# dance

created: 2016-09-04 12:19:02.902028+00
last_modified: 2024-05-02 08:43:29.103529+00
name: 30th Anniversary Ball, The
ucname: 30TH ANNIVERSARY BALL
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  "The dance was written to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Los Angeles Branch and inspired by the visit of John Drewry"  (SCDDB Editor's note: the 30th anniversary was in 1996!)


created: 2019-12-13 13:07:07.003517+00
last_modified: 2024-05-02 22:33:59.431104+00
name: A.J.'s Jig
ucname: AJS JIG
intensity_bars: 880/808/808/888
devised: 2019-11-19
notes:
  For Andrew Clyde on the occasion of his 16th birthday on November 3, 2019. As his full name is Andrew John, his nickname is A.J. He and his family celebrated the event at the San Francisco branch’s annual Asilomar weekend workshop. Andrew shares his energy and enthusiasm on the dance floor with his partners and other dancers in the set. Such a joy!


created: 2019-02-28 19:13:21.23996+00
last_modified: 2024-05-02 23:03:58.474473+00
name: Of Quakes and Quaichs
ucname: OF QUAKES AND QUAICHS
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  For Donna Weidenfeller and Harry Andrews in celebration of their wedding. Donna is from Wisconsin originally but has been living in San Francisco, California for most of her adult life. Harry is from Edinburgh. They met several years ago in the San Francisco Scottish dance class and began a friendship that has grown deeper over time.  

  For the dance, they both requested the half turn and twirl figure (bars 18-22, 23-26). I added the California twirl variation (bars 5-6), and the two-handed turn which is a nod to the quaich often used in Scottish weddings.


created: 2017-05-27 16:06:54.967305+00
last_modified: 2024-05-03 23:52:13.686451+00
name: Something Blue
ucname: SOMETHING BLUE
intensity_bars: 880/833/877/822
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Written for Kim Jorgensen & Kathy Wendell's nuptials.

  The first six bars represent something old (setting on the sidelines), something new (petronella in tandem, a relatively new figure), and something borrowed (from The Rose Garden).

  Copyright 2014 by Russ King. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for verbatim reproduction and nonprofit distribution of this leaflet provided that this notice remains intact.
  ______________
  Traditionally, every San Francisco Class Solstice Party program includes a dance devised by or for a class member. Russ King has been a regular dancer in our class for many years and has contributed many dances for our Solstice Parties.


created: 2014-11-05 11:14:28.272016+00
last_modified: 2024-05-04 01:06:38.29515+00
name: Margaret Mitchell's Rant
ucname: MARGARET MITCHELLS RANT
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8448/8008
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  Tune: A free-spirited jig with some swing 

  Note: Margaret Mitchell has been a mainstay of several branch event committees in her many years of dancing. Oftentimes, she is the first person to arrive at these events, the last to leave, and the go-to person for directions. I’ve called the dance a “rant” as a tongue-in-cheek reference to her customary good grace and teamwork. That’s not to say that she doesn’t rave—but she usually keeps the ranting to a minimum. 

  Revised November 3, 2011.  ©2011 by Tim Wilson. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for verbatim reproduction and non-profit distribution of this leaflet, provided that this notice remains intact.


created: 2014-08-18 14:17:44.658472+00
last_modified: 2024-05-04 04:56:05.459865+00
name: State of Grace
ucname: STATE OF GRACE
intensity_bars: 880/800/822/888
devised: 2012-02-07
notes:
  Written in memory of Polly Paterson who passed away on January 29, 2012. Polly was a loyal and enthusiastic member of the Berkeley class. She attended dances all over and served on the branch board. Her enjoyment of SCD was reflected in her ready smile and the encouragement she shared with all in her set. I’ve borrowed 8 bars from Adieu Mon Ami as a tribute to a friend and dancer who is sorely missed.


created: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-04 05:33:28.132791+00
name: Bill McIver's Fancy
ucname: BILL MACIVERS FANCY
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/888
devised: 2010-05-03
notes:
  This dance was devised for Bill and Carolyn McIver of Reno, Nevada. For several years they have hosted a number of dancers in their home for the annual Truckee, California workshop. They are the consummate hosts and really see to the well-being of each guest. Bill is a gourmet chef; so the vittles are always top-notch. I won't even touch on his Scotch collection but you can imagine. What is a special pleasure is to see the loving care that Bill and Carolyn show each other in many small ways. It is clear that they still fancy one another quite a bit.


created: 2022-01-10 17:14:17.13573+00
last_modified: 2024-05-04 10:29:57.076878+00
name: Nelson's Flower
ucname: NELSONS FLOWER
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/844
notes:
  Devised for Janet Tavener.  
   
  With grateful thanks of her generosity and hospitality when we had an unexpected stopover in Nelson, New 
  Zealand.  
    
  The flower in the dance title refers to the Bird of Paradise flower that Janet has growing in her front garden, 
  which  I  admired  greatly  when  we  stayed  with  her.  The  opening  out  in  bars  5-8  is  meant  to  represent  the flowering of the Bird of Paradise flower.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-04 13:57:12.287093+00
name: Lincoln Reel, The
ucname: LINCOLN REEL
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 888
devised: 1968-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "This dance is dedicated to all those who made the Summer School held at Lincoln College In December 1967/January 1968 such a pleasant event."


created: 2024-05-04 14:09:59.616535+00
last_modified: 2024-05-04 14:09:59.616535+00
name: 18th Twist
ucname: 18TH TWIST
notes:
  The individual young people named as devising this dance are: Amanda Turner, Paul Turner, Kirsty Critchley, Josephine O'Rielly, Rebecca Joyce, Shannon Thomas, Alaa Khawaja, Hope Nightingale, Charlotte Bleasdale, Rossanna Jackson.


created: 2024-05-04 14:23:06.16452+00
last_modified: 2024-05-04 14:23:06.16452+00
name: Formby Orbitals
ucname: FORMBY ORBITALS
notes:
  The notes say that "Bars 49-56 represent an '18'  when view from the top of the set to mark the 18th Wigan Festival of Scottish Country Dancing for Young People.


created: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 06:56:36.897998+00
name: Stargazers
ucname: STARGAZERS
devised: 2009-07-04
notes:
  This dance was presented to Jane Turton and Michael Gregg on the occasion of  their wedding on July 4, 2009. One can easily see the stars in their eyes when they look at one another. On top of  that, Michael is an astronomer by profession.


created: 1999-05-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 10:16:39.100884+00
name: Lot To Answer For, A
ucname: LOT TO ANSWER FOR
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/888
devised: 1992-08-29
notes:
  The notes say with was devised "with more than a slight nod to the original 'Polygamedley' crew.

  The dance is "Inscribed to Morag Abbott, whose comment, 'Why don't we go to St. Catharines together for our Prelim?' started it all. You have a lot to answer for, Morag- and I can't thank you enough."


created: 1999-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 10:24:50.648187+00
name: Another SCD Wedding
ucname: ANOTHER SCD WEDDING
intensity_bars: 8400/8400/8880/8448
devised: 1991-10-04
notes:
  The notes say this was devised "for the wedding of Marianne Deal and Davie Yule, 4 October 1991 and revised for the wedding of Vicky Allie and Sean Richardson, 3 June 1995 - hence the title."


created: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 07:00:40.629574+00
name: Granville Bridge
ucname: GRANVILLE BRIDGE
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2008-05-13
notes:
  This dance was inspired by a visit to Vancouver, and the experience of walking from downtown Vancouver to Granville Island. The Granville Bridge appears on maps to go to the island, but in fact goes OVER the island. To walk to the island from downtown, it is necessary to walk past the island to the far shore before doubling back (represented by the first eight bars). The middle sixteen bars represent the bridge itself, and the last eight bars represent the hustle and bustle of the Granville Public Market.


created: 2006-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 08:26:28.142339+00
name: Langdon Knot, The
ucname: LANGDON KNOT
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/880
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  For Susie Langdon Kass on the occasion of her significant birthday. Susie's husband Sid commissioned the tune by Muriel Johnstone. Susie was my fIrst teacher (as she was for many dancers in the Bay Area) and is a tireless and enthusiastic promoter of Scottish Country Dancing. She is well known for teaching "The Langdon Knot" to any (and all) who have yet to learn this very secure way of tying shoelaces. The fIgure in bars 9-16 reminds me of tying a knot and is evocative of the central fIgure in John McAlpin, one of Susie's favorite dances. A Ramsay herself, another of Susie's favorites is Lady Lucy Ramsay, which is the source for the last 8 bars. (Tim Wilson)


created: 2009-08-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 08:37:34.58362+00
name: Magic of Merrill, The
ucname: MAGIC OF MERRILL
intensity_bars: 873 888 844 888
notes:
  Lead tune: I recommend the Cape Breton version of “Return from India,” as in Jerry Holland's (first) Collection of Fiddle Tunes. Be warned that early editions of this collection have a repeat mark at the end of bar 8 that you should ignore; the first eight bars are A, the remaining four bars repeated are B, and you make 32 bars by playing ABAB. Note also that Jerry or his Cape Breton colleagues have altered the tune significantly from the older version that is found on page 8 of Kerr’s First Collection of Merry Melodies, including swapping the A and B parts.


created: 2009-08-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 09:07:12.356871+00
name: Kathleen McAdam's Scroll
ucname: KATHLEEN MACADAMS SCROLL
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Written to celebrate Kathleen McAdam who received the Scroll of Honour from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in 2007. Kathleen’s patient teaching, encouragement, and infectious good humor have enriched the San Francisco branch and Scottish dancing worldwide. For many years she has taught a youth class and this dance is intended to be suitable for young dancers.

  One of Kathleen’s favorite figures is hands round and back due to its sociability. 
  Those who know her will recall that her talk-throughs for dances are sometimes 8 bars short until she remembers rights and lefts. Tongue firmly planted in cheek, I’ve included rights and lefts here. But Kathleen, don’t worry, only the corners dance it; the 1s don’t have to remember rights and lefts at all.


created: 2011-12-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 09:14:31.811227+00
name: Basic Knitting
ucname: BASIC KNITTING
devised: 2007-10-01
notes:
  Traditionally, every San Francisco Class Solstice Party program includes a dance devised by or for a class member.
  Michael Iachini started dancing last year (2006-2007).


created: 2001-09-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 09:22:50.106359+00
name: Elusive Muse, The
ucname: ELUSIVE MUSE
intensity_bars: 640 800 804 888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Official Alias: Easily Led

  For Bruce Herbold on the occasion of his 50th birthday. A wonderful teacher, fellow dance devisor, and fish biologist, I had intended to surprise him with a dance on his 49th birthday but the muse was too elusive. This time she stayed just long enough. This dance pays homage to two of his fishy favorites: The Duran Ranger and The Salmonfield Poacher. “Easily Led” is a reference to one of his favorite teaching exercises which is to brief either the women or the men and have them lead their partners through a dance with non-verbal cues.

  In the interesting discussion on the "Strathspey" list in november 2015, about bars 9-16 

  (which read 9-16:  1st couple dance down the middle for 4 bars with nearer hands joined, on bars 13-14  1st woman dances under their raised arms and in front of her partner (as he dances below her) to switch places and face up, on bars 15-16 they dance up to third place to face 3rd woman.)

  Tim Wilson wrote: 

  "My short answer: the text of The Elusive Muse should stay as is. I believe the description
  of the turning movement is clear. (Please correct me if I am wrong.) It is what I intended
  when I wrote the dance.

  My long answer for those who are interested.  Yes, the dance is a nod to The Duran Ranger and to the way I learned that movement which was before the clarifications had been published or were (as) widely known. The description of The Elusive Muse uses nearer hands because 1st couple is on opposite sides
  to begin the turning movement...and because my own feeling about the movement (man dancing below his partner) is that it is more easily/gracefully accomplished when nearer hands are joined. 

  As Duncan has noted, the movement seems to have an equal chance of going the right way and the "other right" way. Since it is only danced by 1st couple in The Elusive Muse, the most important thing is that 1st couple switch sides to face up without injury (and ideally with grace). :-)"


created: 1997-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 17:31:59.792852+00
name: Oregon Trail, The
ucname: OREGON TRAIL
notes:
  The dance may be interpreted to suggest the Oregon Trail thusly: 

   Bars 

   1-8    Wagon wheels. 

   9-20   Forming wagon trains and crossing the plains. 

  21-28   Helping   one   another   to    cross  mountains and rivers.
   
  29-32   Circling the wagons for safety.


created: 2022-08-22 20:32:35.23406+00
last_modified: 2024-05-06 22:24:58.653549+00
name: Nurse Dent
ucname: NURSE DENT
intensity_bars: 880/804/804/888
devised: 2022-05-01
notes:
  This dance is for John Dent, a regular at Gay Gordons classes in London for many years and a participant at the Gay Gordons residential events at Laurieston Hall near Castle Douglas, Scotland. Those weeks usually included a cabaret night. One year we had several medics who produced a short shadow show of an operation going horribly wrong. John stole the show with a comic psycho performance as knife wielding Nurse Dent - an unforgettable memory of those gatherings.


created: 1998-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-07 09:23:20.160803+00
name: Peanut Butter and Jelly
ucname: PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY
intensity_bars: 440/440/800/888
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for my children's class where I could only count on 6 dancers, hence a dance for three couples. I was delighted when Carolyn Hunt suggested the name "Peanut Butter and Jelly". (DC)


created: 2024-05-12 16:31:24.320794+00
last_modified: 2024-05-15 07:17:14.784249+00
name: Merveille de Méaudre, La
ucname: MERVEILLE DE MEAUDRE
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
devised: 2024-04-01
notes:
  This dance is for Sophie Marchand who set up <<http://www.meaudre-reel.org/en/historique.html|Méaudre Reel>>, a thriving Scottish Country Dance group in Méaudre which is in the mountainous Vercors Massif near Grenoble.


created: 1999-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-16 08:32:32.449906+00
name: Rowan Tree, The
ucname: ROWAN TREE
intensity_bars: 80800/63663/63663/80888
devised: 1995-03-15
notes:
  <<scddb-not-identical:5726;5727;14296>>

  "Inscribed to Lori Rowan for all those intense SCD discussions at 3 a.m."


created: 2024-05-14 12:22:49.433085+00
last_modified: 2024-11-26 05:41:13.32048+00
name: Macbeth Macfinley's Jig
ucname: MACBETH MACFINLEYS JIG
intensity_bars: 800/800/811/888
notes:
  Macbeth is today best known as the main character of William Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth, and the many works that it has inspired. However, Shakespeare's Macbeth is based on Holinshed's Chronicles (published in 1577) but differs in numerous ways.  

  Macbeth established himself on the throne in1040 and was killed in a battle in 1057. He was buried on Iona, the traditional resting place of Scottish kings. I am a descendant of Macbeth and I named the dance to commemorate him in Scottish


created: 2024-05-11 07:15:35.284111+00
last_modified: 2024-05-13 10:14:10.253921+00
name: Wizard's 85th, The
ucname: WIZARDS 85TH
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/844
devised: 2024-04-01
notes:
  This dance was written in honor of the 85th anniversary of the movie The Wizard of OZ which is one of my favorite movies.


created: 2024-05-13 10:37:05.708617+00
last_modified: 2024-05-13 10:37:05.708617+00
name: Monumental Moment, A
ucname: MONUMENTAL MOMENT
intensity_bars: 8888/2828/8888/8888
devised: 2024-02-01
notes:
  The dance is written for Cath Monument's special birthday and presented at her Cancer Research UK Marian Anderson dance on 27th April 2024. A Truly Monumental Moment.
  The dance is lively because Cath enjoys dancing in a lively manner, but it is also deliberately quite straightforward.


created: 2021-08-02 03:00:31.044298+00
last_modified: 2024-12-08 16:47:30.383666+00
name: Bavarian Double
ucname: BAVARIAN DOUBLE
intensity_bars: 888888/888888/448844/448844
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Arthur Kingsland, based on J MacGregor-Brown Guide To SCD (ex-Collins) / Minicrib: Marney Wilson (one of the teachers at the Colleges class, one of the classes within the Hunter Valley Branch.


created: 2024-05-13 12:30:02.759751+00
last_modified: 2024-11-27 12:18:09.595228+00
name: Dancing Doctor, The
ucname: DANCING DOCTOR
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/Re_XLx94VtI|youtube video>>. The youtube comments say this is "dedicated to Marney Wilson on the occasion of a ‘significant birthday’. She is a doctor who is both a dancer and a teacher."


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-16 10:26:50.809064+00
name: Soldier's Leap, The
ucname: SOLDIERS LEAP
notes:
  The notes say this "was written after a trip to Killiecrankie, and an early suggestion for the finish of the Dance was that the First Man or Lady should lose a shoe at the end of the Petronella turn on bar 40!" See for example <<https://www.scottishhistory.org/blog/soldiers-leap-killiecrankie/>>.

  The patterns of the dance are split into four parts:  
  Bars 1 - 8: The Approach  
  Bars 9 -16: The Ambush  
  Bars 17 - 24: The Skirmish  
  Bars 33 - 40: The Escape


created: 2024-05-16 07:12:20.315131+00
last_modified: 2024-05-17 11:28:44.795445+00
name: Raise a Glass
ucname: RAISE A GLASS
intensity_bars: 880/866/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Written to go with Wouter Joubert’s tune *<<ddt:Toast to His Majesty, A#15728>>* celebrating King Charles the third becoming Patron of the RSCDS.


created: 2024-05-13 15:38:04.307182+00
last_modified: 2024-12-08 21:27:16.656477+00
name: Even More Guests at Mairi's Wedding
ucname: EVEN MORE GUESTS AT MAIRIS WEDDING
intensity_bars: 8080800/8686866/8686866/0808088/8484844
notes:
  Source <<https://youtu.be/0q4MTpJwJlg|youtube video>> where the comments note that it is based on “Mairi’s Wedding” by James B. Cosh and “The Guests at Mairi’s Wedding” by George Gaze.


created: 2024-05-14 12:20:08.506079+00
last_modified: 2024-12-09 10:46:33.934229+00
name: Écossaise, L'
ucname: ECOSSAISE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/2882/8888
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/RI6wFQTIK-w|youtube video>> where the comments say that "the dance was written for Catherine Bonner, who, for 24 years, taught the Gosford Class. Catherine was born in France of Scottish parents and la baratte was one of her favourite formations."


created: 2024-05-20 09:02:22.670255+00
last_modified: 2024-05-20 13:51:34.327021+00
name: Dancing with Yosef
ucname: DANCING WITH YOSEF
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2022-07-01
notes:
  Written for Blue Ridge Mountain Scottish Dance School held for the first time at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.  Great music, fantastic teachers and very friendly people.  A lovely experience.  This dance has several figures from dances taught during the classes.


created: 1998-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-20 15:53:42.482381+00
name: Helen's Shortbread
ucname: HELENS SHORTBREAD
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "to Helen Winton".

  The notes also explain that "The Otto family has five members. For many years, Helen has honored us on each of our birthdays with a batch of her marvelous shortbread. In addition, at Christmas, Helen's shortbread is prominent among the many other baked goodies she includes in our family gift package. Yum. Several year ago, we gave Helen a circular wooden shortbread mold, and ever since her shortbread gifts are circular."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-21 16:56:43.915074+00
name: Willie Shaw
ucname: WILLIE SHAW
notes:
  Early versions of the the updated online PDF of Whetherly Book 8 mistakenly had this as a reel (instead of strathspey). This has now been corrected.


created: 2018-08-13 16:29:40.826504+00
last_modified: 2024-05-23 22:54:13.212812+00
name: Glens of Antrim, The
ucname: GLENS OF ANTRIM
intensity_bars: 800/008/844/868
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed to Ruth and Alex Jappy of Delta, BC in celebration of all the fun and friendship they have brought to SCD over the years.


created: 2024-05-22 11:33:19.170233+00
last_modified: 2024-05-22 13:08:00.151203+00
name: Southernhay Reel
ucname: SOUTHERNHAY REEL
notes:
  Southernhay is a district of Exeter. See for example <<https://www.exetermemories.co.uk/em/_streets/southernhay.php>>.


created: 2024-05-22 17:36:47.388217+00
last_modified: 2024-05-23 02:03:19.869661+00
name: Their Snow Excuse
ucname: THEIR SNOW EXCUSE
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  Written when a snowstorm prohibited many dancers from attending class and there were only 3 dancers.


created: 2019-03-11 16:00:07.691719+00
last_modified: 2024-05-23 02:48:20.718621+00
name: Brooklyn Bridge
ucname: BROOKLYN BRIDGE
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2019-03-01
notes:
  The dance can also be done as a 3-couple dance in a 4-couple set. 1st couple dance the second time through from second place as usual, but with 2nd and 4th couples, and then they step to the bottom.  The progression is unusual because it is 3rd couple who stand out at the top, and 3rd couple who dance as 1st couple for the third and fourth times through.  After all eight times through, however, each couple has had their turn from each position.


created: 2024-05-23 10:29:04.358983+00
last_modified: 2024-05-23 10:29:04.358983+00
name: Road to Seydisfjordur, The
ucname: ROAD TO SEYDISFJORDUR
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Remembering a wonderful family trip to Iceland where my father and I took the
  winding road from Egilsstaðir to Seyðisfjörður (with my mother and brother staying behind in
  Egilsstaðir to do some shopping) to visit the famous blue church Seyðisfjörðurkirkja.


created: 2024-05-23 23:43:34.206944+00
last_modified: 2024-05-24 08:28:49.939786+00
name: Don't Spill the Wine
ucname: DONT SPILL THE WINE
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to the Pawling Weekend committee of 2024 for their amazing work in organizing a superb weekend! It has been written as a ceilidh act for the Pawling Weekend 2024 (New York, USA) in honor of French culture in line with the 2024 theme of the RSCDS “Dance Around the World”. Dancers in the demonstration team were asked to dance with a glass of wine and to not spill it while dancing.  
  Selected tunes in the set should be played 16 bars as slow air and 16 bars as reel.


created: 2024-05-24 08:41:11.927201+00
last_modified: 2024-05-24 08:43:40.928029+00
name: Angus Fitchet, Fiddler
ucname: ANGUS FITCHET FIDDLER
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  This was the winner of a competition, judged by musicians Chris Duncan and
  Catherine Strutt, for a dance to match their recording <<ddrec:Angus Fitchet, Fiddler#10804>>.


created: 2015-10-26 20:50:52.059267+00
last_modified: 2024-06-03 11:56:43.534464+00
name: Hazel's Salute to the Seventies
ucname: HAZELS SALUTE TO THE SEVENTIES
notes:
  The music for this dance was composed by John Barnes and the dance devised by Helen Beaney in celebration of the 70th birthday of Hazel Convery of the Dublin Scottish Country Dance Club.


created: 2011-12-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 09:56:03.95994+00
name: Florrie's Fancy
ucname: FLORRIES FANCY
intensity_bars: 8000 8000 8888 8888
devised: 2008-06-01
notes:
  The description says "A 32 bar jig for 3, 4 or 5 couples in a longwise set".  

  This dance was devised by Helen Beaney, and the music by John Barnes, in celebration of the 70th birthday of Florrie Halliday, Hon. Secretary of Dublin Scottish Country Dance Club, in June 2008.  Florrie died in August 2018.


created: 2024-05-23 10:02:34.169558+00
last_modified: 2024-07-11 15:07:23.12918+00
name: Calluna Medley
ucname: CALLUNA MEDLEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised for the 2nd Heide-Social in Lüneburg and to celebrate finding a name for
  our group as the Calluna Dancers.


created: 1997-08-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-25 06:39:56.126725+00
name: Ann Of Little Rock
ucname: ANN OF LITTLE ROCK
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/880
notes:
  Ann Hankins was a beloved member, for decades, of the New York Branch. A talented dancer, she performed for many years with the Loch Leven Dancers. She was an excellent teacher and served in official leadership positions as well. Ann was the person who welcomed many new dancers to our community. She took joy in the elegance of the dance, but always was mindful that it be fun.  
  See also <<ddd:Ann of Scotia>> devised by Chris and Sue Ronald.


created: 2024-05-25 11:22:01.169361+00
last_modified: 2024-05-25 11:22:01.169361+00
name: First of July, The
ucname: FIRST OF JULY
devised: 2015-07-01
notes:
  "Dedicated to my mother Helen Davoll who introduced me to Scottish country dancing many years ago.  Devised to celebrate her 90th birthday on 1st July 2015."


created: 2022-03-27 22:56:25.880455+00
last_modified: 2024-05-26 10:58:36.426177+00
name: George Square Starlings
ucname: GEORGE SQUARE STARLINGS
notes:
  The Starlings in George Square is a three part poem that describes the plight of the starlings and their eviction from central Glasgow.
  The dance and the tune are both focussed on the first of the three parts. The starlings are in their multitudes and dance, dash and dart like a shower of arrows.


created: 2002-04-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-28 06:10:45.95719+00
name: Wee Bus, The
ucname: WEE BUS
intensity_bars: 880/880/844/808
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For the Hylands of Harrogate -- kind hosts and welcome guests. Bernard Hylands was President of New Scotland in the year 1979-1980. Bernard met his wife Catherine McLaughlin through New Scotland when she was over in Edinburgh for a year's study from her native North Carolina."


created: 2015-09-03 11:25:21.592773+00
last_modified: 2024-06-02 19:25:43.271699+00
name: Dublin's Delights
ucname: DUBLINS DELIGHTS
intensity_bars: 8484/4848/8080/8888/7777/8888
devised: 2013-09-27
notes:
  For the Dublin Group of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, to celebrate a special night.
  September 27, 2013, when the Canadians came to dance.


created: 2019-10-28 21:33:55.457198+00
last_modified: 2024-06-01 06:22:48.253767+00
name: Melbourne Gold
ucname: MELBOURNE GOLD
notes:
  The original publication of this dance suggested the recording <<ddrec:The Dancers' Wedding#5118>>. Subsequently <<ddp:David South#1899>> composed the tune <<ddt:Melbourne Gold#15762>> specifically for this dance.


created: 2012-01-06 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-02 20:40:08.269511+00
name: Campbells of Crannagh, The
ucname: CAMPBELLS OF CRANNAGH
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 844
devised: 2008-07-26
notes:
  Presented to Pam and Forbes Campbell on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary, 26th July 2008, with very best wishes from all their friends in the Dublin Scottish Country Dance Club.  The title was thought of by Hazel Convery as Forbes and Pam live in Crannagh Park, Dublin.

