Shirras, The Diamond Jubilee Collection (Inverness)
Tune: The Linklater Reel
8 x 32 bar reel

A reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple giving right hands, cross over and cast off to 2 place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4. Joining hands on the sidelines 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set twice.

9 – 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sidelines. 1st couple begin by giving right shoulder to the person on their right.

17 – 24 1st couple giving left hands, cross over to own sides. 1st woman casts up behind 2nd woman to finish in the middle between 2nd couple, all three facing down. While 1st man casts down behind 3rd man to finish in the middle between 3rd couple, all three facing up. Joining hands all three couples set twice.

25 – 32 Reels of three across the set, 1st couple begin by giving left shoulders to the person on their left finishing in second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Mrs M Linklater Shirras

“Link” as she was affectionately known was very active in the Branch over the years as a dancer and in her roles as Treasurer 1967 – 1973, Secretary and Treasurer 1973 – 1983 and Secretary 1983 – 1988.

Dances for July 8, 2026

July 4, 20263x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, 8x40 Jig, Summer, Summer 2026, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

At Long Last
Ward Fleri, Salute to San Diego
40 bar flirtatious jig for 3 couples in a 4-couple set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples advance and retire

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples turn partner by the right hand halfway and join hands to dance right hands across halfway, finishing on the sides of the set

9 – 16 1st couple advance and retire, then turn by the left hand one and a quarter times to face first corners

17 – 20 1st couple dance half diagonal reel of four with first corners, 1st couple pull back right shoulder on bar 20 to finish back to back facing partner’s second corners

21 – 24 1st couple and second corners repeat bars 17-20

25 – 28 1s couple and first corners repeat bars 17-20

29 – 32 1st couple and second corners repeat bars 17-20, except 1st couple approach each other on bar 32 to finish in the center of the set, facing down in allemande hold (woman is on her partner’s right side)

33 – 36 1st couple dance down the middle in allemande hold for three steps, and turn about on the fourth step, maintaining allemande hold (as in the Gay Gordon’s)

37 – 40 1st couple dance up for two steps and then cross into second place on their own sides, the man leading his partner across him as she curves into place

Repeat from new positions

Devisor’s Note: In bars 17-32, 1st couple should take every opportunity to flirt during the ‘snub’ turns, and maintain eye contact on bars 38-40

Suggested music: “Merrily Danced the Quaker’s Wife” Scottish Dance Masters Vol 1, by Ron Gonnella and Andrew Rankine

Devised by Ward Fleri

Dedicated to John Thoburn (a Quaker) and Tina Mello on the occasion of their wedding, May 30, 1993

No Video

Diamond of the Water
A 3 couple strathspey for a 3 couple set
Jayne Irwin, July 2024

1 – 4 All 3 couples turn with both hands once round and set.

5 – 8 All 3 couples dance in and take nearer hands, facing up.
1st couple casts off to 3rd place.
2nd couple dance up and cast of to original places.
3rd couple dance and cast into 1st place.
On bar 8 all three couples dance in to take promenade hold.

9 – 16 3rd, 2nd & 1st couples dance a 3 couple promenade, 3rd couple casts of to 2nd place and 2nd couple dance to the top on the last two bars.

17 – 18 2nd, 3rd & 1st couple turn once round with both hands
19 – 20 All advance for one step & retire one step
21 – 24 All dance back to back

25 – 32 All circle to the left and back

Repeat from new positions

Our canoe, gliding gently in the reflective water and watching the fish below swishing to and fro.

Video: My Mother’s Coming In

My Mother’s Coming In
RSCDS Book 15
32-bar reel for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three on own sides. 1st and 2nd men, 1st and 2nd women pass by the right to begin.

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

13 – 16 1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.

17 – 20 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples advance and retire.

21 – 24 2nd and 3rd couples, giving both hands to partners, turn once round. At the same time, 1st couple, giving both hands, turn one and a half times to finish back to back in the middle of the set facing own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for 1813, published by Button and Whitaker, 1813.
Original tune: Dalkeith House (James MacDonald from Gow)

RSCDS Manual
My Mother’s Coming In
Bars 21 – 24
It is acceptable for 1st couple to dance a half turn to finish back to back ready to dance double triangles. During bars 23‐24, 1st couple release the hand nearer the top of the set and turn back to back.

TAC Notes
My Mother’s Coming in
1 – 8 R shoulder reels.
21 – 24 1st cpl advance (bar 21), half turn (bars 22-23), then 1st man releases LH & aids partner to finish back to back (bar 24).

No Video

The Lucky Bucket
Lindsay Clarke, May 2025
32 bar reel for 3C in a 4C set

1 – 8 1st couple dance down the middle for 4 bars with nearer hands joined, on bars 5-6 1st woman dances under their raised arms and in front of her partner (as he dances below her) to switch places and face up, on bars 7-8 they dance up to 2nd place on opposite sides.(2nd couple step up on 3-4)

9 – 20 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance rights and lefts for three couples.

