# dance

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: 2014-08-18 14:17:44.658472+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:31:39.002077+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: 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: 2017-05-27 16:06:54.967305+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:29:34.152982+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: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:30:50.735497+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: 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: 2011-12-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 20:44:36.165952+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: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:04:08.881785+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: 2025-01-20 21:08:26.874041+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: 2025-01-20 21:12:20.561992+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: 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: 2024-05-12 16:36:15.869768+00
last_modified: 2025-01-31 17:45:17.217727+00
name: Snowstorm
ucname: SNOWSTORM
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The title, and the triangular set shape, come from the six pointed structure of snowflakes and the whirlwind meaning of the tourbillon style figure in bars 9-16.


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: 2025-04-07 08:20:51.28679+00
last_modified: 2025-04-25 10:09:09.968781+00
name: Hearach or Na Hearadh, The
ucname: HEARACH OR NA HEARADH
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/686/888
devised: 2025-03-03
notes:
  A Hearach is a person from the Isle of Harris – Na Hearadh in Gaelic. So a Hearach is from Na Hearadh. The plural of Hearach is Hearaich. Isle of Harris is a place of stunning natural beauty. It has a rugged coastline, wild landscapes and Hebridean spirit in the form of its own gin!  

  The Hearach is the first, historic single malt whisky from the Isle of Harris.


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: 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: 2025-01-17 09:30:33.305494+00
last_modified: 2025-01-17 09:38:30.26277+00
name: Nicole's Medley
ucname: NICOLES MEDLEY
devised: 2017-06-01
notes:
  This dance was devised in June 2017 for Dr. Nicole Wimberger, to celebrate graduation from her Psychiatry Residency.


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: 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: 2011-08-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-30 20:32:59.837726+00
name: Age of Aquarius
ucname: AGE OF AQUARIUS
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  A birthday present for my wife, <<ddp:Cobb, Patti#11321>>. Thanks to <<ddp:Glasspool, Terry#2677>> for the setting formation in bars 9-16, which is modified from his dance <<ddd:Gypsy Dreams>>.


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: 2024-07-25 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: 2024-07-26 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: 2024-07-17 18:30:13.046322+00
last_modified: 2025-03-05 14:16:53.814879+00
name: Isaac's Dance
ucname: ISAACS DANCE
intensity_bars: 880/800/880/888
notes:
  Devised by Isaac Corney. Isaac appears in the Belfast entry for the RSCDS 2023 virtual festival (see <<https://youtu.be/VssCXbAMo18>>).


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: 2025-05-01 10:24:10.954124+00
last_modified: 2025-05-01 17:07:08.175906+00
name: Ar Morgar in Norway
ucname: AR MORGAR IN NORWAY
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
devised: 2021-09-28
notes:
  Ar Morgar is the name of Jean-Claude Le Barbier's boat on which he made a long crossing to Norway in 2021.


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: 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: 2024-08-05 20:30:01.387126+00
last_modified: 2025-04-11 21:03:12.878489+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: 2025-05-01 10:07:31.115484+00
last_modified: 2025-05-15 11:57:07.362756+00
name: Queen's Marys, The
ucname: QUEENS MARYS
devised: 1991-10-01
notes:
  Revised 23 September 2006.

  > Yestre'en the Queen had four Marys,  
  > The night she'' ha'e but three.  
  > There was Maie Seton, Marie Beaton,  
  > And Marie Carmichael, and me.


created: 2025-05-01 10:16:08.275496+00
last_modified: 2025-05-15 12:06:41.629232+00
name: Venus
ucname: VENUS
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  > In this dance I have imagined Venus with its swirling clouds, depicted by the rounded movements in the dance.


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: 2024-09-17 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 21:43:46.174343+00
last_modified: 2025-01-18 23:36:15.817358+00
name: Creative Soul, A
ucname: CREATIVE SOUL
intensity_bars: 800/888/448/888
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 21:50:22.103647+00
last_modified: 2025-01-19 14:09:18.565699+00
name: Little Fox Face
ucname: LITTLE FOX FACE
intensity_bars: 800/866/866/800
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 21:40:39.441837+00
last_modified: 2025-01-18 14:18:09.411398+00
name: Missing Judee
ucname: MISSING JUDEE
intensity_bars: 800/880/880/800
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 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: 2024-07-25 23:22:12.06168+00
last_modified: 2025-04-16 21:22:14.126286+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: 2024-07-25 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: 2024-09-19 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: 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: 2020-03-09 15:52:04.528594+00
last_modified: 2024-12-14 17:07:12.516896+00
name: Charming Molly
ucname: CHARMING MOLLY
devised: 2019-08-01
notes:
  Charming Molly was the name of the ship that Elizabeth Woodbury’s paternal grandmother's family were on from Dorchester (Boston) to Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, in May 1760.


created: 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: 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: 2004-11-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-07 23:05:44.060611+00
name: Merton Court Medley
ucname: MERTON COURT MEDLEY
devised: 2003-11-01
notes:
  From the notes:

  > This dance attempts to reflect some of the wildlife which visits Merton Court, where I live.
  > The Strathspey reflects the pheasants with the males parading and showing off to the ladies, and the reel, the rabbits who scurry around the gardens.


created: 2001-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-17 20:25:34.761755+00
name: Calziebohalzie
ucname: CALZIEBOHALZIE
intensity_bars: 64/64/80/88
devised: 1996-03-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For Maureen Hood and the children of her classes."

  The notes explain that:

  > Calziebohalzie is the name of a farm on the outskirts of Doune in Perthshire.
  > It is a corruption of two Gaelic words meaning a wood and a cowherd.


created: 2024-12-19 20:07:15.970063+00
last_modified: 2025-01-22 15:27:33.224789+00
name: Paula Wright's Jig
ucname: PAULA WRIGHTS JIG
intensity_bars: 811/888/844/888
devised: 2022-03-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Paula Wright, former Secretary of the RSCDS Cheshire Branch and a Past President of Northwich and District Scots’ Society.


created: 2015-05-04 13:22:24.665532+00
last_modified: 2025-01-30 01:37:39.179083+00
name: Jack's Rant
ucname: JACKS RANT
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/822
devised: 1985-12-01
notes:
  Devised Dec.1985 and presented to Jack Crosbie May 5, 1986 by the Guelph S.C.D. Club in gratitude for his 28 years of teaching in the Guelph and Kitchener areas.


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: 2024-12-19 23:16:28.08934+00
last_modified: 2025-01-22 16:12:02.893218+00
name: Reel for Liz, A
ucname: REEL FOR LIZ
intensity_bars: 8000/4444/4444/0088
notes:
  Devised by Stuart Ross for Liz Bruynooghe to celebrate her special birthday in 2009.  Liz has served as Secretary and Chairperson of the Branch and is a past President of Nantwich & District Scottish Society.


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: 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: 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: 2025-01-30 12:03:56.592779+00
last_modified: 2025-01-31 15:32:09.618688+00
name: Jean Hamilton's Rant
ucname: JEAN HAMILTONS RANT
intensity_bars: 8448/8448/8008/8888
devised: 2001-11-23
notes:
  Inscribed "for Jean Hamilton, teacher of the Friday night Erin Mills Scottish country dance group, with thanks for many happy hours of dancing."


created: 2025-01-30 11:48:41.033807+00
last_modified: 2025-01-31 16:28:42.65851+00
name: Dancing Spring
ucname: DANCING SPRING
intensity_bars: 880/800/822/888
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  From the notes: "Suzanne was inspired by the melting winter snows and the subsiding COVID-19 pandemic and felt a strong urge to devise something to ‘spring’ into dancing again."


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: 2016-09-16 17:48:58.44206+00
last_modified: 2025-01-30 12:13:42.042901+00
name: 12th Night Ball, The
ucname: 12TH NIGHT BALL
intensity_bars: 404/404/484/484/448
notes:
  The Tucson Branch celebrates every New Year with the 12th night ball. It usually takes place
  in historic Bisbee, Az.  It's a quaint old copper mining town near the Mexican border, full of
  antique shops and haunted hotels - but that's another story. Written by Carole Skinner, one of
  the teachers in the Tucson Branch, in celebration of the old and the bringing in of the new.


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: 2015-05-04 13:08:39.449286+00
last_modified: 2025-01-30 13:25:03.385815+00
name: Kenandflo Reel, The
ucname: KENANDFLO REEL
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
notes:
  A dance to honour an aunt and uncle, Ken and Flo Thompson on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary.


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: 2025-04-16 17:16:45.000935+00
name: Eels of Parramatta
ucname: EELS OF PARRAMATTA
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/808
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.

  This dance was originally entered as for 3 couples in a 4 couple set. The instructions later supplied in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3834/|issue 3834>> are for a 3 couple set. So that is now the default. The E-crib suggests the adaptation for 3 couples in a 4 couple set.


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: 2024-11-05 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: 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: 2024-12-19 23:00:19.144494+00
last_modified: 2025-01-22 15:35:58.692258+00
name: Default Position, The
ucname: DEFAULT POSITION
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  The 'default position' is a term coined by the Chairman of the RSCDS, William Williamson, to describe a dancer ready for action: alert, good posture, arms placed loosely at the sides of the body and, most importantly, feet in first position.


created: 2011-08-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-24 23:34:56.104462+00
name: Gude Ale Keeps The Heart Aboon
ucname: GUDE ALE KEEPS THE HEART ABOON
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  The notes quote the Burns poem which gives the dance its title:

  *Chorus - O gude ale comes and gude ale goes;*  
  *Gude ale gars me sell my hose,*  
  *Sell my hose, and pawn my shoon—*  
  *Gude ale keeps my heart aboon!*  
  *– Robert Burns, 1795*


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 17:35:02.094999+00
last_modified: 2024-12-20 21:34:53.48174+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: 2024-11-19 17:30:17.1958+00
last_modified: 2024-12-14 14:12:13.802511+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: 2025-02-27 17:39:44.35143+00
last_modified: 2025-02-28 16:54:09.982595+00
name: Edith Campbell
ucname: EDITH CAMPBELL
intensity_bars: 880/800/808/888
devised: 2024-11-02
notes:
  The notes say "Edith Campbell was a great servant of Scottish Country Dancing, having taught in the Wellington region for over 60 years, and was heavily involved in all things Scottish. Recently she passed away and her grace will be greatly missed."


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 18:57:27.830205+00
last_modified: 2025-02-04 01:34:15.454134+00
name: Double Knot
ucname: DOUBLE KNOT
intensity_bars: 800/880/880/888
devised: 2020-03-01
notes:
  In class, we were reviewing the knot and ended up doing it twice in a row. It seemed interesting so I wrote this dance (and another) with 2 knots in a row.


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 19:07:46.802902+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: 2024-11-24 21:28:58.647989+00
last_modified: 2025-01-18 12:14:05.562982+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: 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: 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: 1998-04-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-07 16:36:45.810582+00
name: Lassie What Mair Wad Ye Ha'e
ucname: LASSIE WHAT MAIR WAD YE HAE
devised: 1982-01-01
notes:
  Official Alias: Sheila Scott's Jig.

  The notes say that "Sheila Scott, a native of Falkirk, Stirlingshire, has given much to Country Dancing in Canada as dancer and teacher."


created: 2002-07-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-18 14:12:19.986163+00
name: Not You, Malcolm!
ucname: NOT YOU MALCOLM
intensity_bars: 664/553/484/646
notes:
  At a Manchester Branch Day School <<ddp:Gaul, Linda C|Linda Gaul>> asked the class a question and suspecting <<ddp:Brown, Malcolm>> knew the answer said “Not you, Malcolm!”. This phrase conjured up the idea of Malcolm being left out. Hence 1st man being omitted from the wheels and not being allowed to dance the knot.


created: 2025-01-28 15:03:29.804461+00
last_modified: 2025-01-28 15:16:43.106113+00
name: First Harvest
ucname: FIRST HARVEST
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/888
devised: 2024-12-01
notes:
  After a holiday-themed class I realized there were no dances for Kwanzaa or other non-Christmas celebrations in December, so I did a little research. Kwanzaa is Swahili for "first fruits" and can be seen as celebrating the first harvest of the year.


created: 2000-01-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-30 20:10:13.319914+00
name: Hall Of Memories, The
ucname: HALL OF MEMORIES
intensity_bars: 800/866/888/888/844
devised: 1961-01-01
notes:
  "The Hall of Memories" was originally devised on the 14th September 1961 - the day that the Orphans' Club Hall in Dunedin was destroyed by fire. The Orphans' Club Hall was the scene of many Formal Dances, Demonstrations and Concerts."


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: 2016-04-15 19:38:09.152488+00
last_modified: 2024-12-11 13:46:37.768546+00
name: St Vincent's Close
ucname: SAINT VINCENTS CLOSE
intensity_bars: 8448/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  Commemorates Alison and Peter moving from one end of Girton to the other: packing up their things into boxes, transporting them to new house, celebrating the move. The key figure also appears in JS's contra Corkscrew Twist.

  Follow closely behind your partner when chasing, because St Vincent is close.


created: 2018-10-07 10:11:12.217266+00
last_modified: 2024-12-14 16:31:26.430305+00
name: Raccoon Babies
ucname: RACCOON BABIES
intensity_bars: 880/880/804/868
devised: 2015-08-01
notes:
  We have baby raccoons in the yard every year and one year I watched them trying to climb a tree; they would climb a foot or two then fall off. Eventually they figured out how to make it to the nesting hole much higher in the tree.


created: 2020-03-09 17:31:59.91652+00
last_modified: 2024-12-16 22:53:24.826544+00
name: Making Friends
ucname: MAKING FRIENDS
devised: 2017-07-01
notes:
  "This is written for Betsy Brydon, one of the many friends that Don & I have made over the years while dancing at workshops, dance weeks and away events."


created: 2022-09-01 12:04:38.887608+00
last_modified: 2025-02-04 01:37:18.760598+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.


created: 2020-03-09 17:36:03.576862+00
last_modified: 2024-12-16 22:56:46.946657+00
name: Skye and Sochi
ucname: SKYE AND SOCHI
devised: 2018-07-01
notes:
  This dance was written to go with the music for Montréal Diamond Anniversary Reel—‘Turnbulls’ of
  Saskatchewan’—on Nick and Laura’s CD Encore Une Fois. Therefore it goes 6 times through with
  each couple getting a second chance to get it right.  
  The dance is dedicated to Ruth Turnbull’s two dogs. My friend, Joanne Turnbull, is Ruth’s twin sister. So it is also dedicated to Ruth and Joanne.


created: 2020-03-11 11:17:33.650707+00
last_modified: 2024-12-16 23:03:53.413584+00
name: Trip to Italy, A
ucname: TRIP TO ITALY
devised: 2018-06-01
notes:
  This may also be danced in a 3 couple or 7 couple set.

  "Written to celebrate a lovely trip to Italy; walking in Tuscany then biking while living on a barge travelling from Venice to Mantua."


created: 2024-11-23 14:32:40.616962+00
last_modified: 2024-12-17 17:07:02.166295+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 origin 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: 2022-03-01 00:13:34.366025+00
last_modified: 2024-12-17 17:31:24.000154+00
name: Blue Sky, Yellow Sun
ucname: BLUE SKY YELLOW SUN
intensity_bars: 8888/0880/8888/4884
devised: 2022-02-26
notes:
  This dance was written the Saturday after the invasion of Ukraine. In London the weather was fine. I went out walking but kept thinking of those suffering far away. The combination of the yellow sun in a pale blue sky reminded me of the Ukrainian flag which gave me the title.

  Later, <<ddp:Joubert, Wouter#3179>> kindly offered his tune *<<ddt:And when it rains...#14702>>* which he has dedicated "in support of peace and to all those who are bullied by tyrants".

  Wouter has made a 4x32 recording of this (with three other tunes) which is available via <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/recording/>>.


created: 2022-08-21 18:26:39.917289+00
last_modified: 2024-12-17 17:42:26.641506+00
name: Editor Emeritus, The
ucname: EDITOR EMERITUS
intensity_bars: 0880/0880/8888/8888
devised: 2020-06-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to <<ddp:Ferguson, Eric#3323>> who has worked tirelessly for the international Scottish Country Dance community for several decades. His contributions include writing thousands of “E-cribs” and maintaining and adding to the contents of the Scottish Country Dance Database. He has always been ready to offer a helping hand to others by sharing his expertise or making quick database updates. The extra hand holds in this dance are a symbol of that.

  A 4x32 recording by <<ddp:Joubert, Wouter#3179>> of the music for this dance is available via <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/recording/>>.


created: 2024-12-17 17:25:09.165623+00
last_modified: 2024-12-17 17:43:00.320297+00
name: Upbeat Reel, An
ucname: UPBEAT REEL
intensity_bars: 4884/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  This energetic dance was written for a tune composed by <<ddp:Joubert, Wouter#3179>>. He kindly offered me a tune, which he renamed as "<<ddt:Upbeat Reel, An#15850>>", following a discussion we had after I suggested that his recording of the <<ddt:Eric Ferguson, E-crib Master#14844|tune>> he wrote for <<ddp:Ferguson, Eric#3323>> should start with an upbeat or "lead in" note.

  A 4x32 recording by <<ddp:Joubert, Wouter#3179>> of the music for this dance is available via <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/recording/>>.


created: 2018-12-12 20:52:58.433653+00
last_modified: 2024-12-19 12:57:30.135043+00
name: Fifty Years of Friendship
ucname: FIFTY YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP
intensity_bars: 8484/8888/8888/8484
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  In affectionate memory of Ruth Thornton, Liskeard Scottish Country Dancers.

  There is a short video of the Rose Rondel figure at <<https://youtu.be/3ygdLjkhmxQ>>.


created: 2024-12-17 17:47:33.868434+00
last_modified: 2024-12-17 17:50:02.129961+00
name: Curriculum Vitae
ucname: CURRICULUM VITAE
intensity_bars: 822/866/866/866
devised: 2019-07-01
notes:
  This dance is for Natalie Maude. It was originally written to encourage her to get on with writing her CV after unexpectedly losing the job she had for many years. Also with many thanks for being the most dedicated member of the team testing and making videos of my other dances.

  The original version of the dance was revised in 2024.


created: 2018-10-09 10:19:13.230264+00
last_modified: 2024-12-18 09:16:51.671086+00
name: Bug Who Came to Dance, The
ucname: BUG WHO CAME TO DANCE
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/844
devised: 2016-05-01
notes:
  At our AGM/Spring Dance, we found a beautiful moth wandering around the floor, managed to capture it and release it outside.


created: 2002-08-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-12-19 17:40:53.358165+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.

  Although the instructions only mention George Senyk as the deviser, Stephen Webb in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3735/||issue 3735>> says it was actually devised jointly by George and Odie Senyk (information he received by email correspondence with George Senyk).


created: 2024-12-19 17:33:15.015069+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 15:26:37.075106+00
name: Cats of Milton Rough, The
ucname: CATS OF MILTON ROUGH
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/888
devised: 2023-06-01
notes:
  Dedicated to the many cats who lived with me at Milton Rough, but particularly Bonnie Bonnington, a ginger tom cat who took to ‘writing’ my Christmas letters in his own inimitablw style.


created: 2024-12-19 19:57:08.528285+00
last_modified: 2025-01-12 20:31:33.68755+00
name: Chester Cross
ucname: CHESTER CROSS
intensity_bars: 8008/0880/0880/8888
devised: 2023-02-01
notes:
  The Chester High Cross is a Grade II listed monument at the staggered junction of Watergate Street, Northgate Street, Eastgate Street and Bridge Street.  It is a popular meeting place where the Town Crier makes a daily proclamation during the summer months.


created: 2018-04-02 20:21:43.597652+00
last_modified: 2024-12-25 10:02:04.819602+00
name: Farewell to Balfour Road
ucname: FAREWELL TO BALFOUR ROAD
devised: 2015-12-01
notes:
  Written for the Brighton and Hove Scottish Country Dance Club when they moved from Balfour School on Balfour Road to Moulsecoomb Hall. The deviser notes that the principle is that dancers move from dancing in the top part of the set to the bottom part, with an overlap from one couple to the next, as in <<ddd:Dundee City Police Jig>> by <</dd/person/270/|John W Mitchell>>.  