  The track of 1st Lady in bars 1-7 represents the figure 5 (her partner’s track is a mirror image) and bars 9-16 represents the figure 0.  Diagonal Rights and Lefts is Pam’s favourite formation.


created: 2022-04-02 18:38:30.577088+00
last_modified: 2024-06-02 15:45:50.072216+00
name: Mercury Men
ucname: MERCURY MEN
notes:
  A dance and tune for those native to Mercury on meeting their visitors from Earth in Edwin Morgan's poem, *<<https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/first-men-mercury/|The First Men on Mercury>>*.
  The dance is complex and involves dancers in the unconventional feature in Country dancing of couples changing sides as the dance progresses. This reflects the way that the men arriving on Mercury and the inhabitants adopt each other's language and become increasingly difficult to disentangle.
  The tune is named after the aliens' initial greeting and has a simple theme, which becomes gradually altered and more complicated. As Morgan concludes, "but nothing is ever the same, now is it?"


created: 2024-04-22 10:40:31.991993+00
last_modified: 2024-06-03 00:36:27.387624+00
name: Warm as Toast
ucname: WARM AS TOAST
intensity_bars: 880/888/880/844
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  The notes for the dances say it was "devised in 2010 as another warm up dance for the beginning of club or any session." Also that "second couple finish facing out for most of this dance, flowing into each formation (hopefully with ease)."

  Note by the deviser, Colin Gaye:  In the original instructions for this dance it was just 1+2C's cross RH etc, but the phrasing was a little slow for the 8bars so I changed it to set first then cross RH etc.  Sorry for the confusion.

  Gaye Collin


created: 2009-08-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-03 05:22:51.025306+00
name: Yet Another Birthday
ucname: YET ANOTHER BIRTHDAY
intensity_bars: 880/888/800/808
devised: 2007-05-01
notes:
  Written for the author's husband, Don Nemiroff, on his birthday.

  Author's Note: »The first 8 bars I call ›The Maurice Progression‹, inspired by the dance <<ddd:Maurice>> written by Gary Thomas and published in *Dunsmuir Dances* in memory of Maurice Whitby. Maurice was very active in the earlier days of the Montréal Branch (dancing, teaching, and working on the Committee of Management) until he moved to Ontario.«


created: 2002-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-03 13:33:51.800275+00
name: Falkirk Lass, The
ucname: FALKIRK LASS
intensity_bars: 800 888 844 888
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  Elaine, who was born in Falkirk, went to Dunfermline College of Physical Education in Edinburgh where she danced to Muriel, neither of them having any idea of the connection that would be made later in the USA. Elaine now teaches in Virginia and is an enthusiastic ambassador for music and dance all over North America.


created: 2002-11-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-03 13:38:50.104403+00
name: Phyllis Dixon Ivory
ucname: PHYLLIS DIXON IVORY
intensity_bars: 800/466/422/844
devised: 1998-06-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to San Francisco fiddler Kim McGarrity, who passed away in July 1998. She was sometimes known as Phyllis Dixon Ivory (her band was named Fiddlesticks and Ivory). 
  Being devised June 1998, the dance description was revised December 1998.

  Here are the official instructions, downloaded from http://home.roadrunner.com/~glasshall/dances.html

  Bars

  1-8 1st couple turn with the right hand once around, cast one place (2nd
  couple stepping up). Turn with the left hand once around and cast
  to the left (Man down, Woman up) to finish between the 2nd and 3rd
  couples, 3-and-3 across.

  9-12 All Set and Link for 3, to finish 2-1-3, corners on opposite sides.

  13-16 2nd Man and 3rd Woman (on 2nd Corner diagonal) changes places
  with the right hand and cast into 2nd place on their own side, 1st
  Couple stepping (Man down, Woman up) into the vacated place
  beside them.

  17-20 2nd Woman and 3rd Man (on 1st corner diagonal) change places with
  the left hand and cast into 2nd place on their own side, 2nd Man
  stepping up and 3rd Woman stepping down into the vacated place
  beside them.

  21-24 1st Couple (on the 2nd Corner diagonal) change places with the right
  hand and cast into 2nd place on their partner's side, 2nd Woman
  stepping up and 3rd Man stepping down into the vacated place
  beside them.

  25-28 1st Couple half-turn and twirl (as in Bars 5-8, Argyll Strathspey,
  RSCDS Book 35).

  29-32 All dance back-to-back.

  Repeat, having passed a couple.


created: 2002-09-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-03 13:41:48.137938+00
name: Whistler Jig, The
ucname: WHISTLER JIG
intensity_bars: 62 88 75 88
devised: 1997-04-17
notes:
  Written for 3 couple sets but can be danced in normal 4 couple sets

  The deviser commented: "Solo rights and lefts is an original movement that popped into my head on the plane trip up to Vancouver to teach the Whistler Weekend 1997"

  This dance has appeared as "Whistler's Jig" but the deviser has confirmed (April 2024) that the correct name is "The Whistler Jig"


created: 2012-09-03 23:59:47.825342+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 09:59:50.436834+00
name: Alice and Malcolm's Golden Wedding
ucname: ALICE AND MALCOLMS GOLDEN WEDDING
intensity_bars: 800 880 404 888
devised: 2008-02-17
notes:
  The music for this dance was composed by John Barnes and the dance was devised by Helen Beaney. They were presented to Alice and Malcolm Kincaid on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary, 17th February 2008, with very best wishes from all their friends in the Dublin Scottish Country Dance Club.

  Here is the original description, sent by Helen Beaney with the covering text "Please find attached my latest dance for your databases."

  Alice and Malcolm’s Golden Wedding

  8x32 Strathspey

  1-4    	1C cross giving RH and cast off 2 places, 2C and 3C stepping up on bars 3-4

  5-8    	1C cross giving RH and cast up to 2nd place, 3C stepping down on bars 7-8

  9-10  	2C, 1C, with nearer hands joined, set on the sides

  11-12 	2C, 1C dance RH across half way around

  13-14 	2C, 1C, with nearer hands joined, set on the sides

  15-16  	2C, 1C dance LH across half way around

  17-20 	1M and 3L turn BH

  21-24 	1L and 3M turn BH

  25-32 	2C, 1C, 3C circle six hands round to left and back

  Repeat, having passed a couple.


created: 2002-02-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 12:33:27.561112+00
name: Ring, The
ucname: RING
intensity_bars: 8444/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  The ring is a name for the mile wide accelerator at Fermilab in Batavia, IL, home of the" Silk and Thistle " class of the Chicago Branch of the RSCDS


created: 2024-02-10 08:14:28.453013+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 13:53:19.507657+00
name: Black and White Flag, A
ucname: BLACK AND WHITE FLAG
intensity_bars: 800/880/808/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised to commemorate the Méaudre Reel's trips to Brittany in July 2022 and August 2024 to Port-Louis, and in February 2023 to Vannes. We were given an unforgettable welcome by our Breton friends from Cluaran and Alba Bihan dancers and we have great memories from each visit.
  Brittany adopted their black and white flag in 1923.


created: 2024-06-04 15:03:11.439176+00
last_modified: 2024-06-06 21:18:18.215349+00
name: Belhaven (Jig)
ucname: BELHAVEN JIG
devised: 1963-01-01
notes:
  This is the 3rd section of Belhaven.

  See also: Belhaven (Reel)  (1st section) <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/458/>>

  and Belhaven (Strathspey)  (2nd section) <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/22047/>>


created: 1997-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 14:23:55.596183+00
name: Wee Bit o' Scotland
ucname: WEE BIT O SCOTLAND
notes:
  The other finalist in the 1986 Anniversary Dance Contest was this lovely Strathspey devised by George
  Whitehorne and "Dedicated to all Scots who, for one reason or another, left their homeland and settled in North America, bringing a 'wee bit 0' Scotland' with them.'  

  George is an Atlanta Branch member who lives and dances in Augusta, Georgia. He and his daughter, Lucy, are a familiar and striking couple on the Southeastern Scottish Country Dance circuit.


created: 2007-01-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 16:09:48.385058+00
name: Half a Century
ucname: HALF A CENTURY
intensity_bars: 8000 8088 8400 8088
devised: 2006-10-26
notes:
  Dance devised for Francien van Heuvel on the occasion of her 50th anniversary, October 25, 2006,
  by Anne-Miek Klokgieters, The Hague. 

  {{dance}}
  1- 4::
      1st couple, giving right hands, cross over and cast off to second place, 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.
  5- 8::
      1st couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple.
  9-16::
      1st couple dance reels of three on the opposite side with 3rd and 4th couple.
  17-20::
      1st couple lead up to the top, cross over and cast off to second place.
  21-24::
      2nd and 1st couples dance right hands across once round.
  25-32::
      1st, 3rd and 4th couples poussette.
  ::
      Repeat, with a new top couple.

  (Original description added at author's request.)


created: 2015-02-15 08:16:54.109036+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 16:17:31.425154+00
name: Auld Lang Syne to Anne
ucname: AULD LANG SYNE TO ANNE
intensity_bars: 8008/0880/8888/8222
devised: 2014-09-01
notes:
  Dance devised for Anne Goudriaan  on her retirement after 17 years of teaching the Delft Branch of the RSCDS, September 2014


created: 2021-07-08 15:18:23.593072+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 16:18:14.14171+00
name: Three Guirlandes, The
ucname: THREE GUIRLANDES
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  "Dance devised for Jan and Wil Werner who will be 75 and for Edwin who will be 40 this year (2015). The three of them were living on the address Guirlande 3."


created: 2021-07-08 15:17:05.666585+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 16:20:05.189221+00
name: 30th of April
ucname: 30TH OF APRIL
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2016-11-01
notes:
  Dance devised for Robert Al and Marta Rudolph on the occasion of their wedding April 30,  2016.  Nov. 2016,


created: 2021-07-08 15:11:42.115153+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 16:24:12.516013+00
name: MacLouis is Ready for Hibernation
ucname: MACLOUIS IS READY FOR HIBERNATION
intensity_bars: 840/844/844/800
devised: 2017-08-30
notes:
  Dance devised for Louis Brijer on the occasion of his last workingday  August 30, 2017, by Anne-Miek Klokgieters, The Hague.  
  “Now the job is done, it’s time to sleep”  

  Reel time: working life  
  Strathspey time: time to rest


created: 2000-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-06 21:21:44.447647+00
name: Belhaven
ucname: BELHAVEN
devised: 1963-01-01
notes:
  A set of 3 diagrams for the complete dance, one for each section (Reel, Strathspey and Jig), may be downloaded from: <<http://my.strathspey.org/u/keithrose/belhaven.pdf>>

  Foss notes:  The first movement is complete in itself and may be danced alone if desired.

  The tunes are all old. Most of them appear in the Collections and Repositories of Niel Gow and Sons. Mrs Hamilton of Wishaw's Strathspey is in their 3rd Collection. p. 20, and Lady Belhaven's Delight in their 4th Collection. p. 34.

  See also: Belhaven (Strathspey)  (2nd section) <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/22047/>>

  and Belhaven (Jig)  (3rd section) <https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/22048/>


created: 1999-10-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-07 08:36:18.288462+00
name: Wedding in Dauphiné, A
ucname: WEDDING IN DAUPHINE
intensity_bars: 8220/8882/8888/8448
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  Devised for Sophie and Lionel.  

  At their wedding, this was danced as a 40-bar sequence that finished with eight steps typical of the Dauphiné region's traditional dances.


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-07 18:58:12.070656+00
name: Callanish Stones
ucname: CALLANISH STONES
intensity_bars: 820/864/844/866
notes:
  CALLANISH STONES are the standing stones on the Hebridean Island of Lewis, which I visited prior to my first enjoyable experience of st. Andrews Summer School.


created: 2024-06-09 13:32:44.312039+00
last_modified: 2024-06-09 13:32:44.312039+00
name: Panot de Flor
ucname: PANOT DE FLOR
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/888
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  This is for the Barcelona Scottish Country Dance group led by Raquel Fernandez and Carolyn Adrain.

  "Panot de Flor" is the name for the street tiles which are a common symbol of Barcelona. See <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panot>> for further information. In bars 17-24 the corners come in to form the central circle while 1st couple decorate it with the petals.


created: 2005-04-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-09 16:46:29.298065+00
name: 40 Merks
ucname: 40 MERKS
devised: 2002-11-01
notes:
  According to the notes "40 Merks is the amount of money which was allegedly paid to the servant
  who spied on William Wallace resulting in his capture by the English."


created: 2005-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-16 13:17:18.352384+00
name: Fiddlesticks Frolic, The
ucname: FIDDLESTICKS FROLIC
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Jenifer Kelly writes:    
  Notes for teachers on the dances in the Anniversary Suite.   
  As I devised these dances I had a particular teaching point in mind for each of them.  

  These teaching notes can be found at 
  http://rscds-sf.org/resources/dances/Anniversay%20Suite%20Notes.pdf
  (As of 2024 this site is unfortunately no longer available, instead see <<https://dances.e-cribs.org/rscds-sf/Anniversay_Suite_Notes.pdf>>).

  The instructions say this dance was devised  "to honor the 40th Anniversary of the San Francisco Branch and the work of all those who helped in reaching this milestone."


created: 2009-11-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-16 13:59:29.146096+00
name: Sutherland Salute
ucname: SUTHERLAND SALUTE
notes:
  »Devised by Bob McMurtry, Felton, California.

  Dedication: To Nora Sutherland for her dedication handling the many needs of TACBooks.«


created: 2009-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-16 14:07:11.508773+00
name: Cadger's Roadie, The
ucname: CADGERS ROADIE
intensity_bars: 80/80/88/88
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain that "In the old days the Cadgers used donkeys laden with fish creels hanging at their sides, travelling up and down the road which was eventually known as the Cadger's Roadie."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-16 18:07:17.232694+00
name: Mucklestane Moor
ucname: MUCKLESTANE MOOR
intensity_bars: 66/88/88/88
notes:
  Mucklestane Moor is mentioned in Walter Scott’s novel “The Black Dwarf" (published together with "Old Mortality”). The moor has a recluse, an ancient monument and a scattering of stones called the grey geese.


created: 2018-10-06 19:37:40.722648+00
last_modified: 2024-06-17 14:14:01.128644+00
name: One for All
ucname: ONE FOR ALL
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/888
devised: 2018-09-21
notes:
  Devised 21/9/2018 as simple teaching dance for corners pass and turn. I use this after teaching the figure in Strathspey time using Miss Leslie Cunningham. Note that there are no figures aside from completely straightforward ones. The name is to suggest that this is one all can do, and also for Muriel Johnstone's tune of the same name, played ABAB. An excellent recording to use is "Clydeside Lassies" as recorded by Luke Brady in part 5 of Dances from the Miscellany, where Muriel's tune appears as the second tune.


created: 2024-06-11 20:06:20.085682+00
last_modified: 2024-06-21 13:49:42.493497+00
name: Proposal, The
ucname: PROPOSAL
intensity_bars: 600/844/888/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  “This dance was devised by Mel and Ellie Briscoe for Jim Maiolo and Della Goldsworth as part of an auction item at Pinewoods 2019. The music was composed by Liz Donaldson, also as part of the auction item.”


created: 2000-02-22 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-18 09:54:21.323301+00
name: Fulghum's Frolic
ucname: FULGHUMS FROLIC
intensity_bars: 844/844/844/866
devised: 1995-07-01
notes:
  The dance notes include this quote to explain the title:
  > "It's the way I feel about dancing- you move around a lot, not to get somewhere, but to be somewhere in time." Robert Fulghum, Uh-Oh


created: 2022-06-25 13:46:02.165951+00
last_modified: 2024-06-19 09:02:02.054175+00
name: Busy Fingers
ucname: BUSY FINGERS
intensity_bars: 800/866/866/844
notes:
  Devised for <<ddp:Cass, Patricia#524>> in appreciation for all she has done for our Branch over many years. Patricia is an accomplished pianist and has played for classes, courses and events for much longer than many members can remember. She has been on the Branch committee including some years as secretary. Along with her husband <<ddp:Cass, John#527|John>> (The Festival Man), she co-founded The Newcastle Festival and ran it for 30 years. This is a straightforward little dance as Patricia likes things to be uncluttered!


created: 2001-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-20 10:45:00.840532+00
name: Hobson's Choice
ucname: HOBSONS CHOICE
notes:
  The instructions give this as a Reel by default but say that "as this is 'Hobson's Choice' it can be danced equally well as a Jig or Strathspey. SCDDB originally entered this as a medley but it is now updated to R/J/S.

  The dance is inscribed "for Mr and Mrs Hobson, and also David and Sheila Dickie of Henley-on-Thames."


created: 2024-06-20 12:51:25.716409+00
last_modified: 2024-06-20 13:04:34.414069+00
name: Smiths at Seventy, The
ucname: SMITHS AT SEVENTY
devised: 2024-05-31
notes:
  Source <<https://youtu.be/y7PCQ_GA_ls|youtube video>> which includes the instructions. The title is variously given with "Seventy" and "70".


created: 2011-12-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-20 20:57:16.901202+00
name: Laird of Dalnair, The
ucname: LAIRD OF DALNAIR
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 888
devised: 2010-04-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Alan Munro. He lives at Dalnair farm and has been affectionately called "The Laird of Dalnair".

  The weasel reel in this dance is a modified version of Barry Skelton's original figure in The Weasel 
  <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/6971/>>


created: 2014-07-14 11:22:48.918683+00
last_modified: 2024-06-20 21:00:16.7574+00
name: Duckies in the Bath
ucname: DUCKIES IN THE BATH
intensity_bars: 888/888/848/880
notes:
  The weasel reel in this dance is a modified version of Barry Skelton's original figure in The Weasel 
  <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/6971/>>


created: 2019-06-29 15:17:17.137728+00
last_modified: 2024-06-21 22:45:29.262721+00
name: Platinum
ucname: PLATINUM
devised: 2017-11-01
notes:
  News reports of the platinum wedding anniversary of the King and Queen of England reminded me that my parents celebrated their 70th anniversary in September. This dance honors that.


created: 2016-11-06 17:16:05.603543+00
last_modified: 2024-06-22 05:33:30.277585+00
name: Platinum Orb, The
ucname: PLATINUM ORB
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  Platinum is the well-known term used for a 70th anniversary. Platinum was also recognised officially as a precious metal for fine jewellery when a new hallmarking act was introduced in 1975. The Birmingham Assay Office is now the largest in the world and among its activities is the hallmarking of platinum when an orb mark can be applied.


created: 2012-06-15 05:21:08.069758+00
last_modified: 2024-06-22 08:32:32.685405+00
name: Their Secret
ucname: THEIR SECRET
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  “Their Secret” was written for Doris and Denis Beauchamp's 50th wedding anniversary by Tamás Hámori and Klára Lovrics in 2009. Denis and Doris are such a happy couple after so long a time together that one wonders what their secret is.

  The publication has a typo: this dance is for 3 couples in a 3 couple set.


created: 2018-05-16 17:40:11.362599+00
last_modified: 2024-06-22 18:31:57.293889+00
name: Jig for Gina, A
ucname: JIG FOR GINA
intensity_bars: 8000/8440/4804/4848
notes:
  This dance was written for Gina Barney, a very memorable character who was a highly regarded figure in the lift and safety industry. She transitioned to become Gina late in life, hence the progression in this dance with all ending on opposite sides.

  Gina died on 6th July 2023. There is an obituary at <<https://www.cibsejournal.com/cibse-news/in-memory-of-dr-gina-barney-honfcibse-1936-2023/>> and many tributes at <<https://download.peters-research.com/Lift_Industry_News/2023_Q4_Issue_6_Lift_Industry_News.pdf#page=37>>.

  As part of her SCD enthusiasm she hosted a residential week for the Gay Gordons group in her adopted home town of Sedbergh in May 2017.


created: 2024-07-23 12:51:55.887018+00
last_modified: 2024-07-23 12:51:55.887018+00
name: Lady Theresa of Dunans
ucname: LADY THERESA OF DUNANS
devised: 2016-05-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For Theresa Malek. On her birthday a niece of gave Theresa 1 square foot of pasture in the grounds of Dunans Castle and the title Lady of Dunans."


created: 2024-06-27 10:58:36.520126+00
last_modified: 2024-07-08 20:25:04.541967+00
name: Roy's Strathspey
ucname: ROYS STRATHSPEY
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/bblkxN3iFTM|youtube video>>. The video shows the dance twice in a 3 couple set.


created: 2024-05-13 17:02:09.893812+00
last_modified: 2024-11-26 00:58:24.153773+00
name: Happy 70th
ucname: HAPPY 70TH
intensity_bars: 804/880/844/888
notes:
  Dedicated to Sandra Hanson, Kathryn Bourke and Richard Graylin of the Hunter Valley Branch, Gosford class, who all turned 70 in 2014. Bars 9 to 24 represent a “7”, with the circle completing the “70” (bars 25-32).


created: 2013-03-16 13:37:12.293304+00
last_modified: 2024-06-27 14:22:59.89832+00
name: Swan and the Tay, The
ucname: SWAN AND THE TAY
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  The Perth & Perthshire Branch Newsletter "The Highland Gateway" for January 2011 has the following text:

  "From locally here in Perth, Scotland, the links spread internationally to Perth, Western Australia where the RSCDS Branch was asked to contribute a reel and a strathspey in honour of the Perth 800 anniversary. The dances “The Swan and the Tay” (which represents the two city rivers) and “Perth meets Perth” (representing dancers crossing the world to join together in the dance) were submitted. Appropriately their tunes “Mo Rutherford’s compliments to Frank Thomson” and Jim Johnston’s “The Carse of Gowrie” were arranged by Mo Rutherford, former RCDS Musical Director, and of course one of Perth‘s best known musicians."

  So this dance comes from Perth (Australia), but was published in Scotland in the RSCDS booklet "Perth 800" in 2010.


created: 2012-12-31 16:33:14.492112+00
last_modified: 2024-06-27 14:23:30.004419+00
name: Perth meets Perth
ucname: PERTH MEETS PERTH
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  The Perth & Perthshire Branch Newsletter "The Highland Gateway" for January 2011 has the following text:

  "From locally here in Perth, Scotland, the links spread internationally to Perth, Western Australia where the RSCDS Branch was asked to contribute a reel and a strathspey in honour of the Perth 800 anniversary. The dances “The Swan and the Tay” (which represents the two city rivers) and “Perth meets Perth” (representing dancers crossing the world to join together in the dance) were submitted. Appropriately their tunes “Mo Rutherford’s compliments to Frank Thomson” and Jim Johnston’s “The Carse of Gowrie” were arranged by Mo Rutherford, former RCDS Musical Director, and of course one of Perth‘s best known musicians."

  So this dance comes from Perth (Australia), but was published in Scotland in the RSCDS booklet "Perth 800".


created: 2019-04-01 23:33:27.317649+00
last_modified: 2024-06-27 16:08:53.110683+00
name: Emma's Strathspey
ucname: EMMAS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 884/888/844/844
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Trudy Roughgarden devised the dance and also composed the lead tune, both in honour of her daughter-in-law, formerly Emma Dickson; she has generously made the sheet music available as Emma's Strathspey - Violin Score and Emma's Strathspey - Piano Score (available via <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/emmas-strathspey.html>>).


created: 2011-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-28 21:20:03.997594+00
name: Pugwash and Tatamagouche
ucname: PUGWASH AND TATAMAGOUCHE
intensity_bars: 884 822 844 888
notes:
  The notes in the book explain that "Pugwash and Tatamagouche are towns in Nova Scotia and share a highway exit. The two names are quite poetic. This dance was written for Ann Marland and Susan Scott".


created: 2024-06-30 21:24:05.787214+00
last_modified: 2024-07-03 12:57:45.419673+00
name: Juneteenth Jig
ucname: JUNETEENTH JIG
intensity_bars: 864/840/866/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. The holiday's name is a portmanteau of the words "June" and "nineteenth," as it was on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.


created: 2024-06-29 08:33:39.832177+00
last_modified: 2024-06-29 09:57:09.824728+00
name: Elegant Man Strathspey, The
ucname: ELEGANT MAN STRATHSPEY
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/ljYQ1uEDGBk|youtube video>>.

  The video comments say "This dance was written in memory of Jonathan Lovell, who always danced very elegantly and helped me learn the Strathspey step when I was a beginning Scottish Country dancer".


created: 2001-06-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-06-30 11:18:47.749388+00
name: Kilkenny Castle
ucname: KILKENNY CASTLE
intensity_bars: 822/888/888/844
notes:
  Inscribed "for Richard and Dawn Furlong of Furlongs Travel, Sevenoaks."