21 – 24 1st couple dance half a figure eight, 1st woman around 3rd couple, 1st man around 2nd couple to second place own side.

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

Dances for June 24, 2026

June 21, 20263x32 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2026Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

Madawaska Strathspey
A 32 bar strathspey for 3 couples in a 4 couple set
Craig Williams, March 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance a ½ figure of eight on their own sides. Begin by dancing in and down. Take nearer hands when they meet between the 3rd couple, dance up to the top and cast off to 2nd place on own sides, 2nd couple stepping up on bars 7 & 8

9 – 16 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance a 3 couple Espagnole.
9 – 10 2nd man & 3rd woman cross to opposite sides. 2nd & 1st women giving right hands, cross to opposite sides, 1st woman passing in front of 2nd woman. 1st & 3rd men giving right hands, cross to opposite sides, 1st man passing in front of 3rd man
11 – 12 Repeat bars 9-10 from new positions
13 – 14 Repeat bars 9-10 from new positions. The dancers should finish on opposite sides in order (3, 1, 2) across from their partners
15 – 16 All ½ turn partners with the right hand, finishing ready for allemande.

17 – 24 3rd, 1st & 2nd couples dance a allemande.

25 – 32 Circle 6 hands round & back.

No Video

Waterlily Ballet
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 3 couple set
Jayne Irwin, May 2024

1 – 8 1st couple dance a figure of eight around the 2nd & 3rd couples on the sides. 1st couple begin by dancing out & down.

9 – 16 1st, 2nd & 3rd couples dance a mirror reel of three on the sides. Right shoulder on the women;s side, left shoulder on the men’s side. 1st couple dance out & down, 2nd couple in and up, 3rd couple out & up

17 – 20 1st man with 2nd man turn 1 ½ times with the left hand. 1st woman with 2nd woman turn 1 ½ times with the right hand

21 – 24 1st man with 3rd man turn once round with the right hand. 1st woman with 3rd woman turn once round with the left hand

25 – 32 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance a 3 couple knot

Another Costco inspired dance. While watching the graceful ballet of parallel twirling of forklifts parting their separate ways at the top of the set. I’m always amazed they don’t crash. The same as waterlilies.

No Video

Don’t Make Me Stop, I’ll Get Lost
Rhonda Raye, RSCDS Atlanta Branch Celebrating 40 Years of Dancing Memories
32-bar reel for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple crosses down as 2nd couple steps up (no hand given).

3 – 4 1st couple turns 2nd couple three-quarter way round by left hand women’s side and right hand on the men’s side. All finish in a line across facing down, 1st man with his partner on his right.

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples in line dance down the middle for 4 bars and on bar 7 1st couple takes the lead with 2nd couple behind still facing down.

9 – 12 2nd couple followed by 1st couple dance up to finish 2nd couple in first place on own sides and 1st couple in second place on opposite sides.

13 – 20 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies chain.

21 – 24 1st couple dance a half turn and twirl while the 2nd and 3rd couples change places on the side and then set for one bar to that person just passed and then set for one bar across the set to partner finishing 3, 1, 2.

25 – 32 All three couples circle six hands round and back.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Note: The figures “down the middle and up” and “ladies chain” fall across phrases.

Devised by Rhonda Raye in memory of Jane Thomaston, known as “Grandma Jane” to many of her dancing friends.

Video: Campbell’s Frolic

Campbell’s Frolic
RSCDS Book 15
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples set.
3 – 6 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round.
7 – 8 1st couple cast off one place and 2nd couple dance up to first place.

9 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 1-8 with 3rd couple, dancing left hands across on bars 11-14.

17 – 24 1st couple set, lead up to the top and cast off one place. 3rd couple step down on bars 19-20.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

David Rutherford: Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated
Country Dances both old and new …Vol 1, London, c. 1755.
Original tune: Campbell’s Frolic (Rutherford)
Music: Eileen Watts Reel by Luke Brady.

Dances for June 17, 2026

June 14, 20268x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2026Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Summer Class

No Video

The Accordion Player
Pam Stephens, Between the Rivers
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples

1 – 4 All three couples advance and retire.

5 – 8 1st couple dance in towards each other and cast off one place, as 2nd couple step up.

9 – 12 All three couples advance and retire.

13 – 16 1st couple turn 2nd corner with left hands once round, finishing back to back in the center facing the opposite side.

17 – 24 Dance inverting double triangles, 1st couple finishing facing 1st corners.

25 – 32 1st couple dance corners pass and turn with 1st corner; repeat with 2nd comer, finishing in second place on own sides.

Repeat from second place.

