# dance

created: 2015-01-20 12:56:46.802293+00
last_modified: 2015-01-20 12:56:46.802293+00
name: Atholl Gathering
ucname: ATHOLL GATHERING
devised: 2007-12-01
notes:
  Music: Any good reel such as "Water of Dryfe" as played by Colin Dewar on his
            "Special Requests Vol4"  CD - SRCD004, track 12.


  Can also be danced in any longer set with an odd number of couples (eg 7 or 9)


created: 2005-04-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-15 11:58:47.904022+00
name: Emerald Isle, The
ucname: EMERALD ISLE
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  " AN DANNSA N'EI'REANN"

  Inscribed to JUNE & BRIAN McFADDEN from Ulster

  Music - Bobby Brown  "Miss Irene Fiddler"


created: 2015-01-21 09:45:09.182439+00
last_modified: 2015-01-21 09:45:09.182439+00
name: Margaret's Wish
ucname: MARGARETS WISH
devised: 2012-04-01
notes:
  Suggested tunes as used for the dance Kurazukuri (Cherry Blossom Time CD by Gordon Shand & his Band)

  George Carmichael's Strathspey - A Cameron
  Claymore Strathspey - A Cameron
  Nancy Barrowman's Fancy - M Phillip


created: 2015-01-21 10:27:05.972987+00
last_modified: 2015-01-21 10:27:05.972987+00
name: Square Bashing
ucname: SQUARE BASHING
devised: 2007-03-21
notes:
  Suitable Music: Lord McDonald's Quadrille
  Recording: Dances with a Difference 1 - Muriel Johnstone  SICD02


created: 2015-01-21 13:43:08.718356+00
last_modified: 2015-01-21 13:43:08.718356+00
name: Honey House, The
ucname: HONEY HOUSE
devised: 2010-08-10
notes:
  Suitable Music:  Selection of Reels/Marches
  Recording: Celtic Fire in the Music - Bobby Brown BRG024-CD (Tr10 CD#2)


created: 2015-01-21 14:20:47.845227+00
last_modified: 2015-01-21 14:20:47.845227+00
name: Guard of Honour
ucname: GUARD OF HONOUR
devised: 2010-11-11
notes:
  Suitable Music: The George Washington Bridge Strathspey
  Recording: Celtic Fire in the Music - Bobby Brown BRG024-CD  (Tr6 CD#2)


created: 2015-01-29 11:04:33.189732+00
last_modified: 2015-01-29 11:14:38.037584+00
name: TEACHER'S CHOICE: to be selected later
ucname: TEACHERS CHOICE TO BE SELECTED LATER
notes:
  This is not a real dance, but a "stub" that can be used in making dance lists, to reserve a place where the teacher will later put a dance of his/her choice.


created: 2015-01-22 12:45:26.051891+00
last_modified: 2021-02-13 10:33:10.318264+00
name: Cyprus Delight
ucname: CYPRUS DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 864/888/802/888
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  For all the dancers who enjoyed a holiday in Cyprus at the Atlantica Bay Hotel in January 2007 organised by JAG. Instead of Turkish Delight we had to buy Cyprus Delight which came in a great range of flavours.  

  Suggested Music: Little Leigh recorded by George Meikle and the Lothian Band on CD Reel Friends 3


created: 2015-01-29 14:10:11.021882+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:33.230158+00
name: Bubbly Jock
ucname: BUBBLY JOCK
devised: 2009-07-31
notes:
  Suggested music:
  "Miss C.M. Barbour" on "In Strict Tempo" by Sandy Nixon and his Scottish Dance Band


created: 2002-04-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-01-30 22:04:37.712749+00
name: Coat's Ceilidh Calypso
ucname: COATS CEILIDH CALYPSO
intensity_bars: 888/808/888/888
devised: 1997-03-01
notes:
  For Alex Coats of Kenora, who sang a calypso devised in March 1997 at the ceilidh in Winnipeg. 
  Many of the dancers at the weekend school received amusing mention in the calypso.

  Drewry added these NOTES: 

  1. This dance should not be taken too seriously.

  2. I nearly gave the dance the alternative title "Coates Crescent" but feared that such a name for a light-hearted dance might upset too many people in high places.


created: 2015-01-22 12:24:40.529751+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 17:31:26.640351+00
name: Weekend in Ostend, A
ucname: WEEKEND IN OSTEND
devised: 2005-10-01
notes:
  Suggested Music: Miss Murray of Lintrose recorded by Frank Thomson and his SCD Band for RSCDS Book 27.


created: 2015-01-22 12:39:28.427635+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 17:29:09.320054+00
name: Christine's Wish
ucname: CHRISTINES WISH
devised: 2006-11-01
notes:
  Suggested Music: Montparnasse recorded by George Meikle and the Lothian Band on the CD Reel Friends 3.

  The notes say this is "Dedicated to the RSCDS Sutton Coldfield Treasurer Christine Edgington, a very kind lady, who died suddenly in October 2006."


created: 2015-01-22 12:16:32.537043+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 17:35:10.691763+00
name: Shin Kai Tei
ucname: SHIN KAI TEI
devised: 2005-10-01
notes:
  Suggested music Furth O Clyde recorded by George Meikle and the Lothian Band on the CD for thr Birmingham Diamond Jubilee Dance Book


created: 2015-01-21 13:11:34.207505+00
last_modified: 2026-02-11 23:42:30.277785+00
name: Feijoa and Ginger Jam
ucname: FEIJOA AND GINGER JAM
devised: 2006-03-29
notes:
  Suitable Music:  The Hyperactive Reel
  Recording: RSCDS - Music for A Second Book of Graded SC Dances CD69 (Track11 on CD#2).

  The instructions describe this as "A sweet little dance with a touch of spice."


created: 2015-01-29 12:52:09.862387+00
last_modified: 2025-10-16 13:23:53.928801+00
name: Morning Rose, The
ucname: MORNING ROSE
devised: 2009-06-07
notes:
  Suggested music: "Campsie Glen" on CD From Scotia's Shores We're Noo Awa' by Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent


created: 2015-01-29 14:03:45.696451+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:37.389004+00
name: Rose Brier, The
ucname: ROSE BRIER
devised: 2009-07-10
notes:
  Suggested music:
  "Riggs of Corn" on CD "From Scotia's Shores We're Noo Awa' " by Bobby Brown and The Scottish Accent


created: 2015-01-29 13:34:16.479332+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:37.472472+00
name: Sagittarius Sign, The
ucname: SAGITTARIUS SIGN
devised: 2009-06-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  For All the Ladies on Repeat Prescription by Sandy Nixon and his Band
  or
  Peggy's Strathspey on RSCDS Millenium Dances by David Cunningham and his Band


created: 2015-01-29 11:30:01.195259+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:38.182122+00
name: Tutor, The
ucname: TUTOR
devised: 2009-06-16
notes:
  Suggested Music: From Scotia's Shores We're Noo Awa' on Album  From Scotia's Shores We're Noo Awa' by Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent


created: 2015-01-29 12:43:37.116485+00
last_modified: 2015-06-06 17:23:35.871852+00
name: Glasgow Connection, The
ucname: GLASGOW CONNECTION
devised: 2009-06-26
notes:
  Suggested music: 
  "Glasgow Assembly" on CD From Scotia's Shores We're Noo Awa' by Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent 


created: 2002-04-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-22 22:21:18.278031+00
name: Pete and Marilynn's Welcome Home
ucname: PETE AND MARILYNNS WELCOME HOME
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
notes:
  This dance was written for Pete and Marilynn Gruber on their return from an extended trip to Australia and New Zealand.


created: 2002-10-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-02-02 00:44:14.84126+00
name: Dodgems and Waltzers
ucname: DODGEMS AND WALTZERS
intensity_bars: 808/888/822/848
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for T Ticia Clark after she made me go on the waltzers after the dodgems at the Lammas Fair in St Andrews in 1993.


created: 2000-05-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-07 14:18:25.489561+00
name: Alltshellach
ucname: ALLTSHELLACH
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
notes:
  ##>>
  *The Dictionary of Scottish Place Names and the elements that go to make them up* gives:  
  Allt (also ‘uillt’): a stream; burn or brook  
  -shellach (as a suffix): anglicised form of ‘seilach’, a willow tree

  No example has been found in any gazetteer of a stream or burn of this name. The only well-known use of the name other than the dance is Alltshellach House in Onich, near Fort William. This was built in the 1850s as the residence of the Episcopal Bishop of Argyll and the Isles and is now a well-known hotel.
  ##<<


created: 2015-02-01 14:18:50.162578+00
last_modified: 2021-08-10 16:59:23.95529+00
name: Sir Barry Pipes
ucname: SIR BARRY PIPES
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2006-05-17
notes:
  Barry Pipes wrote a series of articles for the Toronto RSCDS branch newsletter "Set and Link" under the title "What's in a Name?". These have now been collected into a PDF booklet which is available at <<https://www.dancescottish.ca/books_files/What%27s%20In%20A%20Name%20canon.pdf>>.


created: 2015-02-01 21:25:37.60192+00
last_modified: 2015-09-05 21:18:58.466069+00
name: Macnab's Fancy
ucname: MACNABS FANCY
intensity_bars: 888/840/880/800
notes:
  Devised in appreciation of the warm welcome given to Toronto dancers who visit the “White Cockade Social Group” Hamilton  Ontario  held at MacNab Presbyterian Church.


created: 2015-02-06 14:25:49.326323+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:35.159999+00
name: Highland Road, The
ucname: HIGHLAND ROAD
devised: 2010-07-31
notes:
  Devised for Rochelle Altholz of Richmond, Virginia on July 31, 20l0for her monumental
  birthday, the tour of Scotland and its celebration at the RSCDS 2010 Summer School in St. Andrews.
  Rochelle loved dancing so much that she brought her daughter, Zoe, to class a few months after
  starting and they have never looked back.


created: 2015-02-06 17:25:09.454887+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:38.165417+00
name: Turn S Reel, The
ucname: TURN S REEL
devised: 2012-10-08
notes:
  Devised for Ellen Ternes of the Maryland/Pennsylvania area for her birthday on October 8,
  2012. With lots of energy and zeal for dancing, with just a hint of flirting, the dance represents
  "M-hat she brings to the dance floor. Happy Birthday!


created: 2015-02-06 09:39:51.943864+00
last_modified: 2015-02-06 09:39:51.943864+00
name: Dish Ran Away with the Spoon
ucname: DISH RAN AWAY WITH THE SPOON
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  Leaflet	1998

  This is a stub entry.  Information source: A catalogue of Drewry dances supplied by Jean Martin, feb. 2015


created: 2015-02-06 09:43:34.146834+00
last_modified: 2015-02-06 09:43:46.455926+00
name: Dix-On Dix-Off
ucname: DIXON DIXOFF
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Leaflet	2003

  This is a stub entry.  Information source: A catalogue of Drewry dances supplied by Jean Martin, feb. 2015


created: 2006-10-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-04-12 21:28:10.954597+00
name: Cary Cemeteries, The
ucname: CARY CEMETERIES
devised: 2006-02-01
notes:
  for Barbara Youngman, who baked delicious fly cemeteries (currant slices) from her grandmother’s recipe to serve at the Afters-Party for the Cary Valentine’s Dance in 2006


created: 2018-04-18 21:15:11.289511+00
last_modified: 2020-09-22 15:36:41.686959+00
name: New Dutchess, The
ucname: NEW DUTCHESS
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8448/8888
devised: 2017-12-16
notes:
  For Margaret Lambourne on the occasion of her 70th birthday on 16th December 2017.  The name of the dance was inspired by her obtaining her Dutch citizenship earlier in the year.

  The pattern of the dance reflects the differences between the UK and continental Europe, and can be interpreted in several ways: moving from one side of the Channel to the other; driving on the right or the left side of the road; switching between the native language and the language of the new country, etc.


created: 2015-02-06 09:53:04.804407+00
last_modified: 2015-02-06 09:53:04.804407+00
name: Roy's Reel
ucname: ROYS REEL
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Leaflet	2007

  This is a stub entry.  Information source: A catalogue of Drewry dances supplied by Jean Martin, feb. 2015


created: 2015-02-06 16:53:32.847398+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:32:22.287958+00
name: Spring Equinox
ucname: SPRING EQUINOX
devised: 2010-03-21
notes:
  Devised/or Melissa Ramsey Drumeller, formerly of Richmond, Virginia in March 2010 to celebrate her 30th birthday, which happens to be on March 21, the first full day a/Spring


created: 2015-02-06 13:39:57.488478+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:06:11.113996+00
name: Come and Follow Me
ucname: COME AND FOLLOW ME
devised: 2004-06-01
notes:
  Devised for Pat Pennington of Little Rock, Arkansas in June, 2004 by Sandy Gallamore. Pat has exuberance and joy for dancing that cannot be compared. During the candidate class at Thistle School 2003, Pat was always in the background making sure that everything went along, as if she was dancing along in the shadows. This is a subtle appreciation for a woman who doesn't like the spotlight, but enjoys the dance.


created: 2015-02-06 16:44:35.990442+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:30:50.451337+00
name: Shepherdess, The
ucname: SHEPHERDESS
devised: 2009-02-18
notes:
  Devised for Laurel Hayward of Richmond, Virginia in honour of a significant birthday on
  February 18, 2009. Laurel has a passion for all types of dancing and shares her joy on the dance
  floor. Recently, her new found joy is her German Shepherd, Ozzy, whom she loves to take around
  town and show off. Thus, she is the Shep


created: 2015-02-06 16:32:33.07748+00
last_modified: 2017-02-09 17:03:53.374917+00
name: Rose of Greenock, The
ucname: ROSE OF GREENOCK
devised: 2004-08-01
notes:
  Devised for Rose Snow, originally of Greenock, Scotland and now living in Jackson, MS in
  August, 2004. I knew of Rose's name for years on the Atlanta branch membership list, but didn't
  meet until candidate class at Thistle in 2003. And to think of all the years missed knowing a fun
  dancer!


created: 2015-02-06 16:23:31.85147+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:34:30.431657+00
name: Renaissance Woman, The
ucname: RENAISSANCE WOMAN
devised: 2007-10-01
notes:
  Devised for Trish Nunley of Richmond, Virginia in October, 2007. Trish started Scottish
  country dancing in 2000 but loves all genres, from German to Flamenco. The title describes her
  diverse interests in life and the dance expresses her passion for dance, dancing with others, and the
  Poussette.


created: 2015-02-06 17:34:00.125651+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:37:31.40344+00
name: Two Fiddle Jig, The
ucname: TWO FIDDLE JIG
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Devised for Debbie Morris and Nora Garver in January, 2007. Debbie and Nora live in the
  Winston-Salem area and are avid fiddlers. When the two are together, they make lovely music,
  either behind the music stands or on the dance floor. They are a delight to have in the Southeast!


created: 2015-02-06 13:17:36.593912+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:59:06.141204+00
name: Amaidi Bheag
ucname: AMAIDI BHEAG
devised: 2006-09-01
notes:
  Devised for An Phillips o/Greensboro, North Carolina in September, 2006. An is a true Gaelic enthusiast and an avid dancer. The title translates to "sweet nothings" which describes her playful dancing!


created: 2015-02-06 13:25:59.301247+00
last_modified: 2016-09-23 20:14:20.139681+00
name: Black Mountain Delight
ucname: BLACK MOUNTAIN DELIGHT
devised: 2000-08-01
notes:
  Devised for Peter and Laurie Knight in August, 2000 for their engagement. They met in Black Mountain, North Carolina and it was love at first sight. Last reported, happiness still continues!


created: 2015-02-11 13:31:55.945206+00
last_modified: 2018-08-07 08:32:07.558444+00
name: Romantic Ruin, The
ucname: ROMANTIC RUIN
intensity_bars: 8448/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  The romantic ruin is the old bridge which used to lead into Warwick Castle but when a new road and bridge were built further up the river it fell into disrepair hence the name.


created: 2015-02-11 13:22:55.719641+00
last_modified: 2018-08-07 18:57:32.07823+00
name: Moonbeams Kiss the Sea
ucname: MOONBEAMS KISS THE SEA
notes:
  The dance was inspired by a quote from a poem by Shelley. “And sunlight clasps the earth and moonbeams kiss the sea, what are all these kisses if thou kissed not me”


created: 2011-07-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:37.796162+00
name: Central Park
ucname: CENTRAL PARK
intensity_bars: 840 822 888 888
devised: 2008-12-01
notes:
  Devised in December 2008. 

  The figure on bars 9 to 16 first appeared – as far as I know – in The Peat Fire Flame in The Bon Accord Book, by John Drewry (1968). It can be quite a flirty figure, so I sometimes call it ―set and flirt‖. The whole dance is quite flirty, actually, as 1st couple can maintain eye contact almost throughout. Central Park seemed a fitting name for such a dance - one often sees young couples in Central Park having wedding photos taken.

  Music
  Any good jig. A suitable recording is 'Jean‘s Jig', on the Silver Thistle Collection, David Cunningham and his Scottish Dance Band, track 1.


created: 2015-02-14 00:35:50.356502+00
last_modified: 2015-10-30 16:26:34.645187+00
name: Dandelion Picker, The
ucname: DANDELION PICKER
notes:
  Entry derived from Minicrib 25-02.