  Note: Since the dance is designed as a canon, it requires only 96 bars of music rather than the 160 bars that would normally be required for a 32-bar dance for five couples.


created: 2024-12-19 18:03:30.363149+00
last_modified: 2024-12-20 23:11:49.596188+00
name: Zoom into Dance
ucname: ZOOM INTO DANCE
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2021-09-01
notes:
  Devised in September 2021 after a long period in Lockdown due to the corona virus and dedicated to the many members of the Cheshire Branch Committee, both past and present, who have worked so hard to make the Branch the success it is today.  Like thousands of other groups, in order to talk and meet online, the Branch committee overcame frustrations, laughed, struggled and eventually got to grips with 'Zoom' an indispensable part of our communications system at the time!


created: 1997-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-12-20 23:24:12.044404+00
name: Wee Small Hours, The
ucname: WEE SMALL HOURS
intensity_bars: 840/888/844/844
notes:
  This dance was written in memory of Isobel Fyfe who did most of the preparation work for her classes in the 'wee small hours' of the morning.


created: 1997-12-06 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-12-21 11:54:49.786071+00
name: Friendly Waltz
ucname: FRIENDLY WALTZ
notes:
  Roger Picken provided a summary of the original instructions:  
  > Couples in a circle facing LOD, NH joined, W on R  
  >  
  > 1-2 Balance forward and back  
  > 3-4 Full turn away from partner (M LSh back, W RSh back) to NH joined  
  > 5-6 Repeat 1-2  
  > 7-8 Retaining NH dance away from partner, towards partner  
  > 9-10 With BH joined, balance LOD, ALOD  
  > 11-12 Retaining M RH & W LH, W dances under raised arms to M on L  
  > 13-16 With new partner waltz round in ballroom hold and open up to repeat.


created: 2024-04-28 16:31:36.040657+00
last_modified: 2024-12-28 18:30:37.574309+00
name: Equinox
ucname: EQUINOX
devised: 2022-03-01
notes:
  The dance was devised for one of the regular classes of the dance studio «Beltane Fires». The formations in this dance can be performed one of the sides (either by ladies side or by men side), because only
  four dancers registered for the class.  
  The dance symbolizes:  
  - 1-8: four seasons
  - 9-16: the dance of day and night
  - 17-28: clockwork mechanism movement, change of seasons
  - 29-32: greeting the new day, month


created: 2024-04-28 16:26:44.320572+00
last_modified: 2024-12-28 18:05:10.793707+00
name: Hound of the Baskervilles, The
ucname: HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES
intensity_bars: 808/884/888/888
devised: 2022-09-01
notes:
  The dance was based on a staged demonstrative dance specially created for participation in the festival of demonstration teams at the Spring School of Scottish Dances in 2016 in Nizhny Novgorod. At a definite moment of time (bars 17-24) there appears the hound of the Baskervilles (a spare man who does not dance this dance pass), that is running through the swamps of Dartmoor.

  The book describes this as a 4 couple dance though the accompanying diagram shows 8x32 music.


created: 2024-04-28 20:02:16.158261+00
last_modified: 2024-12-28 22:08:38.782111+00
name: Birth of Spring, The
ucname: BIRTH OF SPRING
intensity_bars: 844/880/844/888
devised: 2022-03-01
notes:
  The dance was devised for one of the regular classes of the dance studio «Beltane Fires». The formations in this dance can be performed one of the sides (either by ladies side or by men side), because only four dancers registered for the class.  
  The dance symbolizes is the time of revival and awakening of nature from winter hibernation:  
  - 1-8: Inspiration, new feelings
  - 9-16: Awakening, new thoughts, ideas
  - 17-24: Update, change of dress
  - 25-32: Movement, circle of life


created: 2004-10-31 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-07 17:22:16.604753+00
name: Tam the Storyteller
ucname: TAM THE STORYTELLER
notes:
  Devised: 2003.

  Notes from the instructions: " Note: Tam is the gentleman, Tom Cuthbertson, who is a wonderful local storyteller, in Santa Cruz, California."


created: 2024-12-28 19:11:25.111342+00
last_modified: 2025-01-09 13:33:10.637239+00
name: Waterways of Tigre, The
ucname: WATERWAYS OF TIGRE
intensity_bars: 8220/8080/8888/8008
devised: 2024-12-01
notes:
  "This dance was written to celebrate canoeing down the canals in Tigre after a dancing session on Sunday 1st December 2024."


created: 2024-12-29 16:50:52.034764+00
last_modified: 2024-12-30 16:44:49.552021+00
name: For Pels
ucname: FOR PELS
intensity_bars: 8448/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2024-04-01
notes:
  This dance is devised for Priscilla Beeton and her (non-dancing) twin sister Hillary who shared a milestone birthday when we were not dancing due to the Covid19 pandemic.  
  The Pel's referred to in the title is Pel's fishing-owl. Priscilla was the past chairman of the Cape Bird Club and was recently honoured with the Owl Award from Birdlife South Africa for her contribution to bird conservation.


created: 2024-12-29 16:46:33.609053+00
last_modified: 2024-12-30 18:27:16.966188+00
name: Dancing Cranes, The
ucname: DANCING CRANES
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/800
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Most people who have been in the countryside at the right time of the year and been privileged to see cranes dancing will never forget the experience. This dance has been written in celebration of Donella Young's 70th birthday, and in celebration of her long time contribution to the conservation of the Blue Cranes of South Africa.


created: 2005-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-04 09:22:05.04813+00
name: New Beginning, A
ucname: NEW BEGINNING
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/822
devised: 2005-07-01
notes:
  I learned this month that I lost my job due to declining enrollment. This dance reflects my view of the occasion.


created: 2022-10-01 08:38:28.966789+00
last_modified: 2025-01-04 11:06:04.204372+00
name: Mary Fraser MBE
ucname: MARY FRASER MBE
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8282/8282
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  From the notes:

  > Having danced in her youth, Mary decided to return to Scottish Country Dancing in her retirement. Mary was honored with an MBE on the Queen's 1996 birthday honours list for services to Primary education in eSwatini (Swaziland). This dance was devised in celebration of Mary Fraser's 86th birthday.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-04 13:10:02.026858+00
name: Southern Cairn, The
ucname: SOUTHERN CAIRN
intensity_bars: 844/866/822/888
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  Devised "for the Addlestone and District Scottish Society to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee season, 1993-94."


created: 2025-01-04 13:24:02.354991+00
last_modified: 2025-01-04 13:47:29.982614+00
name: Deep and Crisp and Even
ucname: DEEP AND CRISP AND EVEN
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  I had Good King Wenceslas in my head as I wrote this, but apparently it is a reel. This dance was written for the holiday season.


created: 2024-07-25 04:26:55.866813+00
last_modified: 2025-01-05 13:29:01.625453+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: 2000-07-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-07 13:17:15.662242+00
name: Fete Champetre, The
ucname: FETE CHAMPETRE
notes:
  Barry Priddey also devised a simplified version of this dance called <<ddd:Woodland Assembly#7227>>.

  The title comes from Robert Burns:

  > How many a robe sae gaily floats!  
  > What sparkling jewels glance, man!  
  > To Harmony's enchanting notes,  
  > As moves the mazy dance, man.  
  > The echoing wood, the winding flood,  
  > Like Paradise did glitter  
  > When angels met, at Adam's yett,  
  > To hold their Fete Champetre.


created: 1997-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-16 09:05:10.512542+00
name: Faerie Flag of the McLeods, The
ucname: FAERIE FLAG OF THE MACLEODS
intensity_bars: 8008/0880/8888/8448
notes:
  The notes explain the title:

  > Dunvegan Castle, on the. Isle of Skye, is unique in that it has never been captured, destroyed, or even damaged by marauders.
  > It is the long-standing seat of Clan McLeod (MacLeod).
  > Dame Flora McLeod was Clan Chieftan and Chief Magistrate for many years.
  > In the south tower you can see the fascinating Fairy Room.
  > On the stairway, in a glass-fronted box, is "The Faerie Flag," given to the family by a "Faerie," who promised help on three occasions when it was waved.
  > It has been used twice successfully--at Glendale in 1490, and at Trumpan in 1580. One wish remains to be fulfilled.


created: 2018-10-04 08:17:39.062669+00
last_modified: 2025-04-16 21:30:42.204006+00
name: Dipsy Doodle
ucname: DIPSY DOODLE
intensity_bars: 8008/8008/8448/8008
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  As I was playing around with the figures in the dance, the name phrase dipsy doodle came into my mind, so that became the name of the dance.


created: 2005-04-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-16 21:32:56.227055+00
name: Maureen Calling
ucname: MAUREEN CALLING
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8448/8888
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  This dance is written for Maureen Pettigrew on the occasion of her birthday; the name of the dance is the salutation she often uses when sending out email.


created: 2025-01-04 14:00:46.506195+00
last_modified: 2025-04-20 10:41:28.871409+00
name: My Happy Place
ucname: MY HAPPY PLACE
intensity_bars: 840/888/888/888
devised: 2024-02-01
notes:
  I spent time in February in an MRI machine and to help drown out the banging of the magnets worked on devising a dance, which is also what I do when I am trying to get to sleep at night. Devising dances in my head is my happy place.


created: 2014-03-18 09:13:22.812427+00
last_modified: 2025-01-08 09:59:16.526792+00
name: Auld Brig o'er the Firth
ucname: AULD BRIG OER THE FIRTH
intensity_bars: 822/844/844/880
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Devised upon the platform at North Queensferry station waiting for a train to Perth delayed by an hour.

  There have been several revisions of this dance, the last(?) in June 2016.  The previous crib read:


  1–   1c cross RH | cast to centre in 2pl (2c up) ; 1c set pivoting R into BtoB facing opp. side | All set as in DTr

  9–    1c set BtoB, moving ¼ round R (M facing down, W up) | all set as in DTr ; 1c set moving R ½ (M facing up, W down) | All set as in DTr

  17–    1c+1cnrs pass and turn , pass Rsh ; 1c+2cnrs pass and turn

  25–    2c+1M & 1W+3c RHA ; 1c pass Rsh to own side | All set (2,1,3)


created: 1999-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-10 23:28:41.373893+00
name: Culloden's Fancy
ucname: CULLODENS FANCY
intensity_bars: 84 84
devised: 1754-02-01
notes:
  Walsh published a dance of this name in his Caledonian Country Dances, Vol II, part IV in C1754.  His description of the dance is:  
   -    Firft Cu. foot it and turn  
   -    Hands acrofs quite round  
   -    crofs over two Cu.  
   -    lead up to the top and caft off

  In 1929, the RSCDS republished it in Book 5 with major alterations.  The cribs, diagram and videos provided here are based on the RSCDS dance but the interpretation is open to debate, specifically the turn in bars 9-12 could be just a half turn.


created: 2025-01-12 10:12:59.018513+00
last_modified: 2025-01-12 10:12:59.018513+00
name: St Andrew's Chase
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS CHASE
notes:
  <<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1uY-ICqU5Wp-5myeOntA-vyBaJ6hwja9of9wVZJ7HELM/edit#slide=id.gb494cf2e98_0_219|Devised>> and danced via zoom during the Covid pandemic.


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-09 18:47:53.740791+00
name: Carl's Retreat (to Oregon)
ucname: CARLS RETREAT TO OREGON
notes:
  The title in the book is "Carl's Retreat (to Oregon)" though the youtube comments on the Red Thistles video give it without brackets.


created: 1998-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-25 17:16:01.667778+00
name: Dance with Mother
ucname: DANCE WITH MOTHER
intensity_bars: 800 888 800 888
notes:
  Devised for Patricia Hamilton by her son Graham Hamilton.

  The notes say that "The dance is designed to suit Mum's graceful style and gives first couple plenty of time dancing together which, when Dancing with Mother, is as much a pleasure today as when she first introduced me to it over 20 years ago."

  Graham is happy to leave the choice of music to the band.


created: 2014-09-03 22:28:00.133177+00
last_modified: 2025-01-10 16:48:44.450699+00
name: Burdens of Bude, The
ucname: BURDENS OF BUDE
devised: 2002-11-01
notes:
  Devised for Dawn and Les Burden who plan, run, provide music, and even cater for, the Bude Weekend School. The dance has 2 dancing couples in recognition of the fact that there must surely be 2 of each of them or else how do they manage it ?!
  With acknowledgement to Bob Grant for the hands across chain figure from his dance 'Whisky & Mac'.


created: 2025-01-10 16:38:30.478863+00
last_modified: 2025-01-10 17:18:46.982836+00
name: Watchmaker's Wife
ucname: WATCHMAKERS WIFE
notes:
  Source: MiniCrib.

  MiniCrib consider this "has all the hallmarks of being from the <<ddpub:Scottish Dance Archives#436>>" although not listed in the index.


created: 2018-09-15 23:10:58.735559+00
last_modified: 2025-01-25 17:55:23.630489+00
name: Slante, Austro-Alba
ucname: SLANTE AUSTROALBA
intensity_bars: 080/484/484/448
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  Crib by the devisers is available at <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/slante-austro-alba.html>>.

  This dance was first published in <<ddpub:#411>> under the name "Tune the Fiddles" but was later renamed "Slante, Austro-Alba" (and slightly revised).

  The <<ddpub:#411>> lists it as a Reel, but Duncan Keppie confirmed by email that it should actually be a Jig (as shown in the video).


created: 2025-01-09 00:01:54.344925+00
last_modified: 2025-01-14 12:40:18.141088+00
name: Strathspey for Phyllis, A
ucname: STRATHSPEY FOR PHYLLIS
intensity_bars: 800/880/822/866
notes:
  This dance was devised for Phyllis Haack one of the founding members the Blair Scottish Country Dancers in honour of her 90th Birthday (September 2023).


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-17 20:27:23.883568+00
name: Craigellachie Reel, The
ucname: CRAIGELLACHIE REEL
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/842
devised: 1985-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this was "written for the Calgary Branch workshop at the Banff Springs Hotel and commemorates the place where the laat spike was driven on the Canadian Railroad."


created: 2006-10-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-19 00:32:42.942363+00
name: Niagara Swirl
ucname: NIAGARA SWIRL
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain the background:

  > In the late seventies while visiting Toronto during April, I attended the annual ball of the St Catherines' RSCDS Branch at the Sheraton Hotel which overlooks the Niagara Falls. The music was provided by Stan Hamilton & his Scottish Dance Band. The views of the falls were very spectacular, even more so, as the winter's ice was still cascading over the edge and disappearing down into the seemingly permanent cloud of spray / mist that envelops the lower regions of the falls.


created: 2024-12-06 18:09:44.632176+00
last_modified: 2025-01-28 17:05:16.924224+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: 2015-05-04 14:26:12.866361+00
last_modified: 2025-01-29 00:12:35.739679+00
name: Dylan's Dance
ucname: DYLANS DANCE
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/888
devised: 1993-03-31
notes:
  Devised by Gene A. MacKinnon, March 31, 1993 for our first Grandson, Dylan Thomas MacKinnon Born Oct.21, 1992.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-13 17:09:26.89271+00
name: Scots Marmalade
ucname: SCOTS MARMALADE
intensity_bars: 804/804/808/844
notes:
  The dance notes give a story about Scots Marmalade:

  > Its invention is accredited by long tradition to Janet Keiller, nee Pierson, a young woman of humble birth whose marriage to James Keiller April 1, 1700 is recorded in the Dundee Register. They owned a small business in the city. One morning a ship from Spain, long buffeted by easterly gales, reached Tayside and deposited a cargo of oranges. Among those gathered at the dock was James Keiller. The oranges were going cheap, and James bought a considerable quantity, rashly as it seemed, for owing to their bitter taste he was unable to sell them. His thrifty and resourceful wife supplied the answer. We may assume that she was already skilled in the making of jams and jellies, but little could she have dreamed, as she stood over the kitchen fire boiling and testing, that the result of her experimenting would achieve world-wide renown.
  >
  > We are also told this story. Once during her girlhood years at the Court of France, Mary, Queen of Scots, became ill and her French doctor prescribed orange jelly. Fresh oranges were picked and the jelly was made immediately. But no one else could have the orange jelly. It was strictly made for "Marie malade" and that's what gave us the name "Marmalade".


created: 1998-04-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-14 20:05:47.516728+00
name: Lord of Gondor, The
ucname: LORD OF GONDOR
devised: 1972-01-01
notes:
  This demonstration dance, for 2 men and 4 women, is divided into three parts:  
  - 1st figure: 88 bars  
  - 2nd figure: 128 bars (two repeats of 64 bars on alternate diagonals)  
  - 3rd figure: 72 bars


created: 2025-01-15 22:50:18.19978+00
last_modified: 2025-01-16 09:42:36.416091+00
name: Great Horned Owl, The
ucname: GREAT HORNED OWL
intensity_bars: 484/884/844/888
devised: 2024-12-01
notes:
  This dance is deceptive as the figures are relatively easy, but starting with second couple can be challenging, especially starting the 3rd, 5th, and 7th times through.  

  The area where I live has several resident great horned owls that we can often hear hooting. One day I saw one back-lit in my next-door neighbor’s tree. A couple of days later, I heard and saw it there again and was able to take a picture. I love hearing them hoot to each other and was thrilled to actually see one.


created: 2018-07-19 10:39:48.399+00
last_modified: 2025-01-16 12:32:50.303052+00
name: Cathy McLeod of Graceville
ucname: CATHY MACLEOD OF GRACEVILLE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  This dance was presented to Cathy McLeod to commemorate and celebrate her 50th birthday in a manner dear to her heart. It is a representation of the manner in which the circle and cycles of Cathy's life have become intertwined with those of others.


created: 2024-12-18 23:26:00.533305+00
last_modified: 2025-01-16 17:40:34.615251+00
name: Lightning Conductor, The
ucname: LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/888
devised: 2010-11-01
notes:
  This dance is a tribute to Roger Gurtner, partner of the deviser, Di Rooney, who is our Branch Teacher.  We are always happy to see Roger at class, not only for his friendly demeanour and good humour, but because we know that, while our errors will not go unnoticed, any thunderbolts will be launched in his direction and will be received with a wry smile.


created: 2011-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 02:19:15.303734+00
name: Malcolm Brown
ucname: MALCOLM BROWN
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8668
devised: 2011-06-25
notes:
  The isobirl formation is due to Terry Glasspool.  I (Rod Downey) learned of this formation from my correspondences with Malcolm Brown.

  Rod also points out that according to Murrough Landon, the dance can easily be adapted as a 6-couple dance: If 2nd & 3rd and also 4th & 5th places do the Link on bars 39-40 then the progression 241635 works. (Anselm adds: For that matter, it would also work as an 8-couple, 10-couple, … dance, but at some point this stops being useful. Or do it as a round-the-room dance with two closed circles of couples facing one another?)

  You can also turn this into a 2-couple dance in a 3-couple or 4-couple set by replacing the final “link” with another “set” for the two couples. This may come in useful if you end up with 7 couples, so you can have a 4-couple set doing the dance “properly” and a 3-couple set doing the 2-couple version instead of sitting out. If you have only 5 couples, the 5th couple can dance the final “set and link” with the couple in 4th place, and the 24153 progression will work, too.


created: 2019-12-13 13:07:07.003517+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 04:00:36.90231+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: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 20:45:41.010748+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: 2017-05-24 21:45:19.892593+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 20:53:15.142421+00
name: Diamonds Are Forever Dancing
ucname: DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER DANCING
intensity_bars: 880/844/800/808
devised: 2017-04-01
notes:
  Roy and Janet are well-beloved members of the community.  I first met Janet at teacher training in St. Catherine’s Ontario in 1986; she and Roy have brightened my dancing life ever since.  This dance was written at the request of their children and presented at the April 2017 Scottish Country Dance party in Mountain View.

  The dance begins with a knot to commemorate the start of their marriage and continues with diamond imagery to celebrate the 60 years since the knot was tied. The poussette at the end is the most romantic figure in Scottish Country Dance.


created: 2005-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:39:27.232878+00
name: Fiddlesticks Frolic, The
ucname: FIDDLESTICKS FROLIC
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Jennifer 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: 2025-01-24 18:37:20.53784+00
last_modified: 2025-01-24 19:12:35.111756+00
name: Red Deer
ucname: RED DEER
intensity_bars: 6666/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2023-08-01
notes:
  The intention for this dance was to adapt the signature figure from <<ddd:"Deer" Friends#12508>> by <<ddp:Bob Anderson#3618>> to be suitable for a square set. It is slightly different but it still resembles the original which was written for a workshop in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. The basic progression is 2,3,4,1 but all end in opposite gender places on each repeat.


created: 2025-01-26 06:20:09.780994+00
last_modified: 2025-01-26 06:27:13.228642+00
name: Julia's Love
ucname: JULIAS LOVE
intensity_bars: 844/844/844/888
notes:
  This dance was written for Elke Baker's daughter, Julia Andrews, and presented at the Dance Flurry in Saratoga, New York on February 14, 2004.


created: 2000-04-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-08 18:31:18.271859+00
name: Earl of Northampton, The
ucname: EARL OF NORTHAMPTON
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  The notes say that: "Virginia Van Scoy is the founder of the Northampton, Massachusetts, class. She devised this dance in 1995 to honor fiddler Earl Gaddis' fiftieth birthday and to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the class. Earl has played for the class since it began,
  joined on occasion by Karen Axelrod, who wrote the tune as an additional birthday tribute."


created: 2024-11-30 23:04:31.580582+00
last_modified: 2025-01-28 17:08:21.791119+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: 2025-01-30 08:37:57.189492+00
last_modified: 2025-01-30 08:53:33.252648+00
name: Lonely Hearts Strathspey, The
ucname: LONELY HEARTS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  As Valentine’s Day 2019 landed on a Thursday, our usual class night in Buffalo, I was surprised to find a full
  dance floor. It reminded me that Scottish Country Dancing is a great way to connect socially, whether you have a partner or not. This dance celebrates how we dance together with a partner (bars 1-8), in unison with our neighbors (9-16), how we change partners (17-24), and come together as a set in a happy circle of friends (25-32).


created: 2023-01-05 11:52:48.973278+00
last_modified: 2025-01-30 22:26:24.560251+00
name: Pansies and Violas
ucname: PANSIES AND VIOLAS
intensity_bars: 880/880/822/888
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  "Dedicated to the memory of our dear family friend, Viola Steele, who enjoyed dancing with the Toronto Branch for many, many years. Because of her floral name, her home was filled with pansy and viola art and collectibles."