  The notes also say that "Since 'Kilkenny Castle' was first devised I've enjoyed a guided tour through the Castle and heard that it is haunted by the ghost of a young girl called Petronella. I therefore felt I had to include the petronella figure in the dance - hence the slight alteration since first published."


created: 2024-06-28 18:21:03.843439+00
last_modified: 2024-06-30 20:49:37.274021+00
name: Jig for Terry Lynne
ucname: JIG FOR TERRY LYNNE
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888/844
devised: 2024-06-21
notes:
  - In honour of <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/person/3254/|Terry Lynne Harris>>. Terry Lynne should be known to many of you from her contributions to the Pretoria Branch’s books of dances. I always think of Terry Lynne when we dance set and link for three couples as she has a predictable reaction when the formation is encountered in a dance. Thus not a dance with Terry Lynne’s favourite formations but with a formation that never fails to bring her to mind.  
  - Recording available on request to <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/person/3179/|Wouter Joubert>>


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-01 16:16:00.818258+00
name: Culloden Links
ucname: CULLODEN LINKS
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8008/8888
devised: 1973-01-01
notes:
  Published also in the Diamond Jubilee Collection of the RSCDS Inverness and District Branch: <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/publication/1027/>>.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-01 17:23:17.147154+00
name: Jessie's Hornpipe
ucname: JESSIES HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 800 800 880 880
notes:
  Suggestion from Eric Ferguson: Variant: on [1-8] mirror Figs8, 1c starting inwards (flows better on bar 9).


created: 2024-06-29 08:27:16.362936+00
last_modified: 2024-07-21 08:13:42.399146+00
name: Quilts and Kilts
ucname: QUILTS AND KILTS
intensity_bars: 800/888/622/622
notes:
  The comments on the <<https://youtu.be/h0URw8TXD8o|youtube video>> say "This dance was written for Marilyn and Bill Stocker.
  Marilyn is a quilter extraordinaire and also makes the diagrams for my dances. 
  Bill is helpful with correcting verbal instructions.
  They dance together beautifully."


created: 2024-09-19 08:00:07.609941+00
last_modified: 2024-09-19 08:00:07.609941+00
name: Welcome Back
ucname: WELCOME BACK
devised: 2015-09-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Eleonora and Raffaella as a sign of good wishes and welcome upon their return to Rome.


created: 2024-06-28 19:07:12.097036+00
last_modified: 2024-07-03 11:38:34.536358+00
name: Diamond Duet, The
ucname: DIAMOND DUET
intensity_bars: 8000/8000/8080/8888
devised: 2016-07-01
notes:
  Inscribed "in celebration of the diamond wedding of Diana and Dennis Tucker 9th August 2016".
   
  Technically the progression is 2,3,1,4 - but the former 1st couple dance down to 4th place as a new top couple starts which effectively gives a 2,3,4,1 progression.

  The symbolism is: 1-8 meet & greet; 9-16: down the aisle; 17-24: tying the knot; 25-32: 60th anniversary.


created: 2000-05-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-04 07:23:22.080236+00
name: Lady of Lothlorien, The
ucname: LADY OF LOTHLORIEN
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888/800
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  Galadriel, Arwen's grandmother and a High Elf, was the lady of Lothlorien, a forest of *mallorn* trees. *Mallorn* had silver bark, and their leaves did not fall in autumn, but turned golden, then fell in the spring, when the trees flowered with golden blossoms. Galadriel gave Sam Gamgee the *mallorn* seed he planted where the party tree had stood.


created: 1998-10-31 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-05 23:21:16.145036+00
name: Alexandria Reel, The
ucname: ALEXANDRIA REEL
intensity_bars: 6886/8008/8888/8888/8008/8888
devised: 1976-01-01
notes:
  A dance for the dedication of Carlyle House, Alexandria, Virginin - 18th January, 1976.  
  Alexandria is the twin city of Dundee.


created: 2024-07-07 09:12:43.737898+00
last_modified: 2024-07-07 09:12:43.737898+00
name: Doris Thorn's Reel
ucname: DORIS THORNS REEL
intensity_bars: 848/767/888/088
devised: 2015-02-01
notes:
  Devised for Doris Thorn in appreciation for the many years she has tutored groups on the North Shore, Auckland., February 2015


created: 2016-10-19 21:45:16.1596+00
last_modified: 2024-07-07 16:42:45.392594+00
name: St Piran's Cross
ucname: SAINT PIRANS CROSS
notes:
  Contains Kilt Pin Reels.

  This dance is so-named because it is a close derivative of the dance <<ddd:St George's Cross#17420>> with the reverse form, Kilt Pin, rather than Sash Pin reels.
  St Piran is the patron saint of Cornwall; his flag has a white cross on a coloured ground (black in this case), the reverse of St George's coloured cross on a white ground.

  The earliest known description of the flag as the Standard of Cornwall was written in 1838.
  The flag is attributed to Saint Piran, a 6th century Cornish abbot. Saint Piran is supposed to have adopted these two colours from seeing the molten tin spilling out of the black ore in his fire during his supposed discovery of tin in Cornwall, thus becoming the patron saint of tin miners. 

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


created: 2011-07-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-07 17:08:18.438415+00
name: Pillar Dance, The
ucname: PILLAR DANCE
devised: 2010-05-01
notes:
  Devised in May 2010. 

  The New York Branch meets in the main hall of Holy Cross School on 43rd Street in Manhattan. This hall has several pillars which are incorporated in this dance. In the event that a group has the "misfortune" to dance in a hall without pillars, it may substitute hands across for the movements around the pillars

  Music  Any good jig. A suitable recording is "Let‘s Celebrate, We Twa", Kenny Thomson
  and the Wardlaw Scottish Dance Band, track 16.


created: 2022-09-01 11:20:22.425509+00
last_modified: 2024-07-08 03:18:45.106634+00
name: A.D.O.P.T.
ucname: ADOPT
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/648
devised: 2019-10-01
notes:
  The loss of our cat Christopher made me think of long-time residents of pet shelters waiting for a home. A.D.O.P.T. is our local shelter.


created: 2020-03-29 19:05:55.628394+00
last_modified: 2024-07-08 08:19:32.784198+00
name: Autumn Celebration
ucname: AUTUMN CELEBRATION
notes:
  "This dance was written in honor of the wedding of Linda Braswell and  Vince Piantanida."

  The name of the dance is "Autumn Celebration" though in this <<https://youtu.be/yYElb1PUijQ|youtube video>>  it is referred to as "Autumn Wedding".


created: 2024-07-08 14:45:01.028398+00
last_modified: 2024-07-08 14:45:01.028398+00
name: Quintet
ucname: QUINTET
devised: 2016-01-31
notes:
  The set consists of 3 people on the women's side and 2 people on the men's side. Dancers move on one place clockwise each turn.


created: 2024-07-08 21:49:39.302538+00
last_modified: 2024-07-08 21:49:39.302538+00
name: Six Minus One
ucname: SIX MINUS ONE
devised: 2015-07-01
notes:
  The set consists of 3 people on the women’s side and 2 people on the men’s side. Dancers move on one place clockwise each turn.


created: 2024-06-24 21:39:34.52135+00
last_modified: 2024-07-08 21:56:24.168986+00
name: Remembering George
ucname: REMEMBERING GEORGE
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/888
devised: 2024-06-01
notes:
  The late George Valentine Bateson (1934-2022) and his three brothers plus others including George's wife Alison founded the Berkhamsted Strathspey and Reel Club in 1952. This dance was first danced in Alison's garden in Aldbury in 2024.  

  When dancing this in a garden, if ground damp then to minimise slipping adopt this variation:  

  Bars 13-16 1C set to 2nd corner and finish in 2nd place opposite side.  
  Bars 17-20 As before.  
  Bars 21-24 1C turn right once round.


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-10 03:55:31.918181+00
name: Sla'ine's Fancy
ucname: SLAINES FANCY
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/888
notes:
  The name of the dance is prounced Se (short "e" sound like elf)/ lan (an "a" sound like in saw)/ ya (like the "y" sound in yellow). The emphasis is on the middle syllable.  

  I do sixteenth century reinactment of a Shetland woman named Sla'ine. She lives on the island of North Uist. She composed the dance which shows her spinning and weaving, for her clan. The dance shows the carding of the wool, threading the spindle or bobbin, spinning and winding the thread from the bobbin. Long ago, a woman followed her man, whether it be to a new home, to war, or to a new country. So Sla'ine follows her partner for half the dance. (RG)


created: 1998-04-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-10 09:16:36.332351+00
name: Mathematicians, The
ucname: MATHEMATICIANS
intensity_bars: no bar count made
notes:
  Canon. Each 40 bars a new couple starts, and dances 80 bars.  Requires 5 x 40 music.

  The instructions for bars 13-16 in Tweeddale Book 4 just have "turn both hands half way round" in 4 bars (for finish back to back). In the <<https://youtu.be/jsj9qsrbSfg|video>> of a class taught by the deviser they appear to set advancing then half turn in 2 bars. The diagram reflects the instructions whereas the cribs follow the video.


created: 2002-12-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-10 10:19:26.431252+00
name: Quantock Hills
ucname: QUANTOCK HILLS
intensity_bars: 8484 8888 8484 8888
devised: 2001-09-01
notes:
  Dedicated to our friends in the South Dorset Caledonian Society, who hold a weekend at Halsway Manor on Quantock Hills.

  Originally this dance was a 4x32 strathspey but was later changed to be a medley. Videos #1 and #2 from the Chard SCD Club show both the later and the original versions.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-10 10:38:22.329143+00
name: MacFarlane's Lantern
ucname: MACFARLANES LANTERN
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/0880/8888
notes:
  Devised for Jean Attwood.  

  At one time, in the Macfarlane country around Arrochar, the new moon is said to have been known as Macfarlane's Lantern.

  According to one internet source (of unknown reliability) this was because Clan Macfarlane was known for nocturnal cattle raids!


created: 2011-07-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-10 21:01:53.212735+00
name: Times Square
ucname: TIMES SQUARE
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  Music Any 64-bar strathspey / 64-bar reel medley. A suitable recording is ‗Stooges Salute‘,
  TAC 50th Anniversary Collection, Bobby Brown and The Scottish Accent, track 9.


created: 2011-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-10 21:24:06.087217+00
name: Unjust Incarceration, The
ucname: UNJUST INCARCERATION
devised: 2011-06-25
notes:
  The isobirl formation is due to <<ddp:Glasspool, Terry#2677>>.

  The name of the dance is one of my favourite piobaireachds. King James I imprisoned his political enemies on Bass Rock, a grim volcanic plug in the Firth of Forth. This included Walter Stewart. In 1428, 14 year-old Neil Bhass Mackay was imprisoned on the rock in exchange for his father's freedom. In an attempt to pacify the Highlanders, James imprisoned 40 Chiefs including Angus Dubh Mackay of Strathnaver. Though he was soon released his eldest son Neil, was retained as hostage for the good behaviour of the Clan and since his mother was a daughter of MacDonald of the Isles, for that Clan too. Following the murder of King James at Perth in 1437 Neil escaped from the Bass and was proclaimed 8th Chief of the Clan Mackay. A pobaireachd commemorating this event 'The Unjust Incarceration' was composed by the blind piper of Gairloch, Iain Dall Mackay.


created: 2011-08-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-10 21:30:42.74869+00
name: Age of Aquarius
ucname: AGE OF AQUARIUS
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this is "A birthday present for my wife, Patti Cobb. Thanks to Terry Glasspool for the setting formation in bars 9-16, which is modified from his dance Gypsy Dteams.`'


created: 2024-07-09 16:02:49.117132+00
last_modified: 2024-07-10 23:09:35.894871+00
name: Marz' Dancing Feet
ucname: MARZ DANCING FEET
intensity_bars: 800/866/866/888
notes:
  Inscribed "This dance is named for my grandson, Marz, who was born Oct. 10, 2020. From the beginning he has had very active dancing feet!"


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-11 07:21:56.528553+00
name: Andrew's Fancy
ucname: ANDREWS FANCY
intensity_bars: 880/800/800/822
devised: 1987-01-01
notes:
  The notes say that this was devised "for Andrew C. Lund as a reward for one year of being early for class. It fulfils a need for a simple dance with which to teach beginners the figure turn corner, partner, comer, partner."


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-11 08:01:41.999165+00
name: Dust Devils, The
ucname: DUST DEVILS
intensity_bars: 8080/8080/8484/8888
notes:
  A dust devil looks like a miniature tornado, not nearly as powerful but yet it can pick up desert sand and swirl several feet in a zigzag path before disappearing.  

  The Los Angeles Branch is situated on Santa Monica Bay.


created: 2024-07-12 08:47:52.445049+00
last_modified: 2024-07-12 10:48:05.929214+00
name: Tom Thumb
ucname: TOM THUMB
intensity_bars: 88/80/88
notes:
  Republished  by J W Mitchell from J. P. Boulogne's "The Ballroom or Juvenile Pupil's Assistant" (1827)

  John Mitchell published another dance with the same name in Whetherly Book 11. <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/3328/>>

  Note in Whetherly Book 24: these figures also appeared under the title “John of Paris’ in J. Daniel & Sons” “The Ballroom Companion” (1879). That dance is not identical to the “John of Paris” associated with “Noel Park”, and published under the title ‘John of Paris’ in J. P. Boulogne’s “The Ballroom or Juvenile Pupil’s Assistant” (1827).


created: 2023-11-03 21:48:00.009398+00
last_modified: 2024-07-14 09:51:13.594575+00
name: Avignon
ucname: AVIGNON
devised: 2020-11-01
notes:
  1. The dance seems to work best in quicktime.
  2. For a fun but more challenging variation, bars 9-24 may be modified as follows:

  Bars 9-16: Both couples set & dance La Baratte.

  Bars 23-24: 2C cross to own sides as 1C set.


created: 2021-02-20 21:24:46.455978+00
last_modified: 2024-07-12 13:04:08.485072+00
name: Witches Reel
ucname: WITCHES REEL
notes:
  Video #2 credits this dance to Tony Slinger.

  Different versions of this dance exist.

  Instructions on the  <<http://www.callanishmusic.com/upfiles/The%20Witches%20Reel.pdf|Callanish website>> suggest the women should thread the needle before the men in bars 17-24.
  Those on the <<https://www.ceilidhminogue.co.uk/dances.html|ceilidhminogue website>> are a 40 bar version with the men threading the needle before the women and doing so in bars 1-16 and completely different moves in bars 17-40.

  The two videos are 32 bar versions but (mostly) show the men going first. Take your pick!


created: 2024-07-14 18:46:53.109003+00
last_modified: 2024-07-15 12:47:06.418662+00
name: Anvils Burn
ucname: ANVILS BURN
intensity_bars: 0880/6666/6666/8888
devised: 2021-03-01
notes:
  This dance is for Nigel and Bridget Cooper.
  <<ddp:Cooper, Nigel#12123|Nigel>> runs the monthly "RonDancing" experts group in Cambridge where I get to teach a few of my complex dances.

  Nigel and his sister Susie have a holiday home on Arran.
  The house is set back from two projections of the old raised cliff which are called Innean Mòr and Innean Beag (Large Anvil and Small Anvil).
  There is a stream, or burn, running down between them whose name might be Allt nan Inneonacha which can be translated as Burn of the Anvils or Anvils Burn.


created: 1997-10-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-24 13:03:01.915227+00
name: Tom Thumb
ucname: TOM THUMB
intensity_bars: 68/86/88
devised: 1879-01-01
notes:
  John Mitchell published another dance with the same name in Whetherly Book 24 <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/22133/>>


created: 2024-07-12 22:08:16.422291+00
last_modified: 2024-08-29 00:47:59.834453+00
name: Hello, Hila
ucname: HELLO HILA
intensity_bars: 800/884/888/800
notes:
  "I devised the dance to help our community learn how to correctly pronounce Hila's name, that is, with the same emphasis that is found in 'hello', the accent being on the second syllable." (Mary Gray)


created: 2009-11-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-22 13:18:21.964596+00
name: Source, The
ucname: SOURCE
intensity_bars: 880/880/888/888
notes:
  »Dedication::
    For years, Scottish country dancers in North America have relied upon TACSound and TACBooks
    as ›The Source‹ of recorded music, dance books, and dance leaflets. We are all indebted to the
    dedicated and hard-working TAC members who have run TACSound and TACBooks over the years
    as a service to us all.«


created: 2024-07-17 22:11:44.346126+00
last_modified: 2024-07-17 22:11:44.346126+00
name: T.A.G.
ucname: TAG
notes:
  Source <<https://youtu.be/soa2gyRjPvM|Tay Dancers video>> and <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/t-a-g.html>>. This seems to have been originally a Contra dance.


created: 2024-07-17 22:36:15.963078+00
last_modified: 2024-07-17 22:36:15.963078+00
name: John Rae Reel, The
ucname: JOHN RAE REEL
notes:
  Source <<https://youtu.be/pM-1a_S8iuI|youtube video>>. According to the youtube comments "the dance tells the story of John Rae’s quest for the North West Passage."


created: 2024-07-17 23:33:37.541043+00
last_modified: 2024-10-01 23:00:30.970383+00
name: Chimney Cake
ucname: CHIMNEY CAKE
intensity_bars: 84004/84888/84844/80400
devised: 2019-05-01
notes:
  The dance was mostly devised while en route to Bratislava where unwary tourists may succumb (once!) to the temptation of Chimney Cake. This is a sweet cylindrical pastry stuffed with fruit, cream and sugar laden extras and is surprisingly larger than the pictures would lead one to expect. Since it is open at both ends, the result can be a very sticky mess. Still the experience suggested itself as a name for this dance which has fugal figures that start from each end four bars apart. Hopefully the dance will be more satisfying and less fattening than its namesake.


created: 2020-03-24 22:08:32.214505+00
last_modified: 2024-07-20 14:07:23.541368+00
name: Dance for Dorothy, A
ucname: DANCE FOR DOROTHY
intensity_bars: 8668/8800/8800/8888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  Devised in 2019 for Dorothy Pearson on her retirement as Chairman and to commemorate all her years of service to the RSCDS Croydon Branch.


created: 2024-07-23 09:45:33.063296+00
last_modified: 2024-10-25 20:47:49.665741+00
name: Black Donald
ucname: BLACK DONALD
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/866
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain the background to the dance:

  > At one time, a vibrant community named Black Donald Mines flourished in Brougham Township. Today there is no evidence of it – it has been literally removed from the face of the earth. The name Black Donald is now used for a lake but once referred to a mining village located on the shores of White Fish Lake, 13 kilometres from Calabogie. Like the village, White Fish Lake was also removed from the map with the creation of the hydro dam at Mountain Chutes in the mid – 1960s. The back water from the dam flooded 8500 acres and placed both the town of Black Donald Mines and White Fish Lake under 80 feet of water.


created: 2020-03-25 00:57:56.76098+00
last_modified: 2024-07-18 12:47:36.369494+00
name: Fairy Pools, The
ucname: FAIRY POOLS
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
notes:
  Named for The Fairy Pools - beautiful crystal clear blue pools on the River Brittle on the Isle of Skye.


created: 2013-03-14 15:51:02.774338+00
last_modified: 2024-07-18 13:35:09.824025+00
name: You Will Pass Left
ucname: YOU WILL PASS LEFT
notes:
  With the reluctance some people show for passing left in half reels of four, I thought I would get my own back!


created: 2000-11-09 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-18 18:04:41.274818+00
name: Boston Tea Party, The
ucname: BOSTON TEA PARTY
notes:
  This dance entry in SCDDB was first created as a challenge:

  > This dance doesn't yet exist. It's just that it's a great name with all the hint's of action and rebellion. If YOU can devise one and want the name, then let me know.

  However, there is in fact a ceilidh dance with this name (see <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3607/|issue 3607>>) so this previously empty entry is now used for it.

  NB instructions on the web are variously for 5 or 6 couples in a longwise set.


created: 2024-07-21 15:38:20.107664+00
last_modified: 2024-07-21 15:38:20.107664+00
name: Dunsmore Partnership
ucname: DUNSMORE PARTNERSHIP
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Dance devised by George Ferrier for the Golden Wedding Anniversary, 2010, of Maureen and Tommy Dunsmore.  

  First eight bars represent the early days of togetherness among friends, while the middle sixteen represents the balancing of work and family commitments, culminating with the deep friendship of travelling the path of life together.  

  Triangular Knott changed to facilitate an easier turn into allemande hold,


created: 2024-07-23 10:00:46.250859+00
last_modified: 2024-10-25 22:19:35.38552+00
name: Burnt Lands
ucname: BURNT LANDS
intensity_bars: 08080/28482/48884/48484
devised: 2012-05-01
notes:
  The notes say that "The Burnt Lands is an alvar between Almonte and Ottawa near Upper Huntley, Ontario, Canada. It probably obtained its name from one of the forest fires that swept the area during early European settlement."


created: 2024-07-23 09:40:37.564343+00
last_modified: 2024-07-23 09:40:37.564343+00
name: Bishop's Rant, The
ucname: BISHOPS RANT
devised: 2011-08-01
notes:
  According to the notes "The name comes from Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, QC. TAC Summer School was held there in August 2011."


created: 2024-07-22 21:22:11.330512+00
last_modified: 2024-07-22 21:22:11.330512+00
name: From the Main to the Seine
ucname: FROM THE MAIN TO THE SEINE
devised: 2024-07-13
notes:
  For Laura Grazioli, who danced with great enthusiasm and panache in the Frankfurt SCD Club
  while she was obtaining her Ph.D. degree in theoretical chemistry from the University of Mainz,
  and subsequently moved to Paris for post-doctoral work (and hopefully more dancing!).


created: 2024-07-20 07:19:24.314531+00
last_modified: 2024-08-02 08:20:00.214666+00
name: Dove's Eye
ucname: DOVES EYE
devised: 2024-07-01
notes:
  I took a Hardanger class at the 2024 IOLI Convention and found the dove's eye filling works the same as Schiehallion reels. Note that this dance is really best for teaching Schiehallion reels as it is a strathspey and it repeats four times, so there is a lot of dancing the reels (it can get a bit boring).


created: 2024-07-23 13:02:55.038762+00
last_modified: 2024-07-24 08:21:51.102562+00
name: Tam's Witches
ucname: TAMS WITCHES
intensity_bars: 888/888/822/888
devised: 2010-07-01
notes:
  *That sark she coft for her wee Nannie,*  
  *Wi twa pund Scots ('twas a' her riches),*  
  *Wad ever grac'd a dance of witches!*  
  R. Burns, Tam O’ Shanter  

  An adaptation of an earlier dance of mine called <<ddd:MacBeth's Witches#22158>>.


created: 2024-07-23 22:45:16.349281+00
last_modified: 2024-07-24 12:38:46.969857+00
name: MacBeth's Witches
ucname: MACBETHS WITCHES
devised: 1997-04-01
notes:
  Inscribed "This dance is dedicated to three women in the Medicine Hat Branch: Kathy James, Jody Poapst and Brenda Kean. I would like to give particular thanks to Jody for suggesting the name."


created: 2011-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-24 13:30:04.600346+00
name: Muffin Lady, The
ucname: MUFFIN LADY
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "This is my thank you to Lourdes Genosa, who always brings along a supply of freshly baked muffins when she attends the Mitcham class. Lourdes thought 'The Muffin Lady' would be an appropriate name for the dance."


created: 2011-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-24 13:38:26.272674+00
name: Peggy Rose
ucname: PEGGY ROSE
devised: 2005-08-01
notes:
  Inscribed "Those of you who know Peggy will be aware of her love for dance. She seems to be everywhere!! However, this dance is to thank her for all her help over the years as my secretary for the World Day of Dance 2003, for setting up the McBain's Remembered, the New Ruthven Collection and latterly the Autumn Collection 2005."


created: 2024-07-23 12:58:54.239142+00
last_modified: 2024-07-24 17:00:24.138047+00
name: Petaluma Express
ucname: PETALUMA EXPRESS
intensity_bars: 844/800/800/822
devised: 2019-05-01
notes:
  The notes explain that "While visiting San Francisco in the fall 2018. I saw a bus with the designation 'Petaluma Express'. I though that would make a good name for a dance."


created: 2024-07-13 11:20:08.594528+00
last_modified: 2024-07-25 16:37:46.518855+00
name: Waltham Diamond, The
ucname: WALTHAM DIAMOND
devised: 2023-01-31
notes:
  The Waltham Scottish Country Dancing Group celebrates their 60th annniversary in November 2024. The group commissioned this dance for the occasion.  

  I am indebted to Francis Carr’s dance Girardet House for bars 9-16 and Todd Pierce’s dance Radcliffe Square for bars 17-24.


created: 2024-07-25 13:00:31.590393+00
last_modified: 2024-09-06 15:02:08.299804+00
name: Aurores Boréales
ucname: AURORES BOREALES
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844/888
devised: 2023-05-01
notes:
  Devised by Mathilde Notin in May 2023, with the help of Victor Lanvin. Set and link and dolphin reels are among my favourite formations because of the fluid transformation of formation of the first, and the undulations of the second; both remind me of auroras.  
  The first eight bars introduce the auroras with 1st couple joining and leaving to admire them.


created: 2024-07-17 18:30:13.046322+00
last_modified: 2024-07-26 23:21:58.860167+00
name: Isaac's Dance
ucname: ISAACS DANCE
intensity_bars: 880/800/880/888
notes:
  Devised for Isaac Corney, a loveable young member of Belfast Branch, by his followers. Isaac appears in the Belfast entry for the RSCDS 2023 virtual festival (see <<https://youtu.be/VssCXbAMo18>>).

  The Dublin video refers to this as "Isaac's Dance" though it is also known as "The Star Wars Dance" in Belfast as it was inspired by the movies.


created: 2024-07-25 04:42:23.692542+00
last_modified: 2024-09-06 23:56:22.862183+00
name: Encore en corps
ucname: ENCORE EN CORPS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Geneva used to have an extra session on Sunday afternoons for beginners (1 hour) and advanced (1 hour). We held the class in a studio named “Encore en corps” owned by a Newzealander who had been a highland dance champion in his youth. I named the dance after the name of the studio.


created: 2024-07-25 04:42:23.028962+00
last_modified: 2024-09-07 00:24:18.335155+00
name: Béret Rose, Le
ucname: BERET ROSE
intensity_bars: 840/844/888/800
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Le Béret Rose was first danced at the weekly Paris Branch class for the 40th birthday of Mathias Ferber, and celebrates his blatant parisian style.


created: 2024-07-25 04:26:55.866813+00
last_modified: 2024-10-14 11:09:07.95578+00
name: Two Men Dancing
ucname: TWO MEN DANCING
devised: 2023-12-31
notes:
  This dance was written as a tribute to the Scottish country dance demonstration performed with Nicolas “Niols” Jeannerod at Summer School 2023 in St Andrews, where we danced together as first couple.


created: 2024-07-26 23:36:19.914546+00
last_modified: 2024-09-22 16:34:45.36936+00
name: Port Meadow
ucname: PORT MEADOW
intensity_bars: 880/866/866/804
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Port Meadow is a large meadow along the River Thames to the northwest of Oxford starting very closed to where I used to live in Jericho and extending up to Wolvercote. Horses and cattle can often be found grazing on the land, with the right to graze animals having been recorded in the 1086 Doomsday Book. The site remains a popular area for recreation amongst the locals.