  At a dance in Perth on 2012-10-23 Ian stated it was written for Evelyn Wake.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:26:09.258575+00
name: Faradh nam Fidhlearan
ucname: FARADH NAM FIDHLEARAN
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8008/8888
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Wouter Joubert, Pretoria. Finalised in 2007.  

  The dance was devised in honour of Keith Smith, Fiddler extraordinaire.  

  The Gaelic title is translated in the tune title and is pronounced: far-aghh nam fee-lar-an.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:44.527575+00
name: Enchanted Castle, The
ucname: ENCHANTED CASTLE
devised: 1974-03-17
notes:
  Devised on Saturday 17th March, 1974. The title was suggested by a book of Irish fairy tales Noeline had been given for her previous birthday.

  Suitable recorded music is Peter White's "The Garple Burn".

  Recommended tune "R. D. Hunter 's Reel" composed by Peter White.


created: 2015-02-09 17:50:03.338921+00
last_modified: 2015-02-15 12:16:18.627545+00
name: Standing Stones, The
ucname: STANDING STONES
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Stonehenge Aotearoa east of Carterton is a brillant open-sky observatory, built on the same scale as Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain, but more detailed as it combines modern science with ancient knowledge.

  Suggested music: "The Standing Stones" by Chris Duncan
                            Recorded by Jim McLeod and his Band - Gay Gordons, 3rd tune.


created: 2011-07-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-02-14 02:14:41.490733+00
name: Piping with the Highlanders
ucname: PIPING WITH THE HIGHLANDERS
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Devised: 2003-01
  Published in The Leeds Branch Newsletter, Issue 31, August 2003 (http://www.rscdsleeds.org.uk/newsletters.htm).  

  The introduction reads: Graeme Baranyai has piped for the Knaresborough Class since its inception.  On the 10th July he played solo for The Tewit Band's performance of "Highland Cathedral" in a national competition at The Festival Hall, where they came 2nd in their class.   We devised this for him as an eighteenth birthday present at the beginning of the year.   Ann Baranyai & Malcolm Fros

  There is a Note: Bars 9-16 require considerable flight. In particular, the 1st lady should be starting to cross up between the 2nd couple at the end of bar 12 so that she does not impede her partner who has to be in 2nd place, in the middle of the set on bar 16, with sufficient time to adjust his balance to start the poussette


created: 2015-02-14 13:51:01.179917+00
last_modified: 2018-03-05 19:53:47.817051+00
name: S-Cool Master
ucname: SCOOL MASTER
notes:
  For Kazuo Murata, who was schoolmaster for many years.

  Mr Murata was the schoolmaster of a public high school in Chiba prefecture. He often invited dancers to his school and showed Scottish Country Dances to his students.

  S-Cool rhymes with school. "S" in the title of this dance means "slip", because he often slips in a
  very cool way while dancing.


created: 2015-02-14 03:34:46.864015+00
last_modified: 2019-02-26 00:01:03.411652+00
name: Four Cities
ucname: FOUR CITIES
intensity_bars: 8000/8880/8660/8880/8000/8044/8444/8888
devised: 2014-07-01
notes:
  This dance is 4 times 64 bars, but the repeats are not identical: for bars 9-16 and 41-48, each of the dancing couples has its own two formations.  

  Specified: 4 very different Tunes.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-02-14 14:18:49.655768+00
name: Reverend John MacFarlane, The
ucname: REVEREND JOHN MACFARLANE
intensity_bars: 8880 8004 8008 8888
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  This dance commemorates the 150th anniversary of the founding in Wellington of New Zealand's first Scots Church, later known as St. Andrews.


created: 2014-10-19 16:27:13.34996+00
last_modified: 2024-10-06 12:49:05.896278+00
name: Morrisons' Fancy
ucname: MORRISONS FANCY
notes:
  The dance was inspired by dancing in the home of John and Jenita Morrison whose lounge room has a wooden floor and a large bow window the width of the room.  Hence the square set which will sit well within the bowed end of the room.

  The instructions suggest using the first 88 bars of <<ddrec: City of Angels#5318>> which is actually 4x48.


created: 2002-12-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-02-15 08:31:47.731499+00
name: It's Not Rocket Science
ucname: ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE
intensity_bars: 880/880/808/888
notes:
  This dance was written for the Scottish dancers of Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges. It
  takes its name from the phrase made (in)famous by Carleta McCain, the teacher of that class.


created: 2015-02-15 08:46:57.120491+00
last_modified: 2015-02-15 08:53:23.466403+00
name: Friends Awa'
ucname: FRIENDS AWA
devised: 2009-07-01
notes:
  Dance devised by Brian Charlton, July 2009, for Anne Welsh on her return to Canada after twelve months in Sydney visiting her daughter and family. Caringbah Club members were delighted to have her dance with them on Friday evening


created: 2015-02-21 18:16:54.500818+00
last_modified: 2015-02-21 18:16:54.500818+00
name: New Galloway Reel
ucname: NEW GALLOWAY REEL
notes:
  Devised by Tony Lambert and dedicated to his mother, Elsie Lambert, who loved the Galloway district of Scotland.

  Suitable recorded music:
  "Burns Hornpipe" by Muriel Johnstone and Keith Smith on Delaware Valley - Live from the Spring Ball 2003, Track 7.


created: 2015-02-26 14:42:38.976664+00
last_modified: 2015-02-26 14:42:38.976664+00
name: Walkers of Avonlea, The
ucname: WALKERS OF AVONLEA
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised by Heather Knox in 2003, to celebrate the joint 60th Birthdays of Jim and Elspeth Walker. Sadly, Jim died shortly before his birthday and Elspeth now wishes that his dance be published in his memory and as tribute to Jim.


created: 2015-02-27 12:42:56.319799+00
last_modified: 2015-02-27 12:42:56.319799+00
name: Sundays at Gattonside
ucname: SUNDAYS AT GATTONSIDE
devised: 2002-03-01
notes:
  Devised by Preliminary Teacher's Certificate Class 2002 to celebrate their class held in Gattonside Village Hall October 2001 - March 2002.


created: 2015-02-17 14:45:20.414355+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:36.453904+00
name: More than a Spring Fling
ucname: MORE THAN A SPRING FLING
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  DEVISED:2010

  Authors' dedication: “For Zsuzsa and Zsolt on the occasion of their wedding in Budapest, 3 April 2010. They met at a Spring Fling in Glasgow, which turned out to be more than just that!”


created: 2015-02-20 16:44:32.917015+00
last_modified: 2015-02-20 16:44:32.917015+00
name: Bonnie Annetta Morrison
ucname: BONNIE ANNETTA MORRISON
notes:
  Devised by Mary Rose Young for the wedding celebration of Annetta Morrison and Blake Golder.

  Music used - Bonnie Anne


created: 2015-02-20 16:56:44.784047+00
last_modified: 2015-02-20 16:56:44.784047+00
name: Cutting the Diamond
ucname: CUTTING THE DIAMOND
notes:
  Devised by Mary Rose Young to reinforce petronella movement for inexperienced dancers.
  Music used - Jimmy Shand Junior and Band

  A set of reels  Allistair of the Den, Highland Donald, The Hopeful Lover


created: 2015-02-20 17:06:47.967867+00
last_modified: 2015-02-20 17:06:47.967867+00
name: February Frolic
ucname: FEBRUARY FROLIC
notes:
  Devised by Mary Rose Young for a group of aviation students, only one of whom had done S.C.D. before.

  Music used: The Macadians Band   Anne Fraser McKenzie, My Own Lass, Leaving Port Askaig


created: 2015-02-21 14:55:28.745832+00
last_modified: 2015-02-21 14:55:28.745832+00
name: Shona's Fancy
ucname: SHONAS FANCY
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Bobby Frew - HISCD, Smashing Set of Reels

  NOTE
  This dance can be danced in four couple set. 
  On bars 25-32 fourth couple follow third couple.


created: 2015-02-21 15:25:11.557435+00
last_modified: 2015-02-21 15:25:11.557435+00
name: Ardbrae Friendships
ucname: ARDBRAE FRIENDSHIPS
notes:
  Devised by Gary MacLean and dedicated to the many friendships which have developed over 50 years of the Ardbrae Dancers of Ottawa. The enjoyment of Scottish Country Dancing has and will continue to bring together many of us who otherwise may never have met.

  Suitable recorded music:
  "Mr. Yasumuro's Strathspey" by Bill Clement on "Dance to the Piper", Track 4


created: 2015-02-20 17:43:02.561354+00
last_modified: 2015-02-20 17:43:02.561354+00
name: River Tay Strathspey, The
ucname: RIVER TAY STRATHSPEY
devised: 2010-11-01
notes:
  Suggested music: Anita's Dance by George Meikle and the Lothian Dance Band from The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (Birmingham) Diamond Jubilee Dance Book 1946-2006, or any good 5x32 Strathspey.

  The River Tay (Gaelic name Tatha), a famous Salmon River, flows down from the Highlands through Strathtay in the centre of Scotland and on through Perth in the Firth of Tay, south of Dundee. It is the longest river in Scotland with five different names. It begins as the River Connonish, then becomes the River Fillan, then the River Dochart, after which it flows into Loch Tay, then emerges from Loch Tay to become the River Tay.

  The five couples reflect the five different names of the river. The Rondels signify the river flowing under the many bridges. The six hands round and back symbolizes Loch Tay, and the mirror wending suggest the very long heanderring river as it flows from the Highlands southward to its final destination.

  The dance was inspired by a picture in one of Duncan MacKenzie's newsletters.


created: 2015-02-20 17:58:14.363418+00
last_modified: 2015-02-20 17:58:14.363418+00
name: Lass frae Baie D'Urfé, The
ucname: LASS FRAE BAIE DURFE
devised: 2003-02-01
notes:
  Devised by Doug Kean in honour of Barbara Morrison reaching a significant birthday.

  Suggested lead tune: Fete Champetre (The Teddy Bears Picnic)


created: 2015-02-20 18:08:06.972154+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:34.50001+00
name: Fiddler's Wife, The
ucname: FIDDLERS WIFE
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  The Minister kissed the fiddler's wife, An' could na preach for thinkin' o't.
  Robert Burns - My Love she's but a Lassie yet


created: 2015-02-21 17:14:42.684544+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:35.660666+00
name: Keep It Going
ucname: KEEP IT GOING
notes:
  Suitable recorded music:
  "Lassies of Dunse" by Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent on Ready...And!, Track 6


created: 2002-01-06 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-02-21 00:32:57.12309+00
name: Drumelzier
ucname: DRUMELZIER
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 4444 8888
notes:
  Drumelzier (pronounced Drum-ell-yer) is a small village in Peeblesshire and the reputed burial
  place of Merlin the Wiz.ard of Arthurian Legend.

  Confusion seems to arise over the correct spelling of the name of the village as some signposts
  show Drummelzier but here the more common version has been used.


created: 2015-02-21 13:38:45.904005+00
last_modified: 2015-02-21 13:38:45.904005+00
name: Windsor Chase, The
ucname: WINDSOR CHASE
devised: 2010-10-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent - Celtic Fire in the Music (disc 1), #10 - Selection of Jigs


created: 2015-02-21 13:31:46.874968+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:38.616089+00
name: Windsor Ladies, The
ucname: WINDSOR LADIES
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent - Celtic Fire in the Music (disc 2), #11 - Set of Jigs


created: 2015-02-21 14:22:02.130115+00
last_modified: 2015-02-21 14:22:02.130115+00
name: Windsor Knot, The
ucname: WINDSOR KNOT
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent - Any Good Dance Any Good Tuns, #3 - Selection of Reels


created: 2001-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-17 22:27:15.751972+00
name: Singing Sands, The
ucname: SINGING SANDS
intensity_bars: 880 844 844 888
notes:
  The Pilling diagram in the 8th edition is in error, see the supplement to the 8th edition for the correct one.

  For Diana and Bill Dagnall on their leaving Sutton Coldfield.

  The dry white sands on the north-west side of the Isle of Eigg are said to produce a musical sound when walked upon.


created: 2014-05-09 22:37:11.492646+00
last_modified: 2021-08-10 18:53:11.641624+00
name: Father to Son
ucname: FATHER TO SON
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to the memory of the great Bobby Brown and “The Scottish Accent” band and to his son Laird Brown who continues the wonderful music for us, with his band “Scotch Mist”.


created: 2015-02-21 16:54:14.068564+00
last_modified: 2015-02-21 16:54:14.068564+00
name: Confederation Square
ucname: CONFEDERATION SQUARE
devised: 1988-11-01
notes:
  This dance may be danced by eight men to symbolize the fathers of confederation. Read left-hand man for man and right-hand man for woman.

  Suitable recorded music:
  "Oh, My America" by Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent on Grandfather Mountain Gala, Track1.


created: 2015-02-21 17:40:40.430891+00
last_modified: 2015-02-21 17:40:40.430891+00
name: Lady Spencer's Wedding
ucname: LADY SPENCERS WEDDING
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Elaine Hoag and Michael Hoffman in 2001 to celebrate the marriage of Ardbrae members, Miachael Hoffman and Rosalind Spencer, and presented by Michael to Rosalind.


created: 2015-02-21 13:48:19.10365+00
last_modified: 2016-04-18 23:20:05.010233+00
name: Winnie's Home
ucname: WINNIES HOME
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent - Any Good Dance Any Good Tune, #15 - Selection of Reels


created: 2003-11-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-02-23 22:27:27.352785+00
name: Trip to Gretna Green
ucname: TRIP TO GRETNA GREEN
intensity_bars: 844 844 888 822
notes:
  There was a long discussion on Strathspey in 2003-2004, trying to identify the author.  In July 2011 Andrew Aitken of the "Wichita Scottish Country Dancers" wrote to DD : I first came across this dance in a dance gala posting from the Lees McRae College Banner Elk, North Carolina program back in July 1988.  Unfortunately, the program does not list the authors.  This is one of my all time favorites. 

  A crib was received showing the name "B.L. Barnes" in the title. 2 august 2011: this might be Elizabeth (Betty) Lee Barnes, of Washington DC.  30 August 2013: Betty Lee Barnes has denied being the author.  The mystery continues.

  From Strathspey List, Wed, 15 Jan 2014 20:37:48 -0800:
  I was assured by Mel Briscoe when he taught it at Pinewoods many years ago that it had never been published and exists only as people's notes.  If you'd like I have the notes he sent me afterwards.
  Bruce Herbold,  Oakland.


created: 2015-02-24 07:52:43.405325+00
last_modified: 2015-02-24 08:12:46.71086+00
name: Marengo Blue
ucname: MARENGO BLUE
devised: 2005-09-17
notes:
  Brian Charlton writes: Marengo Blue was written by a member of Sydney Branch, Maurice Harcombe, who moved back to his origins when he retired. The village he came from is called Murringo, but it's original name was Marengo, after a battle in Napoleonic times. Maurice started a Class in the village and held an annual Dance for many years. Marengo Blue was first danced at one of these dances.


created: 2015-02-24 09:41:42.510598+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:18:02.380529+00
name: Purdy Pink Shoes
ucname: PURDY PINK SHOES
notes:
  32-bar jig for two couples in a three or four-couple longwise set.

  Devised by Elaine Hoag and dedicated to Ardbrae member, Deborah Connors, who dances in "purdy" hot pink shoes and brings so much energy and joy to her dancing.

  Suitable music (6x32bars):
  "Purdy Pink Band Shoes" by The Music Makars on Catch the Wind, Track 9


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-02-24 17:15:36.083678+00
name: Capilano Run, The
ucname: CAPILANO RUN
devised: 1983-01-01
notes:
  The Capilano Run is the salmon run in the Capilano River in West Vancouver BC. The run was interrupted by the building of a dam. A salmon hatchery has been established at the foot of the dam in a very successful venture to maintain the stock of Capilano fish. John and Simon Scott visited the hatchery when he was in Vancouver in 1983.


created: 2015-02-24 14:04:45.020614+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:37.623113+00
name: Skippin' Barfit Thro' the Heather
ucname: SKIPPIN BARFIT THRO THE HEATHER
devised: 2014-09-01
notes:
  While the traditional song tune is not a jig, I thought that jig tempo suited my image of "skipping barefoot through the heather".


created: 2007-02-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:45.837245+00
name: Findhorn Bay
ucname: FINDHORN BAY
notes:
  »The lovely village of Findhorn on the Moray Coast is situated in the north east of Scotland and is a favourite haunt for visitors. The advance and retire in the dance depicts the ebb and flow of the sea.«

  HORNPIPE
  DEVISED:2006-03


created: 2015-02-25 15:42:45.887701+00
last_modified: 2017-05-14 00:35:06.216615+00
name: Ambidextrous
ucname: AMBIDEXTROUS
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Repeat, having passed a couple, with genders temporarily re-assigned*.
  As each couple begin their second turn of the dance, on bars 5-8 the new 3rd couple, and also the
  standing couple at the top of the set, giving right hands to partners, change places and set.

  *Note: on bars 1-6 of the repeat, the original men (now dancing as women) should cross in front of
  their partners.