  The table of contents for <<ddpub:Delightful Diversion, A#1669>> originally listed this as a reel but it is in fact a jig.


created: 2001-09-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:00:27.638804+00
name: Elusive Muse, The
ucname: ELUSIVE MUSE
intensity_bars: 640 800 804 888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  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: 2009-08-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:06:09.693508+00
name: Kathleen McAdam's Scroll
ucname: KATHLEEN MACADAMS SCROLL
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/888
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: 2017-05-27 16:39:02.237655+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:34:29.3383+00
name: Susie's Latest Promotion
ucname: SUSIES LATEST PROMOTION
intensity_bars: 880/833/833/888/888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Note:
  Presented to Susie Langdon Kass on the occasion of her 80th birthday, May 14, 2016. The first figure is a progression that Susie particularly enjoys and has used in dances of her own devising. Wild Geese is one of her favorite dances. The final 16 bars with its reel of 3 and circle could be considered a nod to “80.”  The title is an acknowledgment of the decades of volunteer time Susie has donated to promoting Scottish country dance.  TW

  Music:
  “An Active Octogenarian” by Patti Cobb. “I wrote this tune to complement Tim’s dance. When discussing the particulars of a dance to mark 
  this occasion, Susie asserted, ‘Just because I’m turning 80 doesn’t mean it has to be a strathspey!’  Hence the bouncy, jaunty feel and the title.” — PC


created: 2015-01-09 15:12:45.052534+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 18:02:34.712292+00
name: Florentine Lass, The
ucname: FLORENTINE LASS
intensity_bars: 8888/8484/8228/8888
devised: 2009-05-31
notes:
  Inscribed "For Amelia Luzzi whose favourite figure is set and rotate. Amelia started life in Florence and sees herself as the Immigrant Lass which is one of her favourite dances hence the title Florentine Lass".

  Errata (in original edition, now fixed?):  
  *Bars 1-8 At the end of set and rotate first & third men stay facing out.*
  *From bars 9-24 all the bar numbering is on the wrong lines so that 1-8 and 25-32 are correct, but the bar numbers then refer to each following phrase below.*


created: 2024-12-19 22:46:37.403004+00
last_modified: 2025-01-22 15:28:42.463968+00
name: Chairman's Challenge
ucname: CHAIRMANS CHALLENGE
intensity_bars: 888/880/844/844/888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised after reflecting on the challenges faced by the Chairperson in trying to maintain the interest of members during the Covid-19 Pandemic


created: 2025-01-24 18:34:20.705159+00
last_modified: 2025-01-24 18:48:24.389181+00
name: Value Added
ucname: VALUE ADDED
intensity_bars: 844/866/866/888
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  This dance is for <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerie_Strachan|Valerie Strachan>>. In her working life Valerie was the first woman to be Commissioner and later Chairman of the UK Customs and Excise which was then a separate government department. The newspapers nicknamed her Vatwoman as she had worked on introducing Value Added Tax (VAT).


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-31 18:10:57.278235+00
name: Geordie Diamond, The
ucname: GEORDIE DIAMOND
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/828/888
devised: 2009-08-01
notes:
  The notes say "This dance was written to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary) of the Newcastle and District Branch of the RSCDS. It starts with a diamond poussette and finishes with six dancers in a circle. I would like to thank the Lanchester dance group for helpful comments as the dance was being finalised."


created: 2006-12-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-31 18:51:12.883815+00
name: Jim Johnstone's Strathspey
ucname: JIM JOHNSTONES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8820/8880/8800/8888
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For <<ddp:Johnstone, Jim#1525>> whose music was great for both listening and dancing. He was much admired by other musicians, was an inspiration to younger players and had a flair for writing really good tunes."


created: 2002-10-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-31 21:04:19.571301+00
name: Back on Track
ucname: BACK ON TRACK
intensity_bars: 880 888 844 844 844
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Mrs. Frans Ligtmans, teacher of the Eindhoven group, who recently, after a serious illness and operation went back home, well on the way to full recovery.


created: 2005-06-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-01 20:42:48.852644+00
name: Miss Anderson of Hobart
ucname: MISS ANDERSON OF HOBART
intensity_bars: 54/84/54/84
notes:
  The deviser met Miss Anderson at a workshop organized by the Vancouver Branch at the University of BC in May 1966, two years after the Branch was formed.


created: 2005-06-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-01 06:37:15.664437+00
name: Mary Wattum's Reel
ucname: MARY WATTUMS REEL
intensity_bars: 844/888/800/888
notes:
  This dance honours Mary Wattum, benefactor of our Branch.  
  Mary began dancing in the 1930s, the earliest years of Scottish country dancing in Vancouver, and she has been dancing and attending dance events ever since.  
  Her generosity supports our Betwixt and Between dance each year, and she has enabled the John Ellis Band, the David Cunningham Band, and the Marian Anderson Band to visit Vancouver.  
  Paulina Barnes is a founder member of the Vancouver Branch, She served the Branch as Senior Instructor and Director of the Demonstration Team.


created: 2025-02-01 13:17:10.546497+00
last_modified: 2025-02-01 13:19:41.996696+00
name: Jig On The Hill
ucname: JIG ON THE HILL
notes:
  The title refers to Parliament Hill in Ottawa as well as the hill, or brae where the first Ardbrae classes
  were held.


created: 2025-02-01 20:24:11.57875+00
last_modified: 2025-02-01 20:24:11.57875+00
name: Archivist, The
ucname: ARCHIVIST
notes:
  Inscribed "In memory of Elaine Hoag, an archivist both professionally, with Library and Archives Canada, and in her dancing life with the Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa. With our mutual love of the strathspey poussette and covering opportunities, it’s the kind of strathspey we would have enjoyed dancing together."


created: 2025-02-01 15:27:24.09778+00
last_modified: 2025-04-28 10:27:43.628143+00
name: Barclay's View
ucname: BARCLAYS VIEW
intensity_bars: 440/800/844/888
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  Written as a simple dance to introduce corners to the Edinburgh Branch Beginners’ class in Barclay Viewforth church.


created: 2025-02-01 23:50:15.830117+00
last_modified: 2025-02-01 23:50:15.830117+00
name: Skating On The Rideau Canal
ucname: SKATING ON THE RIDEAU CANAL
notes:
  The notes explain the inspiration for the dance:

  > Skaters who glide effortlessly and smoothly, without stopping. Therefore all couples keep dancing throughout, hopefully reaching the required spot just in time to glide through without waiting for the music to prompt the next move. On a busy day, skaters would weave around each other, occasionally meeting up with a friend perhaps, for a brief hello.


created: 2025-02-02 00:08:38.207579+00
last_modified: 2025-02-02 00:08:38.207579+00
name: Up and Down Reel
ucname: UP AND DOWN REEL
notes:
  From the notes: "gearing up and down the cycle trails in Ottawa and the hiking trails of the East Coast Trail in Newfoundland is the inspiration behind this dance. There’s lots of forward movement, turns and meeting of other cyclists/hikers."


created: 2025-02-01 15:35:26.052256+00
last_modified: 2025-02-03 13:31:02.649633+00
name: Trip to Murrayfield, A
ucname: TRIP TO MURRAYFIELD
intensity_bars: 880/888/800/888
notes:
  After teaching Prestonfield Silver, which was written for Caroline, and was inspired by the thought of a three-couple set and rotate, I wondered what a true 3-couple set and rotate would be like, and this seemed the obvious conclusion. Prestonfield Silver and this dance were taught on consecutive weeks at the RSCDS Edinburgh Branch Advanced class in Murrayfield Parish Church Hall.
  For Caroline Brockbank, who likes a good set and rotate.


created: 2025-02-01 20:52:31.742073+00
last_modified: 2025-02-03 10:01:12.863132+00
name: Eclipse
ucname: ECLIPSE
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/888
notes:
  The notes say "The dance was inspired by the Eclipse that was viewed in Ontario in 2024. Dancers are dancing around the set or inside the set, in a circular movement to show the movements of the sun and the moon in an eclipse."


created: 2025-02-01 23:41:30.506836+00
last_modified: 2025-05-01 17:05:46.157833+00
name: Mill Pond Stroll, The
ucname: MILL POND STROLL
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
notes:
  The notes explain the title:

  > Jayne and I were out for an early spring hike in the Mill Pond Conservation area. During the hike, we came upon several areas where the air was incredibly perfumed. Looking down we saw thousands of hepatica in bloom. It’s hard to believe that such as a small flower could have such a dramatic effect.
  >
  > The Mill Pond Conservation area is south of Smiths Falls on the Rideau River.


created: 2025-02-02 00:02:53.336098+00
last_modified: 2025-02-02 00:03:50.286592+00
name: Top Of The Hill
ucname: TOP OF THE HILL
notes:
  From the notes: "This dance was written to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Ardbrae – the half reel of six and the circle represent 60. The first classes in 1964 were held at Ridgemont High School. Hence, the Scottish group name, Ardbrae – high or top (ard) hill (brae)."


created: 2011-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-02 12:04:54.450147+00
name: Ruby Lips
ucname: RUBY LIPS
notes:
  The notes say this was
  > Written for the fortieth "Ruby" anniversary of the Vancouver Branch of the RSCDS in 2004 and danced in celebration of that occasion at the BC Highland Games.


created: 2025-01-25 20:35:28.985029+00
last_modified: 2025-02-02 14:11:25.834762+00
name: Ardbrae Angels
ucname: ARDBRAE ANGELS
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  The notes (as published in the book) explain the title:

  > Dedicated to all of Ardbrae’s “dance angels,” but especially to Deborah Connors and Guy Quesnel who have cheerfully supported the Ardbrae Scottish Country Dancers of Ottawa in countless ways for many years, and who celebrate birthdays on March 28th and 29th respectively.
  > Ardbrae Angels was to be danced for the first time on March 29th, 2020 at Ardbrae’s Spring Social but that was cancelled due to Covid.
  > Instead, it was first danced at the Ardbrae Ball in February 2023.


created: 2018-07-19 10:05:53.348032+00
last_modified: 2025-02-04 11:31:37.978504+00
name: Bad Man of Badaquish, The
ucname: BAD MAN OF BADAQUISH
notes:
  I have always preferred the English version of The Guidman of Ballangigh, which keeps a continuous flow in the first 16 bars - this is another variation on the theme.  
  New Scotland spent several enjoyable Freshers' Weekends at the Badaguish Outdoor Centre near Aviemore.


created: 2024-10-24 20:42:45.474652+00
last_modified: 2025-02-04 13:20:16.202879+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: 2025-02-05 11:45:53.914236+00
last_modified: 2025-02-10 08:03:18.678126+00
name: Deer Lake Denizen
ucname: DEER LAKE DENIZEN
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8448/8088
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Rosemary Coupe".

  Rosemary was a much loved dancer, teacher, tutor, editor, dance historian and gardener who lived near Deer Lake and devoted much of her life to Scottish Country Dancing.


created: 2025-02-04 22:37:03.228819+00
last_modified: 2025-02-04 22:37:03.228819+00
name: To Chocolate and Fudge
ucname: TO CHOCOLATE AND FUDGE
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain that:  
  > This dance is written in memory of Chocolate and Fudge, two donkeys I met
  during fieldwork for my PhD thesis. The dance describes their day: They play
  with each other (bars 1-8), they try to nick some extra food from other
  donkeys (bars 9-16), they get to play on the field (bars 17-24), and they
  search for a good nap spot in the paddock at night (bars 25-32).


created: 2025-02-04 22:46:48.296024+00
last_modified: 2025-02-04 22:51:13.501104+00
name: Allons-y
ucname: ALLONSY
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  "This dance was devised for New Scotland’s 2023 Newcastle display following a time-reversal dance idea by Rhoslyn Howroyd."


created: 2025-02-06 00:02:29.094335+00
last_modified: 2025-02-06 00:02:29.094335+00
name: Edinburgh to Lochaber
ucname: EDINBURGH TO LOCHABER
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  "Presented to Yoshimi Kuroda and Levi Barker on the occasion of their wedding celebration in Edinburgh on 12th October 2013, by various of their dancing friends."


created: 2000-06-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-09 21:14:25.196732+00
name: Imperial Strathspey, The
ucname: IMPERIAL STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8008/0880/8448/8888/8888/8224
notes:
  Originally SCDDB had the author of this dance as "unknown" however <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3767/|issue 3767>> suggests that it was probably devised by <<ddp:McConachie, Jack#251>>.


created: 2025-02-06 00:10:12.994679+00
last_modified: 2025-02-26 15:15:54.140348+00
name: Gamlingay
ucname: GAMLINGAY
intensity_bars: 844/800/844/888
devised: 2023-06-01
notes:
  "Written for, and presented to, Ruth Hawksley and Adam Hughes on the occasion of their Civil Partnership celebrations at Gamlingay Eco Hub, 24th June 2023."


created: 2025-02-03 23:08:41.868155+00
last_modified: 2025-03-01 19:31:55.424665+00
name: Triple Triangles
ucname: TRIPLE TRIANGLES
intensity_bars: 804/084/888/888
notes:
  Inscribed "For Rhoslyn & Felicity, the other two parts of the 'triumvirate' (aka the 2021/22 exec committee and 2020-2024 NSCDS presidents)."


created: 2025-02-06 13:16:49.138202+00
last_modified: 2025-02-06 13:16:49.138202+00
name: Hyacinths to Haddo House
ucname: HYACINTHS TO HADDO HOUSE
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  > Hyacinths to Haddo House was written to celebrate the wedding of our friends, Erin and Lewis Crawford, in June 2023.
  > The name comes from the locations of their proposal and their wedding;
  > the proposal took place at Anglesey Abbey where they were surrounded by hyacinths,
  > while the wedding took place at Haddo House.
  > The dance is comprised of some of their favourite figures.


created: 2025-02-06 13:24:42.467261+00
last_modified: 2025-02-06 13:24:42.467261+00
name: Sir Nils Olav III
ucname: SIR NILS OLAV III
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain that:  
  > Sir Nils Olav III is a penguin at Edinburgh Zoo who is also a major general in the Norwegian King’s Guard.
  > They visit every so often to promote him further — maybe someone can get them to dance this next time they visit?

  May be danced in a 4 or 6 couple set (with 6 couples bars 33-40 are two separate circles).


created: 2002-05-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-09 21:08:57.600557+00
name: Jig for Ann, A
ucname: JIG FOR ANN
notes:
  This dance was originally assigned to the publication <<ddpub:Caledonian Country Dances Book 1#252>> but <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3787/|issue 3787>> points out that it only contains strathspeys. SCDDB currently has no record of other volumes published by L R Leavett Brown.


created: 2006-03-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-27 10:46:32.181083+00
name: Salute to the Lancaster
ucname: SALUTE TO THE LANCASTER
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/844
notes:
  >This dance is dedicated to Sam Shore, a long-time friend of Hamilton Branch, who was a tireless supporter of the Lancaster restoration project.  

  >In 2003, the only operational WW II Lancaster bomber in the world was to be found in the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum located in Hamilton. A British film crew used this plane to produce a documentary marking the 60th Anniversary of the famous Dam Buster Operation.  
  In 2004 the plane was featured in a CBC docu-drama, *The Thirteenth Mission*, telling the wartime story of the Lancaster Bomber.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-06 14:22:48.362168+00
name: Mermaid of Atholl, The
ucname: MERMAID OF ATHOLL
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8808/8404/8080
devised: 1971-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "A dance for the Atholl Club in Edinburgh".

  The notes explain that:  
  > The idea for the title of this dance came from Robert Bain's "Clans and Tartans of Scotland" (Collins).
  >
  > Under "Murray of Atholl"  it says "Crest Badge: A mermaid holding in her dexter hand a mirror and in the sinister a comb all proper".
  >
  > Bill Clement, a piper in the Duke of Atholl's private army, tells me that this is all wrong and that the figure on the crest is a mannikin!


created: 2016-06-23 22:44:47.044829+00
last_modified: 2025-02-06 17:46:04.325278+00
name: Traprain Law Reel, The
ucname: TRAPRAIN LAW REEL
intensity_bars: 866/888/844/888
notes:
  Traprain Law is a Hill, believed to be an ancient burial ground, just south of the main A1 road about 5 miles east of Haddington in East Lothian.

  A hoard of Roman silver was discovered there in 1919 and can now be seen in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-06 22:31:47.381326+00
name: Belle of Bon Accord, The
ucname: BELLE OF BON ACCORD
intensity_bars: 8484 8080 8888 8080
devised: 1981-01-01
notes:
  According to <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3776/|issue 3776>> this dance was originally published in a leaflet inscribed "For the wedding of Cathie Duguid and Keith Robinson" before being published in the <<ddpub:Deeside Book Part 2#209>> (without that inscription).


created: 2000-06-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-09 20:34:06.615401+00
name: Falls of Foyers, The
ucname: FALLS OF FOYERS
notes:
  The book says this dance was "arranged by Keith Noble". Originally SCDDB assigned the deviser as "unknown", but <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3781/|issue 3781>> suggests Keith Noble should be assigned as deviser.


created: 2000-06-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-09 20:46:04.039479+00
name: Merry Medley, The
ucname: MERRY MEDLEY
notes:
  Originally SCDDB had the author of this dance as “unknown” however <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3784/|issue 3784>> suggests that it was probably devised by <<ddp:McConachie, Jack#251>>.


created: 2016-06-23 22:45:47.133633+00
last_modified: 2025-02-10 13:46:01.372853+00
name: Peggy McAulay's Reel
ucname: PEGGY MACAULAYS REEL
intensity_bars: 848/808/888/888
notes:
  This is one of two dances dedicated to Mrs. Margaret McAulay (known to her many friends in the Newcastle Branch of the R.S.C.D.S. as 'Aunty Peggy', in appreciation of the many years of piano accompaniment and help that she has given to members. The other dance is the Strathspey '<<ddd:Tribute to Mrs. McAulay, A#9655>>'.


created: 2006-03-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-28 08:30:24.792169+00
name: Ancaster Mill, The
ucname: ANCASTER MILL
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
notes:
  The Ancaster Mill is situated just outside Hamilton in a rural setting. While it retains many signs of its original function, it is now a popular dining location.


created: 2013-12-22 23:33:26.063395+00
last_modified: 2025-02-28 11:05:00.026219+00
name: Aas Yooou Wiiissshhh
ucname: AAS YOOOU WIIISSSHHH
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2012-12-01
notes:
  The dance was originally published as "As You Wish, PBC", the suffix being added to avoid to avoid confusion with the Bob McMurtry dance.  It has now been renamed to "Aas Yooou Wiiissshhh" for the same reason, but the old name is still evident in many places.


created: 2025-05-25 15:41:25.232248+00
last_modified: 2025-05-25 16:03:52.533645+00
name: Above Borland
ucname: ABOVE BORLAND
intensity_bars: 840/884/888/844
notes:
  Inspired by a visit to the perched tarns above the Borland Saddle, on a VUW Continuing Education study trip in 2008.


created: 2001-11-20 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-10 12:28:58.546155+00
name: Gloomy Winter, The
ucname: GLOOMY WINTER
intensity_bars: 800 844 844 844
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  Comment from the deviser Ian Brockbank in <<ddpub:Badger's Sett, The#671>>, and in similar form in the earlier <<ddpub:#80|New Scotland 50th Anniversary Book>>:

  > This dance was written for Sophia Marriage and presented to her on the occasion of her 25th birthday. It was published in the New Scotland 50th Anniversary Book.


  Some useful information from a discussion on the Strathspey list in July 2017:

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


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


created: 2015-02-03 00:35:24.853923+00
last_modified: 2025-02-11 21:10:03.204569+00
name: Land of Enchantment, The
ucname: LAND OF ENCHANTMENT
intensity_bars: 822/888/880/808
devised: 2006-04-01
notes:
  Dianne Wilson had some help in devising this dance, and thanks Jan Lauer, Janet Olsen, Shirley Saturensky and class members of The Orange County Branch.

  This dance was inspired by a workshop held June 2-4, 2006, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (New Mexico is “The Land of Enchantment” - Dianne Wilson)

  Note: La Girandole figure is borrowed from Pat Clark’s Strathspey, devised by Jim Rae. La Girandole is French for a rotating display or a piece of jewelry having a large stone surrounded by smaller drops. La Girandole above is danced ‘à droite’: with right hand turns. It may also be danced ‘à gauche’: with left hand turns, in which case after the setting, 1st man and 2nd woman turn left hands while 1st woman and 2nd man cast right about into left hands across and left hand half turns. La Girandole may also be danced in reel or jig time.


created: 2021-01-29 23:06:18.803338+00
last_modified: 2025-02-12 10:24:07.346099+00
name: Mischief Mastered
ucname: MISCHIEF MASTERED
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/888
devised: 2019-11-28
notes:
  To celebrate Pascal Faurie’s graduation on 28th November 2019 from the National College of Ireland with an MSc in Cyber Security.  

  The tune <<ddt:Maître ès Mystères (Informatique)#15899>> was composed by <<ddp:Barnes, John#10596|Professor John Barnes>>.  