  Devised 2018, revised 2024


created: 2024-07-26 07:35:22.625853+00
last_modified: 2024-11-26 10:44:10.697486+00
name: Scholar's Strathspey, The
ucname: SCHOLARS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  The full name for the University of Oxford, as formally incorporated by the Act for Incorporation of Both Universities 1571, is The Chancellor Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford. Scholar can have several meanings within the university but in this dance it is intended in a broad sense of achieving specialism in a particular branch of study.


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 09:41:57.305337+00
name: Melbourne Cup, The
ucname: MELBOURNE CUP
intensity_bars: 8888/5555/4444/8444
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  Original source: <<https://youtu.be/Tvt9ZfyzASE|Youtube video>>.

  The publication gives an explaination of the dance and its figures.
  Every year on the first Tuesday in November, Australia stops to watch a horse race.  
  • Bars 1-8: The race track  
  • Bars 9-16: Ladies’ fashion parade  
  • Bars 16-24: The race  
  • Bars 25-32: Congratulating the winner and everyone collecting their winnings.


created: 2024-07-30 07:35:25.17956+00
last_modified: 2024-08-27 16:57:45.594101+00
name: Lass from Stonehaven, The
ucname: LASS FROM STONEHAVEN
intensity_bars: 820/844/822/888
devised: 2024-07-01
notes:
  Original source <<https://youtu.be/8j_yV3GkBc4|youtube video>>.

  Devised for Christine Grant by Neil M Grant (no relation) to mark a "Special Birthday". Christine and Neil are both teachers in Forres RSCDS Branch and Christine is Chairperson of the Forres RSCDS Committee. Christine Grant grew up on the East coast of Scotland in the town of Stonehaven.


created: 2019-01-31 22:24:26.551213+00
last_modified: 2024-07-27 23:03:42.196666+00
name: Birthday Teaching
ucname: BIRTHDAY TEACHING
intensity_bars: 800/844/044/844
devised: 2009-11-05
notes:
  Written for Monica Ferguson, who, on her birthday, 5th november 2009, found herself teaching the White Heather SCD group in Geldermalsen.


created: 2019-09-08 09:12:57.179712+00
last_modified: 2024-07-28 19:05:36.095063+00
name: Benign Presence, The
ucname: BENIGN PRESENCE
intensity_bars: 884/822/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  For Rachel Wilton who has benignly presided over London Branch for many years.

  An early version of the instructions had a mistake in bars 25-32 mixing up 2nd and 3rd couples in places. This is now fixed (thanks to David Haynes of the MiniCrib team for pointing it out).


created: 2019-09-24 18:16:32.190878+00
last_modified: 2024-07-28 19:05:54.976612+00
name: Gravitational Waves
ucname: GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
intensity_bars: 842/824/844/888
devised: 2019-08-01
notes:
  The dance celebrates the first detection by the <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LIGO|LIGO detector>> of gravitational waves produced by two black holes circling and merging together over a billion light years from Earth. This event was observed on 14 September 2015 almost exactly a century after the existence of gravitational waves was predicted by Einstein in his General Theory of Relativity.

  Bars 5-12 represent the LIGO detector which has two 4 km long arms arranged in an L shape. Bars 13-16 show the circling and merging black holes. The wiggly reels are the resulting gravitational waves and the final circle is for the <<https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2018/06/press-40.pdf|Nobel Prize>> medallions awarded by the Swedish Academy in recognition of this amazing scientific achievement.

  A recording by <<ddp:Robertson, Ian#1631>> of the music for this dance is available via <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/recording/>>.


created: 2016-02-29 15:05:33.932374+00
last_modified: 2024-07-28 19:06:30.547593+00
name: Otters In Kenick Burn
ucname: OTTERS IN KENICK BURN
intensity_bars: 800/864/864/888
devised: 2015-06-01
notes:
  Alternating tandem reels were first invented for <<ddd:The Flight of the Falcon#2222|falcons>> and later reused for <<ddd:Pelorus Jack#5209|dolphins>> but they do very nicely for otters as well. Here 1st couple are the otters. The supporting couples are rocks in the pools for bars 1-8, then fish being chased in bars 9-24 (lucky 2nd couple escape but the hapless 3rd couple get caught, metaphorically eaten and their remains neatly discarded in the corner - sorry!) and finally in bars 25-32 they are flotsam eddying with little vortices in the wake of the departing otters.

  The dance was originally a reel, but was later changed to be a jig.


created: 2001-10-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 08:46:25.879101+00
name: Knottah ('nother dance)
ucname: KNOTTAH NOTHER DANCE
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8228 8008 8888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  Published on <<sspey-thread:25854|Strathspey>> 29 April 2001 by Norman Dahl at the deviser's request. »we think that the »Linked double half figure of 8« may be a new formation«.

  The original name on the <<sspey-thread:25854|Strathspey>> mailing list was given as "Knottah ('nother dance)" but in the <<ddpub:2001: A Dance Odyssey (2nd edition)#1809>> publication it has a longer subtitle "Knottah ('nother dance by David Le Broque)" which is added as an alias.

  The publication explains that it was devised before anyone else had the chance to say “Not another dance by David Le Broque!”, and that is why the music is “Why Not?”!


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 09:23:26.870978+00
name: Man Called Peter, A
ucname: MAN CALLED PETER
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Mrs Rhonda Condon of the Gold Coast, in memory of her late husband Peter. A friendly, kind, helpful and caring man was he, involved in so many things for the benefit of others. His life was tragically cut short by a faulty electrical tool."


created: 2024-08-01 09:48:51.33471+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 09:50:24.221697+00
name: No Hands 19
ucname: NO HANDS 19
devised: 2020-04-01
notes:
  Devised during the COVID lockdown.

  > The chairs in my kitchen managed to dance all the formations—we managed our social distancing and made sure not to touch hands. By the end of April, I submitted my little jig. On to my next project!

  > Note: Bars 17–24 are a variation of ‘corner pass and turn’ but handholds are not allowed while this virus is here. So, corners will simply have to advance and retire.


created: 2024-07-26 07:36:45.057411+00
last_modified: 2024-08-02 08:20:32.015582+00
name: Ely's Jig
ucname: ELYS JIG
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  This dance was written for Elisa Passini, who used to be the End of Term Dance Organiser at OUSDS and made lovely programmes for our dances. She once mentioned how much she liked 'corners pass and turn' and so I wrote a relatively straightforward dance that finishes with this formation.


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-31 17:39:14.252695+00
name: Caledonian Capers
ucname: CALEDONIAN CAPERS
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this was: Devised for the Caledonian Dancers, who meet on Sunday mornings at Yungaba, the old migration centre under the Story Bridge in Brisbane, or, as was suggested, “for dancers who go wrong with style!”

  Bars 9-16 are different on each repeat.


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-31 17:44:01.385808+00
name: Cameron Reel, The
ucname: CAMERON REEL
devised: 1989-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this was "Devised for Donald Cameron, M.P., on the occasion of his presentation of the Australian flag to the Moorooka Scottish Country Dancers in 1989. As Donald was presenting the flag in person, Jean felt inclined to present him with a dance, which was demonstrated by the group. A politician’s life is spent travelling to many places, and shaking hands with supporters, often finishing up going round in circles, as does this dance!"


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-31 20:48:20.601979+00
name: Celtic Ribbons
ucname: CELTIC RIBBONS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844/888
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  The notes say "This dance was inspired by weaving ribbons in Celtic design classes held during the Sydney Branch Winter School at Richmond, New South Wales, in 1988."


created: 2024-07-31 21:11:13.644752+00
last_modified: 2024-07-31 21:11:13.644752+00
name: Don't Cross the Border!
ucname: DONT CROSS THE BORDER
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain the title: "During the COVID pandemic, Queensland closed all of their state borders, and nobody was allowed to cross the border in or out of Queensland. We had planned to visit our Scottish country dancing friends in northern New South Wales, but we were unable to do this. This dance was devised to show how we could have danced with the border running down the middle of the set (there was a small park where the border ran through the middle of the park), if the authorities had let us!"


created: 2018-12-06 13:03:49.276864+00
last_modified: 2024-07-31 21:19:06.266485+00
name: Glen Pavilion, The
ucname: GLEN PAVILION
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8888/8008
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  The Glen Pavilion in Pittencrieff Park is where the Branch holds its annual Ball.  

  The dance was devised as an elegant and sociable dance, with dancers meeting
  and giving hands to many other dancers.


created: 2024-07-25 23:18:56.759313+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 03:49:19.903984+00
name: Jericho Jig, The
ucname: JERICHO JIG
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Jericho is the area of Oxford in which I lived for three years, including when this dance was written, and where Oxford University Scottish Dance Society (OUSDS) would often dance over the summer months.


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 08:18:42.280917+00
name: Banana Benders, The
ucname: BANANA BENDERS
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  Queenslanders are sometimes known by other Aussies as “Banana Benders”, as bananas are one of our major exports to the southern states. In this dance, as we flow from down the middle and back to cast off on bar 17, we are peeling the banana.


created: 2024-02-12 12:14:20.385456+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 08:25:00.74885+00
name: Kirkcolm Strathspey, The
ucname: KIRKCOLM STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2018-06-01
notes:
  The notes say this is "Dedicated to the memory of my late husband, <<ddp:Heron, Sam#2959>>. Sam lived in Stranraer, Scotland and went to school there, but he spent all his free time with his grandparents in Kirkcolm, a village just 6 miles north of Stranraer, and which lies on the northern tip of the Rhinns of Galloway. It is a small village which is bordered on the north and west by the sea, on the east by the bay of Loch Ryan and on the south by the Leswalt Parish. The name Kirkcolm (Kirk of Columb) comes from the local Church of St Columba. When Sam was a boy, he spent many happy hours playing in the woods behind his grandparents house. He loved visiting an old well, which was believed to be St Columba's well. His ashes are scattered around the intricately carved stone cross which dates back to at least the 10th century in the grounds of St Columba's Church, Kirkcolm."


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 08:29:49.148548+00
name: Kirsten's Welcome
ucname: KIRSTENS WELCOME
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  Devised "to celebrate the wedding of Kirsten Duncalfe and Cameron Braid in Brisbane in April 2000. It was successfully danced at the reception by the wedding party, and a video of the event was proudly shown to many of Cameron’s relatives in Scotland on their honeymoon."


created: 2024-08-01 09:08:10.731929+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 09:08:10.731929+00
name: Leonie's Legacy
ucname: LEONIES LEGACY
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "Our teacher Leonie Soter, who sadly passed away this year, inspired us all to dance interesting dances, and she taught them all with patience and ease. Three of her favourites were Togetherness, Polharrow Burn and Gang the Same Gate. The legacy she left us was our love of so many interesting dances, including these three. Features of all three are in this dance."


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 10:13:44.880276+00
name: Our Missing Friend
ucname: OUR MISSING FRIEND
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  3rd man missing!

  "Devised at New Year 2001 to reflect the strength of friendships in dancing and to let fellow dancers realise that they are missed when they are not able to be there. The first man attempts to fill the void left by the absent dancer, and the others, while dancing, accept that they will not be dancing with their chosen partners."

  Sam Heron unfortunately passed away on 17 April 2018, and at his wake, his dancing friends performed this dance in his memory.


created: 2024-08-01 10:19:59.372955+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 10:19:59.372955+00
name: Peanut Delight!
ucname: PEANUT DELIGHT
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  Devised "to practise advance and retire, as well as cross, cast, and half figure of eight in an elementary class. It was also devised to celebrate the joy we get from eating a chewy chocolate-covered bar: unwrapping the bar, biting off small pieces, then enjoying having it go round and round in our tummy!"


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 10:35:43.448215+00
name: Reel Fun
ucname: REEL FUN
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  >Devised by John after enjoying an old recording of Ghurka pipe band music. During a 64 bar arrangement of Black Bear, he could visualise a short fast dance comprising of mainly reels, and particularly the Schiehallion reels. John used an old vinyl LP but any lively 64 bars of reel music would suffice.

  > However, if you feel that this dance, in reel time, is a little too brisk for you, dance it as a strathspey.


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 10:53:29.257031+00
name: Silver Wedding Jig
ucname: SILVER WEDDING JIG
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  "Devised on the occasion of Anne and John Archdeacon’s silver wedding anniversary by their daughter, Joanne."


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 10:59:24.236468+00
name: Spider
ucname: SPIDER
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  "Devised with a little help from Helen’s friends. The inspiration for this dance is the story of Robert the Bruce’s spider [4th couple], who never gave up:  
  • 1–8: He climbs to 3rd place and is sent back to 4th place.  
  • 9–16: He climbs to 2nd place and is cast back down.  
  • 17–24:  
  • 25–32: He finally climbs in triumph to 1st place."


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 11:00:55.284256+00
name: St Lucia Strathspey
ucname: SAINT LUCIA STRATHSPEY
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  Devised for the 26th Australian Winter School held in Grace and Cromwell Colleges at the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane. The St. Lucia Exchange (formation) represents the flow of people between between the two colleges.


created: 2024-08-01 11:05:53.576535+00
last_modified: 2024-08-01 11:05:53.576535+00
name: Tribute to Leonie, A
ucname: TRIBUTE TO LEONIE
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "to celebrate the life of much-loved teacher Leonie Soter, who passed away in 2024, aged 85."


created: 2015-08-26 15:44:24.387154+00
last_modified: 2024-08-05 13:46:10.357938+00
name: There'll Be Another Chord
ucname: THERELL BE ANOTHER CHORD
notes:
  Suggested recorded music:
  Charlie's Silver Jubilee, Reels and Wheels by Gordon Shand.

  In the printed book this was mistakenly described as a reel. It is in fact a strathspey.

  The notes explain the title:
  > In fond memory of June Shore. In the days of long playing records, June sometimes had difficulty getting the record player stylus into the groove which separated the music tracks. We often had the final chord from the previous tune first - and waited for another chord. Perhaps the music for this dance should begin with two chords and have dancers stand still for the second one.


created: 2012-07-03 17:36:03.015183+00
last_modified: 2024-08-04 11:23:02.276657+00
name: Newton House
ucname: NEWTON HOUSE
devised: 1986-11-01
notes:
  "Written in celebration of the Cambridge Scottish Society's Diamond Jubilee Weekend trip to Dovedale, in November 1996, where we stayed in Newton House."


created: 2012-07-03 17:49:16.84283+00
last_modified: 2024-08-04 11:48:56.453375+00
name: Tribute to Norman Bett, A
ucname: TRIBUTE TO NORMAN BETT
notes:
  Devised "in memory of Norman Bett, an excellent musician, who died in August 2002. Bars 1-8 represent the shape of the violin. Bars 9-16 represent the bow crossing the strings. Bars 17-24 represent the bellows on the accordion. Bars 25-32 represent the shape of the accordion."


created: 2024-07-25 23:20:40.39137+00
last_modified: 2024-08-02 09:50:18.350009+00
name: Miss Anna of Ealing
ucname: MISS ANNA OF EALING
intensity_bars: 80800/88888/88888/80800
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for Anna Senkiw on the special occasion of her birthday in 2017. It was Anna, a friend and fellow member of Mansfield College, who first introduce me to Scottish country dancing and OUSDS, for which I am immensely grateful.


created: 2011-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-03 16:57:01.526061+00
name: Don's Party
ucname: DONS PARTY
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated, without permission, to Don and Maimie Chitts to thank them for the delightful party celebrating Don's birthday.


created: 2024-08-05 20:30:01.387126+00
last_modified: 2024-08-05 20:30:01.387126+00
name: Controlled Abandon
ucname: CONTROLLED ABANDON
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The title comes from a phrase often used by Miss Jean Milligan, one of the two founders of the RSCDS. Within this dance there is a play on words as 1st man and 4th woman ‘abandon’ their partners in a controlled manner to follow a new leader in the consecutive half diagonal reels of four, only to find their partners again later in the reels.


created: 2011-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-04 20:40:52.965642+00
name: Day at Culzean Castle, A
ucname: DAY AT CULZEAN CASTLE
intensity_bars: 8888/0880/8080/8000
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  The notes say that "Culzean (pronounced Cul-lane) Castle, overlooking the Firth of Clyde, is one of the finest Adam houses in Scotland. Begun by Robert Adam in 1777 for the 10th Earl of Cassillis, it is in mock-Gothic style, and incorporates the tower of an earlier Kennedy stronghold."


created: 2023-05-08 11:02:38.288299+00
last_modified: 2024-08-06 05:33:40.549474+00
name: Heartbreak Hotel
ucname: HEARTBREAK HOTEL
intensity_bars: 84/88/88/88
devised: 2022-11-17
notes:
  Inspiration for this dance came whilst stuck on a train platform – waiting and listening to some Elvis tunes. There are a lot of dances where you don’t spend much time with your partner, often called “Schwiegermuttertänze” (“mother-in-law dances”) in German, since you can easily dance them with a person you might not be too fond of, as you won’t see much of them anyway. However, I have always found it quite sad to unknowingly dance one of these dances with a partner you like, as it feels like a wasted opportunity – this was the incentive for Heartbreak Hotel, a dance where you always get close but are only ever allowed to look at your partner and never touch hands until the final turn and twirl away.


created: 2024-08-17 18:15:52.245414+00
last_modified: 2024-08-18 15:36:06.720597+00
name: Dance for Mars, A
ucname: DANCE FOR MARS
intensity_bars: 804/840/888/888
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  “This is an easily accessible dance which I think Mars would have enjoyed since first man leads the first half of the dance.  There is also a faint allusion to the square dance figure, Venus and Mars.”

  Mars Longden was a longtime international folk dance leader in the Chicago area. He passed away very suddenly in October, 2014. Mars and his wife, Sanna, would often walk over to Evanston English country dancing, which was held just two blocks from their house.


created: 2018-10-09 10:46:06.3191+00
last_modified: 2024-08-13 15:56:55.011786+00
name: There Are No Auroras on Venus
ucname: THERE ARE NO AURORAS ON VENUS
devised: 2016-05-01
notes:
  I wrote this dance after watching a TV show that mentioned there are no auroras on Venus because it lacks a strong magnetic field.


created: 2000-01-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-11 15:21:34.085465+00
name: Hale-Bopp
ucname: HALEBOPP
devised: 1997-03-01
notes:
  The record breaking comet Hale-Bopp was first observed in 1995 and reached its maximum brightness in 1997. For more information see the Wikipedia article <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_Hale%E2%80%93Bopp>>.

  The notes explain the figures as:  
  1-8: The Head of the Comet  
  9-24: Fuzziness around the head  
  25-32: The Tail of the Comet


created: 2004-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-11 15:39:47.568525+00
name: My Heavenly Twin
ucname: MY HEAVENLY TWIN
devised: 2003-06-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Jackie Johnstone of Dumfries".

  According to the notes:
  > 1. The dancers at Morland have arranged for a star to be named after Jackie and me. It is in the constellation Gemini - hence the ''Twin". We have been given framed certificates to confirm this.
  > 2. Some people refer to "right hands across as "Right Hand Star" and to "left hands across" as "Left Hand Star".


created: 2022-08-31 11:37:08.328942+00
last_modified: 2024-08-14 10:12:28.139833+00
name: White City, The
ucname: WHITE CITY
intensity_bars: 880/880/888/888
devised: 2018-10-01
notes:
  I was reading books about the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, a section of which was called the white city because of the color of the buildings and the extensive lighting.


created: 2011-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-14 09:37:03.395903+00
name: Brand New
ucname: BRAND NEW
intensity_bars: 855/880/622/888
notes:
  For the occasion of Judith Brand's 65th birthday.  

  Bars 1 - 20 represent LXV, roman numerals for 65;  
  Bars 21 - 24 Judith moving from one house to another;  
  Bars 25 - 32 Judith's friends celebrating her birthday.


created: 2006-12-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-14 10:38:58.520809+00
name: Whirlwind
ucname: WHIRLWIND
intensity_bars: 888/844/844/800
devised: 2006-07-01
notes:
  <<scddb-not-identical:12789;13729;16505;20205>>

  While visiting my family in Ohio, I got to visit Wade and Gatten – a premier nursery for hostas and daylilies. One of the hostas I bought is named Whirlwind. I love the name and this dance reminds me of a whirlwind.


created: 2019-06-28 18:56:06.113292+00
last_modified: 2024-08-15 05:23:56.022929+00
name: While the Baby Sleeps
ucname: WHILE THE BABY SLEEPS
intensity_bars: 680/880/804/888
devised: 2017-03-01
notes:
  I find it hardest to name dances (writing them is easy), so I asked my group for ideas for this one and was given several ideas: Charles’ Jig, Playing While Gilbert Sleeps, Playing While the Baby Sleeps, and The Cat’s Meow. The ultimate choice was Charles Plays with the Cat While Baby Gilbert Sleeps, which I decided was too long.


created: 2024-08-15 20:27:06.280456+00
last_modified: 2024-08-15 20:28:36.783563+00
name: Welcome to Applegarth
ucname: WELCOME TO APPLEGARTH
notes:
  A dance devised by Anna Smith for Jan and Geoff Robinson, as a thank you for all they do for the Richmond (North Yorkshire) RSCDS Branch. Applegarth is the name of their lovely home, where they have hosted an outdoor dance most summers for over 25 years.


created: 2024-09-17 21:41:58.70649+00
last_modified: 2024-09-19 08:14:53.654564+00
name: Analemma on the Highlands
ucname: ANALEMMA ON THE HIGHLANDS
notes:
  The analemma, in astronomy, is the diagram showing the position of the Sun in the sky as seen from a fixed location on Earth at the same mean solar time.
  This inspired the 12 bar figure of bars 25-36 (one bar per month of the Sun's track over the course of a year).


created: 2003-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-18 07:38:39.280986+00
name: Imaginary Reel, The
ucname: IMAGINARY REEL
intensity_bars: 800/880/804/808
devised: 2002-09-01
notes:
  The leader of our SCD class is a physicist and has often suggested that he’d like to see a dance with a real and an imaginary part. This is an attempt at such a dance.


created: 2024-09-19 08:09:16.1815+00
last_modified: 2024-09-19 08:09:16.1815+00
name: Ten Years Ago
ucname: TEN YEARS AGO
devised: 2018-10-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to the Società di Danza di Napoli on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of their establishment. October 2018.


created: 2024-08-11 10:45:13.778399+00
last_modified: 2024-08-18 08:09:08.125663+00
name: Ghost Particles
ucname: GHOST PARTICLES
notes:
  The instructions for this dance have both Right and Left handed versions.
  The notes explain that:

  > The versions should be danced alternating Right and Left.
  > After the first time through the order is 3, 1, 2 and the new top couple commences.
  > After six times through, all three couples have danced both Right and Left versions.
  >
  > Note: in this dance, the ghost particles (ladies or men) change state without interacting.
  > There are three types of neutrinos (electron, muon, tau), which oscillate between their mass states (1, 2, 3) whilst travelling.
  > Often termed ghost particles as they rarely interact, in this dance the ghost lady or man changes between 1, 2 and 3 in the reels.
  >
  > The Right-handed version represents neutrinos and the Left-handed version represents anti-neutrinos.
  >
  > This physics inspired dance (devised by a physicist) was first tested at the 2024 St Andrews Summer School where it was danced by a set of six physicists with live music played by another physicist including a physics-related tune composed by yet another physicist.


created: 2024-08-18 21:40:39.441837+00
last_modified: 2024-08-18 21:40:39.441837+00
name: Missing Judee
ucname: MISSING JUDEE
devised: 2022-02-01
notes:
  Judee cut my hair for 40 years and died suddenly with no warning. I miss her; we always had wonderful conversations.


created: 2024-08-18 21:50:22.103647+00
last_modified: 2024-08-18 21:50:22.103647+00
name: Little Fox Face
ucname: LITTLE FOX FACE
devised: 2022-06-01
notes:
  In 2008 we adopted 4 cats from the local shelter ages 2 years, 1.5 years, 1 year, and 6 months. Sadly we lost the oldest in 2019, but we had the other three until this summer when we lost the next two. One of those was Edwin, who was medium hair, white with brown tabby blotches, and always on the move so he stayed thinner than the others. He also had a cute face that reminded me of a fox’s face. I wrote this dance when we still had him but knew his time was limited. We lost him 2 months later at age 16.


created: 2024-08-18 21:53:10.038657+00
last_modified: 2024-08-18 21:53:10.038657+00
name: Long Goodbye, The
ucname: LONG GOODBYE
devised: 2022-09-01
notes:
  This dance was written because of the experience of watching my Mom deteriorate from dementia during the past year. It was so sad to watch how she slowly lost the ability to interact with us in any comprehendible way. The dance is meant to reflect this process as first couple starts out dancing together and eventually ends up dancing apart. I deliberately chose a mournful tune as this is a sad experience.


created: 2024-08-18 21:43:46.174343+00
last_modified: 2024-12-04 11:41:15.735609+00
name: Creative Soul, A
ucname: CREATIVE SOUL
devised: 2022-03-01
notes:
  I wrote this dance thinking about my Mom and all she did in her life. She loved to paint in watercolor and other forms of painting and was quite good at it. She also knit, crocheted, spun, did bobbin lace, and was a classically trained pianist.


created: 2024-08-18 16:47:00.323838+00
last_modified: 2024-10-03 15:49:22.685302+00
name: Umpteen Bar Reel, The
ucname: UMPTEEN BAR REEL
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8008/8888/8888/8448
devised: 2022-06-01
notes:
  When doing the RSCDS Unit 2 and 3 course, candidate teachers are firmly instructed never to ask their class musicians for other than multiples of 8 bar phrases of quicktime music. So I was amused when David Queen, in a brilliant lesson at the 2021 London Branch day school, regularly asked for various different length phrases, such as 9 or 10 bars, and also "umpteen bars of reel time".

