# dance

created: 2016-03-04 23:59:12.618714+00
last_modified: 2023-11-30 21:56:38.923407+00
name: Knot on a Ferryboat
ucname: KNOT ON A FERRYBOAT
intensity_bars: 8/8/8/8
notes:
  Information originally taken from the Toronto video (which gave the title as Knot on a Ferry). Subsequently updated thanks to <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3270/|issue 3270>> and a copy of the instructions.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-08 20:06:23.903192+00
name: Wolf's Return to Badenoch, The
ucname: WOLFS RETURN TO BADENOCH
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8008
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Jennifer Wilson of Elgin.

  He also adds the note: *When "leading out" in second and 3rd positions during the double figure
  of eight (Bars 9-16), 1st and 4th couples, and 2nd and 3rd couples
  can join hands very briefly with the other man or woman.*


created: 1999-04-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-09 21:25:11.107531+00
name: Mary Hamilton
ucname: MARY HAMILTON
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8448/8888
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for the members of the Hamilton, Ontario Branch of the RSCDS.


created: 2016-02-25 00:31:20.9174+00
last_modified: 2020-02-10 00:48:55.552435+00
name: Joanna's Jig
ucname: JOANNAS JIG
intensity_bars: 88/80/08/88
notes:
  2 facing 2 round the room with women on the man’s right. 
  1st couple are facing anti-clockwise and 2nd couple are facing clockwise.

  Devised for the deviser’s wife Joanna.

  Original tune: “Gary and Joanna Coull’s Wedding” by James Alexander.


created: 1997-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-08-09 07:39:03.249451+00
name: Old Mill
ucname: OLD MILL
intensity_bars: 880/808/840/888
devised: 1983-05-30
notes:
  The Tuesday night Scottish class in Burlington VT is held at DVM in the Old Mill, a classroom building with no water wheel.


created: 2002-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-10 15:43:59.873549+00
name: Snowdrops
ucname: SNOWDROPS
intensity_bars: 800 888 800 808
devised: 1999-02-01
notes:
  This dance is meant as an exercise in Grand Chain and in Rights and Lefts with a lot of attention for the giving of hands and the polite turns.  When I wrote it, the snowdrops were popping up around my house.


created: 2011-08-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-13 16:42:44.099566+00
name: Ullinish Lodge
ucname: ULLINISH LODGE
intensity_bars: 8080/8080/8080/8080 ending 8888
notes:
  The square set has four couples, but at any time (except for the final 4 bars) only 1c+3c or 2c+4c are dancing.  


created: 2009-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-13 00:42:48.32019+00
name: Whale's Moo, The
ucname: WHALES MOO
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/488
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Whale's Moo is a rock formation along the Moray coastline in Portknockie. The huge stack is connected to another formation by a sloping rock arch, variously described as a sinking ship, bow and fiddle or a whale's tail.  Variously called the Whale's Mouth, Whale's Moo, or Faal's Moo - it resembles the open mouth of a singing whale. 

  The Whale's Moo is a cave which penetrates the buttress with openings on both the shore and seaward sides thus making a natural archway. A large pool to the right of the beach opening is the Whale's Moo Pot.


created: 2003-02-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-29 18:54:25.135175+00
name: Ropemakers' Strathspey, The
ucname: ROPEMAKERS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/8888/8440/8448
devised: 2002-03-01
notes:
  1-8     Represents *stretching the flax.*  
  9-16   Represents *spinning the flax into cord.*  
  17-24 Represents *walking the ropes (setting up the cord on a ropewalk).*  
  25-32 Represents *twisting the cords into ropes/hawsers.*  
  33-40 Represents *the finished rope/hawser.*  

  Devised by Sarah Prone Ashby (formerly Prone) to commemorate the rope-making tradition in the town of Bridport, Dorset, home of Bridport Scottish Country Dancers.


created: 2014-09-29 13:39:58.877002+00
last_modified: 2023-10-29 17:02:30.264207+00
name: Bridport Reel of Seven
ucname: BRIDPORT REEL OF SEVEN
devised: 2003-06-01
notes:
  A demonstration dance for three men and four women to accommodate an extra woman.  

  To start, 2M is in the middle, the other form a circle around him.


created: 2019-01-17 10:04:59.451238+00
last_modified: 2020-02-15 02:43:29.254473+00
name: Golden Years, The
ucname: GOLDEN YEARS
intensity_bars: 8000/8880/8440/8888
devised: 1995-03-16
notes:
  Dedicated to Mac and Mary Gray on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary 16th March, 1995.
  The dance depicts:
  1-8 The marriage of Mac & Mary.
  9-16 Their journey to Canada.
  17-32 Their unending help, support and encouragement shown to each other, their family and to all people they have encountered, whether Scottish country dancers, work colleagues, skaters, or students.


created: 2011-08-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-16 01:33:52.9687+00
name: Reel for Poggy, A
ucname: REEL FOR POGGY
intensity_bars: 80/84/84/88/88
notes:
  The reels in this dance are like the reels in ''The Lads of Saltcoats" in Miss Milligan's Miscellany,
  Volume 2. Bars 27-32 are like a figure danced often in English Country dancing, "three changes
  of a circular hey." I was looking for an interesting two-couple dance that ends with a circle. I
  love dances that end with circles.

  The dance was used by the San Francisco Scottish Country Dance Class adjudication team at
  the Pleasanton Scottish Games in 2002. The dance is named in memory of my mother, known
  by everyone as "Poggy".-SLK


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-17 20:25:32.05794+00
name: Tapsalteerie
ucname: TAPSALTEERIE
intensity_bars: 444444/008800/888888/444444/888888
notes:
  For two side-by-side three couple sets. After each turn, men and women have swapped sides. Six turns are needed so that everyone dances as a centre dancer.


created: 2021-04-05 09:11:36.406762+00
last_modified: 2021-04-06 23:28:26.130955+00
name: Lambton Worm, The
ucname: LAMBTON WORM
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/888
notes:
  The Lambton Worm is a well-known folk song from County Durham and is from close to Chester-le-Street inland from Sunderland, near where I was born. The song is at the end of this Book.


created: 2002-11-24 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-26 12:01:40.695829+00
name: Wagonwheel Strathspey
ucname: WAGONWHEEL STRATHSPEY
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Elsie Fourie (née Scott, born near Aberdeen), Pretoria, South Africa; 1988

  The winning entry in the competition held by the Pretoria Branch to submit a dance to the RSCDS for publication in their booklet of dances from around the world, "Frae A' The Airts".

  In commemoration of early South African pioneers who trekked in ox-wagons to the interior of the country and crossed over the Drakensberg Mountains. The ox-wagon is symbolic to South Africa and the Voortrekker Monument is surrounded by a wall of 64 stone ox-wagons depicting the laager of wagons which the pioneers formed when in fear of an attack. The formations in the dance represent the turning of the wheels and the spokes of the wheels.


created: 1997-08-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-17 12:45:34.342553+00
name: Black Bear, The
ucname: BLACK BEAR
intensity_bars: 840/848/808/848
notes:
  David Cullison came to Atlanta from Memphis in 1987. He soon won the heart and hand of fellow dancer Nancy Cline, and they were married in a never-to-be-forgotten ceremony under a tree in Cades Cove, Tennessee, on the Saturday of the 1988 Gatlinburg Games. Afterwards, the new Cullisons were piped back across the meadow to the tune 'The Black Bear," chosen in graceful  acknowledgement of those year-round denizens of the Smoky Mountains, and, says David, "Because I like it".

  David is the Atlanta Branch's newest teacher. He attended candidate classes at Thistle School, and passed his preliminary examination in April, 1991. In addition to being a good Scottish country dancer, he has also done some Highland dancing, and enjoys English Country Dancing. He borrowed the central sequence of figures in this dance - ½ ladies' chain, reel of four, ½ ladies chain - from a Contra Dance. David cautions 2nd couple to stay awake during bars 13-28 as their participation in bars 29-32 is crucial.


created: 2020-02-17 15:31:14.989466+00
last_modified: 2020-02-17 17:25:53.293297+00
name: Reverend Robin Walford, The
ucname: REVEREND ROBIN WALFORD
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  Devised as a tribute to Robin Walford who passed away in January 2020 (having been able to enjoy the dance the previous year).


created: 1998-11-29 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-20 22:09:04.305654+00
name: Red House
ucname: RED HOUSE
intensity_bars: 80 80 80 84 84
devised: 1731-01-01
notes:
  The RSCDS published Red House as 40 bars. For a wide ranging discussion of the 48 bar version mentioned in some versions of Playford and implications for the music, see this <<sspey-thread:24426|Strathspey mailing list thread>>.


created: 2020-02-19 21:31:35.506252+00
last_modified: 2020-02-20 22:58:21.668283+00
name: Margaret Allen of Cumbrae
ucname: MARGARET ALLEN OF CUMBRAE
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/844
notes:
  Devised for Mrs Margaret Allen. For many years Margaret has been the teacher and mainstay of the Cumbrae Scottish Country Dancing Association, affiliated to the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Margaret also teaches a weekly class in Largs. In 2006 she started the Millport Weekend, now a regular event in the country dance calendar. The traditional tune was arranged by Meryl Thomson.


created: 2020-02-20 11:42:11.013081+00
last_modified: 2020-02-20 11:42:11.013081+00
name: Peggy of Rossmay
ucname: PEGGY OF ROSSMAY
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/888
notes:
  Devised by a member of the Helensburgh and District branch (see <<http://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/photos-2/video/>>). Information derived from their video.


created: 2003-02-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-29 18:50:52.716124+00
name: Lannion Link, The
ucname: LANNION LINK
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Caroline Morgan-Smith to celebrate the 2002 visit of the Scots Bonnet Club of Lannion to Bridport... Revised December 2016.


created: 2012-08-16 20:14:35.066874+00
last_modified: 2020-03-19 01:13:51.291611+00
name: Tom Cole's Rant
ucname: TOM COLES RANT
intensity_bars: 888/866/844/888
devised: 2011-10-10
notes:
  Modified 2/11/2011. Tom is a very keen dancer and a stalwart of the "advanced" tuesday group. 
  A suitable recording is by The Carfuffle Ceilidh Band, Muckle Carfuffle, track 1.


created: 2020-02-23 11:17:32.531612+00
last_modified: 2020-02-23 13:24:51.192873+00
name: Rudyard's Reel
ucname: RUDYARDS REEL
devised: 2015-09-14
notes:
  Music: Kipling’s Rant by Anne Hooper.    
  I heard Anne Hooper and Jacqueline Schwab play this tune at a concert of Scottish music in Wellfleet, Mass. and immediately wanted to write a dance to go with it. I hope she approves of the result!    

  Note: This is a revised version of the dance (14th September 2015). 


created: 2002-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-25 19:14:44.421767+00
name: North Herts Reel
ucname: NORTH HERTS REEL
notes:
  DANCE WITHDRAWN.

  In Feb. 2020 Sue Petyt wrote to the SCDDB editors:

  North Herts Reel is missing from my website because it was not very good and didn't really work very well. Even the most experienced dancers found it impractical so I have abandoned it!

  Thank you for your enquiry.  

  Keep Dancing  
  Sue Petyt  
  sue@suepetyt.me.uk


created: 2013-05-18 23:51:26.857272+00
last_modified: 2020-02-22 21:56:12.126513+00
name: Leap in the Dark
ucname: LEAP IN THE DARK
intensity_bars: 484/444/888/444/884
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  The dance was listed as "Leap in the Dark (McGregor's)" in Martin Sheffield's earlier 140 dances collection.

  The reason is that Martin Sheffield originally intended to call the dance "McGregor's Leap", which he found out already existed as the title of a dance. Although the 'working title' was only used in his own dance group in the very beginning, the add-on "(McGregor's)" was meant to establish the connection for those who knew the local working title. This add-on was not meant to be a part of the official title.


created: 2002-11-24 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-26 13:34:20.316658+00
name: Thursday Evening in Pretoria
ucname: THURSDAY EVENING IN PRETORIA
devised: 1973-01-01
notes:
  This dance has part A and part B, each 32 bars, and is danced ABAB.  The progressions are 2341 for A ans 2143 for B. That would lead to 3214 at bar 64, with 2+4 not moing.  Needs to be checked.


created: 2015-02-03 18:10:03.647501+00
last_modified: 2020-02-23 08:54:28.88722+00
name: Dance for June, A
ucname: DANCE FOR JUNE
intensity_bars: 888/844/880/880
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  Devised in recognition of June Scott being awarded the RSCDS Scroll.  June was for many years a well known teacher of SCD in East Lothian.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-28 13:59:40.41667+00
name: Lady of the Lake, The
ucname: LADY OF THE LAKE
devised: 1964-01-01
notes:
  "The Lady of the Lake" was devised for Tom Drysdale and Pam Westwood who were married in 1964 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Wanganui.

  At the deviser's request no crib is available.


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-02-28 21:32:27.496294+00
name: Golden Belles
ucname: GOLDEN BELLES
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8008/8888
devised: 1993-03-01
notes:
  Danced on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the 37th Northern Ireland Company Girl's Brigade, Shore Street Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee, March, 1993


created: 2020-02-05 21:34:30.569597+00
last_modified: 2020-12-24 22:27:15.01107+00
name: Jack-Jack the Incredible
ucname: JACKJACK THE INCREDIBLE
intensity_bars: 880/880/880/808
devised: 2018-10-01
notes:
  Dedicated to our younger grandson - after he learns to walk, I hope he will learn to dance!

  A freely downloadable recording of music for this dance is available via <<http://www.fiddletree-music.com/johnturner/scdrecordings.html>>


created: 2000-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-19 00:33:41.198529+00
name: Y2Chaos
ucname: Y2CHAOS
intensity_bars: 8080/8080/0808/4848
devised: 1999-09-01
notes:
  This dance is a lighthearted spoof of the feeling of impending chaos caused by the approaching date 1/1/2000.


created: 2020-02-29 15:58:12.727058+00
last_modified: 2020-02-29 16:12:27.670859+00
name: Tower of London, The
ucname: TOWER OF LONDON
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2018-12-01
notes:
  The figure in bars 17-24 is supposed to evoke the central “White Tower” part of the Tower of London with a small tower at each corner all surrounded by an outer wall. The two handed turns represent the towers while the intervening inner and outer chases are the walls. Three of the four towers are square - only the one at the north-east corner (between 1st and 2nd places) is round. So those concerned with architectural exactitude can make their turns at the other corners as square as possible, for example making angles at the half bar points.  Those keen on symbolism may see sceptres and orbs or loops of a crown in bars 1-8 and 9-12. Bars 25-32 were inspired by the end of <<ddd:Vana Tallinn>> by <<ddp:Garbuzov, Vladimir>>.


created: 2013-11-12 18:43:05.113443+00
last_modified: 2020-02-29 23:58:11.123313+00
name: St Andrew's Square, Edinburgh
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS SQUARE EDINBURGH
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/0808/8080
devised: 2008-11-01
notes:
  Devised to commemorate the restoration of St Andrew's Square and its opening to the public. The first half of the dance depicts the title, the second half shows how people can move through the Square around the Melville Monument. Bars 9 to 16 are similar to the movement in <<ddd:Follow Me Home>>, and bars 25 to 32 are similar to the first reel-time figure in <<ddd:Schiehallion>>.


created: 2013-11-12 19:32:25.299286+00
last_modified: 2020-03-01 00:03:18.455805+00
name: Jig for Jim and Joe, A
ucname: JIG FOR JIM AND JOE
notes:
  Dance devised for Jim Gardner and Joe Wake, for a celebration to mark their 70th birthdays. It can also be danced with 7 couples to represent their 70 years,


created: 2016-09-16 17:44:53.56554+00
last_modified: 2020-03-02 13:11:33.517546+00
name: McBains' Fancy
ucname: MACBAINS FANCY
devised: 1996-04-01
notes:
  To James and Peggy McBain of McBain of Tucson, Arizona in appreciation of their support of Scottish Country Dance and the Seven Pipers Scottish Society, and so much more. James McBain is the 22nd Hereditary Chief of Clan McBain, Worldwide. He and his wife are avid Scottish Country Dancers and
  supporters of the Seven Pipers Scottish Society of Tucson and the RSCDS, Tucson Branch.


created: 2002-02-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-03-01 13:48:43.400569+00
name: Hugh Roberts' Strathspey
ucname: HUGH ROBERTS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888
devised: 2001-09-01
notes:
  Hugh Roberts was well known and well loved in Edinburgh and the Lothians.  A mainstay of the Boggs Country Dance Club and other clubs of the district, he helped and encouraged a great many dancers and spectators alike.  He was always smiling and joking and was a great ambassador for the world of Scottish Country Dancing.  Hugh died in August 2001. He will be remembered with great affection by those who knew him.  This dance is devised in his honour.


created: 2003-01-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-03-02 22:59:06.963534+00
name: Hyperactive Reel, The
ucname: HYPERACTIVE REEL
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/888
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  Devised at Pinewoods Camp, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA in 1990.   
     
  For "1st couple down and up" in bars 1-8, "Simply Dancing" published by Newcastle RSCDS in 2007 uses the word "dance", and the RSCDS Graded Book 2, 2010 changes it to "lead".  


created: 2004-09-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-19 22:00:31.081207+00
name: 18! 18!
ucname: 18 18
intensity_bars: 8800/0880/8000/8888/8222
notes:
  This dance was written by the children of Macclesfield Scottish Country Dance Group for the 18th Wigan Thistle society festival of dance for young people. Teacher J F Bradbury


created: 2021-03-12 16:17:23.521389+00
last_modified: 2021-03-12 16:20:24.631514+00
name: St Peter's Cross
ucname: SAINT PETERS CROSS
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  The dance was written as an introduction to the Axum Reel, and first taught at the Anno Domini Folk festival in St Petersburg in 2019.


created: 2019-06-06 23:38:10.979883+00
last_modified: 2020-03-05 09:50:13.662424+00
name: Wee Lassie fae Gourock, The
ucname: WEE LASSIE FAE GOUROCK
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/6666
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to my very good friend, compatriot and dance adventure travelling companion, Stella Fogg.

  In astronomy, a co-orbital configuration is a configuration of two or more astronomical objects (such as asteroids, moons, or planets) orbiting at the same distance, or very similar distances, from their primary.  [Wikipedia]  In these reels, 1st and 4th women are in co-orbital configuration!  

  Descriptions of the "Double Slide Poussette" and "Co-Orbital Reels of Four" figures used in this dance can be found at <<http://scd-richmond.org/dances/formations/RichmondFormations.html>>

  The name of the dance in the Richmond video is given as "There was a wee lassie frae Gourock".

  A freely downloadable recording of music for this dance is available via <<http://www.fiddletree-music.com/johnturner/scdrecordings.html>>


created: 2016-09-14 13:09:45.050895+00
last_modified: 2020-03-05 10:06:09.474211+00
name: Set & Drink
ucname: SET AND DRINK
devised: 2011-02-28
notes:
  This dance was written after hearing of the idea of “Set & Drink” while recovering from the course and final ball in St Petersburg, February 2011. The “recovery” took place in a large snooker club next to the dance centre. Apparently Moscow dancers have introduced “Yo Ho Ho” to the dancers in St Petersburg, but the clap after dancing RH across (before coming back LH) is their own invention!

  I did wonder whether the music should be something suitably Russian which started slowly (as a Strathspey), which gradually speeded up so that by the 4th repeat it had turned into a rousing reel – probably a step too far, so I would recommend just using suitable reels!

  A crib for this dance is available via the <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/set-and-drink.html|SCD dictionary>> site.


created: 2020-03-09 15:56:59.11806+00
last_modified: 2023-07-24 18:14:09.272038+00
name: Dance for Andrew
ucname: DANCE FOR ANDREW
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/888
devised: 2018-10-01
notes:
  Written to celebrate the life of Andrew Carruthers, a staunch supporter of the Scottish Country dance community in Montreal and an all round great guy. We miss him.  

  The dance was published as a reel but suggested jig music. The deviser now proposes it can be either "reel or jig".


created: 1998-09-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-05 23:12:50.724875+00
name: Airie Bennan
ucname: AIRIE BENNAN
intensity_bars: 88880 80800 84884 80800
devised: 1966-01-01
notes:
  Airie Bennan is a <<https://www.streetmap.co.uk/place/Airie_Bennan_in_Dumfries_and_Galloway_369611_688611.htm|small hill south west of Dalry>> where Hugh Foss lived.


created: 2015-04-12 15:13:54.348843+00
last_modified: 2020-03-05 18:51:24.643199+00
name: This is BirthDay
ucname: THIS IS BIRTHDAY
intensity_bars: 4/8/8/8/8
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Judith Kowalczik on Martin's Birthday in 2013.    

  The instructions published online in the publication Potters Pairs) are in error on bars 21-24.  The correct instructions follow here.

  40 bar Reel for couples in a circle     
  Each man has his lady on his right, all facing in.   
  1 - 8 All ladies advance for two steps and retire for two steps. All men repeat finish facing partner.   
  9 - 16 All dance back to back with partner. All, giving right hands, turn partner once round.   
  17 - 24 All pass partner right shoulder in one bar, pass next person left shoulder in one bar and, giving right hands, turn next person halfway in two bars.  Repeat bars 17 - 20 to finish in the original place facing partner again.   
  25 - 32 All dance 4 slip steps diagonally to the left ( clap on bar 28) and 4 slip steps back into the circle to finish back to back with partner. Giving left hands, turn next person once round.   
  33 - 40 All dance hands to the right!   


created: 2020-03-08 22:13:00.563335+00
last_modified: 2020-03-08 22:35:04.461894+00
name: Stuck in the train
ucname: STUCK IN THE TRAIN
devised: 2018-03-01
notes:
  The idea to the dance came on the way back from the wedding of Ramona and Matthias. Four dancers from Oldenburg got stuck in the ICE between Munich and Ingolstadt due to braking issues in the train in front of them. They waited one and a half hours until the passengers from the other train where finally safely evacuated into their train. Afterwards the train was jam-packed except for just a tiny little space on the corridor, just fitting for four dancers in a line....


created: 2018-12-29 02:47:50.045513+00
last_modified: 2020-05-27 10:19:37.597933+00
name: Fifty Years Together
ucname: FIFTY YEARS TOGETHER
intensity_bars: 88/88/80/88/88/82
devised: 2007-06-08
notes:
  There should be no extra space between one set and the next down the room.

  A freely downloadable recording of music for this dance is available via <<http://www.fiddletree-music.com/johnturner/scdrecordings.html>>


created: 2020-03-07 17:16:26.091295+00
last_modified: 2020-09-22 16:43:12.585001+00
name: Reinventing the Wheel
ucname: REINVENTING THE WHEEL
notes:
  Source <<http://rscds-twincities.org/programs/perfrep1718.pdf>> and <<https://youtu.be/l0luUCQ6ygc|youtube video>>.  The dance can also be performed as a reel. 


created: 2020-02-05 21:09:39.224146+00
last_modified: 2020-12-24 22:06:48.832595+00
name: Schoolgirls Together
ucname: SCHOOLGIRLS TOGETHER
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2018-10-01
notes:
  For the significant March 2019 birthday of the deviser's oldest friend (in elapsed time), Helen [Angus] Millar – who would undoubtedly hasten to tell you (even after all these years) that she is still six weeks younger than me!

  A freely downloadable recording of music for this dance is available via <<http://www.fiddletree-music.com/johnturner/scdrecordings.html>>


created: 1998-07-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-20 08:48:42.191627+00
name: Oidhche Chaluinn
ucname: OIDHCHE CHALUINN
intensity_bars: 484/282/888/888
notes:
  On bars 25-32, the men effectively dance a complete figure of eight trace, whilst the ladies dance half
  rights and lefts and half a reel of three, to finish with original partners, facing in the same direction. The
  trios, having progressed, will all be facing a new trio for the repeat.


created: 2017-11-23 14:25:21.537699+00
last_modified: 2020-03-09 15:20:40.312491+00
name: Daughter of Bon Accord
ucname: DAUGHTER OF BON ACCORD
intensity_bars: 808/888/868/888
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Val Mitchell, Hawkes Bay East Coast Region. 
  This dance is dedicated to the memory of Madge Laing, inspirational teacher and friend.

  The dance is called Daughter of Bon Accord because Madge is originally from Aberdeen and Bon Accord is the motto of the city of Aberdeen.

  Suggested music: 
  Selection of reels (Track 13, disc 2) Celtic Fire in the Music, Bobby Brown & the Scottish Accent.


created: 2019-10-25 10:13:36.075097+00
last_modified: 2020-03-11 01:00:34.671603+00
name: Jaunty Jeanne
ucname: JAUNTY JEANNE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8224
devised: 2015-07-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Jeanne Moody, a talented San Diego teacher who has shared her love of dance with many beginner classes.


created: 1998-01-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-03-28 09:05:59.085457+00
name: Buchaille Etive Mhor
ucname: BUCHAILLE ETIVE MHOR
notes:
  The usual spelling of this mountain at the head of Glen Etive is Buachaille Etive Mhor (or Buachaille Etive Mòr). SCDDB follows the spelling "Buchaille" used in the original publication, both on the title page and the dance instructions.


created: 2020-03-11 11:31:09.891202+00
last_modified: 2020-04-18 22:31:33.471461+00
name: Sparrows' Spring Branch, The
ucname: SPARROWS SPRING BRANCH
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2018-05-01
notes:
  Don was inspired by the sparrows flying around in the tree outside as he lay on the floor doing his back exercises. He calls all those ‘gypsy’ moments the anti-spurn.


created: 2020-03-11 14:57:50.424117+00
last_modified: 2020-03-13 01:30:13.924865+00
name: Reunion, The
ucname: REUNION
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/4444/8888
devised: 2016-08-01
notes:
  Devised by Sue Ronald as an opening dance for a ‘Not dancing with your partner’ class at the New Hampshire Highlands Weekend, August 2016.

  I saw the movement described in bars 1-8 and 17-24 in the dance Pudsey Bear by Louise Macdougall. ‘Detour chase’ is my name for the movement.  The advance and retire of bars 25-28 symbolize the Reunion.

  Music:  Any lively single jig


created: 2020-03-09 15:42:28.334379+00
last_modified: 2020-03-22 00:13:42.376039+00
name: Bishop Hall
ucname: BISHOP HALL
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2017-09-01
notes:
  Written as a thank you to Maggie, Duncan and Ailsa Keppie for a lovely week at Scotch on the Rocks in Nova Scotia.  

  The music I use for this dance is Gloria’s Wee Hug (track # 5 from The Devil’s Quandry – Deby Benton Grosjean). It fits the dance and is delightful for listening and dancing.


created: 2016-10-19 21:50:10.988218+00
last_modified: 2020-03-16 10:12:48.916511+00
name: Unsullied Saltire, The
ucname: UNSULLIED SALTIRE
intensity_bars: 844/888/844/848
notes:
  This dance is so-named because it emphasizes the essential character of the saltire; it uses only the basic 2-bar element of the figure, repeated six times, starting and finishing with the dancers in the "textbook" positions.

  A saltire, Saint Andrew's Cross, is a heraldic symbol in the form of a diagonal cross or letter ex (X). Saint Andrew is said to have been martyred on just such a cross.

  The Flag of Scotland, also known as the Saint Andrew's Cross or more commonly The Saltire (because it has the form of a saltire), is the national flag of Scotland. As the national flag, the Saltire differs from the Royal Standard of Scotland in that it is the Saltire which is the correct flag for all individuals and corporate bodies to fly in order to demonstrate both their loyalty and Scottish nationality. It is also, where possible, flown from Scottish Government buildings every day from 8am until sunset, with certain exceptions. 

  (Source: <<http://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/unsullied-saltire.html|Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary>>)


created: 2016-10-04 22:27:10.597587+00
last_modified: 2020-03-17 02:16:50.91257+00
name: Jig Is Up, The
ucname: JIG IS UP
intensity_bars: 882/888/888/888
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Challenged by David Newitt to write something other than “another beautiful waltz tune”, Patti wrote The Jig Is Up, with a nod to David’s tune, Changing Lights. 

  The name Changing Lights arose from a story only the composer seems to find very amusing: Friend was driving through San Francisco with her boyfriend. Stopped at a red light, she had to look away from the road, so asked, “Tell me if the light changes”.  After a moment’s thought he replied, “Yes, the light changes”. Said she, “Grrr”.  Light turned green and they proceeded to the next light, which turned yellow, then red.  Said he (in voice of wonder), “Wow - this one changes too!” 


created: 2016-10-04 15:42:38.559665+00
last_modified: 2021-07-20 09:34:37.065178+00
name: Dancin' in the Rain
ucname: DANCIN IN THE RAIN
intensity_bars: 8484/8888/4444/8888
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  On each repetition, women progress one place counter-clockwise while men progress clockwise, all end in original places at the end of the fourth time through.  Partners begin beside each other on first and third repetitions and across from each other on second and fourth repetitions. 

  Thanks to Alec Hay for the unnamed figure that he introduced in his dance Peter White and to Helen Greenwood who popularized the figure in her dance Best Set in the Hall.  But note that the movement in 25-32 is similar but NOT the same.

   


created: 2018-09-11 07:11:04.914026+00
last_modified: 2020-03-19 23:20:31.486591+00
name: DODGEM Reel
ucname: DODGEM REEL
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  The dance was devised by Bexi and Gabor for David Hall for his very special birthday as a present along with a voucher of a dedicated private use of the whole dodgem facility in Böhmischer Prater, Wien.

  The MOTTO of the dance: accidents can happen only accidentally!

  If 'danced' in dodgems take 16 bars of music for each 8 bars section (i.e. R 3x64 bars).

  Music: The Wiggle in the Middle by Christina Hood


created: 2020-03-19 18:27:34.992856+00
last_modified: 2020-03-19 19:03:45.411408+00
name: Macadam Reel, The
ucname: MACADAM REEL
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  The dance was inspired by a conversation during the long wait for the dance hall to be unlocked on a chilly evening in April. While chatting in the parking lot, we agreed that there should be a dance to keep us warm. The requirements were that it be quicktime, have as many couples active as possible, and not require the use of hands as they would be keeping warm in pockets or under arms. Michael Bentley suggested the name for the parking lot, and of course, it should be dedicated to Kathleen McAdam one of the warmest members of the San Francisco branch.


created: 2003-12-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-04-26 09:34:08.967589+00
name: Windy Lane, The
ucname: WINDY LANE
intensity_bars: 224/880/880/888
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  Devised September, 1994 and modified in November, 1994.  
  The title was suggested by leaves swirling along a Titahi Bay street in a strong southerly.  

  Bars 1-8 represent the swirling leaves.  

  Suitable music - "The Inverness Country Dance" recorded by The Ron Gonnella Strings with George MacIlwham on "The Lad O' Kyle" (AB 008), side 1, track 7.


created: 2020-03-09 17:37:29.458237+00
last_modified: 2020-03-22 01:27:51.932819+00
name: Sleepy Sunny and JP
ucname: SLEEPY SUNNY AND JP
intensity_bars: 840/808/888/888
devised: 2018-04-01
notes:
  Sunny enjoys the dances Sleepy Maggie and J.B. Milne. I chose the parts of those dances that I like and put them together to celebrate Sunny and JP’s BIG NEWS.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-19 23:13:44.829963+00
name: Gillechallum
ucname: GILLECHALLUM
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8448
devised: 1991-04-26
notes:
  The dance notes say that Gillechallum is derived from two gaelic words signifying the servant of St Columba from which we get the name Malcolm.


created: 2020-03-09 17:36:03.576862+00
last_modified: 2020-03-24 00:30:20.784082+00
name: Skye and Sochi
ucname: SKYE AND SOCHI
devised: 2018-07-01
notes:
  This dance was written to go with the music for Montréal Diamond Anniversary Reel—‘Turnbulls’ of
  Saskatchewan’—on Nick and Laura’s CD Encore Une Fois. Therefore it goes 6 times through with
  each couple getting a second chance to get it right.  
  The dance is dedicated to Ruth Turnbull’s two dogs. My friend, Joanne Turnbull, is Ruth’s twin sister. So it is also dedicated to Ruth and Joanne.


created: 2020-03-11 11:18:53.773783+00
last_modified: 2020-03-24 00:50:16.968611+00
name: Trip to Taiwan, A
ucname: TRIP TO TAIWAN
intensity_bars: 888/840/844/848
devised: 2019-03-01
notes:
  Celebrating a visit with my niece and her family in Taipei. A long trip to get there and back but a wonderful way to spend a vacation except there was no dancing!


created: 2005-02-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-03-24 13:20:32.911358+00
name: Ferguson's Fancy
ucname: FERGUSONS FANCY
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/844
notes:
  Note: This dance was devised in honor of the fortieth wedding anniversary of Jim and Donna Ferguson of Kimbolton, Ohio. The music was written by Etienne Ozorak as a gift to Jim and Donna and is published with his permission


created: 2020-03-24 22:26:16.122908+00
last_modified: 2020-03-24 22:26:16.122908+00
name: Braided Voices
ucname: BRAIDED VOICES
notes:
  The basic story behind this dance is that Noel read about a Science Magazine "Dance Your Dissertation"
  challenge to graduate students (in the sciences) to choreograph dance versions of their dissertations, which they could then video record and submit to the magazine to compete for a prize. Ethnomusicology is not one of the eligible disciplines (too much humanities, not enough social science), but Noel challenged both me and Xiaowen to Dance Our Dissertations anyway. "Braided Voices" is basically the dance re-mix of my dissertation, "Braided Voices: Women Cantors in Non-Orthodox Judaism." Up until the 1970s, Jewish cantors were almost universally men. Women began to trickle into the profession, slowly at first, but now have achieved at least 50% representation in the non-Orthodox cantorate. For the most part, they work easily and well with their male counterparts, and with their male and female rabbis, and their congregations have accepted them with enthusiasm.  

  _Bars 1 - 8_ shows Jewish liturgical practice up until the middle of the twentieth century. The men get all the action, and the women sit on the sidelines and watch.  
  _Bars 9 - 16_ shows women beginning to get involved in the cantorate. At first, it's just one or two, but the movement picks up steam, and women cantors begin to work with (often) male rabbis.
  _Bars 17 - 24_ refer to the title. I loved the very feminine, yet very practical, image of hair braids, which is why I chose it for the title of my dissertation. And reels of three kind of remind me of three-stranded braiding.
  _Bars 25 - 32_ depicts the kind of aesthetic that you see in a lot of liberal synagogues today, in which
  worship is designed to be very participatory and to involve the rabbi, the cantor, the congregation, men, women, children, as many people as possible. It's a worship aesthetic largely pioneered by women rabbis and women cantors, and American congregations really seem to like it.


created: 2001-06-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-03-25 15:38:02.788617+00
name: Three Millstones, The
ucname: THREE MILLSTONES
intensity_bars: 80800/84844/84844/88888
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  For demonstration with the groups visiting the international festival run by Dunedin Dancers in 1995.

  *NB the original instructions for bars 5-8 say "1st and 3rd couples turn one and three quarter times giving right hands". However this does not fit with the following RH across. Both diagram and crib assume the turn should be one and a quarter times.*


created: 2020-07-18 09:47:15.498073+00
last_modified: 2020-07-18 09:48:00.819905+00
name: Mainly Douglas
ucname: MAINLY DOUGLAS
notes:
  Malcolm Brown devised this *to teach phrasing, to show how if you are moving (or preferably even accelerating) at the end of bar 24, then the last 8 bars becomes easier - I called the dance "Mainly Douglas" (the last 24 bars occur in "<<ddd:#4548>>").*


created: 2020-03-24 22:30:16.676155+00
last_modified: 2022-08-22 23:05:26.972294+00
name: Corinne's Caper
ucname: CORINNES CAPER
intensity_bars: 840/880/888/844
notes:
  Written in memory of Corinne McArdle who was a regular and active member of our Branch for many years.  

  Suggested music is *Broadford Bay* from A Skye Collection.


created: 2002-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-17 07:06:32.886258+00
name: Dance for Frans, A
ucname: DANCE FOR FRANS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/0888
devised: 2002-03-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Frans Ligtmans on her birthday, in due gratitude for many years of inspired teaching.


created: 2020-03-24 22:20:17.674684+00
last_modified: 2020-03-28 11:12:25.482937+00
name: Bicycle Reel
ucname: BICYCLE REEL
intensity_bars: 8888/4884/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  Each figure is a 4-bar phrase. A slow reel is best for this one!  

  On the name of the dance: While learning French in Switzerland, I would consistently replace the phrase “faire du velo” (“to ride the bicycle”) with “faire *le* velo” (“to do the bicycle”). A friend pointed out that my mistake made it sound as though I was in fact trying to be a bicycle, and that was the inspiration for this dance.


created: 2020-03-29 11:37:06.369953+00
last_modified: 2020-04-11 11:47:23.782892+00
name: San Diego Welcome
ucname: SAN DIEGO WELCOME
devised: 1985-02-01
notes:
  Devised for the occasion of San Diego’s Ninth Annual Mini-Institute and Ball as a means of greeting old friends and new dancers while the dance is taking place.


created: 2020-03-30 00:51:51.640146+00
last_modified: 2020-04-08 23:54:35.22051+00
name: Sierra Trails
ucname: SIERRA TRAILS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8080/0808
devised: 2017-12-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Art and Emily Lee, two longtime San Diego Branch and Sierra Club members, December 1987. Revised December 2017.


created: 2020-03-30 02:27:40.049422+00
last_modified: 2020-04-09 00:24:04.525318+00
name: Queen of Hearts
ucname: QUEEN OF HEARTS
intensity_bars: 8000/2888/0888/0888
devised: 2019-05-01
notes:
  The first couple draws a heart in bars 1-8, then after retiring to fourth place, the remainder is danced by the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th couples only.  *Off with their heads…*  


created: 2020-03-30 00:39:11.890942+00
last_modified: 2020-04-11 05:15:01.578411+00
name: Paradise Dream
ucname: PARADISE DREAM
intensity_bars: 880/880/448/448
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  This dance began as a dream while camping in Paradise, Michigan. It was inspired by the beautiful autumn foliage and the twirling, dancing leaves falling in the wind.


created: 2020-04-01 21:04:41.47551+00
last_modified: 2020-04-01 21:04:41.47551+00
name: Middle Way Rant
ucname: MIDDLE WAY RANT
notes:
  Devised for non-SCD music: Thulbion’s album Twilight Bound # 9 (Gravel Walk/Andy Renwick's Ferret/Old Mountain Road). There is a 16 bar introduction followed by a 4x32 dance. All progress one place round, but 2nd & 4th couples change partners each repeat.


created: 2020-03-29 11:42:55.203783+00
last_modified: 2020-04-15 18:28:38.32301+00
name: At Long Last
ucname: AT LONG LAST
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/844/800
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to John Thoburn (a Quaker) and Tina Mello on the occasion of their wedding, May 30, 1993   

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


created: 2020-03-29 12:11:30.524907+00
last_modified: 2020-12-27 11:59:40.114104+00
name: Fergus and His Ladies
ucname: FERGUS AND HIS LADIES
intensity_bars: 666/844/444/666/788
devised: 2020-03-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired by a runner duck we once owned who was very popular with the female ducks in our flock. Fergus led his lady ducks everywhere, and they followed! Because ducks have no hands, there is no giving of hands anywhere in the dance.


created: 2020-03-29 13:29:20.824459+00
last_modified: 2021-02-18 18:23:16.175172+00
name: Left in Isolation Jig
ucname: LEFT IN ISOLATION JIG
devised: 2020-03-01
notes:
  Those on facebook may be able to see a video of this dance <<https://www.facebook.com/100006768944029/videos/2674756116093327/?t=0|here>>.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-27 09:02:12.300504+00
name: Let's Meet Again
ucname: LETS MEET AGAIN
intensity_bars: 84/88/88/88
notes:
  According to a note in Book 23, when originally published, bars 21–24 were ‘advance and retire’ (two bars each way) but this was very soon changed to one step each way twice.


created: 2016-09-04 11:03:23.727856+00
last_modified: 2022-05-01 18:06:31.495757+00
name: Mistress Mary
ucname: MISTRESS MARY
intensity_bars: 444/088/844/844
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to <<ddp:#50|Mary Brandon>>, longtime Dance Mistress of the Los Angeles Branch Demonstration Team. She was an inspiring and demanding teacher, who taught me the value of learning Scottish Country Dancing well. She encouraged me to become a teacher and supported me in my endeavor to do so.

  The formation Corner Change & Chase is a variation on one Mary devised for <<ddd:Founders’ Reel#8775>>, a dance commemorating the founding of the Los Angeles Branch, which is published in her book “<<ddpub:Dances with a Difference#394>>".


created: 2021-03-13 22:04:01.564702+00
last_modified: 2022-08-15 14:46:50.450399+00
name: Guinea Pigs
ucname: GUINEA PIGS
devised: 2020-08-21
notes:
  "This dance is dedicated to the set of dancers (the guinea pigs) who tried out some dancing, including this one, with 2 metre minimum distancing on August 21st 2020."


created: 1998-04-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-03 12:03:51.917644+00
name: McLaughlin's Reel
ucname: MACLAUGHLINS REEL
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  The original tune, “Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin of San Diego” and the strathspey tune “Marjorie Easton McLaughlin” were composed as a gift for Marjorie and Richard McLaughlin for their wedding on the 18th of January 1992, at which Muriel was a surprise guest, at the appropriate moment emerging from an automatic dishwasher box.   

  The lively music seemed to match the nature of the recipients and the dance is written in the same vein, as Richard frequently expresses a preference for fast moving, good going dances!


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-04 19:48:27.32533+00
name: Braes of Yarrow, The
ucname: BRAES OF YARROW
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8484/8888
notes:
  The title is from the poem Yarrow Unvisited by William Wordsworth:  
  "Whate'er betide, we'll turn aside,  
  And see the Braes of Yarrow."  


created: 2001-09-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-05 22:27:43.469504+00
name: Skaters' Strathspey
ucname: SKATERS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8444
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  The purpose of this dance is to perform the strathspey on ice skates. To this end, we used as many
  continuously flowing formations as we could. So that nobody freezes, we wanted all four couples moving
  as much as possible. We also wanted to be able to dance this on a regular dance floor, as well as on ice.


created: 1998-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-06 15:47:45.003855+00
name: Bouncing Braids
ucname: BOUNCING BRAIDS
intensity_bars: 800/822/866/844
devised: 1988-05-21
notes:
  This dance was presented to Carol Mortimer and Peter Schut on the occasion of their wedding day,
  May 21, 1988.


created: 1997-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-06 18:10:33.700652+00
name: Farewell To The Plaidies
ucname: FAREWELL TO THE PLAIDIES
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/888
devised: 1985-01-01
notes:
  This dance was dedicated to Gene MacKinnon by the Ceilidh Dancers of Ardbrae in May, 1985.  

  Suitable music is "Lady Charlotte Bruce" on Broadswords, 33SR153.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-07 15:33:15.116726+00
name: Rudha Dubh
ucname: RUDHA DUBH
intensity_bars: 66 66 44 88 88 88
notes:
  The title "Rudha Dubh" means something like *Dark Headland* or *Black Point* (from gaelic *Rudha* and also "Rubha": headland, promontory, point [of land] and *dubh* meaning dark or black - rf. Carmichael et al., 2014, *Gaelic Place Names of Arrochar Parish*).

  It remains unclear which "Rudha Dubh" is referred to, because the dance description does not specify a specific one.

  There are several places named Rudha Dubh throughout Scotland like on the coast of the Isle of Islay near Lower Killeyan, a small promontory on the north-west corner of Isle of Bute, another on the East cost of the Isle of Tiree, one with a lighthouse built on near Scalasaig on the Isle of Colonsay, or the Black Point jutting into Loch Grunabhat. 

  A famous one involves the SS Politician which ran aground the cliffs of Rudha Dubh at island of South Uist in the Sound of Eriskay in 1941 with a cargo including 28000 cases of malt whisky. This event gave the inspiration for the novel "Whisky Galore" and the movie "Whisky Galore!".


created: 2019-10-25 10:33:17.424867+00
last_modified: 2020-04-07 23:17:39.30788+00
name: Midsummer Moon
ucname: MIDSUMMER MOON
devised: 2014-06-01
notes:
  Suggested tune: The Forth Bridge by W. Blythe.  

  This dance was devised in June 2014 on the night of a full moon when the beginner’s class only had three dancers plus the instructor. The class had been learning Delvine Side; I think the inspiration is clear. A student, Jodi McEdward, coined the name. It is written as a 6x32 strathspey so that the standing couple always defines the set during the double figures of eight. If numbers do not allow, by all means, dance it as an 8x32 strathspey.


created: 2020-04-09 16:33:40.349234+00
last_modified: 2020-04-10 18:32:14.695757+00
name: Three Bernadettes, The
ucname: THREE BERNADETTES
intensity_bars: 555/888/888/800
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Dance devised by Muriel Johnstone for Bernadette Lange, one of the three Bernadettes who met while attending TAC Summer School at Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick in 2013.

  The <<https://youtu.be/PTAz97GHkGk |youtube video>> refers to the dance as "The 3 Bernadettes" which is added as an alias.


created: 1999-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-04 14:59:45.312786+00
name: Hill House of Helensburgh, The
ucname: HILL HOUSE OF HELENSBURGH
intensity_bars: 88/66/66/88
devised: 1993-09-26
notes:
  Devised the day after "Birl for Bob Campbell".   

  The Hill House, in Helensburgh, Scotland, was designed by Charles Rennie MacIntosh.  It is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, and has more visitors than any other Trust property.


created: 2020-04-06 15:18:39.101517+00
last_modified: 2020-04-13 16:05:54.312243+00
name: Sixty Forty Split
ucname: SIXTY FORTY SPLIT
intensity_bars: 840/888/822/844
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  To commemorate 100 years of dancing in Waterloo County. The Kitchener Waterloo Branch of the RSCDS celebrates 60 years. Blair Scottish Country Dancers celebrate 40 years. Looking forward to many more years of dancing with both groups.


created: 2020-03-30 02:07:12.399604+00
last_modified: 2020-04-12 23:05:12.085515+00
name: On The Fly
ucname: ON THE FLY
intensity_bars: 800/880/880/800
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Tune: “Marjorie’s Fleet-Footed Departure” composed by Judi Nicolson ©Deeay Music  
  Devised by Amy Hoffman, 2020  
  The tune was inspired by frantic, early morning packing at the end of the 2014 TAC Summer School in Greeley, Colorado. Due to an unfortunate mishap with an alarm clock, Marjorie awoke to find she had 25 minutes to pack and catch the shuttle to the airport. Thanks to Judi’s determined efforts everything was tossed into the suitcase and Marjorie made it out the door – she even managed to brush her teeth!  
  The dance just came to the devisor one day while thinking of something totally different. It was written, so to speak, on the fly. The hope is it can be danced lightly and whimsically, as it was written. The dance and tune have found each other now.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-15 09:29:39.788754+00
name: Happy Anniversary
ucname: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
intensity_bars: 44/44/84/88
devised: 2007-08-01
notes:
  Devised by Irene van Maarseveen. Pretoria, August 2007.  