Devised by Pam Stephens.

Devisor’s note: Dedicated to Liz Donaldson, great musician and piano player, who impressed us all when she also took up the accordion!

Video: I’ll Gang Nea Mair Tae Yon Toon

I’ll Gang Nea Mair Tae Yon Toon
RSCDS Book 15
40-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1-8 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back.
9 – 16 1st couple lead down the middle for three steps, lead up to the top of the set and turn with the right hand once round to finish in original places.

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

25 – 28 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples set and, giving right hands, cross over.

29 – 32 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples repeat bars 25-28 back to places.

33 – 36 1st and 2nd couples set twice and, on the second setting, advance to form a diagonal line, 1st woman and 2nd man back to back. 1st and 2nd couples join both hands with partner.

37 – 40 1st and 2nd couples dance a half poussette.

Repeat, having passed a couple.
T Wilson: Analysis of the London Ballroom, 1825.
Original tune: Mr Patrick Duff Junior’s Strathspey (D Grant)

I’ll gang nae mair tae yon town,
O, never a’ my life again;
I’ll ne’er gae back tae yon town
To seek anither wife again.

These are the old words to a tune which appeared in Robert Bremner’s Scots Reels (1757), iin James Oswald’s Caledonian Pocket Companion (1759), and in James Aird’s First Book (circa 1784).

Robert Burns used this widely-known song as the basis for two poems and both were published in James Johnson’s The Scots Musical Museum, Volume 5.

The first, “I’ll Ay Ca’ in by Yon Town”, was written by Burns for his wife, Jean Armour (1767–1834), whom he at long last married in 1788.

In regard to the second, “O Wat Ye Wha’s in Yon Town”, Stenhouse said: “Both of the songs were composed in honour of ‘His Jean’, afterwards Mrs Burns.” This is not entirely true for the second song was written for Jean Lorimer, a friend of Burns for nearly all of his life and whom Burns called “Chloris”. Described by the poet as “one of the finest women in Scotland”, he wrote at least twenty-four songs in her honour. Typical of Burns, he changed the name “Jean”, which occurs several times in the song, to “Lucy” and sent a copy of “O Wat Ye Wha’s in Yon Town” to Lucy Johnstone Oswald, a distinguished amateur composer, a celebrated beauty and Burns’ “imcomparable woman” who was married to Richard Oswald of Auchincruive.

No Video

Blue Moon Rendezvous
32 bar jig for 3 couples

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

5-8 1st couple set and turn three quarters round, giving left hands and end in the center, 1st man facing up, 1st woman facing down. Meanwhile, 2nd and 3rd couples turn once round, giving left hands and end facing out on own sides.

9-16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance left shoulder reels of three on own sides. 1st man passes left shoulder with 2nd man and 1st woman passes left shoulder with 3rd woman to begin. 1st couple finish the reel by dancing towards each other through 2nd place, pulling back right shoulder to end back to back in the center facing own sides. 2nd and 3rd couples dance long loops at end of reels.

17-22 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six bars of double triangles.

23-24 1st couple, with two pas de basques and staying back to back, dance three quarters round to the right, to end 1st man facing up and 1st woman facing down. 2nd and 3rd couples continue setting.

25–28 1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple circle once round to the left (8 slip steps). 1st couple release right hands on 6th step and open out to finish in 2nd place own side. 2nd and 3rd couples retain hands with partners.

29-32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples circle once round to the left.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

This dance was devised by Fred DeMarse for Linda Henderson, originally from North Berwick, Scotland and currently of Alamo, California on the occasion of her first Scottish Country Dance workshop teaching engagement in Truckee, California on June 30th, 2007, which coincided with an occurrence of a Blue Moon.

Video: Campbell’s Frolic

Campbell’s Frolic
Book 15 – No. 3
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples set.
3 – 6 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round.
7 – 8 1st couple cast off one place and 2nd couple dance up to first place.

9 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 1-8 with 3rd couple, dancing left hands across on bars 11-14.

17 – 24 1st couple set, lead up to the top and cast off one place. 3rd couple step down on bars 19-20.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Dances for June 10, 2026

June 7, 20263x32 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer, Summer 2026Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: Kirsten’s Jig

Kirsten’s Jig
Ron Wallace, Give it a Whirl
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance the bourrel using RIGHT hands for the turns:
1st man and 2nd woman set advancing, turn by the RIGHT hands just over halfway and turn RIGHT about to face partner. 1st man faces down and 1st woman faces up.
while:
1st woman and 2nd man dance anti-clockwise round to face partner in a line up and down the middle of the set.
All set to partner and turn by the RIGHT hand. 1st couple turn right about to face first corners while 2nd couple cross to own side in first place