  Dedicated to all those ladies who frequently have to dance as men.


created: 2011-08-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-27 11:53:18.139571+00
name: Falls of Lana, The
ucname: FALLS OF LANA
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Recommended recorded music: "Shetland Reels," Track 2 from Steppin' Out by John Taylor and Andrew Imbrie  

  The Falls of Lana are near Salisbury, Addison County, Vermont, USA and are easily accessible if you don't mind scrambling over some rocks uphill along a pipeline. The view is worth the trouble, as is Silver Lake if you continue up the trail for another hour or so and 500+ feet elevation.  See photos of the Falls of Lana at http://www.northeastwaterfalls.com/waterfall.php?num=128&p=0.  

  - Bars 1-8 represent the trail to Silver Lake,
  - 9-16 greeting other hikers on the trail,
  - 17-24 the tumbling and roiling waters of Sucker Creek over the falls,
  - 25-32 is Silver Lake at the top.


created: 2015-02-27 16:44:18.91466+00
last_modified: 2025-12-31 08:57:41.473344+00
name: Little Hush, A
ucname: LITTLE HUSH
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/888
devised: 2008-08-01
notes:
  Written for Betty Speirs, a friend and a wonderful teacher. Betty wrote 'Lydia's Dance' (published in Montreal Moments 2008) and bars 9 - 16 of this dance are a variation of bars 17 - 32 from that dance. When Betty was teaching, she would sometimes have to remind us that each dance began with 'a little hush'.


created: 2015-02-27 18:18:06.394184+00
last_modified: 2015-02-27 18:48:24.216087+00
name: Dipper, The
ucname: DIPPER
devised: 2000-06-01
notes:
  Suggested music: 3x32R:"The Ruby Hornpipe" on Muriel Johnstone, Dancing Fingers 5
  8x32R: any good reel


created: 2015-02-27 17:55:11.965153+00
last_modified: 2018-10-24 20:52:52.850158+00
name: Birding on the Beach
ucname: BIRDING ON THE BEACH
devised: 2008-11-01
notes:
  Suggested music: "The Ornithologist"(Boston Two Step) on Gordon Patullo, Ceiligh Dance Party.

  Written about birding on Asilomar State Beach in the mornings. Inspired by attending the Asilomar Weekend.


created: 2015-02-27 14:06:46.790877+00
last_modified: 2019-02-22 02:02:46.205933+00
name: Reel Men Wear Plaid
ucname: REEL MEN WEAR PLAID
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/800
devised: 2007-05-01
notes:
  Music: The Duke of Atholl's Reel

  (lf you do it in a 4 couple set, change 25 - 32 to 1/2 figure 8 around 3rd couple, then 1/2
  figure 8 around 2nd couple and 1s start again from 2nd place. Second time, 1s continue
  down to 4th place as 4s step up.)


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-18 10:13:55.517503+00
name: Bydand
ucname: BYDAND
intensity_bars: 888 880 888 888
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Stephen W. Gordon of London, formerly of Falkirk. "Bydand", meaning abiding or lasting, is the motto of Clan Gordon.


created: 2015-03-07 18:14:50.587349+00
last_modified: 2015-03-07 22:11:15.526681+00
name: Our Leading Lady
ucname: OUR LEADING LADY
intensity_bars: 880/808/844/844
devised: 2013-12-01
notes:
  Devised for Norah Dunn's 100th birthday in December 2013. She is the Honorary President of The Helensburgh & District Branch of the RSCDS. 


created: 2015-03-04 22:10:16.301127+00
last_modified: 2015-03-08 08:53:03.408738+00
name: It's Time to ...
ucname: ITS TIME TO
intensity_bars: 80/08/88/88
devised: 2015-03-03
notes:
  Devised by Carola Fischer, Tobias Huenger and Silke Grosholz.  Carola writes "It is only a simple little dance borne out of the need to squeeze as many dancers as possible onto our dance floor for the final dance of an evening!"  The title was originally 'Time for a Beer' but Tobias uses it as warm-up as well and therefore prefers "It' Time to ..."


created: 2010-01-19 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-03-08 23:16:51.627174+00
name: Wellingtonia Reel, The
ucname: WELLINGTONIA REEL
intensity_bars: 840/888/844/800
notes:
  This dance was inspired by the magnificent Wellingtonia trees near Finchampstead, Berkshire which I regularly travel past on the way to class.


created: 2011-10-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-07-24 13:42:15.669874+00
name: Cheerful Duck, The
ucname: CHEERFUL DUCK
notes:
  For Tiny Pot who cheerfully travels in her bright yellow "ugly duckling" car to teach us in Eindhoven.


created: 2013-12-03 23:50:45.57061+00
last_modified: 2017-09-29 22:52:57.567532+00
name: Gordon's Cider Press
ucname: GORDONS CIDER PRESS
intensity_bars: 40408/80808/08088/42442
devised: 2011-05-01
notes:
  For Gordon Hutchinson, with thanks for the cider and all the other organic fruits he brings to functions. 
  This dance has been submitted to the RSCDS for Book 49.

  When Irene Paterson taught the dance for the first time at a workshop in Portland it was different:  the switching of couples started with 4c, and finished with 1c, the progression being (2,3,4,5,1).  Irene subsequently changed the ending, starting the switching with 1c, and leading to the progression (5,3,4,1,2).


created: 2012-05-09 13:54:08.825188+00
last_modified: 2022-04-26 01:54:06.945305+00
name: David's Delight
ucname: DAVIDS DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 880/808/844/844
devised: 2004-12-20
notes:
  Dance devised for Bernadene Langer and David Reiger on the occasion of their marriage on December 20th, 2004. 


created: 2014-06-27 20:55:13.842986+00
last_modified: 2019-10-15 01:37:40.159557+00
name: Waterloo Welcome
ucname: WATERLOO WELCOME
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
notes:
  Ray Dugan confirms that the first published original description had an error in [31-32].  Eric's crib is correct.  

  This dance is very similar to <<ddd:The Caledonian Step>>


created: 2015-03-03 23:20:58.625039+00
last_modified: 2015-10-10 22:11:16.715672+00
name: Sleeping In
ucname: SLEEPING IN
intensity_bars: 822/888/888/866
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Source: Found on YouTube

  Published : Betwixt and Between Scottish Dance and Ceilidh, December 28, 2014
  Holly, Martin, Liza, Tom, Susan, John, Linda Mae, Patrick.


created: 2015-03-19 23:56:39.057999+00
last_modified: 2015-03-20 21:02:52.896763+00
name: Flowers of Ildikó
ucname: FLOWERS OF ILDIKO
intensity_bars: 88/44/88/88
devised: 2015-02-01
notes:
  "a simple but funny dance for beginners."  One of the most common female names in our club is Ildikó. We celebrate their name day (10th February) with this dance. Music: 'Catch the Wind' is a good choice to have great fun! 


created: 2004-10-31 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2019-06-09 23:30:37.395872+00
name: Well Met in Paris
ucname: WELL MET IN PARIS
intensity_bars: 860/880/888/888
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  These former URLs are dead:

  http://home.roadrunner.com/~glasshall/Paris%202003.pdf

  http://home.roadrunner.com/~glasshall/WellMetinParis.html


created: 2001-10-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-03-28 00:58:03.082887+00
name: Miss A O Cumming
ucname: MISS A O CUMMING
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/866
notes:
  Annie O Cumming was Honorary Secretary of the Aberdeen Branch for many years and a large part ofher life was devoted to Scottish Country Dancing and to the Branch. Affectionately known as "Annie O", she was undoubtedly one of Aberdeen's characters whose rather brusque exterior masked a caring and understanding personality.


created: 2015-08-26 14:03:09.177292+00
last_modified: 2026-01-17 14:06:08.355786+00
name: In the Clover
ucname: IN THE CLOVER
notes:
  > June Shore taught our children's dance class every Saturday morning at the Royal Conservatory of Music in downtown Hamilton.
  > After class she would take us to the nearby Honeydew Restaurant for an orange drink and a toasted Danish.
  > I count myself lucky to have been one of June's "teens".


created: 2018-10-02 01:10:06.58506+00
last_modified: 2025-09-02 08:51:19.640581+00
name: Bonnie's Reel
ucname: BONNIES REEL
intensity_bars: 824/844/844/844
devised: 2013-08-01
notes:
  Bonnie likes lively dances and liked the figure in bars 1-8. She also loves to twirl while dancing diagonal reels.


created: 2001-06-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-18 11:27:37.315674+00
name: Cell Phone Jig, The
ucname: CELL PHONE JIG
intensity_bars: 800 840 804 822
notes:
  Holding a mobile phone with your left hand to your ear.

  This dance was published (as a joke) on Strathspey as <<sspey:22026|Message 22026>> on 29 Jul 2000, but has actually appeared on programmes, including the Essen Ball on 13 Jan 2001 and in Luxemburg on 1 June 2012.


created: 2002-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-30 08:41:22.72505+00
name: Kate's Travels
ucname: KATES TRAVELS
intensity_bars: 4884/8448/8448/4884/0888
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Mrs  Kate  Gibson  is  a  long  standing  member  of  Scunthorpe  Scottish  Country  Dance Club, who for many years has attended regularly and helped to keep the club alive. 


created: 2013-12-07 21:38:09.915095+00
last_modified: 2022-08-14 11:46:06.553792+00
name: Tine's Jig
ucname: TINES JIG
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/888
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  DATE:2007-01  Originally, [25-32] was "hands round - 6 - and back", but this was modified by the deviser in the final publication.

  Inscribed "for Tine MacKay, dancer, teacher and friend (Tine is pronounced Tina, her mum is Norwegian)".


created: 2001-06-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-14 20:39:47.935709+00
name: Castle Wynd
ucname: CASTLE WYND
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 1984-01-01
notes:
  In Strathspey message 67265 of Wed, 25 Mar 2015, Alasdair Graham wrote:

  I have recently acquired two Edinburgh Branch publications which both
  contain a Strathspey - Castle Wynd - by Bob Grant - listed in the Strathspey
  Database as a 2/4L shape.

  The first publication is the Diamond Jubilee Dances 1984 book which lists
  this dance as two couples dancing in a four couple set.  This printing says
  "When all four couples are dancing the middle couples should dance round
  each other during the allemandes."

  The second publication is Five Anniversary Dances  in 1999 (75th).  The same
  dance is printed here and it states the dance is a Strathspey for three
  couples.  This printing says  "When all are dancing couples should dance
  round the couple they face (even in the next set) at the start of the
  allemande."

  The same music is printed in both publications.

  Does anyone know if the dance was changed from a four couple set to a three
  couple set or if it is an error in the second printing?

  Alasdair Graham
  Dumbarton, Scotland


created: 1998-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-30 11:10:19.843115+00
name: Noah's Ark
ucname: NOAHS ARK
intensity_bars: 80 88 88 86
devised: 1992-02-01
notes:
  Level: intermediate/advanced

  Devised 1 February 1992 for the Nunspeet weekend, bearing in mind that in one set you may have two Scots, two Germans, two Belgians, etc.


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:47.973938+00
name: Gentleman, The
ucname: GENTLEMAN
intensity_bars: 860/804/846/880
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  The title is a tribute by the deviser, Roz Scott Huxley, to her father, the late Group Captain David Huxley who was very active in the Society and is best remembered as MC at Summer School ceilidhs in what used to be the second fortnight. His trademark as MC was an ancient umbrella dangling from his wrist which gave rise to the name of the original tune for the dance – *The Ceilidh Umbrella*. The umbrella is preserved at HQ.
  ##<<


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-09-17 12:48:56.836251+00
name: McClintock Rant, The
ucname: MACCLINTOCK RANT
notes:
  Dedicated to Iain and Betsy Goddard on their Wedding Day.    

  First printed in The Tartan Times, Vol. XVII, No.1, Sept., 1972


created: 2002-01-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-09-26 00:58:17.560542+00
name: OXO Reel
ucname: OXO REEL
intensity_bars: 888888 888888 888888 844444
notes:
  This is a simplified version of the Opera Reel, an ECD dance

  Heiko Schmidt has made an extensive study of 3 text descriptions and 15 YouTube videos of this dance.  It became clear that questions like ‘What is the correct description?’ or ‘What is the correct title?’ cannot be answered with any certainty.

  The sources use three names: “OXO Reel” (13 times), “The OXO Reel” (4 times) and “OXO Dance” (once).
  For this dance a plethora of variants seems to have evolved and are being danced in various communities.  The 18 sources show 12 different variants.  No ‘official description', if it ever existed, could be found.

  All variants have two common elements:  on bars [1-4] ‘All Advance and Retire’, and on bars [17-24] the middle two couples dance ‘Right Hands Across, Left Hands Across’, while both ends dance 4 Hands Round Left, then Right (OXO figure).  That is certainly the reason for the OXO Reel’s name.

  Other figures that occur in various combinations are ‘All change sides (Men make arches)’; ‘All turn RH then LH’; ‘All dance Back to Back (R shoulder or L sh); One (or two) couples slip to the bottom, or back to the top, or cast off; ‘All dance up through the first couple’s arch at the bottom’.  The most common progression is (2,3,4,5,6,1), but (3,4,5,6,1,2) also occurs.

  The “Minicrib” and “Eric’s crib” for this dance show just two of the variants.

  All the variants that Heiko found are listed down below.  Each is designated by a letter.  A digit following the lettter denotes other sources for that variant.   There is no clearly supported variant, but variant d has 4 sources, variants b, f and g have two each.

  The lists below give the details of each of the 18 sources (3 texts [b2, d1, d4] + 15 videos) with URL, source type, title and an optional note.
    

  (b1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd1XJsyComw [video 2]             "Oxo Reel" 
  (b2) http://www.mts.net/~jinks/fd/oxoreel.htm [text]             “Oxo Reel” (on ‘Folk Dancing is Fun’) 
    

  (c) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD6BpyHrSAA [video 1]             “A Ceilidh in Skye, The OXO Reel” 
    

  (d1) http://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/10327/ [text]             “OXO Reel” (MiniCrib – SCDDB) 

  (d2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZqk6BNBdZo [video 4]             "Bedcote Ceilidh Band - Oxo Reel" 

  (d3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxLzNKFnXQI [video 5]             “OXO Reel - Still Reeling Ceilidh Band” 

  (d4) http://www.ceilidhcalling.co.uk/danceviewpage.php?view=1&id=30 [text]             “OXO Reel” (John Brown Ceilidh Caller) 
    

  (e) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpdCZQKYAKQ [video 5]             "The Oxo Reel!" (at a wedding) 
    

  (f1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT8RLmEA-tw [video 7]             Tiger Moth (1989) 20 (dance) OXO Reel and Free Polka 

  (f2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P52z-ZF_sdo [video 8]             The OXO Reel, Terri's Memorial Ceilidh 

    
  (g1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsPM6fR_u88 [video 9]             "The traditional English folk dance: The OXO Reel" 

  (g2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a81yG8QwuCc [video 3]             "OXO dance with The Garsdale Street Band" 

    
  (h) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqtu3xDfYho [video 10]             "Oxo Reel" 
    

  (i) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wIpA_wUUgY [video 11]             "Gergel School OXO Reel" 
    

  (j) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfdPFWh0F_A [video 12]             "NBprojects - OXO Reel" (workshop with professional dancers for the modern dance) 
    

  (k) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4oQ8tV_hWs [video 13]             "The OXO Reel" The OXO Reel as performed at the Lonach Hall Burns Celebration 2009
    

  (l) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIsM45omNQ4 [video 14]             "Oxo Reel.MPG" 
    

  (m) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2PJ6gCP1T4 [video 15]             "Ceilidh OXO Reel at St Andrew's in Froideville Switzerland” 


  Here are the figures appearing in each of the 12 variants (b-m), arranged per 8-bar phrase: 


  ------------------ 
  bars 1-8:      

              Adv+Ret, B2B RSh                                       (b+c+g+h) 

              Adv+Ret, 1s slip-step to the bottom (to 234561)        (d+e+f) 

              Adv+Ret twice                                          (i+m) 

              Adv+Ret, swap sides (M make arches, W pass under       (j+k) 

              Adv+Ret, TR                                            (l) 

    
  ————— 


  bars 9-16:    

              all cpls TR+TL                                              (b+c+i+m)
   
              Adv+Ret, 2s slip-step to the bottom (to 345612)             (d+e+f) 

              Adv+Ret, B2B RSh                                            (g) 

              Adv+Ret, B2B LSh                                            (h) 

              Adv+Ret,in pairs: swap sides (M make arches, W pass under   (j+k) 

              Adv+Ret, TR                                                 (l) 

    
  ————— 

  bars 17-24: 

              OXO (1+2 and 5+6  ‘4H round+back’; 3+4 ‘RHA+LHA’)      (b+c+d+e+f+g+h+i+j+k+l) 
    
  ————— 


  bars 25-32: 

  25-28 

              1s slip-step to the bottom                                         (b+g) 

              1s+2s slip-step to the bottom                                      (c+i) 

              2s slip-step to the top (to 234561)                                (d) 

              1s+2s slip-step to the top and…                                    (e+f) 

              1s swing turn to the bottom                                        (g+h) 

              1s+2s slip-step to the bottom, 3s+4s+5s+6s slip-step to the top    (j) 

              1s slip-step down for 2 up for 2                                   (k) 

              1s cast off to bottom, while all others swing/turn for 4 bars      (l) 

    
  29-32 

              all TR (or swing)                                                  (b+c+d+g+j) 

              … 1s+2s cast off to the end (to 345621)                            (e) 

              … 1s cast off to the end (to 234561) while all other swing turn    (f) 

              … continue swing turn to the bottom                                (h) 

              stand for 4 bars                                                   (i) 

              1s followed by the others cast off to bottom, make arch, All others dance up through the arch                   (k) 

              … continue 1s cast off to bottom, while others swing/turn for 4 bars   (l) 


created: 2015-07-26 10:20:40.532186+00
last_modified: 2023-07-02 12:58:36.130494+00
name: Reel for Joy, A
ucname: REEL FOR JOY
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  In memory of Joy Edgar.