  In commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the RSCDS Pretoria Branch, 2007. Inspired by the dance The Happy Meeting (RSCDS Book 29). 


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-16 13:20:15.257612+00
name: Rambling Pitchfork, The
ucname: RAMBLING PITCHFORK
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/844/800/888
notes:
  Los Angeles Branch chair Ann McBride (a native of Northern Ireland herself): a "rambling pitchfork" is an itinerant laborer, meaning something like a migrant-worker farmhand.


created: 1998-01-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-16 13:21:33.585594+00
name: Rambling Pitchfork, The
ucname: RAMBLING PITCHFORK
intensity_bars: 888/800/800/880
devised: 1970-07-12
notes:
  Devised on Sunday 12th July, 1970. The title is that of an Irish reel. Iain devised the dance after Noeline and he had inadvertently danced a chase instead of the figure of eight in "Corn Rigs" during an evening at the Buchan Street Club in Christchurch - hence the choice of name.  

  Suitable recorded music is any arrangement for "Corn Rigs" particularly that of Stan Hamilton.  

  Los Angeles Branch chair Ann McBride (a native of Northern Ireland herself): a "rambling pitchfork" is an itinerant laborer, meaning something like a migrant-worker farmhand.


created: 2019-07-24 20:31:40.915216+00
last_modified: 2020-04-17 00:45:24.756953+00
name: Winds of Lanzarote
ucname: WINDS OF LANZAROTE
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  Devised while being on vacation on Lanzarote – one of the Canary Islands – a very windy place at this occasion.


created: 2020-03-09 16:29:59.891868+00
last_modified: 2020-04-18 00:37:59.554869+00
name: Little Donnie in the Pig Pen
ucname: LITTLE DONNIE IN THE PIG PEN
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/844/848/888
devised: 2017-04-01
notes:
  I heard a tune with this name on Facebook and wrote a dance to go with it. I could never find the tune again but kept the dance.


created: 2017-03-24 15:13:25.804609+00
last_modified: 2020-04-17 23:45:21.215183+00
name: Reel of the 88th
ucname: REEL OF THE 88TH
intensity_bars: 808/080/440/440/800
notes:
  For Mamie Shoolbraid's 88th birthday in 1989, Derek Bickerton of the Hawaii Branch, devised the playful compilation of figures of eight.


created: 2014-05-09 22:09:02.546519+00
last_modified: 2020-05-12 22:54:30.851214+00
name: Lilibet's Strathspey
ucname: LILIBETS STRATHSPEY
devised: 2012-06-01
notes:
  Written for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in celebration of her Diamond Jubilee. June 2012.
  <p>The meaning behind the figures of Lilibet’s Strathspey:
  <br>Bars 1-8: Individuals in their families interact with friends, communities and countries.
  <br>Bars 9-24: The countries of the Commonwealth are interlinked and are working together in harmony.
  <br>Bars 25-32: The people of the world celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.


created: 2005-04-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-25 16:47:39.401529+00
name: On Sylvan Lake
ucname: ON SYLVAN LAKE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8080/4444/8888/8888/0808/4444/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2004-05-01
notes:
  A freely downloadable recording of music for this dance is available via <<http://www.fiddletree-music.com/johnturner/scdrecordings.html>>

  This dance was dedicated to Ellen Sears of the New York Branch after a memorable Pawling Weekend that she chaired.


created: 2020-05-09 22:47:16.719281+00
last_modified: 2022-08-17 18:45:59.764382+00
name: Romance in St Andrews
ucname: ROMANCE IN ST ANDREWS
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/848
notes:
  The dance was written to mark the occasion of the Royal marriage of Kate Middleton and Prince
  William, who met in St Andrews, as well as to celebrate Shelley’s own romantic association with the town. Both she, and fellow Torontonian Fiona Collinson (nee Jamison) – another member of the Georgina Finlay demonstration team – came with a group of Finlay dancers from Toronto over a decade ago to attend Summer School at St Andrews University. It was there that they met their future Scottish husbands, and eventually settled.


created: 2007-07-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-18 23:18:44.208832+00
name: Girardet House
ucname: GIRARDET HOUSE
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/8888/8888
devised: 2005-07-01
notes:
  For Svenja who was my partner when this dance was first tried
  For Susanne who was my partner when this dance first appeared on the EMO ball programme 2007

  Girardet House is a disused printing works in Essen, which has now been turned into a shopping centre.  It has an Irish pub where the EMO dancers go after their training sessions.

  Initially, the name of this dance was misspelled Giradet House.  This name is kept a "spelling alias" to help searches using the misspelled name. The web URL still uses that name (april 2016).

  The dance first had the name "EVAG" subtitled "Meals on Wheels". EVAG is the local transport authority Essener Verkehrs Aktiengesellschaft (E.V.A.G.).  The nickname came from a mistake made by the translation programme in my computer, which translated the name of the city, Essen, where I live as "meals". The sub-title has nothing to do with food for Senior Citizens, one of which I am myself.  Essen, Summer 2005


created: 2011-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-21 20:26:07.235339+00
name: Bryan and Nori's Wedding
ucname: BRYAN AND NORIS WEDDING
devised: 1998-11-23
notes:
  Devised to celebrate the wedding of Bryan and Noriko in Tokyo on Monday 23rd November 1998.

  The booklet says "Music for this dance can be found on "The Foaming Sea" by Da Fustra (HRMCD002)".  This CD has no music named for this dance, but track 2 is a 6 x 32 Reels that starts with the tune Billy Thom's Reel.                  


created: 2020-05-03 10:13:25.811282+00
last_modified: 2020-05-03 10:13:25.811282+00
name: Sir David Lindsay Of The Mount's Strathspey
ucname: SIR DAVID LINDSAY OF THE MOUNTS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/848/884/888
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  Devised to commemorate Sir David Lindsay of the Mount (1490-1555), Scottish poet and Lord Lyon King of Arms.


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-20 16:59:06.010519+00
name: Prince Charles of Edinburgh
ucname: PRINCE CHARLES OF EDINBURGH
devised: 1949-01-01
notes:
  The following corrections were included on a loose sheet "Notes on Dances by Bob Grant June 1996", when Book 39 was first sold in the Summer School bookshop:

  Fig 1.  17-24  1st and 3rd men face out

  Fig 2.  15-16  Use setting to turn'inwards' to face corner

  1-16 (2nd time)  Couples 2 and 4 - no polite turn at end of 1/2 rights and lefts

  Tulloch Swing:  It is more usual for couples to link arms, hands cupping elbows, ladies holding dresses and men with free arm raised.  Men 2 cuts and women 2 changes of feet to change direction


created: 2020-03-09 16:20:15.322179+00
last_modified: 2020-04-22 23:56:43.794435+00
name: Jig for Mary Jane, A
ucname: JIG FOR MARY JANE
intensity_bars: 804/848/888/666
devised: 2018-10-17
notes:
  I was teaching a dance class on the day that marijuana was legalized across Canada. I felt that deserved a dance. I had just come back from the Ottawa weekend workshop and was inspired by Whig Maleeries, by Derek Ivory in the Imperial Society Book, a dance that Geoffrey Selling taught at that workshop. The serpentine is from Queen City Salute by Dale Birdsall in Book 37.


created: 2020-04-24 16:40:47.550716+00
last_modified: 2020-04-24 17:05:19.342547+00
name: Interesting Times
ucname: INTERESTING TIMES
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2020-03-01
notes:
  Written while remembering a lovely dance week in Sorrento just before the Covid-19 pandemic.  Interesting times there. Interesting times after.


created: 2020-04-24 13:08:44.255617+00
last_modified: 2020-10-13 20:09:07.142789+00
name: Reel for Renato, A
ucname: REEL FOR RENATO
intensity_bars: 8800/8888/8888/8484/8008
devised: 2020-03-01
notes:
  Our dancing holiday in Sorrento was cut short by Covid-19, a virus that was spreading throughout the world.  Renato, the hotel owner/manager kept us safe and helped us all get back home.  Despite the problems, it was a great holiday.  This dance will remind me of the camaraderie and joy of dancing that we shared while in Sorrento.


created: 2005-02-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-28 14:55:05.690789+00
name: Trip to Chicago
ucname: TRIP TO CHICAGO
intensity_bars: 888/840/844/808/
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  Devised 2004 by Lara Friedman-Shedlov, of the Twin Cities Branch, in appreciation of the many happy hours spent dancing at the Chicago Branch’s balls and workshops. Well worth the road trips!  

  NOTE: Bars 25-28 and 41-44 are quite quick. The couple in front needs to move more quickly than they think in order to give the couple following enough time to get to place, and the following couple need to stay right behind the leading couple.  

  Suggested music: “Eilean Donan Castle,” on the Highlander Music Scottish
  Dances Volume 11 (Roy Hendrie and his Scottish Dance Band).


created: 2020-04-27 22:38:14.560114+00
last_modified: 2020-04-27 23:08:26.496078+00
name: And for the Young Ones
ucname: AND FOR THE YOUNG ONES
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2016-03-01
notes:
  This is a version of the dance with the same name previously published in RSCDS Book 51, but for only 2 couples.


created: 2002-06-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-28 19:24:39.259179+00
name: Ratcatcher's Reel, The
ucname: RATCATCHERS REEL
intensity_bars: 884/848/862/880
notes:
  This dance was devised for David Rye from West Wales who lists among his many talents and professions, the role of Ratcatcher.


created: 2019-03-11 21:02:15.403761+00
last_modified: 2022-12-13 23:14:03.95368+00
name: You Are Not Alone
ucname: YOU ARE NOT ALONE
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2019-03-01
notes:
  Devised in March 2019 by Judith Kowalczik and dedicated to Keith Rose and the Scottish Country Dancers from Bedford to say thank you for their support, openness to new ideas and their bravery to take up the challenge of dancing „The Paranoid Jig“ with „Corners Chase and Turn“ in quick time as one of the first groups!


created: 2020-03-11 11:29:24.741438+00
last_modified: 2023-03-31 14:17:03.072755+00
name: Holly, Would You Pick The Music?
ucname: HOLLY WOULD YOU PICK THE MUSIC
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  This dance was written for Holly Boyd of Montreal, in thanks and appreciation.
  Holly has a much more extensive collection of recorded music than I, as well as a keener sense for what tunes work well with what dances, so when we were co-teaching in 2018-2019 she would often kindly choose music for me while I instructed the beginners in the figures of a dance.


created: 1999-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-27 23:13:27.636948+00
name: Jig for Anne and Tom, A
ucname: JIG FOR ANNE AND TOM
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/880
devised: 1994-09-01
notes:
  Devised on September 25, 1994, to commemorate the engagement of Anne Quirk and Tom Lightfoot, members of the St. Andrew ’s group.


created: 2016-05-09 09:22:20.750641+00
last_modified: 2020-05-01 14:53:23.387253+00
name: Kumihimo
ucname: KUMIHIMO
intensity_bars: 800/866/822/888
devised: 2016-03-01
notes:
  I recently learned to do kumihimo and this dance reminds me of the movements in working the braids. Kumihimo means gathered threads.


created: 2002-08-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-30 19:40:43.968833+00
name: Seite an Seite
ucname: SEITE AN SEITE
intensity_bars: 800/822/884/884
devised: 1995-11-01
notes:
  "Seite an Seite" was created in honor of the marriage of Coletta Hill and Armin Busse in March, 1996.  

  Recommended Music  
  *Loch Leven Castle* on Duncan Smith and Susan Worland's "Dancin' Music".


created: 2018-10-05 21:33:35.450877+00
last_modified: 2020-05-12 21:36:12.224057+00
name: Ladies of a Certain Age
ucname: LADIES OF A CERTAIN AGE
intensity_bars: 844/888/844/844
devised: 2011-03-01
notes:
  This dance was written in honor of the six ladies from Toronto who visited our class on March 22nd, 2011 and introduced themselves as "'golf widows' of a certain age."


created: 2020-05-30 18:38:50.762979+00
last_modified: 2020-05-30 18:41:28.101505+00
name: Ballare a Bologna
ucname: BALLARE A BOLOGNA
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/84
devised: 2020-05-29
notes:
  Dedicated to <<ddp:#11948>> and his family who have been dancing in Bologna during the current COVID-19 pandemic for all of us who at this time are not able to do so.


created: 1998-07-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-28 21:23:01.25488+00
name: Bliadhna Mhath Ur
ucname: BLIADHNA MHATH UR
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/4444/8888/4444/8444
notes:
  The name means "A Happy New Year"

  As an alternative to crossing on the first bar, a second chord may be played to permit first and third
  couples to cross and commence by dancing in and down, this variation being more in accordance with
  modern practice.


created: 2011-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-19 21:01:15.737015+00
name: Diane's Dilemma
ucname: DIANES DILEMMA
intensity_bars: 66 88 66 88
notes:
  Alias: "The Gaviscon Girl".

  Haynes adds two footnotes: 

  For Diane Rooney and all those who are so busy they don't know what to do next.    


  Since there is very little rest in this dance the less energetic may prefer to dance in 3-couple sets.


created: 2020-04-27 22:30:44.434406+00
last_modified: 2021-08-13 09:33:18.275968+00
name: School At Home
ucname: SCHOOL AT HOME
intensity_bars: 66/88/88/88
devised: 2020-04-01
notes:
  We’ve just had five whole weeks of school at home for our two children, which was quite interesting and… different. But I must admit I’m glad to have now two weeks holidays!


created: 2020-04-27 22:25:42.855241+00
last_modified: 2021-08-14 03:16:01.870057+00
name: Football Time
ucname: FOOTBALL TIME
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2020-04-01
notes:
  During this period at home (Coronavirus 2020), we have a lot of time to spend with the family, and at the request of my son Xavier, the four of us are playing football nearly every day, which can actually be great fun. He’s not very found of dancing, but he accepted to participate so that we could be two couples and try out this dance.


created: 1997-12-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-05 00:32:11.561795+00
name: Iona Strathspey
ucname: IONA STRATHSPEY
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  This is a complicated display dance, which must be taught from the original.  There is little use for a crib.  A diagram might be useful.  

  Danced once or twice through, and then followed by a 12-bar coda.


created: 2001-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-08 07:57:38.544565+00
name: It All Started in DeKalb
ucname: IT ALL STARTED IN DEKALB
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/844
devised: 2001-11-01
notes:
  I started dancing in September 1994 at Fermilab with a group that had started in DeKalb, IL a few years earlier. This dance captures my experiences that first night. The first dance I danced was De'il Amang the Tailors, which is reflected in bars 1-8. Later that night the more experienced dancers danced Mairi's Wedding as a demo for us newcomers. It was that dance that hooked me on Scottish Country Dancing - I wanted to dance that dance! And bars 17-32 are Mairi's Wedding reels as I prefer to dance them.


created: 2020-07-16 23:35:33.640888+00
last_modified: 2020-07-16 23:35:33.640888+00
name: Green Light Moments
ucname: GREEN LIGHT MOMENTS
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/vNwUmaMwTXA|Youtube video>>. From the youtube comments: *when you time arrival at traffic light just right — and never have to stop!*


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-11-26 00:07:39.648562+00
name: Who Fears to Speak of the 98
ucname: WHO FEARS TO SPEAK OF THE 98
notes:
  Editor’s note to the 2021 edition
  The original instructions stated a ladies' chain for second and third couple in bars 17-32. This would be
  an impractically long way for the ladies on the diagonal, such that we suggest a men's chain would be
  more appropriate and achieve the same effect.


created: 2005-02-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-07 08:34:37.989367+00
name: Miss Catharine Blair
ucname: MISS CATHARINE BLAIR
intensity_bars: 8668/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  In celebration of Miss Catharine Blair’s 82nd birthday, May 25th, 2003. Catharine is one of the original members of the Chicago Branch.


created: 1997-10-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-10 12:13:51.265362+00
name: Mr Cosgill's Delight
ucname: MR COSGILLS DELIGHT
devised: 1740-01-01
notes:
  Originally entered in SCDDB with title "Coreli's Gavot" and alias "Mr Cosgill's Delight" but these are now swapped as the latter is the preferred title (and the former seems misspelled).


created: 2007-02-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-08 17:14:26.04145+00
name: Colin Dewar's Hornpipe
ucname: COLIN DEWARS HORNPIPE
devised: 2006-05-01
notes:
  »Anything the younger generation can do, we can do! Hip Hop, that is! They should try it.«

  A dancer owns a copy of the original book, with a loose sheet dated 2008 from Rob Sargent stating that the name of this dance was changed to Colin Dewar’s Hornpipe.   The editors have incorporated that change on this page, leaving Hip Hop Hornpipe as an alias.


  HORNPIPE
  DEVISED:2006-05


created: 2005-02-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-09 23:47:12.705031+00
name: Friday Night at Barbara and Tom's
ucname: FRIDAY NIGHT AT BARBARA AND TOMS
intensity_bars: 822/866/888/888
devised: 2004-12-01
notes:
  Barbara Cool and Tom Senior offer their house for rehearsals for the branch demo team Friday nights throughout the year. This dance is to honor their generosity.


created: 2021-03-12 16:15:50.291396+00
last_modified: 2021-03-12 16:15:50.291396+00
name: St Peter One
ucname: SAINT PETER ONE
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  This dance was written for my very first beginner’s course in St Petersburg in 2009, to teach some of the basics, including the idea of progression. The dance works equally well in a three or five couple set.


created: 2021-03-13 22:16:28.199509+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 22:16:28.199509+00
name: Keep Your Distance
ucname: KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
notes:
  Dance specifically devised with adapted figures to maintain 2m distance from other dancers.
  Where formations are listed for the dance they are the originals the actual figures were adapted from.


created: 1998-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 19:53:49.152111+00
name: Bonnie Anne
ucname: BONNIE ANNE
intensity_bars: 16 16 16 16 16 14 12 10 4444 8888 4444 4444 8888 8888 8888
notes:
  Some scepticism about the origin of the dance and its name is <<http://folkdancemusings.blogspot.com/2019/06/bonnie-anne-scotland.html|expressed here>>.


created: 2020-05-11 22:45:52.748143+00
last_modified: 2021-08-10 18:01:17.889087+00
name: Dancing Not-in-the-Park
ucname: DANCING NOTINTHEPARK
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/8888/8444
devised: 2011-06-30
notes:
  This may also be danced as a Strathspey.
  Devised to thank Teresa Lockhart for her “Not-in-the-Park” night at Bishop Strachan School, to make up for a cancelled night of Dancing In The Park.


created: 1999-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-15 10:53:52.174307+00
name: Wasatch Mountain Reel, The
ucname: WASATCH MOUNTAIN REEL
intensity_bars: 88088/08880/80008/80800
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed to the Wasatch Mountain Club, whose lodge at 8500' has been the scene of many SCD parties.

  A hike in the Wasatch Mountains:  
    1 - 8   The cliffs of Devil's Castle  
   9-16    Cecret Lake  
  17-24   Hiking up mountains and glissading down snowfields  
  25-32   The switchbacks in the trails  


created: 2017-04-23 06:46:48.399528+00
last_modified: 2020-05-27 13:10:20.74841+00
name: Trembling String, The
ucname: TREMBLING STRING
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2014-08-01
notes:
  This dance was written as a signature dance for the Lighted Ha’ Ball held annually in the Apple Barn, Valle Crucis NC at the Jink & Diddle School of Scottish Fiddling.


created: 2002-03-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-01-10 11:41:17.345656+00
name: Kelpie of Loch Coruisk, The
ucname: KELPIE OF LOCH CORUISK
intensity_bars: 8484844 16 12 16 12 16 12 12 8080800
notes:
  It will be found that dancers alternate as leading and supporting couples, except that after dancing in 2nd place they will dance as supporting couple again in 7th place. This dance was devised to dance to records that play only seven times through.


created: 1999-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-12 07:57:40.406301+00
name: Elegant Tern, The
ucname: ELEGANT TERN
intensity_bars: 770/707/800/888
devised: 1993-11-01
notes:
  Inscribed to Holly Fuchs.  One of the joys of the San Francisco Branch's Asilomar weekend is being able to go bird watching at dawn along the beach. Holly's comment, when I returned from one early-morning bird walk and reported that I had seen my first Elegant Tern, was "An Elegant Tern? That would make a great name for a dance."   

  The strathspey two-hand turn is the most elegant turn I know.


created: 2015-08-27 17:52:58.71454+00
last_modified: 2020-05-17 01:24:18.607478+00
name: Muddy Dog Run
ucname: MUDDY DOG RUN
intensity_bars: 800/844/822/888
devised: 2014-10-01
notes:
  MISPRINT: The author states that the book has a misprint in bars 9–16.  That should read:

  9 – 16	1st couple dance the track for corner pass and turn WHILE 1st corners turn right hand half way and dance out to opposite corner on bars 9 - 12.  2nd corners repeat on bars 13 – 16.  1st couple finish facing their partner’s first corner position (= their first corner person)

  A DOCX file with the correct text has been circulated, but printed books with the error are still around.  The cribs in this database are correct.  


  The dance was inspired by the name of a back country road that we saw while biking in Vermont with the Kents.  How could I not write a dance with that name?   October 2014


created: 1997-11-18 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 19:59:13.487988+00
name: Brig o' Doon
ucname: BRIG O DOON
intensity_bars: 40/404/800/484 /888/888/888/888 400 400 888 888
notes:
  This dance was collected at Dalmellington in the early 19th Century. It was a great favourite at the balls in that district.


created: 2002-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-20 20:09:35.416404+00
name: Nothing in Common
ucname: NOTHING IN COMMON
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  Information adapted from the publication:

  The tune for the dance is MHBHM by Muriel Johnstone. MHBHM are the initials of Susi's parents, Margaret Hay Bradbrook and Hans Mayr. They say they have nothing in common, hence the title of the dance!

  The dance was devised by Susi Mayr on the occasion of her parents' 40th Wedding Anniversary on 7th August 1994, for which the original tune was commissioned.


created: 2018-10-07 12:35:47.423213+00
last_modified: 2020-05-30 23:33:04.016976+00
name: Ammolite
ucname: AMMOLITE
intensity_bars: 880/804/633/633
devised: 2016-11-01
notes:
  Ammolite is a fossil of an ammonite and is found only in southern Alberta. It makes lovely jewelry and my husband bought me a piece and had it made into a necklace for me. Ammonite shells spiral out from the center and the figure in bars 1-8 seems to me to spiral.


created: 2017-08-09 11:55:47.328782+00
last_modified: 2020-06-16 15:47:55.148664+00
name: Homemade Jam
ucname: HOMEMADE JAM
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8888/8888
devised: 2017-04-01
notes:
  This dance is for Annie Dufaut, an active member of both Geneva and Fourqueux SCD groups.  She enjoys picking fruit and making jam, but does not like eating it, so her friends get the benefit of this tasty hobby.

  A recording by Marian Anderson of the music for this dance is available via <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/recording/>>.


created: 1999-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-24 23:47:58.849868+00
name: Bridge of Nairn
ucname: BRIDGE OF NAIRN
intensity_bars: 800 822 822 844
devised: 1757-01-01
notes:
  Nairn is a town on the Moray Firth, north-east of Inverness. It is a tourist resort famous for its golf courses, an annual jazz festival, and one of the largest Highland games in the North. Charlie Chaplin used to go there for his annual holidays.

  King James VI. of Scotland (James I. of England) visited Nairn in 1589 and used to boast afterwards that there was a town in his kingdom with a high street so long that the people at one end couldn't understand the language of those at the other. At the time Nairn consisted of two separate settlements, one Gaelic-speaking and one Scots-speaking.


created: 2018-03-11 09:18:13.675444+00
last_modified: 2020-05-26 09:18:57.722834+00
name: Walk With Me
ucname: WALK WITH ME
intensity_bars: 600/800/888/808
notes:
  “Devised for Ramona Zohm and Matthias Rank on the occasion of their wedding on 9th March 2018. In tribute to both of them dancing on both sides, the first couple is encouraged to change sides by advancing in setting step on bars 31-32, dancing the second time through from opposite sides.”


created: 2015-09-22 20:53:38.417694+00
last_modified: 2020-05-26 11:43:01.416369+00
name: Wirral Rambler
ucname: WIRRAL RAMBLER
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/0880/8222
devised: 2009-06-01
notes:
  Ken danced with RSCDS Wirral Branch during a visit to the UK in May and June 2009. Inspired by the warm welcome he received he devised the above dance which he presented to the Branch on his departure. Many thanks Ken.


created: 2000-09-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-29 01:43:27.229052+00
name: Waverley
ucname: WAVERLEY
intensity_bars: 444/444/880/880/888/800
notes:
  Source:  Twenty Four Country Dances with Figures by Mr Wilson for the year 1816.  

  Note: on each second repetition of the dance, 1st couple dance out between 2nd and 3rd men and, retaining nearer hands, dance down to fourth place as 3rd couple step up.


created: 2020-06-04 19:47:02.916746+00
last_modified: 2020-12-06 10:21:29.478701+00
name: Jig for Julian, A
ucname: JIG FOR JULIAN
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
notes:
  To remember Julian Crawford, enthusiastic Scottish Country dancer and long-time member of Ardoch Church Scottish Country Dance Group, Braco, Perthshire, who sadly died on Monday March 9 2020, following a long illness. Julian loved putting all kinds of twirls and birls into his dancing so some of them are included in this dance in his memory.


created: 2015-11-07 02:19:59.748868+00
last_modified: 2020-05-30 10:18:20.454372+00
name: After Supper Sweeper, The
ucname: AFTER SUPPER SWEEPER
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  All the information on this dance comes from the video, which gives the description:

  1 - 4-    1st couple (with brooms) sweep down the middle  
  5 - 8     1st couple cast up and sweep up the sidelines to top place, while 2nd and 3rd couples dance back to back.  
  9 - 16   1st, 2nd and 3rd couples dance mirror reels of three on their own sides  
  17 - 24 1st couple dance a fig of eight with a difference round the 2nd couple. – 1st woman crosses down between the 2nd couple, up round 2nd man and across the set (passes the broom to 2nd woman) and casts into 2nd place, while 1st man dances across the set, around 2nd woman, up between 2nd couple (passes the broom to 2nd man) and down around 2nd man and into 2nd place. 2nd couple move up on bars 23 and 24.  
  25 - 28 1st and 3rd couples dance half rights and lefts.  
  29 – 32 1st and 3rd couples turn with both hands (with rubbish bags) one and a half times to own sides. 

  Repeat with new top couple.


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-10 12:16:53.758962+00
name: We'll Wed and We'll Bed
ucname: WELL WED AND WELL BED
devised: 1710-01-01
notes:
  Originally entered in SCDDB with title "Dublin Bay" and alias "We'll Wed and We'll Bed" but these are now swapped as the latter is the preferred title.


created: 1998-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-20 08:39:28.36981+00
name: Colonel is a Lady, The
ucname: COLONEL IS A LADY
intensity_bars: 808/888/888/888/880
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  This dance was written as a reel but was later changed to jig time.

  Susi Mayr posted in https://www.strathspey.org/lists/strathspey@strathspey.org/t/43426/

  Here's some additional information from Atsuko Clement:

  "At the time of Muriel's retiral  during Summer School, Bill made up a tune
  in jig time for her.  At the same time John made a dance in reel time for
  her.  Then both discovered that each made up a dance or tune.  So, they agreed
  to match up the dance and tune.  Hence the original of dance was a reel,
  but now it is a jig."

  Susi


created: 2012-09-13 16:04:18.061968+00
last_modified: 2020-06-02 01:12:33.035042+00
name: Wee Dram Before Tea, A
ucname: WEE DRAM BEFORE TEA
intensity_bars: 880/880/800/888
notes:
  For more advanced dancers, reels of three may be substituted in bars 17-24.

  When we traveled through Scotland, my husband and I began a tradition of enjoying our new surroundings each day by having ‘a wee dram before tea’. It was very relaxing – like this dance.


created: 2012-09-13 16:05:22.998979+00
last_modified: 2020-06-02 22:52:32.907329+00
name: Katherine's Birthday
ucname: KATHERINES BIRTHDAY
intensity_bars: 80/88/88/88
devised: 2006-10-30
notes:
  The dance is inscribed to Katherine Mackenzie on her 12th birthday, October 30, 2006.  

  Suggested Music: Marilyn’s Reel from the CD “The Devil’s Quandary”.


created: 2020-06-04 21:08:39.332208+00
last_modified: 2020-06-05 17:29:08.001216+00
name: Kelly's Bush
ucname: KELLYS BUSH
notes:
  Late last century, Kelly’s Bush, a small parcel of government land in Sydney overlooking the Parramatta River, on the Hunter’s Hill/Woolwich peninsula, was deemed redundant to requirements. Strong protests from the local residents, and others, saved it from development, and it has been retained as a pleasant riverside park, enjoyed by all.


created: 2020-06-04 21:12:43.721796+00
last_modified: 2020-06-05 17:41:38.452447+00
name: Orchard, The
ucname: ORCHARD
notes:
  The <<ddpub:#1547|2nd Canberra Book>> suggests using "Silver Grey” Track 7 from the CD “Haste Ye Back” Muriel Johnstone’s Scottish Dance Band. However track 7 on that CD is actually "Hope Little's Strathspey". There is a recording of Silver Grey by Luke Brady. It is not clear which is intended.


created: 2011-11-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-13 09:45:01.357358+00
name: Over the Water to Charlie
ucname: OVER THE WATER TO CHARLIE
devised: 1991-12-01
notes:
  Step Dance. [For the country dance see <<ddd:#5136>>].   

  Notes prepared by Ron Wallace, 1991  

  Sources:  
  Highland and Traditional Scottish Dances, D.G. MacLennan  
              Scottish National Dance Company, leaflet  
               National Dance Book of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance  
               Hebridean Solo Dances, Jack McConachie  


created: 2020-06-04 21:01:59.861579+00
last_modified: 2020-06-05 17:19:55.720358+00
name: Effsiesse
ucname: EFFSIESSE
notes:
  Effsiesse is a courtship dance, in the manner of “Catch the Wind”. The name derives from the idea behind each of the 8 bar phrases and forms the mnemonic FCSC:- Beginning with flirting in the parallel reel where dancers get the briefest of moments of eye contact with partners as they cover across the set. Then the dancing couple’s chase – more flirting as the woman leads, and man follows, some indecision as they turn away and towards each other dancing up the set until the woman turns to meet her partner. Then the 1st couple’s solo (hands held throughout), and finally the others join in for a celebratory circle.


created: 2020-06-04 21:03:57.740896+00
last_modified: 2020-06-05 17:23:15.529879+00
name: Hands Across the Sea
ucname: HANDS ACROSS THE SEA
notes:
  Note: The dance can also be danced in three-couple sets. 3C or 4C sets should be arranged so that each has at least one other similar sized set beside it. This allows bars 9–12 to be modified so that 1st woman and 3rd man dance right hands across with 1st man and 3rd woman from the adjacent set (and thereafter return to continue dancing in their own sets). The right hands across with dancers from the adjacent set represents "Hands Across the Sea".


created: 2020-06-04 21:07:08.475748+00
last_modified: 2020-06-05 17:27:16.910402+00
name: Jeannie o' Langside
ucname: JEANNIE O LANGSIDE
notes:
  Devised by Olivia Roberts (RSCDS Sydney) “for my friend Jeannie, who lived near the site of the Battle of Langside (1568) in which troops loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, were defeated, after the Queen was forced to abdicate (on account of the questionable murder of her second husband, Lord Darnley). The district is now a suburb of Glasgow”.


created: 2018-07-19 14:18:28.324636+00
last_modified: 2020-06-05 17:34:59.489287+00
name: Let's Bike it
ucname: LETS BIKE IT
notes:
  Devised for Gregor and Sheila Wills, who enjoy bike riding as one of their pastimes. Note: At the beginning of the third time through, as the new 1st couple cast, the old 1st couple cast to fourth place and the 2nd and 4th couples step up.


created: 2020-06-04 21:15:12.587394+00
last_modified: 2020-06-05 17:58:37.669284+00
name: Tangle o' the Isles, The
ucname: TANGLE O THE ISLES
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  Notes from the book:

  To be danced with “braggart in your step”.

  The name of the dance is taken from the song “The Road to the Isles”, written for a tune that was collected on the Hebridean island of Barra:

  *Sure by Tummel and Loch Rannoch and Lochaber I will go,*  
  *By heather tracks wi’ heaven in their wiles*  
  *If it's thinkin' in your inner heart the braggart's in my step,*  
  *You've never smelled the tangle o' the Isles.*

  The dance is a memento of a survey of “tangle” (seaweed) ecology undertaken long ago in the tide race along the Loch Obe gorge on Barra’s east coast. All dancers move ceaselessly throughout, simulating perpetual swirling of tangle fronds in the turbulence of tide and wave. Bars 1-8 represent movement of tangle fronds during the ebb and flow of the tide; in 9-16 they swirl away and back again as waves surge and recede; in 17-24 they are in a whirlpool with marginal eddies and in 25-32 they are displaced by turbulence and rotate in new locations, awaiting the next tide.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-06 17:22:43.300311+00
name: Lucy Campbell
ucname: LUCY CAMPBELL
intensity_bars: 88 88 64 88
notes:
  The RSCDS publication "Scottish Country Dances Books 13-18" states that this dances originates from *an old book of Scottish and Irish dances (title page lost)*.  [Thus, if somebody knows more of the whereabouts of this book, please let us know by hitting the "Submit Correction/Addition" button.]


created: 1997-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-07 17:14:48.016934+00
name: Sea Anemone
ucname: SEA ANEMONE
notes:
  Some curious information shared by Bruce Herbold on June 6, 2020 on the Web:
  The dance was taught before it was named so the teacher called it "sine nomine" ('nameless') which became "Sea Anemone" when it was time to name the dance.


created: 1997-10-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-09 14:41:55.985601+00
name: Traquair House
ucname: TRAQUAIR HOUSE
intensity_bars: 800 844 844 888 888
notes:
  Via e-mail, From: Benjamin Stein, Burlington, Vermont USA, Dancers@Compuserve.Com, on 13 Oct 1997: This dance, though modern in form, uses all traditional figures, reflecting the long tradition of Traquair House, located in the Borders between Innerleithen and Peebles. It is the legendary home of the Stewarts of Traquair, contains the oldest house in continuous habitation in Scotland and was visited several times by Mary Queen of Scots, an ardent dancer.


created: 2000-11-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-07 11:00:13.344959+00
name: Jig for Heather, A
ucname: JIG FOR HEATHER
intensity_bars: 880/880/888/822
notes:
  In memory of Heather Walsh who was a guest on several of the deviser's Holiday Fellowship trips and died in December 1992 after a short illness.


created: 2016-10-04 16:02:11.513877+00
last_modified: 2020-06-10 07:46:15.975698+00
name: Excited States
ucname: EXCITED STATES
intensity_bars: 808/888/882/888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to the dancers in the San Francisco Bay Area who are still eager to dance Petronella after dancing for a full evening. Upon request, the musicians are often happy to play it after the final waltz, and commonly two or more sets spontaneously form and dance it eight times through with mostly-controlled abandon.  The title refers to the arrangement of electrons that occurs after energy is added to an atom or molecule. Such excited states are often unstable until they release the energy and return to the ground state.


created: 1997-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-21 09:01:00.511905+00
name: Falls of Clyde, The
ucname: FALLS OF CLYDE
devised: 1979-01-01
notes:
  The sailing ship "Falls of Clyde" was launched on December 12, 1878, in Port Glasgow, Scotland, and was used for decades to transport sugar from Hawaii to California. The dance was devised in 1979 to honor the ship and to support community efforts to preserve and restore it.


created: 2011-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-14 23:15:03.58877+00
name: Room One
ucname: ROOM ONE
intensity_bars: 888/444/444/888
devised: 2011-07-05
notes:
  Devised 5th July 2011. This came after teaching a class of 9 and 10 year old children, and wanting to write a dance which had elements of Noeline O’Connor’s “Kingston Flyer” and Tang’s “A Trip to Gatlinberg.” The young dancers were confused with progressions so I sought to write a simple dance for them.  
  I use any reasonable 6 by 32 J, and for the class I used an unobtainable (and amazing) 6 by 32 recording of “Todlen Hame” recorded long ago by Jimmy Shand on a 45.


created: 2018-04-23 23:32:42.544897+00
last_modified: 2020-06-16 15:48:28.992694+00
name: Fidèle de Lausanne, La
ucname: FIDELE DE LAUSANNE
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 888
devised: 2018-03-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Vanessa de Schoene who has been faithfully caring for the Scottish Country Dance group in Lausanne almost since time immemorial.

  A recording by Marian Anderson of the music for this dance is available via <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/recording/>>.


created: 2020-06-16 21:28:18.277568+00
last_modified: 2020-06-16 21:28:18.277568+00
name: Gill with a "G"
ucname: GILL WITH A G
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/8488/8888
notes:
  For Gill Jennings, "teacher and my Teaching Certificate mentor, in appreciation of her efforts in teaching Scottish country dancing to the Sutton Coldfield Branch".


created: 2020-06-16 21:19:33.802538+00
last_modified: 2022-07-11 15:14:18.51285+00
name: Jig for Robert, A
ucname: JIG FOR ROBERT
intensity_bars: 800/888/622/888
notes:
  For Robert Templeton. "He requested a dance in quicktime containing tandem rights and lefts for 3 couples, a progression which, I believe, he invented."


created: 2020-06-16 18:21:53.60926+00
last_modified: 2022-10-03 23:01:23.413104+00
name: Freedom from Lockdown
ucname: FREEDOM FROM LOCKDOWN
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2020-04-01
notes:
  This dance is about being able to dance with our friends and family again. It helps us remember having fun and making memories like we did before Corona forced us all to stop dancing for a while.


created: 2020-06-16 21:51:42.820077+00
last_modified: 2020-06-16 21:51:42.820077+00
name: Corona Dance, The
ucname: CORONA DANCE
devised: 2020-06-11
notes:
  Written on 11 June 2020 to mark the first physical get-together for Brussels Dance Scottish after 3 months of lockdown due to COVID-19. Incidentally, the dance also mimics the relief of the virus (circle with tentacles).

  Being inspired by “Jig to the Music”, the music for this dance can of course be used, but any good and cheerful jig or reel will do. “Scotch Circle” (6x32R) from the CD by Alastair Fraser & Muriel Johnstone “Just as it Was 1”, track 2) would be my suggestion.


created: 2018-02-21 17:14:51.864304+00
last_modified: 2020-06-17 15:04:35.082264+00
name: Bubbly and Cake
ucname: BUBBLY AND CAKE
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2018-02-01
notes:
  Devised on the occasion of Peter Dixon's 80th birthday in February 2018.
  2018 is also the 60th anniversary year of South East Herts Scottish Country Dance Society of which he has been a member since 1959


created: 2004-06-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-21 09:41:38.523265+00
name: Dear David
ucname: DEAR DAVID
intensity_bars: 800/888/866/844
notes:
  Stella Fogg devised "Dear David" after she overheard someone tell Mary,
  "David was such a dear man".  Mary's face lit up, and she agreed that
  David was a "very dear man," who was also a superb teacher whose
  patience with beginners was amazing, and a tireless promoter of Scottish
  Country Dancing.  Stella first met David and Mary in Hawaii in the
  mid-seventies and through the years they became close friends.


created: 2005-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-21 10:16:29.412787+00
name: Dominie, The
ucname: DOMINIE
intensity_bars: 8181 8888 8888 8888 8888 8888 4444 8888
devised: 1962-01-01
notes:
  "Dominie" is a Scots word for teacher.  Also known as "Mackay of
  Barrhead," Mary Brandon devised this dance in 1962, to honor Harvey
  Mackay Barnes, "High School Teacher Extraordinaire and Chairman of the
  Scottish Country Dance Camp Committee in Vancouver, BC.


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-21 13:20:01.195298+00
name: Shoolbraids Jig, The
ucname: SHOOLBRAIDS JIG
intensity_bars: 5005/4444/4114/4444/8000
notes:
  Rena Drennan devised this dance as a tribute "to Mrs. Mamie Shoolbraid and Mary Shoolbraid Brandon for all their dedication and devotion to teaching Scottish Country Dancing in Leslie, Fife." The dance was first
  published in the The Melbourne Dance Book Volume 2.


created: 2020-06-23 14:57:57.303097+00
last_modified: 2020-06-24 10:29:50.824546+00
name: Cocktails at Hogmanay
ucname: COCKTAILS AT HOGMANAY
intensity_bars: 44848/40408/44488/04048/44448
devised: 2019-12-20
notes:
  I wrote this dance for a group of dancers who I celebrated New Year‘s Eve with. Person#5 is the straw to mix everything, on the last four bars this dancer adds the half orange to the glass.

  4 dancers in a square set, dancer #5 on #1s right hand side.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-27 10:14:39.947921+00
name: Hadrian's Wall
ucname: HADRIANS WALL
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/888/888
notes:
  “Hadrian's Wall” was listed in Napier's index, as a 40 bar reel by Derek Haynes, with no other details.  The following description is copied from private notes 

  (1-8)       1C cross RH, cast, 1/2 fig. of 8 round 2nd couple, (finish facing 1st corners) 

  (9-16)     1C, diagonal reel of 4 with 1st corners. (1C finish in 2nd place on opposite sides) 

  (17-24)   1C set and cast off; 1/2 fig. of 8 round 3C. (finish: 2C at top facing in and down; 3C in 2nd place facing out and down; 1C in 3rd place facing in and up)
   
  (25-32)   2C; 3C and 1C cross-over reels on opposite sides, 1C cross up from 3rd place to start 

  (33-40)   cross-over reels on own sides. 1C cross up from 3rd place to start (1C finish in 2nd place on own sides) 

  Note that if 1c finish in 3rd place, the progression becomes (2,3,1), fitting a 3-couple set.


  Derek did not include this dance in any of the “Carnforth Collection" books.  Maureen Haynes, Derek’s widow, wrote: "I have found the details of the dance Hadrian's Wall devised by Derek. It has almost been like looking for hidden treasure!  It is a 40 bar Reel for 3 couples in a 3 couple set, devised when he was still a member of the Liverpool Branch with a tune written by K. Macaulay Jones, also of Liverpool Branch, who also wrote the tune for Neidpath Castle. It would appear that the dance was never actually published and in a list that Derek put together himself of all the dances that he had devised that one is not mentioned. And as he did not include it in his Carnforth Collections I can only presume that he did not think it worthy of publication. Perhaps he chose to forget it!"

  As mentioned in Glendarroch SCD Sheet No.34 on <<https://www.rscdslondon.org.uk/sdata/dances/glendarroch/spey.pdf>>  from 1969, the dance "Hadrian's Wall" was rearranged by Derek Haynes to produce "The Spey in Spate". Possibly, Derek preferred the new dance, and thus did not include "Hadrian's Wall" in the Carnforth Collection, published about 20 years later, while including "The Spey in Spate" in his Carnforth book 3.


created: 2010-11-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-24 10:39:40.200792+00
name: Examination Fever
ucname: EXAMINATION FEVER
intensity_bars: 808/880/888/888
devised: 2007-08-02
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to a number of friends (in alphabetic order):  

  Eva-Maria Beckmann, Antje Böttcher, Birgit Frie, Gabrielle Funhoff, Chris Houston-Dewilde, Dirk Kölbl, Daniéle Landrieau, Luitgard Merkens, Anika McGregor, Birgit Röhricht, Antoine Rousseau, Thomas Stork, Sjoerd van Leersum, Iryna Zhurakovska and Claudia Zyla  

  who attended different Units of the RSCDS Teaching Certificate in Summer and Autumn 2007.


created: 2020-06-23 14:48:42.730382+00
last_modified: 2020-06-25 06:09:22.447998+00
name: Irish Clover, The
ucname: IRISH CLOVER
intensity_bars: 686/686/282/282/288
devised: 2020-05-19
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Anika Lange and Wolfgang Hahn on the occasion of their wedding. The four half reels represent the Irish clover, as Ireland is special to them, as much as is Scottish Country Dancing. The last figure - of course - is „walking down the aisle.“

  Second couple is dancing couple.


created: 2020-08-27 20:26:45.800361+00
last_modified: 2020-09-03 07:57:55.379782+00
name: 1508, or the Complaint of the Black Knight
ucname: 1508 OR THE COMPLAINT OF THE BLACK KNIGHT
notes:
  This dance was written by a committee of multiple RSCDS Twin Cities Branch Members and named after the address of the house where the dance was devised, which happens to be the publication date of the oldest surviving book printed in Scotland, the Complaint of the Black Knight by John Lydgate.


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-03 06:36:00.345+00
name: Captain Henderson's Hornpipe
ucname: CAPTAIN HENDERSONS HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 888/888/844/888
notes:
  This dance was devised to honour Captain Donald Henderson, the oldest member of any club inthe Hunter Valley Branch of the R.S.C.D.S. He continued dancing till shortly before his deathearly in 1981 at the age of 93. He was born in the north of Scotland, going to sea at the age of15, and was a four times "Cape Horner". He settled in Newcastle, New South Wales, becomingHarbour Master. He was loved and respected by all.


created: 2011-07-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-20 08:36:33.310161+00
name: Trip to Fanwood
ucname: TRIP TO FANWOOD
intensity_bars: 800 822 822 888
devised: 2006-10-01
notes:
  Devised in October 2006 on the occasion of being invited to teach the „Happy Soles‟ in Fanwood, NJ.

  Music
  Any good jig. A recording that fits the dance is Flights of Fancy, on the Boston Branch Celebrate 50 CD.


created: 2018-01-13 10:59:33.284261+00
last_modified: 2020-06-28 10:44:24.535439+00
name: My Golden Bear
ucname: MY GOLDEN BEAR
intensity_bars: 8448/8448/8008/8008
devised: 2016-08-05
notes:
  For my wife Kristin, my bear, for her 60th birthday; especially in appreciation of her work in
  Johnsonville’s “golden” year.  

  Recommended music is 'Dovecote Park' by James Braidwood played AABB. Unfortunately there is no recorded music of this tune in the correct form. Thus for recorded music I suggest "Mrs Seller's Favourite" by Charles Grant which is the lead tune for "Off She Goes in the North", and either the recordings of David Anderson and his S. D. B. (Highlander Music Vol.8) or Colin Dewar (Music for Book 18) or (best of all) Stan Hamilton (Memory Lane) would be appropriate. The music needs to be very steady to enable the central figure.


created: 2016-12-31 14:06:48.574714+00
last_modified: 2020-06-28 21:08:46.640098+00
name: Change Your Shoes Faster
ucname: CHANGE YOUR SHOES FASTER
notes:
  This dance was created as a warmup dance where the second and third couples could join in late after putting on their shoes. It was devised for Swarthmore Folk Dance Club and the teachers who started me off, Terry Harvey and Joanna Reiner.


created: 1998-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-01 13:58:17.082615+00
name: Cherrybank Gardens
ucname: CHERRYBANK GARDENS
intensity_bars: 880 884 808 888
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  The original <<ddpub:#211|Bankhead>> book for bars 11-12 has *"1st couple cross over giving left hands"* presumably to the sides with the subsequent hands across starting from there though that is not specified. The more recent republication by the RSCDS in <<ddpub:#1523>> changed that to 1st couple turning 3/4 left hands.


created: 2017-02-15 19:55:04.964475+00
last_modified: 2020-07-01 17:22:44.501928+00
name: John Riddet's Reel
ucname: JOHN RIDDETS REEL
intensity_bars: 822/888/888/888
devised: 2012-07-01
notes:
  In the <<ddpub:#1351|Corberry II book>> this dance is called "John Riddet's Reel" on the page describing the dance but "John Riddet's Jig" on the index page. The latter is added as an alias.