9 – 16 Corners pass and advance and retire:
1st couple pass first corners RIGHT shoulder and dance to meet partner to pass RIGHT shoulder, pass second corners RIGHT shoulder and join right hands to face up the middle in second place.
while:
9 – 12 First corners advance and retire.
13 – 16 Second corners advance and retire.
(On bar 10 (first corners) and bar 14 (second corners), corners slap both thighs on count “1”, clap hands together on count ‘and’ clap both hands to opposite corner on count “2”). Coach: advance for 1, slap clap clap, retire, retire

17 – 24 2nd,1st, and 3rd couples dance mirror reels:
1st couple lead up the middle and cross over to begin, 2nd couple dance out and down, 3rd couple dance out and up, all joining nearer hands with partner during the reel.
NOTE: At the end of the reel, 2nd couple continue to dance out and down as 1st couple dance up the middle to smoothly connect the reel and the non-progressive allemande, while the 3rd couple dance the long way into place to complete the reel.

25 – 32 2nd and 1st couples dance a non-progressive allemande:
25 – 26 1st couple dance up the middle taking hands in promenade hold before lifting them over smoothly into allemande hold.
while: 2nd couple cast off and dance down the side lines to meet in second place and take hands in promenade hold.
27 – 28 1st couple dance bars 3-4 of a standard allemande for two couples.
while: 2nd couple dance up the middle as they lift joined hands into allemande hold then turn onto the men’s side behind 1st couple.
29 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance bars 5-8 of a standard allemande for two couples.

Deviser: Ron Wallace
Music: “Kirsten’s Jig” by Muriel Johnstone
This dance was commissioned by Kirsten Steinbach’s husband, Jenz, and first presented in Freiburg, Germany at a weekend course there.

Video: This is no’ my ain Hoose

This is no’ my ain Hoose
RSCDS Book 15
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round. On bar 4, 1st couple cast off one place and 2nd couple dance up.

5 – 8 1st couple repeat bars 1-4 with 3rd couple, dancing left hands across.

9 – 16 1st couple set, lead up to the top, cast off one place and, giving right hands, turn to face first corners. 3rd couple step down on bars 13-14.

17 – 24 1st couple dance round first corners, passing by the right and dance round partner, passing by the left, to face second corners. 1st couple dance round second corners passing by the right and, giving left hands, turn to face first corners.

25 – 32 1st couple set to first corners, set to each other across the set, set to second corners and, giving right hand to partner, turn to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Holmain Ms. c.1710-1720: from a notebook (early 18th Century) found in the Holmain (Dumfriesshire) Family Charter Chest. (Now in National Archives of Scotland.) By courtesy of the
Rev. W Mitchell Carruthers and Mr A Stanley Carruthers.

Original tune: Mrs Colonel Sinclair of Forss (D Grant)

Video: The Reel Of The Gordon Highlanders

The Reel Of The Gordon Highlanders
(32 bar reel for three couples in a four-couple set)
Aad L.M. Boode, The Delft Book Of Scottish Country Dances

1 – 8 1st couple cross over giving right hand, cast off 1 place (2nd couple move up); 1st man dances a ½ figure of eight between 3rd couple and round 3rd man – while – 1st woman does the same between 2nd couple and round 2nd woman, to finish 1st couple in 2nd place on own sides.

9 – 16 1st couple dance reels of three on own sides with 2nd and 3rd couples, giving LEFT shoulder to the person on their LEFT to begin, i.e.: 1st and 2nd men pass left shoulder and 1st and 3rd women pass left shoulder, to finish 1st couple in a diagonal line RIGHT hand joined with partner and LEFT hand with partner’s 1st corner. 2nd and 3rd couples turn the long way round to places.

17 – 24 Balance in line RIGHT ROUND or THE SPOKE (clockwise)
(Note: Everyone is dancing for 8 Pas de Basque steps. Only 1st couple move round, the other dancers set diagonally across the set when hands are not joined diagonally (1st couple may use skip change of step on last bar).)
1st couple retaining partner’s RIGHT hand throughout,
balance in line with partner’s 1st corner,
move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
balance in line with 2nd corner,
move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
balance in line with 1st corner,
move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
balance in line with partner’s 2nd corner,
1st couple drop hands and dance into 2nd place own sides.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Aad L.M. Boode, Delft, 1994)

No Video

Don’t Make Me Stop, I’ll Get Lost
Rhonda Raye, RSCDS Atlanta Branch Celebrating 40 Years of Dancing Memories
32-bar reel for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st couple crosses down as 2nd couple steps up (no hand given).

5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples in line dance down the middle for 4 bars and on bar 7 1st couple takes the lead with 2nd couple behind still facing down.

9 – 12 2nd couple followed by 1st couple dance up to finish 2nd couple in first place on own sides and 1st couple in second place on opposite sides.

13 – 20 2nd and 1st couples dance a ladies chain.