  The notes add that "Meeting Joy in St. Andrews and spending time with her was alway s a great pleasure. She was so boisterous and full of joy."


created: 2016-06-30 21:16:29.330029+00
last_modified: 2024-11-04 10:20:42.909505+00
name: Roddie's Rant
ucname: RODDIES RANT
devised: 2005-09-01
notes:
  The notes say that:

  > I began writing this dance soon after starting Scottish dancing, when Roddie Young danced all over the place but always ended up in the right place with his partner. Completed in 2005 for Southsea Reel Club's 50th.


created: 2004-07-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-12-23 09:05:35.044807+00
name: 'Hans'ome Dancer, The
ucname: HANSOME DANCER
intensity_bars: 4444/6666/6666/8888
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  This dance was written in honor of Bryan Luce’s dearly beloved dachshund Hans, who left us at the age of 16 in December 2003. The men start out active in this dance, to reflect a man and his male dog playing happily together.


created: 2015-04-12 15:42:55.721365+00
last_modified: 2021-07-04 20:41:43.723423+00
name: JuhuuubiThirty 3(xxx)0
ucname: JUHUUUBITHIRTY 3XXX0
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/888
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  A dance for Judith’s 30th Birthday.

  Can also be danced as a Medley 3x(S32+R32), see video 1 made by the author.


created: 2015-04-12 17:14:17.731272+00
last_modified: 2021-10-27 11:20:43.986418+00
name: Hu'de Hell
ucname: HUDE HELL
intensity_bars: 8080/0808/7777/8888
notes:
  Although a square set this is described as an 8x32 reel: all finally ending back with original partner in original places.


created: 2015-05-01 10:16:04.496652+00
last_modified: 2018-09-27 22:38:32.566339+00
name: Cotswold Cross
ucname: COTSWOLD CROSS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  A 64 bar strathspey for four couples in the form of a cross.
  The men begin on the inside of the set at arm's length, facing anti-clockwise, right hands joined with their partners who are facing clockwise.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2019-10-13 19:58:39.120388+00
name: Neidpath Castle
ucname: NEIDPATH CASTLE
intensity_bars: 888/888/810/845
notes:
  ##>>
  The Castle overlooks the River Tweed about one mile west of Peebles in the Borders. There are numerous websites dedicated to the history of the Castle which is currently owned by the Earl of Wemyss.
  ##<<


created: 2015-05-01 09:42:33.571173+00
last_modified: 2016-03-27 15:20:26.127785+00
name: Bergvliet Jig, The
ucname: BERGVLIET JIG
intensity_bars: 888/040/12 12 12/880
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  Bergvliet (pronounced Berg-fleet).  The Bergvliet Scottish Country Dancers are a groups affiliated to the Cape Town RSCDS.


created: 2002-01-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-05-04 10:22:06.120427+00
name: Mairi's Divorce
ucname: MAIRIS DIVORCE
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888/888
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  In “Mairi’s Wedding” some dancing couples prefer to pass Rsh for [9-24], against James Cosh’s emphatically clear instructions to pass LEFT shoulder. Dance 'devised' [tongue in cheek] with this (nick)name by Angus Henry, 1998.

  For videos, please go to "Mairi's Wedding". In fact, most of the videos show the R shoulder variant.


created: 2003-02-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-26 21:48:03.239485+00
name: Piper and the Penguin, The
ucname: PIPER AND THE PENGUIN
intensity_bars: 4444 4444 4444 4444 8080 8080 0808 0808 4444 4444 8888
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  For more information and a photo see <<https://rscdsvancouver.org/resources/the-white-cockade/antarctic-hero/|this article>> on the Vancouver branch website (<<https://rscdsvancouver.org/resources/the-white-cockade/antarctic-hero/>>).


created: 2018-09-17 18:04:14.514368+00
last_modified: 2023-04-16 10:41:19.940332+00
name: Danger Is Sweet
ucname: DANGER IS SWEET
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/800
devised: 2002-08-01
notes:
  The instructions say this may be reel, jig or strathspey. And may be either a 3 or 4 couple set.

  The title is a translation, from Latin, of the Clan MacAuley motto "Dulce Periculum".


created: 2012-01-06 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-02-07 12:47:52.534012+00
name: Courtney Jane
ucname: COURTNEY JANE
devised: 2010-02-01
notes:
  Commissioned for the anniversary of 10 years of SC dancing in Kununurra, W. Australia, and dedicated to the memory of Courtney Jane Kuiper.

  The dance can be adapted for a 4C set; 4C stpes up on bares 1-2; progression 2341.


created: 2015-05-09 12:57:20.18595+00
last_modified: 2015-05-09 12:57:20.18595+00
name: Martt Bagatelle, The
ucname: MARTT BAGATELLE
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Bars 9-16 2s+1s and 4s+3s dance linked gypsy ladies chains up and down the set, 1M and 4M passing Lsh on bars 1-2 and 5-6 of the phrase, all turns with no hands.


created: 2015-05-09 15:26:13.115702+00
last_modified: 2015-05-09 15:26:13.115702+00
name: McNair if You Dare
ucname: MACNAIR IF YOU DARE
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  This dance incorporates both quicktime and strathspey steps, though it is danced to a reel. Steps are
  assumed to be danced in quicktime unless otherwise stated as S STEP. One strathspey step takes up the
  same amount of time as 2 quicktime steps.


created: 2015-05-04 14:07:58.702906+00
last_modified: 2025-01-29 00:49:43.501025+00
name: Trilliums and Roses
ucname: TRILLIUMS AND ROSES
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 1990-05-20
notes:
  A dance to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the wedding, on May 20th, 1950 of Clyde and Molly Hewitt.


created: 1998-09-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-06-14 01:49:14.506624+00
name: Flower o' the Quern, The
ucname: FLOWER O THE QUERN
intensity_bars: 8888 8008 8888 8448
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Alistair Reid of Muchall's Castle near Stonehaven.

  Elsewhere the remark has been made that this dance should be called "Flour o' the Quern" as a Quern is a grinding stone.

  Ron Russell wrote the following:

  As I understand it (although not a Gaelic speaker), a quern (pronounced 'kern') is Gaelic for 'hollow'.

  A verse is included as a dedication in James Scott Skinner’s original sheet music (see <<http://www.abdn.ac.uk/scottskinner/display.php?ID=JSS0750>>):

  The flowers grow fair on the lowland vales, <BR>
  an’ green grow the wids on the braes, <BR>
  an’ saft an’ low sing the scented gales <BR>
  in the lang, lang simmer days; <BR>
  But dearer to me are the mountains blue <BR>
  where grow the heath an’ fern, <BR>
  an’ the bonniest flo’er is the ane I lo’e <BR>
  that blooms ‘mang the braes o’ the Quern.

  I believe this verse is by J. Gordon Phillips


created: 2015-05-09 15:10:03.410504+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:36.228422+00
name: McClelland's Mix-Up Reel
ucname: MACCLELLANDS MIXUP REEL
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Each couple will dance one turn of the dance as their original gender and then a second as the opposite gender.


created: 2015-05-10 23:08:37.250399+00
last_modified: 2020-12-29 14:04:12.413662+00
name: Millbrae Station
ucname: MILLBRAE STATION
intensity_bars: 44/88/88/88
notes:
  Dedicated to Tom Senior and Barbara Cool of Chicago, IL and is mis-named for the Scottish-sounding METRA station nearest their house that I could never quite remember.


created: 2015-05-17 10:59:53.069416+00
last_modified: 2021-06-06 11:32:20.649841+00
name: Like Ane Bewitch'd
ucname: LIKE ANE BEWITCHD
notes:
  The title comes from Burns: *And how Tam stood, like ane bewitch’d, And thought his very een enrich’d.*

  May be danced in a 3 or 4 couple set.


created: 2003-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-24 04:46:13.236259+00
name: Poor Molly
ucname: POOR MOLLY
intensity_bars: 84/88/82/88
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Recommended music: "Sweet Molly" (recording: Bobby Frew version of John McAlpin has "Sweet Molly" as a tune).  

  This dance devised as a teaching dance for reels of four.


created: 2007-05-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-05-29 00:06:29.018963+00
name: Spirit of the Dance, The
ucname: SPIRIT OF THE DANCE
intensity_bars: 880 800 12 12 12 400
notes:
  »Devised by Irene Paterson of Mukilteo, Washington State, in memory of Bob Blackie, a wonderful friend, dancer, and teacher.«


created: 2011-10-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-05-29 15:51:00.780214+00
name: Blue Lights of Pizza Express, The
ucname: BLUE LIGHTS OF PIZZA EXPRESS
devised: 2008-03-01
notes:
  Devised by Kirsten Ferguson, who was asked for direction to a restaurant during the 2008 Inter Varsity Folk Dance Festival (IVFDF) in Sheffield. Friends were told to look for "The Blue Lights of Pizza Express" as their rendezvous point, and having enjoyed a very good pizza, Kirsten wrote this dance. [information taken from the 2nd Aurora Book of SCDs]

  As music the author suggests "any good traditional Strathspey".


created: 2015-06-04 10:08:03.122194+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:33.380894+00
name: Cartwheels in the Snow
ucname: CARTWHEELS IN THE SNOW
devised: 2009-08-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Jubilee Jig: Track 5: Clashmadin Volume 1
  Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig Scottish Dance Band


created: 2015-01-29 13:43:27.523408+00
last_modified: 2015-06-04 10:01:25.885409+00
name: Capricorn's Dance
ucname: CAPRICORNS DANCE
devised: 2009-06-23
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Maskelia on CD "From Scotia's Shores We're Noo Awa' " by Bobby Brown and The Scottish Accent


created: 2015-06-04 10:23:17.833629+00
last_modified: 2015-06-04 10:23:17.833629+00
name: Cat's Cradle Dance
ucname: CATS CRADLE DANCE
devised: 2009-10-10
notes:
  Suggested music: Our Lady of the Snows: No.12:
  Highlander Music Scottish Dances Volume 6

  The suggested music has 2 chords. Dancers should achnowledge partners on the first chord and the neighbouring couple on the second.


created: 2015-06-04 12:04:14.597191+00
last_modified: 2015-06-04 12:04:14.597191+00
name: Homeward Bound
ucname: HOMEWARD BOUND
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  The Lads of Saltcoats
  Track 11: Dancing Through the Miscellanies Part 1
  This piece of music goes through 8 times so each couple has 2 turns.
  Alternatively use a 4 x 32 Reel selection.


created: 2015-06-04 11:09:19.023004+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:33.740549+00
name: Dancing Geometry
ucname: DANCING GEOMETRY
devised: 2009-04-06
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Broadford Bay: Track 4: Scottish Dances Volume 6
  Drummond Cook's Scottish Country Dance Band


created: 2015-06-05 10:19:36.476956+00
last_modified: 2015-06-05 10:19:36.476956+00
name: November the Fifth
ucname: NOVEMBER THE FIFTH
devised: 2009-03-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Neil Gow's Farewell to Whisky:
  Lorne Choice of Scottish Country Dances
  Alastair Hunter & the Lorne Scottish Dance Band

  Or The Earl of Mansfield on Highlander Music Vol 3, also on Special requests Vol 4

  Or Lady Sophia Anne of Bute on Road to Forfar by Deirdre Adamson


created: 2015-06-04 11:31:43.301268+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:33.770045+00
name: Dancing with a Fiddler
ucname: DANCING WITH A FIDDLER
devised: 2008-07-09
notes:
  Suggested Music:
  The Dalesman: Track 8: 
  Haste Ye Back - Muriel Johnstone and her Scottish Dance Band


created: 2017-01-04 17:29:49.45157+00
last_modified: 2019-06-28 12:28:47.647885+00
name: Dancing Waves, The
ucname: DANCING WAVES
intensity_bars: 88888/84844/82842/80888
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  The idea for this dance came to me while walking along the seafront at Southsea and seeing the white crests of the waves.


created: 2015-06-06 16:54:20.786171+00
last_modified: 2015-06-06 16:54:20.786171+00
name: Snakes and Ladders
ucname: SNAKES AND LADDERS
devised: 2009-11-13
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Rothesy Rant: Track 13: Lassie Come and Dance Wi' Me
  - Ian Cruickshank and His Band


created: 2015-06-06 17:09:04.459751+00
last_modified: 2015-06-06 17:09:04.459751+00
name: Straverner's Strathspey
ucname: STRAVERNERS STRATHSPEY
devised: 2008-08-26
notes:
  Suggested music:
  The Flower o' the Quern: The London Highland Club Diamond Jubilee:
  Andrew Rankine

  Also on Scottish Dance Favourites Vol. 1: Andrew Rankine


created: 2015-01-29 10:50:32.130954+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:35.285137+00
name: Indian Warrior Reel, The
ucname: INDIAN WARRIOR REEL
devised: 2009-06-23
notes:
  Suggested Music: "Bill Hendry's Reel" on CD "Magic Medicine" by Sandy Nixon and his Scottish Dance Band


created: 2015-06-06 20:33:43.315919+00
last_modified: 2015-06-06 20:33:43.315919+00
name: Winter Schools
ucname: WINTER SCHOOLS
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  2 chords - 1st, 3rd & 5th couples start on opposite sides. If the music chosen has a second chord, they can cross on the second chord.


created: 2015-06-05 09:42:18.414627+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:35.456593+00
name: Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair
ucname: JEANNIE WITH THE LIGHT BROWN HAIR
devised: 2009-08-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Mr Robert H. Mackay: Track 7:
  Cairngorms Selection - Muriel Johnstone & Keith Smith


created: 2015-06-06 18:15:09.046721+00
last_modified: 2015-06-06 20:08:13.490601+00
name: Moon's Dance, The
ucname: MOONS DANCE
devised: 2004-03-26
notes:
  Suggested music: Mrs. Milne of Kinneff
  The Royal Scottish Dance Society - 75th Anniversary Dances

  Also on: Highlander Music Scottish Dances Volume 6


created: 2015-06-06 16:15:20.358338+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:36.762932+00
name: Old Scotch Lace
ucname: OLD SCOTCH LACE
devised: 2009-08-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  Up in the Air: Track 10: Clashmadin Volume 1
  Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig Scottish Dance Band


created: 2015-06-06 16:44:33.500838+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:08:16.102266+00
name: Sharps and Flats
ucname: SHARPS AND FLATS
devised: 2009-04-01
notes:
  Suggested music:
  The Whistling Wind: Come Forth to the Scottish Country Dance
  - The Deirdre Adamson Quartet


created: 2011-08-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-24 04:53:30.032064+00
name: Steve Mangan Jig, The
ucname: STEVE MANGAN JIG
intensity_bars: 800/880/800/808
devised: 2006-09-25
notes:
  Suggested Recording: 3 x 32 Jigs, Track 11 on the album “Miss Ogilvie's Fancy” by Green Ginger  

  On September 25th, 2006 the Flying Ghillies Scottish Country Dancers started a Scottish Country Dancing FUNdamentals class offered on the same night as the general class at the Mangan Banquet Center. Patty Lindsay taught this as the first dance in that class as a thank-you to Steve Mangan for working with us so that now the Flying Ghillies have a great hall to dance in with rooms for two classes.


created: 1999-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-02-27 21:24:35.706242+00
name: Crown of King's, The
ucname: CROWN OF KINGS
devised: 1971-01-01
notes:
  The name refers to King's College, University of Aberdeen, which has an ornate entry porch with a top like a crown.
  If the dance is performed on a stage, 1st couple should stand at the back facing the audience, while the other two couples stand near the front of the stage with their backs to the audience.


created: 2015-05-09 09:14:28.07399+00
last_modified: 2017-05-31 10:37:32.077763+00
name: Octogenarian, The
ucname: OCTOGENARIAN
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for Gwen Kebble of Ribble Valley Branch RSCDS on the occasion of her 80th birthday.


created: 1998-10-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-06-18 22:19:15.27291+00
name: Tantalus Jig, The
ucname: TANTALUS JIG
intensity_bars: 88008/80808/80044/04840
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  Eric's Crib and the Minicrib use the RSCDS standard position numbering (1,2,3,4 clockwise, 5 in the middle).  The original text uses a different numbering: 1 in the middle (like a Baseball pitcher) and 2,3,4,5 counterclockwise (at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th base).  