  In the book the tune is given as "John Riddet's Jig" which is presumably the one entered in SCDDB as <<ddt:#13688>>.


created: 2017-02-16 09:01:21.344156+00
last_modified: 2020-07-01 17:24:56.56601+00
name: Symmetrical Jig, The
ucname: SYMMETRICAL JIG
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  In the <<ddpub:#1351|Corberry II book>> this dance is called "The Symmetrical Jig" (with double m) on the page describing the dance but "The Symetrical Jig" (one m) on the index page. The latter is added as an alias.

  Devised by Peter Clark in 2010 to take to Northern Virginia Weekend.


created: 2018-09-24 23:02:25.204846+00
last_modified: 2020-07-04 10:21:56.458622+00
name: Ashley In Wonderland
ucname: ASHLEY IN WONDERLAND
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 888
devised: 2017-05-01
notes:
  An earlier version of this dance had leading across with the left hand from the men’s side in bars 9-16  (as used in the 4 couple version of this figure in <<ddd:Kyle Castle>>). With only 3 couples as in this dance, using right hands from both sides is more symmetric. Those in 2nd place always cross in front.


created: 2014-10-01 23:20:05.539364+00
last_modified: 2020-07-04 11:28:52.649365+00
name: Pink Triangle, The
ucname: PINK TRIANGLE
intensity_bars: 888888/888888/888888/888888
devised: 2012-12-01
notes:
  In this progression, all dancers return to their original places after three repetitions of the dance.

  From the comments on the Edinburgh <<https://youtu.be/-j4K2DaVSHg|youtube video>>:
  *This dance was devised by Tim Bolton-Maggs, RSCDS Edinburgh, for Sid Taylor who was intrigued to hear about the Edinburgh Gay Gordons so commissioned one of her folk music friends to write 'The Pink Triangle'. Sadly, Sid died of cancer before the dance was premièred at the Gay Gordons' ceilidh in December 2012. The original tune, “<<ddt:#13006>>” was written by <<ddp:#11016>>.*


created: 2020-07-05 09:44:01.66064+00
last_modified: 2020-07-05 09:44:01.66064+00
name: Teagan's Triumph
ucname: TEAGANS TRIUMPH
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/JBSHkKaULqo|youtube video>>. According to the introduction in the video, the dance is one of a trio devised to mark the 500th performance of the Red Thistle Dancers. It is named after one of the deviser's grandchildren.


created: 2020-07-05 09:36:37.6903+00
last_modified: 2020-07-05 09:54:42.498386+00
name: Lively Liam's Jig
ucname: LIVELY LIAMS JIG
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/JBSHkKaULqo|youtube video>>. According to the introduction in the video, the dance is one of a trio of dances devised to mark the 500th performance of the Red Thistle Dancers. It is named after one of the deviser's grandchildren.


created: 2020-07-05 09:53:53.027915+00
last_modified: 2020-07-05 09:55:41.510956+00
name: Rowan's Reel
ucname: ROWANS REEL
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/JBSHkKaULqo|youtube video>>. According to the introduction in the video, the dance is one of a trio of dances devised to mark the 500th performance of the Red Thistle Dancers. It is named after one of the deviser's grandchildren. This is a once through non-progressive dance.


created: 2020-07-06 19:18:42.328184+00
last_modified: 2020-07-06 19:29:02.571612+00
name: AJ's Reel
ucname: AJS REEL
notes:
  Source <<https://youtu.be/t-bPczzdtas|youtube video>> via the <<http://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/photos-2/video/|Helensburgh RSCDS website>>. Written for the deviser's granddaughter.


created: 2020-07-08 21:33:06.227224+00
last_modified: 2020-07-08 21:33:06.227224+00
name: Dancers' Companions
ucname: DANCERS COMPANIONS
intensity_bars: 844/822/866/888
notes:
  Devised in honour of the Dictionary & Mini Crib website teams who do so much work on behalf of dancers all around the world.


created: 2015-02-06 17:49:04.995983+00
last_modified: 2020-07-11 11:19:56.203035+00
name: Young at Heart
ucname: YOUNG AT HEART
intensity_bars: 844/888/800/888
devised: 2005-07-16
notes:
  Devised for Pat Young for her 60th birthday on July 16,2005. Pat, who was a former long
  time resident of New Orleans, has found her new home in the mountains of North Carolina. Besides
  being an iron horse in making sure that Thistle School runs smoothly, her love of cartoons and
  children will always make her "young at heart. "


created: 2006-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-12 16:14:21.171038+00
name: Maskin Rung, The
ucname: MASKIN RUNG
devised: 1973-01-01
notes:
  The Maskin Rung is the pole used to stir whisky malt. A song with this title appears in The Scottish Folksinger by Norman Buchan and Peter Hall. It tells of a maiden who fools an unwanted suitor by dressing up a maskin rung and leaning it against a tree; he thinks it is she and tries to woo her. This song resembles the Child ballad "The Broomfield Wager."


created: 1998-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-13 09:38:52.209601+00
name: Saint Nicholas Boat, The
ucname: SAINT NICHOLAS BOAT
intensity_bars: 880 888 888 888 880 880
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description:

  *A Jig containing a reel of three in couples with each man following his
  partner. This figure is found in traditional dances from Orkney and
  Shetland. (See Flett and Flett "Traditional Dancing in Scotland"
  page 204, Diagram 9.5)*


created: 2018-09-25 21:56:49.606879+00
last_modified: 2020-07-16 15:00:25.586846+00
name: Sugar and Spice
ucname: SUGAR AND SPICE
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8448/8888
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  This temporary entry was derived from the Minicrib, as the dance was needed for a List.  Eric  Sept. 2018


created: 1998-09-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 22:14:26.38984+00
name: Silver Tassie, The
ucname: SILVER TASSIE
intensity_bars: 888 808 888 880
devised: 1966-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  This title, meaning the silver cup, is usually referenced to the first lines of the song *My Bonie Mary* by Robert Burns:

  *Go, fetch to me a pint o’wine,  
  And fill it in a silver tassie  
  That I may drink, before I go,  
  A service to my bonie lassie*

  This, however, is probably Burns’ reworking of an older ballad attributed to Alexander Lesly of Edin, which opens:

  *Ye’ll bring me here a pint of wine,  
  A server and a silver tassie,  
  That I may drink, before I gang,  
  A health to my ain bonny lassie*
  ##<<


created: 2015-07-09 00:37:27.17837+00
last_modified: 2020-07-18 23:47:42.445592+00
name: Pipped at the Post
ucname: PIPPED AT THE POST
intensity_bars: 840/804/880/808
devised: 2014-09-01
notes:
  Found on YouTube with the following description; this is a "stub" entry till a crib can be made.  Eric Ferguson, 2015-07-09


  Pipped at the Post. Scottish country dancing reel, Tawa SCD Club
  Pat Reesby
  Gepubliceerd op 27 sep. 2014

  PIPPED AT THE POST (R3X32) Maureen Robson

  1 - 4 1st and 2nd couples dance four hands across. 1st woman faces out.

  5 - 8 1st woman followed by 1st man casts down to 2nd place and across the set to finish with 1st couple in 2nd place on opposite sides. Ist woman facing out. 2nd couple move up on bars 7 & 8.

  9 - 12 1st and 3rd couples dance left hands across and again 1st woman faces out.

  13 – 16 1st woman casts up to top place followed closely by 1st man and curves down to finish facing 2nd woman. 2nd couple move down on bars 15 & 16.

  17 - 24 1st couple with 1st woman leading dance a reel of three in tandem with the 2nd couple passing 2nd woman by the left to begin the reel. On passing the 2nd woman 1st couple turn left about so the 1st man is leading. 2nd couple finish the reel by curving into top place.

  25 - 32 1st couple dance a reel of three in tandem with 3rd couple with the 1st man passing 3rd woman by the left to begin. On passing 3rd woman again on the opposite side of the dance 1st couple turn right about so the 1st woman is leading to finish in 2nd place on own sides. 1st woman stays facing out to begin the dance again.

  'Pipped at the Post' is a 32-bar reel devised by Maureen Robson, tutor of the Tawa SCD Club in Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand. It was danced at the club's annual dance on September 27, 2014 in the Ngaio town hall.

  Local musician and accordionist Peter Elmes wrote original music for the dance, and was joined by John Smith, Aileen Logie and Mary MacDonald on the night.

  For one or two of the dancers, it was their first time at a club dance for they have been dancing less than a year.


created: 2019-01-16 23:12:56.742676+00
last_modified: 2020-07-19 17:52:48.988266+00
name: Alice Ferguson of Seaforth
ucname: ALICE FERGUSON OF SEAFORTH
intensity_bars: 8000/8044/8844/4888
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  For Alice Ferguson on the occasion of a special birthday and to thank her for her many years of devoted convener-ship of the Seaforth Scottish Country Dance class in Nova Scotia.


created: 2019-01-16 23:34:18.163567+00
last_modified: 2020-07-20 23:37:14.615728+00
name: Blind Date to Thistle Dew
ucname: BLIND DATE TO THISTLE DEW
intensity_bars: 8004/8400/8000/8000
devised: 2005-05-17
notes:
  This dance was devised by Jean Miller to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of Glen and Yvonne Leduc, May 17, 2005, based on how they met.  

  1-4     Glen and Yvonne take off one night on a blind date  
  5-8     They meet other people there whom they know  
  9-12   They mix around and meet other people at the party  
  13-16 They dance with other people  
  17-24 They give each other the once over - good eye contact here  
  25-28 They acknowledge the fact that - "Hey, maybe this is the one for me!"  
  29-32 They dance into the sunset and have been dancing together ever since!!!  
  Long may they dance together.


created: 2020-07-23 11:47:43.85154+00
last_modified: 2020-07-23 12:50:40.126244+00
name: Crossing the Tantramar
ucname: CROSSING THE TANTRAMAR
intensity_bars: 866/888/844/888
notes:
  Dedicated to Judith (Jude) McCall, 1952 - 2020  

  The Tantramar is the name given to the marshes on the border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as well as to a tidal river to the south of Sackville, New Brunswick. The McCalls crossed the Tantramar frequently on their journeys to and from Sackville, especially when dancing in Seaforth, Nova Scotia (Halifax area). It was always a welcome point coming home, that the journey's end was near.


created: 2000-09-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-23 23:58:56.69972+00
name: Aunt Anna's Fancy
ucname: AUNT ANNAS FANCY
intensity_bars: 888/800/880/880
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  Dance written by Doug Schneider in 1990 in memory of his great aunt, Anna Schneider, on her death at age 96.


created: 1997-09-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-25 22:50:32.437386+00
name: Trip to Lunenburg, A
ucname: TRIP TO LUNENBURG
intensity_bars: 800/800/822/888
notes:
  The trip to Lunenburg on the "lower road" or Highway #3 as it is known, is beautiful, but winding. You can see some of the best coastline if you can take your eyes off of the road long enough. A beautiful trip for any passengers.


created: 2020-07-13 09:46:55.510544+00
last_modified: 2020-07-24 10:30:33.311492+00
name: Noli Me Tangere
ucname: NOLI ME TANGERE
intensity_bars: 4004/0440/8008/8448
devised: 2020-07-01
notes:
  Devised by Kirsten Steinbach, July 2020, on the occasion of the first post-Corona-lockdown open air social dancing of the Freiburg Scottish Country Dancers. Special thanks go to Jens Heckmann for suggesting the appropriate name.


created: 2020-07-24 09:11:23.848452+00
last_modified: 2020-07-25 03:52:13.98978+00
name: Freiburg Scottish Country Dancers' Frolic, The
ucname: FREIBURG SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS FROLIC
intensity_bars: 800/864/888/888
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  Devised by José R. Solera Ureña on 18th July and 15th August 2018 in honour of his dancing friends, the Freiburger Scottish Country Dancers.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-03 06:25:11.414051+00
name: Campbell of Duntroon
ucname: CAMPBELL OF DUNTROON
intensity_bars: 8888 8448 6666 8268
notes:
  "Campbell of Duntroon" was devised by Peter McBryde when visiting Canberra, Australia, in the early 1970s. It refers to Robert Campbell (1769-1846), born Greenock, Inverclyde. In 1825 Campbell was granted land in an area of New South Wales that is now the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) and called it 'Duntroon' after the family castle, Duntrune Castle on Loch Crinan in Argyll, Scotland. Duntroon House is now the Officer's Mess for the Royal Military College, Duntroon.


created: 2020-08-21 22:02:45.030994+00
last_modified: 2020-08-24 08:47:15.025928+00
name: Bleecker Reel, The
ucname: BLEECKER REEL
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888/888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Bleecker Street is in New York's Greenwich Village.

  Dancers are numbered anti-clockwise around the set.


created: 2002-11-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-06 12:12:24.354739+00
name: Hunter's Jig
ucname: HUNTERS JIG
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  Written by Doug Schneider in 1997 and named in honor of Hunter Way, a dancer with Twin Cities Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-06 14:59:33.73706+00
name: Illabo Reel
ucname: ILLABO REEL
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
notes:
  This dance evolved because I was asked for a dance like the Dashing White Sergeant, but without setting steps, on an occasion when I couldn't recall Highland Reel with any certainty.  It is useful for an introduction to reels of three. 

  Note by Eric Ferguson, 2015-02.  The published instructions for [17-24] read : "Each boy dances three hands across with his right hand partner and the girl opposite her." The crib and the diagram follow this, but it looks as if "and repeat this to the left" has been omitted by mistake.


created: 2002-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-26 09:13:52.95175+00
name: Twenty-first of September
ucname: TWENTYFIRST OF SEPTEMBER
devised: 1796-01-01
notes:
  21 September 1745 is the date of the battle of Prestonpans (east of
  Edinburgh). According to popular mythology, the Scots under Bonnie
  Prince Charlie, the »Young Pretender«, fought the English (under Sir
  John Cope) and prevailed, which from the Scots' point of view made the
  »battle« a major victory although even in 18th-century terms it should
  more properly be considered a skirmish.

  During the Jacobite rising of 1745, most of the British army was
  engaged fighting the French on the Continent in the war of the
  Austrian succession. For Charles Edward Stuart, otherwise known as
  »Bonnie Prince Charlie«, this provided a welcome opportunity to try to
  recover »his« kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The battle of
  Prestonpans was the Jacobite army's first encounter with a
  hastily-recruited Loyalist army consisting mostly of inexperienced and
  badly-equipped troops, and started a campaign that at first appeared
  quite victorious but found a dismal end at Culloden the year after.


created: 2004-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-27 21:57:16.554934+00
name: Five Stars
ucname: FIVE STARS
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Note by John Drewry: *This dance is a 5-couple version of "<<ddd:Los Molinos>>". Dancers can choose which version they prefer.*


created: 2019-01-17 11:04:42.861832+00
last_modified: 2020-07-28 05:20:23.558728+00
name: Porter is Passed, The
ucname: PORTER IS PASSED
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 1997-04-30
notes:
  Presented to Brenda Porter on the special occasion of her passing the Teacher's Certificate examination


created: 1997-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-29 07:07:16.802807+00
name: Margaree Valley Jig, The
ucname: MARGAREE VALLEY JIG
intensity_bars: 88/88/80/44
notes:
  The Margaree Valley is in the heart of Cape Breton Highlands. A beautiful part of Nova Scotia with high
  mountains surrounding rolling fields and meandering rivers good for salmon and trout fishing. Truly "Gods
  Country".


created: 2000-09-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-19 00:59:08.665585+00
name: Bricks of Madison, The
ucname: BRICKS OF MADISON
intensity_bars: 55/55/88/88
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  Dance written by Doug Schneider in 1992; dedicated to Mike and Norma Briggs of Madison, Wisconsin, who once received a postcard from overseas addressed to "Mr. & Mrs. Bricks".


created: 1997-09-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-28 16:03:52.696772+00
name: Piper's Glen, The
ucname: PIPERS GLEN
intensity_bars: 822/822/880/808
notes:
  Piper's Glen is a small valley in the centre of the Margarees in Cape Breton. The dirt road from the highway is sometimes hazardous, but a beautiful scene of towering mountains meets the eye at every curve of the road, as it winds through the highlands. Suddenly the vista changes to green fields, cows grazing and a meandering river. Far off, the distant sound of a lone piper in the hills. Imagination, maybe the wind, could be, but who knows.


created: 2020-07-31 09:46:41.853769+00
last_modified: 2020-07-31 11:09:29.392982+00
name: Trixi's Favourite Toy
ucname: TRIXIS FAVOURITE TOY
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/800
devised: 2020-07-01
notes:
  At the request of Kirsten Steinbach, this dance is dedicated to our late family dog Trixi, referring to its tug toy. The formations of chase, advance and retire mirror Trixi’s behaviour when running after the toy as well as the to-and-fro movement when trying to pull it out of our hands.  

  Devised by Jens Heckmann on the occasion of the second post-lockdown dance of the Freiburg Scottish Country Dancers in July 2020.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-02 23:20:52.683033+00
name: Beyond the Black Stump
ucname: BEYOND THE BLACK STUMP
devised: 1973-01-01
notes:
  Video 1 is in error (see the note), it changes the dance to 32 bars, the last 8 bars being 4 bars of Promenade and 4 of Grand Chain. 


created: 2020-08-02 17:46:06.301043+00
last_modified: 2020-08-07 15:12:50.297364+00
name: All Together
ucname: ALL TOGETHER
intensity_bars: 888/888/844/808
devised: 2014-11-01
notes:
  Devised in November 2014 for two men of the Y.Y.Family (a dance group in Fujisawa, Japan). *It is a great pleasure for all the members that they have recovered quite well.*


created: 2020-07-29 20:03:07.073656+00
last_modified: 2020-09-01 12:06:03.440976+00
name: One Hundred and Fifty plus Fifty
ucname: ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY PLUS FIFTY
notes:
  Demonstration dance to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Caledonian Society Highland Games and 50th anniversary of San Francisco Branch in 2015.


created: 1998-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-02 17:50:15.84859+00
name: Petra's Fancy
ucname: PETRAS FANCY
intensity_bars: 800 844 844 888
devised: 1989-09-01
notes:
  Advanced level.

  For Petra a quick version of Fair Donald, a dance she taught with great success in the beginners' class.


created: 2006-11-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-03 08:32:22.271141+00
name: José Solera's Farewell to Aberdeen
ucname: JOSE SOLERAS FAREWELL TO ABERDEEN
intensity_bars: 880/880/802/808
devised: 2005-09-01
notes:
  Devised by Alison Smith in honour of Aurora member José Solera on his return to Spain in September 2005. Our friend wholeheartedly embraced the local culture while in Scotland. José says "During my stay in Aberdeen, I was blessed by the friendship of Aurora members who introduced me to the local culture. I love Scotland's hospitable self, its land and people, its language and music. This dance was a truly wonderful leaving present and I feel deeply honoured that it has been chosen for Aurora 's 10th anniversary dance book."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-03 20:26:18.438444+00
name: Fiddler's Rant
ucname: FIDDLERS RANT
notes:
  This dance was originally entered in the database as for 3 couples in a 4 couple set. However the instructions summarised in the contributed crib are for a 3 couple set so the database entry has been updated accordingly.


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-04 00:50:40.675965+00
name: Dundee Whaler, The
ucname: DUNDEE WHALER
intensity_bars: 0808/8888/8080/6222
notes:
  Bob Donald, editor of the Ormskirk Memorial Edition, adds the following in the concluding "Notes for Teachers": 

  Bars 25-32.  The question posed here is whether in this sequence of changes across the dance, the dancers should slip into place or turn in with a polite turn. The answer is quite unequivocal. The dancers SLIP into place.

  The reason is that in this figure, Roy is representing the tacking to and fro of the ship and therefore the line followed by the leading dancers to the foot of the set has sharp changes of direction just as the ship would have.


created: 2020-03-17 23:01:33.116259+00
last_modified: 2020-08-12 09:35:32.208658+00
name: Careful, Not Crazy
ucname: CAREFUL NOT CRAZY
intensity_bars: 800/444/888/822
devised: 2020-03-01
notes:
  In response to a call for hands-free dances during the Coronavirus scare and the insanity of people buying way too much and clearing store shelves in panic.


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-05 14:23:19.249653+00
name: Hunter's Run, The
ucname: HUNTERS RUN
intensity_bars: 8888/6006/4260/8444
notes:
  _1-8_  
  The age-old chase around the world, he chases her, she chases him; the others do their social whirl around they go and back again.  
  _9-16_  
  Cut loose and wander end for end just have a try with someone new and smile and greet the new-found friend then give two hands for a little twirl.  
  _17-24_  
  Old friends are best, so change a new to faithful mate go back again with friendly set the link renew and two hand turn to make amend.  
  _24-32_  
  The tops have made their big resolve down aisle they go while all applaud, escaped they do a fast revolve others sedately in and out.


created: 2021-07-31 04:30:37.403877+00
last_modified: 2021-10-05 11:00:43.127584+00
name: Garrigues Strathspey
ucname: GARRIGUES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/880
devised: 2021-07-01
notes:
  This dance was written in honor of the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Pat and Chuck Garrigues, longtime Scottish Country dancers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.


created: 1998-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-06 15:54:43.431347+00
name: Luckenbooth Brooch, The
ucname: LUCKENBOOTH BROOCH
intensity_bars: 880 808 888 844
devised: 1968-01-01
notes:
  <<imgt:luckenbooth-brooch.jpg|Luckenbooth Brooch|200x300:right>>
  In the Old Town of Edinburgh, from the 15th century or so, there used
  to be enclosed stalls/workshops along the main street (today often called »Royal Mile«), near
  St Giles Cathedral,
  where various tradesmen such as goldsmiths and silversmiths offered their wares.
  For obvious reasons these stalls could be locked up at night and were thus referred
  to as »luckenbooths« (as in, »locking booths«). The city got rid of them in the 1810s.

  The »Luckenbooth brooch« is a traditional Scottish piece of jewellery that
  symbolises love and devotion and is produced and sold by jewellers in Edinburgh.
  It is generally made of silver and features a crown above a heart (or two
  intertwined hearts). Posher versions of the brooch can sport (semi)precious stones and/or
  are made of gold instead, and variations of the design include thistles or St Andrew's crosses.
  The name exists since approximately the 18th century.

  In addition to serving as love tokens, Luckenbooth brooches were also used as charms
  to fend off the »evil eye« or protect babies from harm.
  Interestingly, from the mid-18th century these brooches were a popular trade/barter object
  with American Indians such as the Iroquois, and ended up as part of various traditional
  Native American outfits of the 18th and 19th century.

  *Photograph by Anselm Lingnau. Thanks to Marie Schwarz for the loan of the brooch.*


created: 2020-08-09 11:57:42.20694+00
last_modified: 2022-12-04 13:46:59.204116+00
name: John Markham's Rant
ucname: JOHN MARKHAMS RANT
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
devised: 2020-04-06
notes:
  Inscribed "John Markham is a longstanding member of the Johnsonville SCD Club, and longstanding friend."


created: 2020-08-09 12:00:47.770535+00
last_modified: 2020-08-09 18:17:38.552549+00
name: Pieces of Eight
ucname: PIECES OF EIGHT
intensity_bars: 800/880/808/800
devised: 2020-03-04
notes:
  Devised 4/3/2020, as a relatively simple fugal dance with the movement of “Ladies of Dunse” as a basis.  Note also that it is a palindrome, so I could have called it the “The Palindrome of Dunse”.  Whilst it is not difficult, the dancers will need to concentrate like they do with e.g.  “The Stow Alert”. The tandem figure of eight movements need the leading couples not to be tardy.  Recommended tune is “The Dancing Master” and a good recording is from the CD “Jig for Joy” from the Music Makars.


created: 2001-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-07 08:53:44.586438+00
name: Postie's Jig
ucname: POSTIES JIG
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8448/8008
notes:
  The second edition of the Ormskirk Memorial Edition says (on page 21, under »Some Notes for Teachers«):

  >  Bars 9–24::
  >    In this sequence of couples crossing the dance and changing places up and down tha [sic]
  >    dance, there is some ambiguity as to who should make the arches, and who should dance
  >    under them. Again there is a simple rule, which is;
  >
  >    When going across the dance, the MEN make the arch always and when changing places
  >    up and down, THE COUPLE COMING UP THE DANCE PUT THEIR HANDS UP AND THE
  >    COUPLE COMING DOWN THE DANCE KEEP THEIR HANDS DOWN. [Emphasis in the original.]


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-07 09:29:52.131196+00
name: Speyside Reel, The
ucname: SPEYSIDE REEL
notes:
  Glendarroch Sheet 7 had a typed correction pasted over the original attribution and reading as follows: - replacement text - Adapted by Derek Haynes from a Threesome Reel devised (1958) by Mr. & Mrs. L. Kemp, Stockton-on-Tees (formerly of Aberdeen)”.  That dance was probably named *The Aberdeen Medley*.  


created: 2002-05-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-12 10:57:36.069583+00
name: Muriel's Fancy
ucname: MURIELS FANCY
intensity_bars: 6446/8888/8888/8000/8888
notes:
  Devised by Margaret Rowe with grateful thanks to Muriel Rimmer and her Scottish Country Dance Band, "The Tartan Sett", for the many happy hours of friendship and music she shared with us from 1976, both at home and abroad.


created: 2015-02-24 14:18:20.629481+00
last_modified: 2020-08-07 10:12:39.364643+00
name: Waiting for the Daffodils
ucname: WAITING FOR THE DAFFODILS
notes:
  Suitable recorded music:
  "Bothkennar", Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent, The Bobby Brown Collection, CD1, Track 13


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-07 10:15:22.664705+00
name: Wattle Valley Reel, The
ucname: WATTLE VALLEY REEL
notes:
   8 girls stand in a square facing out whilst 4 boys make a smaller square in the middle facing inwards. (see diagram 1). 


created: 2020-08-09 12:18:46.175281+00
last_modified: 2020-08-09 12:18:46.175281+00
name: Snakes and Ladders
ucname: SNAKES AND LADDERS
devised: 2020-04-08
notes:
  Devised 8/4/2020, whilst at home in Lockdown for Covid-19, and following a long discussion on the Snake Pass movement on the Strathspeymailing list.  Recommended tune is Donald Maclean’s Farewell to Oban byArchibald  McNeill  and  a  good  recording  is  for  the  lead  tune  of  ”LeavingBenbecula” in the ”Craigievar Dances” by Nicol McLaren and The GlencraigScottish  Dance  Band.   Acceptable  alternative  tune  is  Miss  Janet  Laing’sStrathspey by Nan Main, and David’s Cunningham’s recording for Book 22is a good recording.  Else choose a traditional Strathspey which is steady andhas well-defined 4 bar phrases.  

  _Teaching Notes_  
  Having  now  taught  this  dance  I  moved  it  from  the  be-ginning of the book to late in the book.  The central figure seems hard for people  to  visualize,  and  requires  strong  steps.   I  would  practice  the  figuesfor all couples.  This makes the dance quite fragile.  Also the dancers mustensure that they finish the reels by the end of bar 24 before the 1½ turns.


created: 2020-08-09 12:23:15.555439+00
last_modified: 2020-08-09 12:23:15.555439+00
name: Great Teddy Bear Hunt, The
ucname: GREAT TEDDY BEAR HUNT
devised: 2020-03-04
notes:
  Devised  4/3/2020.   Whilst  in  covid-19  lockdown  houses  have  putteddy bears into windows and around houses in New Zealand motivatinng the“great teddy bear hunt.”  Recommended tune is “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic”(John W. Bratton) composed in 1907.  There is a nice recording called “FeteChampetre” by David Hall and his band and another called “Pink Panda’sPicnic” by Gordon Shand and his Scottish Dance Band.  

  The figures reflect the various COVID-19 Levels of shutdown in New Zealand.1-8 is level 4, where we can only be in our own house bubble (Kristin (mywife) and I), 9-16 is level 3, where we can invvolve others but only a slightlybibber bubble, in this case my youngest son and his fiance’ (although we alsoinvolved Loralee, but deviser’s licence), 17-28 is level 2 where we come outof our houses and can involve small groups, and 29-32 is level 1, where wecan touch others, and don’t have social distancing.  

  _Teaching Notes_  
  Obviously this is a fugue and may take a wee bit of workespecially with the reels.  These should be thought of as “Last of the Laird" reels except for the bottom couple.  The tandem figure of eight movement need the second couple not to be tardy.


created: 2004-05-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-09 15:38:43.786082+00
name: Nancy Holland's Strathspey
ucname: NANCY HOLLANDS STRATHSPEY
devised: 2004-03-01
notes:
  Devised March 2004 by Mike Briggs. The back-to-back half reels of four, the turn left about on a leftward setting step followed by a left hand turn halfway, and the left-hand lead up, are included in honor of Terry Glasspool, who led the John Muir (Wisconsin) Branch’s first workshop in December 2003.  The dance originally had no name: the naming rights were bought by Carol Buelow, our branch secretary, in an auction to raise funds for the branch.  She named the dance for Nancy Holland, chairperson of the branch.


created: 2021-03-28 23:42:15.573028+00
last_modified: 2021-08-23 18:22:38.06443+00
name: Ready to Begin Again
ucname: READY TO BEGIN AGAIN
intensity_bars: 88/44/88/88
devised: 2011-03-26
notes:
  Devised on March 26, 2011, after several people suggested that this would be a good title for a dance.


created: 2017-02-15 20:09:30.599189+00
last_modified: 2020-08-15 07:24:19.823532+00
name: Noble Hill Jig, The
ucname: NOBLE HILL JIG
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  May be danced as a 4 couple dance in a 4 couple set, or as a 3 couple dance in a 3 couple set.

  Devised by Pat Clark, the class musician, and members of the group in 2011.


created: 2017-02-15 20:12:03.553242+00
last_modified: 2020-08-15 13:06:11.712178+00
name: Rachel and Tom Fenwick
ucname: RACHEL AND TOM FENWICK
intensity_bars: 800/888/884/888
notes:
  For Rachel and Tom Fenwick, on their Golden Wedding Anniversary, February 2013 The first two formations indicate the anniversary year. Devised by Pat Clark 2012


created: 2017-02-15 19:43:58.3835+00
last_modified: 2020-08-15 14:23:28.339076+00
name: Chasing a Rainbow
ucname: CHASING A RAINBOW
devised: 2011-09-01
notes:
  Devised for Bryan and Irene McGhee (North Virginia Branch) who went on holiday in the Inner Hebrides with Peter and Pat. For two days of showery weather, we seemed to chase the rainbows in the sky while on the winding roads of Mull and Skye.


created: 1997-09-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-16 15:47:08.669769+00
name: You Must Stir It and Stump It
ucname: YOU MUST STIR IT AND STUMP IT
intensity_bars: 800/822/888/888
notes:
  Originally devised to please myself under the title ‘Lewis Derrick’s Hornpipe’ (these were figures that I liked dancing in the 1970s). When it came to publication in the 1980s I was firmly told by my friends that it was exceedingly conceited to write a dance for yourself, so to silence the critics I changed the tempo and the title using W. S. Gilberts words from Ruddigore relating to the excessively self-effacing Robin Oakapple: ‘If you wish in this world to advance, your merits you’re bound to enhance, You Must Stir It and Stump It and blow your own trumpet or trust me you haven’t a chance’ – hah!


created: 2013-04-29 14:14:24.240435+00
last_modified: 2020-08-23 20:44:30.572443+00
name: Yaezakura
ucname: YAEZAKURA
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8448
notes:
  Yaezakura Is Japanese For Double Cherry Blossoms.

  Saitama Prefecture is listed as having 3 of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, in Kumagaya Sakuratsutsumi, Omiya Park Saitama and Nagatoro.

  In the middle of spring, after Someiyoshino, the most popular single petal cherry blossoms are over, Yaezakura, double petalled cherry blossoms start to bloom with their gorgeous pink flowers.

  Yaezakura is also the word used to describe the final moments in salt production (because the bubbling salt resembles double cherry blossoms) in the Agehama style of salt making, as has been practised in Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture for over 500 years. 


created: 2018-12-11 17:33:50.755296+00
last_modified: 2020-08-24 18:44:32.717522+00
name: Vana Tallinn
ucname: VANA TALLINN
intensity_bars: 8888/2828/8888/6666/5555/8888
devised: 2018-12-01
notes:
  Symbolism:

  1-4: Tall Hermann and first impressions from Old Town

  5-8: Castle’s towers and walls

  9-12: Walking up the streets and gates of Old Town

  13-16: Pulling back from the castle’s walls to have ability to see more.

  17-24: Visiting Kiek in de Kök and Fat Margaret towers

  25-32: Roofs of houses and towers

  33-40: Walking down the streets and gates of Old Town

  41-48: Hall square with Christmas fair

  The dance was presented to the local group at the second weekend "Bridge to the West" in Tallin, on December, 8, 2018

  Original music composed by Anna Kovaleva.


created: 2020-08-26 14:13:02.985375+00
last_modified: 2020-08-26 14:14:06.849128+00
name: Trip to Pukerangi, A
ucname: TRIP TO PUKERANGI
intensity_bars: 8888/8080/8222/8888/8000/8444
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Loralee Hyde and Maureen Robson while ona trip on the train up the Taieri Gorge with a group of dancers from Dunedin Summer School 1992/3.

  1  - 8  The meeting of the group at the Dunedin Railway Station  
  9 - 16  The winding track  
  17 - 24  The tunnels and viaducts  
  25 - 32  The notches (steep gullies)  
  33 - 40  The transfer of the engine to the other end of the train.  
  41 - 48  The quick return trip to Dunedin.


created: 1997-11-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-30 09:07:14.102907+00
name: Diamond Jubilee Medley, The
ucname: DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDLEY
devised: 1983-01-01
notes:
  This dance commemorates the Sixtieth Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.  The first figure represents the beginning and the progression of the Society, with two dancers travelling in two directions to dance with others until all are dancing. The grand chain shows the links of the Branches, followed by a wheel, which breaks to include opposite dancers signifying how the Society continues to spread round the world.  The star includes everyone in a ring of friendly hand-giving, so typical of Scottish Country Dancing.  Finally, a circle of diamonds is followed by an all round poussette in the shape of a large diamond which symbolises the Diamond Jubilee.


created: 2009-11-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-31 11:32:23.963309+00
name: Crossing the Ohiwa Bar
ucname: CROSSING THE OHIWA BAR
intensity_bars: 8088/8888/8800/8000
notes:
  The “legend” of Ohiwa Bar. It is the fairly notorious entrance to the Ohiwa harbour. It is only able to be crossed in certain tidal conditions.

  1 - 8. No way through  
  9 - 16. The tide turns  
  17 - 24. Running between the breakers  
  25 - 32. Through the channels to home


created: 2013-12-19 10:50:07.417628+00
last_modified: 2023-10-22 14:57:38.487782+00
name: Torridon Cross, The
ucname: TORRIDON CROSS
intensity_bars: 8008/8668/8888/8448/8008/8888
devised: 2013-08-01
notes:
  This dance started off as a four couple variation of Torridon Lassies but soon developed a life of its own.


created: 2020-08-28 21:08:54.434997+00
last_modified: 2023-12-23 10:14:55.989778+00
name: Christmas at Bleecker
ucname: CHRISTMAS AT BLEECKER
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  Dancers are numbered anti-clockwise around the set.

  Bleecker Street is an iconic street in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. 'Christmas at Bleecker' was devised for an annual Christmas Eve gathering of 3 friends, one of whom lived on Bleecker Street.


created: 1998-10-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-07 08:50:40.989104+00
name: Monterey Mixer
ucname: MONTEREY MIXER
intensity_bars: 484 484 888 888
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  Devised by and for Elinor to teach at the Sunday morning general class at the 1987 Asilomar Weekend. Elinor wanted a dance to go with the tune "Oh I do like to be beside the seaside…” She worked it out at home singing the song which is a famous holiday song in the UK. 


created: 2000-01-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-08 16:48:18.495547+00
name: Cashcrom, The
ucname: CASHCROM
intensity_bars: 84/88/84/88
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  25-28
  1st and 2nd couples set on the sides with nearer hands joined and then "cross link". This differs from "set and link" in that 2nd couple finish in the middle of the dance in first place facing down with the woman on the man's right, while 1st couple finish in the middle of the dance in second place facing up with the woman on the man's left.

  A Cashcrom is a back-breaking one-man foot plough.


created: 2020-05-07 08:46:14.848524+00
last_modified: 2020-09-09 14:31:50.177695+00
name: Conical Chronicles
ucname: CONICAL CHRONICLES
devised: 2020-05-01
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/hbCJqaD6ylY|youtube video>>. For 1 couple and 4 cones. Devised especially for dancing in a lockdown bubble where the road works have paused.

  It may also be danced with real people as a 3 couple dance in a 4 couple set in which case bars 9-16 are reflection reels instead of reflection figures of 8.


created: 2018-10-06 19:50:19.53221+00
last_modified: 2022-03-16 00:25:45.482791+00
name: Gillian and Joe Wheadon
ucname: GILLIAN AND JOE WHEADON
intensity_bars: 8484/8080/8888/8888
devised: 2018-08-20
notes:
  Gillian and Joe Wheadon have been very kind to us in our German visits. Being tour guides, driving us everywhere and being great fun. This is a present for them. Recommended tune is "Red Plaid" (traditional) and I particularly like the set "Red Plaid/The Iron Man/The Banks of Spey" from Peter Elmes recording of "Glenys Pearce's Strathspey" from the Lochiel Collection. Should this not be available, I would recommended tune "Miss Janet Laing's Strathspey" by Nan Main, and either of the society's recordings for book 22 would be good. Failing that use any reasonable recording of "The Balmoral Strathspey".


created: 2018-10-05 08:40:59.608751+00
last_modified: 2020-09-11 21:35:12.087623+00
name: Ghost and Mary Jo, The
ucname: GHOST AND MARY JO
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/620
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Mary Jo asked for a dance with a permanent ghost for when there are only 5 people for dancing and this is what I came up with.


created: 2020-05-20 19:36:53.655061+00
last_modified: 2020-09-13 08:07:47.634182+00
name: Mrs Edna Lindsay
ucname: MRS EDNA LINDSAY
intensity_bars: 888/844/800/880
notes:
  Devised by D. Walker “to commemorate Mrs Lindsay’s attendance at every IVFDF so far”
  (IVFDF is the Inter-Varsity Folk Dance Festival).
  Mrs L was the pianist in a band led by Vic Smeltzer and he wrote the tune.

  This is a quicktime dance but it is not known if it is a jig or a reel.


created: 2011-07-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-20 08:44:22.632854+00
name: Lady Liberty
ucname: LADY LIBERTY
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/822
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Devised in 2003, with the tune „Staten Island‟ in mind. The name of the dance was chosen for its association with the tune: the Statue of Liberty is close to the north coast of Staten Island in New York harbour.


created: 2014-05-09 22:23:02.933135+00
last_modified: 2021-08-10 18:41:54.046857+00
name: Amhuinnsuidhe Castle
ucname: AMHUINNSUIDHE CASTLE
intensity_bars: 840/833/833/888
devised: 2012-10-01
notes:
  Pronounced: ave-an-soo-ee.

  <p>Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, Isle of Harris, was built in 1867 by the Earl of Dunmore.


created: 2000-01-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-09-07 08:43:51.4258+00
name: L. A. XXth Anniversary
ucname: L A XXTH ANNIVERSARY
intensity_bars: 864 888 844 888
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  There is no date given for the dance. Originally SCDDB just used the publication date (1999) but according to <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2614/|issue 2614>> it was devised in 1986.


created: 2009-11-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-17 08:30:13.146915+00
name: Dancing for Pleasure
ucname: DANCING FOR PLEASURE
intensity_bars: 888/800/844/888/844
notes:
  »Devised by Patricia Blair of Chemainus, British Columbia.

  Dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of TAC. We all love to dance and enjoy the coming together for such special celebrations.«


created: 2011-07-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-21 11:18:04.830557+00
name: Norfolk Broads Hornpipe
ucname: NORFOLK BROADS HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/844
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  Devised to describe the erratic progress of the floating gin palaces on the Norfolk Broads at the height of the season.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-13 21:49:53.763691+00
name: Well Done Jack
ucname: WELL DONE JACK
intensity_bars: 880/880/888/800
devised: 1718-01-01
notes:
  SCDDB originally attributed this dance to "unknown" in 1719.  However George Williams in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2170/|issue 2170>> reports that:

  *According to "The Playford Assembly" (Graham Christian, 2015) "Well Done Jack" was devised by Nathanial Kynaston and first published in Walsh's "Twenty Four New Country Dances for the Year 1718" (rather than 1719) which was written by Kynaston.*

  The version published by the RSCDS differs from that done in the English Country Dance tradition which is illustrated in <<https://youtu.be/jmr0SQUzqCI|this video>>. At around 1:00 the commentator describes a figure that "the Scottish dancers call Set and Link". However, curiously, the RSCDS version does not actually include that figure.


created: 2018-08-13 16:42:51.005904+00
last_modified: 2020-09-16 09:26:18.33422+00
name: Mount Maxwell Strathspey – Saltspring Island
ucname: MOUNT MAXWELL STRATHSPEY SALTSPRING ISLAND
intensity_bars: 888/888/880/882
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  For the Saltspring Island Club, especially Laura and Harvey Moore. With thanks for all their generous hospitality and friendship. - HISCD

  The title of this dance is given as just "Mount Maxwell Strathspey" in the index of <<ddpub:#1466>> but in full as "Mount Maxwell Strathspey – Saltspring Island" on the dance page. The shorter version is added an alias.


created: 2007-01-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-16 22:43:25.688292+00
name: Ladies in Green
ucname: LADIES IN GREEN
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed to “The Delta Borderers” and their Spring Fling which occurs each year close to March 17th with Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent playing. It is an evening to remember.

  Ladies: please wear a touch of green i.e. an emerald necklace, a Hermes scarf in soft tones of green and gold, jade earrings in a silver setting etc etc .....


created: 2009-11-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-17 08:33:16.715612+00
name: Joanie's Hornpipe
ucname: JOANIES HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/800
notes:
  »Deviser's notes::
    Bars 17-24 are a variation of ›inverted triangles‹ as published by the R.S.C.D.S. See
    <<ddd:The Nurseryman>>, devised by S. Brown, Preston.

    Bars 25-30 are all pas de basque danced with a two hand hold in the centre of the set.

  Devised by John Reeves, Peterborough, Ontario. This wee dance is dedicated to Joan Plumb Schmidt whose favourite dance is <<ddd:Jessie's Hornpipe>>. We met at TAC Summer School in 1985 at the ball practice during <<ddd:J. B. Milne>>. Since then we have been fortunate to have been able to attend every TAC Summer School held in the East.«


created: 2020-09-18 22:44:59.487885+00
last_modified: 2021-02-06 18:16:23.697769+00
name: Proitzer Mühle
ucname: PROITZER MUHLE
intensity_bars: 844/888/808/860
devised: 2020-08-01
notes:
  The deviser(s) write:
  *I first saw “Dance to each corner and set” in a diamond formation in the dance <<ddd:#8674>> by Johnstone from the Loreburn IV collection. I liked the idea, so devised this dance for the Central German Branch AGM und weekend at the Proitzer Mühle, August 2020.*


created: 2006-12-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-08-16 12:47:54.733654+00
name: Committee Meeting, The
ucname: COMMITTEE MEETING
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/888
devised: 2003-05-01
notes:
  Despite living in the home counties, the Committee of the Argyll Scottish Dancing Group held their Committee Meeting on Arran in May 2003. This dance is devised for the Committee and their friends who shared this holiday with them.


created: 2011-07-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-20 08:57:56.258606+00
name: Balance On-Line
ucname: BALANCE ONLINE
intensity_bars: 8668/8448/8668/8448
devised: 2003-03-01
notes:
  Devised in March 2003 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Strathspey Server. The strathspey balance in line figure (see below for instructions) across the top and bottom of the set, and then on the sides, depicts the connections among dancers around the world through the Internet, thanks to the Strathspey Server.

  Music:  John Stephen of „Chance Inn‟ (Fitchet‟s SD Collection, page 7). A suitable recording for this dance is the Selection of Strathspeys, Track 11 of Any Good Dance, Any Good Tune, by Bobby Brown and The Scottish Accent.

  Strathspey Balance in Line (devised by <<ddp:Levy, Milton#501>>).

  Two bars of music; strathspey (common schottische) setting.Handing as follows:  On bar 1, those with left hands joined in the middle drop left hands and all, moving to the right, join left hands under right hands, then drop right hands.  Those moving into the middle of the line join right hands.  Repeat moving to the left on bar 2, joining right hands under left hands.


created: 2011-07-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-21 11:14:06.098986+00
name: Wembley's Gem
ucname: WEMBLEYS GEM
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/844
notes:
  Devised for Gillian Collis by Patricia Hamilton with contributions from the Wembley and District Scottish Association dance class. 

  Gillian and her husband Peter are the longest serving members of the Association having joined in 1961. Gillian has been President twice, Honorary Secretary and, since the early 1980s the teacher of the dance class. Gillian is passionate about good cover and eye contact with your partner while dancing, and parallel reels were included in this dance for this very purpose. Gillian is a wonderful ambassador for the Association and signs her name GEM Collis, hence the title of this dance - Wembley’s Gem.

  tune at http://www.wdsa.co.uk/Gillian Collis Strathspey.PDF


created: 2011-07-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-21 11:30:04.738287+00
name: Shevock, The
ucname: SHEVOCK
intensity_bars: 88888/80800/84884/82844
devised: 2009-05-01
notes:
  Devised May 2009, in honour New York Branch stalwart Sheila Wilson, on the occasion of her receiving the RSCDS Branch Award. James Stevenson-Mathews wrote the tune in honour of Sheila. The tune and the dance are named after a small stream in her native village of Insch in Scotland.
  Dance modified in April 2010.