25 – 32 All three couples circle six hands round and back.

Repeat with a new top couple.

Note: The figures “down the middle and up” and “ladies chain” fall across phrases.

Devised by Rhonda Raye in memory of Jane Thomaston, known as “Grandma Jane” to many of her dancing friends.

Music: Eileen Watts Reel by Luke Brady.

Dances for June 3, 2026

May 30, 20263x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, 8x40 Jig, Summer 2026Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: Middling, thank you

Middling, thank you
RSCDS Book 15
40-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set twice and dance half rights and lefts.

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-8 to finish in the middle of the set facing partners, both hands joined.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

25 – 32 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place to face first corners.

33 – 40 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, cross over to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for 1813, published by Button and Whittaker, 1813.
Original tune: Middling, Thank you (Traditional)

TACNotes:’
15-16 2nd woman helps 1st woman, 1st man helps 2nd man, into position for poussette before completing their polite turns.

No Video

Peridot and Sapphire
Debbie Crossley . The Fourth Sheaf Collection of Scottish Country Dances
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 6 1st woman, followed by her partner, casts off behind the women’s line, crosses the set below 3rd couple. 1st woman dances up behind the men’s line to 1st man’s place whilst 1st man dances up the middle of the set to finish in 1st woman’s place (turning in the easy way, left shoulder pulled back).
7 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set on the side.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance a circulating knot, with 1st couple finishing facing partner’s first corner.
(9-10) 1st and 2nd couples turn partner right hand halfway into allemande hold, first couple are facing up and 2nd couple are facing down.
(11-12) 1st couple turn to left to dance across to the men’s side and turn to face down and dance down the sideline to second place whilst 2nd couple turn to dance across to the woman’s side and turn to face up then dance up the sideline to first place.
(13-14) 2nd and 1st couples both release right hand to pass the woman in front as 2nd man continues to dance up the women’s side and 1st man continues to dance down the men’s side.
(15-16) 2nd couple continue to turn by the left hand to finish in first place on own side whilst 1st couple continue to turn by the left hand to finish facing partners first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple and first corners dance corners pass and turn. First corners turn with the right hand. 1st couple pass by the right shoulder to face partner’s second corner.
21 – 24 1st couple and second corners dance pass corners and turn. Second corners turn with the right hand. 1st couple pass by the right shoulder to finish in second place opposite sides.

25 – 28 All three couples chase half-way round clockwise.
29 – 32 1st couple, giving both hands, turn once and finish on own sides whilst 2nd and 3rd couples, giving both hands, turn halfway and face partner before turning to the right to dance out to own sides. Finish 3 1 2.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Debbie Crossley, Sheffield Branch, 2021.
The dance was written to celebrate the marriage of Jana Hesselmann to Reg Stones. The first eight bars remind us of Reg and Jana dancing The Flowers of Edinburgh at the Scunthorpe dance when Luke Brady and his band came to play. The dance was encored with enthusiasm. The second eight bars celebrate Reg and Jana’s unique style of doing things their way. The third eight bars remind us that it’s not unheard of for Reg to switch sides part way through a dance. The final four bars are because Reg and Jana have found the partner they want to keep hold of. Formations in bold can be found in the Formations file.

Video: King’s Croft

King’s Croft
Ann Dix, Real Friends Book 2
A 32 bar reel for Three 2 couple sets in a triangular spoke formation

1 – 4 1st & 2nd couples dance right hands across,

5 – 8 1st & 2nd couples dance a circle to the left

9 – 12 1st & 2nd couples, set advancing to join right hands with partner, 1st woman and & 2nd man join left hands for a balance in line, the women pull back eight shoulders to be beside partners, all facing anticlockwise.

13 – 16 All promenade ⅓ round anticlockwise and face partner in single line, men with backs to centre

17– 24 All dance a petronella & set twice to single line, now women with backs to centre

25 – 28 All ½ Reels of four;
29 – 32 All turn partner ¾ with the right hand to sides (2,1)

Repeat once, ending with Tulloch turn

No Video

The Ottawa Flourish
Craig Williams
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

1-8 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across and left hands back

9-16 1st couple lead down the middle and back to 2nd place. 2nd couple step up on bars 11 – 12

17-24 1st woman dance right hands across with 2nd couple while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd couple. 1st couple pass right shoulders to dance left hands across, 1st woman with 3rd couple and 1st man with 2nd couple.

25-32 2nd couple followed by 1st and 3rd couple, dance down the middle and cast up on own sides.

Repeat having passed a couple

A simple dance inspired by Glasgow Flourish form RSCDS Book 11

Dances for May 27, 2026

May 23, 20263x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, Summer, Summer 2026Ottawa Dance Scottish

No Video

Test Dance 1
Craig Williams, March 2026
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 coupe set

1 – 4 1st couple set and 1/2 turn with the right hand moving down to 2nd place finishing in the middle facing each other with right hands joined. 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
5 – 6 1st couple pull back right shoulders and dance out to 2nd place on opposite sides
7 – 8 1st & 2nd couples, taking hands, set on the sides.