  In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry is given the Marauder’s Map. When he has finished using it, he has to tap it with his wand and say ‘Mischief managed’. The title of the dance is a play on this and Pascal’s Master’s degree, as Pascal is both a great fan of Harry Potter and a mischievous person (in a good way!). The dance is designed to give him scope for mischief in the form of birling, high fives and climbing on the windowsill.


created: 2025-02-12 11:08:31.301925+00
last_modified: 2025-02-18 22:41:47.939252+00
name: Moon Glows the Same, The
ucname: MOON GLOWS THE SAME
intensity_bars: 888/484/484/484/888/884
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  The title is from the haiku by Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō, was published in 1687:

  > The moon glows the same:  
  > It is the drifting cloud forms  
  > Make it seem to change


created: 2018-10-09 13:37:56.322696+00
last_modified: 2025-02-12 17:00:50.880381+00
name: Turning Tide, The
ucname: TURNING TIDE
devised: 2015-09-01
notes:
  This dance was written to illustrate timing for various turns and some basic figures for new dancers.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-15 21:28:18.271273+00
name: Lassies of Dunse, The
ucname: LASSIES OF DUNSE
intensity_bars: 440 440 800 800
devised: 1750-01-01
notes:
  The Society’s version of this dance can be traced to Rutherford’s first collection of about 1755 where it is given as *The Lasses of Dunce*. 

  The original version of RSCDS Book 18 for bars 17-20 and 25-28 has 1st couple "lead" down or up (assumed as right hands joined) whereas the revised edition now has "dance" (nearer hands).


created: 2025-02-16 10:58:48.814059+00
last_modified: 2025-02-16 10:58:48.814059+00
name: Son of a Motherless Goat
ucname: SON OF A MOTHERLESS GOAT
devised: 2024-09-01
notes:
  The title Son of a Motherless Goat was inspired by a scene from the comedy movie ¡Three Amigos! when they insult El Guapo’s men during what they believe to be a matinee performance.


created: 2016-03-01 00:16:13.466525+00
last_modified: 2025-02-17 13:15:15.405646+00
name: Silver Dancers, The
ucname: SILVER DANCERS
intensity_bars: 08008/48848/48848/48848/28228
devised: 2007-06-01
notes:
  "Devised to celebrate 25 years of dancing by St. Michaels' SCD Club" [Yeovil?].

  2nd and 5th couples are the dancing couples.


created: 2006-03-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-28 14:27:59.943154+00
name: Fiona Left Home
ucname: FIONA LEFT HOME
intensity_bars: 844/888/844/880
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  Fiona was dancing before she was born. She joined the Hamilton children's class when she was three and continued dancing with them throughout her school years. In the last few years she moved beyond student to teacher's assistant, and in 2003 she earned her Preliminary Certificate from the RSCDS.


created: 1998-05-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-17 14:47:47.474468+00
name: Flying Scotsman, The
ucname: FLYING SCOTSMAN
intensity_bars: 444 444 800 888
notes:
  This dance was first published by Hugh Thurston in his book Sixteen
  Scottish Country Dances (1945-1967). The Flying Scotsman was (maybe still is) the fastest steam engine train to travel between London and Edinburgh.  

  Jo Hamilton suggests, "When working with audience participation dancers from 8 to 80, I will form 3 couple sets and have 1st couple slip step down the middle and up to the bottom of their set in bars 17-24. This dance tells a story of a train's journey that new dancers find easy to remember.  

  1-8 The train's journey through the hills from London to Edinburgh.  
  9-16 The train's journey from Edinburgh to London.  
  17-24 The train track (rails).  
  25-32 The electrical poles flashing past. (British trains are powered by electricity.) "


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-18 10:53:02.586223+00
name: Whitney Welcome
ucname: WHITNEY WELCOME
devised: 1999-07-01
notes:
  1. This dance was devised to provide an introduction for beginners to the concept of "meanwhile" figures. It can be danced to a reasonably quick strathspey tune since no figure needs to be rushed.  
  2. The dance is dedicated to the New Haven Branch. The name of the dance recalls the beautiful venue for the brunches the Branch holds after the New Haven Ball. Chris' daughter Lorna moved to New Haven in 1999, and lives just a few yards from Whitney Avenue.


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-18 12:51:16.703044+00
name: Unnamed Dance
ucname: UNNAMED DANCE
intensity_bars: 800/822/888/888
notes:
  1 The committee of devisors was comprised of Dick Morrison, Brian Haeckler, Bob Frew, Dick Platt, Brian Phillips, Dick Baxter, Ralph Stevens and Carl Levine.  
  2 Devised as an exercise while the ladies were out of the room.


created: 2013-08-26 08:53:54.673839+00
last_modified: 2025-02-19 08:26:35.793205+00
name: Pride of Dunblane, The
ucname: PRIDE OF DUNBLANE
devised: 2013-07-17
notes:
  A 32 bar Reel for couples in a large circle around the room, facing in, à la 'Lucky Seven' or 'Circassian Circle'.
  Tributes to Andy Murray come in all shapes and sizes - cakes, flowers, and now a dance. Dancers at Linlithgow Scotch Hop were the first to enjoy a new Scottish dance 'The Pride of Dunblane' written to celebrate his achievements in becoming Britain's first Wimbledon men's singles champion for 77 years.

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

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


created: 2017-12-23 15:53:21.010438+00
last_modified: 2025-02-19 16:40:59.598638+00
name: Dancing up a Storm
ucname: DANCING UP A STORM
notes:
  NB although described in the instructions as a "Man's Chain", the figures of bars 33-40 and 41-48 are actually the pattern of a Ladies' Chain as the men are crossing right hand.


created: 2018-10-29 10:03:47.049275+00
last_modified: 2025-02-19 17:23:05.952426+00
name: Route des Granges
ucname: ROUTE DES GRANGES
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/8888/8888
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  "Route des Granges is the address of the Halaks' chalet above Thonon les Bains in Haute Savoie. Simon got his inspiration for the knot in a square setfrom «<<ddd:Far Islands#8128>>» taught by Malcolm Brown during one of Martin Sheffield's annual dance weeks. The rest is Simon's own invention."


created: 2018-09-15 19:28:00.470734+00
last_modified: 2025-02-20 14:15:42.987615+00
name: Slow train to Sixty
ucname: SLOW TRAIN TO SIXTY
intensity_bars: 8888/8000/8000/8440/8448/8088
notes:
  Devised to mark the occasion of John Smith's 60th Birthday.

  Story  
  1-8     Passengers on platform waiting for train  
  9-16   John getting up 'steam'  
  17-24 John making up his train  
  25-40 Train joumey  
  41-48 John being shunted into a siding!


created: 2004-11-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-20 14:52:52.273988+00
name: Hamburg Train, The
ucname: HAMBURG TRAIN
intensity_bars: 8668/6886/8888/8448
notes:
  "Tune: Own Choice".

  NB the instructions for bars 29-32 are "1st couple and 4th couple dance a half figure of eight round 2nd couple and 3rd couple respectively to finish 3, 1, 4, 2". The e-crib assumes this is a typo as 3rd couple is at the top and 2nd couple at the bottom.


created: 2023-09-17 08:56:38.437659+00
last_modified: 2025-02-21 10:42:36.288803+00
name: Domino 8
ucname: DOMINO 8
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Domino 8 is a generalization of <<ddp:Haynes, Derek#175>>' dance "<<ddd:Domino Five#9084>>". It adds three people to the original set, including a new active dancer facing toward the original active dancer. It turns out to be quite profoundly more challenging than the original dance. The generalized version adds entirely new and challenging aspects to the roles of the middle-side dancers.  For an alternative variation where the active dancers start facing away from each other, see <<ddp:Haynes, Derek#175>>' dance "<<ddd:Eight of Diamonds, The#10772>>".


created: 2002-01-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-22 14:58:47.596528+00
name: Mary Erskine
ucname: MARY ERSKINE
intensity_bars: 840 888 800 844
notes:
  Mary Erskine (1629-1708), born and raised in  Edinburgh, was a Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist (after being twice  widowed) who founded a school for girls which was eventually renamed for her as benefactress and still exists as the Mary Erskine School in the  Ravelston area of Edinburgh. (Thanks to Robb Quint for digging this up; see <<sspey-thread:63106|this Strathspey thread>>.)

  The dance is dedicated to the school on the occasion of its tercentenary.


created: 2002-11-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-23 19:17:43.342824+00
name: Improviser, The
ucname: IMPROVISER
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  The dancing couple then have to tell the rest of the set what they have to do for the last 8 bars - no repeats!!!!!


created: 2025-02-19 13:47:37.465891+00
last_modified: 2025-05-29 10:58:32.221835+00
name: Heather Hopper Jig, The
ucname: HEATHER HOPPER JIG
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/844
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain that:
  > The Heather Hopper was a summer only bus service that took passengers from one end of the "Speyside Way" to the other in order for them to do a one-way walk along the way. It called in at various places between Spey Bay and Tomintoul so that walkers could do a section at a time if they wished. It was withdrawn several years ago.

  This dance was first published in 2020 but was significantly revised in 2025 to add more anticlockwise and left handed movement.


created: 2002-05-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-25 11:30:54.095427+00
name: Encore, The
ucname: ENCORE
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  Some information that Terry had published with the dance description on his website:  
  - This dance was written for Janet Zablocki, who lets us use her ballet studio (the Encore Dance Studio) when our normal room is unavailable. Janet brings a spirit of play combined with a sense of the dramatic to her dancing which can light up an entire room. She also has strong opinions, from personal experience, on the subject of including elephants in demonstrations.  
    
  Some dance notes provided by Terry on his website:  
  - The "Red House reels" are strictly up and down the dance on the sides of the square.
  - Couples should not attempt to progress counterclockwise during the first three bars of the Square Knot.  
  While dancing counterclockwise in allemande hold couples should stay well outside of the square and be just arriving at their new position as they begin to open up.  
  - Because the reels in bars 57-64 are so similar to the interlocking (or banana) reels of four found in other dances, there is a tendency for dancers to treat them as left shoulder reels and to turn the right shoulder loops into a right shoulder pass followed by a left shoulder loop.


created: 2002-05-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-25 11:31:50.610181+00
name: Bishop of Columbus, The
ucname: BISHOP OF COLUMBUS
intensity_bars: 7007/8008/8008/8888
notes:
  Some information that Terry had published with the dance description on his website:  
  - This dance is dedicated to the Columbus, Ohio, country dance community in thanks for the John Shaw 25th Anniversary Country Dance Weekend, a wonderfully ecumenical weekend of American, English, and Scottish country dancing.  
  - The dance was inspired by two English country dances taught that Weekend: The Bishop, a classic Playford dance which shares the opening figures of The Jubilee Jig, and The Archbishop, a modern dance by Fried de Metz Herman who adapted that opening to a four couple set by having opposite corners dance together.  
  - The final version of the dance is an example of what happens when dance testers tell me that sequential two-person figures are "boring."


created: 2011-08-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-25 18:07:42.666994+00
name: Mr Duncan MacLean
ucname: MR DUNCAN MACLEAN
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to the memory of Mr Duncan Maclean. Duncan, an accomplished dancer and teacher and Society Scroll recipient, supported Glasgow Branch in all its activities into his nineties. He loved life to the full, hence the choice of tune. In every sense, he was "Glasgow's Gentleman".


created: 2002-05-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-25 11:43:17.062328+00
name: Pretty Face
ucname: PRETTY FACE
intensity_bars: 804 808 880 880 844
notes:
  Some information that Terry had published with the dance description on his website:  
  - For Kay Munn, in grateful appreciation of the joy and support she has given to our dance community. (Not to mention her fantastic parties.) And, as she is constantly reminding us whenever she does something particularly clever or creative, she is "not just a pretty face."

  Some notes Terry had provided on his website:  
  - During the two "set and half rondels," the first man always arches.
  - Because the arches in bars 19-20 are of mixed gender, passing the women in front felt more natural than the rule used in the strathspey rondel.


created: 2024-08-15 20:27:06.280456+00
last_modified: 2025-02-25 16:10:11.132316+00
name: Welcome to Applegarth
ucname: WELCOME TO APPLEGARTH
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/866
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: 2011-08-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-25 17:59:53.660692+00
name: GG's Manor
ucname: GGS MANOR
intensity_bars: 800/888/866/888
devised: 2006-08-01
notes:
  The notes say "This dance was written for the 90th birthday celebrations of Winifred Urquhart in 2006. She has been dancing for many years in Glasgow, but it is now her daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughters who are seen more often at Glasgow Branch events. Winnie is still part of the Branch and regularly attends the seniors' events."


created: 2011-08-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-25 18:03:27.445409+00
name: Carmichael Square
ucname: CARMICHAEL SQUARE
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  *The instructions for this dance, faithfully abbreviated in the MiniCrib, describe bars 9-14 and 17-22 as 6 bars of reel of 4 across. The original middle couples end on the sides behind them. However the original side couples must not pass LSh on bar 6 of the reel so they start the half LH across in front of the person they were originally facing. With the music at the bottom:*  
  *Bar 9.........................Bar 15......................Bar 17*  
  *2W 3M 3W 4M........3W 4M 2W 3M........3W 2M 4W 3M*  
  *2M 1W 1M 4W........1M 4W 2M 1W........1M 2W 4M 1W*


created: 2011-08-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-25 18:11:02.752038+00
name: Mrs Muriel More
ucname: MRS MURIEL MORE
intensity_bars: 880/866/866/822
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated "to the memory of Mrs Muriel More, a most talented musician who played for Glasgow Branch classes, concerts, festivals and social events for over forty years and who had the ability to make any piano sing, no matter its condition. A popular pianist at Summer School and at weekend schools both in the UK and overseas. Muriel was awarded the Society Scroll in 2001.
  The tune 'Ochiltree' was composed by Muriel and named after her home in Bishopbriggs where she lived for over sixty years."


created: 1997-08-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-26 13:25:01.840031+00
name: Aberbrothock
ucname: ABERBROTHOCK
intensity_bars: 8888/4444/4444/8888
notes:
  Written for an ex-Arbroathian Amy Adams (née Petrie) to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of
  Independence in the Abbey of Aberbrothock in 1320. The pattern of the dance represents the "Round 0" (a circular window in the Abbey ruins) and the crossing bars of the port cullis in Arbroath's Coat of Arms.


created: 2025-04-03 22:44:38.840658+00
last_modified: 2025-04-03 22:44:38.840658+00
name: Durham Jig
ucname: DURHAM JIG
notes:
  > An easy, quick dance suitable as a finisher at a dance or club level.
  > I make no apology for ending with the double strip the willow figure.
  > I have been M.C. for ceilidhs on many occasions and strip the willow is always so popular and well enjoyed - why should they have all the fun?


created: 2006-03-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-02-28 22:43:38.341794+00
name: Hamilton Rendezvous
ucname: HAMILTON RENDEZVOUS
intensity_bars: 0800/8880/4840/4840/0808/8888
notes:
  The symbolism of the dance is as follows:  
  >Figure 1 . A man and a woman (2nd couple) see each other casually across the dance hall.  
  Figure 2 . The woman begins flirting in the safety of the group, flashes her eyes and gives the "come hither" look, then turns and runs, hoping to be chased.  
  Figure 3 . The man chases her and finally catches her as she slows down to be caught.  
  Figure 4 . They decide to go steady and enjoy each other's company.  
  Figure 5 . They get hitched.  
  Figure 6 . Everyone comes to the party.


created: 2025-02-28 22:49:06.498363+00
last_modified: 2025-02-28 23:02:28.781233+00
name: Trotter Likes Belly Rubs
ucname: TROTTER LIKES BELLY RUBS
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/844
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Most cats don't like anyone to touch their belly and will attack if touched. Trotter not only likes his belly rubbed, but he flops down, belly up, and kneads the air when his belly is rubbed.


created: 2025-02-27 17:37:33.654571+00
last_modified: 2025-03-01 09:21:42.593461+00
name: Liz Hands
ucname: LIZ HANDS
intensity_bars: 800/868/808/844
devised: 2024-11-02
notes:
  The deviser's notes say that "Liz Hands is a member of Johnsonville Club and a friend of both Kristin and I. She is an accomplished musician, and was heavily involved with the NZ music industry for many years."


created: 2025-03-02 14:23:03.118135+00
last_modified: 2025-03-02 15:24:08.062406+00
name: Perfect Silhouette, A
ucname: PERFECT SILHOUETTE
intensity_bars: 811/844/844/844
devised: 2024-12-01
notes:
  The area where I live has several resident great horned owls that we can often hear hooting. One day I heard one hooting and looked up to see it in my next-door neighbor's tree. The setting sun was behind it so what I saw was the perfect silhouette of a great horned owl sitting on the branch. It was magical.


created: 2025-03-03 14:08:37.21996+00
last_modified: 2025-03-05 18:59:15.567092+00
name: Voyager, The
ucname: VOYAGER
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8484
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  The Voyager was devised for Judy Peace, the current club President who voyages across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland to Waiheke Island every week to dance, to teach, to encourage and to inform, including about how far away the bus to catch the ferry is.


created: 2025-03-02 08:44:47.248474+00
last_modified: 2025-03-02 09:19:56.442805+00
name: Tennessee Polite
ucname: TENNESSEE POLITE
intensity_bars: 866/888/800/648
devised: 2024-07-01
notes:
  The 2024 IOLI Convention was held in Franklin, Tennessee (just south of Nashville) and during the week I was there I was struck by how incredibly polite people from Tennessee are.


created: 2025-03-02 18:38:21.309941+00
last_modified: 2025-03-09 16:37:42.230671+00
name: Summer Classes
ucname: SUMMER CLASSES
intensity_bars: 8888/0808/8080/6666
notes:
  The dance was written to mark the long-standing tradition in the branch to have guest teachers in the five classes leading up to the AGM.


created: 2025-03-02 18:02:49.948796+00
last_modified: 2025-03-09 16:52:30.582934+00
name: Laird of Lochaber's Reel, The
ucname: LAIRD OF LOCHABERS REEL
intensity_bars: 880/886/804/840
notes:
  David Taylor was the Chair of Manchester Branch, and is now the Treasurer. He has the title Laird of Lochaber.


created: 2025-03-02 18:11:35.064085+00
last_modified: 2025-03-09 17:00:36.846668+00
name: Royle Street Reel
ucname: ROYLE STREET REEL
intensity_bars: 888/800/822/866
notes:
  RSCDS Manchester Branch hold their classes at the Ladybarn Community Hub in Royle Street, Manchester.


created: 2024-12-19 23:57:57.865475+00
last_modified: 2025-04-09 09:03:19.738542+00
name: Ceud Mìle Taing Tim Wilson
ucname: CEUD MILE TAING TIM WILSON
intensity_bars: 800/888/866/888
devised: 2024-06-01
notes:
  Cornelius McLean Sterling won a tune to be written by Elke Baker and dance to be written by Sue McKinnell at the 2024 Midwest Scottish Weekend (MSW) silent auction. Cornelius decided to dedicate it to Tim Wilson because of the profound impact Tim’s teaching and gracious care for dancers had on him at the 2018 MSW. Ceud Mìle Taing Tim Wilson is the result.


created: 2025-03-02 17:57:17.736185+00
last_modified: 2025-03-09 17:05:05.923097+00
name: John Robert Eric Lyon
ucname: JOHN ROBERT ERIC LYON
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8008
notes:
  Dance written to commemorate John Lyon, a former Chairman of the Branch, and a life member, who died in 2024.


created: 2013-05-27 16:46:01.669666+00
last_modified: 2025-03-02 23:25:51.400829+00
name: Trip to Timber Ridge
ucname: TRIP TO TIMBER RIDGE
intensity_bars: 844/844/866/888
devised: 2010-09-01
notes:
  The original dance notes say this was "devised in September 2010 for Scottish Weekend Workshop at Timber Ridge Camp, West Virginia. Linda is from the county of East Lothian, birthplace of the Saltire, Scotland’s national flag. The Saltire is flown throughout the weekend at Timber Ridge. Corners pass & turn and double triangles depict the diagonal cross on the flag."


created: 2024-11-24 19:39:42.144075+00
last_modified: 2025-03-02 23:26:53.574115+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: 2025-03-02 18:45:05.409153+00
last_modified: 2025-03-09 16:32:29.201885+00
name: Manchester Gay Gordons, The
ucname: MANCHESTER GAY GORDONS
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
notes:
  The dance is dedicated to the Gay Gordons dance group in Manchester, an RSCDS affiliated group, and specifically to David Taylor who does so much to encourage new dancers, particularly from the LGBT+ community.


created: 2002-12-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-03 23:29:44.952908+00
name: West Highland Line, The
ucname: WEST HIGHLAND LINE
intensity_bars: 844 868 822 888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain that:

  > Travelling the West Highland Line is one of the great scenic railway journeys of the world. This set of tunes speaks of railways and steam locomotives from start to finish and will transport you on this fantastic highland journey. The dance hopefully doesn't require too much concentration to allow enjoyment of the music.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-04 14:22:14.616651+00
name: Glenbarr
ucname: GLENBARR
intensity_bars: 800/888/808/888
notes:
  The "Glenbarr" homestead was built on a 35-acre property near Strathalbyn in 1842 by William Rankine from Ayr, who named the building after his former home in Scotland.


created: 2025-03-02 14:17:00.856725+00
last_modified: 2025-03-04 14:30:33.466735+00
name: Year of Weird, A
ucname: YEAR OF WEIRD
devised: 2024-10-01
notes:
  2024 had some strange occurrences. In April there was a total solar eclipse viewable over a large swath of the US. Where I live it was only partial and since I was recovering from hip replacement surgery, I watched it there and it was still strange. Throughout the year the Northern Lights ventured very far south and were viewable in my area (and a lot farther south which is rare). 2024 saw a double emergence of cicadas, both 13-year and 17-year broods emerged which had not happened since Thomas Jefferson was president in 1803. And this year had the earliest summer solstice since George Washington was president in 1796. On July 15th a fast-moving derecho spawned 32 tornadoes in the Chicago area – the most ever in a single day. To top off the year we had 4 supermoons in a row from August to November.


created: 2021-03-12 15:53:18.739324+00
last_modified: 2025-03-04 15:23:29.428199+00
name: Highland Cathedral
ucname: HIGHLAND CATHEDRAL
notes:
  Getting recorded music to fit the dance can be a bit tricky – Malcolm recommends <<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qTga6GCpAM|this YouTube video>> but cautions that there are “musical breaks” between the parts of the dance that dancers must cover (e.g.) by setting.
  More mainstream 80-bar strathspey recordings can be used for practice.


created: 2025-03-06 19:47:05.998862+00
last_modified: 2025-03-07 07:15:52.051946+00
name: Tessa's Reel
ucname: TESSAS REEL
intensity_bars: 888/800/822/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised for Tessa, aged 10, who was an attentive student in the [Forres Branch] beginner’s class, a great smiley partner and a lovely dancer.