  Music
  The Shevock, by James Stevenson-Mathews


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-21 12:25:54.352794+00
name: Inveruglas Water
ucname: INVERUGLAS WATER
notes:
  A little bit of background information to the dance provided by its deviser:

  Some years back David's parents had a holiday at or near Inveruglas Water and loved it so much that his mother, <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/person/1830/|Mary Queen>>, wrote the tune "<<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/tune/3953/|The Inveruglas Reel>>". 
  David liked it and wrote the dance to go with it. 


created: 2011-07-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-22 08:33:46.448458+00
name: Erlangen Reel, The
ucname: ERLANGEN REEL
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 844
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Erlangen in southern Germany has a young group of energetic dancers, for whom I taught a day school in 2009. I thought this rather energetic dance might suit them. Bars 9-24 are inspired by bars 9-24 of 'The Colonel' as interpreted by the RSCDS in their 75th Anniversary leaflet.

  One version of the music can be found at <<http://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/392214/>> [though that link now seems broken and possibly should be replaced by <<http://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/27880>>?]


created: 2011-08-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-22 08:41:41.01956+00
name: Rona's Celebration
ucname: RONAS CELEBRATION
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/0880/8444
devised: 1998-12-10
notes:
  Devised to celebrate the 65th birthday of Rona Alexander, a member of Bournemouth Branch of the RSCDS 10 December 1998


created: 2011-08-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-22 19:27:37.192812+00
name: Carmichael Square
ucname: CARMICHAEL SQUARE
notes:
  *The instructions for this dance, faithfully abbreviated in the MiniCrib, describe bars 9-14 and 17-22 as 6 bars of reel of 4 across. The original middle couples end on the sides behind them. However the original side couples must not pass LSh on bar 6 of the reel so they start the half LH across in front of the person they were originally facing. With the music at the bottom:*  
  *Bar 9.........................Bar 15......................Bar 17*  
  *2W 3M 3W 4M........3W 4M 2W 3M........3W 2M 4W 3M*  
  *2M 1W 1M 4W........1M 4W 2M 1W........1M 2W 4M 1W*  


created: 2003-09-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-27 08:48:44.591691+00
name: Bungee Plunge, The
ucname: BUNGEE PLUNGE
intensity_bars: 0008/0008/0008/0028/0088/4428
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  Dance devised by Tina Dornbusch on the occasion of Sally's 75th birthday, when she tried bungee jumping for the first time.


created: 2020-09-30 16:00:12.046329+00
last_modified: 2020-10-08 16:35:58.761223+00
name: Tantalizing Treats
ucname: TANTALIZING TREATS
intensity_bars: 440/440/808/888
devised: 2020-07-01
notes:
  The title refers to the first 16 bars mirroring the vain attempt of contacting one's partner. Tantalizing as the circumstances of the corona crisis are, it seemed to cover the present situation many dancers are in.


created: 2017-01-05 10:45:56.961327+00
last_modified: 2020-09-27 19:51:43.388919+00
name: Humours of California
ucname: HUMOURS OF CALIFORNIA
intensity_bars: 800/880/855/855
devised: 2015-06-01
notes:
  Devised by John Wilkinson June 2015.

  Dedicated to Marian Anderson and Max Ketchin on the occasion of their wedding. They live in the
  village of California, near Falkirk in Scotland. John kindly permitted the Belfast Branch to include
  the "Humours of California" strathspey in their 70th anniversary book.


created: 1997-09-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-10 12:24:32.414291+00
name: Mr Hamilton of Wishaw's Reel
ucname: MR HAMILTON OF WISHAWS REEL
devised: 1799-01-01
notes:
  The original title in the <<ddpub:#474|book>> was "Washaw" but this seems likely to be a spelling mistake. The original is kept as a spelling alias.


created: 2011-07-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-10-04 07:01:37.897391+00
name: Scotia Swing
ucname: SCOTIA SWING
intensity_bars: 800/822/822/888
devised: 2009-11-01
notes:
  Devised November 2009. 

  This dance is dedicated to Scotia Dancers of New York City, where we dance on Monday evenings and where I was teaching when this dance was first tried out.

  Music   Any good jig. A suitable recording is ‗Welcome to Dufftown‘, Nice to See You, Ian
  Cruickshanks and his Band, track 11.


created: 2011-12-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-27 20:10:04.837421+00
name: It's Kosher
ucname: ITS KOSHER
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8008/8888
notes:
  In September 2008, Glenayre Club of Coquitlam, BC moved to the Burquest Jewish Corntnunity
  Centre, which has a lovely wooden floor in contrast to the many years we danced on a tiled
  cement floor. The title is a somewhat tongue in cheek description of our club finally getting to
  dance on the 'real thing'.

  Suggested Music: Set of 4 x 32 Reels" on Diamond Jubilee CD, track # 14

  [ed.] Devisors added note: I created this dance for a mixture of beginner and experienced
  dancers, just to get the beginners following a track of right shoulder reels of three. The ladles
  lead for the whole eight bars.


created: 2012-03-08 16:39:06.100364+00
last_modified: 2020-09-27 20:31:03.40067+00
name: Quick Shot
ucname: QUICK SHOT
intensity_bars: 8800/8880/8444/8448
notes:
  Progression is 2341 with 1s on opposite side.  8 times through.  All couples "switch gender" as needed.


created: 2020-03-09 15:52:04.528594+00
last_modified: 2020-09-28 04:02:48.360289+00
name: Charming Molly
ucname: CHARMING MOLLY
devised: 2019-08-01
notes:
  Charming Molly was the name of the ship that Elizabeth Woodbury’s paternal grandmother's family were on from Dorchester (Boston) to Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, in May 1760.


created: 2020-03-09 16:22:17.253101+00
last_modified: 2020-09-28 04:29:11.917068+00
name: John McCormick of Loomis, Wilson and Hollidale
ucname: JOHN MACCORMICK OF LOOMIS WILSON AND HOLLIDALE
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
devised: 2019-08-01
notes:
  This dance is written for my friend John McCormick. It is always a pleasure to see him at the TAC teachers’ weekend and the summer school.


created: 2017-04-30 09:16:27.986133+00
last_modified: 2020-09-29 09:07:22.053292+00
name: Band of Friends
ucname: BAND OF FRIENDS
intensity_bars: 88/88/44/88
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  A Mixer dance danced five times through.

  This dance is dedicated to the friendship shown by its members to each other and guests alike as the enduring bedrock of the Berkhamsted Strathspey and Reel Club.

  Devised originally in 2016, bars 25-32 revised in 2019.


created: 2020-09-30 15:25:06.95292+00
last_modified: 2020-10-05 16:55:16.391685+00
name: Dancing on the Green
ucname: DANCING ON THE GREEN
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/800
devised: 2020-07-01
notes:
  Another dance written for the Freiburg Scottish Country Dancers during the corona weeks in which no hands are given throughout the dance. The title refers to the venue, which is a partly overgrown parking lot outside the St. Georg church assembly hall in Freiburg - St. Georgen. Special thanks go to Kirsten Steinbach for suggesting the title of the dance.


created: 2013-01-21 23:45:18.927307+00
last_modified: 2020-10-01 18:14:35.420507+00
name: Sketcher, The
ucname: SKETCHER
intensity_bars: 800 822 888 888
notes:
  For Mary Ellen Clark, San Gabriel area.

  Unusual progression: 1c+2c+4c repeat; finishing (3,4,1,2) and 1c step down to (3,4,2,1); 3c starts the 3rd time through.  Can be danced in a 3c set with no changes


created: 2020-09-30 15:29:53.867793+00
last_modified: 2020-10-05 17:25:08.14578+00
name: Keep Calm and Carry On
ucname: KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
intensity_bars: 800/804/808/888
devised: 2020-07-01
notes:
  Yet another dance according to the coronavirus requirements – no giving of hands involved. The title echoing a British WWII motto was chosen as it seemed to fit the present climate.


created: 2020-09-30 15:35:59.935124+00
last_modified: 2020-10-05 19:12:06.724289+00
name: Those Endless Winding Roads
ucname: THOSE ENDLESS WINDING ROADS
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2020-07-01
notes:
  The dance was inspired by a car trip on a bendy country road up the Black Forest to reach the parking lot below the hiking trail leading to the Köhlergartenkopf, which offers a fantastic view into the Rhine Valley. And oh - pardon the pun, please.


created: 2020-09-30 15:42:42.681654+00
last_modified: 2020-10-25 08:35:39.106015+00
name: Let's All Join In
ucname: LETS ALL JOIN IN
intensity_bars: 8008/2882/8008/8888/8066/8008
devised: 2020-07-01
notes:
  This dance is compatible with coronavirus restrictions, but it can also be danced including the giving of hands, once the crisis is over. The title refers to the eventual involvement of all dancers during the first 16 bars.


created: 2020-09-30 16:07:11.186149+00
last_modified: 2020-10-12 18:46:48.817531+00
name: If All the Snow Goes up in Flames Its Ashes Yet Remain
ucname: IF ALL THE SNOW GOES UP IN FLAMES ITS ASHES YET REMAIN
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/844
devised: 2020-07-01
notes:
  The title of the dance is a rough translation of a line from the play “The Weavers” by Gerhart Hauptmann, expressing desperate optimism – well needed in times of virus pandemics. The name of the play also mirrors the formations of the half figures of eight and the reels of three.


created: 2020-09-30 13:48:31.637662+00
last_modified: 2020-12-24 19:32:47.999492+00
name: It's All Turned Out Perfectly
ucname: ITS ALL TURNED OUT PERFECTLY
intensity_bars: 6666/8888/2882/4884
devised: 2019-11-01
notes:
  This dance was submitted for the London Branch 90th anniversary competition. Unfortunately it did not please the judges. But I still like it - as did those who tested it originally. So, with permission of London Branch, I decided to publish it anyway.


created: 2019-06-28 17:16:15.280575+00
last_modified: 2020-10-02 19:56:05.667349+00
name: Between Two Lakes
ucname: BETWEEN TWO LAKES
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2018-09-01
notes:
  This is for Liz and <<ddp:#11262|Colin Anderson>> who teach at and help organise dance groups in Annecy and Geneva which are both cities beside lakes named after them. 2nd and 3rd couples stay in their own halves of the set representing the groups in each city, while 1st and 4th couples, representing the double lives of Liz and Colin, constantly flit between them.


created: 2020-08-30 20:40:38.003316+00
last_modified: 2020-10-04 14:36:20.544973+00
name: Ebb and Flo'
ucname: EBB AND FLO
devised: 2017-08-01
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/PoPPm467DdA|Red Thistles video>>. The name of the dance is given as *Ebb and Flow* on the video, but *Ebb and Flo'* in the book. The description of the dance is written assuming each trio is one man between two women but many other combinations are possible.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-02 21:03:44.475121+00
name: Blue Toon, The
ucname: BLUE TOON
devised: 1982-01-01
notes:
  For Gary Morris of Wellington, N.Z.

  Some of Gary's forebears came from Peterhead, which is called "The Blue Toon".


created: 2020-06-19 23:06:11.017943+00
last_modified: 2020-10-02 23:00:06.725526+00
name: Terviseks
ucname: TERVISEKS
intensity_bars: 8040/8484/8808/8888
notes:
  The title of the dance means "Cheers" or "Good Health" in Estonian. The deviser presented this dance "to our Estonian dancers during weekend in Tallinn December 2019".

  Source: <<https://youtu.be/bh6LB0TN6hw|youtube video>>.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-03 12:26:18.187188+00
name: Banks of Allen, The
ucname: BANKS OF ALLEN
notes:
  This dance has been published as a reel, but the tune is quite obviously a jig. Recent RSCDS publications correct this error.


created: 2020-10-03 21:50:04.066031+00
last_modified: 2020-10-03 21:50:04.066031+00
name: Marianna's Strathspey
ucname: MARIANNAS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/844/822/888
devised: 2004-07-01
notes:
  Devised to celebrate Marianna Harvey's birthday to a <<ddt:#10684|tune>> specially composed by Muriel Johnstone.


created: 2020-10-03 21:56:48.41539+00
last_modified: 2020-10-03 21:56:48.41539+00
name: Armin's Dance
ucname: ARMINS DANCE
intensity_bars: 84840/88880/80800/88880/80800
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  "To celebrate a very important birthday for Armin Busse, with grateful thanks for many years of loyalty and great dancing."


created: 2020-10-03 22:24:39.329619+00
last_modified: 2020-10-03 22:25:27.287343+00
name: Forty-Something Reel, The
ucname: FORTYSOMETHING REEL
intensity_bars: 888/855/855/888/844
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  For the 40th anniversary of the Red Thistles dancers - though the name and emblem of the group came after its formation, hence the "Forty-Something".

  NB the title is given in the book as "Forty-Something" on the dance instruction page, but "Forty Something" without hyphen, in the index. The latter is added as an alias.


created: 2020-10-03 22:37:48.47135+00
last_modified: 2020-10-03 22:37:48.47135+00
name: Jonathan's Farewell
ucname: JONATHANS FAREWELL
intensity_bars: 82/88/88/84
devised: 2016-09-01
notes:
  Devised on the occasion of Jonathan Lovell's retirement from active participation as a Red Thistle dancer, September 2016.


created: 2020-10-03 22:11:16.598747+00
last_modified: 2020-10-04 21:05:41.038072+00
name: Cairngorm Magic
ucname: CAIRNGORM MAGIC
intensity_bars: 800/855/888/888/800
devised: 2014-02-01
notes:
  This may also be danced as a Ladies set. This version is shown on the Red Thistles DVD accompanying the book of dances. Some videos of this dance refer to it as The Magic of Cairngorms.


created: 2003-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-26 02:20:43.451723+00
name: Railwayman, The
ucname: RAILWAYMAN
intensity_bars: 844 888 822 844
notes:
  This dance was written for our dancing friends Jim and Aline Cook from Richmond (UK), who are both fond of trains (steam or otherwise), but Jim is by far the fondest.


created: 2015-09-22 21:07:43.873989+00
last_modified: 2020-10-16 22:27:12.438567+00
name: White Cart, The
ucname: WHITE CART
intensity_bars: 840/888/844/804
notes:
  The White Cart is from the Laurieston Collection 3 of dances by Alice McLean. Laurieston is a district in the Gorbals area situated south of the River Clyde, in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

  The White Cart is the name of a river running 2 miles due south of Laurieston. It joins The Black Cart before running into the River Clyde. 


created: 2020-10-06 13:38:15.5602+00
last_modified: 2020-10-15 05:01:52.969813+00
name: Robert Shaw's Strathspey
ucname: ROBERT SHAWS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Robert Shaw, my first pipe major when I moved to Glasgow. He taught me a huge
  amount about competing pipe bands, and led the bands I played in with him to many prizes.


created: 2005-04-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-13 19:28:45.308621+00
name: Padre Donald Wallace
ucname: PADRE DONALD WALLACE
intensity_bars: 8448/8888/8448/8008
notes:
  Rev. Group Captain Donald Wallace was Padre at the Royal Caledonian Schools in Bushey, Hertfordshire. When he retired, the school asked Janet (who taught dancing at the school) to devise a dance for  Donald
  as he was so interested in dancing. The dance has shaking hands and chasing round movements because he was always going around the world meeting people and shaking hands with everyone. The dance is a little bit tricky. The children at the Royal Caledonian School performed it for Donald and he loved it. Brian and Pat Hamilton composed a tune, also titled Padre Donald Wallace.  

  Rev. Group Captain Donald Wallace's Obituary is available in the Telegraph at
  <<https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2018/06/04/reverend-group-captain-donald-wallace-obituary/>>


created: 2001-05-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-18 09:52:36.921705+00
name: Barbara's Littlebeck Scramble
ucname: BARBARAS LITTLEBECK SCRAMBLE
intensity_bars: 88888 88888 81810 84885
notes:
  "Barbara's Littlebeck Scramble was devised by Graham Williams from Whitby. Graham held a Walk, BBQ and Dance every year for 30 years in the village of Littlebeck and Barbara used to lead a walk each year from the village hall and back for about an hour arriving back in time for a BBQ followed by a dance."
  *Information supplied by Ian Barbour.*


created: 2020-10-06 13:36:15.382384+00
last_modified: 2020-10-16 05:15:59.374872+00
name: Ally's Book of Sayings
ucname: ALLYS BOOK OF SAYINGS
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Ally McLaughlin who was the pipe major of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
  Pipe Band for four years. He had a rather unique turn of phrase, which led someone in the band to create a
  Facebook page collating his sayings.


created: 1997-09-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-17 10:46:48.718803+00
name: Winstanley House
ucname: WINSTANLEY HOUSE
intensity_bars: 800/880/880/800
notes:
  My ancestors lived in the small parish of Winstanley, Lancashire, England for more than 200 years. On a recent trip to England, while travelling throught the area. I came upon a private road with the name Winstanley House on the gate. (Deanna Saint Amand)


created: 2016-02-25 00:34:47.454146+00
last_modified: 2020-10-17 20:29:29.628493+00
name: Olive Mitchell
ucname: OLIVE MITCHELL
intensity_bars: 840/888/800/888
notes:
  Bars		Description

  1 – 4	1st couple set to each other and cross over passing right shoulder to face out.

  5 – 8	1st man and 2nd woman turn right hand one and a half times while 1st woman and 2nd man turn left hand one and a half times.

  9 – 16	1st man with 3rd couple and 1st woman with 2nd couple dance left hands across.  1st man with 2nd couple and 1st woman with 3rd couple dance right hands across.

  17 – 24	1st couple set to each other.  1st man casts off to finish between the 3rd couple while 1st woman casts up to finish between the 2nd couple.  1st couple turn both hands 1 ¼ times to finish in 2nd place on their own sides.

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


  Repeat having passed a couple.


created: 2018-04-21 21:30:35.223852+00
last_modified: 2022-10-01 18:29:07.214407+00
name: Terry is Tea-rrific
ucname: TERRY IS TEARRIFIC
intensity_bars: 8008/8228/8448/8008
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  "Terry is Tea-rrific" was written as a tribute to Terry McBurnie, his Mom-in-law who attends the class in Fish Hoek and makes the tea for all dancers during the break in the class.


created: 2016-02-25 00:45:55.960531+00
last_modified: 2020-10-17 20:38:03.629437+00
name: Islesburgh Reel, The
ucname: ISLESBURGH REEL
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/844
notes:
  The Islesburgh Community Centre is the hub of the Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival which is held every October



  Bars		Description

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

  9 – 16	1st couple set to first corners and turn right hand to face second corners.  1st couple set to second corners and turn left hand to finish with 1st man between 2nd couple facing down and 1st woman between 3rd couple facing up.

  17 – 24	1st couple change over giving right hands and cast to the right to finish in 2nd place.  1st man dances half a figure of eight up round 2nd couple while 1st woman dances half a figure of eight down round 3rd couple.

  25 – 32	2nd, 1st and 3rd couples set twice.  1st couple turn 1 ½ times with the right hand.


  Repeat having passed a couple.



  Original Tune: “Walking on the Moon” by Addie Harper.


created: 1998-10-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-31 00:06:57.927167+00
name: Bob o' Footdee
ucname: BOB O FOOTDEE
notes:
  In this dance 3C & 4C start on opposite sides.

  Footdee (pronounced "Fittie") was originally a fishing village on the north shore of the mouth of the River Dee.  It has long been absorbed into the City of Aberdeen.


created: 2015-02-15 14:26:29.834971+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:12:24.808281+00
name: Cooper's Great-Auntie Millicent and Great-Uncle Max, The
ucname: COOPERS GREATAUNTIE MILLICENT AND GREATUNCLE MAX
devised: 2015-02-15
notes:
  10-bar phrases.

  After <<ddd:The Wee Cooper o' Fife>>, <<ddd:The Cooper's Wife@Mitchell>>, <<ddd:The Cooper's Wife@Will|another Cooper's Wife>> and <<ddd:The Cooper Children>>, here's a chance to meet even more members of the family.

  Devised at the Central Germany Branch's Carnival workshop 2015.


created: 2016-06-23 21:32:12.448128+00
last_modified: 2020-10-18 11:38:36.870764+00
name: Sugar House Wynd
ucname: SUGAR HOUSE WYND
intensity_bars: 844/888/800/888
notes:
  The name of the old street, Sugarhouse Wynd, recalls the 18th Century sugar-refining
  business in Dundee. The first manager in the Sugar House was a Mr Wiedemann,
  whose daughter Sarah - after moving to London - married a Mr Robert Browning.
  Their son was the poet of the same name.


created: 2016-07-04 15:21:03.981241+00
last_modified: 2020-10-19 10:00:27.825804+00
name: Dancing in the Kitchen
ucname: DANCING IN THE KITCHEN
intensity_bars: 800/888/882/808
notes:
  A dance designed to be danced in a very limited space.

  Dedicated to Brenda George and Sheila Hibbert, who have given me many a cup of tea, and to Sue Woodhall, who was seen dancing in the kitchen as she dried the dishes.


created: 2020-10-04 14:45:51.116848+00
last_modified: 2020-10-04 14:45:51.116848+00
name: Jack's Dance
ucname: JACKS DANCE
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  This dance was original devised as a medley but each part can stand alone and are known as <<ddd:Jack's Strathspey#19629>> and <<ddd:Jack's Jig#19630>>. 


created: 2020-10-04 15:32:24.78612+00
last_modified: 2020-10-04 20:45:29.682281+00
name: Summer's End Suite
ucname: SUMMERS END SUITE
notes:
  A suite of three performance dances:  
  August: 40-bar jig for six women  
  September: 32-bar strathspey for two sets of three couples  
  October (also called Michael Bentley's Bodhrán):  88-bar reel for six dancers in a wider than usual, longwise set  


created: 2020-10-04 15:10:05.893434+00
last_modified: 2020-10-04 15:25:02.854779+00
name: Thornes Among the Thistles, The
ucname: THORNES AMONG THE THISTLES
devised: 1982-01-01
notes:
  For the slsters Kathleen (Kay) and Rosemary Thorne, who danced with The Red Thistle Dancers for many years.


created: 2018-12-17 12:19:41.040708+00
last_modified: 2020-10-04 20:26:42.350118+00
name: Reflections on Woodhall Loch
ucname: REFLECTIONS ON WOODHALL LOCH
intensity_bars: 4884/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2013-05-01
notes:
  The top two and bottom two couples in the set are dancing reflected patterns (hands across, turns, reels and the Targe) with some minor distortions coming from precedence as dancers cross the “water line” between 2nd and 3rd places. Those coming up from the water (3rd and 4th places) always cross before those dropping down from the air (1st and 2nd places).

  Woodhall Loch is in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Its southern shoreline is part of the grounds of Laurieston Hall which is home to a self-sufficient community that also holds residential events for external groups. The London Gay Gordons has held several Scottish Country Dance weeks there. The inspiration for this dance came on one of those events and the title from seeing almost perfect reflections on the loch.


created: 2014-08-26 19:37:01.502789+00
last_modified: 2020-10-09 13:18:53.173306+00
name: Climbing Mont Ventoux
ucname: CLIMBING MONT VENTOUX
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/4444/4444/8000/8888/0808/8888
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  The dance is a collective project by Clan McBédoin, a small SCD group in Provençe. This is based at Bédoin, a village at the foot of Mt. Ventoux, an iconic mountain for cyclists world-wide.  The idea was to celebrate the climbing of Mont Ventoux by the Tour de France (the 100th edition of the world toughest long-distance cycle race) on 14 July 2013.  The original concept for this dance (in Sept 2012) came from Christopher Macrae.  The group's teacher, Erika Ritzau, worked together with the team and colleagues on a suitable choreography. The first half (strathspey tempo) represents the turning of the bike wheels and gears, as the cyclists are slogging up this awesome climb, with each couple in turn finally getting to the top. The second half (in reel tempo) starts with a brief victory dance by the first couple after they reach the summit, then they whiz down to the bottom, at Bédoin. 

  The only videos at present on UTube were recorded at Pitlochry in April 2013.  They shows the medley being danced twice through only, as for demonstration purposes; but it is more satisfactory for the dancers to do it four times through so that each couple can "climb Mt. Ventoux". In November 2013, original music was composed for our signature dance by Alex Ross, leader of an Edinburgh Ceilidh Band. A fresh video has just (on 1 Feb 2015, in Montpellier) been made of the dance set to Alex Ross's music : we hope it will soon be available on U-Tube. 


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-13 19:04:46.266002+00
name: Boundary Cottage
ucname: BOUNDARY COTTAGE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/4444/8228
notes:
  Revision to bars 3-4 (September 2019):  These figures are not mirrored:

  Bars 1 - 4        1st couple with 2nd couple, 3rd couple with 4th couple, set. 1st man and 2nd woman, giving both hands, turn to finish, 1st man in 2nd man's place and 2nd woman in 1st woman's place. 2nd man casts up one place and 1st woman casts off one place. At the same time, 3rd woman and 4th man, giving both hands, turn to finish, 4th man in third place women's side and 3rd woman in fourth place men's side, 3rd man casts off to fourth place on women's side and 4rd woman casts up to third place on men's side.


created: 2020-10-21 19:32:09.665688+00
last_modified: 2024-06-26 09:00:21.456666+00
name: Winsome Reel, The
ucname: WINSOME REEL
intensity_bars: 8/8/8/8
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Can be danced just by between one and four dancers with three or fewer ghosts. Intended as a companion to <<ddd:Onesome Reel, The#20039>>.


created: 2020-09-30 15:12:51.893387+00
last_modified: 2020-10-05 16:36:46.41486+00
name: Hello in July
ucname: HELLO IN JULY
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/800
devised: 2020-07-01
notes:
  This dance was meant as a welcome dance after weeks of lockdown due to the coronavirus, involving only figures which require no giving of hands throughout.
  Special thanks go to Kirsten Steinbach for suggesting the title, being a play on words with the figure hello-and-goodbye-setting.


created: 2013-12-10 13:57:24.552965+00
last_modified: 2020-10-06 15:46:15.720466+00
name: Five Golden Decades
ucname: FIVE GOLDEN DECADES
intensity_bars: 00800/88888/08080/88888/80808/88888/88088/88888/88888/88888
notes:
  The 5 couples represent the 5 decades of Bristol RSCDS. The dance is designed with 5 sections using a
  *snowball effect* whereby the number of couples dancing represent the number of decades. In between each decade is a chorus involving all members of the set representing the zero of the decades.


created: 2014-02-10 10:16:00.832764+00
last_modified: 2020-10-08 10:22:02.27946+00
name: Octogenarian Dancer, The
ucname: OCTOGENARIAN DANCER
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/0808/0808/0808/8080/8080/8080/0808/8888
notes:
  Added from MiniCrib, to avoid a crib mismatch between this dance and <<ddd:The Octogenarian>> by Norman Churnside.


created: 2014-08-30 23:10:37.37012+00
last_modified: 2020-10-10 10:20:35.774367+00
name: 2 PM
ucname: 2 PM
intensity_bars: 8040/8080/8888/8088
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  *I was shown a dance attributed to George Meikle  for his son’s wedding. I was told the sons name was Peter.  I felt a couple of tweaks would make it even better, and I apologise that the title fails to make the acknowledgement intended…..such is life!!*


created: 2013-06-23 18:37:33.271417+00
last_modified: 2020-10-10 18:55:58.531667+00
name: Jim the Dancing Janny
ucname: JIM THE DANCING JANNY
notes:
  Devised for Jim Calder, former janitor at St Ronan's School. Jim had his arm in a sling at the time so the men do not use their left hands in this dance.


created: 2014-05-07 22:41:51.482773+00
last_modified: 2020-10-10 10:14:04.022871+00
name: Radical Road, The
ucname: RADICAL ROAD
intensity_bars: 88/88//80/08//88/88/88/88//88/88/88/88/80/08/88/88
notes:
  88/88/
  1 - 8		All face ptnr - pass R, L, R, L then turn ptnr RH
  9 - 16	Repeat back home
  /80/08/
  17 - 24	In waltz hold top cps slip to opp. end (men BTB), Repeat Ls 		BTB
  25 - 32	Side cps Repeat.
  /88/88/88/88/88/88/88/88/
  33 - 40	Head M in centre While rest Circle, pivot, chase back
  41 - 48 	top 4, bottom 4 LHA, RHA
  49 - 56	Side M Repeat
  57 - 64	Side 4s LHA, RHA
  65 - 72	Head Ls repeat
  73 - 80	Heads RHA, LHA
  81 - 88	Side Ls repeat
  89 - 96	Sides RHA, LHA
  /80/80/
  97 - 112	Repeat 17 - 32
  /88/88
  113  - 128	Repeat 1 - 16


created: 2020-03-23 18:52:39.08262+00
last_modified: 2020-11-08 07:50:44.80658+00
name: Pandemic Reel, The
ucname: PANDEMIC REEL
notes:
  A 32-bar reel for any number of dancers in their own living rooms   

  1-8 Dancers cast off behind own couch, dance around the end & back to place.  
  9-16 Do-Si-Do around coffee table, then slip step away from the coffee table & back.  
  17-24 Dance down the hallway, into the kitchen, grab a beverage* & dance back to place.  
  25-32 Set while placing the beverage on the coffee table, turn on the spot twice (using Pas de Basque), then retire to the couch, sit, and enjoy.  

  *Wine, beer, whiskey, or other beverage of choice


created: 2020-10-23 15:03:39.904502+00
last_modified: 2020-10-23 15:17:20.116898+00
name: Dogs in Heaven
ucname: DOGS IN HEAVEN
intensity_bars: 800/888/088/888
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to all dogs and dog lovers, but especially to lovely Trixi and Bingo, who used to find themselves in heaven in this world when they were spoilt with treats and who are now playing together in dog heaven.


created: 2016-09-12 19:59:50.945327+00
last_modified: 2020-10-26 18:58:12.282499+00
name: Maestra, La
ucname: MAESTRA
intensity_bars: 8000/8444/8888/8444
devised: 2011-05-01
notes:
  Commissioned by Dale Horn as a tribute to Sonja Horn – honoring her leadership of the Thistle Orchestra and finishing with a flourish of windmills to salute Sonja’s homeland, The Netherlands. 


created: 2011-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-30 20:50:06.709138+00
name: Peterborough Chorister
ucname: PETERBOROUGH CHORISTER
intensity_bars: 888/844/844/888
notes:
  Dedicated to the deviser's father, the Reverend Canon Eric Walter Scott. 
  As a young boy he entered King's School in Peterborough and sang in the choir twice daily, eventually becoming head chorister, the school itself being associated with Peterborough Cathedral and having officially changed its name in 2011 to The King's (The Cathedral) School from King's School, Peterborough.
  Thereafter Eric Scott attended Saint John's College at nearby Cambridge University as a choral scholar.


created: 2020-10-06 14:04:59.157907+00
last_modified: 2023-07-15 12:32:11.413264+00
name: Bloomsbury Gold
ucname: BLOOMSBURY GOLD
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Written to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of the devisers' parents, Helen and Malcolm Brown.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-04 13:50:00.944209+00
name: Juniper Jig
ucname: JUNIPER JIG
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
notes:
  Inscribed "For Ian and Netta Wilson of Newbury."

  The dance notes also say that "Juniper is the plant badge of Clan Gunn, of which the Wilsons are a sept."


created: 2017-03-13 12:51:10.266513+00
last_modified: 2020-11-07 22:25:05.077675+00
name: 3 J's Jig
ucname: 3 JS JIG
devised: 2015-09-01
notes:
  The 3 Js are June Hewitson, Jill Burrows and Judy Grimsey – Although all born in different decades
  they have formed a strong friendship through their love of Scottish Country Dancing and have
  spent many happy hours travelling to and from dances together over the years! However I am
  happy for everyone who has found friendship through Scottish Country Dancing to think that this is
  for them… (especially if their name starts with a J!!!).  Jill Burrows September 2015


created: 2021-01-16 18:53:44.144174+00
last_modified: 2021-01-23 21:57:05.449744+00
name: Whirlwind, The
ucname: WHIRLWIND
notes:
  Triangular set with a seventh dancer in the centre.

  The only source is the <<https://youtu.be/PHNM3P8HVR0|youtube video>>.

  <<scddb-not-identical:12789;13179;13729;16505>>


created: 2017-12-09 18:15:58.583593+00
last_modified: 2020-11-12 10:35:49.618888+00
name: Placid Pace
ucname: PLACID PACE
intensity_bars: 8080/8080/8080/4848
devised: 2017-08-01
notes:
  When filmed the dance was still being tweaked hence some of the experimentation occurring. It was written by Laura Wheater in response to Marc's story about a close encounter of the slow kind with an amazonian sloth. Thus the 3 clawed toes in the air and the slow reel.

  Crib is accurate and is correct.


created: 2018-01-13 11:42:42.202223+00
last_modified: 2020-11-14 10:34:15.881681+00
name: Fire Hose Reel
ucname: FIRE HOSE REEL
intensity_bars: 888/800/808/888
devised: 2010-06-06
notes:
  Suggested music: Set of reels recorded by Marian Anderson's Scottish Country Dance Band on "Belfast Branch – diamond Jubilee"

  Devised during Queen's Birthday Weekend School at Ototohanga. At this school, the Saturday evening dance program was put on the wall directly above the fire hose, and the sign "Fire Hose Reel" was positioned as if it was the last dance on the programme. We couldn't pass by the opportunity of devising a dance – with hoses (the reels of three and the castings) and a circle to represent the hose reel itself.


created: 2021-10-11 22:40:00.183609+00
last_modified: 2021-11-23 09:52:42.028717+00
name: Cardwell Bay
ucname: CARDWELL BAY
intensity_bars: 660/800/844/888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Dance devised by Evelyn Redmond for the Basic Skills class as an introduction to half reels of four with corners.  
  Cardwell Bay lies within the larger Gourock Bay in Inverclyde, just south of Greenock, my birthplace and childhood home.


created: 2018-04-24 17:51:49.92914+00
last_modified: 2020-11-14 10:54:44.25083+00
name: Falkirk Wheel, The
ucname: FALKIRK WHEEL
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/0808/8888/6666/8888/0808/8080
notes:
  Dance devised by Anne Scobie, Brussels Dance Scottish, and dedicated to Margaret Lambourne, a dear dancing friend, on the occasion of her 70th birthday.  

  I first saw the Falkirk Wheel in motion on Margaret's laptop which gave me the inspiration for this dance. It shows the boats getting into position, the Wheel moving round and the boats changing places.


created: 2018-05-21 08:49:22.461034+00
last_modified: 2020-11-15 12:08:44.663957+00
name: Maypole Dance, The
ucname: MAYPOLE DANCE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/7777/7777/4444/4444/8080/0808/8888
devised: 2018-03-27
notes:
  Devised 27 March 2018 for our "midwinter" themed night with the theme of Spring into Autumn, to which club members bring families. Our motif was the Maypole..... Revised 10/4/2018 with the help of the Tuesday group. Recommended music is that used commonly for "Nottingham Lace", that is traditional tune "Hebridean Milking Song" and e.g. "The Cockle Gatherers" or other traditional sets of tunes. Any of the recordings by Ian Muir, Frank Reid or the Lothian Band would be excellent. (If no such recording is available, it could be danced as a jig in which case I would use "The Argyll Square" (or "Bonnie
  Ann" if desperate).)  

  Teaching Notes: If using the non-alternative version, it is helpful to get the men and ladies to dance their parts of 9-16 separately.


created: 2018-09-18 20:59:20.884248+00
last_modified: 2020-11-19 19:22:06.502999+00
name: Jo's Garden
ucname: JOS GARDEN
devised: 2014-07-01
notes:
  As the strathspey and reel sections differ slightly, this dance has been classified as a 4x64 Medley rather than as a 8 x 32 alternating strathspey/reel.


created: 2012-11-07 10:37:41.02952+00
last_modified: 2020-11-20 00:35:38.730763+00
name: George's Strathspey
ucname: GEORGES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8448/8888/8888/8888/4884
devised: 2012-04-20
notes:
  Devised to mark the 80th birthday of George Bateson on 20th April 2012. George along with his brothers founded the Berkhamsted Strathspey & Reel Club and with his wife Alison has steered the club on a steady course for sixty years.  (This dance was first danced as a demonstration by club members for George on 24th April after the club AGM in 2012).


created: 2019-03-10 01:19:29.016295+00
last_modified: 2020-11-25 09:58:47.864401+00
name: Fran MacCulloch
ucname: FRAN MACCULLOCH
intensity_bars: 2882/8888/8888/4884
devised: 1985-01-01
notes:
  Devised by John Bowie Dickson while he was in Montréal, to honour Fran MacCullough who was a founding member of the RSCDS Montréal Branch.
   


created: 2002-03-24 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-07 13:04:39.808108+00
name: Andrew's Excel Reel
ucname: ANDREWS EXCEL REEL
notes:
  The Excel Development Corporation of Minneapolis, headed by Andrew Berton, produces board games. This dance was intended to have the feel of four players on a board. Published in 1995 by the RSCDS Twin Cities Branch in 20 Years 20 Dances.


created: 2017-06-23 09:20:27.828855+00
last_modified: 2020-11-28 00:23:02.53049+00
name: Irish Washer, The
ucname: IRISH WASHER
intensity_bars: 8888/6226/6666/8888
notes:
  The front load washer in our Dublin 'digs' was a godsend after nine days on the road. Christine
  knew how to drive a 'front loader', however, this washer was not a Melbourne washer, it was
  Christine's nemesis!


created: 2002-11-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-03 10:25:33.654516+00
name: So on the Ocean
ucname: SO ON THE OCEAN
intensity_bars: 808/846/888/888
notes:
  For Jessica Beveridge on her departure to Australia, November, 1994. *The quotation from which the name of the dance was derived is by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow*.


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-05 00:07:51.279365+00
name: Braes of Cuillin
ucname: BRAES OF CUILLIN
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/800
notes:
  Note: 2nd and 3rd couple will have to stay alert for the reels. The beginning figure gives them time to think about how they are going to start. 


created: 2001-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-06 11:18:03.538441+00
name: Flowers of Edinburgh
ucname: FLOWERS OF EDINBURGH
intensity_bars: 800 800 800 880
notes:
  In the old days the city of Edinburgh was less famous for its greenery
  than for the smoke and bad stench pervading the Old Town, which gave
  rise to its nickname, »Auld Reekie« (Old Smoky). The tenements of the
  Old Town did not feature the indoor sewage disposal technology that we
  are accustomed to today, and it was by no means uncommon for the good
  citizens of Edinburgh to greet the early morning by emptying the
  content of their chamber pots out of a 5th-story window with the
  cheery cry of »Gardyloo« (from the French *gardez, l'eau*, or »Watch
  out, some water«) to warn hapless passers-by. Hence, one
  interpretation of the title of this dance views it as a kind of
  super-euphemism for these »blooms« of crudity and tastelessness. More
  delicate and tender sources prefer to relate the title to the young
  ladies of the city.


created: 1999-10-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-06 11:25:55.730963+00
name: Foula Reel, The
ucname: FOULA REEL
intensity_bars: 8000/8220/8002/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  This dance comes from Shetland.

  The combined edition of RSCDS Books 1-6 notes that »The number of bars in this dance is flexible. It has also been published as a 40 bar [sic] dance«.


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-06 11:31:51.053642+00
name: Foxhill Court
ucname: FOXHILL COURT
intensity_bars: 880/12 12 12/444/844
devised: 1976-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry dedicated this dance to <<http://my.strathspey.org/dd/person/860/|Audrey Hinchcliffe>> of Foxhill Court, Leeds.

  The tune to the dance, "Miss Audrey Hinchcliffe's Strathspey" by Jimmy Shand is obviously dedicated to the same person.

  (In John Drewry's original description in his Canadian Book, the family name is missing the 2nd "c".)


created: 2005-04-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-24 05:20:11.216466+00
name: Allingham Strathspey, The
ucname: ALLINGHAM STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/840/804/800
devised: 2001-12-21
notes:
  Devised for Doug and Jan Allingham  
  long time members of the Tayside Scottish Country Dance Social Group


created: 2002-05-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-24 10:11:51.197694+00
name: Turbulence
ucname: TURBULENCE
intensity_bars: 88880 88888 88888 84848 80888
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  The movement "Corner pass and turn" is by John Drewry, and described in the Notes in The
  Bankhead Book Part 3. The dancing couple pass the corners they are facing who dance
  towards the centre. The corners turn right hand on bar 2 and dance back to place on bars 3
  and 4 as the dancing couple pass the corners, again by the right shoulder, to the centre of the
  dance.  

  The Tourbillon progression is by Barry Priddey and appears in <<ddd:Sands of Morar#5885>>, Book 45.  

  "The Eddy" is a movement devised by Mary-Jane Lawrie for her dance "<<ddd:The Selwyn
  Strathspey>>". As originally devised it was for three couples and has been adapted for five
  couples in this dance.


created: 2016-02-11 21:55:52.440233+00
last_modified: 2020-12-07 13:07:07.540534+00
name: Lost 40, The
ucname: LOST 40
intensity_bars: 800/822/877/888/888
devised: 2015-04-01
notes:
  Devised by Janet McKernan in 2015 for the 40th Anniversary of the RSCDS Twin Cities (Minnesota) Branch  

  Today, less than two percent of Minnesota’s forested land contains virgin or “old growth” timber. Fortunately, there still exists an area in Northern Minnesota that was never touched by the loggers or 
  developers of the late 1800s. This property is called the "Lost 40" and it is home to one of the last
  stands of virgin, "old-growth" Red and White Pine in Minnesota. Some of these trees are well over 300 
  hundred years old.  

  In 1882, a land surveyor by the name of Josiah A. King, and his three-man crew surveyed a six square mile area between Moose and Coddington Lakes in what is now the Chippewa National Forest but they ended up plotting Coddington Lake about a half mile further northwest than it was actually located. Josiah’s crew’s error is Minnesota’s great fortune. As a result, these towering pines were mapped as a body of water, and the virgin pine in this area was overlooked by the hungry logging companies. It is now protected by the State of Minnesota.


created: 2019-09-03 21:26:25.979201+00
last_modified: 2020-12-07 23:33:59.70481+00
name: Delta Borderers' 25th, The
ucname: DELTA BORDERERS 25TH
intensity_bars: 880/822/888/888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Ruth Jappy, Vancouver, for The Delta Borderers’ Spring Fling on March 15, 2003 –
  celebrating 25 years of happy dancing.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-14 09:33:58.010094+00
name: New Waterloo Reel, The
ucname: NEW WATERLOO REEL
intensity_bars: 880 824 888 880
notes:
  Book 26 credits this dance to the *New Lanark Collection* of Robert Owen. New Lanark was a cotton-processing “model village” on the river Clyde south-east of Glasgow which was essentially owned by Owen, who was a social reformer as well as an entrepreneur and believed in keeping his workers entertained in a wholesome fashion, which apparently included dancing. There is no evidence that Owen himself wrote the dance; he probably underwrote the publication of the dance book.

  However, the Combined RSCDS *SCD Books 25-30* state: The source previously given for this dance is *The Collection of Robert Owen* but we have not been able to verify this.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-13 11:53:46.593126+00
name: Miss Gibson's Reel
ucname: MISS GIBSONS REEL
intensity_bars: 844 844 844 888
notes:
  Notes and suggestions on the choreography by the e-crib team member who analysed this dance:  On [7-8] 1c turns »above 1st place«; in a crowded hall it may help if also 2c steps down on [5-6].  The transition on [17] is awkward, 1c finish [16] in the middle facing W side, and 1M has to double back towards M side. 1M could instead dance a bit ahead of 1W, and 1c make a fast RH turn to enter the reels.  Possible variations to the dance are for 1M to give Lsh to 2M (i.e. mirror reels); or for 1c to give Rsh to 2cnr position, and turn RH on [21-24].


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-13 12:59:41.441231+00
name: Mr Wilson's Hornpipe
ucname: MR WILSONS HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 808 840 822 844
devised: 1816-01-01
notes:
  The Society dance can be traced back to Thomas Wilson' *A Companion to the Ballroom*, London, 1816. Here it is published as *Mrs Wilson's Hornpipe*.


created: 2020-12-08 11:44:10.731315+00
last_modified: 2021-03-05 09:40:08.567613+00
name: Hailin' Harris
ucname: HAILIN HARRIS
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/866
devised: 2019-09-01
notes:
  Devised for the Tarbert, Isle of Harris dancers, who meet at the Harris Hotel on Wednesday nights. Title
  suggested after a particularly heavy hail storm.


created: 1998-03-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-07 18:18:36.416463+00
name: Niagara Gorge
ucname: NIAGARA GORGE
notes:
  To celebrate the 40th annual weekend of the Hamilton (Ontario) branch of the RSCDS.

  For many years Hamilton branch has held its annual weekend at Niagara Falls (Ontario). On the 40th annual weekend Bill Zobel devised and taught a dance which had Horseshoe Falls as its theme. To continue the theme this dance was devised to depict the spectacular Niagara Gorge. Forty bars were chosen in honour of the 40th weekend.


created: 2001-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-10 00:00:19.648128+00
name: Machine without Horses, The
ucname: MACHINE WITHOUT HORSES
intensity_bars: 804/840/880/880
devised: 1772-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  In his book, *Scotland through her country dances*, George Emmerson argues that the 1772 date of the dance and tune is well before the invention of any ‘horseless carriage’ and concludes that the dance title refers to a sedan chair. While the argument seems sound, it should also be noted that the first steam engines date from around 1700. 
  ##<<

  Walter Ligon has pointed out the following pertinent excerpt for 19 October 1769 from *The Life of Samuel Johnson* by James Boswell:

  There was a pretty large circle this evening. Dr. Johnson was in very good humour, lively, and ready to talk upon all subjects. Mr. Fergusson, the self-taught philosopher, told him of a new invented machine which went without horses: a man who sat in it turned a handle, which worked a spring that drove it forward. "Then, Sir, (said Johnson,) what is gained is, the man has his choice whether he will move himself alone, or himself and the machine too."


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-17 22:36:18.568967+00
name: Song of the Waves, The
ucname: SONG OF THE WAVES
intensity_bars: 800008 888888 848848 888888
notes:
  Because of the unusual progression, all are back in original places after three turns of the dance; couples never move between odd- and even-numbered places.


created: 2005-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-16 01:25:03.794417+00
name: Buckeye's Reel
ucname: BUCKEYES REEL
intensity_bars: 820/888/888/844
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Bryan Luce introduced me as briefer at a dance by saying I had written a dance for him, his wedding, his dog, his wife’s cat, but not his guinea pig, Buckeye. So, I wrote this dance to fill that void. Also, I hail from Ohio, the Buckeye State.


created: 2001-11-20 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-19 11:22:55.662639+00
name: Gloomy Winter, The
ucname: GLOOMY WINTER
intensity_bars: 800 844 844 844
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  Comment from the deviser Ian Brockbank in the The Badger Sett, and in similar form in the earlier New Scottland 50th Anniversary Book:
  <BR>This dance was written for Sophia Marriage and presented to her on the occasion of her 25th birthday. It was published in the New Scotland 50th Anniversary Book.


  Some useful information from a discussion on the Strathspey list in July 2017:
  <BR>The dance starts with 1st lady followed by her partner to cast off, finishing in 2nd place on partner's side, followed by a one and three quarters turn giving left hands.
  <BR>Robb Quint asked whether the transition should be danced by the lady (a) dancing into the sidelines pulling back right shoulder to face partner or (b) pulling back left shoulder to face in and down to start the left hand turn.
  <BR>Angus Henry answered that he had checked this with Ian Brockbank in 1997 when the dance was published, and Ian confirmed that the woman was intended to pull right shoulder back.