  The essential progression in this dance is in bars 9-32. The other phrases provide some relief and variation but leave the dancing couples in the same places. So although I advise sticking to multiples of 8 bars the dance can be done as 4x24, 4x32, 4x40 or 4x48 as desired.


created: 2013-08-06 12:40:20.320782+00
last_modified: 2024-08-18 18:05:14.349125+00
name: Carlin's Loup
ucname: CARLINS LOUP
notes:
  Dance devised by Alex Gray in 2008. The village of Carlops on the Peeblesshire/Midlothian boundary is named from the Carlin's Loup a natural rock formation in the village where a carlin (witch) is supposed to have jumped between two rock pillars.


created: 2006-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-19 06:20:40.992847+00
name: Odd Bob
ucname: ODD BOB
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/888
notes:
  Devised with tremendous gratitude for Bob McMurtry, his patience and encouragement always present. Bob once said to me, "I'm always odd," hence the title.


created: 2024-08-18 16:33:32.910615+00
last_modified: 2024-08-19 06:01:11.710388+00
name: Trip to Somewhere Else
ucname: TRIP TO SOMEWHERE ELSE
intensity_bars: 884/888/888/888
notes:
  The inspiration for the title Trip to Somewhere Else came from a moment in our Mountain View dance class. One of the dancers who very rarely makes a mistake completely missed an entrance and said,
  “I’m sorry, my mind was somewhere else” All of us have had the same experience, so I thought it would make a fun title for a dance!


created: 2010-10-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-19 07:47:27.596032+00
name: Tribute to Drummond Cook
ucname: TRIBUTE TO DRUMMOND COOK
intensity_bars: 8668/8008/8888/8008
devised: 2008-11-01
notes:
  To honour over 50 years of Scottish Country Dance music in the North and East.   
  Published by the Forres Branch RSCDS.


created: 2024-08-18 16:36:55.388115+00
last_modified: 2024-09-28 19:50:37.682163+00
name: Beltane Strathspey, The
ucname: BELTANE STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/888
devised: 2024-04-18
notes:
  Devised 18/4/2024 as a teaching dance for parallel reels on the sides in Strathspey time, as there seemed no simple appropriate dance. Since we were having a Ceilidh-style Beltane themed night two weeks after this teaching night, I could also re-use the dance for that night. Beltane is one of the four main Celtic seasonal festivals along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh. Recommended music is ”Campbletown Kiltie Ball” by P/M John McLellan, and I used Frank Reid’s recording of ”The Wind on Loch Fyne”.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-19 14:46:56.148878+00
name: Guidman of Balangigh, The
ucname: GUIDMAN OF BALANGIGH
intensity_bars: 62 26 44 88
devised: 1728-01-01
notes:
  The original name in Playford 1703 was "The Geud Man of Ballangigh". The spelling seems to have changed over time, eg single or double L. The name is a reference to King James V of Scotland.

  Rosamund Rawlings adds further detail (from <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3638/|issue #3638>>):
  > This is linked to James V of Scotland. The dance is traced to 1696, 150 years after the death of James V. Caroline Bingham in her biography of James V found references to James wandering the countryside and when meeting people identified himself as the “gudeman of Ballengiech” which means a tenant in the hollow of Stirling Castle. These tales may have come to us from Sir Walter Scott. Sir Walter helped to invent many “authentic” Scottish Traditions when he arranged for George IV (Prinny) to visit Scotland in 1822. William H. Murray then developed the story into a play, Cramond Brig; or the Gudeman O’Ballangeich. <<https://englishhistoryauthors.blogspot.com/2012/02/geud-man-of-ballangigh.html>>.


created: 2024-08-18 16:38:02.26757+00
last_modified: 2024-08-19 22:41:12.633139+00
name: Liz Rendell
ucname: LIZ RENDELL
devised: 2024-06-20
notes:
  From the dance notes: "Liz Rendell is a very longstanding member of the Johnsonville Club, and past treasurer."


created: 2024-08-18 16:42:49.726036+00
last_modified: 2024-08-20 11:11:51.16045+00
name: White Rose Reel, The
ucname: WHITE ROSE REEL
devised: 2023-07-08
notes:
  The notes say this was devised "after observing <<ddd:Hay’s Australian Ladies#313|Hay’s Australian Ladies>> I taught to a class in Leeds. I really liked the shuttle step sequence with the turns individually as they look great when covering is done."


created: 2022-08-31 10:18:12.425202+00
last_modified: 2024-08-21 03:13:02.937117+00
name: Helen and Malcolm Brown
ucname: HELEN AND MALCOLM BROWN
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/808
devised: 2018-08-01
notes:
  Helen and Malcolm Brown visited Chicago in August 2018 and the Chicago Branch held a dance in their honor. This dance was written shortly after that event and incorporates the starting figure from Malcolm’s dance Links with St Petersburg and the bourrel, which is a figure Helen likes.


created: 2019-08-12 16:26:40.102672+00
last_modified: 2024-08-26 21:44:19.309241+00
name: Whisky Trail, The
ucname: WHISKY TRAIL
intensity_bars: 8040/8888/8048/8888
notes:
  Visitors to Speyside can follow the "Whisky Trail” visiting many famous distilleries and sampling the “water of life”.


created: 2014-02-20 13:48:44.653881+00
last_modified: 2024-08-27 12:10:30.562655+00
name: Passport and Pumps
ucname: PASSPORT AND PUMPS
notes:
  The notes say this was "written for Janette Bulloch as part of the JAG 40th holiday celebrations with many thanks for all her work in planning and organising the holidays. We always have to ask before we leave have you got your passport and pumps."


created: 2014-06-09 19:58:24.906655+00
last_modified: 2024-08-27 12:36:01.126282+00
name: Luckenbooth Challenge, The
ucname: LUCKENBOOTH CHALLENGE
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to "The Luckenbooth Circle, where Hilary often included a challenging dance on the programme. Hilary and Frederick and friends set up this dancing group in Bury St Edmunds for friendly, social dancing on a Friday night to encourage beginners. Hilary and Frederick ‘retired’ in 1999, and the group has continued to put Bury St Edmunds on the Scottish dancing map, now organized by a dedicated and hard working committee."


created: 1999-06-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-27 16:52:07.417729+00
name: Lass from Whangarei, The
ucname: LASS FROM WHANGAREI
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  Information from <<ddp:Werner, Edwin#3645>> (<<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3647/|issue 3647>>):
  > The dance, devised by Olivia Roberts, was presented to Fiona Bullivant by the Sydney Branch Teachers’ Liaison Group on the occasion of her return to Whangarei, after many years dancing and teaching in Sydney, 31 May 1999.


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-28 11:58:08.926582+00
name: River Rock Reel
ucname: RIVER ROCK REEL
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  Deviser's note: "The San Lorenzo River runs near my home, on its way to join Monterey Bay. Over the millennia, it has carved designs in the huge river rocks."


created: 2014-07-14 11:19:09.580529+00
last_modified: 2024-08-28 16:43:21.527413+00
name: Lochaber Lass, The
ucname: LOCHABER LASS
notes:
  The notes say this "was written for Carol-Ann Stewart. She moved to Glasgow from Lochaber to attend university and has become a good friend of the whole family."


created: 2014-07-14 11:23:47.295182+00
last_modified: 2024-08-28 16:52:25.765744+00
name: Extra Mile, The
ucname: EXTRA MILE
notes:
  The notes explain that:
  > Lindsay Martin and I completed the 96 miles of the West Highland Way in May 2012. It used to finish at the Woollen Mill but has now been extended by an “extra mile”!!


created: 2015-08-27 17:44:20.21774+00
last_modified: 2024-08-29 08:22:55.602926+00
name: Jacqui
ucname: JACQUI
devised: 2013-03-01
notes:
  For four people in a diamond shaped set.

  Inscribed "I named the dance Jacqui after Jacqui Longtain, a long time dancer and friend who recently passed away. She would have enjoyed this dance."


created: 2015-08-27 18:06:30.763465+00
last_modified: 2024-08-30 02:02:50.618782+00
name: Walden Puppy
ucname: WALDEN PUPPY
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/844
devised: 2014-04-01
notes:
  I wrote this for my daughterʼs older dog, Walden, who is stately and dignified and a real ʻgentledogʼ. He has brought much joy to our lives.


created: 2015-08-27 18:05:50.397782+00
last_modified: 2024-08-30 02:30:52.725885+00
name: Thank You, Fred
ucname: THANK YOU FRED
intensity_bars: 840/844/844/844
devised: 2014-02-01
notes:
  I wrote this to thank Fred Moyes who came and played for our classes while he was visiting in Montreal. I hope Christine comes here often for her conferences!


created: 2019-06-18 09:24:40.629807+00
last_modified: 2024-09-02 02:55:09.157852+00
name: Partisan, The
ucname: PARTISAN
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/800/888
devised: 2019-06-06
notes:
  This dance is inspired by the song “The partisan” by Leonard Cohen and was devised on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. This strathspey is dedicated to my wonderful grandfather, Louis Devèze - aka “Papou”- who was a member of the French Resistance (FFI), and to all the partisans who fought for freedom.

  Bars 19‐24 feature a 6‐bar‐long one‐and‐a‐half gypsy turn, so take the time to turn around and exchange looks with your partner when you turn the one‐and‐a‐half gypsy turn before going to own side. It must be
  very sweet in this part of the dance.


created: 2024-09-04 08:57:09.60437+00
last_modified: 2024-09-05 08:52:20.833756+00
name: Tribute to Malcolm Brown, A
ucname: TRIBUTE TO MALCOLM BROWN
devised: 2024-09-03
notes:
  The deviser wrote, on 4 September 2024, that "yesterday morning I was thinking about <<ddp: Brown, Malcolm#635|Malcolm>> and peacefully came a dance."

  > 1-8 2M dance  a half of Solo R&L with 2L and 1L (i.e. cross RH with 2L then change places on a side with 1L), 1M repeat  (with 2M and 1L) and face out.
  >
  > 9-16 1s and 2s dance Ladies' chain. All finish on diagonal, men join RH in the middle and LH with partner.
  >
  > 17-24 1s and 2s dance the Spiral:
  >   - 17-18 all Balance in line, ladies turn left about  to face clockwise
  >   - 19-20 all in diagonal line rotate 1/4 way clockwise, men drop LH
  >   - 21-22 ladies dance across to opposite line, men half turn RH
  >   - 23-24 men continue turn to finish in lines in order 2 (1).
  >
  > 25-32 2s+1s+3s circle 6H round to left for six bars and 1s cross RH to own lines as 2s and 3s set to partner.
  >
  > Repeat having passed a couple.


created: 2019-10-24 16:38:37.958261+00
last_modified: 2024-09-05 09:50:00.456583+00
name: City of Wisteria
ucname: CITY OF WISTERIA
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/882
devised: 2018-11-01
notes:
  *Peter Marshall writes* "The dance commemorates the 15th Anniversary, in autumn 2019, of Kasukabe Sugar Candie Scottish Dancing Group.  Kasukabe City is famous for its Wisteria, one of its trees is over 1200 years old, and there is a wide main street opposite the station named Wisteria Street.  Members of this group have always made me very welcome and so it is a pleasure to devise this dance for them."


created: 2002-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-31 17:33:11.429815+00
name: Ship o' Grace
ucname: SHIP O GRACE
intensity_bars: 8000 8888 8888 8224 8008
devised: 1955-01-01
notes:
  Symbolic meaning (from the original description):

  1 - 8 	The lifeboat is launched.  
  9 - 16	Rescue equipment ..  
  17 - 24	The wheel.  
  25 - 30	Over the waves to the boat in distress.  
  31 - 32	The knot between the two boats is tied.  
  33 - 40	Back to safety towing the rescued boat.


created: 2018-10-27 21:55:41.554894+00
last_modified: 2024-08-31 17:56:04.237798+00
name: Good Dance, The
ucname: GOOD DANCE
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this dances has "Well known phrases from from other dances - easy, and opportunity for 1st couple to ‘fly’!"


created: 2024-07-24 23:37:53.899408+00
last_modified: 2024-09-01 22:04:04.959261+00
name: Where is my Fiddle?
ucname: WHERE IS MY FIDDLE
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/868
devised: 2023-08-01
notes:
  Devised in August 2023 during the Valley of the Moon Fiddling School, with the goal to demonstrate it during the week’s ceilidh. Dedicated to Alasdair Fraser who complained that the camp had forgotten the link between music and dance.  
  The dance recounts the little anecdote that had the camp buzzing for three days: Alasdair had lost his violin during an evening that lasted a little too long, before finally finding it two days later under the pile of participants’ violins; where it belonged. A big thank you, moreover, to the four demonstration volunteers who danced even though they had not danced for at least a decade.


created: 2024-08-21 20:51:07.554932+00
last_modified: 2024-09-06 15:19:24.430182+00
name: Time Square
ucname: TIME SQUARE
intensity_bars: 8888/6666/8888/6666/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired after a brilliant holiday to New York.

  When asked about the choice of name "Time Square" rather than "Times Square" the deviser replied:
  > There is a dance already called <<ddd:Times Square#13770>> (in the <<ddpub:Big Apple Collection#1042>>).
  > My holiday only gave me an idea of the name of my dance. I wanted the formations to resemble a clock (cogs etc), hence the name ‘Time Square’.


created: 2002-06-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-09-06 17:51:36.281437+00
name: Dancing Out of Habit
ucname: DANCING OUT OF HABIT
intensity_bars: 16,14,0/888/888
devised: 1996-10-01
notes:
  Drewry's Note: 

  Devised for Robert Baird.

  Robert, for a time, taught Scottish Country Dancing at a Catholic boys school. Girls from a neighbouring school were brought in as partners. At an end-of-term party, the monks, who taught at the school, joined in the dancing too. One of them danced on to a slippery part of the floor and went all his length. His habit flew up over his head giving a "non-divine revelation" to all present. Happily he was a good sport and, picking himself up, continued to dance.


created: 2020-08-17 22:26:01.921685+00
last_modified: 2024-09-06 19:52:19.387535+00
name: Campsie Glen
ucname: CAMPSIE GLEN
notes:
  The information about this dance was supplied by <<ddp:Bolton-Maggs, Tim#523>> who wrote:

  > As for Campsie Glen, my version is completely different, so it’s definitely another dance. I have no idea who devised it but it must predate the one that’s already in the database, as I had the instructions long before the ‘bourrel’ was introduced as a figure. It probably dates from the same era as Alltshellach (RSCDS book 23).


created: 2024-07-27 00:14:24.918057+00
last_modified: 2024-09-06 21:02:39.01919+00
name: Many Meetings
ucname: MANY MEETINGS
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8888/4848
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  In this dance you have ‘many meetings’ with your partner and the other dancers. Note that Many Meetings is the title of the first chapter of the second book of The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien, who studied at the University of Oxford and later became a fellow there. It is also the title of one of the most popular pieces of film music, composed by Howard Shore for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.


created: 2024-09-07 01:06:32.970263+00
last_modified: 2024-09-07 01:42:42.658478+00
name: Hills of Tennessee, The
ucname: HILLS OF TENNESSEE
intensity_bars: 8642/8888/4484/8888
devised: 2024-07-01
notes:
  On my off-day at the 2024 IOLI Convention my husband and I drove around Tennessee and had fun going up and down the many hills there.


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-09-08 08:56:46.545269+00
name: Sauchie Haugh, The
ucname: SAUCHIE HAUGH
intensity_bars: 80 88 88 88
devised: 1967-01-01
notes:
  The Sauchie Haugh refers to a willowy meadow by a river: in this instance the meadow which gave modern Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow its name.

  The RSCDS leaflet gives the tune as <<ddt:Lord Eglinton's Auld Man#1008>> but a presumably earlier typescript suggests both <<ddt:Mrs Lumsden of Achindores#1327>> and <<ddt:Mr Hamilton of Pencaitland#1275>>.


created: 1997-08-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-09-08 09:23:14.936535+00
name: Alfred McDonald Strathspey
ucname: ALFRED MACDONALD STRATHSPEY
devised: 1989-02-01
notes:
  Devised "to commemorate 20 years of dancing on the Los Angeles Branch Demonstration Team for Alfred McDonald in February, 1989."


created: 2024-09-08 16:33:00.067296+00
last_modified: 2024-09-08 22:09:18.592175+00
name: Weavers Branch
ucname: WEAVERS BRANCH
intensity_bars: 884/888/044/888
devised: 2021-05-01
notes:
  For Jan and Chris Collings. Weavers Branch might be considered as a small, but lovely,
  two member section of the RSCDS. It is also their street address in Thame, Oxfordshire.


created: 2024-09-08 19:57:20.155214+00
last_modified: 2024-09-09 09:55:47.237239+00
name: Dr Windley's Stilton Strathspey
ucname: DR WINDLEYS STILTON STRATHSPEY
devised: 2024-09-01
notes:
  My great-uncle Dr William Windley was a general practitioner in the village of Colston Bassett. In 1913 he invented the Colston Bassett Stilton, and this dance commemorates it:  
  Bars 1-8: The doctor on his rounds in Colston Bassett in 1913, having the idea of how to make a Stilton Cheese  
  Bars 9-16: Raising £1000 from the local farmers, aristocrats, and his patients, to start the Colston Bassett Dairy  
  Bars 17-24: Making the cheese – pushing in the stainless steel needles to make those delicious blue nodules  
  Bars 25-32: Eating the Colston Bassett Stilton cheese


created: 2024-07-25 23:24:30.027063+00
last_modified: 2024-09-11 00:48:23.286476+00
name: Dame's Delight
ucname: DAMES DELIGHT
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Niall Bootland, Summer 2017. Revised May 2024.  
  Dame’s Delight, like the nearby Parson’s Pleasure, was a bathing area along the river Cherwell, this time for women to bathe. It opened in 1934 and closed in 1970.


created: 2024-09-08 16:40:17.48581+00
last_modified: 2024-09-13 22:57:38.465557+00
name: Mezquita de Cordoba, La
ucname: MEZQUITA DE CORDOBA
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/844
devised: 2024-06-01
notes:
  The original Moorish Mosque (Mezquita) in Cordoba has many long aisles of columns which support the roof with double arches. The figure in bars 9-24 was inspired by this unique building.


created: 2024-07-25 23:22:12.06168+00
last_modified: 2024-09-18 10:28:05.07261+00
name: Parson's Pleasure
ucname: PARSONS PLEASURE
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8448/8008
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Parson’s Pleasure is a pleasant area along the banks of the river Cherwell on the edge of University Parks. It used to be a male bathing area frequented by university dons until its closure in 1991. The area features a set of rollers that allows punts to be transported between the two levels of the river on either side of Mesopotamia Walk.


created: 2024-09-19 07:55:29.347129+00
last_modified: 2024-09-19 07:55:29.347129+00
name: Having a Certain Age
ucname: HAVING A CERTAIN AGE
devised: 2014-09-01
notes:
  This dance, with palindrome choreography, was designed and written for Nando's birthday party, and is dedicated to him. Monteroni d'Arbia September 2014.


created: 2024-09-17 21:32:14.239013+00
last_modified: 2024-09-19 08:11:24.034537+00
name: Rome Marathon
ucname: ROME MARATHON
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised on the occasion of the 2016 Rome Marathon.

  The strathspey chorus is the same each time, but the jig part differs each time hence it is best described as a 96 bar dance. Each 32 bar section has progression 2,3,1.


created: 2024-09-23 06:39:50.418956+00
last_modified: 2024-10-19 22:50:44.434813+00
name: Bookworm, The
ucname: BOOKWORM
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Ingrid Ganß on the occasion of her 60th birthday in May 2019. 
  Ingrid is a treasured long-term member of the Flying Celts (Kuckucksnest/Germany), one of the keenest bookworms ever known and a brilliant writer.


created: 2022-08-23 12:45:54.430324+00
last_modified: 2024-09-24 08:09:02.339942+00
name: Ghosts of Cape Horn, The
ucname: GHOSTS OF CAPE HORN
devised: 2018-06-01
notes:
  Named for a favorite Gordon Lightfoot song. Note that this could be a 3-couple set dance if the last figure is 6-bar reels across the set, then 1C dance down the center and face out to begin the double figure of 8.


created: 2023-01-25 15:06:55.228441+00
last_modified: 2024-09-14 08:45:46.469359+00
name: Tall Ship "Glenlee", The
ucname: TALL SHIP GLENLEE
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  The Tall Ship “Glenlee”, now located outside the Riverside Museum on the Clyde, was built
  in 1896 by A Rodger and Company in Port Glasgow. The Clydebuilt vessel went through
  several names and owners before being sold to the Spanish Navy in 1922 where she spent
  much of her working life, eventually falling into disrepair. The three-masted barque was saved
  after being bought by the Clyde Maritime Trust in 1993 and returned to Glasgow. She was
  subsequently restored and given her original name ‘Glenlee’ and now stands as a museum
  ship and icon of the Clyde. The first 8 bars of the dance represent the swell and churn of the
  sea while the second 8 bars portray the ship’s wayward past as a training vessel in the Spanish
  Navy. The final 16 bars draw out the shape of the three-masted barque, outlining the masts,
  figurehead and hull.

  The deviser adds this comment (for which there was no space in the Glasgow 100th Anniversary book):  
  "Regarding the Espagnole for three couples, I first devised this figure over the summer of 2017 and placed it into a dance called <<ddd:Lost in the Dreaming Spires#21915>>. The figure derives from the standard Espagnole of John Drewry and in this extension the choice for which dancers begin by leading across the set was made for an easier and more flowing movement. Note that similar figures occur independently in several other dances."


created: 1998-10-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-09-14 10:03:27.926623+00
name: Stern Polka
ucname: STERN POLKA
notes:
  Music: original tune (essential), 2/4 time in 3 sections. On the RSCDS CD Scottish Country Dancing Vol. 1, the music for 'C' is 8 8 bars, which is the way it is played in some areas.

  Source: dance originally devised by B.M. and T. Edney. Collected by Barbara Gibbons.
  276


created: 2024-08-18 16:46:19.034187+00
last_modified: 2024-09-14 22:25:47.236557+00
name: Antiquities of Cordoba, The
ucname: ANTIQUITIES OF CORDOBA
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2024-06-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired by a visit to Cordoba. The double arch Rondel-like figure in bars 9-16 evokes the original Moorish Mosque (La Mezquita). The opening arches are for the old "Roman Bridge" over the Guadalquivir river and the hands across in the Cogwheel figure of bars 17-24 are for the old water mill (Albolafia). Both the bridge and the mills have been rebuilt, more than once, since Roman times. The current form of the bridge dates from the Moorish period which is also thought to be when the Albolafia was constructed.


created: 2022-06-23 13:32:10.491454+00
last_modified: 2024-09-15 20:32:33.342379+00
name: Something in the Air
ucname: SOMETHING IN THE AIR
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  Devised August 2019, Revised October 2019

  This dance was inspired by the wonderful <<ddrec:Set of Song Airs#10275>> on <<dda:Dancer's Best Friend, A#1118>> by the trio, Terpsichore.  Since this set of airs is 6x32 bars, the dance was envisioned for a three-couple set.  However the dance could be done as a standard two couple dance in a four-couple set.

  As reported in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3460/|issue 3460>>, when adopted by the RSCDS and published in Book 53 the RSCDS chose to describe it as for a four-couple set and also replaced the deviser's original choice of music by a completely different set of tunes.

  Both the <<ddrec:Set of Song Airs#10275|original>> and RSCDS recordings are linked to the dance entry.

  Note:  The Rose Progression was devised by Rod Downey of New Zealand.


created: 2024-09-17 12:21:22.665063+00
last_modified: 2024-09-17 12:21:22.665063+00
name: Celebrating Paola
ucname: CELEBRATING PAOLA
notes:
  Although described in SCDDB as a 32 bar dance, there is also a 16 bar introduction and finale, so 128 bars in total.


created: 2000-04-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-09-18 09:08:39.54062+00
name: Glens of Antrim, The
ucname: GLENS OF ANTRIM
intensity_bars: 808/888/828/880
notes:
  Dedicated to Miss Nan Shaw, a founder member of the Belfast Branch, and a member of the 1938
  committee of the Belfast Scottish Country Dance Society - a forerunner of the Branch.


created: 2024-07-17 23:03:18.669453+00
last_modified: 2024-09-19 09:34:34.570491+00
name: Champollion and Love
ucname: CHAMPOLLION AND LOVE
intensity_bars: 6006/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised as a reminder of 3 years of prepa class. Champollion is not a great scientist here but the prestigious high school of Grenoble where Lise had the honor to spend 3 years in literary studies. She dedicates this dance to all the wonderful people she met in Champollion: the friends from the boarding school who bore her day and night, the classmates with whom she endured various exams, a boyfriend crossed in the corridors, incredible teachers. Preparatory studies may seem like hell but thanks to love and friendship, these 3 years will be just wonderful memories.

  Originally intended as a jig it was later changed to a reel.


created: 2024-09-19 10:39:08.479557+00
last_modified: 2024-09-19 10:39:08.479557+00
name: Fir Bhräige
ucname: FIR BHRAIGE
notes:
  Fir Bhräige (Fake Men) is the name that was given to the megalithic circle of Callanish on the Isle of Lewis. The circle is believed to date back to around 5000 years ago.


created: 2024-09-19 11:17:02.714028+00
last_modified: 2024-09-19 11:17:02.714028+00
name: Linton Worm
ucname: LINTON WORM
notes:
  The Linton Worm is a mythical beast referred to in a Scottish borders legend dating back to the 12th century.


created: 2024-06-04 15:02:12.159243+00
last_modified: 2024-09-19 17:49:55.631348+00
name: Belhaven (Strathspey)
ucname: BELHAVEN STRATHSPEY
devised: 1963-01-01
notes:
  This is the second section of the medley Belhaven.