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-05 10:55:18.222631+00
name: Heysen Trail, The
ucname: HEYSEN TRAIL
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8888/8888
notes:
  The HEYSEN TRAIL is a 2000 kilometre walking trail from Cape Jervis in the south to Mount Babbage in the north of South Australia, along the spine of the Mount Lofty and the Flinders Ranges. The trail is named after the well known painter Sir Hans Heysen who, although not a walker, had strong associations with both-the Mt. Lofty area and the Flinders Ranges.


created: 2011-06-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-05 10:56:34.744779+00
name: Reels of Dunans, The
ucname: REELS OF DUNANS
intensity_bars: 888/888/822/866
notes:
  Dunans in Glendaruel, Cowal, Argyllshire.  

  The first 16 bars have been dubbed "Dunans Reels".  These are modified Mirror Reels of three on the sides, 2nd cpl starting in and up.  All couples follow the same track: as each couple arrives from above in 2nd place they cross down to 3rd place on the other side.  After 8 bars all are on opposite side (1x,2x,3x).  Back home after 16 bars.


created: 2025-03-03 18:45:54.867351+00
last_modified: 2025-03-06 11:07:46.096641+00
name: Autumn on Ayers Rock
ucname: AUTUMN ON AYERS ROCK
intensity_bars: 0880/8888/8888/8448
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  Inscribed "to the memory of Margot Mernitz. (1931 – 2024.) Margot taught SCD in Adelaide for about 30 years."

  The notes also say this is "based on 2 dances devised by John Drewry: Autumn in Appin and Ayers Rock (now known as Uluru)."

  NB the progression swaps 1st & 3rd couples back and forth, also 2nd & 4th couples.


created: 2025-04-03 22:13:30.681439+00
last_modified: 2025-04-04 03:59:59.042196+00
name: Caledonian Reel
ucname: CALEDONIAN REEL
intensity_bars: 840/804/822/888
notes:
  Inscribed "For James McLeish of Chester-le-Street, one of the original founder members" [of the Durham and District Caledonian Society].


created: 2025-03-04 16:10:03.21466+00
last_modified: 2025-03-08 03:45:12.448014+00
name: Pallina the Ballerina Cat
ucname: PALLINA THE BALLERINA CAT
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated "to my cat Pallina, who always stood in third position. She is now dancing with the stars."


created: 2025-03-10 20:43:54.114858+00
last_modified: 2025-03-11 04:46:30.6752+00
name: Breath of Blair, A
ucname: BREATH OF BLAIR
intensity_bars: 880/800/855/855
devised: 2010-03-17
notes:
  The notes say this was "devised by Ian Souter, the teacher of the Blair Scottish Country Dancers, to commemorate the group's 30th Anniversary and was demonstrated at the group's annual Ball on March 27, 2010. Many thanks to Shirley Emslie for naming the dance."


created: 2025-03-12 21:27:34.499155+00
last_modified: 2025-03-23 12:43:28.513334+00
name: Hobgoblin, The
ucname: HOBGOBLIN
intensity_bars: 80/08/88/88
devised: 2012-10-01
notes:
  The notes say this dance "was named after the sports bar in the Roppongi district of Tokyo and is dedicated the people who met there during the 30th Japan Highland Games in October 2012".


created: 2025-03-11 22:50:21.661666+00
last_modified: 2025-03-12 14:06:39.850081+00
name: Robbie Shepherd M.B.E.
ucname: ROBBIE SHEPHERD MBE
notes:
  Suitable recorded music: Robbie Shepherd M.B.E. - T11, Scottish Accordion Gems – Ronnie Ross (NB this album is not yet in SCDDB).


created: 2025-03-10 20:48:45.50558+00
last_modified: 2025-03-23 01:03:37.323754+00
name: Dances and Cakes
ucname: DANCES AND CAKES
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/844/844
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for my good friend Janet Kitajima. We have always loved dancing Dolphin reels together. She also makes the most delicious cakes!"


created: 2025-03-12 21:50:41.356422+00
last_modified: 2025-03-12 21:50:41.356422+00
name: Trip to Tarragona, A
ucname: TRIP TO TARRAGONA
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this was devised "on the occasion of the Iberian Gathering 2025, held in Tarragona."

  It may be danced in a 3 or 4 couple set (with a small variation). At its premiere it was danced in 3 couple sets.


created: 2025-03-12 21:41:13.955296+00
last_modified: 2025-03-23 15:52:51.019037+00
name: Jig for Scotia Shores, A
ucname: JIG FOR SCOTIA SHORES
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/844
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For the dancers and teachers of Scotia Shores Danze Scozzesi e Irlandesi. To celebrate the weekend dance course in Marostica from Friday 29th November to Sunday 1st December, 2024".


created: 2025-03-11 23:29:27.846127+00
last_modified: 2025-03-12 23:43:24.786637+00
name: St Andrew's Fair Ceilidh
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS FAIR CEILIDH
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  This dance is a slightly modified version of St Andrew's Fair. It removes the need to teach the dance from second position, making it more suitable for very beginner dancers. 

  This may also be danced with a 3 couple set


created: 2009-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-14 20:08:01.143543+00
name: Philip Islanders' Dash, The
ucname: PHILIP ISLANDERS DASH
intensity_bars: 860/808/844/888
notes:
  South of Melbourne, there is a small island called Philip Island, where spectators gather at dusk to observe the "landing" of the fairy penguins. Initially, there are numerous shadows in the surf that laps the beach. Suddenly, one or two penguins literally pop onto the beach to check that it is all clear. Seemingly, at some pre-arranged signal, hordes of penguins swarm onto the beach and, ignoring the seated spectators, dash rapidly to their burrows in nearby sand dunes.


created: 2025-03-12 22:01:41.113753+00
last_modified: 2025-03-23 15:25:15.1173+00
name: Walk in the Dark, A
ucname: WALK IN THE DARK
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
devised: 2012-10-01
notes:
  The inscription reads "Dedicated to Yuko Kondo . Inspired by a walk in the dark from Yotsuya station."


created: 2025-03-15 21:09:23.593629+00
last_modified: 2025-03-15 21:09:23.593629+00
name: Certification
ucname: CERTIFICATION
devised: 2004-10-13
notes:
  The instructions page and table of contents give this as 4x40 reel, but actually only 32 bars of choreography are described.


created: 2025-03-15 21:23:16.683214+00
last_modified: 2025-03-15 21:23:16.683214+00
name: David Rizzio
ucname: DAVID RIZZIO
devised: 1991-05-01
notes:
  Revised May 2005.

  From the notes: David Rizzio was secretary to Mary Queen of Scots and was murdered in her presence in 1566.


created: 2025-03-15 21:15:50.317414+00
last_modified: 2025-03-15 21:24:31.105874+00
name: Checks of Tartan
ucname: CHECKS OF TARTAN
devised: 2004-12-19
notes:
  Dedicated to Jane Deans of Riccarton, a Scottish pioneer who "loved to play reels" and planted trees on her farm to imitate "checks of tartan".


created: 2002-04-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-17 10:07:36.743858+00
name: Queen's View, The
ucname: QUEENS VIEW
intensity_bars: 880/888/880/888
notes:
  Devised for Arthur and Eva Hirst.

  Queen’s View is a famous outlook on the north bank of the River Tummel, near Pitlochry, visited by Queen Victoria in 1866. This was one of Arthur and Eva’s favourite Scottish holiday locations.


created: 2009-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-22 10:27:25.717165+00
name: Can You Repeat That?
ucname: CAN YOU REPEAT THAT
intensity_bars: 884/880/888/848/808
notes:
  How often does someone say to the teacher - «can you repeat that movement, I did not quite follow the sequence ? In this simple dance, the formations in the last 16 bars danced after the reels are identical to the first 16 bars prior to the reels, i.e. the repeat is built-in.


created: 2001-01-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-17 13:39:23.680849+00
name: Norma's Fancy
ucname: NORMAS FANCY
intensity_bars: 800/888/12 12 12/444
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  On 2001-01-25 Mike Briggs e-mailed this original version.  The dance exists only in leaflet form.  
  Norma's Fancy,  32 J  3C set,  Mike Briggs  
  1-4		1C & 2C SET, 1C CAST OFF while 2C DANCE UP  
  5-8		1C & 3C SET, 1C CAST OFF while 3C DANCE UP  
  9-16		CROSSOVER MIRROR REELS OF THREE, each couple crossing down from the top in turn (2C, 3C, 1C)  
  17-28	RIGHTS AND LEFTS for three couples  
  29-32	All SET and CROSS RH

  The dance was revised at some date before 2012; this database shows the current version.


created: 2025-03-17 18:14:21.252518+00
last_modified: 2025-03-17 18:14:21.252518+00
name: Think!
ucname: THINK
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  In this dance, both couples finish on opposite sides at the end of one turn. Each couple effectively dances once from own sides and once from opposite sides (albeit not all in this order). After six times through the dance everyone is back where they started and on own sides.


created: 2025-04-04 10:09:58.226978+00
last_modified: 2025-04-04 10:09:58.226978+00
name: Caledonian Jig
ucname: CALEDONIAN JIG
notes:
  Inscribed "To the memory of Nan Mitchell who was a founder member of the [Durham and District Caledonian] society."


created: 2025-03-18 13:53:54.404739+00
last_modified: 2025-03-22 09:54:29.09549+00
name: Liberté guidant le peuple, La
ucname: LIBERTE GUIDANT LE PEUPLE
intensity_bars: 888/808/888/844/888
devised: 2025-03-01
notes:
  <<img:https://img.e-cribs.org/Liberte.jpg|La Liberté guidant le peuple>>  
  Delacroix’s « La Liberté guidant le peuple » reinterpreted by artist C215


created: 2025-03-21 15:47:07.800865+00
last_modified: 2025-03-21 23:58:24.517139+00
name: Straight Down the Middle
ucname: STRAIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE
intensity_bars: 800/800/844/888
notes:
  The notes explain the title:

  > Referring to the Bing Crosby song of the same name this dance is in memory of my brother, John who was a keen golfer, always hoping the ball would go straight down the middle of the fairway. Unfortunately that was not always the case.


created: 2025-04-03 22:41:02.137208+00
last_modified: 2025-04-03 22:41:02.137208+00
name: Durham Castle
ucname: DURHAM CASTLE
notes:
  > Durham Castle, now used by the university, was once the residence of the Prince Bishops who ruled Durham for centuries.
  > The Bishop's castle occupies a strong strategic position and was the only stronghold in the North of England which never fell to the Scots.


created: 2003-01-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-18 16:57:29.494227+00
name: Pool Of Connla, The
ucname: POOL OF CONNLA
intensity_bars: 8008 8888 8888 8888
devised: 1981-09-01
notes:
  The <<https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095632663|Oxford Reference>> says:

  > A source of inspiration and knowledge in early Irish mythology, some what comparable to the well of Mimir in Norse tradition. The location of the well changes from text to text, and the identity of the Connla for whom it is named is not clear. It may be under the sea, in Tír na nÓg [The Land of Youth], or in Tír Tairngire [The Land of Promise]. One Dindshenchas [lore of place-names] cites a Connla's Well near Tipperary.

  The dance is dedicated to <<ddp:Holden, Anna Campbell>> on account of the authority of her teaching.

  The dance was published by the <<ddpub:Scottish Dance Archives#436>> in September 1981.


created: 2025-03-22 00:20:42.197421+00
last_modified: 2025-03-22 10:31:12.457728+00
name: Well-Balanced
ucname: WELLBALANCED
intensity_bars: 800/800/822/888
devised: 2025-02-01
notes:
  I taught a class on the balance-in-line figure and wrote this dance as a simple dance using this figure. The dance turned out to be a nice little dance.


created: 2006-05-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-22 10:44:26.850094+00
name: Wedding Ring, The
ucname: WEDDING RING
devised: 2001-03-10
notes:
  The Lochiel Collection notes explain the origin of the dance:

  > A group of us (Ruary Laidlaw, Simon Barbour, Glenys Barbour, Christine Miller, Patricia Digby-Smith, Howard McNally, Glenys Pearce, Mary-Ann Goldsmith, Dianne Murdoch, John Murdoch, Bob Polkinghorn, Irene Polkinghorn, Ruth Budden and Peg Stringer) were invited to the wedding of Robyn Fergusson, the NZ Branch secretary, to Brian Howes on the 10th March 2001 in Tauranga in the sunny Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.
  > On the spot we decided to compose a dance to mark the occasion, which we did while the bride and groom were having their photographs taken. We danced it later on at the reception, much to the DJ's mystification, to some music that Simon Barbour had saved on his laptop that he just happened to have with him.


created: 2006-05-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-22 16:18:37.103564+00
name: Odd Couple, The
ucname: ODD COUPLE
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
notes:
  We have had many slightly eccentric couples through our club so this dance is dedicated to all those people who have enriched our dancing!


created: 2025-03-20 13:31:17.543164+00
last_modified: 2025-03-20 15:34:12.642248+00
name: Whittle Wonders, The
ucname: WHITTLE WONDERS
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  For the ‘Let’s Dance Ceilidh’ Whittle-le-Woods class. What a fantastic, energetic, fun group of dancers these are!


created: 2000-07-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-22 01:17:57.790672+00
name: Franco-Scottish Society Reel, The
ucname: FRANCOSCOTTISH SOCIETY REEL
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  devised by Ginette Dalleré, vice-chairman of the RSCDS Paris Branch and Secretaire-Generale Adjointe de !'Association Franco-Ecossaise, to commemorate the centenary of the Association Franco­-Ecossaise (1896 - 1996)


created: 2025-04-03 22:20:03.158483+00
last_modified: 2025-04-04 04:14:32.328599+00
name: Sheila's Jig
ucname: SHEILAS JIG
intensity_bars: 4040/4040/8888/8088
notes:
  Inscribed "For Miss Sheila Mitchinson who has taken the dancing for the last seven years" [at the Durham and District Caledonian Society].


created: 2025-03-18 10:09:57.925843+00
last_modified: 2025-04-04 09:49:21.288317+00
name: Silver Lagoon
ucname: SILVER LAGOON
notes:
  The notes say this is "dedicated to Peter Duncan, who lived close to Dee Why Lagoon – one of four lagoons backing onto the northern beaches – and was a loyal member of Harbord SCD Club for many years, a great organiser of dancnig displays at nursing homses and charity functions".


created: 2023-10-20 22:37:07.560764+00
last_modified: 2025-04-07 03:47:08.529721+00
name: Festival of Lights
ucname: FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
intensity_bars: 800/888/684/844
devised: 2021-12-01
notes:
  After a holiday-themed class where I'd mentioned there were no dances for Hanukkah or other non-Christmas celebrations in December, I was asked to write such a dance. This is my dance for Hannukah.


created: 2018-06-03 15:03:21.504151+00
last_modified: 2025-04-09 16:40:28.32993+00
name: Week Not in Scotland, A
ucname: WEEK NOT IN SCOTLAND
notes:
  The dance was devised by David Carter (CSCDS Inc.) when he was not able to go to Summer School because of a previously planned trip to Peru.


created: 1999-11-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-23 10:58:48.198033+00
name: Tying the Knot
ucname: TYING THE KNOT
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8008/8228/8008
notes:
  This dance was written to celebrate the occasion of our seventh wedding anniversary. Both the wedding and anniversary were glorious dance parties.  

  >Notes:  
  It is useful for dancers to be explicitly reminded that there are two chases during bars 7·12: the petite chase in groups of four followed by the grand chase to the other end of the set.  
  >On bars 13-16 first woman should lead her partner and cross him in front of her at the top of the dance, while fourth man will lead and cross his partner in front of him at the bottom.  
  >The styling for bars 24-25 (and similarly bar 28) is similar to that used for Miss Gibson's Strathspey with the necessary accommodation for two active couples turning until they face their corners. The two dancers who will be meeting in the
  middle must not overturn with their partner but finish facing
  each other, ready for their right hand turn.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-23 11:43:39.454504+00
name: Flitting of Lorn, The
ucname: FLITTING OF LORN
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8448
notes:
  From the notes:  
  > When the lands of Lorn fell to Clan Campbell, the inhabitants left in great numbers. The event became known as "The Great Flitting of Lorn".

  This is mentioned in passing in <<https://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macintyre/Origins%20of%20the%20Clan%20MacIntyre%20v2.pdf>>.


created: 2006-12-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-24 11:58:12.865835+00
name: Cloverleaf Reel, The
ucname: CLOVERLEAF REEL
devised: 2005-08-01
notes:
  Originally Sue has published this dance on her webpage as a 4x32 Reel, suggesting "Reel of the Blackcocks" by the Bay Ladies Ceilidh Band as suitable recording.  

  Later Sue has revised it to be a 4x32 Strathspey, now with "Fill the Fetters" by Tullochgorum.  Looking at the archives, this change must have happened some time between 2008 and 2018.


created: 2025-04-04 11:20:16.09989+00
last_modified: 2025-04-04 11:20:16.09989+00
name: West End Strathspey
ucname: WEST END STRATHSPEY
notes:
  Inscribed "For Mattie and Mary Ledgerwood, founder members of the [Hexham] group, who have done so much over the past 27 years to contibute to its success."


created: 2025-04-04 13:28:30.375341+00
last_modified: 2025-04-04 13:28:30.375341+00
name: Gerald's Jig
ucname: GERALDS JIG
notes:
  Inscribed "For Gerald Sewell, Lily's husband, who looks after any dance groups most vital possession, the music."


created: 2025-03-24 10:09:54.555495+00
last_modified: 2025-04-04 18:10:39.223497+00
name: Dundee Centenary Strathspey
ucname: DUNDEE CENTENARY STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 844/800/888/888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  Dundee Branch celebrates it’s Centenary Year in 2025, being founded on the 9th February 1925, being the third oldest branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.  As part of this celebration the branch held a competition to devise a suitable dance, and the members voted this as the winner.  

  The dance aims to interpret the 3 J’s of Dundee namely Jute, Jam and Journalism together with the centenary.  

  Bars 1- 8	Stirring the Jam  
  Bars 9- 16	Paper threading through the press  
  Bars 17- 24	Weaving the Jute  
  Bars 25- 32	100 years of dancing in Dundee


created: 2025-04-08 10:12:28.636077+00
last_modified: 2025-04-08 10:12:28.636077+00
name: Apéro, The
ucname: APERO
notes:
  From the notes:

  >Written for the Swiss Dancers display at their first Newcastle Festival in 2025.
  >
  > The Apéro is a very Swiss tradition similar to a Wine-and-Cheese or Cocktail party.
  > Usually held in the early evening after an event or before a dinner, the main purpose of the apéro is to chat and mingle with people; there are always snacks (crisps, nuts, dried meats, canapés) and drinks.


created: 2006-07-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-06 10:22:55.762478+00
name: Outer Circle, The
ucname: OUTER CIRCLE
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/844/888/844
notes:
  The diagonal chain progression was inspired by the chain progression formation in the strathspey, <<ddd:Summer in Assynt>>, devised by <</dd/person/128/|Eric Forbes>> and published in the 1973 Birmingham book.   