  Please note, there exists a variation on this dance, named “<<ddd:Gloomy Winter's Noo Awa'#11707>>”. Ian Brockbank came up with this modification, because (according to his statement) bars 9-16 didn’t really work when tried with New Scotland and Dunedin – they require too much careful phrasing. However, the dancers from San Gabriel Valley like the original. (For more information on the modified version see the extra information there.)


created: 2001-11-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-19 14:59:18.096373+00
name: Fermat's Bicycle
ucname: FERMATS BICYCLE
intensity_bars: 8686 0808 8888 4884 6262
notes:
  This dance was devised for the Erlanger SCD group by Alice Silverberg and Karl Rubin in August of 1994. They had been working here for a term as mathematicians at the university. Over 350 years ago, Pierre de Fermat (1601-1665) stated a mathematics conjecture, which became known as Fermat's Last Theorem. Andrew Wiles (whose first PhD student was Karl) announced a proof of the conjecture in June of 1993. The dance was written in honor of Wiles' announcement of a proof of Fermat's Last Theorem. The bicycle motif that occurs in the dance (note the wheels and spokes) commemorates the fact that Erlangen is a very bicycle-friendly town. 


created: 2002-02-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-21 12:16:57.26561+00
name: Spinning Your Wheels
ucname: SPINNING YOUR WHEELS
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8888 4884
notes:
  One description advises both tune "The Ashludie Rant" (a Jig) and a recording "Let's Have a Ceilidh" (a Reel), so it is not clear if this dance is a Jig or a Reel.  We are looking for the original description.


created: 2016-01-18 15:55:34.264882+00
last_modified: 2020-12-28 11:33:28.138023+00
name: M&M's Jig
ucname: MANDMS JIG
intensity_bars: 884/884/800/808
devised: 2011-11-01
notes:
  This dance was devised in early November 2011 after a trip to Auckland to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. It coincided with a dance at the Auckland Town Hall where we enjoyed the wonderful music of Marian Anderson and Max Ketchin along with 280 other dancers. The title of this dance, of course, is in honour of Marian & Max!


created: 2015-07-26 10:15:27.680837+00
last_modified: 2021-01-04 04:11:54.316587+00
name: I Wonder Why
ucname: I WONDER WHY
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/888
notes:
  Devised for Jan Sohnray  

  When Jan joined the Zurich Scottish Country Dance Club, he had problems with learning the step pas de basque and was frustrated. One evening, when he came to class, I told him I had devised a simple dance especially for him. There are 16 pas de basque steps in the dance and Jan said, "I wonder why". Hence, the title.


created: 2021-03-31 21:05:38.018418+00
last_modified: 2021-03-31 21:28:59.875106+00
name: Hazel's Highland Laddie
ucname: HAZELS HIGHLAND LADDIE
notes:
  Demonstration dance for eight women and two men. Source <<https://youtu.be/dNnuRrZR5vc|youtube video>>.


created: 2000-04-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-22 23:20:50.993099+00
name: Ysobel
ucname: YSOBEL
intensity_bars: 880 888 844 888
devised: 1973-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry added this note when publishing »Ysobel«: »This dance, devised in 1973, was used by the Publications Committee in that year as the basis for the reel <<ddd:Mrs Stewart of Fasnacloich>> – a dance which has always disappointed me – I do not like left shoulder reels of four and I think that setting should come at the beginning of a phrase rather than at the end. My feeling, for a long time, has been that Mrs. Stewart was never the same woman again after she was interfered with by the committee! I am publishing the dance in its original form in the hope that dancers will enjoy it this way.«


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-24 22:17:32.129215+00
name: Rivers End
ucname: RIVERS END
intensity_bars: 800/880/884/800
notes:
  The dance was written for the end of the semester of the newly-formed Ben Lomond Class, held near the San Lorenw River.


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-25 06:22:45.341666+00
name: Yvette's Reel
ucname: YVETTES REEL
intensity_bars: 880/800/800/808
notes:
  Yvette's real name is Laura Wilson. I had three Lauras in my class at one point and needed to make a distinction between them. Yvette was the nickname chosen, much to Laura Wilson's amusement. 


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-26 03:37:18.483605+00
name: Yo-Yo Tweedly
ucname: YOYO TWEEDLY
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/888
notes:
  Mr. Tweedly, once a member of the San Francisco Branch, often returns to the Bay Area and then back again to his home in Scotland. He was complaining about the commute and commented that he felt like a yo-yo. See if you can spot the yo-yo figure in this dance.


created: 2000-01-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-05 21:37:45.638555+00
name: Cabot Trail, The
ucname: CABOT TRAIL
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  The Cabot Trail is a famous tourist route along the north shore of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto, 1450-1498) was born in Genoa but settled as a merchant in Bristol. He set out from Bristol in the “Matthew” in 1497 (500 years ago) and, after sailing 52 days, landed on Cape Breton Island.


created: 2011-07-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-26 09:56:17.506964+00
name: Green Street
ucname: GREEN STREET
intensity_bars: 800 866 844 866 800
devised: 2008-05-01
notes:
  Presented to the RSCDS New Haven Branch Challenge Class at the Green Street Arts Centre, Middletown, Connecticut, May 2008.

  Music:  A very suitable recording is the Flodigarry Strathspey, on Dancing Fingers 3, by Muriel Johnstone.


created: 2012-09-02 16:19:43.153573+00
last_modified: 2020-12-26 10:31:37.722484+00
name: Grand March and Trip to Cabramurra
ucname: GRAND MARCH AND TRIP TO CABRAMURRA
intensity_bars: 8000 8400 8888 8888
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  The sole source for this dance is a Ball programme found on a website in Cabramurra, NSW, Australia, on 30 May 1992.  The programme included many other, more common, dances.  No information on the background of the programme or on the devisers was given, though it is told that the “Trip to Cabramurra” was a once-only get-together of some local SCD groups. 

  Grand March and Trip to Cabramurra         4C Reel, 832	

  1-	1C turn RH and cast off one place (2C moving up); 1C turn LH and cast up (2C moving down)

  9-	1C+2C RA once round; 1C with NHJ dance to foot of set turn inwards and face up (2C+3C+4C step up, 2C+4C face down and 3C faces up)

  17-32	  Up and down the mountain  - a series of changing places which commences with 4C+2C making an arch and the other couples dancing under, 1C+3C then make an arch and the process is repeated till all are back in place. (Note that 2 bars are used to turn in to face up or turn out to face down at the ends of the set, and you need to use all 16 bars.)


created: 2002-02-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-27 18:50:58.270408+00
name: An' Gearasdan
ucname: AN GEARASDAN
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
devised: 1982-01-01
notes:
  Gearasdan Dubh Inbhir Lochaidh (the Black Garrison of Inverlochy) is the Capital of Lochaber. The fort, built at the narrow entrance to the Great Glen, was named after the reigning monarch, William III, and called Fort William, but the Gaelic name "An Gearasdan" (the garrison) and the English equivalent "The Fort" continue to be the names by which it is known to the Gaelic-speaking people of the Highlands and Islands. (from a note supplied by Jessie Taylor)


created: 2017-04-02 08:42:32.16872+00
last_modified: 2021-01-11 12:04:40.235637+00
name: Georgian Earrings, The
ucname: GEORGIAN EARRINGS
intensity_bars: 888/882/844/808
devised: 2016-10-01
notes:
  From the book:
  *Among other things, a girandole may refer to an earring or brooch featuring three dangling jewels hanging from a central piece, a style that was especially popular in the Georgian era, when Scottish Country Dancing also developed. Here, the two lines of three dancers are reminiscent of such items of jewellery.*


created: 2017-10-12 11:46:18.950343+00
last_modified: 2020-12-28 20:01:43.823131+00
name: Lion's Head
ucname: LIONS HEAD
intensity_bars: 88888/44448/88888/80044/04840
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  The name of the dance refers to both the mountain Lion's Head which along with Table Mountain welcomes visitors to Cape Town, as well as the crest of the Clan Macgregor which is also the Lion's Head. This dance was devised for Dame Judith Macgregor, British High Commissioner to South Africa, to celebrate her first visit to the Cape Town Caledonian Society for our Burn's Night Supper. We were later to learn that both Judith and her husband John are enthusiastic Scottish Country dancers who would regularly join us on the dance floor. This dance turned out not be the first one devised in their honour — Susi Mayr had devised "The Ambassador's Reel" for them when John was the ambassador to Austria.	
  	
  Christof, who is now 15 years old, composed five reel tunes for this project on request and initially they were just named one, two, three, four and five. This was the fifth tune and when it was linked to this dance, retaining "Five" as the title seemed quite apt.


created: 2015-10-14 15:51:00.90042+00
last_modified: 2020-12-28 20:23:58.528884+00
name: Moggie and The Fish
ucname: MOGGIE AND THE FISH
intensity_bars: 888/888/444/444/444/444
notes:
  Notes from The Johnsonville Collection:

  Devised 27th May 2014. The Sheepskin Hey is a similar figure from traditional English Country Dancing, in dances like Picking Up Sticks. This is about 23 of the figure. My wife Kristin, and I, learned of the figure whilst dancing with a medieval dance group in Cambridge (UK), the Capriol Dancers.  

  Recommended tune is “Miss Gayton’s Hornpipe”. A suitable recording is “The Sound of Harris” by  Andrew Rankine and his Band. 

  The dance is given to Moggie Grayson who found my fish kilt pin, which I lost at the local Viking Ball, and mailed it home to me, along with the following poem:

  On Finding Rod’s Kilt Pin

  Said the fishy to the tablecloth   
  Please look down here at me  
  I jumped off Rodney’s kilt and landed way below his knee  
  Please pick me up and save me  
  From an agonizing fate  
  I could b e crushed ’neath heavy feet  
  And then I would b e “late"  
  O, happy day, and bless the gentle hand that made me fly  
  Adventure now awaits me  
  In a postman’s bag to lie  
  En route to Downey’s household  
  And reunion so gay  
  Please pin me tight and off we’ll go  
  To dance another day.

  Moggie Grayson, 19 May, 2014


created: 2018-08-26 23:28:34.095626+00
last_modified: 2020-12-28 20:51:24.301462+00
name: Littlecroft Strathspey
ucname: LITTLECROFT STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8800/8080/8484/8008
notes:
  This dance was devised to mark the 60th birthday of Ingrid. Littlecroft is the name of the home which Ingrid and Christopher have shared for over three quarters of their married life.


created: 2001-05-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-29 11:44:43.276006+00
name: Road to Ben Hope, The
ucname: ROAD TO BEN HOPE
intensity_bars: 804 888 888 888
devised: 1992-10-01
notes:
  Level: (very) advanced.

  Suggested tune: a beautiful but strong strathspey.  

  Recorded music:  H.I.S.C.D.  Largo Bay is suitable.

  Bars 25-32 are John Drewry's Circle.  I would like to thank John for it, and suggest that it gets a name.  "Cosmic Circle" might be a good idea, as it shrinks and then falls apart.


  Note: »The Road to Ben Hope (demonstration dance)«, 	3C/3L S 48, in Two by Two p7 has no crib.


created: 2011-09-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-30 17:06:59.040202+00
name: Navy Lark, The
ucname: NAVY LARK
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2010-11-25
notes:
  The idea for the dance came from the Navigating Officer of HMS Troutbridge, Sub
  Lieutenant Phillips, whose instructions to CPO Pertwee were invariably “Left hand
  down a bit Chief” usually followed by a crash. I thought about having an eight bar
  melee at the end but decided on simplicity.


created: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-31 11:52:01.497243+00
name: Come let us Dance
ucname: COME LET US DANCE
intensity_bars: 880 808 888 866
notes:
  Found on the Twin Cities Ball Programme 2002 at http://www.rscds-twincities.org/annualball02.html.  
  It names its source as "Strathtay Album (variation)", but is very different from "Come let us Dance and Sing" by Iain Boyd in that album.  Could it be as variation on some other dance in that album?  E. T. Ferguson; editor.


created: 2011-08-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-31 11:54:12.511917+00
name: Reely Easy Strathspey
ucname: REELY EASY STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/888/800/888
notes:
  This dance was devised to teach reels on the side. Setting before and after the reels prepares the dancers to start the reels and allows for a chance to regain orientation after completion.


created: 1998-01-15 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-12 15:58:15.367188+00
name: Devil's Elbow, The
ucname: DEVILS ELBOW
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
devised: 1981-09-01
notes:
  This dance was originally entitled "The Whirligig ". To avoid confusion with an existing dance of the same name, it has been retitled. The original version used in its own locallity had a different bars 25-32.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-01 17:02:13.193303+00
name: Westward Ho!
ucname: WESTWARD HO
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/822/866
notes:
  1-8 Life in settled areas. There are two ideas at work here: (1) the "chain" symbolizes the bonds people feel in traditional patterns of life: and (2) the box-like shape indicates the closed-in feelings of those who yearn to leave.  
  9-16 Decision to relocate. The "cross and cast" demonstrates the decision to leave home and family, and the "1/2 figure eight" represents packing and final preparations for the trip.  
  17-24 Travel across the continent. This reel symbolizes the ins and outs, ups and downs of the journey.  
  25-32 Arrival in new territory. Once again, two ideas for one figure: (1) the pattern depicts exploration of the new found territory: and (2) these eight bars of setting portray exuberance in reaching the great Pacific Northwest.  
  33-40 Celebration of Washington statehood. The two reels on the side represent the dancers' celebration of their new status as citizens of Washington State.


created: 1997-11-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-01 22:04:47.888956+00
name: Mount Saint Helens
ucname: MOUNT SAINT HELENS
intensity_bars: 4668/4668/4888/8888
notes:
  The dance starts with cracks opening deep beneath the mountain. Warm waters percolate upward, with small steam emissions. (March-April 1980.) The cracks open more, magma approaches the surface to culminate in the climactic eruption of May 18, 1980. Vancouver, Washington, 35 miles from Mount St. Helens, was the headquarters of the U.S. Geological Survey and Forest Service teams during the eruption. The VANCOUVER, USA INTERMEDIATE DANCE CLASS devised this dance commemorating the explosion, all the more appropriate since one of the class members, a geologist, worked on the volcano. Now, eight years after the eruption, the Mount St. Helens National Monument is open for all to view and climb the natural wonder of Washington.


created: 2019-08-14 09:48:51.526052+00
last_modified: 2021-01-02 11:48:27.366705+00
name: World's End Close
ucname: WORLDS END CLOSE
intensity_bars: 880/880/880/808/408
devised: 2018-10-01
notes:
  A freely downloadable recording of music for this dance is available via <<http://www.fiddletree-music.com/johnturner/scdrecordings.html>>

  This dance is named for the close off the High Street, Edinburgh (opposite John Knox’ House) where my father’s sister and her family lived when I was a little girl. It is dedicated to my cousin, Margaret [Milbourne] Levins, a competitive ballroom dancer, who grew up on the Royal Mile and who has taken the initiative to keep in touch with an entire generation of a Scottish family, which has been spread over four continents for the past forty years.


created: 1997-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-02 13:39:01.704522+00
name: Evergreen Fairs
ucname: EVERGREEN FAIRS
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/888
notes:
  Fairs traditionally have been a way for rural people to gather together to exchange news, display their crafts and skills, and enjoy themselves. The gaiety and amusement keep fairs popular in our more urban society and guarantee that we will continue to enjoy them in the future.


created: 2006-10-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-02 16:06:32.626349+00
name: Child with Three Surnames, The
ucname: CHILD WITH THREE SURNAMES
intensity_bars: 880/888/800/888
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  A freely downloadable recording of music for this dance is available via <<http://www.fiddletree-music.com/johnturner/scdrecordings.html>>

  "Devised to celebrate the prospective arrival of our first grandchild".


created: 2021-01-02 19:41:20.686658+00
last_modified: 2021-01-02 19:41:20.686658+00
name: It's Only Logical
ucname: ITS ONLY LOGICAL
devised: 2009-05-01
notes:
  Inscribed to <<ddp:Rod Downey#2682>>, Logician and Dancer Extraordinaire.

  Repeat the whole dance once. Note, couples retain their number throughout so the dance shifts one place counterclockwise with each change of tempo.


created: 2012-11-15 20:22:02.268454+00
last_modified: 2021-01-02 22:29:53.014962+00
name: 60th Celebration, A
ucname: 60TH CELEBRATION
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/488
devised: 2009-04-01
notes:
  A dance devised by Anne Thorn in April 2009 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the
  Helensburgh Scottish Country Dancing Club.

  The tune: “Thistle of Scotland” (Trad), previously indicated, has been removed; it is a Reel and the dance is a Strathspey.


created: 2013-04-07 19:45:41.794669+00
last_modified: 2021-01-03 13:16:03.439187+00
name: We're Fifty!
ucname: WERE FIFTY
intensity_bars: 5555/8008/8888/0844
notes:
  Bars 1 - 16 represent the number 50  
  Bars 17 - 24 represent the fact that Scottish Country Dancing is a social activity that encourages people to meet new people, mix and form new friendships/acquaintances.  


created: 2007-01-22 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-03 15:48:20.414799+00
name: Four Ducks in a Row
ucname: FOUR DUCKS IN A ROW
intensity_bars: 8444/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  For <<ddp:#11719|Norma and Mike Briggs>>. Description available in <<sspey:47869|strathspey list message 47869>>.

  Another crib for the dance can also be found as part of the <<http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/mscd/ball08cheat.doc|crib sheet>> for the Madison SCD Annual Ball in 2008.


created: 2013-04-07 19:54:58.139779+00
last_modified: 2021-01-03 16:39:28.004+00
name: Isle of St Kilda, The
ucname: ISLE OF ST KILDA
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/888
devised: 2010-09-01
notes:
  Devised by Anne Thorn in September 2010 for her husband who had the privilege of travelling to, and working on, the island of St. Kilda in the late 1970s early 1980s. St Kilda was evacuated 80 years ago in 1930 and bequeathed by the Marquess of Bute to The National Trust for Scotland in 1957.


created: 2017-07-27 14:13:25.287177+00
last_modified: 2021-01-04 13:27:17.470392+00
name: Name's Bond, The
ucname: NAMES BOND
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  From the dance's web page:

  This dance was devised after an exchange of very silly e-mails about secret agents and espionage. The movement in bars 9-16 could be called ‘The Espionage’ ..... 

  The idea is that 1st Man is James Bond or some other secret agent and, helped by his lady friend (partner), he is looking for ‘The Third Man’. At no point should 1st Man have clear sight of 3 rd  Man. At the end of 32 bars 3M is in 4th place and has changed sides (isn't that what these secret agents do in films?). 1st couple are now in 3rd place so our erstwhile James Bond becomes The Third Man (who, of course, ends up changing sides!). On the final turn, the original 3rd couple will be in top place (and still on opposite sides) so the last 'James Bond' is actually female  - this is the 21st century after all! When the dance ends, all 4 couples are on opposite sides. 

  It fits the music which Nicol McLaren recorded for Alison Rose which includes the Pink Panther theme tune. 


created: 2013-08-26 08:53:54.673839+00
last_modified: 2021-01-04 15:19:11.366695+00
name: Pride of Dunblane, The
ucname: PRIDE OF DUNBLANE
devised: 2013-07-17
notes:
  A 32 bar Reel for couples in a large circle around the room, facing in, à la 'Lucky Seven' or 'Circassian Circle'.
  Tributes to Andy Murray come in all shapes and sizes - cakes, flowers, and now a dance. Dancers at Linlithgow Scotch Hop were the first to enjoy a new Scottish dance 'The Pride of Dunblane' written to celebrate his achievements in becoming Britain's first Wimbledon men's singles champion for 77 years.

  I have followed Andy Murray's career since his Wimbledon debut, and I have always been impressed by his dedication and talent as he worked his way into the top four. This year at Wimbledon he looked like he could finally go all the way, so when John contacted me on the day of the semi-finals to suggest writing a dance the ideas started flowing. I tried to create a simple dance which everyone could enjoy so that Andy's achievements could be celebrated at ceilidhs up and down the country.

  The dance is written to fit the Wimbledon theme tune and includes movements inspired by Andy's Wimbledon journey, including Centre Court, retrieving a drop shot and the ever-present towel.


created: 2006-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-04 17:03:27.459062+00
name: Avon Valley Strathspey, The
ucname: AVON VALLEY STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8484/8888/8888/8484/8888
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  *From the book:* The Avon River has its source in Wickepin, Western Australia, and is over 260km in length. It becomes the Swan River and flows through Perth to the Indian Ocean at Fremantle.

  Note that in Western Australia, the "Av" in "Avon" is pronounced as in the word "have".


created: 2006-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-04 17:16:35.261122+00
name: Bramble Jelly
ucname: BRAMBLE JELLY
intensity_bars: 800 844 822 844
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  19th may 2005 In the last few weeks of class I tried out The Bramble Bush. It has such nice music but I thought that it would have been a little different if devised recently. One of the problems for our newcomers was to dance the CPCP at the required speed. So I re-devised it and tried it out as 'Bramble Jelly'. It seemed to be appreciated so I offer it here for your judgement.


created: 2014-04-11 20:19:25.508183+00
last_modified: 2021-01-05 16:17:00.74381+00
name: Twice around the Beacons
ucname: TWICE AROUND THE BEACONS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/4444/4444/4444/4444/8888
notes:
  Devised by Pat Harvey, Roding Reel Club, and dedicated to Geoff Palmer of Salisbury to thank him for the very successful house parties he ran at Nythfa House for 10 years.

  With thanks to <<ddp:Chris Dewhurst#1526>> for composing the music for “Twice Around The Beacons”.


created: 2003-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-24 12:26:43.005174+00
name: Default Setting?
ucname: DEFAULT SETTING
intensity_bars: 844 800 844 888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  From <<sspey:37563|Strathspey Message 37563>> · 21 Jan 2004 01:39:48.   I also like Caberfei - and 'The Abbot of Unreason'. (I've not yet come across Bold Mary). With inspiration from these dances, and from Anselm's Anniversary Challenge, I devised a dance entitled 'Default Setting?' which I posted on the strathspey list a few months ago. 

  Music: H.I.S.C.D. #8.  This is the recording: Kiss under the Stairs, Jig, 8 × 32 bars, Played by Bobby Brown, Alasdair Fraser and others.


created: 2003-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-24 12:44:23.607898+00
name: Tigger Bounce, The
ucname: TIGGER BOUNCE
intensity_bars: 880/880/774/844
devised: 2003-04-01
notes:
  This dance is written for Sven Leyffer, who dances with enthusiasm and élan and who seems to have springs in his feet like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. Sven likes to twiddle and birl and first couple has a chance to twiddle in the half reels of three and a chance to birl in bars 29-32.


created: 2017-06-04 21:50:26.881145+00
last_modified: 2021-01-05 16:53:05.767616+00
name: Nimbus 2017
ucname: NIMBUS 2017
devised: 2017-03-01
notes:
  Waltham Scottish Country Dance Group at the ASCDS Festival, Nottingham 06 May 2017. Music: Neil Barron and his Band.

  Nimbus 2017 depicts a game of Quidditch from Harry Potter. The game is fast, so the team decide to practise slowly (Strathspey), shake hands and then play for real. The Schiehallion reels show one team (the men) racing quickly ahead, followed closely by the other team (women). Then the teams reorganise and try to set up their next plays (hands across and casting off); suddenly the women are in the lead on the reels, and the men are chasing behind. The interlocking half reels of four and turning are further evidence of skilful players trying to outsmart each other on the pitch, before the first man then holds the Golden Snitch aloft in victory at the end!

  Nimbus 2017 is a Medley version of Nimbus 2002 by Vicky Goodloe, Kentucky, USA. The adaptation of dance was suggested by John Aitken of The Waltham Scottish Country Dance Group and Vicky has now dedicated the new Dance to this Group who performed it for the first time at the 37th Association of Scottish Country Dance Societies (ASCDS) Festival in 2017.


created: 2021-03-03 01:08:08.21864+00
last_modified: 2021-03-31 19:19:06.643003+00
name: Tribute to John D.
ucname: TRIBUTE TO JOHN D
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/0808/8888/8888
notes:
  This dance was devised as a tribute to John Drewry, the devisor of the rondel, and also to see whether a bourrel in a square would work.


created: 2006-10-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-07 12:05:06.856755+00
name: Glasgow Reel
ucname: GLASGOW REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Jen Wood writes:  I'm pretty sure I wrote this dance :) .  It was written for the 50th anniversary of the Glasgow University Scottish Country Dance Club in 2005, so was only 'published' in the cribs for the ball - but it is finally going to be properly published when Dunedin Book 6 comes out in March 2013.


created: 2004-01-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-07 15:02:39.277714+00
name: Irish Drover
ucname: IRISH DROVER
intensity_bars: 844/844/844/888
notes:
  The first 8 bars are taken directly from the Irish Rover, making the Irish Drover a useful precursor to that widely popular, but more challenging dance. We recommend the Gypsy Rover in Gaelic College SCD Book #02 as a way to learn the last 8 bars of the Irish Rover.


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-08 21:18:10.511038+00
name: Glayva
ucname: GLAYVA
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
devised: 1976-01-12
notes:
  Touted by its manufacturer, Whyte & Mackay, as “the best liqueur in
  the world™”, Glayva is a beverage containing malt whisky,
  Mediterranean tangerine juice, almonds, honey, spices and other
  ingredients and is prepared to a secret recipe invented in 1947 by the
  Edinburgh whisky merchant, Ronald Morrison. The name derives from the
  Gaelic *glè math*, meaning “very good”.

  This dance by the same name is one of the first, if not the
  first, dance featuring the “espagnole” formation. Note that the
  espagnole, taking up the final 8 bars of the dance, is basically
  identical to the first or second 8 bars of the dance rotated by 90°.

  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Mary Prentice's Birthday 12th January, 1976, in Ibiza.


created: 2004-04-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-09 21:50:44.356297+00
name: There are no Kangaroos in Austria (Basic Version)
ucname: THERE ARE NO KANGAROOS IN AUSTRIA BASIC VERSION
intensity_bars: 880/800/808/448
notes:
  The basic version may be used as introduction before teaching the <<ddd:There are no Kangaroos in Austria (Advanced Version)>>.

  There is a video of the advanced version at the webpage for <<http://www.rscdsvienna.org/book/|The Vienna Book>>.


created: 2000-07-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-18 22:59:48.69026+00
name: Dancing on Parnassus
ucname: DANCING ON PARNASSUS
intensity_bars: 8010/8080/8888/8888/8620/8888/8888/8888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Bruce Herbold and Patti Cobb in honor of their wedding. Bruce first taught this dance to a class which met on Parnassus Avenue. Michele Winter suggested the name in reference to the piano keyboard exercises "Gradus ad Parnassum" (The Steps to Parnassus) and her feeling that due to the square set formation we were gods dancing on top of the mountain. The music by Janet Kurnick is pure ambrosia.


created: 2004-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-20 10:11:32.328166+00
name: Nether Rumgally
ucname: NETHER RUMGALLY
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  Danced with 4 couples and four singles.

  Written as thanks to John and Sheena Sturrock of Nether Rumgally, Fife (»Mari Gold« is a pseudonym).  
  The preferred Music is The Oddfellows by J Scott Skinner.  
  The recommended recording is 'The Summer Assembly'  on  'Cairngorms', played by M.Johnstone & K.Smith.


created: 2004-03-09 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-20 18:43:31.672822+00
name: Gloomy Winter's Noo Awa'
ucname: GLOOMY WINTERS NOO AWA
intensity_bars: 800 888 844 844
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  Comment from the deviser Ian Brockbank in the The Badger Sett, and in similar form in the earlier New Scottland 60th Anniversary Book:

  This is a variant on the dance “<<ddd:The Gloomy Winter#8094>>” which I gave to Sophia for her 25th birthday and which was published in the New Scotland 50th Anniversary Book. 
  Bars 9-16 didn’t really work when tried with New Scotland and Dunedin – they require too much careful phrasing – so I came up with this modification. However, San Gabriel Valley like the original.
  Written for Sophia Marriage and presented to her on the occasion of her 30th birthday in December, 2001, with love from Ian Brockbank.


created: 1997-11-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-23 21:20:52.611548+00
name: Star o' Rabbie Burns, The
ucname: STAR O RABBIE BURNS
notes:
  <<scddb-not-identical:20208>>

  The source for this dance entry was probably <<sspey:9741|strathspey message 9741>>.


created: 2010-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-09 21:55:03.365485+00
name: There are no Kangaroos in Austria (Advanced Version)
ucname: THERE ARE NO KANGAROOS IN AUSTRIA ADVANCED VERSION
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8888/4884
notes:
  Every 16 bars there is a new top couple starting the first 16 bars of basic pattern, while third couple starts the second 16 bars of basic pattern (cf. basic version of the dance). Thus, starting in the order 1234, after 16 bars we have 2413 (couples 2 and 1 now dancing), after 32 bars 4321 (couples 4 and 2 now dancing) after 48 bars 3142 (couples 3 and 4 now dancing), after 64 bars the dances finishes back in the order 1234. All couples have danced the two parts of the basic pattern once.

  Note 1: The upper half of the set is regarded as the Northern Hemisphere, where the cyclones move anticlockwise, hence all the movements are anticlockwise; the lower half, "Down Under", is regarded as the Southern Hemisphere, with clockwise spiraling cyclones.

  Note 2: The fugue resembles the reversed seasons in the Hemispheres, with shared conditions only in spring and autumn.

  This dance was devised for Eva and Brian, who moved from Austria to Australia, by friends from the Vienna Branch (Felix Hamelbeck and Beatrix Wepner). It was an honour that they joined the group though only for a short time.

  For teaching one may start with the <<ddd:There are no Kangaroos in Austria (Basic Version)>> before switching to the advanced version.

  There is a video of the dance at the webpage for <<http://www.rscdsvienna.org/book/|The Vienna Book>>.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-10 09:23:04.869745+00
name: Chari's Twist
ucname: CHARIS TWIST
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/822
devised: 1990-03-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Chari Wurtzel who, in moments of crisis, is partial to the phrase, "Don't get your
  knickers in a twist."


created: 1997-09-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-10 16:59:19.716486+00
name: Ladie Nellie Wemys
ucname: LADIE NELLIE WEMYS
intensity_bars: 884/884/811/888/811/888
notes:
  The dance has the title "Ladie Nellie Wemys" in the original book and uses a tune of almost the same name which is normally spelled "Lady Nellie Wemyss". The latter spelling is added as an alias.

  John Mitchell's daughter Alison writes:
  *John was a stickler for detail, and "Ladie" would not have been accidental. However, I can well believe that he took the name from a recording of the tune that just "happened" to use that spelling, instead of "Lady". Certainly, the two are equivalent; but the title is correct as originally published.*


created: 2005-02-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-22 18:31:56.772904+00
name: Stirling Castle
ucname: STIRLING CASTLE
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Possible error!  A pdf of "Stirling Castle" from a publication "Clapyerhands 'n Stampyerfeet" describes a very different dance from the one of the attached Minicrib.  This needs sorting out.  Eric Ferguson, 7 feb. 2017.


created: 2005-11-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-12 12:05:39.495546+00
name: Jerusalem Farm Youth Hostel
ucname: JERUSALEM FARM YOUTH HOSTEL
intensity_bars: 800/866/866/844
notes:
  Jack Hamm wrote on 6th dec 2013:

  Do you know where the dance Jerualem Farm Youth Hostel originated? The first youth hostel I visited in England was in Lancashire and was called Jerusalem Farm Youth Hostel. It was frequented by a group which included a piper and Scottish Dance Master.The group met there on many weekends and they organised Scottish Dancing for the night. I am wondering whether that was the place of origin of the dance Jerusalem Farm Youth Hostel.


created: 2021-01-12 19:34:04.084113+00
last_modified: 2021-01-12 19:39:35.283103+00
name: Honours of Scotland, The
ucname: HONOURS OF SCOTLAND
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  A medley devised for music composed by <<ddp:Gonnella, Ron#1615>> to mark the display of the Honours of Scotland (crown jewels) in Edinburgh Castle. It is in three parts: The Crown Air, The Sceptre Strathspey and The Sword Reel.

  The start of the <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dancevideo/7753/|Edinburgh RSCDS video>> explains the symbolism.


created: 1999-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-13 20:39:13.488615+00
name: Betty Wilde's Delight
ucname: BETTY WILDES DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 555/555/800/888
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Betty Wilde for her continued support - with love from the Caberfiedh Junior Dancers
  ©1998


created: 1997-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-16 18:49:05.04952+00
name: Ethel Mary's Jig
ucname: ETHEL MARYS JIG
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  "A dance to mark the 95th Birthday of Ethel Mary Moss of cap Pele, New Brunswick who lived, at one time, in Asfordby, Melton Mowbray. I attended Melton Mowbray Grammar School so we have a territorial connection."

  The instructions have three figures: 3x16 + 16 + 32 bars (96 bars in all) but suggest that for demonstration purposes the first figure may be done just once (ie 64 bars in all).


created: 2003-10-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-16 15:06:28.740237+00
name: Drunken Party, The
ucname: DRUNKEN PARTY
notes:
  According to <<sspey:71683|strathspey list message 71683>> it seems the original instructions for this dance are lost so the MiniCrib is the only source.

  When contacted in early 2021, Gordon confirmed being the deviser of this dance, but he does not have any original instructions himself; it was so long ago that he can’t even remember how they went. The dances were never tried out at his local dance group.


created: 1997-09-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-21 11:46:13.124958+00
name: Washington's Columbia River
ucname: WASHINGTONS COLUMBIA RIVER
notes:
  This dance starts in a longwise set for the Strathspey part then moves into a square set at the start of the Reel part.


created: 2003-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-24 12:16:23.672242+00
name: If at First
ucname: IF AT FIRST
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/888
notes:
  The inscription on the book states: Several years ago, Leicester Branch ran a competiton to devise a dance (a four-couple strathspey) to fit a tune called “Daunder in the Glen” composed by one of our members. My contribution was not successful, but on the principle of “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again", I adapted it for a three-couple set and submitted it for this book. This is the result.


created: 2020-05-09 23:07:43.46712+00
last_modified: 2021-01-22 08:58:42.075149+00
name: Award of Excellence, The
ucname: AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
intensity_bars: 444/800/888/888
devised: 2018-02-27
notes:
  For Laurie McConachie

  ANN CAMPBELL — A word of explanation about the dance — Laurie visited me a couple of weeks ago and as she was leaving she mentioned a long-standing joke with someone on the Board, I forget who, about when was she getting an award of excellence. So, while she was driving home I was devising the dance.


created: 2006-05-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-28 03:42:05.745073+00
name: Miss Mary Gray's Fancy
ucname: MISS MARY GRAYS FANCY
intensity_bars: 8888/8000/8220/8000
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  This strathspey, Miss Mary Gray's Fancy, was named after Mary Gray who has been a long and stalwart supporter of the Lochiel Club in Hamilton. Mary would do anything for anybody!


created: 2005-11-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-07-16 19:43:50.844939+00
name: Valerie & Bill's Wedding
ucname: VALERIE AND BILLS WEDDING
notes:
  A dance in which the Bride and Groom greet, mingle and dance with the guests.

  Men have a new partner with each repetition. Men progress clockwise Ladies remain in original place.


created: 2003-10-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-09-23 17:08:08.936965+00
name: Overdue Jig, The
ucname: OVERDUE JIG
intensity_bars: 8228/8668/8448/8008
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Miss Anne Bradburn who has been a good friend for over twenty years and for whom a dance is long "overdue".


created: 1997-11-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-06 20:08:44.51056+00
name: Montreal Rendezvous
ucname: MONTREAL RENDEZVOUS
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
devised: 1966-07-01
notes:
  <<scddb-not-identical:13360>>

  Devised July 1966 and was completed in a rush for the competition organised by the Society's Deep River Branch for their Centennial Collection, in which it appears.


created: 2021-01-22 21:40:48.564995+00
last_modified: 2021-03-27 22:22:22.647573+00
name: Star o' Rabbie Burns, The
ucname: STAR O RABBIE BURNS
notes:
  <<scddb-not-identical:5527>>

  Starts in a longwise set but is later a square.

  Currently the only source for the dance is <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2216/|SCDDB issue 2216>>.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-27 16:48:43.103939+00
name: Glendaruel's Return To Aschaffenburg, The
ucname: GLENDARUELS RETURN TO ASCHAFFENBURG
devised: 1984-07-01
notes:
  Dancl! devised to commemorate the visit of the Glendaruel S.C. Dance Band and Glendaruel Dancers to Perth's twin town of Aschaffenburg in Bavaria in July 1984.


created: 1998-01-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-19 23:43:22.275049+00
name: Siol Mhorgan
ucname: SIOL MHORGAN
intensity_bars: 888/888/868/880
devised: 1991-05-18
notes:
  Inscribed "for Esther Mackay". The dance notes say that the title is the gaelic name from which Mackay is derived (race of Morgan) via Macaodh to Mackaoi to Mackay.


created: 2020-01-14 16:08:49.884423+00
last_modified: 2021-07-14 08:47:25.28361+00
name: Katrina's Caper
ucname: KATRINAS CAPER
intensity_bars: 80/88/88/88/88
notes:
  Devised for Katrina Johnson.

  The instructions (page 6 of an unknown booklet) name no deviser, and have an error *[set | turn | set]* for bars 13-16. 


created: 2015-01-11 12:45:07.67752+00
last_modified: 2021-01-27 17:07:38.20017+00
name: Honorary Scot and the Highlander's Daughter, The
ucname: HONORARY SCOT AND THE HIGHLANDERS DAUGHTER
intensity_bars: 880/888/808/880
devised: 2005-01-22
notes:
  Devised on January 22 2005, for Keith and Deirdre Bark.  

  At the ASTA Burns Supper that year there was a storm and the person who was to give the “Immortal Memory” speech was unable to get there.  Keith stepped into the breach and during his speech he admitted that he was English but said he felt he was an honorary Scot and had married a highlander’s daughter.


created: 2004-02-18 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-29 08:18:40.385847+00
name: Kiss of the Humming Bird
ucname: KISS OF THE HUMMING BIRD
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
notes:
  In Portugese. the humming bird is called the kissing bird.  
  The figure used in bars 5-8 and 29-32 (half turn & twirl) suggest the kiss.


created: 2003-02-15 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-29 22:28:38.181415+00
name: Weary Willie's Reel
ucname: WEARY WILLIES REEL
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8448/8888
notes:
  The tune is called "Weary Willie's Reel"
  In Highlander Collection vol 1 the dance is called "Wearie Willie's Reel"
  As this may be a misprint, I have left the name unchanged.  ETF 2011-10-30


created: 2021-01-29 23:25:19.703765+00
last_modified: 2021-01-31 10:11:25.793682+00
name: Dublin's Dancing Fiddler
ucname: DUBLINS DANCING FIDDLER
intensity_bars: 800/804/880/888
devised: 2017-09-01
notes:
  to celebrate the 16th birthday of Anna Dallas, who sometimes joins her grandparents, the regular musicians at Dublin Scottish Country Dance Club, and sometimes dances with us.


created: 2021-01-29 22:54:49.207469+00
last_modified: 2021-01-29 23:00:48.410475+00
name: Voulez-vous danser?
ucname: VOULEZVOUS DANSER
intensity_bars: 844/800/888/844
devised: 2018-11-13
notes:
  To celebrate the fiftieth birthday of Helen McGinley on 13 November 2018. Helen is a member of the Dublin Scottish Country Dance Club. 


created: 2011-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-04 17:30:35.422699+00
name: Shooting Lodge, The
ucname: SHOOTING LODGE
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8008/8008/8888
notes:
  Devised for Richard and Gillian Ovey of Hernes Farm Estate, Henley.  

  The "Shooting Lodge" is a redeveloped part of the farm steading where we dance on Friday evening.


created: 2015-08-27 13:47:37.665817+00
last_modified: 2021-02-27 12:58:31.172565+00
name: Wheeling in the Wind
ucname: WHEELING IN THE WIND
intensity_bars: 808/888/282/668
notes:
  Devised by Pam Stephens, inspired while watching the sea birds continually swirling and turning in the wind above the ocean waves.


created: 2002-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-05 12:34:07.16173+00
name: Contra Temp Reel
ucname: CONTRA TEMP REEL
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  This dance is published a 2C/4L dance, but as first time through 1c ends in 4th place (progression 2341) it is in fact a 4C/4L dance. The instructions then continue with "The dance starts again with the new top couple being a couple one and every other couple is also a first couple."   

  Editor's note:  That is obviously incomplete; it is impossible for both 1c and 3c to finish at the bottom.  One must assume that 1c ends in 3pl and 3c in 4pl (progression 2413).  Then the final positions after 8 times through are (4,2,1,3).  The initial (1,2,3,4) is never reached.  This point needs to be looked at more closely.


created: 2002-04-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-08 10:52:09.605339+00
name: Neko's Reel
ucname: NEKOS REEL
intensity_bars: 8000/8800/8800/4888
notes:
  This reel was written for Kimberley Osberg and her parents, kind friends in the Seattle area.  The name in the title is Japanese, and is pronounced nee-koh.


created: 2017-09-25 20:51:55.969078+00
last_modified: 2021-02-08 10:14:39.612289+00
name: Manderley Weasel
ucname: MANDERLEY WEASEL
intensity_bars: 882/888/888/888
devised: 2015-07-01
notes:
  I saw a weasel while I was out walking the dog at Manderley. I had been preparing to teach a couple of dances with weasel reels so felt this was a sign I should write one of my own.


created: 2002-04-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-08 12:55:39.879965+00
name: Beauly in Bloom
ucname: BEAULY IN BLOOM
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8008
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  Dance was devised by the late Frances Grant, dance teacher for the Kilmorack class for almost 3 decades and founding member of Glen Orrin Dancers, for Beauly Firth and Glens Trust, St. Andrews Night November 1997. After her death in May 2019, the original instructions for the dance were found by her sister Eleanor Gunn.


created: 2002-03-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-09 09:34:39.742192+00
name: Jennie's Strathspey
ucname: JENNIES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800 804 840 808
notes:
  For Jennie Cross on her retirement from teaching.

  Jennie Cross was a founding committee member of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Branch. Until her retirement in 2001, she also organised Scottish Country Dance classes through the Women's Institute in nearby Groombridge, ensuring a steady stream of recruits to the Branch.


created: 2002-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-09 12:15:24.561125+00
name: Last But One
ucname: LAST BUT ONE
intensity_bars: 880/888/800/844
notes:
  As the name perhaps implies, short Strathspeys can be useful towards the end of a dance programme where 8 X 32s are definitely out of place.


created: 2001-06-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-10 14:57:16.376548+00
name: Happy Couple, The
ucname: HAPPY COUPLE
intensity_bars: 800/880/808/888/800
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for the marriage of Sylvia Smith and Frank Malcolm. Sylvia has been a stalwart member of the Branch demonstration team for many years as well as being a highly respected teacher of both adults and children. The music was written for the dance by Freda Phillipson. The dance and the music were performed for the first time at a dance celebrating their wedding on 18th April 1998.


created: 2001-10-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-12 11:01:27.302305+00
name: Mrs Clancy's Strathspey
ucname: MRS CLANCYS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8220/8002/8888
devised: 1996-07-31
notes:
  For Mrs. Clancy's 87th birthday, 31 July 1996.  Mrs Clancy danced this dance before being told its name!


created: 2002-10-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-12 11:21:46.561776+00
name: Octopussy
ucname: OCTOPUSSY
intensity_bars: 6666/8888/6666/8888
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  Note 3:
  Originally I wrote this dance as a reel but, when the dancers in
  Nova Scotia tried out the dance, they thought that it went better as a
  strathspey.
  In view of this, I have left the choice of tempo to the performers.
  lf the dance is danced as a medley, it could be done twice as a
  strathspey and then twice as a reel. lf this is done, each couple will
  dance once from an end position and once from a middle position in
  each tempo.


created: 2017-09-25 19:15:53.77143+00
last_modified: 2021-02-13 10:41:24.785246+00
name: Dance to the Music
ucname: DANCE TO THE MUSIC
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
devised: 2015-07-01
notes:
  Celebrating TAC summer school in Virginia, USA. The first eight bars are taken from a Wes Clindinning tribute class.


created: 2017-09-25 19:17:51.853436+00
last_modified: 2021-02-13 12:36:55.687385+00
name: Dog Stalker, The
ucname: DOG STALKER
intensity_bars: 840/808/880/808
devised: 2015-05-01
notes:
  I wrote this for Joanne Turnbull after spending a few days with her. She has never met a dog that she did not like. Ever.


created: 2001-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-13 12:46:36.913422+00
name: Old Spedling Castle's Ghost's Dance, The
ucname: OLD SPEDLING CASTLES GHOSTS DANCE
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  The Old Spedling Castle´s Ghost´s Dance is a dance where the 'standing' bottom man or top lady takes the part of the ghost to enter the dance. Thus, it is somehow a dance for 3 couples and a ghost in a 4 couple longwise set.

  It was first tried at a dance workshop in 2000 led by Jim Rae at the Kuckucksnest (=cuckoo's nest) in Schl&uuml;chtern, Germany. After a few more changes it was then published in his "A Dancing Tour Volume 2" in 2004.

  The recording of the tune by Green Ginger named "<<http://my.strathspey.org/dd/recording/4971/|The Old Spedling Castle's Ghost's Dance>>" (also mentioned by Jim Rae in "A Dancing Tour Volume 2") is only four times through. Thus, this recording might not be well suitable, if one wants to perform the dance the full eight times through in one go.


created: 2001-06-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-15 18:23:50.366272+00
name: Proud Father, The
ucname: PROUD FATHER
notes:
  According to strathspey list message 71683 it seems the original instructions for this dance are lost so the MiniCrib is the only source.

  When contacted in early 2021, Gordon confirmed being the deviser of this dance, but he does not have any original instructions himself; it was so long ago that he can’t even remember how they went. The dances were never tried out at his local dance group


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-15 19:43:39.024464+00
name: Boriston Ness
ucname: BORISTON NESS
notes:
  Originally SCDDB attributed this dance to <<ddp:Thurston, Hugh A#392>> but according to <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2228/|issue 2228>> the deviser was reported as unknown in the original Thistle #16 article - although similar to Thurston's <<ddd:Rosslyn Castle#5697>>. It was probably devised around 1962.