  See also: Belhaven (Reel) (1st section) <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/458/>>

  and Belhaven (Jig) (3rd section)<<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/22048/>>


created: 2013-02-01 09:37:49.640463+00
last_modified: 2024-09-20 01:08:20.905938+00
name: Brig O' Broon Reel
ucname: BRIG O BROON REEL
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8448/8888
notes:
  When camping in Scotland as a child, we visited a remote place called Brown Bridge. My father, being of a romantic nature, told me it was really called Brig O' Broon (no prizes for guessing which musical he had in mind!). The name has always stuck with me and I intend one day to return to the place I will always think of as Brig O'Broon.


created: 1999-07-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-09-20 11:42:20.63404+00
name: Alice Mann's Strathspey
ucname: ALICE MANNS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/808/886/844
devised: 1982-01-01
notes:
  Alice Mann, who is a former Branch Chairman and holder of the Society's scroll, is well-known throughout the world of Scottish Country Dancing. She both taught and played the piano for dancing over many years, including playing at the Summer School in St Andrews. A beautiful dancer as well as teacher and musician, Alice danced in the Society's International Team.


created: 2024-07-31 20:45:06.780399+00
last_modified: 2024-09-20 17:40:45.6578+00
name: Cathy McLeod's Big "Zero"
ucname: CATHY MACLEODS BIG ZERO
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Cathy McLeod on the occasion of her 'Big Zero' Birthday Party as a thank you for all her time, effort, and endless patience mentoring new Scottish Country Dance teachers in Brisbane.


created: 2019-01-29 12:07:19.593904+00
last_modified: 2024-09-22 12:32:23.66187+00
name: Twelve 1314
ucname: TWELVE 1314
notes:
  An adaptation of John Drewry's <<ddd:1314>> for six couples (12 people) in a hexagonal set.

  For a description see <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/twelve-1314.html>>.


created: 2006-10-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-09-24 20:15:40.286226+00
name: Amstel Court
ucname: AMSTEL COURT
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/888
devised: 1999-06-01
notes:
  Devised on behalf of Mary, Jeff and Caroline for <<ddp:Short, Mervyn C#347|Mervyn Short>> on the occasion of his 40th birthday. Mervyn lives at Amstel Court [or did at the time].


created: 1998-04-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-15 09:04:05.493202+00
name: Melrose
ucname: MELROSE
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Roy and Pamela Green, to celebrate their Ruby Wedding, August, 1990".

  The tune <<ddt:Kenilworth Court>>, written for this dance, is dedicated to <<ddp:Holden, Anna Campbell #81|Anna Holden>>.


created: 2024-12-06 18:09:44.632176+00
last_modified: 2024-12-06 19:02:47.366082+00
name: Missing Lightfoot
ucname: MISSING LIGHTFOOT
intensity_bars: 880/864/844/888
devised: 2024-11-24
notes:
  Gordon Lightfoot was my favorite singer/songwriter of all time. His birthday was November 17th, the day before mine, so I think of him each November, even more now that he is gone.


created: 2017-05-21 09:16:42.79215+00
last_modified: 2024-10-01 22:27:02.523162+00
name: Simone's Serendipitous Meeting
ucname: SIMONES SERENDIPITOUS MEETING
intensity_bars: 430 888 880 824
devised: 2016-03-01
notes:
  Simone, who is originally from Belgium, met her future husband there for a month and then corresponded for four years before joining him in London.
  Despite thinking she knew everything about him she had unfortunately neglected to ask Ron if he shared her passion for dancing and was very upset to find he did not.

  One day in church she poured out her (only) disappointment to the complete stranger who happened to be sitting next to her.
  This kind lady recommended she try Scottish Country Dancing where she could come without a partner.
  Simone was immediately hooked and was subsequently taught and examined as a qualified RSCDS teacher by the redoubtable founder of the RSCDS, Miss Milligan, who praised her for “teaching so well in a foreign language”.
  Fifty years later Simone still teaches weekly at the Epping Forest Scottish Association.

  An article about Simone appeared in <<https://www.rscdslondon.org.uk/_files/ugd/4a642b_a08b26a56d304342a0ac92da7cc622b3.pdf#page=11|The Reel #325 page 11>>.
  Sadly Simone died towards the end of 2023.


created: 2024-04-10 12:09:40.322388+00
last_modified: 2024-09-27 22:44:31.535995+00
name: Sharing Ice Creams With Angels
ucname: SHARING ICE CREAMS WITH ANGELS
intensity_bars: 888/840/884/888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to my friend Alan Ross. I first met him in August 2015: he was the class musician at my first Summer school. During the break, he used to play some old French songs for us while we "tried" to waltz with another French dancer (this amused him a lot because we were clowning around). It's one of great memories I keep in mind! I’ll miss him very much but I’ll always remember what a great man and musician he was, and how lucky I was to have known him.  
  The title of the dance refers to the “game” he played of posting photos on Facebook of the best ice creams. I'm sure he eats good ice creams with angels now.

  1-2
  : All three couples set to partner. In strathspey time, use the Glasgow Highlanders setting step (left foot) ; In reel time, use the pas de basque & coupé (left foot).  
  3-8
  : All three couples dance la baratte (all three couples are now on opposite side).  
  9-12
  : 1st couple dance down (2 bars) and change side with nearer hands joined (2 bars) (1W dancing under 1M arm) (2nd couple dance up on the sidelines on 11-12).  
  13-20
  : 2nd & 1st couples dance a Men’s Chain (up and down the set), finishing on the sidelines (2x, 1, 3x).  
  21-24
  : While 1st couple, giving both hands, turn once round, 2nd & 3rd couples, giving both hands, turn one and a half (all three couples finishing on own side, in order 2, 1, 3). In reel time, use skip change of step.  
  25-32
  : All three couples dance 6 hands round and back.  
  Start again from new position (the second time in reel time).


created: 2024-08-18 16:35:21.059401+00
last_modified: 2024-09-28 19:29:36.97988+00
name: Joseph Lowe
ucname: JOSEPH LOWE
devised: 2024-05-30
notes:
  Devised 30 May, 2024, as a basic teaching dance for ladies chain in Strathspey tune. Recommended tune is Mrs MacInroy of Lude by Joseph Lowe. The recording of ”Lady Glasgow” by D.u.K in ”Miss Milligan’s MIscellanies” has this as the second tune and would be a suitable recording.  
  Joseph Lowe began a history of nearly 200 years of dance teaching with over 200 descendents involved, beginning in Scotland, but bringing a tradition to Australia and New Zealand. One of the descendants was New Zealand’s most famous ballet dancer, Sir John Trimmer.


created: 2024-08-18 16:39:34.299628+00
last_modified: 2024-09-28 20:04:22.355913+00
name: Trip to Newtown School, A
ucname: TRIP TO NEWTOWN SCHOOL
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/888
devised: 2023-08-21
notes:
  Devised 21 August, 2023 as a simple ceilidh-style dance, for the first club night after our annual dance jointly held with Capital City on the 19th August, in Newtown School Hall. Recommended tune is “Unnamed Stallion” by James MacQueen, and a suitable recording is on “Excited States” on the
  album by the same name by “Stringfire!”.


created: 2024-08-18 16:40:46.078769+00
last_modified: 2024-09-28 23:33:04.805814+00
name: Bob's Delight
ucname: BOBS DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 88888/80800/80800/80888
devised: 2024-07-08
notes:
  Devised 7/8/2024 as a teaching dance as part of a sequence for teaching 5C dances. The dance is a 5C version of Bob McMurtry’s dance, Bev’s Delight from his book, The Devil’s Quandary. Recommended tune is ”Gloria’s Wee Jig” from the same collection, and by Bob McMurtry. There is no 5C recording of this music, so I used ”Aire Bennan” and my choice would be the recording my Ron Gonella and Iain MacPhail in ”Scottish Dance Masters-Vol 2”, although my recording has 8 extra bars!. The recording in Clashmardin Vol 2 by Nicol McLaren is also good.


created: 2024-09-20 21:25:23.709207+00
last_modified: 2024-09-29 17:54:11.20825+00
name: Jean's Triplet
ucname: JEANS TRIPLET
devised: 2022-11-19
notes:
  This is a change partner dance with the men progressing one place clockwise round the set each time through the dance.

  Written "for Jean Guano on the occasion of her Scottish Country Dance party she so kindly arranged in Wimbledon".


created: 2024-07-25 04:28:57.232359+00
last_modified: 2024-10-01 21:04:50.643153+00
name: Montorgueil Queen
ucname: MONTORGUEIL QUEEN
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Aliénor Latour for the 30th birthday of her cousin, Anne‐Laure Latour, on 27 June 2019: Anne‐Laure tends to be a great dancer with a short memory - this dance can be danced easily by a first woman who only remembers the first 8 bars and relies on her partner for the rest.


created: 2024-09-29 11:32:05.409223+00
last_modified: 2024-09-30 22:29:50.264864+00
name: No Name Pending Trial
ucname: NO NAME PENDING TRIAL
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/844
notes:
  The instructions for this dance, entitled only as "NO NAME PENDING TRIAL", were found in SCD papers from the late Maureen Haynes (now in the hands of Trevor Clarke).

  It is not known who actually devised the dance - but is thought **not** to be by Maureen Haynes nor her husband <<ddp:Haynes, Derek#175>>. Trevor Clarke writes that:
  - Maureen never devised any dances herself. She always told us that one devisor in the family was enough!! 
  - The handwriting on the attached [copy of the instructions] is not Maureen's
  - The notation and wording is not "correct" as Maureen would have written it using RSCDS terminology
  - Maureen always favoured using diagrams rather than words when analysing or writing down dance instructions.
  - Finally, and this is only a guess as we will never know, we think it may be a project Ann Dix was working on. It seems to have a number of the features Ann used in her dances.

  However it has subsequently been tested (at least by <<ddp:Timmins, Andrew#448>>'s group in Tübingen) so it has been added to the database with the only title we know of.


created: 2024-07-25 04:38:29.547982+00
last_modified: 2024-10-01 21:38:13.672543+00
name: Contra Dance Weekend in Normandy, A
ucname: CONTRA DANCE WEEKEND IN NORMANDY
notes:
  I specially devised this dance for a Scottish country dance discovery class, held during an American contra dance weekend in Normandy, in May 2023. The dancers were complete beginners in Scottish country dance steps but advanced contra dancers. I decided to use well‐known formations in these two types of dances (even if they may have different names as “hey” for “reel of four”) and to leave the dancers free to choose, in reel time, between birling or swinging (which is a typical contra dance formation). This dance is dedicated to Laurette Tuckerman who is the “orchestra conductor” of contra dance in France and organized this wonderful weekend of dancing.


created: 1998-01-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-09-30 08:40:44.517592+00
name: Boy and the Adder, The
ucname: BOY AND THE ADDER
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/800
notes:
  There is an old story, and a poem by Alan Temperley, which was recorded in 1786 near Galloway on the Solway Coast, about a boy and an adder A farmer's wife heard her son speaking of meeting a "beardie," who was his friend, in the garden. She thought little of it, but one morning noticed he had been taking his breakfast bowl of porridge outside and eating it in the garden. She heard him say in his childish voice, "Keep yer am side 0' the plate, grey beardie." She crossed to the knoll and saw the bowl of porridge lying on the grass beside him, but to her horror an adder was curled up next to him, its head in the dish feeding from the boy's breakfast. The little boy rapped the adder on the head with his spoon to send it round to its own side of the bowl, and the adder did what he was told and rested its throat on the rim and resumed feeding from the same dish. His mother quietly spoke to him telling him to get up softly and come to her, not wishing to upset the boy or the adder. She then pulled him away.  
  The adder slithered off into the rough grass. She called some of the men from the farm and they quickly poked and thrashed through the heather and grass and clubbed it to death. The boy was broken-hearted at their cruelty and within three years he died, they said of grief at the loss of his friend.  

  1 - 16
  : depict the friendship between the boy and the adder
  17 - 32
  : depict the hunt for the adder and the boy's loneliness.


created: 1997-04-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-09-30 14:47:55.095147+00
name: In the Days of Sailing Ships
ucname: IN THE DAYS OF SAILING SHIPS
intensity_bars: 823/822/880/800
notes:
  “*A Scot who went to America in the days of sailing ships, when the voyage took three months or more, took with him a large supply of sowans. He made a big batch in a tub, and when it had settled, the water was poured off and the sediment allowed to dry until it could be cut like cheese. Then it was cut into cubes and stored in his travelling trunk for use on the voyage, with water supplied on the ship. Thus he arrived on America's shore in much better condition than most of the ship's passengers, many of whom died, especially children*.” (**- Hugh Mackay, the Gaelic Singer**)


created: 2006-10-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-01 11:39:12.878035+00
name: Pawling Porch, The
ucname: PAWLING PORCH
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2005-05-01
notes:
  Devised by Elaine Brunken,  May 2005, at the Pawling Weekend in New York State.  Elaine writes: "Muriel (Johnstone) and I  had a small porch off our cabin, which seemed to become the place everyone stopped for a drink after classes, before lunch, after lunch, before dinner……..  (now there’s a surprise!).  Pawling (run by the New York Branch) is a brilliant weekend, the NY branch are one of the friendliest, most welcoming groups I have met in my many travels."


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-01 14:29:41.516572+00
name: Porringer, The
ucname: PORRINGER
intensity_bars: 880/800/808/880
notes:
  The traditional bowl was made of hardwood - preferably birch, because of its sweetness and because it was easily kept clean. Hom spoons were commonly used with both porridge and broth, and were preferred to metal ones which were apt to become unpleasantly hot.  
  In olden times, each man had his horn spoon (which he carried at his side, on his saddle, or fastened to his bonnet) to sup his kail, porridge, or sowans. Before the introduction of glass, drinking vessels were commonly made of hom, the better articles being silver-trimmed. Hornware, an old Scottish craft, is still practised.


created: 2024-10-04 09:39:46.709171+00
last_modified: 2024-10-04 11:47:25.362436+00
name: Tribute to Plattling
ucname: TRIBUTE TO PLATTLING
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised for a trip, in 2024, by young Selkirk Scottish Country Dancers to their twin town Plattling in Bavaria.


created: 2024-07-25 04:24:16.916258+00
last_modified: 2024-10-01 21:03:58.960861+00
name: Lose Yourself to Dance
ucname: LOSE YOURSELF TO DANCE
intensity_bars: 800/880/808/808
devised: 2023-11-05
notes:
  I always write dances on my way back from an event; the Autumn Gathering in 2023 was no exception. This strathspey contains my two favourite things: the knot, and changing gender halfway through the dance.


created: 2018-02-07 09:59:03.35891+00
last_modified: 2024-10-01 22:20:01.899788+00
name: Strangeness and Charm
ucname: STRANGENESS AND CHARM
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Although this dance really has nothing to do with quarks, I have noticed that the names of two of the six types of quark, “up”  and  “down”, appear frequently in the  instructions for dances while two others, “top” and “bottom”, are seen occasionally.  However the two most whimsically named quarks, “strange” and “charm”, are virtually never mentioned at all.  So the title of this dance is an attempt to rectify that omission!  Hopefully 1st couple will show each other some charm at least in bars 5-6 while bars 21-24 are probably a bit strange for everyone.


created: 2017-11-08 21:39:15.222582+00
last_modified: 2024-10-01 22:22:08.822881+00
name: Stroller In Hades, A
ucname: STROLLER IN HADES
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/888
devised: 2014-03-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired by “The Australian Ladies” with the aim of having equal amounts of right and left handedness in both the “signature” last 16 bars and also the first 16 which consequently ended up being very  different  from  the  original.  The  word  “Stroller”  in  the  title  contains  the  R,L,L,R 
  sequence indicating the handedness of each successive four bars (for 1st couple).

  After the second repeat, 1st couple dance bars 1-4 again with 4th couple to end in 4th place 
  (although this does sadly break the otherwise equal amounts of left and right handedness). 
  For mathematical completeness 3rd and 4th couples could also do this at the start so that all 
  four couples are dancing at the start of the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th times through.


created: 2024-10-04 09:26:56.90493+00
last_modified: 2024-10-20 22:28:26.504143+00
name: Take 12
ucname: TAKE 12
intensity_bars: 444444/888888/888888/888888
devised: 2024-05-01
notes:
  For the 12th anniversary of the Lisbon Lapa group in May 2024. Also submitted to the RSCDS 2024 Virtual Festival (<<https://youtu.be/m6OmB0lOjZ0>>).


created: 2016-06-11 14:30:22.962238+00
last_modified: 2024-10-02 16:47:11.398109+00
name: Large Hadron Collider, The
ucname: LARGE HADRON COLLIDER
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2013-03-01
notes:
  The four couples can be taken to represent the four experiments round the <<https://home.cern/science/accelerators/large-hadron-collider|LHC>> ring.
  The figures (very) vaguely reflect the operation of the LHC starting with injection of “probe” beams (1st couple solo), full circulating “physics” beams round the two rings (interlocking reels), acceleration (right or left hands across and chase) and stable collisions (Schiehallion reel) - though of course the dancers should not actually collide!
  The quick turns at the end of bars 12 and 20 are quite contrary to the way the proton beams behave but allow the dancers to change direction from time to time.
  The Schiehallion reel is only three quarters to suggest that quite often the LHC fills are interrupted earlier than expected due to one of the many safety systems cutting in.


created: 2024-10-02 08:36:59.981283+00
last_modified: 2024-10-02 09:33:58.128439+00
name: Flooded Future
ucname: FLOODED FUTURE
devised: 2024-09-01
notes:
  Central Germany Branch entry for the 2024 RSCDS Virtual Festival (<<https://youtu.be/Uc2mgG_W1mQ|youtube video entry>>).

  The youtube notes explain the dance:

  >The first thing that came to my mind when reading the theme 'Steps into the future' was the impact of climate change and the danger that rising sea levels will pose in the future, especially for people living in coastal regions such as myself. This gave me the idea of filming on my home island of Foehr and using the tides to visualise a future shaped by climate change. 

  > While writing a dance to symbolise this, we chose figures relating to extreme weather such as the Snowball Chain and the Typhoon, which can also take unexpected forms (mirror Typhoon). Furthermore we wanted to include figures that are getting increasingly difficult to dance in rising waters to show the severity of the situation and that there is little chance of being able to carry on as if nothing's changing. 

  > We hope this video helps to raise awareness about the effects of global warming while also showing that we can still accomplish our goals by working together as a team.


created: 2022-03-11 00:03:49.448301+00
last_modified: 2024-10-02 14:54:43.03161+00
name: Emerging from Loch Down
ucname: EMERGING FROM LOCH DOWN
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
devised: 2021-09-01
notes:
  Loch Down, which features naturally rising bubbles due to geothermal activity, was little known until recently due to its very self-isolated, but airy and well ventilated location. A dip in the water can present challenges as there are strong cross and side currents, known to swimmers as lateral flow tests. It is best visited alone or in small numbers, avoiding too much face to face contact, as mixing of large numbers of men and women in Loch Down can provoke polygamous chain reactions (PCRs)!

  This dance is dedicated to Martina Mueller-Franz who inspired the title (and consequently the dance) with a serendipitous typo ("lockdown" to "lochdown") in an email she sent me as the pandemic restrictions were being eased. We owe her many thanks. Firstly for regularly providing information to complete and correct the strathspey database. And secondly for the large number of Scottish Country Dance videos she has made over the years and uploaded to her youtube channel (<<https://www.youtube.com/c/strathspey64/videos>>).


created: 2021-10-12 17:15:49.294975+00
last_modified: 2024-10-03 06:59:14.262679+00
name: Freedom Reel, The
ucname: FREEDOM REEL
intensity_bars: 888/804/844/822
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Clapping on the last two bars of the dance represents the ‘Clap for Carers’, which began as a way to show
  gratitude and appreciation to the NHS and other key workers working throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.


created: 2022-05-31 19:19:53.080336+00
last_modified: 2024-10-03 09:40:32.04711+00
name: Cliffs of Moher, The
ucname: CLIFFS OF MOHER
intensity_bars: 844/822/866/866
devised: 2022-02-01
notes:
  This dance is for Steve Oakes, an enthusiastic member of the Gay Gordons group in London. Early in 2022 he had to spend a few months away helping to make a film set near the Cliffs of Moher in county Clare, Ireland. This was written to entice him back. Steve's pas de basque style is quite energetic and he likes twirls and wide loops. All those are exhibited here.

  There is a short video with a good view of the cliffs at <<https://youtu.be/XtYH2as-r5Y>>.


created: 2024-03-14 11:00:24.104869+00
last_modified: 2024-10-03 15:54:13.541258+00
name: Mille Querce
ucname: MILLE QUERCE
intensity_bars: 88888/44448/44448/68666
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  This dance is for Robb Quint who sends out a colourful daily "SCD-SoCal" email on matters related to Scottish Country Dancing or with some, perhaps tenuous, link to Scotland: its art, geography or history.
  These mails have a wide international following in addition to his local dancers in Southern California.

  Robb lives in Thousand Oaks, west of Los Angeles, and is a keen linguist.
  So the SCD-SoCal-mails are often peppered with quotes in a variety of languages.
  The "Mille Querce" title of this dance is Italian for "Thousand Oaks".
  It may look a little like Quirky Mails but is pronounced "**Meel**-Lay **Kwair**-Chay".
  The five person square set was chosen as "Quint" is reminiscent of "five" in Latin languages.
  It also allows the M shaped setting figure which represents 1,000 in Roman numerals.
  The highland arms are here symbolising oak trees with acorns and branches rather than traditional deer eyes and antlers.
  The chase with one pair in promenade hold might suggest a rotating letter Q.


created: 2024-10-03 18:35:46.103825+00
last_modified: 2024-10-04 09:00:32.603543+00
name: Beaming
ucname: BEAMING
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/888
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Elvira Hüfner, who has been part of the Flying Celts (Kuckucksnest/Germany) for many years. With her bright smile and her good-humoured way she is supplying us with joy and also with tons of eggs from her hard-working hens. Even though it is really hard to believe, she is turning 50 now, so this is for Elvira on the occasion of her anniversary.


created: 2019-10-20 20:59:09.403762+00
last_modified: 2024-10-04 10:15:42.293923+00
name: Party at the French House, A
ucname: PARTY AT THE FRENCH HOUSE
intensity_bars: 840/888/844/844/888
devised: 2018-08-01
notes:
  For Liz and Gordon Matthew who live in Geneva but also have a lovely house in France to which the Geneva Scottish Country Dancing Club get invited for summer parties. 

  1st couple are the hosts, 2nd and 3rd couples are the guests. 2nd couple arrive a bit too early and get parked in top place as 1st couple survey their preparations. The hosts then encourage their guests to mingle on the sides as they dart across and back. 1st couple can then spend some quality time with each guest, working round from 4th to 1st corners. By this time the party has a developed a rowdier life of its own and the dance ends with a circle.


created: 2024-10-04 18:19:09.73336+00
last_modified: 2024-12-09 22:43:08.450025+00
name: Calican Scot, The
ucname: CALICAN SCOT
intensity_bars: 864/880/868/888
devised: 1984-03-10
notes:
  ﻿﻿Originally "written in 1984 for Dorothy Craik who travels between California, Canada and Scotland. In this year of 1997 she is 92 years old".

  The instructions first sent to the SCDDB team were slightly revised as mentioned in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3733/|issue 3733>>.

  There are versions of the instructions with either just "Calican Scot" or "The Calican Scot". The latter appears to be correct.


created: 2019-06-06 23:38:10.979883+00
last_modified: 2024-10-06 10:43:47.927019+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, <<ddp:Fogg, Stella#3439>>.

  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: 2015-08-26 19:01:17.273575+00
last_modified: 2024-10-06 16:56:19.173198+00
name: Musically Marvellous
ucname: MUSICALLY MARVELLOUS
notes:
  Inscribed "For the members of the Ian Muir Sound and Wardlaw SCD Band who are based in Ayrshire and provide wonderful music far and near."


created: 2015-08-26 19:08:52.596154+00
last_modified: 2024-10-06 17:02:14.584524+00
name: Welcome One and All
ucname: WELCOME ONE AND ALL
notes:
  Devised "with the aim to allow dancers to meet as many people as possible in the hall without wearing themselves out!"

  The deviser suggests "that dance is danced four times through."


created: 1997-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-06 19:39:57.756021+00
name: Osgood MacKenzie of Inverewe
ucname: OSGOOD MACKENZIE OF INVEREWE
intensity_bars: 8484/8484/8080/8444
notes:
  Can be a Jig also.

  Michael Block originally designated this dance as a reel but he had also written some jig tunes which were arranged by Ian Robertson and played for the dance by Sound Company at a Newbury and District Caledonian Society's Annual Dance in the late 1990s.


created: 2024-10-07 07:43:44.404378+00
last_modified: 2024-10-07 07:43:44.404378+00
name: Jester, The
ucname: JESTER
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2011-03-01
notes:
  Dedicated Winfried Lange (the devisor‘s father), who is the undeniable jester of the Flying Celts (Kuckucksnest/Germany). On the occasion of his 70th birthday we would like to express our thanks to him for his support, for confusing us immensely and giving us reason to laugh and sigh every time.


created: 2015-10-14 15:55:57.260551+00
last_modified: 2024-10-07 21:29:39.848683+00
name: Summer Wedding
ucname: SUMMER WEDDING
devised: 2015-02-08
notes:
  Notes. Devised 8 February 2015, with help from Kristin. First two figures
  modified 3 March 2015. The dance is for Joshua Baker and Sarah Kennedy,
  to commemorate their lovely wedding of January 10, 2015. The tourbillon
  movement is due to Barry Priddey, and the half turn, hesitate, and cast away
  movement (with two hands) is due to Alec Hay. The dance is vaguely symbolic,
  which is why it finishes with the knot.