  The No 11 bus follows a route of approximately 25 miles round the city of Birmingham known locally as the outer circle. As 1 st couple dance round the outside of the set in the diagonal corner chains, the title reflects this part of the formation.


created: 2025-04-08 10:18:00.958436+00
last_modified: 2025-04-09 10:11:13.778503+00
name: Merci Niall
ucname: MERCI NIALL
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
notes:
  From the notes:

  > <<ddp:Bootland, Niall#12033>> very kindly wrote the lovely dance “<<ddd:Southside Wedding, The#22801>>” for my wedding with Matthew Anderson in September 2024 and organised for it to be demonstrated during our ceilidh.
  > As a token of thanks, I wrote him this dance in return - the letters of the main figures (Muirland Willie, Espagnole, Rights & Lefts, Chaperoned Chain Progression, Inveran Reel) spell out “Merci”.
  .


created: 2025-05-01 09:13:16.472216+00
last_modified: 2025-05-01 10:34:38.04598+00
name: Auckland Pohutukawa
ucname: AUCKLAND POHUTUKAWA
devised: 2006-01-02
notes:
  Although described as a 32 bar reel, the instructions give two different 32 bar variations as part A and part B either of which might be done, or both sequentially.


created: 2025-04-06 16:36:54.863479+00
last_modified: 2025-04-10 15:03:39.810643+00
name: Box of Chocolates, A
ucname: BOX OF CHOCOLATES
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/808
notes:
  In the fall of 2007, there were always two or three people absent each week so I began to feel like Forest Gump and his ‘Box of Chocolates’ because I never knew who was going to turn up. Therefore I devised this dance for a 3 couple set.


created: 2025-05-24 20:21:40.268616+00
last_modified: 2025-05-24 20:21:40.268616+00
name: Marriage Celebration Waltz
ucname: MARRIAGE CELEBRATION WALTZ
devised: 2005-04-29
notes:
  > This dance is dedicated to Christina and Ryan Dobson on the occasion of their marriage on 15 March, 2008.


created: 1998-01-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-24 14:14:34.044842+00
name: Micmac Rotary, The
ucname: MICMAC ROTARY
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/0808/8888/4444/4444/8888/8888/8888/6666/6666/8888
devised: 1982-01-01
notes:
  According to Bruce Herbold (in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2171/|issue 2171>>) this dance was first published in the 1983 Autumn collection (originally the SCDDB entry for that publication missed this and two other dances, but that omission is now fixed).

  *In that 1983 publication (and as we usually dance it in the San Francisco area because Mr Drewry taught it here at a workshop in about 1983) it is suggested that, if the dance is to be danced twice, that the women change partners into the neighboring set during the closing promenade and then change back at the end of the second time through. At the workshop IIRC Mr Drewry explained that this was prompted by the fact that where it was first danced two dance halls were connected by a wide doorway, but that the two halls were not big enough for two sets so he added the swap of partners as each couple passed the doorway. Knowing Mr Drewry this might be embellishment, but it is how we dance it here.*

  *I think it might also be worth noting that this is the first dance with La Baratte.*

  Stuart Kreloff <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3817/|pointed out>> that there is a Pat Batt poem inspired by this dance on <<link:thereel/204|page 6 of The Reel issue 204|6>> from London Branch.


created: 2025-03-25 18:13:52.229301+00
last_modified: 2025-03-25 18:16:23.249054+00
name: Dr Nedderman's Devilments
ucname: DR NEDDERMANS DEVILMENTS
notes:
  Inscribed "Ron Nedderman was a significant figure in Cambridge Scottish dancing. Among other activities, he ran the Foss & Drewry Society (described by <<ddp:McIntosh, Edmund#11496|EM>> as 'difficult dances for difficult people'), which was renamed RonDancing in his honour following his death."


created: 2024-11-03 01:39:28.385445+00
last_modified: 2025-03-26 11:44:23.295446+00
name: 100 Years and Counting!
ucname: 100 YEARS AND COUNTING
intensity_bars: 800/088/888/888
notes:
  Ken loved dancing! He was an accomplished Highland dancer and enjoyed dancing for many years with the Edinburgh Branch Demonstration team. Ken took pleasure in listening and dancing to Iain MacPhail’s music and would have been extremely flattered that Iain dedicated this tune to him.


created: 2024-11-03 01:29:31.877267+00
last_modified: 2025-03-26 09:16:50.274674+00
name: Miss Dorothy Leurs
ucname: MISS DOROTHY LEURS
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
notes:
  Dorothy Leurs has been a long-standing member of Edinburgh Branch since 1953, who has taught classes at all levels. In particular she ran very successful children’s classes and generations of dancers who danced with her as children are still dancing today.


created: 2024-11-03 08:28:18.701947+00
last_modified: 2025-03-26 09:45:33.517576+00
name: Jock's Lodge
ucname: JOCKS LODGE
intensity_bars: 0880/4884/8888/8888
notes:
  The dance is named after Jock’s Lodge, now an area of Edinburgh. It was originally a hamlet on the Edinburgh to London stage coach route and its inn was the first horse change on the route from Edinburgh to London for the coaches which started at the White Horse Inn on the Royal Mile.


created: 2024-11-03 08:26:17.364843+00
last_modified: 2025-03-26 10:38:18.402388+00
name: Silver Triumph, The
ucname: SILVER TRIUMPH
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
notes:
  This dance was originally devised to celebrate the Silver Wedding of Brian and Elizabeth Harry in 2015. It was a Triumph!


created: 2025-03-27 18:39:57.560707+00
last_modified: 2025-03-27 18:39:57.560707+00
name: Rivers of Carlisle, The
ucname: RIVERS OF CARLISLE
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Source <<https://youtu.be/vVktlxgUaCA|youtube video>> where the comments say this 2x56 bar strathspey was devised "by John Foster as a gift to RSCDS Carlisle and Borders Branch for the occasion of its 70th anniversary in 2020. Following John's death before the event took place the dance was completed by his daughter Jane Aitkins a member of the branch."


created: 2025-03-26 16:43:11.724205+00
last_modified: 2025-03-28 10:24:58.995772+00
name: Rod-Hand
ucname: RODHAND
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
notes:
  Hands are so important in Scottish Country dancing.  
  <<img:https://img.e-cribs.org/Rodin.jpg|La cathédrale Rodin>>  
  *La cathédrale* Rodin


created: 2025-01-10 16:45:34.169972+00
last_modified: 2025-03-28 22:53:12.207417+00
name: Trip Over Tweed, A
ucname: TRIP OVER TWEED
notes:
  Source: MiniCrib who attribute it to "Dances taught by Miss Milligan". Despite the different rhythm there is some resemblance to <<ddd:Trip o'er the Tweed, A#6710>> which was published in Book 28.


created: 2025-03-29 16:58:42.186599+00
last_modified: 2025-03-29 21:02:10.54533+00
name: Go to the Moon
ucname: GO TO THE MOON
intensity_bars: 844/822/822/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain the symbolism:  
  > Bars 9-10 and 17-18 represent the launch.  
  > Bars 11-12 and 19-20 represent the orbit around the earth before approaching the moon.  
  > Bars 13-16 and 21-24 represent the orbit around the moon.


created: 1998-10-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-04 21:37:05.941174+00
name: Burnhope Mast
ucname: BURNHOPE MAST
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain the title:

  > When Kathy and I first went to dance at Lanchester we got lost and couldn't find the village let alone the hall in which the group met.
  > However we found Burnhope T.V. mast on numerous occasions.


created: 1998-10-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-04 21:41:37.444575+00
name: Horseshoe Reel
ucname: HORSESHOE REEL
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  > A useful quick dance as a club finisher when another dance is wanted but there is no time for a full length one.


created: 1998-10-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-04 21:45:22.101947+00
name: Ladies of Lanchester
ucname: LADIES OF LANCHESTER
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For all the ladies of the group and especially Kathleen Horn and Marlene Hindle secretary and treasurer of the group for many years."


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-06 12:49:35.536142+00
name: Sea Witch
ucname: SEA WITCH
notes:
  From the notes:

  "She was a lovely ship, the Sea Witch, with a lovely name, and her magic was always with her. She broke or set more records than any sailing ship of her size has ever done, before or since.


created: 2024-11-10 10:45:09.835731+00
last_modified: 2025-03-30 17:45:04.012007+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”.	 Video <<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: 2025-03-30 17:52:30.536521+00
last_modified: 2025-04-14 16:53:41.484735+00
name: Butter, but Salted
ucname: BUTTER BUT SALTED
intensity_bars: 7632/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2025-03-01
notes:
  The progression is 1st man in second woman position, 1st woman in first man position, 3rd man in second man position, 3rd woman in first man position, and 2nd couple in third place, on opposite sides. After six times through, all dancers should be back to original places.


created: 2002-05-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-30 20:22:44.056012+00
name: Gypsy Dreams
ucname: GYPSY DREAMS
intensity_bars: 86 88 88 88
notes:
  Music: A smooth strathspey for example: »Birks of Invermay« by Terpsichore  
    
  Some information that Terry had published with the dance description on his website:  
  - Once, while daydreaming, I began to think about setting and the last 24 bars of this dance suddenly "happened" – in about five minutes. It took another day to write the "simple" first figure. In addition to the "gypsy meltdown" in bars 13-16, the dance owes its name to being tested with the Terpsichore recording of "Birks of Invermay," which gave the dance a dreamy, almost ethereal, quality.  
    
  Some note Terry had provided on his website:  
  - Bars 1-4 may also be thought of as a "progressive" half rights and lefts, well rounded on bars 3-4.
  - The setting step on bar 9 should be shorter than the following three. (The men will quickly discover that their setting step on bar 10 must also be controlled.)
  - Partners should not dance toward each other during bar 13 but dance around each other, maintaining the distance needed for the following turn.


created: 2006-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-30 20:23:59.507728+00
name: Patti's Pleasure
ucname: PATTIS PLEASURE
intensity_bars: 880/800/12 12 12/400
devised: 2006-05-01
notes:
  'The dance is named for Patti Cobb. It was fIrst danced on September 26, 2006. The gypsy poussette is drawn from Terry Glasspool's "Gypsy Dreams" and the figure of eight grand chain is drawn from Ian Barbour's "Equilibrium."-GK


created: 2013-06-25 08:32:31.045277+00
last_modified: 2025-03-30 20:26:14.883822+00
name: Lavender Strathspey, The
ucname: LAVENDER STRATHSPEY
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  This dance was written for Barbara Youngman, leader of the Durham, North Carolina class.  

  Note that the gypsy poussette in this dance is a slight variant of the figure invented by Terry Glasspool in his dance Gypsy Dreams.


created: 2025-01-14 04:20:49.411123+00
last_modified: 2025-03-30 20:28:01.569364+00
name: Have Fun Storming the Castle!
ucname: HAVE FUN STORMING THE CASTLE
intensity_bars: 844/844/822/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Holly Gibson in January 2024 to honor <<ddp:Dennis, Linda Mae#10593>> on the occasion of her retirement from teaching Scottish Country Dancing and to wish her well as she moves on to her next grand adventure, because we all know there will be one.  

  Dance presented May 11, 2024 to Linda Mae Dennis by RSCDS Southwest Washington State Branch in recognition of her teaching and leadership contributions to the Branch.


created: 2025-03-30 18:38:01.14188+00
last_modified: 2025-03-31 00:56:54.735255+00
name: Canterbury in Autumn
ucname: CANTERBURY IN AUTUMN
intensity_bars: 8060/8800/8880/8000
notes:
  Late in 2023 I was asked by the Canterbury Region President to come and do a Deviser’s Day in the Canterbury Region on April 13th, 2024.   To say I was delighted to be asked would be the understatement of the year.  I have taught an afternoon of my dances in Wellington, and at the Perth Winter School in 2022 John Brenchley asked if I would teach some of my dances to the Advanced Low Impact class, which of course was amazing.  However, this was a step up on both of those occasions and it was exciting to take up this opportunity.  

  I was to take an advanced class in the afternoon and a general class in the morning.  I set to work looking first through my published dances, and then my brand-new material.  They all went on a spread sheet to make sure I was covering lots of formations for both levels.  
  I also decided to devise a brand-new dance to give to the Canterbury Region to thank them for this wonderful opportunity to teach a day of my dances.  

  The dancers on the day were asked for suggestions for a name, for this brand-new Strathspey and 8 names came forward.  Damon and I chose “Canterbury in Autumn” as looking out the windows of the hall it was the most beautiful sunny autumn day with such amazing colours in the trees all around us - the dance really named itself.  Surely the prettiest season of the year in Christchurch.  


  The day went well, and I loved it from start to finish, and the cream on the top was that the new President of the Region asked if I would come back again the following year to do another day with them.


created: 2025-03-17 10:54:01.470293+00
last_modified: 2025-03-31 01:15:24.271603+00
name: Pardlestone Farm Jig
ucname: PARDLESTONE FARM JIG
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  This is one of four dances I devised during or just after our trip in August & September to the UK, France, & Italy in 2024.  

  Pardlestone Farm is a delightful B&B where Damon and I stayed for a week in Somerset (Damon’s home county) in the UK.  This very pretty spot is nestled in the countryside, a place that you can bring your own horse and trek up on the Quantock Hills. It is also close to Kilve Beach – renowned among fossil hunters for dinosaur fossils.  

  Our hosts at Pardlestone Farm couldn’t have done more for us.  Mark was up with the lark every morning to light the fire in the dining room so that by the time we arrived it was cosy.  The jams (including the gooseberry!) were all made in house and Ann always made a point of checking in with us at the end of each day’s wanderings to see how they’d gone – and took the time to really find out.

  From this base, we visited Ross-on-Wye, for a day-time dance class, and the Taunton Caledonian Society for an entertaining and energetic evening’s dancing.  Dancing in Damon’s home county was a treat and although this was our 5th trip to the UK it was the first time we have danced here in Somerset, as we have mainly travelled to this part of the world in early summer, in June & July when the dancers have stopped for the summer break.  

  If you want to check out this gem of a B&B  <<https://pardlestonefarm.co.uk/>>


created: 2016-09-04 10:30:48.678036+00
last_modified: 2025-03-31 22:46:58.795429+00
name: Four Branches, The
ucname: FOUR BRANCHES
notes:
  This dance celebrates the four RSCDS branches of Southern California, and the many memorable dances and workshops they collaborate to sponsor. Bars 9-16 are meant to resemble the branches of a tree sprouting up from the bottom of the set. Cooperation of the four “branches” helps to make this formation work. Bars 13-16 should be a smooth curving figure for couples 1, 2 and 3. When they reach the sideline, they should drop hands, then continue curving, cast off one place with the lower dancer of each couple leading the way and crossing to their own side. Their partners follow but don't cross over. It should be a smooth, continuous curving 4-bar fig


created: 2018-07-17 16:11:50.86625+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 00:18:54.145985+00
name: March Hare, The
ucname: MARCH HARE
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/820
notes:
  It was actually the first weekend in April when I met a hare still in its winter coat, in the Moorfoot Hills.


created: 2024-09-08 19:57:20.155214+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 14:17:27.487544+00
name: Dr Windley's Stilton Strathspey
ucname: DR WINDLEYS STILTON STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
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: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 21:41:38.720036+00
name: Haliburton Welcome
ucname: HALIBURTON WELCOME
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8220/8446
notes:
  "This dance was devised by Don Clarke. It was the first dance he attempted his hand at. Don claimed it came to him in a nightmare. The Haliburton group has been using this dance regularly at their dances to help welcome visitors. We have all had plenty of enjoyment with this special dance and we hope you will too!"


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 21:47:33.834461+00
name: Golden Memories
ucname: GOLDEN MEMORIES
devised: 1990-09-14
notes:
  Devised "to commemorate the Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary of Glynn and Lyndsay Lewis on September 14th, 1990. It was first performed at a party held in their honour by the Haliburton Scottish Country Dancers at Lakeview Lodge on Soyer's Lake."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 21:51:35.933176+00
name: Mimi's Jig
ucname: MIMIS JIG
notes:
  Devised by Don Clarke "to help the beginners in the group with formations and phrasing, but mainly as a fun dance. He reworked Maimie's Jig and originally came up with a 4x32 bar jig but didn't feel it was quite right, so he added 8 more bars. Don decided to honour Mimi Carson, a long standing member of the Haliburton dancers by calling the dance 'Mimi's Jig'. This dance has become one of the group's favourites over the years."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 22:06:27.386193+00
name: Weaver's Knot
ucname: WEAVERS KNOT
notes:
  "Ted Carson devised this easy dance to be performed by guests at the wedding of Wendy Bateman and Sid Brinkman. Both Ted and Wendy are skilled weavers who have taken up residence in Haliburton County. Ted, along with his wife Mimi, has been involved with Scottish Country Dancing since December 1983. As a result of having a dance written in her honour, Wendy has joined the Haliburton Scottish Country Dancers."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 22:22:31.315519+00
name: Tangled Web We Weave, A
ucname: TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  "This dance has two titles; one to celebrate Ted Carson's 'semi' retirement, and the other for the tangle the dance looked like when we first tried to dance it! Ted danced this creation for several weeks without knowing that the dance was written for him. Mike Turner, who devised the dance, told Ted it was written by an anonymous person who didn't want to be identified or have the name of the dance known unless the dance worked (it was the only way to practice it without tipping him oft). Changes to the dance were made as a result of the practices. We revealed the name and dedication to Ted at a party, held in his honour on February 9, 1991."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 22:17:54.6013+00
name: Miss Kathleen Owens
ucname: MISS KATHLEEN OWENS
devised: 1992-05-09
notes:
  "Kathleen Owens worked at the Leslie M. Frost Natural Resources Centre (formerly the Ontario Forest Technical School and Ontario Ranger School) for 31 years retiring on May 8. 1992 just three days after her 59th birthday. She will be truly missed; but to help celebrate her new career as a lady of leisure, this dance was created in her honour by co-worker Mike Turner. It was first performed at the Frost Centre during her retirement party on May 9, 1992."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 22:21:25.273427+00
name: Inukshuk Shuffle
ucname: INUKSHUK SHUFFLE
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/888
notes:
  This dance was devised by Maggie and Duncan Keppie to introduce parallel reels of three. The dance was named for the Inukshuks that stand on the roadsides to welcome one to Haliburton.  
  An Inukshuk is a small free-standing statue built of loose flat-sided rocks in the shape of a person to ward off evil spirits in Arctic Canada.


created: 2025-04-08 10:23:10.085542+00
last_modified: 2025-04-09 02:12:03.478199+00
name: Reel for Alison, A
ucname: REEL FOR ALISON
intensity_bars: 800/833/833/888/888
notes:
  From the notes:

  > This dance is dedicated to my grandma, Alison Holmes, née McOwan (1932-2024), who was among the group of children who first tried out <<ddd:Reel of the 51st Division, The#5525>> under Annie Cessford in Perthshire.
  > Her time dancing, including with the Celtic Society in St Andrews, inspired me to dance, teach, and devise.
  > The signature St Andrews cross figure from The Reel of the 51st Division is incorporated into this dance.


created: 2025-04-15 09:09:18.868131+00
last_modified: 2025-04-24 09:50:38.133123+00
name: Ceol na Mara The Song of the Sea
ucname: CEOL NA MARA THE SONG OF THE SEA
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8088
notes:
  This dance is a modified version of the dance from 1971 called <<ddd:Song of the Sea>>

  Teachers Association (Canada) attributes this dance to 20XX in their <<https://tac-rscds.org/index.php/special-topic/index-of-john-drewry-s-dances|Index of John Drewry dances>>


created: 2022-09-01 15:12:44.278254+00
last_modified: 2025-04-11 00:53:40.397064+00
name: 73 Is the Perfect Number
ucname: 73 IS THE PERFECT NUMBER
intensity_bars: 808/844/800/888
devised: 2021-10-01
notes:
  In The Big Bang Theory Sheldon says that 73 is the perfect number because it is the 21st prime and the 12th prime is 37 and 3 * 7 = 21. Plus 73 is a palindrome in binary: 1001001. I wrote this dance for my 73rd birthday.


created: 2025-04-15 02:18:25.257676+00
last_modified: 2025-04-15 02:29:28.012911+00
name: Jane Rattray's Jig
ucname: JANE RATTRAYS JIG
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Jane Rattray was a much loved dancer in Perthshire who sadly passed away suddenly early in 2024. The dance incorporates some of her favourite formations.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-15 09:18:08.785838+00
name: Song of the Sea, The
ucname: SONG OF THE SEA
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8888/8888
devised: 1971-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry later revised this dance and republished it as a 4x40 bar Strathspey <<ddd:Ceol na Mara The Song of the Sea>>


created: 2022-01-01 18:56:01.784163+00
last_modified: 2025-04-15 14:10:50.934214+00
name: Bob Grant of Edinburgh
ucname: BOB GRANT OF EDINBURGH
intensity_bars: 8228/8888/8448/8008
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  In  memory  of  <</dd/person/531/|Bob Grant>>,  1935-2021.  Bob  was  a  renowned  teacher  in  Edinburgh,  travelling around  the  world  to  teach,  and  was  also  my mentor for the final  part  of  my  Teacher’s  Certificate. Muriel’s  tune  “Bob  Grant  of  Edinburgh”  was  played  during  his  funeral,  and  I  felt  he  needed  to be  honoured  with  a  dance  to  match.  

  The  set,  hands  across  and  twiddle  on  bars  3-6  evokes  the  set,  turn  and  twiddle  at  the  start  of Bob’s  dance  “Dancing  Forth”.  