  The tune was originally given as <<ddt:#2737>> but is now corrected to the similarly named, but apparently not identical, <<ddt:#9833>>.


created: 2002-04-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-08-05 22:28:24.527012+00
name: Haggarty's Brig
ucname: HAGGARTYS BRIG
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/4884/8888
devised: 2001-09-01
notes:
  Devised in honor of my grandparents, Richard Haggarty and Christina Wallace Haggarty (my Nana) who between them served nearly 40 years on West Lothians’ County Council.  In their honour a new bridge was built between Stoneyburn and Addiwell, over the Briech Water where they used to meet while courting. The bridge is named Haggarty’s Brig.


created: 2002-04-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-20 21:07:02.100586+00
name: Jackdaw, The
ucname: JACKDAW
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8888/8888
devised: 1995-11-01
notes:
  Devised for Margaret Williams on the occasion of her special birthday!
  (Margaret and David live in Jackdaw Close - hence the name)


created: 2002-11-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-18 11:14:22.707217+00
name: Dusk to Dawn
ucname: DUSK TO DAWN
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  Started in September 1990, the first ten years for Clynnog Thistle Scottish Dance Group covered the last decade (Dusk) of the 20th century and into the first (Dawn) of the 21st century.


created: 2003-02-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-19 16:31:46.328594+00
name: Mrs Litten's Reel
ucname: MRS LITTENS REEL
intensity_bars: 80/88/84/88
devised: 1975-01-01
notes:
  Mrs Litten was caretaker at Potten End Village Hall, where the Berkhamsted Strathspey & Reel Club has danced for many years: Mrs Litten was caretaker from July 1957 until her retirement in March 1975. This
  dance was dedicated to her as a reminder of the happy association that the club enjoyed with her over those years. On her retirement this dance was presented in a frame to Mrs Litten by the Children’s Class, who then
  danced it for her. The club ran a Children’s Class for many years in 1960s & 70s under the instruction of Colin Garrett, Rosemary Crawford and Stephen Webb.


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-19 17:23:04.881726+00
name: Deby's Fiddle
ucname: DEBYS FIDDLE
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to fiddler and dancer Deby Benton Grosjean, an outstanding musician who occasionally plays for parties and balls for the San Francisco Branch. Deby is also West Coast Scottish Fiddle Champion and an instructor at Alasdair Fraser' s Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School


created: 2017-04-30 09:49:23.489358+00
last_modified: 2021-02-20 10:21:04.422456+00
name: Reel for London, A
ucname: REEL FOR LONDON
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  To commemorate the London 2012 Olympics

  Bars 13-16 & 17-20 depict the Olympic Rings,  
  Bars 1-4 & 21-24 depict the Olympic Flame.  
  Most other figures are simple forward movements which are similar to the many forward actions occurring in races.  
  Steps: Skip change-of-step is used throughout except for Bars 17-20 when slip step is used.


created: 2000-12-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-20 21:11:18.959692+00
name: Bob's Assembly
ucname: BOBS ASSEMBLY
intensity_bars: 844/088/484/888
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Jill Wing to honour Bob Taylor, a founder member of the Brockville Scottish Country Dancers, who celebrated his 60th birthday in April 1998 and retired from Dupont Canada at that time.


created: 2003-02-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-21 03:02:51.104293+00
name: Albert's Welcome (to Potten End)
ucname: ALBERTS WELCOME TO POTTEN END
intensity_bars: 5111 8888 4444 12 12 12 12 6666 8888
devised: 1987-01-01
notes:
  The original name was "Albert's Welcome to Potten End".  The deviser has since shortened the name to "Albert's Welcome", but the old name will still often appear in records.

  This dance is dedicated to Albert Williams who as President from 1985-1987, and with the support of his wife Molly, contributed much to the Berkhamsted Strathspey & Reel Club. The dance depicts friendship and social cheerfulness.


created: 2000-11-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-21 10:52:37.541926+00
name: Barbara's Celebration
ucname: BARBARAS CELEBRATION
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Devised in celebration of retuming to Scottish Country Dancing after a cancer operation, by Barbara Rendle-Braime. Somerset West.


created: 2003-02-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-03 11:48:27.467582+00
name: Anniversary Medley
ucname: ANNIVERSARY MEDLEY
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  Anniversary Medley was formerly called Forty Years devised to commemorate the Fortieth Anniversary of the Berkhamsted Strathspey & Reel Club in 1992. 

  The patterns in the dance reflect the starburst of a celebratory firework.


created: 2021-02-18 18:15:03.720227+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 21:12:53.308121+00
name: Whigmaleerie
ucname: WHIGMALEERIE
notes:
  This dance, not to be confused with <<ddd:Whigmaleeries#7090>> (plural) by <<ddp:Ivory, Derek#618>>, is of unknown origin. In an <<link:thereel/302|article in The Reel #302|11>> Mervyn Short asks if anyone has further information about it.


created: 2019-09-05 19:06:14.400443+00
last_modified: 2021-02-21 19:51:47.62185+00
name: Red Squirrel Strathspey, The
ucname: RED SQUIRREL STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/800/844/888
notes:
  The video, including the deviser, shows couples taking hands where possible during the reel though this is not  specified in the instructions.

  The video is also named just The Red Squirrel though the instructions have The Red Squirrel Strathspey. The former is added as an alias.


created: 2019-01-08 15:22:23.50439+00
last_modified: 2021-02-22 00:37:00.057098+00
name: Flowering Heather, The
ucname: FLOWERING HEATHER
intensity_bars: 880/770/888/800
devised: 2016-10-01
notes:
  When teaching a Diamond Poussette to first year dancers, it is hard to find a dance that doesn’t have multiple foot changes to deal with. This is one of the more challenging formations for new dancers and, try as I might, the only dances that I could find that came close were “The Lammermuir Hills” and “The Walled Garden” (by that magic devisor Roy Goldring), but these two also had foot changes.  This straightforward dance was devised especially for our new dancers at the Lower Hutt Club to practice an all-round strathspey Poussette without having to deal with a foot change at all.  

  Devised in October 2016, which is spring in New Zealand.  The end of the dancing season is approaching and our New Dancers are starting to try more difficult formations.  Earlier in the year, Damon and I had a trip to the UK and found ourselves in the Lammermuir Hills in Scotland walking through some “Flowering Heather” which was very beautiful.  A day to remember - so this dance is also a reminder of that very day. 


created: 2021-02-22 09:20:13.42522+00
last_modified: 2021-02-22 13:40:51.004543+00
name: Anyu's Birthday
ucname: ANYUS BIRTHDAY
intensity_bars: 66/66/84/88
devised: 2021-02-09
notes:
  “Anyu” is Hungarian for “mom,” and the dance was dedicated to Zsófia József’s mother on her birthday.  
  First taught on Zoom on February 9, 2021 for the Bo’Ness class.  

  "I was inspired by "Tea for Two" in the book "Always Enough to Dance." (Ellie Briscoe said)

  Suitable recorded music: “Bon Viveur,” on Jim Lindsay’s RSCDS recording for Book 52.


created: 1997-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-08 15:58:57.85278+00
name: Maple Sugar Jig
ucname: MAPLE SUGAR JIG
devised: 1976-08-01
notes:
  Two women facing clockwise to two men in a circle round the room.

  "Ann Sheppard was awarded the DANS (Dance Nova Scotia) Challenge Trophy for the best original mixer dance, Maple Sugar Jig, at the 21st Nova Scotia Dance Camp in August, 1976. A former member of the Fredericton Scottish Country Dance Group, she now lives in Australia."


created: 2009-11-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-02 12:28:39.468931+00
name: MacDonald of the Eastern Isles
ucname: MACDONALD OF THE EASTERN ISLES
intensity_bars: 808/808/844/888
devised: 2003-05-20
notes:
  Dedicated to Masako (Marchan) and Yukio Naitoh, the co-founder and the leader of the Tokyo Scottish
  Bluebell Club, who are also recognized as members of MacDonald Family.  
  The dance and tune are devised to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tokyo Scottish Bluebell Club
  held on 31st May 2003.


created: 2021-03-13 21:59:31.662586+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 21:59:31.662586+00
name: Buoys and Gulls
ucname: BUOYS AND GULLS
devised: 2020-08-01
notes:
  "Inspiration for the title was recalling seaGULLS landing on or near BUOYS in a harbour. Any similarity to BOYS and GIRLS is, of course, purely co-incidental."

  Dance specifically devised with adapted figures to maintain 2m distance from other dancers.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-26 20:34:20.511035+00
name: Huntly Reel, The
ucname: HUNTLY REEL
notes:
  Collected from John Gordon of Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. This dance was a favourite in Aberdeenshire during the 17th century, and later revived in Canada.

  It was originally entered, incorrectly, in the database as The Huntley Reel. This is kept as a (mis)spelling alias.  
    
  First published by Mary Isdale MacNab/Elizabeth Sutorius in a leaflet in 1961.


created: 1997-04-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-11 15:39:08.076637+00
name: Lord of the Isles
ucname: LORD OF THE ISLES
notes:
  There is some doubt (see <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2293/|issue 2293>>) that this dance was actually collected by <<ddp:MacNab, Mary Isdale#242>>. It was added in the original version of SCDDB and linked to the set of her dances but does not actually appear there so may be a mistaken entry.


created: 1999-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-26 08:47:41.835526+00
name: Salute to Robert Burns
ucname: SALUTE TO ROBERT BURNS
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8888/8000
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Devised on January 18, 1995.  

  This dance tells a story about Robert Burns, well known for his interest in the opposite sex.  

  In the first eight bars he sees a young lady making her way to the same social function (a Scottish country dance function of course) to which he is going. In the next eight bars he mingles with the other guests, keeping an eye on the young lady. In the third figure he gets an introduction, and in the final figure they dance together. 


created: 2017-11-21 13:30:58.710839+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 21:04:46.569766+00
name: St Andrew's Day
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS DAY
devised: 1949-01-01
notes:
  This is the original version of this dance.  There is also an easier to dance version modified to 64 bars (<<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/18023/|Dance 18023>>)

  The original publication, Two National Dances of Scotland, describes this dance on the cover page, on the title page and on the dance description page as a Reel while the music, in the same publication and with the same title, composed by the dance deviser is in 6-8 time, i.e. a Jig.

  This dance is discussed in RSCDS London Branch's <<link:thereel/301>> and <<link:thereel/302>>.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-26 10:09:25.320651+00
name: Goulden's Farewell To California
ucname: GOULDENS FAREWELL TO CALIFORNIA
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888/888/888
devised: 1981-01-01
notes:
  Publisher's note:  
  This dance was presented at Asilomar Weekend, 1981. The Gouldens, who met dancing twenty plus years ago, postponed their departure for France so that they might attend the Asilomar conference one last time. Thanks to Eugene Bissell for writing up the dance and contributing it to this collection. The editor altered the wording from "woman" to "lady" for consistency within the collection only.


created: 2001-12-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-23 20:46:42.581444+00
name: Didgeridoos of Dunvegan, The
ucname: DIDGERIDOOS OF DUNVEGAN
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/844/888
devised: 1999-08-01
notes:
  "for all who pipe McLeod and clear!"

  The Doonooch Aboriginal Dancers from Australia came to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. Seven of the ten dancers were McLeods. The report in the local press was headed "Folk Group is McLeod and Clear"!


created: 1999-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-24 13:26:38.909249+00
name: Callum Ross Campbell
ucname: CALLUM ROSS CAMPBELL
intensity_bars: 8484/8888/8484/8484
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  Devised on April 7, 1996, to welcome the arrival of Callum Ross Campbell, first child of Gary and Donna Campbell, members of the St. Andrew's of Brampton Scottish Country Dance group.


created: 2001-06-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-24 19:42:36.066648+00
name: Brian's Bairns
ucname: BRIANS BAIRNS
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/6666/8888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  From the original description:

  > As part of Edinburgh Branch's 75th Anniversary celebrations the chairman, Brian Harry,
  > held a reception for members in the Royal College of Physicians.
  > 
  > Two teams of children from Branch classes gave a demonstration which included this dance,
  > specially written for the occasion by Isobel Cook.

  This dance is a Jig.  It is correctly described on the contents page of the Five Anniversary Dances booklet and the music is in 6-8 time.  The description with the instructions is wrong and should say "A Jig for 4 couples in a square set".


created: 1999-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-26 00:20:57.548989+00
name: Den Mother, The
ucname: DEN MOTHER
intensity_bars: 8888/4000/8000/8404/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  Devised in honour of the 80th birthday of Mrs Marjorie Coulter, founder of St. Andrew's of Brampton, and affectionately known as the den mother. 


created: 2000-05-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-26 00:50:35.227429+00
name: Northern Harmony
ucname: NORTHERN HARMONY
intensity_bars: 844/866/866/888
devised: 1983-01-01
notes:
  Comment by deviser Gregor Trinkaus-Randall on Scottish Country Dance teachers Facebook page, July 2018

  Please note that during bars 5-12 in Northern Harmony in Celebrating Fifty Years, couples 2 & 3 are doing rights and lefts while the first couple does their track. This was only recently caught by me, the author, because I never taught it from that book. Please put in an errata slip.  

  Gregor Trinkaus-Randall started dancing in Boston in 1974. While living in Wisconsin, he and his wife, Vickery, founded the Madison group, which is now an affiliated group of the RSCDS. Gregor is a Boston Branch teacher and has danced wifh the Demonstration Team and the New Caledonians performing group. Tom Pixton chose the title tune from among his own compositions.


created: 2015-01-11 15:44:38.418716+00
last_modified: 2021-03-12 16:43:38.520224+00
name: First of August, The
ucname: FIRST OF AUGUST
notes:
  This Hebridean Step-dance was devised by Ewen MacLachlan (1799-1879) in 19th century. (It was not Jack McConachie although he did publish it with other dances.)

  The possibly best description of the dance is to be found in Traditional Step-Dancing in Scotland by JF&TM Flett (1996) on pp102-108.


created: 2018-12-03 16:03:09.271538+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 20:15:17.248972+00
name: 90 Years On
ucname: 90 YEARS ON
intensity_bars: 8440/8880/8844/8888/8888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised to celebrate the achievements of dancers in Dunfermline over nine decades. The transition from a longwise set to a square set was inspired by the dance Autumn in Appin from RSCDS Book 31, which celebrated the Society's 60th Anniversary.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-22 17:28:41.296256+00
name: Broadswords of Lochiel, The
ucname: BROADSWORDS OF LOCHIEL
notes:
  This is a regimental dance, collected in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Published by Elizabeth Sutorius in 1961.


created: 1997-09-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-26 19:22:30.854026+00
name: Merrick, The
ucname: MERRICK
notes:
  Diamond set: 1M (above) faces 2M on midline; 2W on M side, 1W on W side.
  This is a 2C demonstration dance.
  It was devised as an informal tribute to Hugh Foss.


created: 1997-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-26 22:43:11.920564+00
name: Mrs Bingham's Fancy
ucname: MRS BINGHAMS FANCY
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
notes:
  This country-dance was composed by Beryl MacMillan in honour of Mrs. Thomas Bingham. (Mrs. Bingham introduced R.S.C.D.-type country-dancing to the Vancouver area some forty years ago now, and was an active teacher until quite recently). The music was specially composed by Bob MacMillan: the tunes are "Mrs. Bingham‘s Fancy", “Ceperley Park", ”Harwood House" and "Lady Aberdeen". The titles will have pleasant associations for all VAncouver dancers. If any reader would like the original music, we will pass requests
  on to Bob. Those who use gramophone records can substitute band 5 of side 2 of Dominion LP 1255 ("Scottish Country Dances" by the Dunedin Scottish dance band).


created: 2021-02-28 23:55:51.381172+00
last_modified: 2021-03-01 01:05:26.030745+00
name: Ashbourne Woods
ucname: ASHBOURNE WOODS
intensity_bars: 800/866/888/800
notes:
  Ashbourne is the name of a property in Chenequa near my hometown. The property has a sign by their long wooded drive, but the hills block the view of the actual house. When I was young, I liked to imagine what lay beyond Ashbourne woods. In the dance, I imagine kids hiding and playing in the woods, sweeping around the trees and going through the woods hand-in-hand. I like how the active dancers share touching moments with each other, but also with the "trees."


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 14:34:29.602407+00
name: Circassian Mixer
ucname: CIRCASSIAN MIXER
notes:
  A description of this dance appears in <<link:thethistle/32|issue 32 of The Thistle magazine|3>> where it is described as a medley.


created: 1999-12-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 14:48:04.826133+00
name: Highland Schottische
ucname: HIGHLAND SCHOTTISCHE
notes:
  Ceilidh dance.  Source: collected by Mary Stoker.

  More information: see URL page for this dance.

  Another article about this dance appeared in <<link:thethistle/53||2>>.


created: 2020-12-07 23:16:15.406523+00
last_modified: 2021-03-01 15:46:27.090363+00
name: Friday Night Musician, The
ucname: FRIDAY NIGHT MUSICIAN
intensity_bars: 880/880/808/808
devised: 2010-06-08
notes:
  Devised by Ann Campbell on June 8, 2010 for Gordon Hamilton who was in charge of the music for his wife Jean's Friday evening class.


created: 2001-11-29 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-01 22:14:50.724244+00
name: Owen's Ramble
ucname: OWENS RAMBLE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8444/8888
notes:
  Devised by Ron Hankes shortly after the occasion of his grandson Owen's first steps, to depict Owen's ramble about the house with a tired grandfather close be­hind.


created: 2005-05-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-02 10:23:12.821394+00
name: Charlie's Calling
ucname: CHARLIES CALLING
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  This dance was first danced at the Harpenden Ball in 2005 and was written as a tribute to her late father Charlie Miller.


created: 2021-03-12 16:35:00.560978+00
last_modified: 2021-03-12 17:58:52.500383+00
name: Trip to Moscow, A
ucname: TRIP TO MOSCOW
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  Bars 9-16 were inspired by Anna Holden’s Strathspey – RSCDS Book 42.  

  The dance was written for the first Moscow branch weekend school in 2008 – Irene Bennett was the other teacher, with Ken Martlew and Barbara Manning as the musicians.  

  I wanted to teach a dance that included the Tourbillon, a formation that I really like, and this was the result.  

  Pat Clark composed a tune for the dance, titled “September in Moscow”.


created: 2005-01-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 10:35:18.701745+00
name: Everything Stops for Tea
ucname: EVERYTHING STOPS FOR TEA
intensity_bars: 880 888 800 888
devised: 2005-01-13
notes:
  According to the description in the strathspey threads <<http://www.strathspey.org/lists/strathspey@strathspey.org/t/40296/|40296>> and finally <<http://www.strathspey.org/lists/strathspey%40strathspey.org/t/40434/|40434>> this dance seems to refers to tearoom culture in the 1930es.

  The deviser describes it as a dance in four acts.

  -   "The Park" (bars 1-8):                        The lead down and back and cast represent a pre-tea stroll through the park.

  -   "The Teashop Foyer" (bars 9-16):      The rectangle inscribed by the grand chain represents the foyer of the tea shop.

  -   "Finding One's Table" (bars 17-24):   The half figures of eight down and then up represent searching for a free table.

  -   "The Teapots" (bars 25-32):               And the "teapots" represent...well, of course...the teapot.

  He explicitly also refers to the song "Everything Stops for Tea" as the suggested tune. It was written by Maurice Sigler (tune) and Al Goodheart (lyrics). The song was performed by Jack Buchanan in 1935 and was available on records and featured in Buchanan's 1935 comedy film, “Come Out Of The Pantry”.


created: 2011-07-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-03 16:32:13.336289+00
name: Passing the Torch
ucname: PASSING THE TORCH
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Devised: 2007

  This dance was devised by Jim Rae and is dedicated to Masako (Marchan) Okada Naitoh to celebrate
  her receiving the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society's Scroll ofHonour in 2007. The title reflects the
  many years that Marchan has devoted passed on the tradition of, and love for, Scottish country dancing
  that was passed to her by DrJean Milligan so many years ago


created: 2021-03-13 22:27:30.686978+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 22:27:30.686978+00
name: Yellow Rose, A
ucname: YELLOW ROSE
devised: 2020-08-01
notes:
  Dance specifically devised with adapted figures to maintain 2m distance from other dancers. Where formations are listed for the dance they are the originals the actual figures were adapted from.


created: 2021-03-13 22:23:54.663411+00
last_modified: 2023-07-07 12:45:28.912335+00
name: Track and Trace
ucname: TRACK AND TRACE
devised: 2020-08-01
notes:
  "When sufficient confidence (at strathspey tempo) is achieved, this dance could be danced as a reel, to indicate that the Track and Trace has got quicker."

  Dance specifically devised with adapted figures to maintain 2m distance from other dancers. Where formations are listed for the dance they are the originals the actual figures were adapted from.


created: 2002-04-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 14:41:11.041299+00
name: Foursome Reel
ucname: FOURSOME REEL
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
notes:
  The number of bars is fairly arbitrary, except that (a) the reel should be repeated the same number of times as the strathspey, and (b) the total number of times should be a multiple of two so that dancers will finish in original places, with own partners.

  An article about the Foursome Reel appeared in <<link:thethistle/55||2>>.


created: 2021-03-04 11:11:15.287532+00
last_modified: 2024-01-19 22:07:17.967893+00
name: Dancing Kelpie, The
ucname: DANCING KELPIE
intensity_bars: 800/833/844/833/888
devised: 2014-10-01
notes:
  For Teresa Lockhart:  
  Kelpies lurk on the shores of Scottish lochs, waiting for a victim who they then capture & take to their
  watery home & are reputed to devour. Teresa, like a Kelpie, is a shape shifter, taking on many tasks within
  SCD, including inviting the unwary into the dance.


created: 2021-03-03 23:52:57.030744+00
last_modified: 2021-03-04 00:18:42.94714+00
name: Green Road, The
ucname: GREEN ROAD
intensity_bars: 880/888/880/888
devised: 2020-06-01
notes:
  The Green Road is the remains of an older road, running through the crofts and townships of South
  Harris. In 1940 the new road was built around the east coast and the old one fell into disuse. The road is
  green as it is covered with green turf and moss. The sheep keep the grass cropped short. As children
  we thought it a very mysterious and interesting road which led over the hills. In actuality it was the way
  our father and his siblings would have travelled in the 1920s on their way to Rodel to catch the boat to
  school and university on the mainland.  

  _Recommended music_: 3x32 version of Calum’s Road or use Colin Dewar: Ruthven collection: Calum’s Road. Strathspey (4x32)


created: 2021-03-04 11:14:04.779236+00
last_modified: 2021-03-06 16:43:05.158329+00
name: Dun Haakon
ucname: DUN HAAKON
intensity_bars: 800/633/888/633/888
devised: 2017-10-01
notes:
  Dun Haakon or Castle Moil is a ruined castle located near Kyleakin on the Island of Skye.  
  Built by the Vikings before the 10th century, while the western Isles was a Viking Kingdom.  
  Subsequently owned by Clan MacKinnon, who rebuilt it as a Tower House in the 15th century.  
  According to local tradition, The castle had a chain or thick rope, across the narrow Kyle Akin and collected tolls from passing ships. Their alternative was to sail around the Island of Skye through the dangerous waters of the Minch.


created: 1999-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-06 12:55:15.000044+00
name: J.A.G.'s Welcome to Torremolinos
ucname: JAGS WELCOME TO TORREMOLINOS
intensity_bars: 844/888/844/880
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  For Janette, Alice and George, whose hard work and organisation has meant the continuation of our happy dancing holidays at Torremolinos, January 1999.


created: 2021-03-04 11:16:06.316612+00
last_modified: 2021-03-07 10:11:11.820956+00
name: Taransay
ucname: TARANSAY
intensity_bars: 840/822/888/888/808
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  Taransay: is an island off the west coast of the Island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Nothing between
  it and the Americas but the rolling Atlantic. My grandmother’s parents, on both sides of her family,
  came from Taransay. They relocated to Harris and Lewis in the 1830s.  

  _Music_: Mike Briggs - Crossing to the Mainland or alternative CD We Twa: track #9 “Ian & Joan MacKenzie's Strathspey”


created: 2021-03-07 17:08:31.645347+00
last_modified: 2021-03-07 17:16:02.75513+00
name: St. Andrew Salute
ucname: SAINT ANDREW SALUTE
intensity_bars: 888/886/844/848
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  Devised as a demonstration on the occasion of the 2011 St. Andrew Society Robert Burns dinner when only six persons were available to dance. 


created: 2000-04-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-09 16:26:15.979285+00
name: Riffle Volunteers
ucname: RIFFLE VOLUNTEERS
intensity_bars: 440/800/800/880
notes:
  Dance collected by Jean C Milligan. Originally entered in SCDDB as "The Rifle Volunteers", but the correct title is apparently "Riffle Volunteers" (see <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2339/|issue 2339>>). The former title is kept as a (mis)spelling alias.


created: 2021-03-04 12:13:33.481775+00
last_modified: 2021-06-30 13:45:04.256686+00
name: Kindred Spirit, A
ucname: KINDRED SPIRIT
intensity_bars: 822/888/880/888
devised: 2019-10-31
notes:
  For Teresa Lockhart and the other followers of “Anne”, in celebration marking the Scottish Country Dancers who danced in the series Anne With An “E”.


created: 2018-12-06 12:24:48.030635+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 20:30:12.373027+00
name: Louise Carnegie Gates, The
ucname: LOUISE CARNEGIE GATES
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  The Louise Carnegie Gates adorn the entrance to Pittencrieff Park at the junction of Chalmers Street and Bridge Street. They were named for the wife of Andrew Carnegie, who purchased Pittencrieff Park and donated it to the people of Dunfermline in 1903. Described at the ceremony as "a magnificent entrance to an equally magnificent pleasure-ground", the Gates were formally opened on 28th June 1929, three days after the formation meeting of the Fife Branch.


created: 2002-03-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-09 23:16:10.817229+00
name: Dancing Master of Moncton, The
ucname: DANCING MASTER OF MONCTON
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/808
devised: 1998-07-01
notes:
  This dance is for Bill Libby, the dancing master of Moncton, New Brunswick, whose legacy is happy and bountiful dancing in the Maritimes of Canada.


created: 2021-02-27 10:14:42.865597+00
last_modified: 2021-03-09 23:22:54.368566+00
name: Emily's Wedding
ucname: EMILYS WEDDING
intensity_bars: 800/800/844/888
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Emily Aird was a friend of Stuart’s sister Fiona. After Emily’s actual wedding she became Emily McKay. This dance was written for and danced at the reception by all guests after much rehearsing beforehand.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-10 17:32:29.820456+00
name: Gregorach Reel, The
ucname: GREGORACH REEL
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/844/888
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised to celebrate Norman Bett’s 60th Birthday in June 1990, and is named after the Gregorach Band which he led some years before and which mainly consisted of members of his family.  

  The various sections of the dance show:  
  1-8     Norman organising the band.  
  9-16 The accordion - movement of the right hand on the keyboard followed by the  movement of the bellows.  
  17-24 The violin - the diagonal lines represent the bow - 1st couple must pass left shoulders between reels to form the straight line of the bow.  
  25-32 Norman conducts the band (1st couple) while the dancers (2nd & 3rd couples) dance around the room.


created: 2021-03-09 23:42:50.754482+00
last_modified: 2021-03-09 23:46:15.641448+00
name: Flying Scot, The
ucname: FLYING SCOT
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/8000/4888
notes:
  Adapted from <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/2260/#cribs|The Flying Scotsman>> by Hugh Thurston.


created: 1999-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-10 10:02:32.495506+00
name: 75 Years Young
ucname: 75 YEARS YOUNG
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8888/8668
notes:
  The instructions in Friendship Dances have 8 bars for the intersecting reels of four and 8 bars for dancing up/down and casting.  The e-crib and diagram phrase this as 12 bars and 4 bars.  

  Written for 75th Anniversary of RSCDS at St Andrews Summer School 1998.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-10 10:52:40.236543+00
name: Bluebell Reel, The
ucname: BLUEBELL REEL
intensity_bars: 844/844/844/888
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  Devised: 1993.

  Originally published with the title spelled as "Blue Bell", the republication by the <<ddp:Tokyo Scottish Bluebell club#10489>> in their <<ddpub:#1035|anniversary book>> uses "Bluebell". So that has been changed to be the main name of the dance with the "Blue Bell" version as official alias.


created: 1998-11-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-10 12:02:29.998362+00
name: Tourists in Cambridge
ucname: TOURISTS IN CAMBRIDGE
notes:
  _Story_: the dance is intended to represent various aspects of Cambridge:  
  1-8   King’s College and the Backs  
  9-16  Punting the Backs  
  17-24 St Catherine’s College  
  25-28 The Bridges  
  29-32 Mill Pond Whirlpool


created: 2021-03-10 00:01:27.076072+00
last_modified: 2021-03-10 23:51:48.964721+00
name: Forty Years Together
ucname: FORTY YEARS TOGETHER
intensity_bars: 8800/8800/8800/8888/8888
devised: 2004-04-04
notes:
  For Colin and Carol Johnston, with congratulations and best wishes on their 40th Wedding Anniversary.


created: 2005-04-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-27 20:29:31.211566+00
name: Seeing Spots
ucname: SEEING SPOTS
intensity_bars: 44/44/80/88
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  The dance was devised for Doug Kean of Peterborough on a significant birthday. "Seeing spots is common among old people" - Birthday Card.


created: 2021-03-12 16:37:39.825775+00
last_modified: 2021-03-12 16:37:39.825775+00
name: Searching for Arina
ucname: SEARCHING FOR ARINA
notes:
  I first met Arina Volgina in 2012 when I stayed with her at the end of a teaching tour which started in St Petersburg, stopped briefly in Moscow, and finished in her home city of Nizhny Novgorod. Over the years we have become good friends, with her translating for me at many courses in Russia. Perhaps the two most memorable ones were in 2013, when she supported me at a teacher training course in Voronezh, and in 2015, when we travelled to Samara to teach a course for wheelchair dancers. She has also accompanied me to several courses in St Petersburg, and acted as a tour guide around the city and nearby palaces.


created: 2000-06-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 10:53:13.656391+00
name: Deep Pool Reel
ucname: DEEP POOL REEL
notes:
  "The dance depicts the eddies and whirlpools of many a highland burn. It is a lot of fun to dance but you have to keep your wits about you."

  Although the dance starts and ends in a longwise set, most of the action is in a square with 1st couple facing 3rd couple and 2nd couple facing 4th couple.


created: 2018-12-06 12:26:57.241144+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 20:34:57.525057+00
name: Peacocks in the Glen
ucname: PEACOCKS IN THE GLEN
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8448/8008
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  Peacocks have lived in Pittencrieff Park (known locally as The Glen) in Dunfermline since 1905, and books have been published about their fictional adventures.  

  The four bar left hand turns can be performed as a birl by energetic dancers.


created: 2002-10-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 12:22:59.039591+00
name: Westbourne Reel
ucname: WESTBOURNE REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/822
notes:
  Westbourne is an area in the West End qf Glasgow, and is the area in which my in-laws, Dan and Maureen, live.


created: 2018-12-03 15:58:41.793086+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 20:09:34.711742+00
name: Red Rose, The
ucname: RED ROSE
intensity_bars: 555/555/666/888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  The dance represents a rose slowly opening, thus making a flowing strathspey. Burns tunes such as 'My Love is like a Red Red Rose' and others make it an ideal Burns Night dance. It was devised for the Crook of Devon class, and would be particularly suitable for newer dancers or a children's class.


created: 2018-12-06 12:32:50.82314+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 21:16:55.908771+00
name: Queensferry Crossing, The
ucname: QUEENSFERRY CROSSING
intensity_bars: 8040/8888/8088/8888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  In 2011, the deviser travelled to Kenya with other members of Queensferry Parish Church (including a number of current and former dancers), to visit its partner church in Chogoria. The pattern of the dance represents a journey, meeting new people (and their return visit), and the building of a "bridge" and circle of friendship between the two communities. The title Queensferry Crossing seemed appropriate to highlight the connection between dancers in South Queensferry and Dunfermline.


created: 2021-03-12 15:44:19.459483+00
last_modified: 2024-06-15 19:44:37.364841+00
name: Decade in Perm, A
ucname: DECADE IN PERM
intensity_bars: 88888/80800/84884/88888/88888
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  Notes: The dance was devised to mark the tenth anniversary of the Perm Scottish Dancing group, Silver Tassie, in 2012, so a five couple dance seemed appropriate. The dance works equally well as a three couple version (in a three couple set).  

  Perm is at the foot of the Urals, some two time zones from Moscow, and I taught the dance at their weekend school in 2012.


created: 2021-03-12 15:47:33.480106+00
last_modified: 2021-03-14 12:07:09.735481+00
name: Trans-Siberian Express, The
ucname: TRANSSIBERIAN EXPRESS
intensity_bars: 888888/888888/888888/808808
notes:
  The dance was written to capture the spirit of travelling by train with “Dance & Travel”, reflecting the fact that couples would spend time with each other in one compartment, and then move on to talk with other couples in the next.  

  “Dance and Travel” was the brainchild of Anna Abramova, a teacher of historical dance in Novosibirsk. It consisted of taking a group of “historical dancers” to various cities by overnight train in 3rd class carriages, to join up with similar groups in each new city to hold joint workshops and a final ball. I accompanied them on three trips to teach Scottish country dancing, and it was interesting to see how they progressed from one year to the next.


created: 2000-08-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-16 09:49:28.118856+00
name: Burning Hearts
ucname: BURNING HEARTS
intensity_bars: 8888 8228 8008 2882
notes:
  This dance was written for the wedding of Kathrin and Albin Gensler.

  The original URL (http://mitglied.lycos.de/ErlangenScotDance/links/dances.html#Dance4) is now defunct.


created: 2000-08-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-16 10:03:29.796538+00
name: Romance in Ireland
ucname: ROMANCE IN IRELAND
notes:
  This dance was written for and performed the first time at the wedding of Rita Borsos-Balzus and Stefan Balzus in Budapest - their lucky first meeting was in Ireland during their holidays, where they decided to make their plans together... 

  A simpler version of this dance called <<ddd:Irish Romance>> has been devised by <<ddp:Gilliam, David>>. He decided to make this version more suitable for a bit less experienced dancers by changing bars 9 to 24. It sure takes less time to teach it and make the dancers move. 

  The original URL (http://mitglied.lycos.de/ErlangenScotDance/links/dances.html#Dance2) is now defunct.


created: 2002-02-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-16 18:59:06.287438+00
name: Blackford Jig
ucname: BLACKFORD JIG
intensity_bars: 800/822/888/822/888
devised: 1995-10-01
notes:
  The deviser dedicated this to Donald Ridley, in appreciation of the tunes which he has so generously composed, and played for her dances.


created: 2021-03-13 21:51:49.450873+00
last_modified: 2022-08-08 16:05:33.968182+00
name: August Strathspey
ucname: AUGUST STRATHSPEY
devised: 2020-08-01
notes:
  Dance specifically devised with adapted figures to maintain 2m distance from other dancers.
  Where formations are listed for the dance they are the originals the actual figures were adapted from.


created: 2002-02-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-16 19:04:03.241932+00
name: Bill Martin's Strathspey
ucname: BILL MARTINS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/888/880/888
devised: 1993-05-01
notes:
  Devised for Bill Martin, friend and teacher of the Derwent Scottish Country Dance Club, Cockermouth. for many years.


created: 1999-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 21:48:51.665189+00
name: Rothesay at the Fair
ucname: ROTHESAY AT THE FAIR
notes:
  This dance was collected from Mrs Peter Nimmo of Vancouver. It is said to have been danced in Glasgow about the year 1860. As children it was played as a game and described the joys of ‘Rothesay at the Fair’ - swing-boats, Merry-go-rounds, etc. The last two figures show the return to Glasgow through all the railway tunnels and the walk home at the end. 


created: 1999-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 20:50:14.881985+00
name: Jeannie o' the Witchin' E'e
ucname: JEANNIE O THE WITCHIN EE
intensity_bars: 40/82/80/88/80
notes:
  According to <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2383/|issue 2382>> Mrs MacNab writes: This dance is dedicated to my friend Miss Jean Milligan. Collected originally in Ayrshire, but gifted by Mrs Fassiefern Bain of Vancouver, late of Appin, daughter of the Reverend W Stewart of Nether Lochaber.


created: 1999-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 21:36:48.27148+00
name: Lamont of Inveryne
ucname: LAMONT OF INVERYNE
notes:
  From the original: "This dance is one from the 15th century and is said to be danced on the occasion of the visit of Mary Queen of Scots to ‘Toward Castle’. Collected from Allan McDonald of Truro, Nova Scotia."

  However, from <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2387/|issue 2387>>, the above should be 16th not 15th  century. The original must be an error since Mary Queen of Scots lived 1542-1587.

  Toward Castle is the seat of the Clan Lamont.


created: 2002-04-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-17 19:55:43.551257+00
name: Standpretty
ucname: STANDPRETTY
notes:
  "Dedicated to my wife Jessie. Standpretty is a small hamlet south of Edinburgh where her mother was born. During their youth Jessie and her brothers were often told tales of things that happened 'when we lived in Standpretty'. It is also the name of our house."


created: 2002-04-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-17 20:09:18.251153+00
name: May You be Dancing on Air
ucname: MAY YOU BE DANCING ON AIR
notes:
  For this dance the deviser writes after the instructions:

  *I see in the face of my partner a transcending of personality, of posture, a graciousness of gesture. A tiIt of the head and a light in the eye are all part of THE DANCE.*

  *In the Jigs and Reels the feet take on wings and the body becomes more supple as the music lift them up.
  In the Strathspey the ladies in their ball finery raise hands with a delicate air to meet those of their partner, in their mind's eye all are Ladies and Gentlemen and part of a scene of elegance and courtly mannerisms.*

  *No longer the cares of the day intrude, the too many inches around the waist, the Setting step that won't come together, all is transformed, and there is a gratefulness to fellow dancers for each and every shared transcended moment.*


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-21 11:32:09.387538+00
name: Dancing Bees, The
ucname: DANCING BEES
intensity_bars: 440/044/844/880
notes:
  We see a bee coming in through the entrance hole, running up the combs and stopping motionless surrounded by other hive-mates. It then disgorges all the honey it has just collected. Then it begins to perform a kind of "round dance," whirling round, changing direction many times, some hive-mates joining in. The bee is giving them instructions where to find a plentiful source of honey.  
  They take off and find the exact flowers that had been described to them. They return and repeat the dance for the other bees. Unless a honey crop is abundant enough to justify the calling up of a large army of foragers, no dances are performed inside the hive. 


created: 2013-03-26 21:35:18.925743+00
last_modified: 2021-03-21 12:00:52.535548+00
name: Highland Light Infantry, The
ucname: HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY
devised: 1999-08-09
notes:
  Description sent to SCDDB by Rod Downey, March 2013.
  The preferred recording is Fete Champetre by David Hall and his Scottish Dance Band (featuring the tune Teddy Bears' Picnic).


created: 1998-01-06 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-20 19:58:14.031259+00
name: Monday Madness
ucname: MONDAY MADNESS
intensity_bars: 8242/8484/8484/8466/8888
devised: 1984-11-01
notes:
  "This dance was written for the Atlanta Monday night class and after dancing it, they suggested the name."


created: 2005-03-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-21 19:59:04.439111+00
name: Salute to Margaret Rae
ucname: SALUTE TO MARGARET RAE
intensity_bars: 860/844/888/808
notes:
  Devised by Margaret Waddell to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Duos and District Branch of The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and to pay tribute to our Founder, known affectionately as "Daisy" Rae.


created: 2002-02-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-25 00:31:19.202114+00
name: Riddlers Rant, The
ucname: RIDDLERS RANT
notes:
  "For Mary Sutherland.
  'The Riddlers', a children's TV programme, appears on ITV Channel 3 on Thursdays at 3.30 pm for 10 minutes. Mary, like myself, is the only 'old bairn' I know who watches the programme.
  I have tried to fit the characters in the programme into the figures of the dance, ie Montgomery, Mossup, Middler and Tiddlup. (Yorkshire TV have been informed), and replied with photos of the cast."


created: 1997-12-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-22 17:41:30.142032+00
name: Castle Jig, The
ucname: CASTLE JIG
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8000 8888
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  "The Mountain View class used to take a field trip twice a year to the Edinburgh Castle Pub in San Francisco where we were joined by dancers from all over the Bay area. It was always a fun relaxing evening that started with fish and chips served in newspaper and a pint of amber liquid to quench the thirst. Part of the fun was to invite the pub's patrons, who were not yet dancers, to come and join us. This is how this dance came to be."

  There is also a more relaxed 40 bar version of the dance which is shown in the video and described in the MiniCrib. The e-crib and diagram follow the 32 bar version.


created: 1998-12-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-21 18:45:14.551388+00
name: Doctor Hall's Reel
ucname: DOCTOR HALLS REEL
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/888
notes:
  Written in memory of the late Dr. Henry Hall of the St. Andrew's group, who loved Scottish Country Dancing.


created: 1999-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-01 08:39:55.260088+00
name: William's Jig
ucname: WILLIAMS JIG
intensity_bars: 440/800/844/866
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to the memory of William (Bill) Wilde (1932-1998) for all his help and support over many years to the Caberfeidh Junior Dancers. His presence is missed by all.


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-23 11:23:33.439033+00
name: Cathie McLaren's Jig
ucname: CATHIE MACLARENS JIG
notes:
  In the instructions for this dance, the formation in bars 9-16 is referred to as "balance in line right round" but seems to be the same as the Spoke.


created: 2021-03-22 20:34:26.37756+00
last_modified: 2021-03-22 21:05:53.921091+00
name: Toronto's Teachers
ucname: TORONTOS TEACHERS
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8668
notes:
  Devised on May 3rd, 2011 for all the teachers in the Toronto Association (no matter where in the GTA they live) without whom we would have no Scottish country dancing.


created: 1998-12-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-23 09:52:17.901557+00
name: Hawkin's Hornpipe, The
ucname: HAWKINS HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 800/444/066/866
notes:
  Written for my friends and fellow dancers at St. Andrew's, David and Margaret Hawkins, on the occasion of their fortieth wedding anniversary.


created: 1999-01-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-26 11:12:39.734016+00
name: Sweet Basil
ucname: SWEET BASIL
intensity_bars: 888/844/844/888
devised: 1995-10-22
notes:
  "In some cultures, basil is a sacred herb; in others, a sign of love; and still others, a medicinal plant.
  Basil is thought good for the digestive system, nervous headaches, and anxiety.
  In ancient Greece and Rome, physicians shouted and cursed while sowing the seeds to ensure a good crop.
  I hope you don't find the same necessary for dancing or teaching this dance."


created: 2012-12-16 23:53:44.670841+00
last_modified: 2021-03-26 23:21:36.21637+00
name: We are tying the Knot
ucname: WE ARE TYING THE KNOT
intensity_bars: 800 844 888 800
devised: 2011-09-01
notes:
  Devised by for the occasion of the wedding of Sophie Rickebush and Sjoerd van Leersum in September 2011.

  Offficial description:

  1 –  8     1st  Set, cross right hand, cast down for two places and dance up to finish facing first corners

  9 – 12    First corners pass and turn. On bar 12 dancing couple pass right shoulder to face second corners

  13 – 16   Second corners pass and turn. At the end, 1st couple pass right shoulder to finish back to back facing own sides ready for: 

  17 – 24   Double triangles. 1st couple finish in the center facing up.  On bar 20 the man dances an extra loop: turn on the spot by the right. And on bar 24 the man continue turning on the spot by the right ¼ while  the lady continue turning on the spot by the right ¾ to face up. 

  25 – 32   1st couple dance up between 2nd couple, cast down around them, an coming in to join nearer hands, dance down between 3rd couple and cast up to 2nd place. (Fig. of 8 on sidelines).

  Repeat having passed a couple.  	

  Note: Corners pass and turn: 1st couple dance round their corner positions by the right. The corners dance in on the first bar, passing 1st man or 1st woman by the right, turn each other with the right hand on the second bar, dance out towards their corner positions on the third bar, and curve round into place on the fourth bar.


created: 1999-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-05 21:40:01.759974+00
name: Friday the Thirteenth
ucname: FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH
devised: 1971-08-13
notes:
  A square dance for four men and eight women; one man and two women on each side of the square.

  "This dance was devised on Friday 13th August 1971, on completing my Teaching Certificate at St Andrews.
  I first taught the dance to mime at the Friday evening ceilidh."


created: 1998-12-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-24 10:04:35.520149+00
name: Kingsmere Capers
ucname: KINGSMERE CAPERS
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/8000/8800
notes:
  1, Kingsmere Crescent, Brampton, is the home of the founder of the St. Andrew's of Brampton Scottish country dance group, Mrs Marjorie Coulter, and it is here that we practise for demonstrations. On one such occasion our teacher, Dr. Paul Maloney, devised the "Kingsmere Allemande".


created: 1998-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-24 11:59:17.606417+00
name: Celtic Crossing
ucname: CELTIC CROSSING
intensity_bars: 88880/84884/88888/84844
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  "Devised for Andy and Gillean Lippok.
  Andy and Gillean, keen members of St John's Scottish Dancing Club, Wokingham, moved to Dublin in the summer of 1996, hence the Celtic Crossing. Andy was chairman of the club in 1996.
  What can I say about the lovely Gillean - she hails from Inverness, and lets me know if she approves of my dances! Mary Sutherland thought up the appropriate name."


created: 2015-01-11 14:37:39.801198+00
last_modified: 2021-03-25 19:22:03.141842+00
name: Lost Lamb, The
ucname: LOST LAMB
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
devised: 2007-04-28
notes:
  This dance is an apology to Theresa Malek for missing her out of the list of the Workshop Committee - a major oversight as Theresa has done so much for the Association and for me personally when I was Convener of the Tartan Ball.


created: 2002-04-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-25 23:46:18.258587+00
name: Wandering Piper, The
ucname: WANDERING PIPER
intensity_bars: 8800 4400 8000 8008
notes:
  "The last 16 bars of this dance are the same as the last 16 bars of *The Wandering Drummer* by Iain Boyd, published in *Happy to Meet*."


created: 1999-01-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-26 00:00:36.940416+00
name: Tipsy O'er The Glen
ucname: TIPSY OER THE GLEN
devised: 1995-12-10
notes:
  "I devised this dance to provide a comfortable, but interesting, dance with which to introduce mirror reels. Note that the reels must be very wide in order to use the full eight bars to dance the figure."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-07 11:21:45.964114+00
name: November Wedding
ucname: NOVEMBER WEDDING
intensity_bars: 8110/8011/8004/8440/8444
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  For Ian and Janice Morrison on the occasion of their wedding on 23th November 1991.

  Note from the instructions: It is important to keep to the phrasing in the last eight bars.


created: 2021-06-20 21:08:04.011778+00
last_modified: 2021-06-24 18:32:49.854503+00
name: Friday Nights at Erin Mills
ucname: FRIDAY NIGHTS AT ERIN MILLS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2021-06-20
notes:
  Devised by Ann Campbell on June 20, 2021, in memory of Jean Hamilton, much loved teacher of the Erin Mills Friday night group.


created: 1999-01-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-26 23:56:36.994164+00
name: Hairy Mary
ucname: HAIRY MARY
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
devised: 1994-03-01
notes:
  *From the original notes:*

  "Hairy Mary is a salmon fly: gold, black, and bright blue with a light brown wing. It was created in the early 1960's by John Reidpath of Inverness."