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-02-27 21:54:07.226568+00
name: Our Lady of the Snows
ucname: OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8448/8888
devised: 1994-12-01
notes:
  Devised: 1994-12

  1. The church of "Our Lady of the Snows" was founded by Bishop William Elphinstone in 1497. Today only a small section of the burial ground remains - tucked behind the houses on the west side of College Bounds, near Johnstone Hall.
  In the 4th century, John the Patrician had a vision in which the Virgin Mary directed him to build a church on a patch of snow which he would find at the height of summer on the Esquiline Hill in Rome. The truth of this story was confirmed by Pope Pius II in 1497.
  The information comes from "City by the grey North Sea" by Fenton Wyness.
  2. The wheels on the corners during bars 9-16 can be thought of as snow flakes even though they have only three-fold, rather than six-fold, symmetry.


created: 2015-07-07 13:17:55.607049+00
last_modified: 2018-03-14 22:32:31.776897+00
name: Chased Lovers
ucname: CHASED LOVERS
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2013-08-01
notes:
  Music: Fun, flirty jigs with flight.

  Note: You may notice that 1st couple do not actually touch in this dance. I liked the play on words with "chased" and "chaste", and tried to incorporate both ideas. The dance was first taught to the combined class at the 2013 International Branch Weekend in Killarney, Ireland.


created: 2015-06-19 11:11:54.836024+00
last_modified: 2018-03-23 18:35:06.423093+00
name: Dr. Stocker's Hornpipe
ucname: DR STOCKERS HORNPIPE
devised: 2014-10-01
notes:
  The premiere of this dance was performed at the RSCDS‐San Francisco Branch, Asilomar weekend ceilidh, November 7, 2014.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:48.022538+00
name: George Keith
ucname: GEORGE KEITH
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Devised: 1994-05
  A dance to mark the foundation of Marischal College by George Keith, the 4th Earl of Marischal in 1593.


created: 1998-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-06-25 08:07:36.043639+00
name: Far Islands, The
ucname: FAR ISLANDS
intensity_bars: 866/888/888/888
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  In the original description, the couples are numbered counterclockwise.  Eric's crib uses the RSCDS convention of clockwise numbering.


created: 1997-08-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-12-15 19:46:50.032133+00
name: Quincentenary Jig, The
ucname: QUINCENTENARY JIG
intensity_bars: 88880 80880 88808 80822
notes:
  Devised: 1994
  A dance to mark 500 years since the foundation of the Universityof Aberdeen by Bishop Elphinstone.


created: 1997-08-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-07-15 12:36:40.152906+00
name: Borrowdale Exchange, The
ucname: BORROWDALE EXCHANGE
intensity_bars: 888 888 888 888
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Music: "Any good reel.  Try a Square Dance medley".

   .... 

  This is a 'Scotization' of a party dance, first seen at an English Barn Dance in Cumbria.


created: 2015-06-25 21:41:46.724269+00
last_modified: 2015-06-25 21:49:30.535696+00
name: D.J.'s Jig
ucname: DJS JIG
intensity_bars: 888/400/888/400/844/888
devised: 2012-03-12
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to my grandson Dillon Joseph Hoddle.  Dillon is helping at Southsea Reel Club at present as part of his Duke of Edinburgh's Award


created: 1997-05-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:30.902986+00
name: Another Edinburgh Fancy
ucname: ANOTHER EDINBURGH FANCY
devised: 1967-01-01
notes:
  To Miss Allie Anderson, of Edinburgh, and the members of the Edinburgh Branch Demonstration Team, who danced two of my dances ("Bon Accord" and "A Trip to Tobermory") at "An Edinburgh Fancy" in 1966.


created: 2002-11-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-22 18:27:37.160927+00
name: Lochiel Strathspey, The
ucname: LOCHIEL STRATHSPEY
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  Ruary writes: 
  Ladies set, cross Rsh round partner and turn RH 
  Men repeat Lsh and LH 
  Down the middle and cast back up 
  1st cpl turn and cast to the bottom and turn both hands


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:08:21.047527+00
name: Tibbie's Jig
ucname: TIBBIES JIG
devised: 1967-01-01
notes:
  Miss Alison Laing is Mrs. Cramb's niece, and sister to Miss Janet Laing, whose Strathspey appeared in Book 22.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-06-28 20:20:31.079054+00
name: Annie Shand Scott's Strathspey
ucname: ANNIE SHAND SCOTTS STRATHSPEY
devised: 1967-01-01
notes:
  Miss Annie Shand Scott, or "Scottie" as she is affectionately known, is a pianist and one of the leading exponents of Scottish Country Dance Music in Aberdeen. This dance was composed as a little birthday gift for her.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-09-29 14:27:18.35474+00
name: Val's Juniper Strathspey
ucname: VALS JUNIPER STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/888/484/888
notes:
  Written for Val Woodward after discussion about wanting a dance written for her and what she would call it. 


created: 2015-06-19 15:32:32.05713+00
last_modified: 2025-02-19 08:28:19.183513+00
name: Scottish Roulette
ucname: SCOTTISH ROULETTE
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  A fun dance for beginners.

  "The roulette is symbolised by the two circles. If you are the winner you will get a new partner after every turn!"


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-17 21:48:24.208108+00
name: Welcome to Dunblane
ucname: WELCOME TO DUNBLANE
devised: 1967-01-01
notes:
  To Mrs. J. Prentice, of Causeway Head, Stirling.
  (Dance devised for the Weekend School at Dunblane Hydro, 11-12.2.67)


created: 2015-07-07 15:33:15.667333+00
last_modified: 2018-02-22 01:52:01.40596+00
name: Just One More
ucname: JUST ONE MORE
notes:
  For Marian Anderson and Max Ketchin for a memorable night after the Geneva spring dance in 2012.

  The Bees of Maggieknockater Reels appeared in the dance of the same name by John Drewry, published in his Canadian Book of Scottish Country Dances.


created: 2015-07-21 14:44:27.933725+00
last_modified: 2016-03-15 22:58:51.681473+00
name: Twenty-three Two Ninety
ucname: TWENTYTHREE TWO NINETY
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/880
devised: 2015-02-23
notes:
  “This dance combines some of our favourite figures while allowing the lead couple to dance together most of the time. This seemed apt for a dance devised to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in February 2015.”


created: 1998-10-31 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-12-15 11:58:04.924483+00
name: Argylls' Farewell To Stirling
ucname: ARGYLLS FAREWELL TO STIRLING
intensity_bars: 6886 8880 8800 8040 8004
notes:
  The footnote to the original dance states that it was written to mark the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders leaving Stirling castle.


created: 2017-01-04 17:55:26.658054+00
last_modified: 2019-06-28 14:47:45.409661+00
name: Regis Strathspey, The
ucname: REGIS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8228/8888
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for the day of Dance held in Bognor Regis on March 27th 2004. Invited teachers taught their own dances.


created: 2017-01-04 17:57:04.123525+00
last_modified: 2019-06-28 15:06:15.234244+00
name: Rowan Square, The
ucname: ROWAN SQUARE
intensity_bars: 8080/0808/6666/8888
devised: 2004-04-01
notes:
  In April each year I organize a Ceilidh in aid of the Rowans Hospice. This dance was written as a simple Ceilidh dance that everyone could join in and the progression of the ladies round the set adds to the sociability. This is also a dance suitable for beginners to Scottish dancing.


created: 2015-07-19 12:59:49.710142+00
last_modified: 2016-05-18 08:41:46.839843+00
name: Gretna Green
ucname: GRETNA GREEN
devised: 2002-07-19
notes:
  Danced in a square-like shape with 3 couples set up as follows: 1st man at top, 2nd couple next round clockwise, 1st lady in '3rd place', and 3rd couple next position opposite 2nd couple.


created: 2013-04-07 20:05:04.978999+00
last_modified: 2015-07-15 22:30:51.313408+00
name: Home to Helensburgh
ucname: HOME TO HELENSBURGH
intensity_bars: 8000/8080/8888/8004/8888
devised: 2008-04-01
notes:
  Devised for Sue Smith who celebrated her 60th birthday by travelling to South America, visiting the Galapagos Islands and coming back “Home to Helensburgh.”


created: 2006-11-19 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-07-16 20:21:03.903861+00
name: Magic of Music, The
ucname: MAGIC OF MUSIC
notes:
  Devised by Anne Thorn for Mrs Mary McIntosh – an inspirational teacher of Scottish Country Dancing who always tried to find the best recorded music for the dances she taught.

  Suggested alternative music: recorded music such as “Sarona” (J.S.Skinner), “Annie Laurie” (Lady J Scott), “The Lea Rig(Trad)”, “Rose Acre (J.S.Skinner)”, “The Cradle Song” (J.S.Skinner)


created: 2012-09-08 09:08:20.681061+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:40.80768+00
name: Dance for Dorothy, A
ucname: DANCE FOR DOROTHY
notes:
  This dance was devised by Anne Thorn in June 2007 to celebrate the life of Mrs Dorothy Capstick who was Assistant Secretary of Helensburgh and District Branch of the RSCDS and secretary of both the Tuesday SCD Club and the Thursday Ladies SCD Club. For over 35 years Dorothy was an active dancer and supporter of SCD in the local area. Even though her husband did not dance he became Dorothy’s “secretary” due to his expertise with computers.

  Bars 9-16 represent the support her husband Gordon gave to Dorothy in all of her
  secretarial roles.

  Bars 17-24 represent the close links Dorothy made with other dancers in the local area
  and further afield whilst she was out dancing and Gordon was left at home.

  Bars 25-32 – it is traditional in the Helensburgh area to finish off the programme with
  a dance containing a circle.


created: 2017-01-04 17:58:06.18784+00
last_modified: 2019-06-28 15:16:59.786361+00
name: Spitbank Fort
ucname: SPITBANK FORT
intensity_bars: 8484/8888/8888/8484/8888/8888/8888/8888/8484/8888/8888/8484
devised: 2005-09-01
notes:
  Spitbank Fort is in the Solent between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. One summer evening Southsea Reel Club went out by ferry to the Fort and held a Ceilidh. Figs 1 and 3 represent the ferry journey showing the currents and eddies in the sea and around the fort. Fig 2 represents the Ceilidh and dancing on the Fort.


created: 2015-07-31 14:31:02.890241+00
last_modified: 2018-10-14 06:57:07.080139+00
name: John Cass
ucname: JOHN CASS
intensity_bars: 80000/84444/84444/80000
devised: 2012-04-01
notes:
  Dedicated to John Cass on his 90th birthday, April 2012.

  John proposes that, on [29-32] of 5th time through,  all couples make the R elbow grip pivot turn.


created: 2018-10-02 01:16:59.367803+00
last_modified: 2024-12-26 07:38:18.795124+00
name: Borne on the Breeze
ucname: BORNE ON THE BREEZE
intensity_bars: 800/888/833/833
devised: 2010-04-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired by watching our cats breathing in the scents from outside when we had the doors open in the spring.


created: 2013-02-04 00:58:42.573561+00
last_modified: 2015-08-12 14:11:51.25594+00
name: Sunshine and Sweetie's Jig
ucname: SUNSHINE AND SWEETIES JIG
intensity_bars: 880 844 844 844
devised: 2012-02-01
notes:
  To celebrate the arrival, in December 2011,  of two Chinese pandas on long term loan to Edinburgh Zoo.

  In the final version, published in book 48, bars 25-32 have been modified.  Don't use earlier "originals".


created: 2014-06-09 15:30:36.882517+00
last_modified: 2019-05-22 12:19:36.069021+00
name: Kilts and Posh Frocks
ucname: KILTS AND POSH FROCKS
intensity_bars: 8888/8484/8888/8888
devised: 2012-02-01
notes:
  Devised to commemorate the Chiswick Scottish Dancing Club’s 10th Anniversary.  It is dedicated to the club’s founder, Kay Senior.


created: 2015-07-31 14:23:15.016989+00
last_modified: 2018-10-14 05:45:46.724254+00
name: Flora's Fancy
ucname: FLORAS FANCY
intensity_bars: 844/880/844/808
notes:
  The dance is based on ideas by the youngest dancer in the class, 10-year-old Katie Oftedahl, who chose the title.


created: 2005-04-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-08-12 14:16:33.258966+00
name: Lady in Red
ucname: LADY IN RED
intensity_bars: 88888 08080 88888 84884
notes:
  Dedicated to Leslie Dawes of Gleneagles Scottish Country Dance Club, West Vancouver and
  Vancouver Branch.

  Misprint. The dance description in the Highlander Collection vol 1 says that this is a Strathspey, but the music is a Jig.   ETF 30 oct 2011

  Malcolm Brown writes on the Strathspey List:

  "The dance was first published in the Vancouver Branch Ruby Collection in
  2005, where the accompanying tune is Gentle Shepherd.

  It was then published in Simon's own collection of dances as part of the
  Branxholm Hall Suite / Lady in Red Collection in 2007, where again the tune
  is Gentle Shepherd, and where Simon says "the dance was inspired by, and
  written to the beautiful tune The Gentle Shepherd as recorded on St Andrews
  Ball by Ron Kerr", and where it is also described as a "32 bar slow jig"."

  (As slow jigs go, the Ron Kerr recording in question is not particularly slow.)


created: 2015-08-29 14:34:00.197525+00
last_modified: 2018-04-29 04:33:38.479484+00
name: St Andrews Sea
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS SEA
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
notes:
  The modified corners pass and turn was suggested by Mrs. Kazuko Hasegawa.  

  This dance was inspired when I was looking at irregular patterns of waves and ripples on the suiface of the sea from the castle ruin in St. Andrews. 


created: 2015-02-14 13:45:09.629952+00
last_modified: 2018-04-26 22:53:41.159172+00
name: Jubilee Stars
ucname: JUBILEE STARS
notes:
  I devised this dance as an alternative to John Drewry's "Five Stars", which is a really challenging dance and which I feel is a little bit too difficult for ordinary dancers.

  Bars 9-24 are based on another John Drewry's dance "Recumbent Stone". Therefore I owe this
  dance doubly to John Drewry.


created: 2015-08-26 09:08:37.338184+00
last_modified: 2017-11-07 23:09:55.766427+00
name: Vefa's Strathspey
ucname: VEFAS STRATHSPEY
devised: 2015-02-18
notes:
  Devised for Vefa Balac's birthday, 28th February 2015. Vefa is the nickname for Genovefa, which is the Breton translation of the name Geneviève.


created: 2015-08-27 10:20:52.743783+00
last_modified: 2018-04-11 01:32:09.89314+00
name: Drums of Duntulm Castle, The
ucname: DRUMS OF DUNTULM CASTLE
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/800
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  This dance was written by Holger in January 2013.  
  The drum solo in "The Magic of Merrill" reminded him of the crashing of the waves around Duntulm Castle at the northern coast of the Isle of Skye.


created: 2015-08-26 15:14:12.993622+00
last_modified: 2016-04-18 23:21:43.035706+00
name: Polar Vortex, The
ucname: POLAR VORTEX
notes:
  Suggested recorded music: a slower reel such as
  The Cast'n Reel, Moments in Time by Jim Lindsay, Keith Smith and Muriel Johnstone


created: 2015-08-26 19:00:38.054988+00
last_modified: 2024-10-06 16:50:22.577657+00
name: Morino Magic
ucname: MORINO MAGIC
notes:
  Devised "for Sandy Nixon, Hamish Smith, Gordon Young and Bill Hendry – members of the original band who have played at Helensburgh & District RSCDS events for many years."


created: 2015-08-27 17:57:57.681553+00
last_modified: 2019-10-16 00:36:39.597674+00
name: Picton Tartan Tea Dance
ucname: PICTON TARTAN TEA DANCE
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2013-04-01
notes:
  I wrote this after a lovely weekend at the Prince Edward County Scottish Country Dancers Tartan Tea Weekend Workshop and Tea Dance.


created: 2015-08-27 17:56:14.130597+00
last_modified: 2022-08-13 20:31:18.71208+00
name: Off to Thailand
ucname: OFF TO THAILAND
devised: 2013-08-01
notes:
  The notes say "This was written to say 'au revoir' to Kachina, Alex and Orion as they head off on a new adventure. They have promised to come back!"


created: 2015-08-27 16:42:05.91894+00
last_modified: 2021-03-27 09:59:00.080396+00
name: Four Leaf Clover, The
ucname: FOUR LEAF CLOVER
intensity_bars: 800/804/844/888
devised: 2015-03-01
notes:
  Something easy for the A&P class to help learn corner pass and turn and prepare for Montreal Rendezvous.


created: 2015-08-26 06:45:48.615459+00
last_modified: 2015-08-28 06:18:27.747943+00
name: Celebrating 50 Golden Years
ucname: CELEBRATING 50 GOLDEN YEARS
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/888
devised: 2015-05-01
notes:
  Devised in May 2015  by Marilyn Watson, to celebrate 50 years since Bournemouth became a Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society on 6th August 1965.


created: 2015-08-27 13:50:04.270625+00
last_modified: 2023-06-24 08:51:11.000261+00
name: Somewhere in America
ucname: SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/880
notes:
  Devised by Ellen Ternes for Anne and Ewen MacAskill on their leaving America witlwut our permission.


created: 2015-08-27 17:47:59.38028+00
last_modified: 2023-09-20 07:42:32.890824+00
name: Lee-Lee
ucname: LEELEE
devised: 2013-03-01
notes:
  This dance was written to celebrate our daughter Leahʼs graduation from medical school. We had a terrific month long celebration!