9 – 16 2nd & 1st couples repeat bars 1-8 to finish on opposite sides

17 – 20 2nd couples followed by 1st couple dance a 1/2 figure of eight around 3rd couple. Begin by crossing down between 3rd couple. Finish in own side in progressed places.
21 – 24 1st woman with 2nd couple, 1st man with 3rd couple dance right hands across

25 – 32 2nd, 1st & 3rd couples dance reels of 3 on the side. 2nd &1st man, also 1st & 3rd women, pass left shoulders to begin.

No Video

Test Dance 2
Craig Williams, Leaflet August 2025
A 32 bar reel for 3 couples in a 4 couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple, giving right hands, cross below 2nd couple, cast down behind 3rd couple and meet below 3rd couple, joining nearer hands, dance up to the top and change sides, woman dancing under the raised arms. Finish in the centre of the set facing down.

9 – 16 All 3 couples dance a mirror reel of three on the sides, 1st couple dancing through 2nd place, 2nd couple dancing out and up, 3rd couple in and up. Finish on the sides in original places.

17 – 24 1st & 2nd couples dance the Rosette:
17 – 18 1st & 2nd couples 1/2 turn RH and take hands in a circle
19 – 20 1st & 2nd couples set
21 – 24 1st & 2nd couples pull back right shoulders and cast into a chase to progressed places

25 – 32 All 3 couples circle for 3 bars, cross right foot over left and pivot to face anti-clockwise, all chase back

Video: The Merchant City

The Merchant City
Anne Thorn, 90th anniversary of Glasgow Branch
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples dance ’The Espagnole’ as follows

1 – 2 1st and 2nd women, joining right hands, dance towards the opposite side passing between their partners. On the second step, 1st woman crosses 2nd woman over in front of her, so that 2nd woman dances out and up towards first place while 1st woman dances out and down towards second place. At the same time 1st and 2“d men cross to opposite side passing on either side of their partners.

3 – 4 1st and 2nd man, joining right hands, dance back towards their own side passing between their partners. On the fourth step, 1st man crosses 2nd man over in front of him, so that 2nd man dances up and out towards first place while 1st man dances out and down towards second place. At the same time 2nd and 1st women cross back to their own side passing on either side of their partners.

5 – 8 2nd couple turn with right hands while 1st couple turn with left hands.

9 – 12 1st man with 3rd couple, 1st woman with 2nd couple, dance right hands across once round, 1st couple pass by the right

13 – 16 1st man with 2nd couple, 1st woman with 3rd couple, dance left hands across once round, 1st couple finish in second place.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance ’The Rosette’ as follows

17 – 20 1st and 3rd couples, with nearer hands joined, set, turn partner right hands halfway round and, staying close together, face partner, release hands and cast by the right towards partner’s place

21 – 24 Dance clockwise halfway round to new positions.

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

Repeat from new positions.

The Espagnole and The Rosette are progressions devised by John Drewry.
Devised by Anne Thorn for the 90th anniversary of Glasgow Branch of the RSCDS.
The figures in the dance reflect the continental trade routes in the city which prospered
due to the Glasgow Merchants and Tobacco Lords.
Tune: Jessie Smith (Trad)

Video: Campbell’s Frolic

Campbell’s Frolic
RSCDS Book 15
32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples set.
3 – 6 1st and 2nd couples dance right hands across once round.
7 – 8 1st couple cast off one place and 2nd couple dance up to first place.

9 – 16 1st couple repeat bars 1-8 with 3rd couple, dancing left hands across on bars 11-14.

17 – 24 1st couple set, lead up to the top and cast off one place. 3rd couple step down on bars 19-20.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

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

Dances for May 20, 2026

May 18, 20263x32 Strathspeys, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, 8x40 Jig, Summer, Summer 2026, UncategorizedOttawa Dance Scottish

No Video

Grandpa’s Wife
Ferne Katzberg
32 Bar Strathspey for Three Couples

1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples set and cast; 1st couple cast into second place, while 2nd couple dance up to first place and dance a long turn (polite turn) to place

5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples set and cast; 1st couple cast into third place, while 3rd couple dance up to second place and face out on bar 8

9 – 16 1st, 2nd and 3rt! couples dance reels of three on own side, all joining nearer hands where possible

1st couple dance in and up to start
3rd couple dance out and down to start
2nd couple dance in and down to start 17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples dance the Knot, 1st couple finish facing first corners, 3rd couple finish on own side of dance

25 – 32 1st couple dance corner, partner, corner, partner

Repeat having passed a couple.