  "The figure *of bars 9-16* came to me while I was watching the Olympic relay skating. The hardest part about teaching this dance is getting the first corners out of the reel half way through. In the Olympics, the skaters push the new racer into the race as they leave, scarcely social dancing, so I have the second corners entering behind the dancer leaving the reel, and discourage pushes."


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-27 00:22:54.469579+00
name: Christmas At The Heath
ucname: CHRISTMAS AT THE HEATH
intensity_bars: 4448444/4448444/8008000/8008000
devised: 1995-12-25
notes:
  "My commission was to devise a jig for seven couples, the dance to be not too hectic and not too complicated. This commission was received on Christmas Eve and the dance devised on Christmas Day 1995 at the Jarvis Heath Hotel, Bewdley, Worcestershire."


created: 1997-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-31 09:14:26.936737+00
name: Where the Snowflake Reposes
ucname: WHERE THE SNOWFLAKE REPOSES
intensity_bars: 686/686/888/806
devised: 1981-01-01
notes:
  The title is from Byron's poem <<https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/lochnagar/|Lochnagar>>:  

  *Away, ye gay landscapes, ye gardens of roses,*  
  *In you let the minions of luxury rove,*  
  *Restore me the rocks where the snow-flake reposes,  ...*  

  *... I sigh for the valley of dark Lochnagar.*  


created: 2020-08-31 20:38:56.487008+00
last_modified: 2021-03-27 02:55:40.996538+00
name: Ginette d'Hénonville
ucname: GINETTE DHENONVILLE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Ginette Dalleré, Scottish Country Dancer extraordinaire, of Hénonville and Paris.  We met Ginette at St. Andrew’s Summer School in 1983 and have kept in touch all these years. Hénonville is a small French village in Oise, about 60 km northwest of Paris, where Ginette’s family has lived for generations and where she loves to tend her beautiful garden.  

  Published in Set & Link, RSCDS Toronto Association Newsletter, September 2020


created: 2006-03-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-27 16:12:13.182354+00
name: Siege of Buda, The
ucname: SIEGE OF BUDA
intensity_bars: 880/888/822/888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  This was originally a 24 bar English Country Dance, to a tune of the same name, and was rearranged as a 32 bar SCD by Gábor Turi. The siege of the Turkish controlled Buda Castle by the Hungarian army took place in 1686.


created: 2012-09-02 21:40:03.442245+00
last_modified: 2021-03-27 18:52:19.09603+00
name: Derek and Jennifer
ucname: DEREK AND JENNIFER
intensity_bars: 860 888 408 888
devised: 2003-07-20
notes:
  (Written by a group in a Derek Haynes composition class at Summer School, St Andrews, 1st week 2003, where Jennifer played the piano, the main devisers being Tom Kerr and Margaret Lambourne).


created: 2013-08-24 13:12:17.823834+00
last_modified: 2021-03-31 08:56:59.958846+00
name: Our Marjorie
ucname: OUR MARJORIE
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  The Marjorie of the title is Mrs. Marjorie Coulter, who started the St Andrew's of Brampton dance group, at St Andrew's Church, on November 7, 1966 (Marjorie danced into her 90's).


created: 2000-02-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-27 19:09:24.272763+00
name: DeLong Reel
ucname: DELONG REEL
intensity_bars: 84 88 88 86
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  From the Columbus June 1999 ball program, no source given. Patty Lindsay asked Laura Russell (teacher in Columbus) for a source and got a history lesson. »It was written by Dale Birdsall for Dick DeLong of Columbus. We asked Dale to write it as a Christmas surprise for Dick. Fred Moyes wrote the original tune for it as an additional surprise! Dale says he will publish it in his[?], Book of dances — when he gets it ready! Dale Birdsall is formerly of our branch and now in Vermont«.


created: 1998-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-04 19:34:39.632964+00
name: Under A Thatched Roof
ucname: UNDER A THATCHED ROOF
intensity_bars: 800 080 822 888
devised: 1988-09-01
notes:
  Beginners' level.

  Although the dance is a bit dull, we use it very often at the very beginning of a beginners' class.  We find it useful for phrasing in two bars, figure of eight up and down, and making the entry into the circle easy by setting in lines of three first.


created: 2021-04-05 09:05:58.844858+00
last_modified: 2021-04-05 20:47:15.636638+00
name: Moonraker Strathspey
ucname: MOONRAKER STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/888
notes:
  This was written for my husband who is Wiltshire born.  
  Moonraker is a nickname for Wiltshire folk. The story goes that Wiltshire yokels, with typical country guile, when raking a pond for kegs of smuggled brandy, feigned stupidity when surprised by the excise men, and said they were trying to rake out the moon, which was reflected in the water.  
  The singing version of the Wiltshire Moonrakers is inside the front cover.


created: 2002-04-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-05 17:20:26.154466+00
name: Uppies and Doonies
ucname: UPPIES AND DOONIES
intensity_bars: 8000 8888 8888 8888
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  The last dance Roy Clowes devised before his death.

  According to the notes "the name of the dance refers to the annual Town Game in Jedburgh, where the young men form two teams, the UPPIES (i.e. those from the UPPER end of the town) and the DOONIES (i.e. those from the lower end of the town), whose object is to carry the ball to the opponents’ goal. The rules are mysterious and very flexible."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-07 11:24:33.824083+00
name: Neil's Delight
ucname: NEILS DELIGHT
notes:
  Formation of set: two straight lines, man woman woman man, men with partner beside them, men on the ‘outside’ at the corners and women on the ‘inside’ of each line.


created: 1998-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-27 19:49:55.859497+00
name: Mrs Hepburn Belches
ucname: MRS HEPBURN BELCHES
intensity_bars: 888 888 880 808 808 880
notes:
  Derived from Pilling, the only source mentioned in DanceData. (DancaData includes the words »of Invermay« in the name; Pilling omits them).  

  Comment on Strathspey,  Fri, 15 Feb 2002 15:49:08 EST  
  At the request of a long time dancer, I taught Mrs Hepburn Belches dance last night in San Francisco.  Much to my surprise, I admit, the dance was a great deal of fun, although not at all easy.  The initial crossings don't specify hands and it seems that using right both times is a fairly straightforward way to enter the first reel, but the only dancer to remember doing the dance pointed out that crossing by the left can involve a lovely little loop for 1st man and second lady to use to eat up the necessary time before entering the first reel of 4.  Does anybody on the server have insights to offer about how this dance is/was done?  Does anyone know for sure the reference in the title?    Bruce Herbold	Bherbold@aol.com   San Francisco Branch


created: 1997-09-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-08 10:21:42.173325+00
name: Davy Glen's Strathspey
ucname: DAVY GLENS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 4084/8080/8888/0888
notes:
  From the notes: "Davy Glen was a famous 'character' of the Scottish hills. A drystane-dyker who worked when he needed to, and spent the rest of his time on the hills."

  The diagram after bars 17-24 in the online instructions shows 1st couple on opposite sides, but from the preceding text they should be back on their own sides at that point.


created: 2002-04-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-27 21:44:37.933632+00
name: Bonnie Stronshiray
ucname: BONNIE STRONSHIRAY
intensity_bars: 880 822 888 844
devised: 1963-01-01
notes:
  A quote: »the key that has always made this dance so wonderful is the flirting that dancing couple can do on bars 9-10 and 13-14 ; <...> if you actually set to your partner, advancing and at the last moment just slipping in BtoB to face and turn the appropriate corner, it's tremendous fun. The moment is all too rare, as apparently few teachers teach it this way, but it's a moment I savour.«


created: 2000-06-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-28 13:52:38.069507+00
name: Distillery Reel
ucname: DISTILLERY REEL
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8880/8880/8880/8000
notes:
  "I am often asked what Distillery? Any distillery as long as its a distillery. 'Take a deep breath' before you start. The after effects are nearly the same as a guid nicht oot, usually 192 Bars of Chaos!"


created: 2000-06-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-28 19:13:35.132309+00
name: Four Hands on Deck
ucname: FOUR HANDS ON DECK
intensity_bars: 8888 8008 8668 8668
notes:
  This variation on <<ddd:Davy Nick Nack>> was published on »<<https://www.strathspey.org/lists/strathspey%40strathspey.org/t/21545/|Strathspey>>« on 20 Jun 2000.


created: 1997-12-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-29 11:46:31.604697+00
name: William's Strathspey
ucname: WILLIAMS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8000/8440/8000/8484/8008
devised: 2002-10-20
notes:
  The dedication reads "Devised for Bill Thorpe for his help as chairman of the Caledonia Group of S.C.D. Dartmouth, N.S."

  SCDDB gives the preferred tune as Sundrum Castle, but a copy of the instructions mentions the recording <<ddrec:#2463>> which does not include that tune.


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-30 13:31:11.87955+00
name: Brudenell Jig, The
ucname: BRUDENELL JIG
intensity_bars: 88 80 80 88
notes:
  This dance is not to be confused with <<ddd:New Brudenell Jig>>, also by Brenda Burnell.

  The dance is named after the Brudenell Evening Institute, Leeds, UK.  The deviser's husband taught Scottish Country Dancing there, and eventually became head of the Brudenell Evening Centre.

  (This information is taken from the note at the end of "The New Brudenell Jig", which appears in the 35th (Silver Thistle) Collection)


created: 2021-03-30 11:38:55.440036+00
last_modified: 2021-03-30 11:51:33.157161+00
name: Cranleigh Quadrille, The
ucname: CRANLEIGH QUADRILLE
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  Cranleigh is a large village in Surrey, south east of London, where the deviser was born and raised (according to the introduction to video 2).


created: 2021-04-05 09:10:20.630764+00
last_modified: 2023-02-03 20:57:25.805739+00
name: Fruit Cake
ucname: FRUIT CAKE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  This dance is for Lindsay Benaud. For many years she has provided fruit cakes for Sydney Branch balls and socials. Lindsay is one of those behind the scenes workers – never makes a fuss, just gets things done.

  Originally this was mistakenly entered as "The Fruit Cake" which is kept as an alias.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-01 09:57:29.169227+00
name: Mrs Stewart's Jig
ucname: MRS STEWARTS JIG
intensity_bars: 800 888 880 844
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  Mrs Stewart is usually referred to as co-founder, with Miss Milligan, of the RSCDS. It was Mrs Stewart who had the idea of forming a group to promote the dancing she had known as a girl and who brought together the initial group that was to be so important in creating the SCDS - Miss Milligan; Lord James Stewart Murray (later Duke of Atholl); his sister, Mrs Dorothea Ruggles-Brice and Michael Diack, the music arranger and publisher. Mrs Stewart served as the Society's first Secretary holding that position for 10 years from the beginning in 1923. She continued to take an active interest in the Society even after her move to South Africa in 1955. She died there in 1968.
  ##<<

  For a full biography of Mrs Stewart see
   *An Album for Mrs Ysobel Stewart of Fasnacloich*
  by Dr Alastair MacFadyen published by RSCDS


created: 2006-05-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-02 08:05:43.045113+00
name: Trip to Singapore, A
ucname: TRIP TO SINGAPORE
intensity_bars: 8484/8888/8080/8888
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  For Keith Dixon, who went on a trip to Singapore enjoying himself very much and made many friends among the dancers of the Singapore St. Andrews society .


created: 2001-10-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-02 17:49:44.304134+00
name: Welcome to Queen's Cross
ucname: WELCOME TO QUEENS CROSS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8644/8022/8888/8888
notes:
  *Notes from the instructions:*  
  This dance represents the friendly spirit of the class, which used to meet in Queen's Cross Church Hall.  
  1-8: people coming from all comers of the city;  
  9-16: their arrival at Queen's Cross;  
  17-20: meeting a partner;  
  21-32: dancing with others;  
  33-48: the ever-increasing circle of friends.  


created: 2016-09-09 10:31:01.60514+00
last_modified: 2021-04-02 20:36:04.773835+00
name: One Set Short of a Hundred
ucname: ONE SET SHORT OF A HUNDRED
intensity_bars: 880/800/808/888
notes:
  Aliénor writes on the diagram of the Paris Book 1: "Bars 15-16 of this dance are a simple cast without crossing, as opposed to what the diagram says. I should have seen that before publishing the book, sorry."

  "For the birthdays of Tom McKinlay and <<ddp:#11350|Mathias Ferber>> on the 20th of November 2013.  The sum of their two ages and the number of dancers in the set was exactly a hundred."


created: 2015-08-27 16:37:28.041596+00
last_modified: 2021-04-02 20:59:59.359145+00
name: Dearcmhara
ucname: DEARCMHARA
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  Dearcmhara is pronounced Jark Vara

  I wrote this in my head while Don was driving on our ʻtransport the dogs ʼ trip from
  Halifax. It is named in honour of the first uniquely Scottish prehistoric creature to be
  discovered. Dearcmhara is Scottish Gaelic for marine lizard.

  January 2015


created: 2000-01-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-02 23:53:22.374018+00
name: Kindred Spirits
ucname: KINDRED SPIRITS
intensity_bars: 7300/8363/7003/8888
notes:
  When the deviser, who lived in Canada, first met Masako (Marchan) Okada Naitoh from Japan after a long correspondence, they noticed they were wearing very similar caftans.
  "We were surprised and delighted that we shared similar tastes and acknowledged that, even thought we live so far apart, we could indeed be kindred spirits."


created: 2021-04-02 21:10:09.172516+00
last_modified: 2021-04-02 21:17:13.138191+00
name: Spring Flowers
ucname: SPRING FLOWERS
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  This dance was written for Montreal’s beginner class at the A&P, in order to help introduce reels on the diagonal. The name was rather aspirational, it being an unusually cold and grey April at the time.


created: 2014-03-03 23:33:01.817143+00
last_modified: 2021-04-02 21:23:41.6082+00
name: Dish-oriented
ucname: DISHORIENTED
intensity_bars: 8000 8888 8888 8888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  Each time through the dance the set is on a new axis perpendicular to the one before; the top of the set (Left end for the Men) rotates clockwise 1/4 of the way around (so top of hall, right-file wall, bottom of hall, left-file wall).  However, the order of the active couples is 1, 4, 2, 3; as the couple at the bottom of the set is the new active couple on second and fourth time around.

  Original:
  1-8     	Ones lead down the middle and back and cast into 2nd place
  9-12   	Partners R-hand turn once round
  13-16 	Partners dance back to back
  17-24 	Top and bottom foursomes dance R-hands across and L-hands across
  25-30 	Ends chase orbiting counterclockwise 3/4 round the set while middle four dance R-hands across 1 1/4 (5 places) to face partners
  31-32 	All set in lines of four on new axis
  Repeat with new actives


created: 2002-04-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-03 18:19:26.339977+00
name: Way Out West
ucname: WAY OUT WEST
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  "For George and Onie Senyk of Sharpes, Florida."

  The dance starts with 1st & 3rd couples on the men's side and 2nd & 4th couples on the women's side. The progression is one place clockwise to 3rd & 4th couples on the men's side and 1st & 2nd couples on the women's side.


created: 2021-04-02 23:00:23.748528+00
last_modified: 2021-04-03 22:26:22.41941+00
name: Cluaran
ucname: CLUARAN
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8440/8448
devised: 2021-04-03
notes:
  Cluaran is the Gaelic name for Thistle. This dance is dedicated to the new Scottish Country Dance Group Cluaran in Port-Louis near Lorient (Brittany, France) and to her teacher Clémentine Job.


created: 2006-11-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-03 11:24:40.935681+00
name: JB2
ucname: JB2
intensity_bars: 8888/8080/8888/8080/0808/8888/0808/8888
devised: 2004-10-01
notes:
  "This dance was written in celebration of the marriage of Jessica Bhattacharyya and James Bellarby (thus JB squared) on 16 October 2004 in Westerstede, Germany."


created: 1997-09-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-11-01 18:50:16.694021+00
name: Tonbridge Castle
ucname: TONBRIDGE CASTLE
intensity_bars: 848/888/686/880
notes:
  From the notes: "Dedicated to Maureen Dalton, who founded the Tonbridge Scottish Dancers. Tonbridge Castle is situated in the town of Tonbridge."


created: 2020-03-30 00:45:27.743051+00
last_modified: 2021-04-07 11:44:08.655556+00
name: Salute to San Diego
ucname: SALUTE TO SAN DIEGO
intensity_bars: 822/888/822/888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Tune “Salute to Cap’n Jim” composed by Muriel Johnstone ©2019 Scotscores.  

  Devised by Muriel Johnstone and members of the San Diego Branch, 2020.  

  Dance devised with humble thanks to Marjorie McLaughlin and the San Diego Branch who nominated her for the RSCDS Scroll of Honour in 2002. At the time, the Branch chairman was Jim Mosteller who presented the scroll at a special ceremony during the New York Branch Jeannie Carmichael Ball.  


created: 2019-07-25 08:49:32.98844+00
last_modified: 2021-04-07 12:32:52.72516+00
name: Agne Hanson's Strathspey
ucname: AGNE HANSONS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888
devised: 2013-05-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Stockholm branch teacher Agne Hanson on his 60th birthday.

  The instructions for bars 17-24 as published in the original Scandinavian Book PDF were mangled in the editing process. They should read:  
  *1st lady dances right hands across with 2nd cpl and left hands back to place while 1st man dances right hands across with 3rd cpl and left hands back to place (teapots).*


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-07 15:38:26.012557+00
name: Tittle Tattle
ucname: TITTLE TATTLE
intensity_bars: 880/880/844/888
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  Drewry advises that "like other forms of tittle-tattle this dance should not be taken too seriously."

  He also adds in a footnote that: 
  "While I was checking Book 10 for reprinting, my attention was drawn to "The Infare" with its unusual turning with crossed hands. This dance is an attempt to develop the idea of crossed-hand turning. My guinea pigs decided that it worked better as a reel than as a strathspey."


created: 1997-09-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-07 16:48:21.0401+00
name: Tickle My Fancy
ucname: TICKLE MY FANCY
intensity_bars: 880/866/888/880
devised: 1967-01-01
notes:
  From the original instructions: "Miss A. Tickle of Dalston, Cumberland, is one of the leading members of Carlisle and Border Branch."


created: 1997-11-24 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-07 19:22:36.550163+00
name: Highland Heather Honey
ucname: HIGHLAND HEATHER HONEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8484/8888/8484/4848/8888/4848/8888
notes:
  From the notes: "Dance devised for Lesley Jane Forbes of Buckie after watching her win the Gold Medal in the Strathspey & Reel in the Commonwealth Highland Dancing Championships at Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, on 24th August, 1980."


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-07 19:54:09.341973+00
name: Heather On The Mountain
ucname: HEATHER ON THE MOUNTAIN
intensity_bars: 444/615/888/866
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  "For the 21st birthday of Martin Dunkerton (a past president of the Edinburgh University New Scotland Country Dance Society)"


created: 2002-04-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-08 10:10:05.473692+00
name: Dunvegan Castle
ucname: DUNVEGAN CASTLE
intensity_bars: 16 16 16 16 8888 8888 8888 8888 8888 8888
devised: 1972-01-01
notes:
  From the notes: "Composed in honor of Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod, Chieftain of the Clan MacLeod, on the occasion of her 94th birthday celebration at the Burns Night Dinner of the St. Andrews Society of Washington, D.C."


created: 1997-09-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-10 10:56:29.496542+00
name: Pot-Pourri, A
ucname: POTPOURRI
notes:
  Some versions of the original instructions give the final progression as 2 4 1 3 which seems incorrect. The MiniCrib has 2 3 4 1 is consistent with the choreography.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-10 11:08:13.224716+00
name: Thick Lies the Mist
ucname: THICK LIES THE MIST
intensity_bars: 420/888/888/888
notes:
  According to the notes this was presented to Mel and Ellie Briscoe to celebrate the second Buffalo Gap Scottish Country Dance Camp.


created: 2002-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-06 21:25:38.360042+00
name: Macleod's Tables
ucname: MACLEODS TABLES
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8888/8008/8888
notes:
  From the notes to the dance: "Macleod's Tables are the two flat topped mountains overlooking Dunvegan. Ask about the legend of the Tables next time you visit Skye." Or look at links such as <<http://www.glendaleskye.com/the_tables.php>> and <<https://thedunvegan.com/what-to-do/macleods-tables/>>.


created: 2018-12-14 17:59:32.239782+00
last_modified: 2021-08-10 18:56:21.093759+00
name: Smiling Lila
ucname: SMILING LILA
intensity_bars: 880/840/800/888
devised: 2017-11-01
notes:
  More information including sheet music is available via <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/smiling-lila.html>>


created: 1998-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-11 11:04:54.347647+00
name: Tartan Ribbons
ucname: TARTAN RIBBONS
intensity_bars: 888/800/822/866
notes:
  Lindsey Trafford writes:- "The idea for the name of this dance came when Mum was decorating the church for a flower festival. I thought the arrangements would look better linked up with matching ribbons. As the flowers were all different colours Mum said the ribbons would have to be her favourite colour ...........TARTAN."


created: 2012-07-04 13:11:09.547963+00
last_modified: 2021-04-11 13:07:36.309711+00
name: Betelgeuse
ucname: BETELGEUSE
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
notes:
  Betelgeuse is the brightest star in the constellation Orion. It is a multiple star and is an irregular variable around 1st magnitude.  
  In remembrance of Prof. H. K. Powell who began each astronomy lecture with a reading in Greek from Homer.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-11 22:57:29.34633+00
name: Survivor from St Andrew's
ucname: SURVIVOR FROM ST ANDREWS
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/844/888/888
devised: 1990-08-01
notes:
  Written on the deviser's return from taking the teacher's exam at St Andrews - August 1990.

  Possible interpretations of the figures (from the instructions):  
  1-8 Golf links/links of friendship (OR links formed under pressure of exams!).  
  9-16 Journey to St Andrew's (OR chasing our tails to get the work done!).  
  17-32 St Andrew's Cross (OR reeling with exhaustion!).  
  33-40 The crown on the RSCDS emblem (OR crowning moment - Passing the exams).  
  41-48 World wide ring of friendship formed by the RSCDS (OR celebrations!).  


created: 2002-02-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-12 22:27:25.969565+00
name: Storybook Glen
ucname: STORYBOOK GLEN
intensity_bars: 8888/7777/7777/8888
notes:
  For Joyce Crump of Rochester, Kent.

  The footnote to the dance says that:
  Joyce was born in Aberdeen and now lives in Kent, and needless to say her love for Aberdeen and Deeside has never waned. Storybook Glen is a scenic beauty spot on Royal Deeside. "The once upon a time place for happy ever after people".


created: 2021-04-13 13:01:27.596608+00
last_modified: 2021-04-13 13:01:27.596608+00
name: Bev Tait's Strathspey
ucname: BEV TAITS STRATHSPEY
devised: 2019-07-01
notes:
  This dance was written for Bev Tait for her 80th birthday. Bev Tait was the Scottish Country Dance teacher for Werribee Scottish Country Dance Group for 30 years before retiring in 2018. Bev and her husband, Uilleam Tait, attained their teachers’ certificates in 1980. Uilleam would also attend the class. As a child, Rachel Goerke remembers Bev and Uilleam Tait teaching at teaching weekends in Bendigo, Victoria, during the 1980’s. Many of the Werribee Scottish Country Dance Group continue to catch up with Bev on regular basis.

  Published in The Spurtle, Issue 45, December 2020 by RSCDS Melbourne Branch.


created: 2002-02-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-13 22:34:35.468163+00
name: Stan and Janet's Jig
ucname: STAN AND JANETS JIG
intensity_bars: 8664/8444/8200/8844
notes:
  From the notes: "Stan and Janet Donaldson, for whom the dance was written, are the longest serving members of the Broadford class and Stan currently holds the position of branch chairman. The dance was devised to mark Stan's retirement from British Telecom."


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-14 10:33:17.136658+00
name: Sodger Laddie
ucname: SODGER LADDIE
intensity_bars: 888 888 800 800
devised: 1731-01-01
notes:
  The notes to the revised edition of Book 12 say the RSCDS version is abbreviated to the first 32 bars of the original in the 1731 "Caledonian Country Dances Book the Third" by John Walsh.


created: 2003-10-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-24 19:04:49.237428+00
name: Toyboys of Toowoomba, The
ucname: TOYBOYS OF TOOWOOMBA
intensity_bars: 8484/8888/8888/8888/8008/8888
devised: 1995-06-01
notes:
  Drewry writes that this dance is for Rebecca MacCrae of Brisbane, Australia. When Drewry visited for a dance weekend in nearby Toowoomba, she described a fantasy of having a toyboy wearing leather and giving her rides on a large motorbike. Drewry felt this needed a dance.


created: 2000-02-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-14 21:37:07.138408+00
name: Shiftin' Bobbins
ucname: SHIFTIN BOBBINS
intensity_bars: 822 888 888 800
notes:
  ##>>
  The dance is to a tune of the same name by Muriel Rimmer and obviously refers to either spinning or weaving. However, there is some uncertainty as to the specific spinning or weaving involved. The chorus of the Jute Mill Song which refers to weaving in Dundee includes the lines:

  *Shifting bobbins coorse and fine  
  They fairly mak’ you work for your ten and nine*

  This has contributed to a view that the tune for the dance refers to Dundee jute weaving. However, it appears from other sources to be more likely that the composer of the tune was referring to the Lancashire cotton mills.
  ##<<

  [More information welcome]


created: 2021-04-15 08:56:06.0494+00
last_modified: 2021-04-18 06:22:38.753315+00
name: Just Give Me a Kiss
ucname: JUST GIVE ME A KISS
intensity_bars: 880/800/822/888
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  On average, a French person gives 30 kisses a day ! Kissing is a tradition that is very important to me but because of the pandemic, we only talk about wearing masks and maintaining a social distance. This dance was devised to keep the French kissing tradition alive and to give back a little love to everyone.  

  In Vercors, where this dance was created, people are used to kiss one another twice to say hello, starting with the right cheek ! There is thus plenty of time in 2 bars to kiss twice. But in some other parts of France, people are used to kissing 3 or even 4 times…. And some start with the left cheek ! So make sure where your partner comes from before you start the dance to avoid any trouble for bars 27&28. We suggest you start with the right cheek!


created: 2021-04-14 09:34:59.246465+00
last_modified: 2022-06-07 09:48:22.834102+00
name: Pléiades
ucname: PLEIADES
intensity_bars: 800/822/888/888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to two constellations, one of stars and one of Earth‐observation satellites, and to friends made thereby.


created: 2021-04-24 09:05:49.100356+00
last_modified: 2021-04-24 23:32:21.989267+00
name: Love Street Strathspey
ucname: LOVE STREET STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/800/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  The Queensland Branch technique classes are held in a hall in Love Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane, and the dance was written in 2019 to introduce the beginners to strathspey steps.


created: 1997-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 20:51:11.734482+00
name: Nacton Hall
ucname: NACTON HALL
intensity_bars: 800/888/802/888/888
notes:
  According to <<link:thereel/165||7>>, Nacton Hall is a village hall in Suffolk where local dances regularly meet for classes.


created: 1997-09-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-17 17:13:33.798918+00
name: Jig on the Bridge
ucname: JIG ON THE BRIDGE
intensity_bars: 4224/8888/8888/5555/8888
notes:
  Lacking an official source, here is an unofficial description.

  4 x 40 bar Jig 

  Dance starts in "Glasgow Highlanders" set positions, i.e. 1st and 3rd couples side by side on the men's side, 2nd and 4th couples side by side on the ladies side facing 1st and 3rd couples, ladies on their partner's right. 

  1 -4 1L and 4L touch RH and cast to the left round their partner back to place 

  5 -8 Middle four dancers dance half rights and lefts with no polite turn, finishing facing the ends 

  9 - 16 All take two hands with the end dancers, and the two couples at the top and the two at the bottom dance a poussette ACROSS the dance, i.e. the top two couples change sides and the bottom two couples change sides. The poussette starts with the men dancing forwards, the ladies backwards. Finish in the following order: on the men's side it should be 2L 3M 1L 4M, and on the ladies side 1M 4L 2M 3L. 

  17 - 24 RSh reels of 4 on the sides. 

  25 - 26 Middles give RH to ends and change places with a half turn 27 -28 Men give LH (1M to 3M and 2M to 4M) and turn once round to make a line up and down the middle of the set, 3M and 4M facing down, 1M and 2M facing up. 

  29 - 32 Men give LSh to dance half a reel of four, finishing beside their partner. All couples are now one place anticlockwise round the set. 

  33 - 40 Eight hands round and back.

  Repeat from new positions.

  Note: John Robertson provided this information, adding "I have no idea where this dance came from. I must have entered it into my card system in the 1970's. It is a novel and fairly challenging, but enjoyable dance."


created: 2003-02-15 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-17 17:17:04.880661+00
name: CookCooksnest, The
ucname: COOKCOOKSNEST
intensity_bars: 8642/8888/8888/8888/8844
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Jim Cook, of the London RSCDS Branch, in appreciation for organizing »The Reel goes Cuckoo«, a week of dancing and sightseeing, held at Kuckucksnest, Schlüchtern-Vollmerz, Germany, 18-25 August 2002.


created: 2002-04-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-17 17:28:59.796755+00
name: Valley Full of Tree-Tops, A
ucname: VALLEY FULL OF TREETOPS
intensity_bars: 404/808/848/888
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  The notes for the dance say it was devised for the Mary Prentice weekend at Treetops Hotel, Aberdeen.

  The title is a quotation from Midwinter by John Buchan: "At first it was like the twanging of fine wires in a wind, mingled with an echo of organ music heard over a valley full of tree-tops."


created: 2021-04-15 13:53:27.13789+00
last_modified: 2021-07-07 08:33:07.62663+00
name: Jig for Kay, A
ucname: JIG FOR KAY
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2021-04-01
notes:
  Devised for Kay Senior as a warm up dance for Chiswick’s annual ball Kilts and Posh Frocks.

  Kay who celebrated her 90th birthday in January 2021 founded Chiswick Scottish Country Dance Club in September 2002 and is its President and continues to be its driving force.


created: 2002-04-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-25 11:47:53.917252+00
name: Pinewood Place Rant, The
ucname: PINEWOOD PLACE RANT
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8008
devised: 1985-05-01
notes:
  Devised for a party given for the members of the demonstration team at John and Marjory Trew's home in Pinewoods Place, Cataraqui Woods.


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-23 11:28:09.465318+00
name: Cataraqui Woods
ucname: CATARAQUI WOODS
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8008/8088
devised: 1983-01-01
notes:
  The dance notes say this was "devised in collusion with Agnes Williamson as a surprise for John Trew, and first danced in December 1983 to celebrate his retirement, and move to the new family home in the Cataraqui Woods subdivision of Kingston."


created: 1997-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-16 11:54:05.580574+00
name: Scottish Man O' War, The
ucname: SCOTTISH MAN O WAR
notes:
  The notes for the dance say that the Loch Lomond was a sailing ship which brought migrants to Australia in the years 1870 to 1908. It was known as the Scottish Man of War, because it had gun ports painted on its sides.


created: 1998-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-06 20:24:16.43189+00
name: Stormy Rush-Hour, A
ucname: STORMY RUSHHOUR
devised: 1998-03-06
notes:
  The instructions were originally posted on the strathspey mailing list (<<sspey:11237|message 11237>>) though a <<sspey-thread:11261|subsequent message>> pointed out some problems with the start of the dance where Rights and Lefts for 3 couples is done in just 6 bars.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-28 08:16:02.627393+00
name: Grapevine, The
ucname: GRAPEVINE
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 1985-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Dorothea McKenzie for the 25th Anniversary Ball of the St. Catharines' Branch, 1985. The Niagara reqion is noted for its many vineyards, and as a consequence, the production of many fine table vines.


created: 2000-09-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-17 09:40:19.873906+00
name: Breath of Spring
ucname: BREATH OF SPRING
intensity_bars: 8880/4400/8000/8008
devised: 1992-02-01
notes:
  Devised in February 1992 while teaching reels of three -- to show that not all reels of three are the same. Dedicated to a special friend who plays golf "left-handed".


created: 1997-08-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-18 12:07:00.040527+00
name: Macleod's Maidens
ucname: MACLEODS MAIDENS
intensity_bars: 860/888/888/888/866
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  Drewry writes that Macleod's Maidens are rocky pinnacles in the sea just to the west of Idrigill Point at the south end of the (Duirinish) penisula which contains Macleod's Tables on the extreme west of Skye.


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-18 12:25:33.123137+00
name: Invereshie
ucname: INVERESHIE
intensity_bars: 840/666/666/844
devised: 1987-01-01
notes:
  Drewry writes that Invershie is in Strathspey near Kincraig. It lies between the east shore of Loch Insh and the confluence of the Spey and the Feshie.


created: 2003-01-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-03 08:47:24.443254+00
name: Nae Bother at A'
ucname: NAE BOTHER AT A
intensity_bars: 822/844/822/844
notes:
  Boehmer writes that the title was *a favourite expression of one of our special teachers, Catherine Prentice. Dancers from years back will remember Catherine's "Nae Bother at A'" after successfully putting us through the formations of a new dance. If she were teaching this rathet simple dance, I am sure you would hear her express herself in this way.*


created: 2021-04-18 00:15:51.832822+00
last_modified: 2021-04-21 07:11:56.091085+00
name: C'est pour Vous
ucname: CEST POUR VOUS
intensity_bars: 8800/8000/8000/8080/4004/8888
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Célie (8 years old) and Maëlle (9 years old), two little Méaudre Reel dancers,  were bored at lunch time. They decided to create a dance to keep themselves busy. In France, the lunch break lasts usually 2 hours, from 11:30am to 1:30pm! It was enough for them to create the dance.  

  Giving the dance in a huge box to Sophie Marchand, their SCD teacher, as a Christmas present in 2010, the two girls apologised : « c'est pour vous Mme Marchand ! C'est une danse mais nous n'avons pas trouvé de titre ! », this is for you Mrs Marchand ! It's a dance but we couldn't find it a proper title… So the title of the dance came naturally : c'est pour vous !  

  The very first Méaudre Reel dance had just been created. We'll have to wait for the pandemic and the lockdowns in 2021 to have the first SCD book published by the Méaudre Reel, a SCD group in the French Alps at 1 000 metres high.


created: 1997-09-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-17 20:34:39.190563+00
name: Laird's Medley, The
ucname: LAIRDS MEDLEY
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/880
notes:
  The progression is 213 for strathspey and reel sections with 1st couple dropping to the bottom after the reel section.


created: 2001-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-17 21:00:35.629281+00
name: Bees of Maggieknockater, The
ucname: BEES OF MAGGIEKNOCKATER
intensity_bars: 8040 8888 8888 8044
devised: 1975-01-01
notes:
  In the note on the original dance instructions, John Drewry wrote:  
  *Maggieknockater is a hamlet two miles North-east of Craigellachie. In a field there beside the road is a large sign – Maggieknockater Apiary – hence the title of this dance.*  
  Some years later, John noted that the apiary had closed and the sign had been removed.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-25 13:09:31.782879+00
name: Pawling Reel, A
ucname: PAWLING REEL
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8448/8008
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  For the members of the New York Branch to mark the 25th Pawling Weekend.

  In his footnote to the dance Drewry writes:
  The title was chosen to teach the New York Branch Newsletter writers that they were not the only ones who could play with words. They suggested that I only deserved a "Dee" grade for many of my dances! Those who find the title truly "appalling" may use "THE BIG APPLE" as an alternative.


created: 2021-04-19 10:34:21.012634+00
last_modified: 2021-04-23 18:15:11.555685+00
name: Snow Wave, The
ucname: SNOW WAVE
intensity_bars: 8008/6446/0880/8888/8888
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  As no dancing was allowed in France because of the pandemic, the Méaudre Reel (France) decided to organise a weekly SCD creation workshop to keep its teenagers active. This workshop lasted for 3 months, from February to April 2021.  
  The teenagers were impressive with their creations, so eager to be dancing again. We thus decided to gather all the Méaudre Reel dances and have a book printed: Dancing in Vercors Book1.  
  The Snow Wave was created by one of the teenagers' teams during a SCD creation workshop. One girl was dreaming of surfing in Martinique while the two others were dreaming of «surfing » down the ski slopes… but in pandemic times, only surfing on paper is possible!


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-04 23:02:45.78208+00
name: Mrs Sybil Shaw
ucname: MRS SYBIL SHAW
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/866
notes:
  The deviser writes: "This dance was written for my mother, in recognition of all she has done for the cause of Scottish Country Dancing. In Norwich, both my parents were founder members of the Branch, and for the last 25 years in Leicester my mother has been a keen dancer, a caring committee member and Secretary of the Branch for 7 years. She is well known as a cheerful ambassadress wherever she goes - throughout the Midlands, to St. Andrews and beyond! Thank you, Mum."


created: 2021-05-03 09:55:28.023134+00
last_modified: 2021-06-16 23:36:07.214975+00
name: Bram's Hungarian Dance No. 8
ucname: BRAMS HUNGARIAN DANCE NO 8
notes:
  Devised especially for Bram, who started to dance Scottish Dancing in 2020 with our Online Bo’ness Dance group. He picked up the dances so quick and his absolute favourite figure is the Figure of 8. The dance was devised originally for solo/1 couple dancing, but it can be danced in a 2 couples set.


created: 2019-02-20 23:16:50.383777+00
last_modified: 2021-04-20 17:54:58.885354+00
name: Ten Year Reel, A
ucname: TEN YEAR REEL
intensity_bars: 884/800/888/888/888
devised: 2017-08-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for the 10th annivesary of the Méaudre Reel by one of Méaudre Reel's "oldest" dancer, Célie, a 16-year old teenager.  

  Dancing in Méaudre all started because in January 2006, there happened to be no snow in this little ski resort in the French Alps. To keep her pupils busy that winter, Sophie Marchand started to teach them Scottish country dancing instead of skiing during her PE lessons.  

  In May 2018, for the Méaudre Reel's 10th anniversary, 100 dancers coming mostly from France and UK took part in a  SCD weekend in Méaudre. Naturally, they all ended gathered for a photo souvenir.... around a marmot wearing a kilt ( Méaudre Reel's mascot!) at the end of the weekend.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-04 23:21:50.594131+00
name: Mrs Grant's Fancy
ucname: MRS GRANTS FANCY
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/888
devised: 1792-02-01
notes:
  For a while both SCDDB and MiniCrib had a mistaken additional entry for this dance with the name shortened to "Grant's Fancy". This has now been removed.


created: 2021-04-18 23:13:21.622989+00
last_modified: 2021-04-19 00:32:24.197317+00
name: Challenge accepted
ucname: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  Shelby Yahn stayed connected with Scottish Country Dancing during the pandemic by writing a new dance each week for 52 weeks. This dance was #50 and came from a request from Rebecca, a Milwaukee SCD teacher, to write a dance with a chain progression figure. Shelby writes: "I like chain progressions, and rarely see them in dances, so I was happy to oblige and grateful for the inspiration. I liked the idea of rolling a chain progression into a poussette, which is an uncommon combination. I also included a set and rotate which I think kicks off the dance with good momentum (which doesn’t die down until the chord at the end). Interestingly, this may be the only dance I’ve written without any solo for the first couple; every figure has both couples fully engaged, and neither gets the spotlight, so this dance is a group/team/set effort. This is also another four-figure-dance, isn’t too fussy, and as Rebecca pointed out, uses all three types of steps (setting, traveling, and slip). I like how this dance turned out and look forward to dancing it some day! The name is a shoutout to Barney Stinson from the show How I met Your Mother. He creates (usually ridiculous) challenges for himself, declares them 'challenge accepted!', and doesn’t rest until he’s pulled them off, and I was happy to feel challenged to write a dance this week which highlights such a fun figure."


created: 2020-06-04 21:47:54.529054+00
last_modified: 2021-04-19 19:28:44.257808+00
name: Ellen Garvie of Clunie
ucname: ELLEN GARVIE OF CLUNIE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/888/8000
devised: 2020-02-01
notes:
  Born in Clunie, north of Perth in 1920 Dr Ellen Garvie, with her father James Garvie, were leading lights in the formation and early years of RSCDS London Branch and later both were made Hon. Presidents, the first eight bars depict the centenary of her birth.


created: 2021-04-19 08:42:21.012942+00
last_modified: 2021-04-20 15:56:31.87297+00
name: Don't Worry
ucname: DONT WORRY
intensity_bars: 888888/888888/800000/888888
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  As no dancing was allowed in France because of the pandemic, the Méaudre Reel (France) decided to organise a weekly SCD creation workshop to keep its teenagers active. This workshop lasted for 3 months, from February to April 2021.  
  The teenagers were impressive with their creations, so eager to be dancing again. We thus decided to gather all the Méaudre Reel dances and have a book printed: Dancing in Vercors Book1.  

  This dance was created by one of the teenagers' teams during their weekly SCD creation workshop.  

  Lise and Manon were thinking with nostalgia, back to the time when they danced one of their favourite dances, Iona Cross, a dance for 6 couples. Then they thought it would be a good challenge for them to create a 6-couple dance : no need to worry, a 6-couple dance but not a difficult one, we promise …. so Don't Worry !


created: 2021-04-19 09:17:29.123529+00
last_modified: 2021-04-20 15:57:57.22686+00
name: Thoughts of Romance
ucname: THOUGHTS OF ROMANCE
intensity_bars: 842/808/888/888
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  As no dancing was allowed in France because of the pandemic, the Méaudre Reel (France) decided to organise a weekly SCD creation workshop to keep its teenagers active. This workshop lasted for 3 months, from February to April 2021.
  The teenagers were impressive with their creations, so eager to be dancing again. We thus decided to gather all the Méaudre Reel dances and have a book printed: Dancing in Vercors Book1.
  This dance was created by one of the teenagers' teams during the weekly SCD creation workshop.

  Three girls wanted to create a Strathspey and to start it with a 2 hand turn. « It is so romantic to dance this simple formation with a nice and handsome partner, looking at him straight in the eyes ! Do you remember in Newcastle when I danced with M…. ? As for me, my best partner ever was in St Andrews, it was a dream dancing a strathspey with A…. »  

  But then, 2 other girls in the team simply said : yes, that can also be a nightmare when dancing with a poor dancer and not understanding a single word of what he says !! The 2 hand turn may last just too long !  

  To have an intensive and magical dancing moment, don't forget to choose a partner with lovely eyes.


created: 1997-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-20 19:35:05.937932+00
name: Round And Round The Radical Road
ucname: ROUND AND ROUND THE RADICAL ROAD
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888/844
notes:
  The Radical Road is the winding way to the top Arthur's Seat, a major tourist attraction in the city of Edinburgh.


created: 2019-02-20 23:26:06.248646+00
last_modified: 2021-04-24 07:41:51.365665+00
name: Méaudre Reel, The
ucname: MEAUDRE REEL
intensity_bars: 822/888/800/844/888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  The dance and music were devised and composed for Sophie Marchand (Méaudre Reel- France) and presented to her on 2 May 2015 by Roddy Johnston, Seonaid Lynn, David Foreman and Diana Sarran as a token of gratitude for her warm welcome and in recognition of all she has done for Scottish Country Dancing in Méaudre, a tiny little village in the French Alps at 1 000 meters high.


created: 1998-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 21:57:52.156401+00
name: Tir Nan Og
ucname: TIR NAN OG
intensity_bars: 7007 8008 8008 8448 7007 8008 8440 8448
notes:
  The name means "Land of the Eternal Young".

  It was published by the RSCDS in a leaflet along with dances collected by Mary MacNab. However, according to the notes, this is a traditional dance from Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and was collected by Iain MacFarlane (of Toronto). It is sometimes danced to mouth music.


created: 2021-04-19 10:40:14.942079+00
last_modified: 2021-07-13 22:33:54.902298+00
name: Joie de Rire
ucname: JOIE DE RIRE
intensity_bars: 844/880/808/884/880
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  As no dancing was allowed in France because of the pandemic, the Méaudre Reel (France) decided to organise a weekly SCD creation workshop to keep its teenagers active. This workshop lasted for 3 months, from February to April 2021.  
  The teenagers were impressive with their creations, so eager to be dancing again. We thus decided to gather all the Méaudre Reel dances and have a book printed: Dancing in Vercors Book1.  
  Joie de Rire was created by one of the teenagers' teams during the weekly SCD creation workshop. They loved the title Joie de Vivre and as it was great fun creating this new dance, they called it Joie de Rire.


created: 2021-04-21 06:46:09.048025+00
last_modified: 2021-04-24 06:05:43.090103+00
name: Clémentine's Strathspey
ucname: CLEMENTINES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/888/840/488
devised: 2021-04-20
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Clémentine Job, teacher of the Scottish Country Dance Group *Cluaran* in Port-Louis near Lorient (Brittany, France) as a three-couple version of <<ddd:Cluaran>> (strathspey).


created: 2002-04-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-25 08:25:29.287331+00
name: Priory Street Strathspey, The
ucname: PRIORY STREET STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 840/844/844/888
notes:
  The footnote for the dance says that the Branch class in York was originally held in the Presbyterian Church, Priory Street, York, and has now moved to the Priory Street Centre.


created: 2021-04-21 23:00:11.576045+00
last_modified: 2021-04-27 07:59:22.960241+00
name: Gravitas
ucname: GRAVITAS
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2021-04-21
notes:
  Wouter Joubert, the composer of the tune wrote on the Strathspey Mailing List:
  <i>"I got around tonight to work out the chords for a tune in honour of the late Prince Philip,
  Duke of Edinburgh, who lived just a few months short of a hundred. The tune was
  composed on the day of his funeral."</i>

  His comment on reading “Gravitas” was:
  <i>"Those mirror reels, especially with the couples taking hands, has the feeling of a stately
  procession. Your whole dance seems to embody the twists and turns of life which, even
  when it comes full circle, does not finish precisely where it started because all those
  twists and turns of life change and shape a person into who they are at the end."</i>


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-27 17:02:53.64896+00
name: Trysting Place, The
ucname: TRYSTING PLACE
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
devised: 1985-01-01
notes:
  Notes from Book 35
  ----------------------

  The dance was devised by Iain Boyd, New Zealand, in 1985, and inscribed to Mary Murray of Vancouver B.C.

  Mary's former home in Falkirk, and still that of her parents, is in Tryst Road, opposite the traditional site of the Falkirk Tryst where cattle drovers from the Highlands, Lowlands and the north of England met to buy and sell their livestock and produce.

  The Highland Schottische poussette was created by Jackie Johnstone of Dumfries and was first used in his dance "S. S. Johnstone" (Loreburn Set Volume II). In that dance, the men start back to back in the middle of the line and so progression been modified for use in "Trysting Place".


  Notes extracted from elsewhere
  -----------------------------------

  The "Falkirk Tryst" was one of the largest livestock markets in Scotland with farmers and buyers gathering from all over Scotland and beyond. At its height times as many as 150,000 cattle, sheep and horses were droved there. The tryst was held up to three times a year in August, September and October. With the arrival of the railroad, numbers declined until the late 19th century. Nowadays, you still have the annual Falkirk tryst fun fair here.