created: 2015-08-27 17:48:57.590638+00
last_modified: 2024-10-06 17:10:21.01214+00
name: Lost in Manoa Marketplace
ucname: LOST IN MANOA MARKETPLACE
devised: 2014-02-01
notes:
  "While trying to find the Friday social venue for the Hawaii weekend, Don and I managed to get lost and followed each other around for quite a while before we found the dance hall. Exciting times. February 2014."


created: 2015-08-31 09:40:12.698891+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:37.0801+00
name: Putting the Cherry on the Cake
ucname: PUTTING THE CHERRY ON THE CAKE
devised: 2013-11-01
notes:
  In memory of Ann Dix who would say when teaching, “Putting the Cherry on the Cake”. The dance gives lot of opportunities to cover, a teaching point Ann would stress.


created: 2015-08-29 14:20:32.736616+00
last_modified: 2018-04-29 06:28:46.312567+00
name: Happy Tartan (3C/4L version)
ucname: HAPPY TARTAN 3C/4L VERSION
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/800
notes:
  This dance was devised to assist a new lady member of Tartan Club to dance a reel of three without difficulty.


created: 1997-09-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-08-31 19:29:19.492991+00
name: Tam o' Shanter
ucname: TAM O SHANTER
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/888
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  Note: This dance was specifically designed for brand new dancers, or situations where
  you are asked to provide "audience participation." (PB)


created: 2018-08-28 20:15:32.44032+00
last_modified: 2018-09-23 21:47:53.353367+00
name: Falls of Dochart, The
ucname: FALLS OF DOCHART
intensity_bars: 840/880/880/808
notes:
  The Falls of Dochart are in the beautiful Perthshire village of Killin. The deviser came across them unexpectedly last summer and felt they deserved a dance named after them. The first figure represents the movement of the falls.


created: 2015-08-27 17:51:07.849227+00
last_modified: 2021-03-11 09:06:22.187104+00
name: Montreal Australian Lady, The
ucname: MONTREAL AUSTRALIAN LADY
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2013-05-01
notes:
  I wrote this for Kachina Allen, who has confirmed my suspicion that Australians are all crazy and a lot of fun!


created: 1998-04-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-06 19:25:22.685644+00
name: Sunnyside, The
ucname: SUNNYSIDE
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/888
devised: 1989-01-01
notes:
  For David Eastwood who lived, for a few years, at Sunnyside, Newmachar. "To say thank you for all his help with my dances."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2019-06-30 13:45:43.025637+00
name: Carlin's Cairn
ucname: CARLINS CAIRN
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/888
notes:
  Carlin's Cairn is the second highest of the four hills which comprise the Rhinns of Kells in Galloway.


created: 1998-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-01-27 14:59:07.838501+00
name: Dancing Dolphins
ucname: DANCING DOLPHINS
intensity_bars: 800 844 844 800
notes:
  Only the animation video shows the reel correctly - the dancer videos do not! The "tandem" dancers should stay PARALLEL to the side lines/center axis of the set. That is:- When they cut the center of the reel they should be side by side as they cross the side line, not one following the other.


created: 2012-03-04 20:38:06.230765+00
last_modified: 2015-09-05 21:17:09.59585+00
name: David's Double Trouble
ucname: DAVIDS DOUBLE TROUBLE
intensity_bars: 84840 88888 84884 80800
devised: 2008-05-01
notes:
  The dance was inspired by the music written for David by Philippe Kocian. The dance was named at an informal gathering of dancers in Ardèche, May 2008


created: 2016-07-04 19:45:02.465403+00
last_modified: 2018-04-30 15:34:38.858107+00
name: Lochranza Ferry, The
ucname: LOCHRANZA FERRY
intensity_bars: 8642/8888/8888/8088
notes:
  Narrative:  
  1 – 8: Cars arrive in turn at the terminal at Lochranza  
  9 – 16: Cars load up on the ferry to Claonaig  
  17 – 24: Waves and slightly choppy sea crossing the Kilbrannan Sound  
  25 – 32: Ferry ties up and cars roll off at Claonaig.


created: 2006-05-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-08-21 06:23:42.61387+00
name: Luke Brady's Magical Music
ucname: LUKE BRADYS MAGICAL MUSIC
intensity_bars: 888/800/844/888
notes:
  For Luke Brady, who got me into this in the first place! I have to admit. working on this book was good fun and I can now say I've met someone younger than me that likes Scottish dance music as much as l do.  And we've even made a dancer out of him!  
  Thanks to Bruce Wallace for writing the tune for this dance. it made Luke's day.


created: 1998-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-09-03 14:51:04.475597+00
name: Rossington Strathspey, The
ucname: ROSSINGTON STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/888/444/888
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for, and dedicated to, Mrs. Ethel Mary Moss, mother of John Moss who was an honorary member of the Moncton Scottish Country Dance Group. It was presented and first danced at the celebration of her ninety-seventh birthday at The Auld Farm, Cap Pele, New Brunswick, Canada on October 13, 1990.

  Rossington Strathspey was published in ‘Island Games’ to commemorate the 1991 Canada Winter Games playing in Charlottetown, PEI that year. It was published that same year.


created: 2018-06-03 14:34:43.534966+00
last_modified: 2025-03-13 21:12:01.692201+00
name: Jig for Jennifer C., A
ucname: JIG FOR JENNIFER C
notes:
  The dance was devised by David Carter, member of the Charlotte Scottish Country Dance Society and dedicated to his mother Jennifer


created: 2015-09-03 14:43:47.090811+00
last_modified: 2015-11-03 13:48:35.726864+00
name: Strathspey Sandwich, The
ucname: STRATHSPEY SANDWICH
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Reel/Strathspey/Reel  music "One of a Kind" by Marian Anderson

  Medleys are always a problem as suitable music is hard to find.
  This dance was inspired by Marian's music so fits exactly!
  Of course it can be also danced as a straight Reel or Strathspey
   ... ...
  but be warned, 5 times as a reel will test stamina!


created: 2015-09-03 15:24:59.080342+00
last_modified: 2015-11-03 13:48:35.819021+00
name: Fleur de Lise
ucname: FLEUR DE LISE
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  music "Miss Catherine Anne" by Scottish Measure

  This dance requires a flowing SSpey.. The really great music suggested is absolutely
  ideal but repeats just 3 times so not everyone will dance all positions.


created: 2015-09-03 14:56:46.050479+00
last_modified: 2018-02-18 02:42:33.48079+00
name: Bayham Abbey
ucname: BAYHAM ABBEY
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  The original instructions, both text and diagrams, clearly specify the progression as (25431).  That must be in error: 3c and 4c just switch places, and never get a turn in the centre.  The progression has therefore been classified as "other". 

  It would be easy to restore a god progression by moving the starting direction one place clw or cclw each time through. 


created: 2015-01-18 12:58:59.663546+00
last_modified: 2018-05-01 01:21:21.357033+00
name: Compliment Returned, A
ucname: COMPLIMENT RETURNED
intensity_bars: 888/842/866/888
devised: 2009-07-01
notes:
  Devised for Jim Rae, July 2009.  Since Jim is often writing dances for other people, here is one for him.


created: 2015-01-18 12:45:14.199178+00
last_modified: 2018-05-01 00:59:28.636132+00
name: Budapest May Moon, The
ucname: BUDAPEST MAY MOON
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2007-05-01
notes:
  Devised on the coach journey from a ranch in Domony Valley outside Budapest, when the moon seemed to travel all the way round us!


created: 2015-09-03 14:14:16.128096+00
last_modified: 2020-02-14 17:43:38.408866+00
name: Henneker Reel, The
ucname: HENNEKER REEL
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  music "Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan" by Colin Dewar

  This dance started as a Strathspey to give more time with unfamiliar orientations. 
  It is better as a reel, and the specified music helps by not being too fast!


created: 1997-10-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-10-13 18:52:49.986754+00
name: Sidlaw Hills (Whetherly 12)
ucname: SIDLAW HILLS WHETHERLY 12
intensity_bars: 8008/8778/8448/8448
devised: 1983-01-01
notes:
  As Mitchell has published two 4-couple 32-bar strathspeys with the name "Sidlaw Hills" (in Whetherly Books 7 and 12), a note has been appended to each name to reduce the confusion.


created: 1998-01-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-23 23:38:35.717344+00
name: Rifleman, The
ucname: RIFLEMAN
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  <<scddb-not-identical:5574>>

  This dance is a North Country dance adapted for Scottish Country dancing. One long set, men with partners on their right hand side facing another couple across the set as on the 2nd chord of the Glasgow Highlanders.


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-11 10:23:20.483332+00
name: Sidlaw Hills (Whetherly 7)
ucname: SIDLAW HILLS WHETHERLY 7
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8000
notes:
  As Mitchell has published two 4-couple 32-bar strathspeys with the name "Sidlaw Hills" (in Whetherly Books 7 and 12), a note has been appended to each name to reduce the confusion.

  The 2021 edition has revised bars 25-32.


created: 2000-11-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-12-13 18:05:27.34468+00
name: Amazing Grace
ucname: AMAZING GRACE
intensity_bars: 8844/8844/8888/8000
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  Dance for two adjacent 4C sets.

  Progression: each set has progression (2341), and each time through the sets swap places.  Danced 4 times through.

  Devised to exploit the linkage between sets at a Dancing party, and dedicated, with affection, to our teacher at the Pinelands Caledonian S.C. Dancers, Grace Lofthouse


created: 2013-09-18 08:21:06.937336+00
last_modified: 2015-09-09 22:47:48.454999+00
name: Three Score and Ten
ucname: THREE SCORE AND TEN
intensity_bars: 8888 8448 8888 8888
notes:
  "A celebration of Torf's 70th birthday and his favorite SCD formations"

  Published in the Houston & District 30th Anniversary Collection [p14-15] with "Harriman, Sarah & Torf" as authors.

  The text published in "Fun'raising Scottish Country Dances" on p12-13 is the same dance; but only Sarah Harriman is named as author.


created: 2012-12-09 21:15:14.6605+00
last_modified: 2015-09-12 12:59:14.370538+00
name: Reverend Ron Lewis, The
ucname: REVEREND RON LEWIS
notes:
  Received from the RSCDS Cheshire Branch's New Year Ball 2013, via Andrew Locke.

  The dance has only been published as a Manuscript (Typewritten) sheet.


created: 2015-01-18 15:28:10.728582+00
last_modified: 2018-05-02 06:59:03.554126+00
name: Red House Square
ucname: RED HOUSE SQUARE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  Written for the children’s club at Red House School, Norton, Tees-side but useful as a warm up dance using walking step throughout.


created: 2002-01-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-09-18 19:53:46.993592+00
name: Claire Campbell
ucname: CLAIRE CAMPBELL
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
notes:
  For a lassie I may first have set eyes on some years ago at a Southport Festival although she was in a junior team and we were probably up in the bar preparing for our own demonstration in the usual way. Happily reclaimed for the dancing world via the dentist’s chair.


created: 1997-08-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-09-21 06:19:24.802227+00
name: Happy Couple, The
ucname: HAPPY COUPLE
intensity_bars: 8888/6666/6666/8888
notes:
  Devised for Mike and Anita's wedding 1983-10-29.

  See the original text for details and possible variants.


created: 2015-09-20 16:00:39.207817+00
last_modified: 2016-01-05 01:56:50.888862+00
name: I Mind Hid Fine
ucname: I MIND HID FINE
intensity_bars: 800/833/833/844
notes:
  Each couple dance 32 bars in strathspey time and repeat in reel time

  The dance is dedicated to friendships made through Scottish country dancing.  
  "I mind hid fine" is Orcadian for "I remember it well."


created: 2001-10-23 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-12-06 09:48:33.190769+00
name: Eastern Promise
ucname: EASTERN PROMISE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8448
devised: 2000-09-01
notes:
  A dance to savour the delights of a trip to Turkey!

  Author's NOTE:: Fry's chocolate-coated Turkish Delight is advertised as being "Full of Eastern Promise".


created: 2016-06-07 17:02:06.301448+00
last_modified: 2025-03-18 10:00:03.347222+00
name: Salute to Candidates, A
ucname: SALUTE TO CANDIDATES
intensity_bars: 800/880/822/866
devised: 2014-11-01
notes:
  Written in recognition of the many hours that the teacher candidates put enduring a course to become teachers of Scottish Country Dancing.


created: 2003-01-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-27 21:32:14.539471+00
name: Hooper's Jig
ucname: HOOPERS JIG
intensity_bars: 804 840 706 880
notes:
  ##>>
  This cannot be attributed to a specific person.  
  Some sources suggest ‘hooper’ is merely an old form of ‘cooper’, a barrel maker, while others suggest that it was the specialist function of making and fitting the metal hoops on barrels as opposed to the making of the wooden staves.
  ##<<


created: 2002-08-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-07-07 12:51:02.536026+00
name: Montgomeries' Rant, The
ucname: MONTGOMERIES RANT
intensity_bars: 800 888 822 866
devised: 1749-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  The source of this dance, *The Menzies Manuscript*, is part of the Atholl Collection. In the manuscript, the name of the dance is unequivocally The Montgomerie’s Rant ie referring to the Head of the Montgomerie family. Why the change was made is unknown.

  In 1749, the date of the manuscript, Alexander Montgomerie had been 10th Earl of Eglinton for twenty years. He was prominent in London Society and a close friend of James Boswell, Samuel Johnson’s literary assistant. His main claim to fame is that he was shot to death on his estate by an exciseman claiming the right to carry arms on the estate, effectively claiming a right to hunt, or poach, depending on your point of view.
  ##<<


created: 2001-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-09-19 22:16:04.402435+00
name: Scotland's Road of Romance
ucname: SCOTLANDS ROAD OF ROMANCE
notes:
  'Scotlands Road of Romance' is the title of a book written by Augustus Muir describing the flight of Bonnie Prince Charlie to France after the battle of Culloden. The route took the Pretender through Doune and many of the places of refuge identified by the author I have used as titles for some of the dances in the Doune -Collections Vols. 1 & 2.  Muir's book, published in the 1930's is unfortunately now out of print.


created: 2006-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-09-28 19:41:58.661839+00
name: Asilomar Frantic
ucname: ASILOMAR FRANTIC
intensity_bars: 88/88/80/88
devised: 2005-10-29
notes:
  Note: Devised on the spot in less than 10 minutes at 2005 Asilomar Workshop. My original plan required more dancers than I had. So, it would seem that need is the mother of invention


created: 2017-09-25 20:59:12.430696+00
last_modified: 2021-02-07 17:22:16.054485+00
name: Reel Fun
ucname: REEL FUN
intensity_bars: 800/864/866/864
devised: 2016-03-01
notes:
  Inspired by a lovely little dance called The Aviator by Carola Fischer which has the half reel, reel/turn figure. Written to celebrate TAC 2016.


created: 2003-02-24 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-09-29 12:48:19.812558+00
name: Last Way to Hanale'i, The
ucname: LAST WAY TO HANALEI
intensity_bars: 888 888 888 844
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  Author's Notes: The trick to the one-way reel is to make a point of passing right shoulders at the ends of
  the half reel, both to get in and to get out. The tracks danced by second couple, for
  example, are:

  2M passes 2W with RS, 3W with LS, 1W with RS, then dances up the men's side to finish
  in the center facing down.

  2W passes 2M with RS, dances down the women's side and into the center facing up,
  passes 1M with RS and 3M with LS to finish facing her partner.

  Warning to teachers: From the outside, especially from the side, this reel looks wrong.
  Many times I have stopped a walk through to straighten things out only to be told (by
  everyone) that the figure had been working.


created: 2015-09-20 15:40:27.342557+00
last_modified: 2015-09-30 06:23:00.938446+00
name: Shopping Mall Scamble
ucname: SHOPPING MALL SCAMBLE
notes:
  An error has been found in the dance "Shopping Mall Scramble" in the Vancouver Golden Anniversary collection. Bars 27-28 should read: 
   
  27-28  3rd woman with 1st woman, 3rd man with 2nd woman, and 1st man with 2nd man, giving right hands, cross over.
   
  Rosemary Coupe


created: 2015-09-16 12:08:24.852603+00
last_modified: 2026-01-21 11:31:27.42755+00
name: Jubilee
ucname: JUBILEE
intensity_bars: 822/822/888/888
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Devised after attending the 50th anniversary Labour Weekend School. Remembering the Auckland Region 50th anniversary.


created: 2005-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-10-19 13:38:04.02458+00
name: As You Wish
ucname: AS YOU WISH
intensity_bars: 828/888/888/880
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  Note: The dance was written as a request from my fellow teacher, Paula Jacobson, who thought it would be a nice change to include a short 3 times through strathspey in class.