Music:

The Bonnie Breist Knots (Traditional)
Ben Lomond (Traditional)
Stewart’s Lassie (Traditional)
Miss Muir MacKenzie (Traditional)

Devised for George and Olive Ogilvie, without their dedication Scottish Country Dancing in Yorkton, Saskatchewan would never have become a reality.

Devised by Ferne Katzberg – February 15, 1991

Video: Middling, thank you

Middling, thank you
RSCDS Book 15
40-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples set twice and dance half rights and lefts.

9 – 16 2nd and 1st couples repeat bars 1-8 to finish in the middle of the set facing partners, both hands joined.

17 – 24 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

25 – 32 1st couple lead down the middle and up and cast off one place to face first corners.

33 – 40 1st couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand, second corners with the right hand and, giving left hand to partner, cross over to second place on own sides.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Dances for 1813, published by Button and Whittaker, 1813.
Original tune: Middling, Thank you (Traditional)

TACNotes:
15-16 2nd woman helps 1st woman, 1st man helps 2nd man, into position for poussette before completing their polite turns.

No Video

Peridot and Sapphire
Debbie Crossley . The Fourth Sheaf Collection of Scottish Country Dances
32-bar strathspey for three couples in a three-couple longwise set

Repeat from new positions.

Video: The Celtic Kiwi

The Celtic Kiwi
John Drewry, Bankhead Part 1
October 1991
for the dancers of Whangarei, New Zealand

Hornpipe – 3 couples – 32 bars

Tune – “The Redesdale Hornpipe” by James Hill, who also composed the “High Level Hornpipe”
use of this tune was suggested by Janette Johns of Whangarei.

1 – 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the sides.
To begin:- 1st couple dance down crossing over to reel on opposite sides;
2nd couple dance out and up;
3rd couple dance in and up.
All join nearer hands with partners where possible in the reels.
At the end:- 1st couple dance in to join nearer hands facing down;
2nd couple stay facing out;
3rd couple dance in to join nearer hands facing up.

9 – 16 1st and 3rd couples set and dance “petronella in tandem” half way round the set while 2nd couple dance as follows:- 2nd man casts up and dances into the middle in top place, while 2nd woman casts off and dances into the middle in third place; 2nd couple, giving right hands, change places up and down the middle and cast to their right to second place on own sides.

17 – 20 2nd woman dances right hands across with 3rd couple, who are in first place, while 2nd man dances right hands across with 1st couple, who are in third place. Make sure that these wheels are in the middle of the dance.

21 – 24 2nd man, followed by 1st couple, dances up the men’s side while 2nd woman, followed by 3rd couple, dances down the women’s side. All continue to chase clockwise until 1st and 2nd couples are in partners’ original places and 3rd couple are in own original places.

25 – 32 1st and 2nd couples dance a “Kiwi Knot”. i.e. upside-down. They turn partners with the right hand halfway round to finish facing up with hands in allemande hold; they dance out to the men’s side and down (with 2nd couple following 1st couple). Dropping right hands, 2nd and 1st couples dance into the middle and turn partners with the left hand to own sides. (N.B. This is a longer turn than in the ordinary Knot and the dancers need to anticipate this by keeping the whole progression well within the confines of the set.)

Repeat, having passed a couple.

NOTES —- “Petronella in tandem” see notes at end of book,

While I was staying in Whangarei, I was taken (17-10-91) with a group of dancers for a sail in Keith Wright’s yacht “Waihaka” (“The Water Dancer”) A coastal cargo boat passed us; it was called “THE CELTIC KIWI”. The name fired the imagination of the dancers and I was commissioned to write a
dance for them with this title. The dance was to contain “petronella in tandem”, wheels and a knot. I devised the dance the same evening and taught it several times over the next few days.

Imagine our surprise at the Auckland Weekend (26-10-91) to hear that The Celtic Kiwi had sunk on its way to Norfolk Island. The crew (13 men) had been rescued. I have heard recently that the boat was probably overloaded. In any case the blame could not be laid at my door because the boat had changed its name from the “Holmdale” and so, with a name-change and a 13-man crew it was chancing its luck.

“Petronella in Tandem” occurs in several of these dances. Usually it is preceded by setting. It was first used in “Anna Holden’s Strathspey”. In spite of its simplicity, I thought that it was a new idea, but Iain Boyd, in New Zealand, and Marie Boehmer, in Ontario, say they have used it (without a name) in their dances. At least it now has a label.

In my dances, it is danced by a man and a woman standing side by side (the man having the woman on his right – if they were the other way, the man would precede the woman) or by two men or two women standing side by side.

The dancer on the right executes an ordinary petronella turn except that he or she travels slightly beyond the normal position to leave room for the other dancer. The dancer on the left also executes a petronella turn dancing initially closely behind the other dancer (i.e. “in tandem”) to finish once again on the left of the other dancer.