  Recommended is “Link Him Doddie” (N. Gow) played ABABB which is the lead
  tune for “The Lovers’ Knot”, and a suitable 4 × 40 recording is by Jim Macleod
  and his Band, ”Music for Book 8” (LP). Suitable alternative recorded music
  would include any reasonable recording of ”The New Scotland Strathspey,”
  such as that by Colin Dewar and his Band in ”Special Requests Vol. 3”.
  11


created: 2016-02-02 22:40:45.412871+00
last_modified: 2024-10-07 21:41:08.857648+00
name: Stafford Five-Oh
ucname: STAFFORD FIVEOH
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  "Composed for the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Stafford & District Caledonian Society (S&DCS), 2006 by members of S&DCS. The Stafford Knot figure (8 bars in Strathspey time) invented for <<ddd:Stafford Knot, The#8648>> in 1994 was modified to 10 bars in Reel time and first used in the Stafford Ruby Reel for the 40th Anniversary of S&DCS (1996). The 5-couple set and the 10-hands circle round and back (0) indicate the 50 years Golden theme."


created: 2016-02-25 00:43:29.785586+00
last_modified: 2024-10-07 21:49:09.903941+00
name: Hippies, The
ucname: HIPPIES
notes:
  Devised for all those from the ‘swinging sixties’ who are now having hip replacements!


  Bars		Description

  1 – 8	1st and 2nd couples set and dance right hands across half way.  1st couple turn right hand to join up in balance in line position with first corners.

  9 – 16	1st couple and 1st corners balance in line then 1st couple turn 1st corners with the left hand.  1st couple dance half a figure of eight with 1st woman dancing down between 3rd couple and 1st man dancing up between 2nd couple.  1st couple come in to join left hand with partner and right hand with 4th corners.

  17 – 24	1st couple and 4th corners balance in line then 1st couple turn 4th corners with the right hand.  1st couple dance half a figure of eight with 1st woman dancing down between 3rd couple and 1st man dancing up between 2nd couple.

  25 – 32	1st and 2nd couples dance half a double figure of eight.  To begin 1st couple cross up and 2nd couple dance down.  1st man turns 3rd man right hand once round while 1st woman turns 3rd woman left hand once round.


  Repeat having passed a couple.


  Note – At the end of the second time through the 1st couple turn the 3rd couple one and a half times to take them to the end of the set.


created: 2024-10-07 08:46:10.48351+00
last_modified: 2024-10-09 16:00:26.932628+00
name: Abundance of Oranges, An
ucname: ABUNDANCE OF ORANGES
intensity_bars: 880/448/088/448
notes:
  Source <<https://youtu.be/N18upFtKvMM|youtube video>> where the comments say it was "written after a windstorm blew most of the oranges off my trees..."


created: 2014-01-06 00:50:36.901255+00
last_modified: 2024-10-10 08:15:50.419764+00
name: Gypsy Girl's Headscarf, The
ucname: GYPSY GIRLS HEADSCARF
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8000/8888
notes:
  May also be danced in a 3-couple set.

  The dance relates to the painting 'The Yellow Headscarf' by the Romanian painter Octav Băncilă.


  Deviser's Dance Notes (Source: <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/gypsy-girls-headscarf.html|Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary>>):

  This dance is a derivative of "The Gypsy Shawl"; it uses slip step throughout (plus stepping up) and so is suitable for younger children who haven't yet learnt skip change or for inexperienced dancers at a ceilidh.

  17-20  1s take large steps.

  21-24  1s take small steps to finish below 4s, retaining M's right, L's left hand hold ready for the hands round.

  32       At the end of every repeat except the last, all except 2s (M's left, L's right) retain the hands round hold ready for bar 1 of the new repeat.


created: 2023-11-26 12:03:45.894201+00
last_modified: 2024-10-10 15:46:04.614841+00
name: Tennessee Mixer
ucname: TENNESSEE MIXER
notes:
  Concentric circles round the room, "men" facing out to partners. There are multiple variants of this dance.

  Approximate choreography (at one event):  
  1-8: Promenade anticlockwise with partner, turn towards partner, promenade clockwise and end facing partner  
  9-16: Dance back to back with partner (starting right shoulder); turn person diagonally left with left hand  
  17-24: Dance back to back with partner (starting left shoulder); turn person diagonally right with right hand  
  25-32: Turn partner right hand; outer circle sets twice while inner circle chase anticlockwise some number of places to new partner (number of places might be at the discretion of the MC).

  Another version reported in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3687/|issue 3687>>:  
  *Couples lined up behind each other in a big circle*  
  1-4: Couples take prom hold and prom along LOD (4 bars)  
  5-8: Keeping hold, change direction and prom for 4 bars ALOD (finishing M with back to centre, W facing into centre)  
  9-16: Turn person to the right of partner by the RH (4 bars). DoSiDo with partner passing RSh (4 bars)  
  16-24: Turn person to the left of partner by the LH (4 bars). DoSiDo with partner passing LSh (4 bars)  
  25-28: Turn partner both hands  
  29-32: Men walk forward to meet next partner along LOD whilst women stand. The M pass two W and stay with the 3rd (count partner, 1, 2, 3 – stay with number 3).


created: 2011-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-10 21:44:28.077099+00
name: Dundee Dragon, The
ucname: DUNDEE DRAGON
intensity_bars: 800/833/833/844
notes:
  Devised "for Clare Davitt who is obsessed with dragons."

  The notes explain that:

  > The “Dundee Dragon”, also known as “Martin's Stone” is north of Dundee towards Craigowl Hill. The sculptured stone can be seen in a field surrounded by an iron fence (hence bars 11-12/19-20). Once upon a time, in the Parish of Strathmartin near Dundee, a farmer was thirsty, so he sent one of his daughters to fetch him a drink of water from the well. When after a while the daughter did not return, he sent a second and, some time after that, he sent a third. This carried on until he sent the last of his nine daughters to find out what had happened to her sisters. Her screams had been heard by her lover, Martin, the son of a local blacksmith, who went along to find that all nine sisters had been killed by a dragon. After a long struggle Martin killed the dragon with his hammer.

  > Just by coincidence, Clare's husband is named Martin!

  The notes for the dance on The Sunday Class website also include photos of Martin's Stone and a statue of the dragon in Dundee, see <<https://www.thesundayclass.org.uk/DUNDEE%20DRAGON.html>>.

  The Dundee city coat of arms has two dragons as supporters of their shield. See <<https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/coatofarms.pdf>>.

  In addition to the video by the Tay Dancers, there is also one by the Richmond Caledonian Society, see <<https://www.richmondcaledonian.co.uk/photo_gallery_select.php>>.


created: 2014-06-27 21:17:19.992827+00
last_modified: 2024-10-13 13:43:27.218838+00
name: Florida Fling, The
ucname: FLORIDA FLING
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  Inscribed "For all our friends in Florida, especially in Sarasota."

  The instructions for this dance state "4 x 32 bar reel for 4 couples" at the top, but there are 40 bars of figures, and the recommended recording is also 40 bars.


created: 2018-04-02 20:21:43.597652+00
last_modified: 2024-10-13 16:22:46.203505+00
name: Farewell to Balfour Road
ucname: FAREWELL TO BALFOUR ROAD
devised: 2015-12-01
notes:
  “Written for the Brighton and Hove SCD Club when they moved from Balfour School on Balfour Road to Moulsecoomb Hall.”

  Note that being a canon, this dance only requires 96 bars of music rather than 160.

  DEVISED:2015-12


created: 2021-04-13 13:01:27.596608+00
last_modified: 2024-10-13 20:40:49.092504+00
name: Bev Tait's Strathspey
ucname: BEV TAITS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
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: 2004-03-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-13 22:21:54.3433+00
name: Golden Knot, The
ucname: GOLDEN KNOT
devised: 2002-11-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Jonathan and Mary Ross of Inverness".

  48 bars repeated with 2nd & 4th couples leading.


created: 2024-07-25 04:33:59.471144+00
last_modified: 2024-10-14 09:51:37.421062+00
name: Thank you George
ucname: THANK YOU GEORGE
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8888/8448
devised: 2023-04-01
notes:
  In fond memory of George Porter Mutch (d. 2023), who was president of the Caledonian Society of France, and who, with admirable patience, taught l’Académie, a group of dancing teachers at lycée Lakanal, Sceaux, for 25 years.


created: 2024-07-24 23:42:24.707499+00
last_modified: 2024-10-15 08:07:52.693877+00
name: Théorème de Fermat
ucname: THEOREME DE FERMAT
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/844/844
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  This dance recounts how Ludovic met in 2011 his now wife, Charlotte. They were at that time students in the high school Pierre de Fermat in Toulouse. They flirted for a while but essentially stayed with their own friends, which is why 1st man stays with men and 1st woman stays with women; the 1st couple only briefly touches. It is thanks to their friends that they finally got together on 21 November 2011; this is represented in the dance by the allemande turns of 2nd and 3rd couples, the “cupidos”. The title refers to the place where they met, the name of which comes from a mathematician.


created: 2001-11-20 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-20 11:02:03.905184+00
name: Reels, The
ucname: REELS
intensity_bars: 888/888/880/888/888
notes:
  To mark the retirement of Wilma Miller after 40 years involvement in Scottish Country Dancing during which time she attained the position of Chairman of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.  
  "The Reels" is the name of Wilma's house in Lawfield Drive, Ayton.


created: 2024-07-25 04:47:49.699637+00
last_modified: 2024-10-15 13:03:32.662713+00
name: Rosemonde in Normandy
ucname: ROSEMONDE IN NORMANDY
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/880/804/888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Devised on the occasion of Rosemonde Lambert’s birthday, celebrated in a chateau in Normandy. A lady’s age is a secret, but the dance contains reels and a circle!


created: 1997-12-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-15 21:42:31.549445+00
name: Barbara's Jig
ucname: BARBARAS JIG
notes:
  Inscribed "for Barbara Cook".

  This dance is done as 8x32 and has the usual progression for 2 couples in a 4 couple set. However all 4 couples are dancing the first 16 bars so in SCDDB it is described as a 4 couple dance.


created: 2024-10-16 14:16:44.917071+00
last_modified: 2024-10-16 14:19:01.942514+00
name: Manolis Mathematical Manoeuvres
ucname: MANOLIS MATHEMATICAL MANOEUVRES
intensity_bars: 800/800/844/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Manolis discovered Scottish Country Dancing when he was 9. It was introduced to him by Sophie Marchand, his teacher at the primary school in the village of Méaudre. Manolis loves maths and recognised that any Scottish country dance is just a sequence of figures. Of course he turned to Pillings and knows the diagrams almost better than his teacher. He understands any dance at first glance! This dance represents him well. It keeps moving and there’s no time to rest. The Corner Pass and Turn remains his favourite figure for now.


created: 2024-10-15 10:45:58.896734+00
last_modified: 2024-10-17 09:05:28.294482+00
name: Mishka's Choice
ucname: MISHKAS CHOICE
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/OTdWx2mFx9Q|youtube video>> by The Red Thistles.

  The dance has 312 progression so could be danced in a 3 or 4 couple set.


created: 2024-10-19 21:32:23.907764+00
last_modified: 2024-10-19 21:32:23.907764+00
name: Belfast Welcome, A
ucname: BELFAST WELCOME
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The notes say "This dance was devised for the Belfast RSCDS Weekend School as a thank you for
  the wonderful welcome that we have received from Belfast Branch".


created: 2014-11-02 21:13:40.269156+00
last_modified: 2024-10-19 23:05:40.959375+00
name: It's Not a Slip Jig
ucname: ITS NOT A SLIP JIG
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8008/0880
devised: 2003-12-31
notes:
  For Edna MacKinnon who broke her ankle while playing golf in December 2003.   Muriel wrote the tune, so the dance just had to be.   On being presented with the tune Edna’s comment was “it should be a slip jig” hence the title


created: 2002-06-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-20 10:18:15.569518+00
name: Brown Willy
ucname: BROWN WILLY
devised: 1996-09-01
notes:
  According to the notes "Brown Willy is a hill on Bodmin Moor and standing at 1,375 feet or 420m above sea level is the highest point in Cornwall". Brown Willy (Bronn Wennili in Cornish meaning the 'hill of swallows') is situated 4 miles south east of Camelford."

  The dance has two 32 bar figures (1 & 2) danced in the order 1, 2, 2, 1. It was devised in September 1996 "for a dancing weekend held in Liskeard Cornwall in October that year."


created: 2014-06-09 19:40:47.850993+00
last_modified: 2024-10-20 13:23:30.925502+00
name: Winifred's Welcome
ucname: WINIFREDS WELCOME
intensity_bars: 8080/8484/8888/8444
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  This dance was written as a tribute to Winifred Esslemont, whose friendship and help in the early days of Barbara’s Scottish dancing life were invaluable in building confidence. Winifred is a founder member of The Luckenbooth Circle.


created: 2024-10-24 20:42:45.474652+00
last_modified: 2024-10-24 21:22:59.488693+00
name: Prestonfield Silver
ucname: PRESTONFIELD SILVER
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2024-10-01
notes:
  On the 23rd of October 1999, Caroline and I married in a marquee in the grounds of Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh, signing the register while Calum’s Road played in the background.  
  To Caroline for our silver anniversary, with much love, and thanks for 25 years together.


created: 2024-10-28 10:54:02.429451+00
last_modified: 2024-10-28 10:54:02.429451+00
name: Lemonade
ucname: LEMONADE
notes:
  The deviser writes:
  >The inspiration for this dance came from watching a dancer go in the wrong direction on a reel - the compensating movements gave me the germ of an idea for the figure in bars 9-16 (my attempt to make lemonade out of lemons)... This original figure (Lemonade figure) was also dubbed “The Main Squeeze” figure by one of the dancers...


created: 2024-03-09 22:53:44.518274+00
last_modified: 2024-10-29 00:26:53.530923+00
name: Lost in the Dreaming Spires
ucname: LOST IN THE DREAMING SPIRES
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  *Oxford is known as the City of Dreaming Spires, after the Victorian poet Matthew Arnold penned the description in his poem ‘Thyrsis’. For many that visit Oxford, it is easy to get lost in the beautiful surroundings of the dreaming spires and this is represented in the dance when all dancers lose their partner during the three-couple espagnole, only to find them again in the three-couple bourrel which perfectly inverts the espagnole*.  
  *Notes*: I devised the three-couple espagnole that features in this dance over the summer of 2017, deriving the figure from the standard espagnole of John Drewry. In this extension of the espagnole movement, the choice for which dancers begin by leading across the set was made for an easier and more flowing movement. Subsequently, it is worth noting that similar figures occur independently in several other dances, from a number of devisors, and differing variants have taken on the same name.
  In the three-couple espagnole, when leading across the set to change places, the dancer on the left passes in front and, upon reaching the other side, both dancers turn away from each other to face in, just as with the standard espagnole.


created: 2024-11-01 23:16:34.069694+00
last_modified: 2024-11-01 23:27:33.780968+00
name: M(medley)S(strathspey)R(reel)
ucname: MMEDLEYSSTRATHSPEYRREEL
intensity_bars: 880/808/800/822
devised: 2024-09-01
notes:
  Paula came to class and played her competition pieces: an air and a march/strathspey/reel (MSR) then she went to the national competition and won first place! I wrote this dance in honor of her accomplishment.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-31 15:19:09.075117+00
name: Battle of the Shirts, The
ucname: BATTLE OF THE SHIRTS
notes:
  The notes expain the background:

  > In 1544, after John Muidart escaped from prison and took over again as Chief of the Clan Ranald, he compelled Ranald Gallda and his party to leave. A battle was fought and the MacDonalds withdrew. Thinking they were the victors, Gallda and Lovat, who joined with him along with other clans, retired, but the MacDonalds caught up with them later. The day was warm, and the eager combatants, as they often did, stripped off their tartans and fought in their shirts, from which it was called "The Battle of the Shirts." Only 8 MacDonalds survived and 4 Frasers. Of the Frasers it was recorded that, "lt happenit, by the singular benefite of God, that they left ther wyffs with chyld when they went to the feight, by which means that familie was afterwards raised and restored."


created: 2024-10-21 21:56:45.159461+00
last_modified: 2024-11-01 12:05:43.360916+00
name: Golden Milestone, A
ucname: GOLDEN MILESTONE
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8888/4884
devised: 2024-08-24
notes:
  - In honour of Norma and Patrick Craven who celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in December 2024.  
  A fifty year journey of married life involves not just the couple but all those they interact with along the way. These interactions create beautiful patterns in the dance of life.
  - Recording available on request to <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/person/3179/|Wouter Joubert>>


created: 2024-10-30 11:36:07.334293+00
last_modified: 2024-11-01 21:16:40.819192+00
name: Thank You Patricia
ucname: THANK YOU PATRICIA
intensity_bars: 840/844/844/888
notes:
  The notes explain that:

  >Patricia Cass played piano for the Newcastle Branch and Ladies Step classes for many years. 
  > Deb Lees wrote this dance for Patricia together with members of the Newcastle upon Tyne and District Branch class in appreciation of her skill and commitment over the years.
  > It includes a reference to the dance John Cass written for her husband, but with the lady leading into the tandem reels.

  > Patricia played a key role in the development and organisation of the Newcastle Festival, held in February each year.
  > The tune February Frost was written by Kevin Lees, who enjoyed playing with Patricia for the Newcastle RSCDS teams in the Festival.


created: 2024-11-02 07:35:38.905999+00
last_modified: 2024-11-02 08:01:36.136372+00
name: Pilgrim, Chapter 33
ucname: PILGRIM CHAPTER 33
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2024-10-01
notes:
  I was saddened to hear of the passing of Kris Kristofferson, whom I regard as one of the best songwriters ever. I wrote this dance as a small token of my admiration. The title is from one of my favorite of his songs.


created: 2024-11-01 23:33:35.447716+00
last_modified: 2024-11-02 07:30:28.755566+00
name: It Came with a Pool
ucname: IT CAME WITH A POOL
intensity_bars: 800/822/888/822
devised: 2024-09-01
notes:
  A dancing friend bought a new house and invited people to come and see it and the pool in the backyard. After a very hot summer, ironically the day of the gathering ended up quite cool.


created: 2024-11-03 08:21:05.044353+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 09:52:41.297353+00
name: Perpetua
ucname: PERPETUA
intensity_bars: 800/888/808/888
notes:
  This dance was originally written to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II. It was inspired by my husband Brian whose favourite formation was the Poussette and the tune which was composed for him.


created: 2019-01-08 15:22:23.50439+00
last_modified: 2024-11-03 18:58:10.551083+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: 2022-06-19 15:34:24.666318+00
last_modified: 2024-11-05 17:01:04.216158+00
name: Black Hole Spin
ucname: BLACK HOLE SPIN
devised: 2018-03-01
notes:
  From the deviser: “The gradually increasing number and size of circles, from two people to four people
  to eight, is intended to represent the increasing size of black holes over time as they merge together.
  The casting out of the circle is intended to represent Hawking radiation; pair production near to a black
  hole event horizon (pairs turn), can lead to one particle falling into the black hole (one of each pair forms
  a circle), the other particle free to radiate out (dance out and cast). In this way, energy is lost from a
  black hole and they can evaporate over time (circle disperses).

  The general motion of the dance is (almost) continually in the same direction, reminiscent of the
  conserved angular momentum / spin properties of a black hole. This dance was devised in honour of
  Stephen Hawking, who passed away aged 76 on 14th March 2018.”

  DEVISED: 2018-03


created: 2024-11-05 18:01:35.617547+00
last_modified: 2024-11-05 18:04:22.331793+00
name: Eels of Parramatta
ucname: EELS OF PARRAMATTA
notes:
  The dance was posted to an SCD Teachers group answering a request for dances with mirroring Figure of 8 on the sides followed by Reel of Three on the sides.


created: 2024-11-03 18:36:00.513524+00
last_modified: 2024-11-06 23:21:54.574036+00
name: Dancing in the 80's
ucname: DANCING IN THE 80S
devised: 2024-07-01
notes:
  The notes say:
  > This dance was written for the 5 members of Southsea Reel Club who were born in 1944 becoming 80 during 2024 - Barbara Calder, Clive Chaney, Doug Goodwin, Kathy Lawmon and lan Richardson.
  > An 80 is shown in formations danced in both bars 1-16 and 32-48 hence the title.


created: 2024-11-06 12:22:02.813919+00
last_modified: 2024-11-07 11:19:11.254154+00
name: Anne Taylor's Scroll
ucname: ANNE TAYLORS SCROLL
notes:
  Posted on Facebook, TAS page by George T Watt, 16 June 2024
  https://www.facebook.com/download/1144528276866573/Anne%20Taylor%27s%20Scroll.doc?av=1355619561&eav=AfbyALRcmoElz9F3qCgX_hmACu0-kKADVK6mBSosse1gFB3AGU_xUQGC219Kc5PiVeo&paipv=0&hash=AcoRC4BMJgeeLdi9cqU&__cft__[0]=AZWyGX08AyL0LwSvP_JcHF3dy2T3JkV6OULuSzhhU_w7LgfkTk6BAD0AaPnpcCdGpO1Xz8k8uXk7yT4Thk493CMVVTE_90ZMIv6zCp1Oda_n7I9FHsIAhZHo5Y5pz-se6_YVdJHkw1PMP7nrNb6sXBgWoAcl-we3LN-Iyo7uPIyCjw&__tn__=H-R


created: 2024-11-05 12:15:32.329924+00
last_modified: 2024-11-07 11:19:24.124944+00
name: Road To Arnish
ucname: ROAD TO ARNISH
intensity_bars: 8888/8880/8888/8888
devised: 2024-10-01
notes:
  Devised after a visit to Calum’s Road with the Mystic Scottish Country Dancers, October 2024.

  The notes explain that:
  > In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Calum MacLeod, with wheelbarrow, pick and shovel, built a road from Brochel Castle to Arnish on the Isle of Raasay. Requests to the government by the small, dwindling community of Arnish for a basic road had been ignored for half a century, so Calum tried to save his community by doing the work himself.


created: 2024-11-06 09:21:55.503242+00
last_modified: 2024-11-08 19:39:27.298818+00
name: Smiling Belle
ucname: SMILING BELLE
intensity_bars: 888/840/804/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  "Devised 2024 by Norma MacLellan, teacher of the Kilmallie Class, Fort William, for Belle Haywood just before she moved away to live in Tain. Belle was always smiling in class as she danced, hence the name."


created: 2012-12-17 23:20:15.13686+00
last_modified: 2024-11-10 19:02:50.028774+00
name: Carriage to Schiehallion
ucname: CARRIAGE TO SCHIEHALLION
intensity_bars: 8888/8484/6262/8484/6666/8888
devised: 2012-02-01
notes:
  The notes explain the title:
  >For some time after I'd started Scottish Country dancing I was uncertain if the colloquial name for "dance to comers and set" was "courage reel" or "carriage reel". I have this sorted out now but "Carriage to Schiehallion" seems a better title than ''Courage for Schiehallion·· and maybe evokes images of Victorian ladies venturing along Loch Tummel in a pony and trap - albeit a little longer ago than the formation of the Winchester Branch!

  The full instructions were given in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3702/|issue 3702>>.


created: 2024-11-03 01:25:19.977363+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 09:13:55.49282+00
name: On to New Horizons
ucname: ON TO NEW HORIZONS
intensity_bars: 808/880/822/888
notes:
  The name of the dance is inspired by looking forward to the next 100 years of dancing in Edinburgh and elsewhere but also by what I feel have been significant changes in the city's Scottish Country Dancing scene since returning after the Covid lockdown, as well as changes in my own life. The figures of the dance are intended to flow quickly from one to the next, representing the speed of these changes.


created: 2024-11-10 10:45:09.835731+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 12:08:54.040245+00
name: Tuis in the Garden
ucname: TUIS IN THE GARDEN
intensity_bars: 80800/82842/82842/82822
notes:
  Where has the name of this dance come from?

  The Tui is a NZ native bird.  They are very beautiful in colour, with a white bib under their chin and come to our garden at different times during the year when the flaxes are fruiting, or the Kowhai is in flower. 

  They have many different songs too depending on the area they live in, and we love having them in our garden.  As they are tree dwellers, our cat, Rua, has never, to our knowledge, caught one. They also like eating apple if you put some out on the bird table.

  Many years ago, I ended up devising a dance for Damon as he was trying to find a dance with a Poussette in it for our new dancers that didn’t have a foot change.  I looked and looked for him and after not being able to find one I devised “The Flowering Heather”.	 https://youtu.be/JcPoaO981nc 
  The Tuis were in the garden that day as I was devising. I watched them drinking the nectar from the Kowhai flowers and I thought they were getting rather tiddly on it.  

  We had just returned from a trip to the UK where had walked in the stunning Lammermuir Hills. The heather was beautiful, so the dance I devised for Damon was either going to be called “The Flowering Heather” or “Tuis in the Garden”.  