  Do not confuse with the dance by Linda Mae Dennis (2012), originally published as "As You Wish, PBC" or even "As You Wish", the suffix having been added to avoid to avoid confusion with the Bob McMurtry dance, and now renamed to "Aas Yooou Wiiissshhh" for the same reason.


created: 2004-08-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-10-29 00:43:24.368836+00
name: Morpeth Rant
ucname: MORPETH RANT
notes:
  It is likely that this is an English Country Dance, as it is on Jimmy Shand's English Folk Dances LP from 1973. On searching, there are 3 versions  of it as an English Country Dance available, all for 2 couples and 32 bars and reel time (one says 2/4 meter and Rant Steps). It was published in Kennedy's Community Dances Manual, the EFDSS Community Dance Manual and included with the recording Folkcraft 337-011A. All the descriptions are the same formations, though differently described.


created: 2007-03-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-10-29 15:25:51.690458+00
name: City of Stirling Reel
ucname: CITY OF STIRLING REEL
intensity_bars: 886 833 833 844
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  City of Stirling Reel was given to the Branch by Roy Goldring after he taught at a very successful day school in 2005. Stirling was given city status as one of the 6 new millennium cities hence the name given to the dance. The tune, The Nether Bailey, was composed for the dance by Nicol McLaren of the Glencraig Band. The Nether Bailey is thought to be the oldest part of Stirling Castle.
  	


created: 2016-03-06 10:28:08.280536+00
last_modified: 2018-01-31 02:12:55.585586+00
name: Cornish Hospitality
ucname: CORNISH HOSPITALITY
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Marilyn Watson to celebrate the first weekend school run by the Cornwall Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society March 18th to 20th 2005


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2019-04-20 09:08:54.366111+00
name: Janet Robb's Fancy
ucname: JANET ROBBS FANCY
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8888/8282
notes:
  Special progression.  The top 4 couples dance first.  Their progression is (2,1,4,3).  Then the bottom four couples (1,4,3,5) dance.  The positions after twice through are then (2,4,1,5,3).  Danced ten times through in all.


created: 2015-10-10 13:54:58.405102+00
last_modified: 2015-10-12 06:58:43.239662+00
name: C. W. Pimlott
ucname: C W PIMLOTT
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8448/8888
notes:
  Michael Block dedicated this dance to C. W. Pimlott (affectionately known as "Pim") who was designated the "Convenor of Scottish Country Dancing" in the early days of the Newbury and District Caledonian Society. Pim was the prime mover in the transition of that Society from a group of ex-patriates into a group of Scottish Country Dancers.


created: 2016-03-06 10:42:11.117316+00
last_modified: 2019-10-31 07:15:24.221248+00
name: Cornwall Revisited
ucname: CORNWALL REVISITED
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Marilyn Watson on her return visit to Perranporth for the second weekend school
  run by the Cornwall Branch of the R.S.C.D.   March 24th to 26th 2006.


created: 2015-10-08 08:56:12.94847+00
last_modified: 2015-11-09 13:15:00.170626+00
name: Perth City Charter
ucname: PERTH CITY CHARTER
intensity_bars: 880/800/800/844
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Bars 1-8 represent the old city walls of Perth; the next eight bars represent the ribbon tied around the charter; and the last 16 bars represent the number 800.

  Dance devised January 2010 by Helen Beaney to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion. It is an octocentenary gift to the children of Oakbank SCD Club in Perth, who were the first to dance it all the way through, and their teacher Marilyn Healy.


created: 1998-04-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-11 01:45:52.97941+00
name: King of the Fairies, The
ucname: KING OF THE FAIRIES
devised: 1969-12-11
notes:
  Completed on the 31st December, 1969. The tune is that of an Irish step dance. 
  A pleasant variation is to play the repeat of the tune in E minor. 

  Unfortunately, no suitable recorded music exists.


created: 1997-09-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-11-15 00:50:03.697375+00
name: Lord Selkirk
ucname: LORD SELKIRK
intensity_bars: 404/880/844/866
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  Lord Selkirk was the founder of Winnipeg, where Jo Hamilton's parents settled around the beginning of the 20th century


created: 2015-11-05 10:22:51.26565+00
last_modified: 2019-05-04 12:48:32.926365+00
name: Dancing Fiddler, The
ucname: DANCING FIDDLER
intensity_bars: 888/484/880/848
devised: 2015-08-01
notes:
  Inscribed to Ruth Cheney, an enthusiastic member of the St Margaret’s Ilkley Scottish Country Dance class, who sadly passed away in July 2015.  She was formerly a professional viola player, and her spirit was lifted by the performance of traditional music by such fiddlers as Keith Smith and Alasdair Fraser.


created: 2015-10-14 16:10:02.524428+00
last_modified: 2015-10-14 17:24:31.744968+00
name: Road To Mod, The
ucname: ROAD TO MOD
notes:
  Devised with the help of my wife Kristin, 12 October, 2014. Modified 14th
  October, 2014. This dance came from listening to an old record by Jim Macleod,
  called “Lassie come and dance with me.” Track 6 of side 2 is called “The Road
  to Mod” and has this intriguing medley with bow chords. So I guess at some
  time there must have b een a danc e for this m edley. In spite of many enquiries, I
  could not find the dance so to ok on the challenge to devise a dance to this music.
  I chose a demonstration dance, and one the emphasised “big figures” and some
  highland ste ps over complexity. The waltz was particularly challenging as we
  have few standard desc riptions, and this particular Gaelic waltz is quite lyrical,
  meaning finding figures sympathetic to the tune was tricky. Kristin help ed a
  lot here. After comments by Glenna and Iain Matcham, I mo dified this on the
  14th Octob er.

  A Mo d is a traditional Scottish Gaelic festival of arts, including the Royal
  National Mo d. A mo d includes comp etition for p o etry, music, choral events,
  and many other asp ects of traditional Scottish culture. Macleo d was a wonderful
  pip er and p erhaps he was talking of the national mo d piping comp etition when
  naming this collection of tunes.

  (On the record cover: “The Gaelic Mo d held annually in Scotland is the last
  surviving remnant of the great Clan gathe rings, but apart from the comp etitive
  asp ect of the Mo d the so cial spirit (in every sense) is in great abundance.”)

  Clearly the recommended music is “The Road to Mo d”, from “La ssie Come and
  Dance with Me” by Jim Macleo d and his Band. (Phillips, LP 6382 072, and
  Fontana / T L 5353 (1966)).

  Since this is more or less unobtainable, on my home page is an mp3 of the
  recording. (At least while the record is not re-released.)

  The tunes are 32 bars of the following: (Reel/March) Bratach Bana, (Waltz)
  Morag of Dunvegan, (Schottis che) Larach do Thacaidean (Moulin Dhu-Black
  Mill), (Reel) After the B attle . All are traditional. Thanks to Peter Elmes, Iain
  Boyd and Michael Laidlaw for helping find the names of the tunes


created: 2018-05-02 18:10:20.330612+00
last_modified: 2024-10-28 06:28:29.38647+00
name: Fiona's Favourite
ucname: FIONAS FAVOURITE
intensity_bars: 880/880/888/880
devised: 2014-04-20
notes:
  The dance was written during the Canterbury Region Easter Weekend School held at Fairlie. The dance was written for Fiona Bullivant, who was one of the tutors during the weekend. Strathspeys are her favourite style of dance.


created: 2011-07-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:50.866921+00
name: Hard Drive, The
ucname: HARD DRIVE
intensity_bars: 844 802 844 844
devised: 2003-03-01
notes:
  Devised in March 2003 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Strathspey Server. The name of the dance recalls a vital part of the computer, used by all „strathspeyers‟. The name also alludes to the spirited character of the dance and the music: a great driving reel (The Fairy Dance).


created: 2002-04-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-01-15 18:33:27.21729+00
name: Gypsy Silver
ucname: GYPSY SILVER
intensity_bars: 800 844 888 888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  Former weblink, now dead http://www.opendoor.com/heatherandrose/dances_brookeandchris.html#gypsy (found on web archive).


created: 2011-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-04 09:04:00.318763+00
name: Waverley Whispers
ucname: WAVERLEY WHISPERS
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to the ‘Waverley Whispers’ editorial team – Jean Deacon and Margaret and Ross Gawler. The monthly broadsheet ‘Waverley Whispers’ is required reading for all members of the Waverley Scottish Society and any other dancer lucky enough to get their hands (or their eyes) on a copy.


created: 2002-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-11-09 14:52:28.728516+00
name: Lacemaker's Lilt, The
ucname: LACEMAKERS LILT
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Written for the Cath Du Dancers of Minneapolis/Saint Paul in J995.

  This is a demonstration dance, for practiced teams only.


created: 2018-07-29 04:47:04.780413+00
last_modified: 2018-07-29 07:20:37.082656+00
name: Moving to Paris
ucname: MOVING TO PARIS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8282/8888/8088
devised: 2018-07-29
notes:
  Dedicated to Nicolas, my son, Séverine, his wife, and Elian, Véia, Aloïs and Siloé, their 4 children, moving definitely in August 2018 from Lyon to Paris


created: 2015-10-14 16:04:40.431825+00
last_modified: 2016-05-31 00:25:26.169427+00
name: Pangolin, The
ucname: PANGOLIN
notes:
  In quick time, bars 1 and 2 should be danced in pas de Basque, and 5-8 using
  the right hand.

  Devised 12th October, 2015. The name follows a suggestion of John Patterson. Recommended music is the Sidlaw Hills (James Watson), played ABABAB, and a suitable recording is “Sey of Tunes Suitable for Morya Rant” by the Sound Company. A suitable alternative tune would be “Partans in his Creel” by Allie Windwick and a suitable recording is to be found d in \Strictly Scottish Vol.  1, by Robert Whitehead and the Danelaw Band in \Strictly Scottish Vol. 1, by Robert Whitehead and the Danelaw Ban


created: 2011-12-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-11-12 00:31:49.210757+00
name: Lairds' Chain, The
ucname: LAIRDS CHAIN
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Peter McClure (joptmc [at] cc.umanitoba.ca), Winnipeg, March 2003, for Rena and Adam Laird . This dance can be used to introduce relatively new dancers to the reel of four. It is a variation of "The Lairds' Diamond," the reel of four is central to Scottish country dancing, just as Rena and Adam Laird have been central to the local Scottish cultural community for as long as we have known them.

  The dance could also be done as a jig; in that case, we suggest skip-change-of-step for the two hand turns at bars 19-20. That may not be according to current RSCDS convention, but it will make the flow into the circle more pleasant. Finally, it could be done as a medley, 32 bars strathspey followed by 32 bars jig for each couple in a three couple set. 


created: 2015-04-12 17:31:14.160093+00
last_modified: 2015-10-20 19:52:04.95156+00
name: Transition Teacher
ucname: TRANSITION TEACHER
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/888
devised: 2010-08-05
notes:
  The dance is dedicated to Patricia Houghton and was devised by Janneke Mitschker & Tobias Huenger on 05.08.2010. We enjoyed Summer School Week 1 + 2 in St Andrews. Tobias has been taught by Pat in Unit 2 + 3 and to say „Thank You“; there came the idea to devise a dance. Janneke suggested the last 8 bars to have all steps in quick time to have as many transitions as possible. I suggested the Ladies' Chain to have the opportunity to waggle with the kilt that has often been commented on by Pat (to avoid it in Unit 2 exam dances) - in this case, waggle as much as you can to start the Ladies' Chain - and not at the end due to the transition to the next figure


created: 2014-06-17 01:16:03.445167+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:55.203193+00
name: Jenny Sharp's Century
ucname: JENNY SHARPS CENTURY
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Jenny Sharp is the oldest and longest serving member of the Branch being a member from around its start in 1927. The dance was written for her by Alan Macpherson and performed and presented to her by a team from RSCDS Stirling at Fairview Care home where she now lives, for her 100th Brithday, 4th August 2009.


created: 2013-05-23 07:59:51.352783+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 15:20:24.59137+00
name: Forty-Five Years Together
ucname: FORTYFIVE YEARS TOGETHER
devised: 2007-05-11
notes:
  Dance devised for Dick and Henny Mackay, on the occasion of their 45th wedding anniversary, May 11, 2007


created: 2002-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-30 08:27:07.804036+00
name: Three Square Strathspey, The
ucname: THREE SQUARE STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/888/844/888
notes:
  First and third couples stand as for a normal square set.  Second lady stands in second couple's place, and second man stands in fourth couple's place.


created: 2002-02-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-11-08 21:55:09.559617+00
name: Corstorphine Fair
ucname: CORSTORPHINE FAIR
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8888 5333 5333
devised: 1963-01-01
notes:
  As the original leaflet is no longer in print, the description is reproduced here.  This text will be removed at once if the copyright holder so requests.

  1–8::
    All four couples circle and back

  9–16::
    First couple cast off on own side followed by second, third
    and fourth couples crossing over at foot of the dance and dancing up the wrong side.
    (Phrasing – Cast off for 3, first couple cross over on bar 4, second on bar 5,
    third on bar 6, fourth on bar 7, each woman crossing in front of partner.
    On bar 8, all should be in two straight lines, facing up.

  17–24::
    All four couples facing top slip 4 steps to centre of dance,
    women passing in front of men.  Join nearer hands or link arms with partners
    and dance two steps forward then two steps backward (Skip, change). 
    Then 4 slip steps to side lines.  Women again pass in front of men.

  25–32::
    First woman changes places with second man giving right hands;
    with third woman giving left hands; with fourth man giving right hands;
    and on bars 7 and 8 all four couples turn on spot with 2 pas de basques,
    clapping hands on bar 7.

  33–40::
    First man changes places with second woman giving left hands;
    with third man giving right hands; with fourth woman giving left hands
    and on bars 7 and 8 all four couples turn on spot with 2 pas de basques,
    clapping hands on bar 7.

  The leaflet also contains the sheet music for the tunes.

  From a Strathspey message on 2012-09-21:  Corstorphine (a suburb of Edinburgh) is pronounced much like the word  endorphin.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-07-17 11:18:21.605588+00
name: River City Strathspey, The
ucname: RIVER CITY STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 440/880/888/844
notes:
  This dance was devised for the Glendarroch Scottish Country Dance Club, Wanganui (The River City), New Zealand.


created: 2011-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-11-18 23:51:06.882727+00
name: Shetland Shepherdess, The
ucname: SHETLAND SHEPHERDESS
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/888
notes:
  This title was inspired by a trip to Oslo to teach SCD, where the deviser met Caroline Nicol, a
  Shetlander shepherding in Norway! The dance and music are dedicated to Susan Hagen, Ron's
  hostess, and all the fine folk in Oslo SCD Group


created: 2014-05-09 22:17:04.65567+00
last_modified: 2021-08-10 18:50:09.684434+00
name: Trip to Crinan, A
ucname: TRIP TO CRINAN
intensity_bars: 444/444/888/880
notes:
  Crinan is a small village at the Atlantic end of the Crinan Canal in Argyllshire. The Crinan Canal was opened in 1801 as a shortcut for boats from Loch Fyne to the Sound of Jura. Crinan was a childhood playground of Mairi’s, and we visit whenever we go over.


created: 2015-12-15 15:11:46.28372+00
last_modified: 2025-03-25 08:55:29.077377+00
name: Mystery of the Star Sapphire, The
ucname: MYSTERY OF THE STAR SAPPHIRE
notes:
  NB the instructions page for this dance in the <<ddpub: Lower Hutt SCD Club 60th Anniversary#1285>> book claims this dance is a reel (though it is given as a strathspey in the table of contents). Iain Boyd says it is definitely a strathspey.


created: 2015-10-25 12:58:52.526584+00
last_modified: 2026-02-23 23:59:33.744224+00
name: Fair Enough
ucname: FAIR ENOUGH
intensity_bars: 8888/0880/8008/8888
devised: 2014-07-01
notes:
  “Devised for a performance at the Clark County Fair in Vancouver, Washington, USA.”

  You can find instructions for 3-couple and 5-couple variants of this dance on <<http://www.rscds-swws.org/news/stories/Book-51-FairEnough-Variants.pdf>>.

  DEVISED:2014-07


created: 2006-11-22 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-03-19 12:10:45.645297+00
name: Cass' Capers, The
ucname: CASS CAPERS
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888/844
devised: 2003-06-01
notes:
  Devised by Marion Peutherer (with assistance from the Newcastle University Tuesday night class) to celebrate the 1st wedding anniversary of Ginette & Peter Cass on 1st June 2003.


created: 2007-03-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2015-12-20 16:55:55.487082+00
name: Campbell's Welcome
ucname: CAMPBELLS WELCOME
intensity_bars: 88 88 88
notes:
  Campbell Tyler writes: This dance was first named "Campbell's Fancy". I subsequently renamed this dance Campbell's Welcome as I use it so often as the first dance in a programme, especially a ceilidh dance.  


created: 2006-11-22 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-03-19 18:45:36.021063+00
name: Fair-le-Small Reel, The
ucname: FAIRLESMALL REEL
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for Diana Fair and Sandy Small and presented to them on the occasion of their wedding in Birmingham on October 24th, 1998


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-09 09:33:17.481404+00
name: Highveld Storm
ucname: HIGHVELD STORM
intensity_bars: 8880/8080/8800/8008
notes:
  Wouter Joubert of Pretoria, the publisher, adds (in Strathspey message 67356): The reels in bars 1-8 are across 1st and 3rd place respectively, 1st couple with 2nd woman who dances up the side to 1st woman's place (a bit of a curve to the right) and 3rd couple with 2nd man who likewise dances down into 3rd man's place.


created: 2000-01-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:56.1789+00
name: Johnnie Notions
ucname: JOHNNIE NOTIONS
notes:
  John Williamson was born in 1740 at Esha Ness and received no formal education. He was shy and studious and frequently dabbled in mechanical inventions, thus earning the nickname "Johnnie Notions." He spent 30 years tramping around the 45 inhabited Shetland Isles inoculating crofters against smallpox, the scourge that plagued mankind for 2 000 years, with a serum of his own invention. Its composition was a guarded secret, but it was reliably reported after his death in 1803, that to obtain it, he had inoculated a Shetland pony with pus from a smallpox patient. While Englishman. Edward Jenner, is generally credited with the first successful inoculations in 1802, and in spite of the fact that the medical profession was eagerly waiting to put him on trial as an unqualified practitioner, they acknowledged that not one of his patients died. 