  When  I  first  learned  the  strathspey  poussette,  I  was  taught  it  in  the  symmetric  way  described here,  and  I  still  prefer  it  this  way.    Bob  Grant  wrote  an  article  for  RSCDS  magazine  Scottish Country  Dancer  (issue  13,  October  2011)  about  the  strathspey  poussette,  describing  how  in books  19  and  20  it  was  originally  described  symmetrically  and  only  later  was  the  standard changed  to  the  current  recommendation  with  1st  couple  nearer  the  men’s  side  and  2nd  couple nearer  the  women’s  side  at  the  end  of  bar  one.  

  Bob  received  a  lot  of  comment  from  other  dancers  wishing  for  the  return  of  the  symmetric poussette.    In  this  dance,  the  strathspey  poussette  should  be  danced  the  way  I  first  learned  it  and the  way  Bob  advocated.


created: 1998-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-16 09:49:28.849804+00
name: Jean's Dream
ucname: JEANS DREAM
intensity_bars: 880/880/866/844
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  > A Dance in Memory of Jean Patrick of Sacramento and her Dream that a Branch would be formed in Sacramento and would flourish. 1991 will be the 10th anniversary of that Branch.


created: 2011-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-16 10:36:43.294432+00
name: Wizard of Binghamton, The
ucname: WIZARD OF BINGHAMTON
intensity_bars: 8668/8888/8448/8888/8228
devised: 2010-08-11
notes:
  Dedicated to <<ddp:Glasspool, Terry#2677>>, "The Wizard of Binghamton", a wonderful deviser of Scottish Country Dances.

  A version of this dance with a simpler figure in bars 1-8 is "<<ddd:Apprentice, The#13787>>".


created: 1997-09-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-16 16:09:29.310717+00
name: Epsom Caledonian's Reel
ucname: EPSOM CALEDONIANS REEL
notes:
  Originally entered in SCDDB as "Epsom Caledonian's Reel" but the instructions, received by email, jave have "Epsom Caledonian" which is added as an alias.


created: 2025-05-01 21:12:34.252362+00
last_modified: 2025-05-09 18:29:29.740448+00
name: Don't Panic
ucname: DONT PANIC
intensity_bars: 800/888/884/888
devised: 2024-07-01
notes:
  The original instructions have a mistake in bars 17-24 as they refer to 3rd man being "in 2nd lady's place" instead of in 1st lady's place.


created: 2009-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-16 21:37:50.788751+00
name: Strathspey Shuffle, The
ucname: STRATHSPEY SHUFFLE
intensity_bars: 0808/8888/8888/8082
notes:
  Wherever one dances, there is always someone who has just had a knee or hip replacement. Whether it is a sign of the times ( people living longer ) or years of dancing taking its inevitable toll, more and more dancers are being reduced to shuffling their strathspeys. This dance is dedicated to fellow sufferers!!


created: 2019-06-14 22:43:49.136731+00
last_modified: 2025-04-17 01:52:13.820433+00
name: Lady McGowan's Nightmare
ucname: LADY MACGOWANS NIGHTMARE
intensity_bars: 88/75/88/88
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  While learning <<ddd:Lady McGowan's Dream>>, Mary Jo requested a dance similar to The Ultimate Brief (which consists of 4 8-bar figures: poussette, knot, bourrel, allemande) which uses a helix, men's chain, and tournée to help learn the figures.


created: 2025-04-15 16:45:46.97965+00
last_modified: 2025-04-17 21:41:34.973203+00
name: 70 Years of Happiness
ucname: 70 YEARS OF HAPPINESS
intensity_bars: 474/585/822/888
devised: 2025-04-10
notes:
  To mark the 70th wedding anniversary of Keith and Mary Oughton, teachers of the Leicester Branch of the RSCDS.  
  >The first 16 bars of the dance depict the number 70 twice. The next 8 bars represent a dinghy tacking across the water as Keith and Mary first started dating on a university siling holiday in the Lake District. Tle Last 8 bars symbolize their love of dancing with friends.


created: 2025-04-08 08:46:26.515502+00
last_modified: 2025-04-18 14:50:33.940743+00
name: Southside Wedding, The
ucname: SOUTHSIDE WEDDING
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/8888/8888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "This dance is dedicated to <</dd/person/11927|Shona Holmes>> and Matthew Anderson on the very special occasion of their wedding in September 2024 at Pollokshields Burgh Hall. Both Shona and Matthew are Scottish country dancers who previously studied at the University of Glasgow and are well-known within Glasgow dancing community. Pollokshields is an area in the Southside of Glasgow with a lovely late 19th Century Burgh Hall nestled on the edge of Maxwell Park."  

  >The four figures can loosely be summarised as:
  >1. The hen party
  >2. The stag party
  >3.  Everyone running around getting ready for the big day
  >4. Tying the knot at the wedding


created: 2025-04-19 19:22:21.877707+00
last_modified: 2025-04-19 19:22:21.877707+00
name: Working Shift
ucname: WORKING SHIFT
devised: 2006-07-01
notes:
  > The dance is named “Working Shift” because I found when I had trouble sleeping during a stint of shift work that running through figures in my head was a good way of relaxing my brain to help me sleep.


created: 2025-04-19 20:33:50.738639+00
last_modified: 2025-04-19 20:33:50.738639+00
name: Holiday in WA
ucname: HOLIDAY IN WA
devised: 2006-11-01
notes:
  > We had our first holiday towing our own caravan long distances in 2006.
  > Parts of the dance indicate the car towing the caravan and other parts indicate discovering Western Australia while the caravan is left in the caravan park.
  > We had a great deal of fun in WA and also danced with many friendly people in Perth, Rockingham and Albany.


created: 2025-04-20 09:47:12.716808+00
last_modified: 2025-04-20 09:47:12.716808+00
name: Frog's Fugue, The
ucname: FROGS FUGUE
devised: 2009-05-01
notes:
  > This dance is fugal in nature with figures repeated at different points and by different couples, but not always quite the same.
  > It was devised about the time that my eldest daughter became pregnant and the couple reckoned that the baby looked more like a frog on the first ultrasound.
  > Sadhbh was then known as “The Frog” for the next eight months.


created: 2025-04-20 09:56:21.992453+00
last_modified: 2025-04-20 09:56:21.992453+00
name: Five for John
ucname: FIVE FOR JOHN
devised: 2009-09-01
notes:
  > This is one of the “What if ...” dances that was devised after teaching John of Bon Accord one night when we had a 5 couple set.


created: 2025-04-20 10:10:11.917291+00
last_modified: 2025-04-20 10:10:11.917291+00
name: Fingal Bay
ucname: FINGAL BAY
devised: 2009-10-01
notes:
  > Fingal Bay is the home of our friends Rod and Linda, who were very hospitable while I was attending a teaching weekend in the Hunter Valley.


created: 2025-04-20 10:20:05.107198+00
last_modified: 2025-04-20 10:20:05.107198+00
name: Hurdy-Gurdy, The
ucname: HURDYGURDY
devised: 2010-04-01
notes:
  > Presented with thanks to Noriel Tarca for her assistance as mentor for my Unit 4 work.
  >
  > Hurdy-Gurdy is a name for a barrel organ and also another musical instrument, shaped like a lute and operated by turning a handle.


created: 2025-04-20 09:21:56.987143+00
last_modified: 2025-05-27 20:51:15.727793+00
name: Strathspey for Aileen, A
ucname: STRATHSPEY FOR AILEEN
intensity_bars: 802/280/822/822
devised: 2007-10-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For Aileen Hughes of Batemans Bay, with many thanks to Warren and Aileen for their hospitality after Winter Schools."


created: 2025-04-20 09:11:23.897068+00
last_modified: 2025-05-27 21:10:51.46356+00
name: Sturt's Desert Pea
ucname: STURTS DESERT PEA
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2007-03-01
notes:
  > Sturt’s Desert Pea (Swainsonia formosa) is the state flower of South Australia. Most of the dance represents the multiple leaflets on a single stem. Bars 9-12 and the last 8 bars represent the bright red flower, long and narrow, tapered at the ends with a black circular section in the middle.


created: 2003-10-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-21 10:01:51.895669+00
name: Drunken Party, The
ucname: DRUNKEN PARTY
intensity_bars: 8888/0880/8888/8200/8444
notes:
  According to <<sspey:71728|strathspey list message 71728>>  and the subsequent replies, it seems the original instructions for this dance are lost so the MiniCrib is the only source.

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


created: 2024-07-25 04:24:16.916258+00
last_modified: 2025-04-22 13:22:29.981777+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: 2012-01-21 08:07:05.051717+00
last_modified: 2025-04-22 14:50:42.61114+00
name: Aviator, The
ucname: AVIATOR
intensity_bars: 800/846/846/822
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  Note in Carola Fischer's original instructions:  NB.  It is up to the dancing couple how far down they dance down and in which place they dance out between the standing men.  Where there is more than one set, the dancing couple may dance out through the gap in the men’s side in the set below.

  Devised by Carola Fischer for Hans Prade on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Hans used to be a keen glider and my father nick-named him „The Aviator“. Hans once had the wonderful experience of being joined by a buzzard which took advantage of the thermal, flying at his wingtip and mirroring his movements. This dance depicts Hans taking off, banking round, enjoying his flight with the buzzard and then landing again safely. May the movements of this dance bring back those happy memories!


created: 2012-09-14 05:35:48.10905+00
last_modified: 2025-04-22 15:11:58.072568+00
name: Ute and Tris
ucname: UTE AND TRIS
intensity_bars: 80800 82842 84884 80800
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For Ute Lenz and Tristan Cresswell to commemorate their wedding and to wish them many more happ years of dancing in the Kuckucksnest".


  The notes also say "For five or seven couples in a longwise set".


created: 1997-04-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-24 09:39:40.887825+00
name: River Avon, The
ucname: RIVER AVON
devised: 1989-01-01
notes:
  > For a few months in the winter of 1989-90 I taught a small mixed-level class in Stratford, Ontario.
  > Wishing to introduce the beginners to strathspey travelling, I sought a dance which did not contain any setting or circles.
  > Unable to locate one at the time, I devised this dance en route to the class.
  > Since the River Avon flows through Stratford, and the dance also flows smoothly, the title seems appropriate.


created: 2022-09-19 20:09:48.712013+00
last_modified: 2025-04-24 09:47:43.968044+00
name: Five for Luck
ucname: FIVE FOR LUCK
notes:
  Source: Red Thistle Dancers youtube videos (<<https://youtu.be/MObhB5LQt24>>, <<https://youtu.be/_fK0C1dXqdo>>).


created: 2019-05-12 10:27:47.217519+00
last_modified: 2025-05-24 10:33:41.961608+00
name: Shona MacFadyen's Jazzy Sheen
ucname: SHONA MACFADYENS JAZZY SHEEN
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/822
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  The title for this dance came after seeing Shona MacFadyen (Scott) playing fiddle at Summer School in St Andrews, 2017 sporting a very jazzy pair of shoes.


created: 2025-02-04 21:49:02.665002+00
last_modified: 2025-04-24 10:43:21.872531+00
name: Aberlady Vows, The
ucname: ABERLADY VOWS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/0888
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  "Devised for Cara Strachan and Ian Thompson to celebrate their wedding day on 1st November 2008 in Aberlady Parish Church."


created: 2025-04-25 10:40:19.55486+00
last_modified: 2025-04-25 12:51:22.630232+00
name: Walthamstow Connection, The
ucname: WALTHAMSTOW CONNECTION
intensity_bars: 8080/8484/8282/6868/8888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  > The dance was devised for Pat’s daughter when she relocated from Yorkshire to Walthamstow.
  > Walthamstow, in east London, is ‘well connected’, having five railway stations as well as a modern bus station.
  > William Morris, born in 1834, is Walthamstow’s most famous son. The patterns within the dance echo those found in his designs.


created: 2019-05-12 10:31:45.166627+00
last_modified: 2025-05-01 08:28:21.823892+00
name: Miss Margaret MacIndeor
ucname: MISS MARGARET MACINDEOR
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/776
notes:
  Miss MacIndeor was from Port Charlotte on the Island of Islay. An Aunt of the devisor, she lived beyond her 101st year, she was a religious woman who always said dancing was a wholesome activity as no-one could ever have an evil thought whilst dancing.


created: 2025-04-25 17:29:58.453001+00
last_modified: 2025-05-12 19:18:48.45394+00
name: Ships in the Night
ucname: SHIPS IN THE NIGHT
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  > Special thanks to Tom Roby. This dance was inspired by his beautiful English Country Dance Sunlight through Draperies.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-03 09:32:47.933859+00
name: Summer in Winter
ucname: SUMMER IN WINTER
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/844
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  The inscription to the dance (in the Red Book) reads "June is summer in Scotland and winter in New Zealand. June is also my wife".


created: 1997-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-10 15:51:27.105322+00
name: Saskatchewan Reel, The
ucname: SASKATCHEWAN REEL
notes:
  A four-couple dance starting in lenthwise position, changing to a square formation and ending in lengthwise position.


created: 1997-09-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-07 12:46:10.500689+00
name: Miss Nan Simpson
ucname: MISS NAN SIMPSON
intensity_bars: 484/484/484/888/888
notes:
  For Miss Nan Simpson in her fiftieth year of playing for Scottish Country Dancing, with many thanks for her help and inspiration.


created: 1998-04-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-14 11:00:21.550356+00
name: Kinnoull Hill
ucname: KINNOULL HILL
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
devised: 1994-11-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Alex Stewart who walked with me up Kinnoull Hill to the tower on 4-11-94."

  The notes also add that:
  > Kinnoull Hill rises very steeply above the north bank of the River Tay to the south east of Perth.
  > The tower on Kinnoull Hill, and the one on Binn Hill a short distance to the east, were built by the 9th Earl of Kinnoull
  > in the 18th century in imitation of the castles on the Rhine.

  The dance is described as for 3 couples, though a 4th couple is needed to dance around.
  The notes say a couple in the next set (or an imaginary couple) may be used for this.


created: 2025-05-08 10:42:33.106762+00
last_modified: 2025-05-08 10:42:33.106762+00
name: Peacocks Appear out of Nowhere
ucname: PEACOCKS APPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/888
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired both by <<ddd:Lambs Jump up from Nowhere>> and the peacocks roaming around Hof Oberlethe near Oldenburg in Germany where the Potters Pairs group holds its annual dance weekend.


created: 2025-05-08 10:57:44.873433+00
last_modified: 2025-05-08 11:15:20.276166+00
name: In the Sandbox
ucname: IN THE SANDBOX
notes:
  Source: <<https://rscdsboston.org/events-fliers/FallFrolicFlier2014.pdf>> (which claims it comes from MiniCrib, but it is not actually in MiniCrib releases from 2025).


created: 2024-04-29 08:10:23.468595+00
last_modified: 2025-05-08 12:11:24.320979+00
name: Potters Pairs Medley
ucname: POTTERS PAIRS MEDLEY
intensity_bars: 840/880/408/088
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  This is described as a medley for 2 Couples in a 3 Couple set: Strathspey 6 x 16 bars and Reel 6 x 16 bars (starting alternately at the top and the bottom).

  It can also be viewed as a 3 Couple dance with progression 2,3,1 danced 3 x 32 Strathspey and 3 x 32 Reel.

  The dance was provisionally named "Potters Medley" but is now "Potters Pairs Medley". The lack of apostrophes is deliberate to match the name of the Potters Pairs group (<<https://www.potterspairs.net/>>).

  This dance uses a variation of the Philabeg where couples open out when dancing out to the sides and back in, but still turn with both hands.


created: 2025-05-01 20:48:57.162138+00
last_modified: 2025-05-09 19:30:25.064491+00
name: Flight of the Lancaster
ucname: FLIGHT OF THE LANCASTER
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/844/800
notes:
  In memory of Flight Sergeant Peter Brown, the last surviving Lancaster crew member.  
  Who was Flt Sgt Peter Brown?  
  Born in Jamaica in 1926, he travelled to the UK in 1943 to join the RAF in World War Two.  He trained as a wireless operator and air gunner and had flown five missions in Lancaster bombers before the age of 20.  He died in his home in Maida Vale, north London in December 2022 aged 96.


created: 2024-06-05 12:37:57.216218+00
last_modified: 2025-05-10 08:28:16.411049+00
name: Witch's Cauldron, The
ucname: WITCHS CAULDRON
intensity_bars: 800/811/811/844/888
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  “…and now the Three Witches, with their male cohorts, have decided to brew a potent potion in their Witch’s Cauldron."


created: 2024-09-17 13:20:57.770145+00
last_modified: 2025-05-13 15:48:12.51334+00
name: Sweets Years
ucname: SWEETS YEARS
notes:
  The book wrongly says this dance ends with petronella in tandem. It should be a reverse petronella in tandem as shown in the contributed crib.


created: 2025-05-05 20:32:49.276866+00
last_modified: 2025-05-13 16:51:25.903008+00
name: Thanks to Daniel
ucname: THANKS TO DANIEL
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888/888
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  This dance is for Daniel Capron with many thanks for starting the Gay Gordons group in London in October 2005 and for encouraging me to go along to the first class.
  This has led me to an enduring love of Scottish Country Dancing.
  My involvement in dancing, teaching, devising dances and helping to maintain the Strathspey Database (SCDDB) is ultimately all thanks to Daniel.

  Daniel likes dances which have symmetry, such as Mairi's Wedding, and the subtitle reflects his own two weddings to other men.
  Daniel was very pleased that recent RSCDS guidelines now acknowledge that dancers may like to dance with anyone on either side of the set.


created: 2025-05-21 10:08:37.855992+00
last_modified: 2025-05-24 09:07:46.565642+00
name: Eternal Youth
ucname: ETERNAL YOUTH
devised: 2007-04-12
notes:
  > Deviser's note re the dance structure:
  > Only the top three couples dance, with the dancing couple being the couple in second place.
  > They do not repeat the dance but move to fourth place and a new couple starts the repeat.


created: 2025-05-26 11:09:45.838406+00
last_modified: 2025-05-26 11:09:45.838406+00
name: Angelika's Move
ucname: ANGELIKAS MOVE
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8448/8888
devised: 2024-12-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Angelika Schmidkonz who very much liked the 8 bar "Chess" figure in bars 73-80 of <<ddd:Escher's Metamorphosis#21688>>".


created: 2025-05-28 14:26:48.17608+00
last_modified: 2025-05-28 16:32:03.366024+00
name: Shine Bright, Little Diamond
ucname: SHINE BRIGHT LITTLE DIAMOND
intensity_bars: 86/88/88/88
devised: 2025-05-13
notes:
  The author notes: "This dance is dedicated to Christin Pfisterer. She was a member of the Heidelberg Scottish Dance Group (“SchloBDancers“) from the early 1990s on. Her character was shining bright, loving, caring, and we lost a good friend to cancer on May 1, 2025. Her light will always accompany us, like a diamond in the sky."


created: 2013-09-28 00:40:07.225793+00
last_modified: 2025-05-20 13:50:08.155119+00
name: Aldebaran
ucname: ALDEBARAN
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
notes:
  >*Deviser's note*: 1st couple should end the first reel on bar 16 about on the 1st diagonal so as to make the distances traveled in each of the reels more nearly equal. Comers should be careful to dance full loops on the ends and flow smoothly into the second reel. At the end of bar 24, they should swoop into the lines of three joining hands with the first couple dancer for the advance and retire of the next figure.  

  >The dance was designed as an opening or warm-up dance. It flows smoothly from one simple figure to the next and all dancers in a round get to dance at least 20 bars.  

  >Aldebaran is the brightest star in the constellation Taurus. It is a first magnitude star radiating nearly 7 5 times as much light as the sun.


created: 2025-05-15 00:18:53.400299+00
last_modified: 2025-05-23 14:56:21.357379+00
name: That's Reely Something!
ucname: THATS REELY SOMETHING
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2024-10-01
notes:
  Devised by Moira Turner, SCD-Richmond VA, International, The Carolinas & Breton Branches, October 2024 for Elisabeth Drumm, who loves to “fly.” Signature tune composed by John Turner, 2025.  

  > *Deviser's note*: Corners dance in to begin the reels in the sidelines and out to begin the reels across.  Between the first and second reels, corners simply ‘sweep’ from one reel into the next.  Between the second and third reels, corners ‘loop’ around to pick up the same track that they followed in the first reel.  First corners ‘loop’ to the right.  They have precedence in the first two reels but not in the third.  Second corners ‘loop’ to the left and have precedence in the third reel.


created: 2025-05-24 20:54:55.577657+00
last_modified: 2025-05-24 20:54:55.577657+00
name: Tara's Memorial
ucname: TARAS MEMORIAL
devised: 2008-04-17
notes:
  > On April 15, 2008, Tara was one of a group of six students and their teacher who were tragically killed in an accident at a camp on the Central Plateau in the North Island of New Zealand.
  >
  > This is a lively dance do depict how Tara was full of life and loved outdoot pursuits and sports, taking part in soccer and trampoline among others.


created: 2025-05-27 17:15:44.207169+00
last_modified: 2025-05-27 19:41:28.417697+00
name: Settling of the Logs, The
ucname: SETTLING OF THE LOGS
devised: 2025-05-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for Aron Faegre* his words below....