  For more also historical information on the Falkirk Tryst see <<https://falkirklocalhistory.club/around-and-about-the-area/themes/falkirk-trysts/|Falkirk Local History Society>>, <<http://ourstories.everyone-rs3.com/story/all-roads-lead-to-falkirk-gaelic-heritage-and-the-falkirk-tryst|Our Stories Falkirk>>, <<https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/opinion/falkirk-tryst-cattle-market-fun-fair-998971|Falkirk Herold>> and <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stenhousemuir#History|Wikipedia>>.


  Pronuncation
  ---------------

  The Scots pronuncation of “tryst”, according to the <<https://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/tryst|Dictionaries of the Scots Language>> is /trəist/. Don't let yourself be confused by English dictionaries online which usually specify /trɪst/.


created: 2000-09-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-28 06:29:49.462562+00
name: Miss Milligan Lives On
ucname: MISS MILLIGAN LIVES ON
intensity_bars: 4440/4440/8888/4888
notes:
  *In my files I found this "Tribute to Our Teacher" and thought it would be a fitting way to finish this book. This little ditty was made up by some dancers in 1987 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, for their teacher, Bob Millar, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who was strict on detail according to them: (verses 3, 4, 5)*  

  For Allemande hold watch out or he'll scold;  
  There's no room in his mind for suggestion  
  When he has just read what Miss Milligan said  
  A Quibble is out of the question.  

  When Bob's teaching us Double Triangles,  
  Which the class very frequently mangles,  
  Miss Milligan high on her cloud in the sky,  
  Is a vision he usually dangles.  

  It's Miss M that we're trying to please,  
  Though we hope Mister M won't sneeze,  
  'Cause we're sore in each joint  
  As we balance and point  
  While we're trying to dance up a breeze.


created: 1999-07-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-28 14:00:42.42046+00
name: Brodick Castle Gardens
ucname: BRODICK CASTLE GARDENS
notes:
  Each repetition of the dance ends with everyone in their partner's original place.

  NB the instructions for this dance in some versions of original publication omit any mention of bars 23-24. The North Ayrshire branch confirms bars 17-24 should read:  
  17-20    The first and third couples dance counter-clockwise half way round the set to original side, while the second and fourth couples dance left hands across in the centre.  
  21-22    All four couples face their partners and set.  
  23-24    All four couples turn their partner by the right hand once round, the second and fourth couples finishing in promenade hold, men with partners on their left.  


created: 1999-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-29 19:11:57.170393+00
name: Renwick Reel
ucname: RENWICK REEL
intensity_bars: 888/844/855/855
notes:
  The oiginal SCDDB entry was "The Renwick Reel" which is kept as an alias. The book just has "Renwick Reel".


created: 2015-01-11 17:07:59.344733+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 22:51:09.632798+00
name: McKenzie of Seaforth
ucname: MACKENZIE OF SEAFORTH
notes:
  This dance was collected by Mary Isdale MacNab from Donald Dingus in Kintail, Rosshire and was originally dedicated to Kenneth MacKenzie, Earl of Seaforth in 1771. It was published as a leaflet in 1968 by Mary MacNab's neice Elizabeth Sutorius of San Diego, California.


created: 2002-03-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-08-02 21:19:03.357014+00
name: MacLeod of Lewis
ucname: MACLEOD OF LEWIS
notes:
  For three couples on three sides of a square (or semicircle).

  This dance was collected from J McAskell of Stornaway by Mary Isdale MacNab. The dance purportedly dates back to 1649 “and was very popular in that period”. (The fact that we don't seem to have other contemporary dances of similar complexity from independent sources makes that somewhat doubtful.)


created: 2021-04-16 15:42:45.554077+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 09:53:52.100626+00
name: Cramond Island
ucname: CRAMOND ISLAND
intensity_bars: 8888/8000/8888/8888
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  The dance, Cramond Island, was written by Andrew Cook to celebrate the very first visit by the Méaudre Reel to Scotland in 2011.  

  A group of dancers from Edinburgh (including Andrew Cook) met the "Scottish" dancers from a tiny little village in the French Alps in May 2009: the Méaudre Reel. They were so amazed to see French children enthusiastic about SCD that they invited all of them  in Scotland. After raising funds, the Méaudre Reel's first tour to Scotland took place in 2011.  

  Cramond is a district in the north west of Edinburgh but was once a separate, ancient village dating back to Roman times. Cramond Island is approximately 8 hectares and lies 1.5km off the foreshore. Being a tidal island it can be reached at low tide by a causeway – so we all walked out and had a picnic on the Island, after having fun with a treasure hunt through Cramond Village.  

  Symbolism:  

  Bars 1-8: *Shape of the island.*  
  Bars 9-16: *Represents the water weaving round the concrete pillars of the causeway.*  
  Bars 17-24: *This is the Forth Bridge that you can see clearly from Cramond Island.*  
  Bars 25-32: *Waves in the Firth of Forth.*


created: 2021-05-02 18:06:51.542026+00
last_modified: 2021-05-03 10:47:53.870333+00
name: Bug Hut, The
ucname: BUG HUT
notes:
  MiniCrib gives the source as "More Than Welcome 6". According to David Haynes this is one of six cassettes/CDs More Than Welcome I - VI recorded by Bobby Moore of Kirkcaldy. The dance description is shown on the CD insert.  The recording of "More Than Welcome 6" appears to date to 2002.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-07 19:47:24.580125+00
name: Miss Siobhan's Fancy
ucname: MISS SIOBHANS FANCY
intensity_bars: 620/888/800/844
notes:
  In the original book the dance name is spelled "Soibhan" and dedicated to "Miss Soibhan Downing of Monbulk,Victoria". This is assumed to be a typo but is added as a spelling alias.


created: 2004-11-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-30 06:14:04.331163+00
name: Loch Ness Monster Reel
ucname: LOCH NESS MONSTER REEL
intensity_bars: 800/822/888/800
devised: 2004-06-01
notes:
  Written during a Furlongs holiday at Crieff, for Elizabeth Scott from Sevenoaks (Kent), whose husband requested that the word ‘monster’ was included in the title!!!!


created: 2000-09-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 14:57:32.721536+00
name: Charming Genius, A
ucname: CHARMING GENIUS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  It was not easy for Miss Jean C. Milligan of Glasgow, as a SCD teacher, to define steps. She was met with howls of protest. Everyone was sure that his or her way was the only right and proper way and wouldn't change. When she reintroduced the Poussette she provoked immediate criticism. A dancer of note voiced the feelings of the men, "Na, na, yer Grace, I dinna like this twa-handed Poussette. We've aye dune it gruppit." He had a point there but had to yield to Miss Milligan when she showed them the authority of an old MSS of 1790, which described it in detail. She was also accused of inventing new steps when she reintroduced the Skip Change of Step. She rigidly adhered to this discipline with the tenacity of a Border Terrier, they say. "Try to interfere in a meeting that she is chairing and see how far you get," was the word. These, of course, are necessary ingredients of genius.


created: 1997-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 19:36:23.497563+00
name: Because he was a Bonnie Lad
ucname: BECAUSE HE WAS A BONNIE LAD
notes:
  This dance was taken from an old Jacobite dance of 1745 which was danced by followers of Prince Charles Stuart. 

  The dance was arranged from a dance collected by Mrs MacNab’s brother in North Carolina, USA.


created: 1997-11-18 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 19:51:08.207276+00
name: Kelvingrove
ucname: KELVINGROVE
notes:
  According to <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2392/|issue 2392>> this dance was arranged from one collected by Mrs MacNab (where ‘arranged’ is surely a euphemism for changed/ devised/ choreographed).


created: 1999-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 19:57:58.836652+00
name: Over the Dee and over the Don
ucname: OVER THE DEE AND OVER THE DON
notes:
  The 152 bars consist of 32 bars for the entry, 88 bars to do the actual dance, and 32 bars for the exit.

  The rivers Dee and Don are famous for encircling the city of Aberdeen in North-East Scotland. The weaving in and out of the dancers as they enter is supposed to represent the winding of the two rivers.


created: 1999-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 20:48:42.755136+00
name: Earl of Errol's Reel, The
ucname: EARL OF ERROLS REEL
notes:
  Originally known as The Hay Polka.

  From <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2382/|issue 2382>>: The original 200 bar dance was in 6/8 Polka tempo where polkaing around the set in ballroom hold was a main feature. The dance was changed to what we have today by Miss Milligan not entirely we are told with Mrs MacNab’s approval.


created: 2002-03-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 21:20:15.998056+00
name: MacLeod of Dunvegan
ucname: MACLEOD OF DUNVEGAN
devised: 1956-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Dame Flora McLeod of McLeod on the island of Skye

  A dance for two sets of three couples. They stand looking down the room with a good space
  between each set.

  This demonstration dance has 

  Part A   "Round the castle" {32}  
  Part B   {32}  
  Part C   "Wheels of Two" {16}  
  Part D   "Women's String" {24}  
  Part E   "Men's Solo" {24}  
  Final figure {8}

  As reported in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2291/|issue 2291>> this dance is also known as Dunvegan Castle which is the ancestral home of the McLeods. The third figure is also known as the Castle Walls.

  According to some, the dance dates back to the 16th century. It is said to represent the formation of the Castle. The dance was collected from Allan McDonald of Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. 


created: 2002-03-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 21:41:27.937117+00
name: MacLeod of Harris
ucname: MACLEOD OF HARRIS
notes:
  MacLeod of Harris is a Wedding Dance from the Isle of Harris. This dance was given to Mrs MacNab by Torquil MacLeod late of Truro, Nova Scotia.

  "In the dance we see the visiting wedding guests, The reel danced. The chain is the friendship ring. The last figure is the going home. Each couple stands at the door of their Croft and waves goodbye to their friends."

  *According to <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2394/|issue 2394>> the above footnote is typical of the romantic approach Mrs MacNab saw the dancing. I feel it adds a charm of its own and typical of its time.*


created: 2011-08-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-25 08:38:55.48349+00
name: Three Gentlemen
ucname: THREE GENTLEMEN
intensity_bars: 844/844/844/844
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Devised: 2010

  Three Gentlemen is a three-couple set dances inspired by The Gentleman by Roz Scott Huxley (1986).


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-08 09:32:20.21033+00
name: Miss Devon's Reel
ucname: MISS DEVONS REEL
intensity_bars: 88 88 80 88
devised: 1795-01-01
notes:
  Note: with normal size 4c sets there is no space for both 1c+2c and 3c+4c to dance their reels.  TacTalk 25 #3/4 (March 2001) says »this dance should never be placed on a programme«.  However, if a 3c set is used there is no lack of space.


created: 2002-10-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-08 10:55:32.524028+00
name: Miss Bunty Beaumont
ucname: MISS BUNTY BEAUMONT
devised: 1989-05-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Miss Bunty Beaumont, a loyal and long-standing teacher of Sydney Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, who inspired many a dancer to love and cherish Scottish Country Dancing.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-08 11:00:27.011097+00
name: Miss Brown's Reel
ucname: MISS BROWNS REEL
intensity_bars: 66 80 88 88
notes:
  Adapted from B Cooke "A Selection of the Present Favourite Country Dances for the Year 1796.
  Thus, B Cooke may be just the collector and not the devisor of the dance.


created: 2020-05-16 17:45:06.614518+00
last_modified: 2021-05-08 22:27:43.856572+00
name: Covid Lockdown Strathspey
ucname: COVID LOCKDOWN STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 84/88/88/88
devised: 2020-05-16
notes:
  After (videos of) more than 50 dances published, we decided it was time to devise our own.
  It is named Covid Lockdown Strathspey and represents this period.   

  bar 1-8: the virus is born and spreads   
  bar 9-16: lockdown: no contact with others, you can't go around, you have to stay at home   
  bar 17-24: the lockdown decreases, there are the first openings, something can be done but still no contact   
  bar 25-32: returning to normal life, Covid was defeated   

  The set of excellent videos made by the Graziani family during the lockdown can be seen on their you-tube channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyojdYqjbxETi1C5mFptXtg/videos


created: 1998-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-08 23:16:13.007011+00
name: Miss Jeannie Carmichael
ucname: MISS JEANNIE CARMICHAEL
intensity_bars: 8008 8448 8888 8888 8888 12 0 0 0 4444 8888
notes:
  Devised in honour of Miss Jeannie R. B. Carmichael for her leadership of Scottish Country Dancing in the United States of America.


created: 2021-05-26 23:21:32.783585+00
last_modified: 2021-05-30 09:21:56.336836+00
name: Heinz Rieger's Strathspey
ucname: HEINZ RIEGERS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/888
devised: 2018-04-13
notes:
  Devised on April 13, 2018, in memory of Heinz Rieger, who loved Scottish country dancing.

  Suggested Music: Bobby Brown, *Celtic Fire in the Music*, “Strathspeys” (Disc 2, Track 3)


created: 2000-05-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-09 09:24:58.005643+00
name: Meeting of the Waters, The
ucname: MEETING OF THE WATERS
intensity_bars: 880 800 800 844 888 888
notes:
  "The Meeting of the Waters" was devised to commemorate the 1964-65 Summer School held in Wanganui, the 'River City'.

  In a message to the strathspey mailing list (on 23/10/2019) Iain Boyd wrote:

  *Note re bars 1-8:*

  *In the first edition of “The Strathtay Album” the diagram clearly shows first woman and second man passing by left shoulders before dancing out to the sidelines at the end of the reel of four.*

  *However, after the dance became popular with the release of Frank Reid’s recording on “Dance With The London Highland Club”, I changed the ending so that first woman and second man pass by right shoulders and dance directly across the set.*

  *I did this because I noticed that the less experienced dancers were having difficulty getting out to the sidelines. The diagram was changed in a reprint of the collection, but, at the time, there was no way I could easily disseminate the change.*

  *I prefer the second way of finishing the reel of four.*

  *However, as the original way is probably ingrained in many dancer’s minds I am prepared to accept that there are now two ways of finishing the reel of four in this dance - an original and a subsequent way.*

  *Consequently, dancers and teachers should check which ending is being danced in their local area.*


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-09 18:55:01.640602+00
name: Margaret Parker's Strathspey
ucname: MARGARET PARKERS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 844 844 888 888
devised: 1982-01-01
notes:
  "Inscribed to Mrs Margaret G Parker, MBE, MA, JP on her election as Chairman of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society."


created: 1998-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-11 10:57:55.22967+00
name: Maid of the Mist, The
ucname: MAID OF THE MIST
intensity_bars: 8884/84884/88888/80888
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for the weekend at Niagara in October, 1977.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-12 17:51:21.632275+00
name: Macfarlane's Fiddle
ucname: MACFARLANES FIDDLE
intensity_bars: 808/888/888/888
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Jim Macfarlane, who plays the fiddle in Jim MacLeod's Band.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-13 21:22:51.997956+00
name: Lomond Strathspey, The
ucname: LOMOND STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8080/8484/8888/8088
notes:
  SCDDB has the recommended tune as <<ddt:Cornet's Lass, The#321>> but the instructions specify a recording <<ddrec:Cornet's Lass, The#4143>> which actually does not include that tune.


created: 1999-08-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-14 19:24:06.934676+00
name: Loch Erichtside
ucname: LOCH ERICHTSIDE
notes:
  Collected in Oxton, Berwickshire.

  The instructions for bars 9-16 mention 1st corners (9-12) and then 2nd corners (13-16) but the diagram for the start of bar 9 shows 1st couple facing 2nd corners. MiniCrib and Keith Rose diagram both follow the original diagram (dancing with 2nd corner first).


created: 1997-09-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-15 18:01:46.106794+00
name: Let us Dance at Medowie
ucname: LET US DANCE AT MEDOWIE
intensity_bars: 848 844 808 884
notes:
  Eric Ferguson's crib for this dance had two variants he had been taught. In one bars 25-32 were:  1c+2c ½Poussette ; 1c+2c+3c turn RH. The online instructions have 2M+1W set advancing | turn BH to face partner on 1diag ; 1c+2c ½Poussette. This is now the version given in the e-crib.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-15 18:20:47.198965+00
name: Leslie's Strathspey
ucname: LESLIES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/808/844/880
devised: 1965-03-01
notes:
  "For our daughter Leslie Joan. The women have precedence in the double half figures of eight, bars 5-8 and 13-16."


created: 2014-10-19 19:57:27.02741+00
last_modified: 2021-05-16 09:41:51.384583+00
name: C'est Si Bon
ucname: CEST SI BON
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/888
devised: 2010-02-01
notes:
  The dance was devised to honour Catherine Bonner for her long term service to Scottish Country Dancing in the Sydney area, particularly to the St John's Wahroonga and Gosford Classes. The dance was programmed as a 'Mystery Dance' for the Gosford Class Social in February 2010, with music selected by Chris Duncan. The Social was a celebration of her 80th birthday, her service to Gosford Class and her receiving a Branch Award through Sydney Branch.  

  The title refers to Catherine having been born in France, her name and her reputation in the Sydney area.

  According to <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2453/|issue 2453>> the dance was devised for the recording <<ddrec:Alasdair's Reels#9783>>.


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-16 17:38:49.709694+00
name: Lammermuir Hills, The
ucname: LAMMERMUIR HILLS
intensity_bars: 88 66 66 88
notes:
  The Lammermuir Hills can be found south-east of Edinburgh, where they
  form the boundary between East Lothian and the Borders. They are not
  particularly high (up to 535 m or so) but steep and impassable in many
  places. The main road from Edinburgh to England takes a detour around
  them rather than going across.

  The hills provide the setting for Sir Walter Scott's novel *The Bride
  of Lammermoor* as well as Gaetano Donizetti's opera *Lucia di
  Lammermoor* (which is based on the novel).


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-16 17:52:29.314074+00
name: Lake Macquarie Reel
ucname: LAKE MACQUARIE REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/888/844
notes:
  The dance was written for Lake Macquarie S.C.D. Class. Lake Macquarie is the name of a picturesque lake in the Newcastle area (NSW, Australia).

  The instructions say both that is was devised by Lake Macquarie Juniors. And by Charles Park.


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-18 11:05:51.897191+00
name: Ladies of the Glen, The
ucname: LADIES OF THE GLEN
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8448/8888
notes:
  The title is from Walter Scott's poem Glenfinlas:

  *E'en the tired pilgrim's burning feet*  
  *At noon shall shun that sheltering den,*  
  *Lest, journeying in their rage he meet*  
  *The wayward Ladies of the Glen.*  


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-18 20:43:17.459318+00
name: Kiss me quick, my Mither's coming
ucname: KISS ME QUICK MY MITHERS COMING
intensity_bars: 408 408 888 800
devised: 1748-01-01
notes:
  In the 1938 original edition of Book 12 the title of this dance was "Kiss Quick, My Mither's Coming"


created: 2021-05-26 23:23:11.029625+00
last_modified: 2021-05-30 09:22:23.030909+00
name: John Clark's Jig
ucname: JOHN CLARKS JIG
intensity_bars: 800/866/866/888
devised: 2011-10-01
notes:
  Devised by Ann Campbell in October 2011 for John Clark, to thank him for always rearranging the furniture at the Board meetings so that I have a desk for my papers and a place to stand where I feel I am part of the group.


created: 2003-01-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-19 02:36:41.153826+00
name: Tucked into Edinburgh's Canongate
ucname: TUCKED INTO EDINBURGHS CANONGATE
notes:
  A few steps away from Holyrood Palace and well within frowning distance of John Knox's house, is a unique shop. Tucked into Edinburgh's Canongate, it is the only one in Britain to specialize in selling playing cards. I wondered that the shop would be so close to John Knox's house. Wouldn't he have disapproved? At his time the Kirk had banned playing cards as an invention of the devil. I wonder what John Knox would have said on learning he was depicted as the Joker in one pack! The earliest record of playing cards was aroWld 1370, although it is thought the Chinese played cards in the 10th century. I wondered why hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs were the symbols on cards. I learned that these were generally believed to have come from the French - hearts for the church and scholarships, diamonds for merchants, spades for the military and clubs for the peasants.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-19 10:54:31.983742+00
name: King's Causeway, The
ucname: KINGS CAUSEWAY
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888/888
notes:
  For Win and John Baldwin.

  According to the notes, the road leading southwards from Tain is known as the King's Causeway, a name which commemorates the regular pilgrimages of King James IV to the shrine of St Duthac in that town.


created: 2002-08-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-19 16:38:10.094116+00
name: Kilt Maker, The
ucname: KILT MAKER
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8440/8004
notes:
  To Dot Stein, whose enthusiasm, creativity, and tailoring knowledge were instrumental in outfitting our group, and others, in Scottish regalia.


created: 1998-01-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-19 16:47:10.615596+00
name: Kicking Horse, The
ucname: KICKING HORSE
intensity_bars: 66/88/88/88
devised: 1983-01-01
notes:
  Drewry writes that this dance was "for the dancers of Alberta, Canada who invited me to teach at Banff Springs. Unfortunately, when I chose the name, I did not realise that The Kicking Horse Pass was over the provincial boundary in British Columbia!"


created: 2001-10-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-21 21:09:08.621689+00
name: By Candlelight
ucname: BY CANDLELIGHT
intensity_bars: 822/888/888/822
notes:
  As per the leaflet posted on the Scottish Country Dance Teachers' Association (Canada) website:

  Devised - "Between 1972 and 1982"

  Note - "The title was originally "A(nother) Candle for Mary" but was changed, at Mary's request, to "By Candlelight".  The original probably sounded religious rather than like a Birthday Greeting!"

  Other notes:

  The dance was devised by John Drewry with the name "A Candle for Mary" for Mary Prentice's Birthday.  The sheet bears a handwritten note "Name Changed at Mary's request to:- "By Candlelight". Mary was a local SCD Teacher. The name "A Candle for Mary" has been kept as an alias because the dance is known by some under that name, and copies of the original sheet are still in circulation.

  The dance was devised in the 1970ies, but the actual year is unknown.


created: 1997-12-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-23 12:05:49.470934+00
name: Johnny Lad
ucname: JOHNNY LAD
notes:
  The dance is named for the first tune on the track <<ddrec:Bothy Ballads>> reccorded by <<ddp:MacLeod, Jim and his Band#3009>>.


created: 1997-09-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-23 12:22:26.056212+00
name: Johnny Lad
ucname: JOHNNY LAD
intensity_bars: 884/888/880/822
notes:
  The instructions mention the tune as "Johnny Lad".  SCDDB currently links one called "Johnnie Lad". The ABC tune finder lists both names possibly for different tunes. It is not clear if SCDDB is currently suggesting the wrong one.


created: 1998-05-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-23 20:07:16.521396+00
name: John Paul Jones
ucname: JOHN PAUL JONES
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/822
devised: 1964-01-01
notes:
  Drewry writes in the notes to the dance that "John Paul was born in 1747 at Kirkbean in Kirkcudbrightshire. For a time he was apprenticed to a Whitehaven merchant. He assumed the name Jones when he settled in Virginia. He joined the American Navy in 1775, and in 1778 he led the famous surprise attack against Whitehaven. The motions in the dance represent the confusion in the town when it was attacked."


created: 1998-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-23 20:46:32.84719+00
name: Joe Foster's Jig
ucname: JOE FOSTERS JIG
intensity_bars: 484 686 802 808
devised: 1972-01-01
notes:
  The notes to the dance say that "Joe and Iris Foster, who retired to live in Perthshire, celebrated their Silver Wedding on March 4th 1972 with a ceilidh at Keyham Village Hall in Leicestershire. Lindsay Ross, who travelled down specially to celebrate with Joe and Iris, composed the tune "Joe Foster's Jig" for the occasion. Here is a Jig to go with the music."


created: 2005-08-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-28 00:11:41.987397+00
name: Snow on the Mountain
ucname: SNOW ON THE MOUNTAIN
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Devised 2003 by Lara Friedman-Shedlov for Audrey McClellan's novel "The White Rose of Scotland," the
  second in her trio of romance novels about life on the fictional island of Eilean Dubh.  
  I believe the original deviser of the formation "petronella double triangles" was John Bowie Dickson, in
  the dance "Pinewoods Reel."


created: 1998-04-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-25 12:21:05.246666+00
name: Jewel in the Navel, The
ucname: JEWEL IN THE NAVEL
intensity_bars: 880/808/888/844
devised: 1995-06-01
notes:
  The notes say this is "for Dr. Heinz Duewell of Newcastle N.S.W." and a footnote explains that Heinz divides Scottish Country dancers into two categories:

    1. Below the navel dancers: who are most concerned with perfection of footwork and technique;

    2. Above the navel dancers: who dance for the joy of moving to stirring music and meeting like minded people.  


created: 2001-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-26 09:16:51.982266+00
name: Irish Rover, The
ucname: IRISH ROVER
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/844
notes:
  ##>>
  A dance written to the well-known Irish song about a mythical sailing ship:  
  *… an elegant craft, she was rigged fore and aft  
  And how the Trade Winds drove her  
  She had twenty-three masts and withstood several blasts  
  And they called her The Irish Rover*
  ##<<

  Note on “Lead or Dance on [1-4]”.  The original wording used by Cosh in “22 SCDs” was “lead”.  The RSCDS republished the dance in "Thirty  Popular Dances Vol.2" in November 2019. Page 36, and used “Dance”.  So that is now the correct handing.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-30 11:38:51.834333+00
name: Lamont Of Cowal
ucname: LAMONT OF COWAL
intensity_bars: 844/844/844/800
devised: 1991-05-12
notes:
  The notes say that "according to Highland tradition the Lamonts were the most ancient proprietors of Cowal."

  The <<ddpub:Blue Book#604>> gives the music as "The Isle". Recordings with that name are actually Jigs whereas this dance is described as a Reel.


created: 1997-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-27 22:07:32.79418+00
name: Holland Park
ucname: HOLLAND PARK
devised: 1981-01-01
notes:
  The instructions suggest using either of the recordings La Flora or Tayport Beauty from the album for book 27.

  In the notes, George Swirles reports that the dance was introduced "at a session of Scottish Country Dancing held in Holland Park, London, in 1981 for the entertainment of tourists in London who were invited to take part in many of the dances.... At Holland Park all nationalities danced and all ages. I have had partners varing from a delightful, little girl of about six or seven to a lady who must have been about 60 or more."


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-30 12:04:28.032816+00
name: Herring Bone
ucname: HERRING BONE
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/8440/8448
devised: 1990-06-01
notes:
  The <<ddpub:Blue Book#604>> gives the music as "Campbell's Hornpipe" as recorded by <<ddp:Frank Reid and his Band#2414>> on the album <<dda:Dance Time#149>> though that recording does not explicitly mention the tune "<<ddt:Campbell's Hornpipe#237>>" (possibly just missing from SCDDB listing?).

  However the <<ddpub:Kiwi Book#695>> suggests <<ddrec:Buchan Gate#1998>> by the <<ddp:Olympians Scottish Dance Band#3024>>.


created: 1997-09-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-30 10:33:56.738363+00
name: Thane of Argyle
ucname: THANE OF ARGYLE
intensity_bars: 888/800/822/888
devised: 1991-04-26
notes:
  The instructions in the <<ddpub:Blue Book#604>> give the music as "Baldy Bain's Fiddle" on the record <<dda:Ready...And!#206>> by <<ddp:Brown, Bobby #2085>>. It is assumed the track normally spelled as "Bauldy Bain's Fiddle" is intended.


created: 1998-04-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-01 19:41:14.61288+00
name: Abegweit
ucname: ABEGWEIT
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  Pronounced "A-beg-wait"

  Abegweit is the Micmac (now referred to as Mi'kmaq) name for Prince Edward Island and means "cradled upon the waters".

  This dance is one part of a set of three Scottish country dances devised to mark the Canada Winter Games hosted by Prince Edward Island in February 1991 and in support of the Island Tourist Theme for 1991 - The Road to the Isle.  The other dances in this set are Midwinter and Marylou's Reel.

  At the request of the PEI Scottish Country Dancers, J. Duncan Keppie composed the tune Rustico for this dance.


created: 2001-04-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-01 20:55:42.168839+00
name: Haddo House
ucname: HADDO HOUSE
intensity_bars: 822 800 866 888
notes:
  The notes say that  Haddo House near Tarves was gifted to the National Trust in 1978 on the death of David Gordon, Lord Aberdeen. The movements of the dance represent the two wings of the house.


created: 1997-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-02 10:45:34.098335+00
name: Ettrick Shepherd, The
ucname: ETTRICK SHEPHERD
notes:
  For Hazel and Alan Ashment.

  According to the notes, the poet, James Hogg (1770 - 1835) was known as The Ettrick Shepherd.

  The starting positions are 3,2,1 on the men's side and 1,2,3 on the women's side and their progression is 1,3,2 and 2,3,1 respectively.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-02 10:56:37.348898+00
name: Greyfriar's Bobby
ucname: GREYFRIARS BOBBY
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
notes:
  Near Greyfriars Church in Edinburgh stands a fountain in memory of Greyfriars Bobby, a faithful terrier, who watched over his master's grave for fourteen years.


created: 2003-01-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-02 11:37:04.616621+00
name: Granny Knot, The
ucname: GRANNY KNOT
intensity_bars: 888/880/848/840
notes:
  The notes say this dance was "written for Dr. Peter McBryde, a teacher, and his wife, Marion, who have contributed much to Scottish Country Dancing in Canada through the Teachers' Association and Tactalk."

  A footnote explains that a Reef Knot tied incorrectly is known as a 'Granny Knot'. In the S.C.D. formation called 'The Knot', dancers turn with the left hands back to places, whereas in the last 4 bars of this dance they turn to places with the right hands, suggesting the above title.


created: 2002-05-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-02 23:57:11.529341+00
name: Heathcote Hall
ucname: HEATHCOTE HALL
intensity_bars: 884/888/822/888
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  According to the notes for the dance "Heathcote Hall is a house that was built in the 1860's not long after the Illawarra railway line was constructed. When the dance was written, the front of the dance devisor's home faced the Hall across the street. (The devisor has now moved). The part of Heathcote containing the Hall is within an enclave in the Royal National Park and its gazebo tower used to be used for a fire lookout."


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-03 14:22:04.350032+00
name: Glenfinnan Reel, The
ucname: GLENFINNAN REEL
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/844
notes:
  One of a set of three dances (reel, jig and strathspey) comprising the Glenfinnan signature dances which were premiered as a medley at the Gala Day in Hamilton, Ontario in May 1976.


created: 2001-08-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-05 10:25:42.561836+00
name: Get Weaving
ucname: GET WEAVING
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 1994-07-01
notes:
  "For Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas of Santa Rosa, California, who have acquired a loom to get weaving at home."


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-05 10:50:18.300204+00
name: Geneva Park
ucname: GENEVA PARK
devised: 1965-07-01
notes:
  The notes say this was devised in July 1965 for our annual Branch Weekend held at Geneva Park, Lake Couchiching, in September. The entry into the lead-up after reel of four requires care.

  The instructions also say this is for "3 couples in four couple set". However 1st couple end in 4th place with 4th couple stepping up, so for SCDDB this is a 4 couple dance with progression 2341.


created: 2001-11-20 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-05 11:24:34.197632+00
name: Geese in the Bog, The
ucname: GEESE IN THE BOG
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/888
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  The notes for the dance say that "the name of the tune seemed to fit the dance. conjuring up images of strings of geese meandering aimlessly yet purposefully, all the time lost."


created: 2015-01-22 12:32:00.899898+00
last_modified: 2021-06-05 11:42:00.358775+00
name: Gardener's Delight, The
ucname: GARDENERS DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 888/880/888/800/880
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Suggested Music: Spring Chicken recorded by David Cunningham on The Silver Thistle Collection CD.

  The notes say this dance is for "Carol Anderson who contributes so much to keep the Sutton Coldfield RSCDS running smoothly and the memory of Barry Priddey’s dances alive by organising an annual workshop of his dances. She enjoys her garden as much as her dancing hence the title."


created: 1997-11-18 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-06 10:10:24.79766+00
name: Frost and Snow
ucname: FROST AND SNOW
intensity_bars: 80 88 44 88
notes:
  Frost and Snow (together with A Trip to Glasgow) were the two new dances taught by Jean Milligan at the Palace of Art in Glasgow on 3 December 1977. Jean Milligan died in 1978 and this was the last time she taught in Glasgow.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-19 21:21:46.192795+00
name: Darling Diversion, The
ucname: DARLING DIVERSION
intensity_bars: 8440/8880/8464/8088
devised: 1991-05-06
notes:
  According to the dance notes, during the latter half of the 18th century, Scottish Dancing was known as the Darling Diversion.


created: 1997-09-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-09 10:55:44.135977+00
name: Laggan Falls, The
ucname: LAGGAN FALLS
notes:
  For Phil Bowlen of Bundoora.

  The Laggan Falls are on the Isle of Mull, two miles to the north of Ulva Ferry, near the shores of Loch Tuath.


created: 2018-06-11 09:15:11.252059+00
last_modified: 2021-06-06 11:25:26.308082+00
name: White Tornado, The
ucname: WHITE TORNADO
intensity_bars: 888/800/880/844
devised: 2011-05-01
notes:
  This dance is for my second cat, Ajax. Ajax was purported to be a pure-bred Persian without papers. He was a long-haired white cat with a slightly pushed-in face, but without the extreme features of a Persian. I found him in a newspaper ad, and the day I picked him up he earned his name.  
  I was driving home with him in a cardboard carrying case when I stopped to pick something up at the store (only away 10 minutes really). When I returned he was nowhere in sight. After searching the car multiple times, I started driving sadly home, when I heard him crying. He had crawled up behind the dashboard. I finally extracted him by opening the glove compartment and pulling him out. At that time the ad for Ajax Cleanser called it the ‘white tornado’ and I felt it applied to my little white kitten.  
  He was loving and fun and had a great time teasing Misty.


created: 2013-03-15 23:47:17.355862+00
last_modified: 2021-06-06 11:55:33.215555+00
name: Portsonachan
ucname: PORTSONACHAN
intensity_bars: 800 800 880 880
devised: 2013-03-16
notes:
  1-8 First couple dance a figure of eight on the sides, first woman in front of the second, and behind the third; first man similarly. Hands should be given where possible.

  9-16 First couple dances a figure of eight across the dance around the second couple.

  17-24 First and second couples dance four hands across and back, finishing in the centre ready for a poussette.

  25-32 First and second couples dance a poussette.

  Repeat, having passed a couple.

  Devised 16th March 2013. This is a teaching dance for our influx of beginners who were having dificulty with figures of eight across/on the sides. Plus I had just taught poussette. Portsonachan means \port of peace", and is a Hotel on Loch Awe where Kristin and I stayed during Easter 2012. The setting is quite lovely, and we had a great time, while experiencing a rather surreal (but friendly) hotel experience involving lost bookings, cold water, delightfully eccentric Spanish waiter, remarkable furniture and many other adventures. 


created: 2021-06-07 16:05:42.152965+00
last_modified: 2021-06-07 16:05:42.152965+00
name: Ngaio Gold
ucname: NGAIO GOLD
notes:
  To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ngaio SCD Club. The original tune (name unknown) was composed by Aileen Logie.

  Source: <<https://youtu.be/mKwK0FGn2oU|youtube video>>.


created: 1999-10-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-08 09:26:31.554661+00
name: Finlay Stewart Skinner
ucname: FINLAY STEWART SKINNER
intensity_bars: 844 844 888 880
notes:
  The notes say that "the original tune for this dance was commissioned by Heidi Skinner for her husband, Finlay. Finlay, originally from Edinburgh, was recently enveigled into Scottish Country Dancing by Heidi, son Colin and daughter Sheena, all enthusiastic dancers with the Basel group in Switzerland."


created: 2002-12-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-11 20:24:30.800152+00
name: Ewan Telford's Strathspey
ucname: EWAN TELFORDS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8448
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  The notes for the dance say that "Alison commissioned the tune for her husband Ewan's Christmas in 1990. She devised the dance for his birthday in January 1991."


created: 1998-03-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-12 09:48:10.664696+00
name: Ellie's Jig
ucname: ELLIES JIG
intensity_bars: 432 432 880 880
devised: 1990-04-06
notes:
  The dance, named for the devisor's wife Ellie, was first taught at the Lethbridge, Alberta, Workshop, April 6-8, 1990. 

  The idea for the non-progressive Knot occurred simultaneously to Ellie and me while we were watching a Knot being performed one evening. An alternative name for the figure is the "Slip Knot."


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-12 09:57:58.657255+00
name: Ellen's Request
ucname: ELLENS REQUEST
notes:
  Arrangement: two couple longwise set with an extra person in the centre:  
  ....Top....  
  1M....1W  
  ......C......  
  2M....2W  


created: 2002-05-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-12 10:37:09.340974+00
name: Ben Wyvis
ucname: BEN WYVIS
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844/888
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  Devised in 1994 to celebrate the 18th Anniversary of The Thistle Society, Wigan, and dedicated to the Chairman and Members of the Daten Scottish Country Dance Society.


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-13 08:13:05.516961+00
name: Dunsinane
ucname: DUNSINANE
intensity_bars: 880 866 866 866
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description the following teaching note:

  *At the end of their second turn, 1st couple dance down to fourth place on
  Bars 31- 32, while 4th couple *_cast_* up to third place ready to stand
  while the new 2nd and 1st couples dance the figure of eight round them.*


created: 1997-09-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-13 08:31:18.800738+00
name: Dundee Civic Jig
ucname: DUNDEE CIVIC JIG
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/800
notes:
  Dedicated, with kind permission of Lord Provost Martin McManus, to the city of Dundee on the occasion of Dundee's first "Civic Week".


created: 2001-07-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 16:07:43.438359+00
name: Aad's Farewell to Delft
ucname: AADS FAREWELL TO DELFT
intensity_bars: 6666/6666/8080/0808/8080/0808/8888/8888
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  Dance devised for Aad Boode on the occasion of his departure to Dublin, July 1997. To thank Aad for all he did for the Delft Branch during 28 years.


created: 1997-12-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-13 09:57:47.725227+00
name: Sir James Hamilton
ucname: SIR JAMES HAMILTON
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/888
notes:
  Wikipedia has a long <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hamilton_of_Finnart|article>> about James Hamilton of Finnart. The notes to the dance mention his building Craignethan Castle.


created: 2002-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-20 00:01:16.197896+00
name: Twenty-Eighth (28th) July
ucname: TWENTYEIGHTH 28TH JULY
intensity_bars: 8448/8008/4664/6666
devised: 1990-07-01
notes:
  In the Tiki Book, the recommended music is given as the recording "Round About Hullachan" (with lead tune The Reel of Tulloch) whereas in the Red Book the recording "The Clints of Dromore" is suggested.

  Also the last four bars were revised between the versions in the two books.


created: 2021-05-03 10:09:33.578929+00
last_modified: 2021-06-17 08:55:09.818169+00
name: Teddy went for Honey
ucname: TEDDY WENT FOR HONEY
notes:
  Dedicated to Angie who joined to our online dance group with her teddy bear. Angie is the most genuine person, always gives a smile to everyone. I am looking forward to dancing with her in real life as well.

  In the "figure of H" setting in bars 17-20 and 25-28 the joined hands should be across and on the sides, making an H shape in 4 bars.  
  2 ..... 1 --- 3  
   .. L .. R .. L  
  2 --- 1 ..... 3  
  to  
  2 --- 1 ..... 3  
   .. L .. R .. L  
  2 ..... 1 --- 3  


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-13 11:20:02.201606+00
name: Westerly Wind
ucname: WESTERLY WIND
devised: 1991-04-16
notes:
  When published in the <<ddpub:Green Book#755>> the music was given as Crieff Fair. In the <<ddpub:Lion Rampant Book#700>> this was changed to a recording of Nottingham Lace.

  The two versions also differ choreographically with the Green Book version having 2nd & 3rd couples also active in bars 1-8 whereas the Lion Rampant version has them standing for 8 bars.


created: 1997-08-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-14 23:14:40.201244+00
name: Springer Fling, The
ucname: SPRINGER FLING
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  The notes for the dance say that "anyone who's seen Chris Springer dance, knows that he loves to fling the kilt in a rousing reel or jig..."


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-15 08:42:01.442916+00
name: Ellwyn's Fairy Glen
ucname: ELLWYNS FAIRY GLEN
intensity_bars: 888/800/844/844
notes:
  Although not in the original instructions, clapping three times in bars 26 and 28 as 1st couple cross has become a popular variation.


created: 2003-01-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-15 21:04:30.278393+00
name: Man Of Kent's Jig
ucname: MAN OF KENTS JIG
notes:
  The notes say this was "written for one of my favourite people, Dr. Frank H. Morgan, whose ancestry dates back to the Men of Kent, and his two grandchildren, Sarah and Kate, (fair maids of Kent)."


created: 1999-12-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-15 22:43:36.524301+00
name: Dear Green Place
ucname: DEAR GREEN PLACE
intensity_bars: 844/888/844/888
notes:
  The dances notes say that one explanation for the name 'Glasgow' is that at the time of the city's foundation in the sixth century by Saint Mungo it was known by its Celtic name Glaschu meaning 'dar green place'.


created: 1999-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-16 14:02:09.358114+00
name: Jingling Geordie
ucname: JINGLING GEORDIE
notes:
  The notes say that the 62430 in the full name of the dance refers to the number of a 4-4-0 "SC0TT" class locomotive (called Jingling Geordie).


created: 2021-05-03 10:00:06.907961+00
last_modified: 2021-06-16 23:11:43.448979+00
name: Fantastic Grannies
ucname: FANTASTIC GRANNIES
devised: 2020-05-01
notes:
  Dedicated to our lovely dancer Lorna, who turned to a Granny in May 2020. The dance was designed to be able to dance during the lockdown, 2 meters apart (no progression, if it is danced by one couple, they are suggested to be in diagonal position).

  The title of the dance refers to all those lovely people who keep our dancing society together and make everyone so welcomed in the dance, as you are part of the family.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-18 21:59:30.072093+00
name: Cruives of Cree, The
ucname: CRUIVES OF CREE
intensity_bars: 800/822/888/888
notes:
  The notes explain that "the wooded stretch of the River Cree, known as the Cruives of Cree, is situated four miles north-west of Newton Stewart."


created: 2003-01-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-18 08:22:45.332557+00
name: Dance with Your Soul
ucname: DANCE WITH YOUR SOUL
intensity_bars: 8228/8888/8888/8488
devised: 1984-01-01
notes:
  The dedication, explaining the title, reads "This was a favourite expression of Miss Jean Milligan of Scotland, who, along with Mrs. Ysobel Stewart, was responsible for the revival of SCD in 1923. She made you want to lift your feet off the floor and truly dance with your soul. She often said, 'Dancing is a joyous thing and this must never be sacrificed to a preoccupation with drilling and detail.' We owe her much here in Canada and Ontario where the revival caught on and spread, and for her attention to detail reviving old dances, and setting up standards for teachers and dancers alike."


created: 1997-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-23 11:34:52.055004+00
name: McCormick's Reaper
ucname: MACCORMICKS REAPER
intensity_bars: 800/833/833/888
notes:
  Cyrus Hall McCormick, 1809-1884, perfected and got the credit for inventing the reaper which was
  originated by his father, Robert. The development of the reaper was responsible for much agrarian
  reform freeing many farmworkers to be a part of the work force joining in the great industrial growth of this nation. Cyrus, a Virginian, was of Scotch-Irish descent. His great grandfather, Thomas McCormick emigrated from Ulster in 1734. His mother, Mary Ann Hall was also Scotch-Irish.


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-19 10:33:06.872456+00
name: Craigower
ucname: CRAIGOWER
devised: 1980-09-01
notes:
  From the notes: "Craigower, at Pitlochry, is approximately 1300 ft high and is climbed by way of quiet road, woodland footpath and the final steep ascent over heather to reach the summit where there are excellent views of the surrounding countryside."


created: 2000-06-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-20 09:54:16.208224+00
name: Copenhagen Strathspey
ucname: COPENHAGEN STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8040 8000 8888
notes:
  Crib posted by Brian Charlton, of Sydney, Australia, 000621, saying. 'I have never seen the original instructions. The dance has connections with Sydney Branch because the Danish Consul and his wife started SCD with the Sydney Scottish Country Dance Circle and started(?) SCD in Copenhagen when they returned home. The Scottish Country Dance Circle was the foundation for the Sydney Branch, so that must have been before 1952. Capt. Bain was, I believe, a member of the Edinburgh Demonstration Team.'


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-04 15:51:09.603129+00
name: Fire In The Eastern Hills
ucname: FIRE IN THE EASTERN HILLS
notes:
  The dance "Fire in the Eastern Hills" recalls the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires in the Dandenong Ranges, east of Melbourne. (Source: Southern Stars Book, where the dance is published)


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-20 21:26:28.769934+00
name: Weasel, The
ucname: WEASEL
intensity_bars: 848/848/880
devised: 1990-07-01
notes:
  The version in <<ddpub:The Kiwi Book#695>> specifies the music as Calver Lodge. The earlier publication in <<ddpub:The Red Book#757>>  proposes <<ddrec:Kenmure's On and Awa'#930>>.

  The introduction to <<ddpub:The Red Book#757>> says *the title comes from the T.V. series 'The Black Adder' and the immortal lines 'I have a plan so cunning you could pin a tail on it and call it a weasel'.*


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-20 23:21:31.761493+00
name: Commodore, The
ucname: COMMODORE
devised: 1990-10-23
notes:
  Skelton writes in the introduction to <<ddpub:Yellow Book#756>> that "as usual I was stuck for a name, and as all the dances have been written with the word processor on my Commodore Amiga Computer, I called it The Commodore."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-21 11:13:30.426951+00
name: Elizabethan Rant
ucname: ELIZABETHAN RANT
intensity_bars: 88880/83863/83863/80800/80800/88888
notes:
  "To celebrate the 21st Anniversary of the Elizabeth Scottish country Dance Group."

  The instructions do not specify which shoulder to pass to start the reel of four in bars 25-32 but as it is preceded and followed by LH turns, LSh reel would flow better.


created: 2021-06-21 20:55:10.0423+00
last_modified: 2021-06-21 20:55:10.0423+00
name: Viento, El
ucname: VIENTO
devised: 2000-06-02
notes:
  Inscribed to "the dancers in New Mexico on the occasion of their weekend Workshop and Ball, 2-4 June 2000".


created: 2021-06-21 21:03:00.09628+00
last_modified: 2021-06-21 21:03:00.09628+00
name: Trestle Bridge, The
ucname: TRESTLE BRIDGE
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/882
devised: 2002-04-01
notes:
  The notes mention the High Level Bridge at the entrance to the city of Lethbridge which was built in 1909 and is the longest and highest trestle bridge in the world.


created: 2021-06-21 21:08:07.432891+00
last_modified: 2021-06-21 21:10:58.264613+00
name: Shalimar
ucname: SHALIMAR
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/844
devised: 2001-09-01
notes:
  According to the dance notes "Shalimar is the name of my parents' home in Glasgow. The dance was devised to honour their 50th wedding anniversary on September 1, 2001."