In reels or jigs it is best to execute the movement with skip change of step.

Dances for May 13, 2026

May 7, 20263x32 Reels, 8x32 Jigs, 8x32 Reels, 8x32 Strathspeys, Summer 2026Ottawa Dance Scottish

Ottawa Summer Class

Video: A Trip to the Drakensberg

A Trip to the Drakensberg
RSCDS Book 38
40-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 8 1st couple set, cast off two places and dance up to the top, remaining in the middle of the set. 2nd couple step in on bars 7-8.

9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples dance a poussette. 1st couple release hands at the end of bar 14 and set advancing, passing each other by the left, to face first corners.

17 – 20 1st couple dance a half reel of four with first corners and pass by the left to finish facing second corners.

21 – 24 1st couple dance a half reel of four with second corners and finish in second place on opposite sides.

25 – 28 3rd, 1st and 2nd men dance a petronella turn and set. At the same time, 3rd, 1st and 2nd women set and dance a petronella turn to face partners.

29 – 32 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples, giving right hands, turn partners into allemande hold.

33 – 40 3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance an allemande.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

Devised by Barbara J Rendle, Somerset West, South Africa.
Original tune: The Britches Maker (Nathaniel Gow, Gow’s Fourth Collection)
The Drakensberg is a range of mountains in Natal, South Africa.

TACNotes:
21-24 3rd man must move quickly through half reel, to complete curve to right into 2nd woman’s position ready for bar 25.

No Video

The Camp of Pleasure
RSCDS Book 15 – No. 4
32-bar strathspey for two couples in a four-couple longwise set

1 – 4 1st couple, giving right hands, turn once round.

5 – 8 1st man and 2nd woman, giving left hands, turn to finish in the middle at second place. On bars 7-8, 2nd man dances up and in to meet 1st woman who steps in. All finish facing up.

9 – 16 2nd man with 1st woman and 1st man with 2nd woman dance an allemande.

17 – 20 1st and 2nd couples lead down the middle, 1st man dancing down and 2nd man dancing up to meet partners.

21 – 24 2nd and 1st couples lead up, 2nd couple finishing in first place and 1st couple in second place.

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

Repeat, having passed a couple.

From an old book of Scottish and Irish Dances (title page lost).
Original tune: Charles Leslie of Findrassie’s Strathspey (D Grant)

TACNotes:
7-8 2nd man dances up & in to meet 1st woman, who dances in on bar 8.
17 1st & 2nd women dance in to meet their partners.

No Video

Miss Nicholl’s Reel
Joan Dodwell. Imperial Book of SCDs Book 1-3
32-bar reel for four couples in a four-couple longwise set
Two chords: on the second chord, 2nd and 4th couples cross to opposite sides.

1 – 2 1st couple cast off one place and 4th couple cast up one place. At the same time, 2nd couple dance up to first place and 3rd couple dance down to fourth place.

3 – 6 1st and 4th couples dance right hands across once round.

7 – 8 2nd, 1st, 4th and 3rd couples set to partners.

9 – 14 2nd, 1st, 4th and 3rd couples repeat bars 1-6 from new positions to finish in original places.

15 – 16 All set advancing to meet partners with both hands joined. 1st and 3rd couples face up, 2nd and 4th couples face down.

17 – 24 1st and 3rd couples, 2nd and 4th couples dance interlocking allemandes to finish in the order 3,4,1,2 with 4th and 2nd couples on opposite sides. (Note)

25 – 28 3rd, 4th, 1st and 2nd couples set to partners and, giving right hands, cross over.

29 – 32 2nd couple lead up between 1st couple, cross and dance out between 4th and 1st couples, cast up to first place on opposite sides and, giving right hands, cross to first place on own sides and face out. 3rd, 4th and 1st couples, taking hands on the sides, step down on bars 31-32.

Repeat from new positions.

Devised by Joan Dodwell.

Note: Bars 17-24 are a variation of the interlocking allemandes described in the Manual of Scottish country dancing. In the standard version, the top two couples face up and the bottom two couples face down but it is essentially the same formation. In the original instructions, the formation is referred to as linked allemandes.

Video: King’s Croft

King’s Croft
Ann Dix, Real Friends Book 2
A 32 bar reel for Three 2 couple sets in a triangular spoke formation

1 – 4 1st & 2nd couples dance right hands across,

5 – 8 1st & 2nd couples dance a circle to the left

13 – 16 All promenade ⅓ round anticlockwise and face partner in single line, men with backs to centre

17– 24 All dance a petronella & set twice to single line, now women with backs to centre

25 – 28 All ½ Reels of four;
29 – 32 All turn partner ¾ with the right hand to sides (2,1)

Repeat once, ending with Tulloch turn