  So, at last, the Tuis have a dance named after them, as they were again in the garden when this dance started to form in my dancing brain.


created: 2001-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 16:12:48.756924+00
name: Round Hay of Six, The
ucname: ROUND HAY OF SIX
devised: 1964-01-01
notes:
  The dedication reads: For the Leeds Day School

  Drewry specifies: »The dance may be danced as a Strathspey only, or it may be repeated in Reel tempo to make a Medley.« or in the wording of *Greenburn Book 3:* »Strathspey - 3 couples - 64 bars OR Medley [Strathspey + Reel] - 64+64 bars«

  Further notes by John Drewry from the *Greenburn Book 3:*

  - _about the setup:_  
    The dance is triangular in shape and the couples stand at the apices of an equilateral triangle.  
    For the women, comers are the men standing on their right and contra comers are the other men. For the men, comers are the women standing on their left and contra corners are the other women.  
  The dance may be danced as a Strathspey only, or it may be repeated in Reel Tempo to make a Medley.
  - _about the name:_
     There is already a dance called The Round Reel of Eight (Book 27 No.7). This gave me the idea for the title of this dance.  
     In English Country Dances a "Hey" or "Hay" is the equivalent of a "Reel" in Scottish Country Dances.  
  ROUNDHAY is a district of Leeds with a famous park.
  - The _Triangular Reel of Six_ is slightly like a triangular Schiehallion Reel, but the phrasing is different.  
  The phrasing in this dance is:- dance in, pass left shoulders, dance out and curve round into place using four equal steps (similar to the phrasing in a foursome reel).  
  In a Schiehallion Reel the phrasing for the men is:- two long steps to travel to the next woman's place and two short steps to cast to the man's place, whereas for the women it is:- two short steps to cast to the man's place and then two tong steps to travel to the next woman's place. I hope I am not being too pedantic in thinking in this way about the reels.


created: 2024-11-12 20:29:46.989319+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 20:29:46.989319+00
name: Dave McGregor of St Andrews
ucname: DAVE MACGREGOR OF ST ANDREWS
notes:
  "Commemorating Dave McGregor (1932–2023), St Andrews musician and leader of the Andronaires band in Fife for over forty years".


created: 2024-11-12 20:36:10.584719+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 20:36:10.584719+00
name: Here's Tae Us!
ucname: HERES TAE US
notes:
  ‘Here’s tae us, and a’ whose like us!’ To commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the RSCDS in 2023.


created: 2024-11-12 21:18:55.605414+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 21:20:00.110003+00
name: St Andrews by the Northern Sea
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS BY THE NORTHERN SEA
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this is:
  > Commemorating Andrew Lang (1844–1912) the writer, journalist, critic, poet and folklorist  
  > *‘St Andrews by the Northern Sea,*  
  > *A haunted town it is to me!’*  
  > (Almae Matres, Andrew Lang, on the ‘little city, grey and sere’ the cathedral in which now holds his dust).


created: 2024-11-12 21:45:27.655604+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 21:45:27.655604+00
name: Pedro de Luna's Strathspey
ucname: PEDRO DE LUNAS STRATHSPEY
notes:
  The notes say this is:
  > Commemorating Pedro de Luna (1342–1423), Antipope Benedict XIII, who issued the papal bulls founding St Andrews University in 1413.


created: 2024-11-12 21:50:55.82633+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 21:50:55.82633+00
name: Rough Wooing, The
ucname: ROUGH WOOING
notes:
  The notes say the title is:
  > An ironic name for the Eight Years’ War (1543–1551), the last major conflict between Scotland and England before the Union of the Crowns in 1603.


created: 2024-11-12 21:29:42.156794+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 22:01:16.563752+00
name: Cardinal, The
ucname: CARDINAL
devised: 1989-01-01
notes:
  The note says this is:
  > Commemorating Cardinal David Beaton (1494–1546), Archbishop of St Andrews and the last Scottish cardinal prior to the Reformation.


created: 2024-11-12 23:43:48.344935+00
last_modified: 2024-11-13 23:36:57.088039+00
name: Pershore Plums
ucname: PERSHORE PLUMS
intensity_bars: 880/800/822/888
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  Devised for the Pershore Scottish Country Dancing Club to celebrate them learning the Espagnole so well


created: 2024-11-12 21:12:55.594948+00
last_modified: 2024-11-13 18:18:13.116979+00
name: Henry Ogilvie's Jig
ucname: HENRY OGILVIES JIG
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this dance is:
  > Commemorating Henry Ogilvie, a Master of Arts of the University of Paris and a priest of the diocese of St Andrews, who, in 1413, in the name of King James I, delivered a request to Pope Benedict XIII in Aragon asking for formal confirmation of the founding of a national university in Scotland. His return journey with the papal bulls took more than five months, and he finally arrived in St Andrews on 3 February 1414 to scenes of general rejoicing.


created: 2024-11-03 01:27:07.247713+00
last_modified: 2024-11-13 23:47:05.939228+00
name: Joppa Rocks
ucname: JOPPA ROCKS
notes:
  Joppa rocks are at the east end of Portobello beach. Joppa was a small fishing village next to the rocks and had a salt pan which captured sea water which was evaporated using coal from the coal seam in the rocks to create sea salt.  

  Alex was born in Joppa and often played on the rocks as a child. James when visiting his grannie would often walk along Portobello Promenade (Party Prom) to Joppa rocks. When Alex danced with the Edinburgh Branch demonstration group in the early 1960s another member of the team, Agnes Lofthouse, also lived in Joppa.  

  The alternative tunes, "Coal Seams and Salt Pans" and "Party Prom", were both composed for this dance and indicate local landmarks in Edinburgh.


created: 2024-11-19 17:30:17.1958+00
last_modified: 2024-11-19 23:16:05.523627+00
name: Loving Loraine
ucname: LOVING LORAINE
intensity_bars: 880/804/844/808
notes:
  Devised "in honor of Loraine’s 70th birthday. 'Loving' (in the title) is used as both a verb and an adjective."

  Music: A good aire (or perhaps a song) Strathspey, with a recording using some lead piano. Suggest “The Silver Thistle Ball” by Mara Shea & Dave Weisler on Heather Hills recording (leads by both piano (Loraine) & fiddle (Terry). Another option using piano as the lead might be “Allan Gillie” by Muriel Johnstone & Ronnie Currie on Dancing Fingers #1 recording.


created: 2024-10-19 10:01:53.570331+00
last_modified: 2024-11-17 22:14:55.056617+00
name: Kitten Chaos Club
ucname: KITTEN CHAOS CLUB
intensity_bars: 880/820/844/844
devised: 2024-09-25
notes:
  Introducing the most likely new figure "Corners Pass and Hands Across".
  This dance is dedicated to Marjorie and Richard McLaughlin, if not to their two cats Alice and Dinah (represented by first couple) who they adopted in 2024 and who seem to be all over the place, even in online meetings.


created: 2017-04-30 09:56:46.205677+00
last_modified: 2024-11-20 11:04:15.726401+00
name: Miss Lilian Ross' Socks
ucname: MISS LILIAN ROSS SOCKS
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  This dance links a favourite pair of white socks knitted for the deviser by Miss Lilian Ross in 1975 and the 90th Annversary of the RSCDS - ninety is depicted in the first 8 bars of the dance.


created: 2024-11-18 08:35:02.670793+00
last_modified: 2024-11-18 09:21:04.09077+00
name: Scorpio Season
ucname: SCORPIO SEASON
intensity_bars: 800/444/444/888
devised: 2024-10-01
notes:
  Every year around October/November I start thinking about different ways to get couples set up for a 3-couple bourrel and often write a couple of dances. This is one of them for 2024. When I presented it in class and mentioned I do this because my birthday is in November, a newer dancer mentioned her birthday was also in November and suggested naming it for both of us.


created: 2018-10-29 11:00:37.056575+00
last_modified: 2024-11-18 09:42:08.015291+00
name: Bienvenue à Lyon Branch
ucname: BIENVENUE A LYON BRANCH
notes:
  Although mostly for 2 couples, and described as a 2 couple dance, the last 8 bars involves all 4 couples. So it is entered as a 4 couple dance in the database.

  Note: the instructions for the "interlocking helix" in bars 25-32 are missing an essential cast back to place in bars 27-28.


created: 2024-11-15 10:13:40.698833+00
last_modified: 2024-11-18 14:21:14.921191+00
name: Rambling Jig
ucname: RAMBLING JIG
intensity_bars: 80/88/88/88
devised: 1993-12-01
notes:
  The notes say this was:
  > Inspired by the wonderful dancing and music at the dance weekends first held at the Buffalo Gap camp in West Virginia, then at Canadensis in Pennsylvania, and then at Ramble Woods in Maryland, hence the name "Rambling Jig."


created: 2001-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-11-19 13:07:50.259438+00
name: One Fine Day
ucname: ONE FINE DAY
intensity_bars: 80800/84884/84884/82842
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  In *Greenburn Book 3* John Drewry adds some notes:

  * The dance is a conversion of "Thomas Glover's Reel" into a 5 couple dance.
  * Thomas Glover went to Japan and settled in Nagasaki, where he married a Japanese wife. The opera "Madame Butterfly" was thought to be inspired by the story of Thomas although he did not abandon his wife as Pinkerton did.
  * "One Fine Day" is a celebrated aria from the opera.


created: 2017-04-30 09:59:55.839953+00
last_modified: 2024-11-20 11:35:19.710308+00
name: Heezing the Bana
ucname: HEEZING THE BANA
devised: 2010-11-30
notes:
  Devised for 30th November 2010 to celebrate St Andrew's Day with patterns that trace the outline of the flag of Scotland. (To heeze is to hoist).


created: 2017-04-30 10:10:16.773989+00
last_modified: 2024-11-20 11:37:31.536987+00
name: Jig for Umbrellas and Gumboots, A
ucname: JIG FOR UMBRELLAS AND GUMBOOTS
devised: 1980-01-01
notes:
  All dancers wear Wellington boots and carry an umbrella.
  Devised for Berkhamsted SRC as a ceilidh turn at a club evening in the 1980s.

  Notes:
  1. Dancers responsible for their own umbrellas except at allemande.
  2. Keep dancers well spaced in the set.
  3. Dancers should think ahead as to which hand is to be free and put umbrella in other hand.
  4. Unless otherwise noted hold umbrella in left hand throughout.
  5. In rights and lefts and turning right hand and then left change umbrella from left to right and back again at end of the appropriate even bar.
  6. The scene is a dem team about to dance and then thunder is heard, lightning is seen followed by the inevitable rain, imagined. Determined still to put on the show the team leave the stage and return wearing Wellingtons and carrying umbrellas.


created: 2017-06-22 17:02:51.599459+00
last_modified: 2024-11-20 11:44:53.664742+00
name: Mustard Seed, The
ucname: MUSTARD SEED
intensity_bars: 800/822/822/888/888
devised: 2009-10-01
notes:
  Inscribed "From the small beginnings of Scottish Country Dance Clubs in Brisbane grew the Queensland Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Thanks to Jim and Phyllis South, Scroll recipients, for their contribution."


created: 2024-11-19 17:35:02.094999+00
last_modified: 2024-11-20 11:51:55.86063+00
name: Reels 4 Your Corners
ucname: REELS 4 YOUR CORNERS
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/844/800
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  Devised "for newer dancers to learn Reels of 4 and reviewing corners."

  Music: Suggest using “At Long Last 8x40J (Merrily Danced the Quaker’s Wife)” from Caroline Mccaskey & Andy Imbrie on the CD “Salute to San Diego.”


created: 2001-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-11-22 13:17:53.223287+00
name: Old Spedling Castle's Ghost's Dance, The
ucname: OLD SPEDLING CASTLES GHOSTS DANCE
devised: 2000-05-01
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.

  Although the name of the dance has "Spedling" (with a G) the notes refer to "Spedlins Tower" (without a G).


created: 2024-11-24 19:33:00.265346+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 21:57:15.909507+00
name: Purrfect Profile, The
ucname: PURRFECT PROFILE
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/888
devised: 2023-10-01
notes:
  "I saw an image of the side profile of a cat in silhouette and thought 'what a perfect profile' which was the original title of this dance, but members of the class suggested the spelling change."


created: 2024-11-24 19:39:42.144075+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 21:58:02.881656+00
name: Emerging Gold
ucname: EMERGING GOLD
intensity_bars: 800/466/800/648
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  "2024 saw the emergence of 17-year cicadas in my area and the emergence of 13-year cicadas in some nearby areas. This was the first time since Thomas Jefferson was president in 1803 that both had emerged in the same year. I loved watching them fly through my backyard and even though their wings are actually orange, when the sun was on them they looked like gold."


created: 2024-11-24 21:28:58.647989+00
last_modified: 2024-12-01 00:15:59.430189+00
name: (I Can't) Let It Go
ucname: I CANT LET IT GO
intensity_bars: 800/864/822/822/888
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  "Every year around October/November I start thinking about different ways to get couples set up for a 3-couple bourrel and often write a couple of dances. This is one of them for 2024. I chose the name because this is a bit of an obsession for me and also because I recently saw Frozen at the theater."


created: 2024-11-24 19:07:46.802902+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 21:54:08.382261+00
name: Friends Around the World
ucname: FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD
intensity_bars: 840/888/822/888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  "I love Scottish Country dancing so much and it has brought me in touch with other dancers all over the world, most of whom I have never met, but who are uniformly friendly and pleasant."


created: 2024-11-24 19:18:08.399143+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 21:54:34.726794+00
name: Go Left, Young Man
ucname: GO LEFT YOUNG MAN
devised: 2023-06-01
notes:
  "I have a bad hip and knee on the right side and most dances are right-oriented, so I wrote this dance to work the left side more. The title is a play on Horace Greeley’s exhortation to 'Go west, young man.' Note, it is very important that the corners dance out to place on bar 24 to be ready (and out of the way) for the diagonal rights and lefts."


created: 2024-11-24 19:13:45.117672+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 21:55:19.477939+00
name: Meerkat Cross(ing)
ucname: MEERKAT CROSSING
intensity_bars: 800/888/444/888
devised: 2023-05-01
notes:
  "In his daily newsletter, <<ddp:Quint, Robb#3690>> discussed various Merkat Cross dances then mentioned it was unfortunate there was no Meerkat dance. This is my attempt at one."


created: 2024-11-24 19:26:35.460827+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 21:56:36.803207+00
name: Targaid ma tha
ucname: TARGAID MA THA
intensity_bars: 84/88/88/84
devised: 2023-10-01
notes:
  We'd been dancing dances with the targe figure in class when a visiting dancer, Mats Melin, suggested I write a dance with a targe named Taj/Targe Mahal. He later suggested I use the current title, which is Gaelic pronounced roughly targe ma 'ha and means "a targe in that case."


created: 2024-11-24 19:55:19.214427+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 21:58:43.446835+00
name: Chicago Sapphire
ucname: CHICAGO SAPPHIRE
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/822
devised: 2024-02-01
notes:
  "In early 2024 when we decided to make the 2025 Chicago Ball a 45th Anniversary (Sapphire) celebration, I wrote this and another dance in honor of that event."


created: 2002-04-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 22:26:16.450845+00
name: How-Dee-Do
ucname: HOWDEEDO
intensity_bars: 44/44/88/88
devised: 2002-02-01
notes:
  Devised to honour Boston Branch legend Sally Dee on her 80th Birthday (February 2002). The dance is a mixer, recognizing the warm welcome that Sally always gave to newcomers like Sue and myself.

  Note: On bars 21-24 and 29-32 couples may use other hand holds to assist in making the turns.


created: 2024-05-14 12:29:30.009758+00
last_modified: 2024-11-26 00:36:37.038995+00
name: Tuggerah Lake
ucname: TUGGERAH LAKE
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
notes:
  Tuggerah Lake is a coastal lagoon, connected to two other coastal lagoons by narrow channels. Together they are known as The Tuggerah Lakes and are located on the central coast region of New South Wales.  

  The largest of the lakes is Tuggerah Lake and is connected to the Pacific Ocean at The Entrance. There is only limited movement of water between the lakes and ocean through a narrow channel, and hence tides in the main body of the lakes are negligible. Due to its large size and shallow depth, strong winds can whip up a steep choppy surface.  

  The set and link in the dance followed by the chase, remind me of breaking waves on the lake in a southerly buster.


created: 2018-03-11 09:32:05.180059+00
last_modified: 2024-11-26 14:49:21.754581+00
name: Olympic Village
ucname: OLYMPIC VILLAGE
notes:
  Olympic Village and Ring Dance are presents for Ramona Zohm and Matthias Rank of the Munich Scottish Association on the occasion of their wedding in March, 2018. The Olympic reels are a reference to the venue of the MSA Wednesday dance class, the church hall in the former Olympic Village of Munich that the society first used in 1986. Ramona leads our team of excellent dance teachers, while Matthias plays the violin as one of our musicians.


created: 2015-08-29 15:28:20.707565+00
last_modified: 2024-11-29 14:55:28.324875+00
name: Sakura
ucname: SAKURA
notes:
  "Sakura" means cherry flowers. My mother and I organized a very special extended home concert and party on 25 March 2012, the season of Sakura flowers, in memory of my father who had passed away on 21 June 2011. All the Tartan members as well as other friends gathered for the occasion, and we enjoyed the Sakura Concert by seven wonderful musicians, Kana (fiddle), Masayoshi (piano), Atsushi (pipe), Kyoko (piano), Ryoji (guitar), Yukie (bandneon), and Hajime (Tsugaru Shamisen). Kana played Scottish tunes for us. My father must have been very happy, up in heaven, listening to the enchanting music.


created: 2006-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-11-30 10:08:42.956723+00
name: Wee Fox, The
ucname: WEE FOX
intensity_bars: 8/8
notes:
  - On bars 13-16, the wee fox gives the hunting hounds the slip and finds a new pack to tease.
  - Devised by Ralph Stoddard for his high-energy kids' class, and dedicated to them.


created: 2024-11-30 23:04:31.580582+00
last_modified: 2024-12-02 12:29:25.123123+00
name: Pecan Pie
ucname: PECAN PIE
intensity_bars: 800/844/466/888
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  Every year around October/November I start thinking about different ways to get couples set up for a 3-couple bourrel and often write a couple of dances. This is one of them for 2024. We danced this one the week of Thanksgiving so I named it in honor of the holiday.


created: 2024-11-23 14:32:40.616962+00
last_modified: 2024-11-30 18:26:14.090342+00
name: Unit 2 Fantasia
ucname: UNIT 2 FANTASIA
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/888/808/880/088/088/042/888/888/686
devised: 2020-08-01
notes:
  The notes explain the original of this "jigsaw medley":

  >Covid lockdowns interrupted the RSCDS teaching course I had started. While I was trying to keep up my interest in the Unit 2 dances the regular Dance Scottish at Home bulletins were enthusing about jigsaw puzzles. These two collided in my mind and the resulting dance is a fantasy jigsaw mixture of one 8 bar phrase from each of the 12 prescribed dances for the first part of the RSCDS teaching certificate (in 2020).
  >
  >As in a dream, there is both logic and some surreal mixups and mistakes. Hopefully more nightmarish scenarios of getting to the wrong exam hall at the wrong time with hiking boots instead of ghillies and the wrong or possibly no clothes will not really happen!
  >
  >Each 8 bar phrase comes from the corresponding part of one of the dances. But it might be slightly or heavily modified, danced by different couples from different places and in a different rhythm. Each section of the dance does have one unmodified 8 bar phrase in its original rhythm.


created: 2023-07-30 10:43:51.701139+00
last_modified: 2024-12-04 13:38:29.930464+00
name: Winter's Night, A
ucname: WINTERS NIGHT
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/648
devised: 2022-12-01
notes:
  I wrote this dance because I like playing with set and rotate for 3 couples and the snowball grand chain. When I wrote it I was watching a documentary on Gordon Lightfoot where he mentioned one of his favorite songs he wrote is *Song for a Winter’s Night*. Since we first danced this on a very cold winter night, I thought this title appropriate.


created: 1997-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-12-02 23:34:41.094079+00
name: MacGregors Gathering
ucname: MACGREGORS GATHERING
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  In the original book, this dance is named without an apostrophe  on the page for the dance, but with an apostrophe in the table of contents. The latter is added as a spelling alias.


created: 2018-07-19 10:43:32.09601+00
last_modified: 2024-12-02 09:37:51.576026+00
name: Mists over Maroon
ucname: MISTS OVER MAROON
intensity_bars: 6666/8888/8888/8488
devised: 2012-10-01
notes:
  Dance presented to Dave and Pat Houghton on their visit to the Queensland Branch's Weekend of Dance at Maroon Dam, 2 1/2 hours south-west of Brisbane. Pat was the visiting teacher while Dave surveyed the surrounding farming landscape.  

  Mists do occur from time to time across the Maroon Dam lake and with the hills encircling the expanse of water it has a certain 'Scottish look and feel about it'.  The grazing kangaroos add another dimension to the scene.


created: 2016-02-29 01:40:13.898643+00
last_modified: 2024-12-02 12:05:12.721328+00
name: Quarries' Procession
ucname: QUARRIES PROCESSION
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8884/8668/8228
devised: 2015-05-01
notes:
  A challenging farewell for David and Avril Quarrie on the occasion of their moving from Geneva back to the Hamburg area where they first met.

  *Notes from the book:*

  The dance includes St Andrews and St Georges cross figures, then the 1st couple make a metaphorical procession around the four corners of the globe dancing with various people for a while and then moving on to a new corner. This is supposed to reflect the Scottish and English backgrounds of Avril and David respectively and their successive sojourns in or near Hamburg (the centre) then Virginia, Chicago, San Francisco, Geneva and finally returning to Hamburg, continually meeting new friends but sadly leaving old ones behind - after the old friends have been trained up to be better dancers!

  The dance starts with a little broken symmetry, appropriate for a particle physicist, as the men and women do something slightly different and it ends with the 1st couple finally getting to dance more with each other, turning RH into retirement to their new home in 2nd place while their most recent friends, the 4s, spiral out singly to 3rd place.


created: 2024-12-01 11:33:37.742542+00
last_modified: 2024-12-03 09:41:23.368187+00
name: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
ucname: FONTAINEDEVAUCLUSE
intensity_bars: 880/888/880/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The Fontaine de Vaucluse (bars 17-24) is the 5th largest karst spring in the world.  It is situated in Provence, France and is the source of the Sorgue river.


created: 2020-03-24 22:30:16.676155+00
last_modified: 2024-12-04 11:42:42.796758+00
name: Corinne's Caper
ucname: CORINNES CAPER
intensity_bars: 840/880/888/844
devised: 2018-04-01
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: 2018-10-17 12:33:14.650445+00
last_modified: 2024-12-06 17:23:45.49279+00
name: Charlotte's Knot
ucname: CHARLOTTES KNOT
intensity_bars: 888/840/888/888
notes:
  A dance for Charlotte Knott, South Shields, who passed her R.S.C.D.S. Medal Test with Distinction. Charlotte was taught her dancing skills by Jean Wright.


created: 2016-11-08 15:43:48.350493+00
last_modified: 2024-12-08 11:07:39.558573+00
name: Five-Seven-Two
ucname: FIVESEVENTWO
intensity_bars: 800/808/800/844
notes:
  Source: Crib on <<https://www.thesundayclass.org.uk/FIVE-SEVEN-TWO.html|The Sunday Class>> website.  The crib adds

  Five-seven-two.co.uk was a site dedicated to producing easy to follow tutorials for Adobe Illustrator and providing Vector Freebies, produced by Jonathan Stones, a Freelance Designer focusing on Web Design and Printed Media. 

  None of this has anything to do with this dance or its deviser, Jenny Bradley! Jenny has published at least 55 dances, though not this one unless it is under another name, so there is no clue to the significance of the name

  No publication known.


created: 2024-05-13 14:48:28.594394+00
last_modified: 2024-12-08 12:22:25.890432+00
name: Eddies at St Eddies
ucname: EDDIES AT ST EDDIES
intensity_bars: 8622/6262/8888/3535
notes:
  Dedicated to Joan O’Callaghan, who shared morning teas.  

  The title of this dance suggested itself at the Australian Winter School in Canberra in 2014, at “Eddies”, St Edmund’s College, Manuka. The dance recalls the blustery windy conditions at morning tea one day, and other notes from the deviser's first winter school, such as solo rights and lefts. The dance could also be danced as a strathspey, or a medley, which teachers and dancers can decide how to present.  

  Bars 1– 8 represent the eddies setting in.  
  Bars 9–16 represent chaotic swirls.  
  Bars 17–24 represent the full brisk wind.  
  Bars 25–32 represent small gusts and participants returning home.


created: 2001-10-23 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-12-08 16:38:54.112614+00
name: Mrs Doreen Kaye
ucname: MRS DOREEN KAYE
intensity_bars: 800/866/822/848
notes:
  Doreen Kaye was the teacher of the Fortrose class before retiring at the end of 1998, although she still attends and supports the group.


created: 2024-12-08 22:58:42.263699+00
last_modified: 2024-12-08 22:58:42.263699+00
name: Better Together
ucname: BETTER TOGETHER
notes:
  The tune is deliberately “strange” and it might be more convenient to use any more traditional 32 bar reel.


created: 2012-07-23 11:32:22.594392+00
last_modified: 2024-12-09 13:16:26.271687+00
name: Mairi's Hangover
ucname: MAIRIS HANGOVER
intensity_bars: 8008 8888 8888 8888 8888
notes:
  The crib "SCDDB Contributed cribs and diagrams" is actually the official description as published.

  The Cambridge University Strathspey & Reel Club display team who made the video says "we found it impractical for the dancing couples to pass RSh in the middle (i.e. going the long way around the other three dancers), as the deviser specified. We passed LSh, as you can see in the video."


created: 2002-08-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-12-09 17:45:47.839024+00
name: Indian River Strathspey
ucname: INDIAN RIVER STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888 844 888 844
notes:
  The Indian River is on the east coast of Florida at Orlando, south of Cape Canaveral.
  George Senyk and his wife Onie lived on the Indian River Intercoastal waterway across from the Kennedy Space Center.

  This dance was mentioned in <<sspey:23939|Strathspey list message 23939>> in December 2000.


created: 2022-09-01 12:04:38.887608+00
last_modified: 2024-12-10 00:35:56.080436+00
name: Iain's Inspiration
ucname: IAINS INSPIRATION
intensity_bars: 440/880/888/888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Iain Boyd posted a query on strathspey.org about a set and link for 3 couples on the sides which got me thinking about how it might work. I have no idea whether this is the same figure as the one Iain asked about, but when I danced it in my head, it occurred to me that it was the perfect setup for the 3-couple bourrel, so I had to try it out in a dance.