  > *I did a "Settling of the Logs" ceremony for the Lodge.
  > Very few people know about this tradition and requirement for a properly constructed log building.
  > It is lead by the architect, and requires approximately 100 violins and cellos to set up the proper vibrations.


created: 2025-05-17 06:16:23.49555+00
last_modified: 2025-06-09 14:45:54.915397+00
name: Wuppertal Schwebebahn, The
ucname: WUPPERTAL SCHWEBEBAHN
intensity_bars: 8000/8222/8880/8222
devised: 2025-05-01
notes:
  The choreography was inspired by a trip on the unique Wuppertal Schwebebahn (pronounced roughly as VOOP-per-tarl SHVAY-ber-BARN).
  This is a 13 km long monorail system that mostly runs above the river Wupper.
  The little two-coach trains are suspended from A-frame supports, here represented by 1st couple dancing under a series of arches - though the line does not wind nearly as much as is illustrated in bars 7-10.
  The service is operated by Wuppertaler Stadtwerke, abbreviated as WSW, hence the W shapes of the double double triangles either side of the S shapes of the reels of three across.


created: 2019-02-20 23:27:03.927582+00
last_modified: 2025-05-28 22:37:12.723976+00
name: Busy Busy Bees
ucname: BUSY BUSY BEES
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/6666
notes:
  Early versions of the instructions recommended using the music for "Scot Meikle" but in Gone Dancing Book 2 the recommended tune is <<ddt:Busy Busy Bees#16025>> by <<ddp:Piquemal, Kévin#11354>>.


created: 2003-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-28 22:49:56.201175+00
name: Kilmartin Glen
ucname: KILMARTIN GLEN
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  Kilmartin Glen, Argyllshire, Scotland, is a special place, the location of a miles-long prehistoric linear graveyard, featuring stone burial cairns, standing stones, and a stone circle in Temple Wood. There are 150
  prehistoric monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin.  
  Kilmartin House museum features a unique and vibrant visitor center and is well worth a visit! For more information see: <<http://www.kilmartin.org/>>.


created: 2003-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-29 04:29:23.616951+00
name: Reel of the Scotia Country Dancers
ucname: REEL OF THE SCOTIA COUNTRY DANCERS
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  A tribute to Karen Cunningham and The Scotia Country Dancers of Birmingham, AL, USA, who were largely responsible for keeping me sane while a geo-bachelor for 10 months in 2002 and 2003.


created: 2023-01-05 11:43:03.02829+00
last_modified: 2025-06-10 12:59:43.219108+00
name: Jumelles de Saint-Laurent, Les
ucname: JUMELLES DE SAINTLAURENT
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  > Inscribed to the Fairhurst twins, Margaret and Patricia. Living in Saint-Laurent, they danced with the Montreal Branch before moving to Toronto in 1980 where they both met their husbands at Scottish Country Dancing. For many years within the Toronto Scottish Dance community they were simply known as "the twins".

  NB the dance name is various spelled with and without hyphen ("Saint Laurent" or "Saint-Laurent").


created: 2003-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-29 04:52:58.651541+00
name: Patty Lindsay's Rant
ucname: PATTY LINDSAYS RANT
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Patty Lindsay, the founding class coordinator of The Flying Ghillies Scottish Country Dancers, Dayton, OH.


created: 2018-08-30 09:20:46.200523+00
last_modified: 2025-05-29 07:55:37.569866+00
name: Gone With The Wind
ucname: GONE WITH THE WIND
intensity_bars: 800/828/888/888/888
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised in 2017 by Christiane Orgeret, as a happy memory of her 30 years at the head of the RSCDS Lyon group, then Branch - spot the number 30 in the first 12 bars, and feel the wind in the last 12!


created: 2025-05-09 09:30:59.447869+00
last_modified: 2025-06-13 09:19:55.7703+00
name: Time to Move Up
ucname: TIME TO MOVE UP
intensity_bars: 8400/8040/8000/8888
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Devised early 2014 for the newer dancers at Lower Hutt Club.  

  This is a simple dance to work on stepping up correctly for the newer dancer.  Using easy formations, they have all experienced in other dances lets them concentrate on moving up the dance covering with their partner.


created: 2025-06-18 01:47:24.630304+00
last_modified: 2025-06-18 08:12:05.278456+00
name: Ellen's Reel
ucname: ELLENS REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/800
devised: 2001-09-28
notes:
  Devised for Ms Ellen Sears by John Horrell at 4:00 am in the morning in the headquarters of the 342nd Forward support Battalion while on active duty for the World Trade Center. Sept 2001


created: 2019-06-06 23:38:10.979883+00
last_modified: 2025-05-15 22:11:04.747524+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 in <<https://dances.e-cribs.org/A_World's_End_Book_of_13_SCD_-_Vol1.pdf>> on page 28 page 31 respectively.

  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: 2006-10-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-16 23:02:29.621525+00
name: Whitewater on the James
ucname: WHITEWATER ON THE JAMES
intensity_bars: 828/880/844/888
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  A freely downloadable recording of music for this dance is available via <<http://www.fiddletree-music.com/johnturner/scdrecordings.html>>  

  For our son, Jonathan – who’d rather be rafting!


created: 1998-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-16 23:53:14.964192+00
name: 5-couple Fugue
ucname: 5COUPLE FUGUE
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  This dance is technically not a fugue, but a (3-part) canon – fugues are dances where couples dance similar movements one after the other during one turn of the dance, and canons are dances where the turns of several couples as the dancing couple overlap.

  Note that according to the canon formula, this dance is 112 bars long – but it has a 16-bar coda for everyone so the total length is 128 bars.

  The former weblinks no longer exist.


created: 2020-02-28 11:25:05.1234+00
last_modified: 2025-05-28 22:32:09.074443+00
name: Christiane's Ceilidh
ucname: CHRISTIANES CEILIDH
intensity_bars: 888/844/888/888
notes:
  The dance was written for Christiane Orgeret, a talented and friendly dancer who celebrated her 60th birthday in Lyon with a dance held in the Château De Montchat, Lyon.


created: 2012-07-04 13:03:27.686295+00
last_modified: 2025-05-17 09:49:04.565237+00
name: Five Couple Fugue
ucname: FIVE COUPLE FUGUE
notes:
  Despite the title, this dance isn't a “fugue” in the technical sense. This would require every couple in the set to start one after the other with the same or a similar sequence of movements, but that's not what happens here.


created: 2025-05-18 09:48:12.207551+00
last_modified: 2025-05-18 09:48:12.207551+00
name: Callin' Baton Rouge
ucname: CALLIN BATON ROUGE
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  I watch singing competition shows and on one a contestant sang Garth Brooks' Callin’ Baton Rouge that stuck with me for days so I named this dance for it and the earworm went away.


created: 2013-09-28 00:48:35.345495+00
last_modified: 2025-05-19 07:57:45.618032+00
name: Ann Arbor
ucname: ANN ARBOR
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/880
notes:
  >The name Annarbour appears on a map of the village on the banks of the Huron River filed in 1825 in Detroit, the capital of the Michigan Territory, by founders John Allen and Elisha Rumsey. Each founder's wife had an Ann in her full name. My great-grandfather Joel Ball came to the Michigan Territory in 1832 to become the first settler in what is now the town of Britton. The University of Michigan was founded in Detroit in 1817 and was moved to Ann Arbor in 1835 the year that Michigan became a state. I did graduate work there and for the last twenty years have had the pleasure of dancing with the Scottish Dance group in Ann Arbor when I am working on the farm. This dance is inscribed to Catherine Graham, Robin Warner, Helen Welford and all the others who have made it such a pleasure.   
  On Saturday afternoons in autumn, more than 100,000 people gather in the Stadium hoping to hear many playings of "The Victors", a song written in 1898 by Louis Elbel. It would be a nice touch if a band playing music for this dance would work in at least a few phrases in jig time from this song beginning "Hail to the victors valiant ... "


created: 2025-05-18 09:50:31.508056+00
last_modified: 2025-05-18 12:16:17.773416+00
name: Rollercoaster
ucname: ROLLERCOASTER
intensity_bars: 840/880/808/888
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  The title of this dance refers to the weather this month. One day it's cold and we have the heat on and the next day it's hot and we have to turn on the A/C. It's been up and down all month. Plus this is the title of one of my very favorite Luke Bryan songs.


created: 2025-05-18 09:56:37.550331+00
last_modified: 2025-05-18 12:17:06.062751+00
name: Two Old Ladies
ucname: TWO OLD LADIES
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/888
devised: 2025-05-01
notes:
  We tried to adopt a bonded pair of 14-year-old female cats named Coco and Boo. Coco is a calico and Boo is a tortieshell and Dan has always wanted a calico cat. Well, it didn’t work out. We already had a 9-year-old gentle male who wanted a friend and these 2 cats didn’t want to be friends – which would have been OK – but Coco was terrified of Trotter and we couldn’t soothe her enough to make things work.


created: 2013-09-28 19:52:51.180869+00
last_modified: 2025-05-19 13:04:07.883012+00
name: Bittersweet
ucname: BITTERSWEET
intensity_bars: 484/888/686/288
notes:
  >*Deviser's note*: There is a continuous forward motion for the 2nd and 3rd couples during bars 19-30.
  Bars 17-20. Tum.stile turns as explained in Gamma Three page 4 and Delta Force page 5. Bars 25- 30 can also be described as - 2nd couple dance six bars of a Figure of Eight while 3rd couple dance an ellipse 1 ½ times by casting down, dancing up touching hands briefly, and casting down. The figure is the last six bars of an upside-down Hitching Rail Progression page 12.


created: 2013-09-28 19:36:44.268877+00
last_modified: 2025-05-19 07:09:48.039453+00
name: Teapots and Turnstiles
ucname: TEAPOTS AND TURNSTILES
intensity_bars: 800/888/808/846
notes:
  >*Deviser's note*: On bar 16, 3rd man should tuck in pulling back left shoulder to end facing out. Otherwise, he has an awkward move into the next figure. On bars 23-24, the 1st couple in dancing up from 3rd place should dance a loop so as to come to the sideline head on and with momentum. Bars 25-28. For an inexperienced group having trouble with the two bar turnstile tum, it can be danced as a four bar tum by eliminating the balance in line.


created: 2025-05-21 09:51:28.630626+00
last_modified: 2025-05-21 09:51:28.630626+00
name: Buchan's Castle Gay
ucname: BUCHANS CASTLE GAY
devised: 2007-06-12
notes:
  > The dance is named for one of John Buchan's adventure/romance novels in which there is a walking tour, a rousing rugby match, and numerous sub-plots in which the focus of attention switches from one set of characters to another.
  > The denouement, arranged by elderly but able ladies, takes places at a ball.


created: 2025-05-21 12:55:34.575205+00
last_modified: 2025-05-21 12:55:34.575205+00
name: Rose Meets the Thistle, The
ucname: ROSE MEETS THE THISTLE
devised: 2007-11-19
notes:
  Inscribed "This dance is dedicated to Mr & Mrs Len and Edna Smith, who lived in Yorkshire before coming to New Zealand, but practised Scottish Country Dancing for many years, both in the United Kingdom and New Zealand."


created: 2021-11-14 11:07:28.241629+00
last_modified: 2025-05-21 13:18:41.594902+00
name: Kissed by Nessie
ucname: KISSED BY NESSIE
devised: 2021-11-04
notes:
  > There probably isn't a more Scottish theme than the Loch Ness Monster and although there are already many dances working out this theme it was a thorough DNA research, led by excellent scientists in 2018, which formed the basis for devising this one.
  > The researchers forwarded the conclusion that no DNA of extravagant monsters could be found, but the existence of eels, especially ones of extreme size, seems to be likely.
  > So: Nessie, as an eel of extreme size, does exist!
  >
  > It was the deviser expressing the wish to come up with an existing formation, but then with corners (similar to the 3C ('chaperoned') chain progression in the dance Forty and Counting), and the snake pass figure turned out to be one.
  > For this dance, it was initially called 'Nessie pass'.
  >
  > Links between snakes and eels aren't very strong, there is some relatedness though: the Latin word for eel, which is *anguilla*, is the diminutive form of the Latin word for snake, which is *anguis*.
  >
  > After the 16-bar snake pass figure with corners the last eight bars, i.e. rights and lefts on the diagonal, presented themselves 'almost automatically'.


created: 2025-05-22 06:06:12.233611+00
last_modified: 2025-05-22 06:24:56.053477+00
name: Portrait Of The Artist, A
ucname: PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/880
notes:
  >Dedicated to my wife Aline Homes, and presented to her on the occasion of her birthday
  celebration 17 October 2004.  

  >Iain Boyd has suggested that second man, in top place, and third woman, in second place, should
  finish the reel by pulling back left shoulder. I respond that if they so wish, and can do so
  comfortably and gracefully, they may do so, but it is not a required part of the dance.


created: 2025-04-24 08:18:56.59833+00
last_modified: 2025-05-22 13:34:27.42697+00
name: Love in His Eyes
ucname: LOVE IN HIS EYES
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/800
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  This dance devised in the first week of April 2025 after using this very pretty Strathspey, track Red Roses by Jim Lindsay’s band from the CD Formation Foundations, dancing another formation to go onto the Lower Hutt Clubs teaching videos on the club website.  
  <<https://youtu.be/ht5KXxqcACc>>  

  At the same time, I was looking at old photos in our albums and found one of Damon on the floor playing with our Grandson Liam.  Liam was about 6 months old, and the look in Damon’s eyes was of a dotting Granda.  Hence the name of the dance,  Love in His Eyes.


created: 2011-07-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-22 16:37:38.611258+00
name: Sunshine Sally
ucname: SUNSHINE SALLY
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8888 8088
devised: 2007-03-01
notes:
  Devised March 2007, to honour long-time dancer and Branch stalwart, Sally Freedman. The title was chosen as Sally has a collection of 'Suns' in her house. Moreover Sally always has warm welcome for new people and new ideas.


created: 2021-04-16 15:42:45.554077+00
last_modified: 2025-05-29 22:11:44.819427+00
name: Cramond Island
ucname: CRAMOND ISLAND
intensity_bars: 8888/8000/8888/8888
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  The dance, Cramond Island, was written by Andrew Cook to celebrate the very first visit by the Méaudre Reel to Scotland in 2011.  

  A group of dancers from Edinburgh (including Andrew Cook) met the "Scottish" dancers from a tiny little village in the French Alps in May 2009: the Méaudre Reel. They were so amazed to see French children enthusiastic about SCD that they invited all of them  in Scotland. After raising funds, the Méaudre Reel's first tour to Scotland took place in 2011.  

  Cramond is a district in the north west of Edinburgh but was once a separate, ancient village dating back to Roman times. Cramond Island is approximately 8 hectares and lies 1.5km off the foreshore. Being a tidal island it can be reached at low tide by a causeway – so we all walked out and had a picnic on the Island, after having fun with a treasure hunt through Cramond Village.  

  Symbolism:  

  Bars 1-8: *Shape of the island.*  
  Bars 9-16: *Represents the water weaving round the concrete pillars of the causeway.*  
  Bars 17-24: *This is the Forth Bridge that you can see clearly from Cramond Island.*  
  Bars 25-32: *Waves in the Firth of Forth.*


created: 2019-02-20 23:26:06.248646+00
last_modified: 2025-05-29 22:13:14.564483+00
name: Méaudre Reel, The
ucname: MEAUDRE REEL
intensity_bars: 822/888/800/844/888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  The dance and music were devised and composed for Sophie Marchand (Méaudre Reel- France) and presented to her on 2 May 2015 by Roddy Johnston, Seonaid Lynn, David Foreman and Diana Sarran as a token of gratitude for her warm welcome and in recognition of all she has done for Scottish Country Dancing in Méaudre, a tiny little village in the French Alps at 1 000 meters high.


created: 2021-04-16 16:53:51.35057+00
last_modified: 2025-05-29 22:20:16.464571+00
name: Jig with Alexandra, A
ucname: JIG WITH ALEXANDRA
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Alexandra, a Méaudre Reel (France) dancer started dancing SCD in 2016 when she was 6.  

  After 5 years of dancing, she offered to her school mistress, Sophie Marchand, an easy dance for the Méaudre Reel « little ones ». The beginners' class could dance Alexandra's dance once and it was planned to be danced officially for the Méaudre Reel end of the year show in May 2020, but the Covid decided otherwise !


created: 2021-04-19 10:40:14.942079+00
last_modified: 2025-05-29 22:21:03.425243+00
name: Joie de Rire
ucname: JOIE DE RIRE
intensity_bars: 844/880/808/884/880
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  As no dancing was allowed in France because of the pandemic, the Méaudre Reel (France) decided to organise a weekly SCD creation workshop to keep its teenagers active. This workshop lasted for 3 months, from February to April 2021.  
  The teenagers were impressive with their creations, so eager to be dancing again. We thus decided to gather all the Méaudre Reel dances and have a book printed: Dancing in Vercors Book1.  
  Joie de Rire was created by one of the teenagers' teams during the weekly SCD creation workshop. They loved the title Joie de Vivre and as it was great fun creating this new dance, they called it Joie de Rire.


created: 2025-05-29 08:16:43.465438+00
last_modified: 2025-05-30 07:41:52.975314+00
name: Kota Radja Strathspey, The
ucname: KOTA RADJA STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8484/4848/8008
devised: 2025-05-24
notes:
  "Devised on 24th May 2025, for Jan and Wil Werner on their 60th wedding anniversary, 1st June 2025. Kota Radja (Kuta Raja) was the name of the Chinese restaurant in The Hague, The Netherlands, where they met for the first time."


created: 1997-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-31 09:05:19.536266+00
name: Yvonne's Get Well Card
ucname: YVONNES GET WELL CARD
intensity_bars: 808/800/844/822
notes:
  Devised by John Homes for Yvonne Tippett.  

  Published source: “New Zealand Scottish Country Dancer”, 1986, page 14 (the annual magazine of the New Zealand Branch of the RSCDS).


created: 2006-06-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-31 11:51:35.83251+00
name: Don't Forget Your Ghillies
ucname: DONT FORGET YOUR GHILLIES
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Patty Lindsay in honor of Lisa Garrett-O’Lear for her farewell dance on June 10, 2006. Lisa was the founding teacher of the Flying Ghillies Scottish Country Dancers in Dayton, Ohio. We will miss her greatly, and just want to say to her “Don’t Forget Your Ghillies”.


created: 2002-04-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-06-01 13:13:44.553929+00
name: Standpretty
ucname: STANDPRETTY
notes:
  "Dedicated to my wife Jessie. Standpretty is a small hamlet south of Edinburgh where her mother was born. During their youth Jessie and her brothers were often told tales of things that happened 'when we lived in Standpretty'. It is also the name of our house."


created: 2020-04-19 20:00:18.808207+00
last_modified: 2025-06-03 17:03:02.658637+00
name: Leiden Nuptials
ucname: LEIDEN NUPTIALS
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/44
devised: 2019-10-01
notes:
  This dance was devised to celebrate the wedding of Arthur Govan and Marc Weide, which took place in October 2019 in Leiden, The Netherlands, where the couple lives. The formations used are intended to reflect the events of the day:

  The Knot represents the wedding itself. The crossing up and down is to depict Arthur and Marc walking round the church after the ceremony to greet family and friends. The Promenade is the procession, led by pipes and drums, from the church, through the town centre to the reception venue. The last eight bars reflect the dancing and celebrations at the evening reception.


created: 2025-06-01 16:52:29.258128+00
last_modified: 2025-06-01 17:07:35.534301+00
name: Opera et Labora
ucname: OPERA ET LABORA
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/844/888
devised: 2025-02-01
notes:
  For Simona Grazioli on completing her PhD thesis. This dance has some similarities with the jig <<ddd:From the Main to the Seine#22149>> which was devised for Simona's twin sister Laura when she completed her PhD. The title of the dance is from Simona's thesis and refers to her love of Italian opera and the many hours spent working in the lab. Here 1st couple repeat their pattern to confirm experimental reproducibility.


created: 2025-06-02 09:51:26.967973+00
last_modified: 2025-06-02 10:10:02.007672+00
name: Mael, Just Begun
ucname: MAEL JUST BEGUN
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  For the deviser's 1 year old grandson Mael. The title is a reference to the first line of AA Milne's poem Now We Are Six.


created: 2025-06-01 23:59:08.829572+00
last_modified: 2025-06-03 07:58:26.397675+00
name: Peaches and Gold
ucname: PEACHES AND GOLD
intensity_bars: 888/844/888/888
devised: 2025-05-01
notes:
  We have a volunteer peach tree in the back yard that was covered with blossoms this spring and now has loads of tiny peaches on it. Just before I wrote this dance I noticed a pair of goldfinches in the tree that glowed a bright yellow-gold in the sunlight.


created: 2025-02-04 21:58:56.534742+00
last_modified: 2025-06-03 21:07:06.630893+00
name: Waggle Dance, The
ucname: WAGGLE DANCE
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8880/8060
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain the title:  
  > Many species of bees perform intricate routines, called waggle dances,
  to show the location of a new pollen source to their sister workers. These
  choreographies involve many figures which will be familiar to the Scottish
  Dancer, including figures of eights and circles. I was therefore inspired to
  write a Country version of the waggle dance for the anniversary booklet.