  While he was a weaver by trade, and also became the local bone-setter, blacksmith, carpenter and clock-repairer, he must have had a talent for sculpting. A sculpture he did in wood, of the head of a man is at the Shetland County Museum, his model being his first patient, who had a look of intense relief on his face. 


created: 2015-11-27 08:27:17.616694+00
last_modified: 2016-11-12 23:36:09.226496+00
name: Drooney's Reel
ucname: DROONEYS REEL
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/4884/8888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  This is a very provisional entry, derived from the video only.  Please tell me of errors.  Eric Ferguson.


created: 2013-05-19 10:29:33.863334+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:58.022105+00
name: Ladies & their Lads, The
ucname: LADIES AND THEIR LADS
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  This is a variant to Martin Sheffield's "Ladies First", differing in the first 8 bars.

  In his older 140 Dances Collection the dance was named "Ladies & Lads", but has the title "The Ladies & their Lads" in the Modern Country Dances in the Scottish Tradition Collection from 2017.


created: 2006-10-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2019-03-04 19:26:52.394284+00
name: Every Witch Way
ucname: EVERY WITCH WAY
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2004-10-16
notes:
  The Capital District Fall Frolic always is scheduled for the weekend closest to Halloween, which is why Dale Birdsall wrote a dance with this title for that occassion.

  This dance contains Schiehallion Reels reverse for six dancers (denoted reel of six), that means men start facing out to cast and ladies dance across the set to their left.


created: 2016-04-15 16:23:14.503901+00
last_modified: 2018-10-03 00:34:29.03377+00
name: Celtic Ghost, The
ucname: CELTIC GHOST
devised: 2009-06-01
notes:
  Suggested music is Hoedown Reel Set from Music Makars or The McDonald Saunter from Dances with a Difference.


created: 2015-12-08 11:10:16.957997+00
last_modified: 2025-04-15 01:34:27.659894+00
name: Betty and Gordon Page's Reel
ucname: BETTY AND GORDON PAGES REEL
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8228/8888
devised: 2015-11-01
notes:
  Devised as a thank you to Betty and Gordon Page of Wellingborough whose collection of dance books was passed on to the Lisbon (Lapa) Scottish Country Dance Group at the SCD Weekend at Curia, Portugal, in December 2015 by Jan Jones through the International Branch.


created: 2006-06-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-15 22:49:48.920193+00
name: Eileen Watt's Reel
ucname: EILEEN WATTS REEL
intensity_bars: 800 466 888 888
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Eileen Watt was on the staff at RSCDS headquarters for 17 years, and retired in 2005. She was beloved by those who knew her.  She had the added distinction of then being the only member of staff who danced!


created: 1997-12-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2019-05-16 06:04:40.381931+00
name: Ruby Reel, The
ucname: RUBY REEL
intensity_bars: 822/888/822/888/888
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  The dance was devised at the request of the Farnham (Surrey) ScotUsh Country Dance Club, where it was known as the Farnham Ruby Reel, to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

  Over the years due perhaps to the town's' proximity to ALdershot - 'The Home of the British Army', a number of soldiers were and are members of the Club - hence the suggested tune "SoLdiers Dance".


created: 2016-01-13 23:29:57.066287+00
last_modified: 2016-01-14 10:47:27.207872+00
name: Dance in the Park
ucname: DANCE IN THE PARK
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2015-07-01
notes:
  Devised for the dancers joining the Dance in the Park sessions on Fridays in July and August in Park Georges-Henri in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels.


created: 1997-09-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-02-06 20:58:55.415043+00
name: Piper Jock Kerr
ucname: PIPER JOCK KERR
notes:
  According to the instructions, this is a 48 bar progressive jig for 3 couples in a 4-couple square set. One couple acts as markers for the other three who actually dance parts of the dance in a triangular formation. The "marker" couple changes each time through the dance.


created: 2013-03-05 15:56:22.06107+00
last_modified: 2019-03-28 00:18:01.378912+00
name: It's Reel Life
ucname: ITS REEL LIFE
intensity_bars: 880/822/888/844/888
devised: 2012-08-26
notes:
  For Bärbel Koch on her 60th birthday, 26 August 2012

  The description as originally published had an omission on 17-20.  2nd lady and 3rd man set on [17-18], and only then do they [as written] "dance in, pulling back right shoulder, to finish back to back, facing the place they just left." [19-20].  Since December 2015 the "original" has been corrected.


created: 2015-12-15 14:49:38.502154+00
last_modified: 2021-05-23 10:37:52.526695+00
name: Snow Flurries
ucname: SNOW FLURRIES
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2011-08-01
notes:
  The notes say this dance was "devised to commemorate the amazing once-in-a-lifetime snowfall in the Hutt Valley and Wellington regions in August 2011. The dance depicts the gentle snow flurries which increased in intensity falling as streamers or ropes from the sky, creating a magical winter wonderland where we were enticed to play."


created: 2003-03-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-01-17 00:10:30.426152+00
name: Balfron Belle, The
ucname: BALFRON BELLE
notes:
  2016-01-17.  Spelling changed to Balfron, Belfron must be a misspelling as no place name Belfron exists anywhere in the UK.  Eric Ferguson.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-01-17 00:26:52.885395+00
name: Endrick Water
ucname: ENDRICK WATER
intensity_bars: 80800/88880/80888/80800
notes:
  Endrick Water is the small river running through the bottom of the village of Balfron, where my cousin Olive McAllister lives. In past times, Tony Moretti has been known to fish in these waters.


created: 2015-01-18 15:38:07.491524+00
last_modified: 2018-04-29 06:13:23.506613+00
name: Rhubarb Reel, The
ucname: RHUBARB REEL
devised: 2006-09-01
notes:
  Some earlier versions of the dance instructions mistakenly state that this dance is a Jig. It is not. It's a Reel. (Source: the dance instructions)


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:08:00.849325+00
name: Lovers' Knot, The
ucname: LOVERS KNOT
intensity_bars: 800/800/800/844/866
notes:
  For bars 9-12 some prefer to set in the middle, to make a more realistic "Lovers' Knot", but the official revised text of 2014 does not mention this variant.


created: 2016-04-15 16:47:13.071549+00
last_modified: 2023-09-22 11:50:13.275871+00
name: Yin/Yang
ucname: YIN/YANG
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8888/8484
devised: 2012-02-01
notes:
  Suggested music is Double Diamond Strathspey from Vintage Goldring.
  The shape of the figures of this dance remind me of the yin-yang symbol.


created: 2016-01-01 13:19:02.706516+00
last_modified: 2025-01-08 17:31:32.366262+00
name: Rosalie's Birthday Reel
ucname: ROSALIES BIRTHDAY REEL
devised: 2004-05-01
notes:
  Devised by Hazel Convery for Rosalie Parker on the occasion of a "rather special birthday" May 2004 and amended 2015.


created: 1998-04-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-31 14:49:25.243341+00
name: Lily In The Valley, The
ucname: LILY IN THE VALLEY
devised: 1972-11-25
notes:
  Completed on Saturday 25th November, 1972 but slightly modified twice since then. 

  No specific recorded music exists but Stan Hamilton's "The Saint John River " may be used if the dancers are patient enough to stand for 32 bars until the second tune begins.


created: 2016-05-22 16:33:38.806129+00
last_modified: 2020-10-17 20:56:00.848931+00
name: White and Purple Heather Jig, The
ucname: WHITE AND PURPLE HEATHER JIG
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8440/8448
notes:
  Found on Minicrib, source unknown.  Unrelated to James Cosh's "The White Heather Jig" and its  variants "The White and Purple Heather Jig" and "The Purple Heather Jig".


created: 2013-12-07 20:39:56.131054+00
last_modified: 2016-01-21 14:07:54.150067+00
name: Comeback Jig, The
ucname: COMEBACK JIG
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  January 2012 - A gentle dance devised by Elaine Brunken to celebrate Maria Ward’s comeback
  to dancing after major neck and spine surgery…….January 2012 also happened to be her 60th
  birthday!


created: 2016-01-30 14:56:34.329829+00
last_modified: 2016-01-30 23:16:45.173224+00
name: Inland Sea
ucname: INLAND SEA
devised: 2016-01-26
notes:
  Demonstration dance.  No crib needed.

  This dance was devised by Louis Emslie, one of the Kitchener-Waterloo Branch's teachers, in honour of the 35th Anniversary of the Branch's annual "Burns Supper" and was performed for the first time (as a demonstration) at this event on January 23, 2016.


created: 1998-01-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-01 15:13:40.856459+00
name: Carrick Castles
ucname: CARRICK CASTLES
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
notes:
  Set shape: Triangle of three trios WMW.

  Devised by Penny Gay to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Falmouth White Heather Club in 1991 and is published in their 30th anniversary Dances booklet. The castles of Pendennis and St Mawes are situated on the headlands on either side of the Carrick Roads, the busy waterway that leads to the port of Falmouth.


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-29 09:33:21.614021+00
name: Roselath Cross, The
ucname: ROSELATH CROSS
intensity_bars: 886 844 844 888
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  The Roselath Cross was devised by Henrietta Vosper of RSCDS Cornwall Branch in 1998 and is published in the RSCDS Millenium Dance Book 41 in 2000. The Roselath Cross is an old preaching cross near Lanlivery on the Saints Way which runs from Padstow on the north coast of Cornwall across the county to Fowey on the south coast. The Tune, The Roselath Cross, was composed by Kerrell Garner also of the RSCDS Cornwall Branch.

  The following article by Val and John Thorne was published in London Branch's The Reel, No 235 in February 2001:

  ROSELATH CROSS

  Recorded in ‘Stone Crosses in Mid Cornwall’ by Andrew Langdon and ‘Ancient Crosses of Cornwall’ by Mary Henderson as the TRETHEW CROSS, LANLIVERY. Circa 11th C. Map reference SX 07345880

  WHAT is The Roselath Cross, the inspiration for the dance of that name that appears in the Millennium Book 41?

  These Ancient Granite Crosses were placed as markers or prayer stops at hilltops, track junctions, etc., by early Celtic Christian Pilgrims from Ireland and Wales who crossed the Bristol Channel to the North Cornish Coast, and then walked South to Fowey where they embarked on ships for France and thence over the Pyrenees to Spain. This ancient 26 mile track across Cornwall now known as ‘THE SAINT’S WAY’ was used by Bronze and Iron Age Traders who preferred the land route from Padstow to Fowey rather than risk the dangerous waters off Lands End.

  Roselath or Trethew was on Church Path between the main church at Lanlivery via the farms of Roselath and Gready to the Priory of Tywardreath a few miles from Fowey. This hilltop cross stands on the public footpath ½ mile South West of Roselath Farm.

  In the early 1900s the Vicar of Lanlivery. the Rev’d W.E. Wynne discovered the head of the granite cross lying near the original base, and this was illustrated by Langdon in 1906. Despite searches in the area by various historians the shaft of the cross could not be found and was probably ‘recycled’ as a gatepost or lintel. It was considered that a new shaft would detract from the character of such an ancient cross, and therefore when it was re-erected on 11th October 1941 the Head was cemented onto the Base.

  Father Wynne, who had also been responsible for the restoration of another cross in the area, visited the Trethew Cross the following day and on his return wrote:- ‘The view from the stile at Trethew repaid me for climbing the hill. The distant hills in the evening sunshine looked very beautiful, so that I was glad and elevated – in every meaning of the word’.

  Access: The easiest route is to follow the signs from the A30 or A39 to the ‘EDEN PROJECT’. This is about 2 miles west of Luxulyan. Follow signs to Luxulyan and Lanlivery. One mile after Luxulyan Church the road bends sharp left, and facing you is a track, the entrance to Trethew farm, and a footpath sign ‘Lanlivery ¾ mile’. (Limited parking available at this point). Follow the waymarked footpath alongside the hedge to a stile over the Cornish bank (overgrown, secateurs useful), then cross the next field alongside the hedge, to ‘The Roselath Cross’. Continuing on towards Lanlivery the stile in the immediate area of the cross is very overgrown, and there are many brambles on the path side of the wire field fence. The stile at Roselath Farm is also somewhat overgrown, but the path improves soon after passing the Farm and the last section is well used and clear of obstructions, terminating at the road next to the pub in Lanlivery .

  Roselath is the name of Henrietta Vosper’s home near Saltash (the dance devisor), but she does not know its origin.

  Val and John Thorne


created: 2002-02-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-08 21:28:17.239796+00
name: Johnnie Walker
ucname: JOHNNIE WALKER
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8080 0808 6666 6666 8888 8888 Repeat
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  There used to be an online source at http://www.javastandrewsociety.com/Scottish%20Country%20Dances/johnniewalker.htm, but on checking today (2016-01-21) no SC dance descriptions could be found on that site.  Link removed.  Eric Ferguson

  The correct spelling is "Johnnie Walker", but the common misspelling "Johnny Walker" has been added as an Alias.


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:30.183948+00
name: All Kinds of Everything
ucname: ALL KINDS OF EVERYTHING
devised: 1978-10-01
notes:
  Devised during October, 1978 and given to Noeline prior to her trip to Europe in 1979. The title is that of a modern song sung by the Irish folk singer Rosemary Brown. 

  The 'all round poussette' should be danced as originally described in Book 19 - see " TAC Notes on RSCDS Dances", third edition, 1986, page 3.


created: 2016-02-29 01:16:19.85405+00
last_modified: 2024-10-01 22:16:58.471246+00
name: Gorgeous Gordons
ucname: GORGEOUS GORDONS
intensity_bars: 8008/2882/8888/8888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  For John Tyler and Daniel Capron, ten years after the foundation of the Gay Gordons in London.

  NB bars 25-28 were revised in May 2017.


created: 2016-03-20 14:34:32.358632+00
last_modified: 2024-03-24 12:28:59.45914+00
name: Nick the Trumpet
ucname: NICK THE TRUMPET
devised: 2015-10-01
notes:
  Devised by Lyn Wilson, South Wales, for Nick Dewhurst following an impressive “with my other hand” display of trumpet playing (he normally plays drums for dancing) at the RSCDS Cornwall residential weekend April 2015


created: 2016-01-18 16:46:46.59549+00
last_modified: 2025-08-03 13:11:45.910894+00
name: Warm Me up Scottie
ucname: WARM ME UP SCOTTIE
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Warm up dance for the beginning of club nights or any session.

  The instructions for this dance in the first edition of the book specified that 1st couple cross down giving right hands briefly in bars 3-4. This was later revised to crossing down "no hands".


created: 2017-10-12 15:37:17.188674+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:13:03.243493+00
name: Through the Mist
ucname: THROUGH THE MIST
intensity_bars: 888/820/880/888
devised: 2016-03-01
notes:
  The title for this dance came to me while driving up Tom Jenkins Drive over Pretoria's Meintjieskop (Meintjies Hill) through the mist on a very welcome day of rain in the midst of a crippling drought.


created: 1998-04-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:47.155151+00
name: From The Court To The Cottage
ucname: FROM THE COURT TO THE COTTAGE
devised: 1973-01-30
notes:
  Devised on Tuesday 30th January, 1973. The title is that of an Irish jig . 

  Noeline and Iain both enjoy "Sugar Candie" from which bars 9-16 was developed.
  Iain felt the name suited a medley.

  Recommended tunes: 
  "The Bobby Harvey Strathspey" composed by Angus Fitchet ("The Newcastle Collection of Dance Tunes", page 12), 
  "A Trip to Galway" ("Dance Music of Ireland 1001 Gems " edited by Captain Francis O'Neill, page 71 , number 345), 
  "Auld Luckie" ("Kerr's Third Collection of Merry Melodies ", page 15 , number 123),
  "Taladh" ("Kerr's Third Collection of Merry Melodies ", page 31 , number 290).


created: 1999-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-06-17 12:10:03.485318+00
name: Ruby Wedding, The
ucname: RUBY WEDDING
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8448/8448
notes:
  Devised for the occasion of Molly and Albert William’s Ruby Wedding Anniversary in York, April 1993.


created: 2016-03-05 16:12:05.819292+00
last_modified: 2016-03-06 21:08:42.984511+00
name: Crimson Clover
ucname: CRIMSON CLOVER
intensity_bars: 840/888/448/888
notes:
  This dance is also known as an English Country Dance, and published in the authors' volume "Impropriety Volume lV".1


created: 2018-05-03 08:12:58.081134+00
last_modified: 2018-05-20 06:34:41.058874+00
name: Wild Heather
ucname: WILD HEATHER
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2014-02-21
notes:
  The dance has been written in recognition of the Wild Heather Band. The musicians are Sharlene Penman, Lynne Scott, Anne-Marie Forsyth and Mary McDonald.


created: 2016-04-26 11:36:26.112533+00
last_modified: 2016-04-27 14:19:49.360976+00
name: Julia and Bob's Petal Dance
ucname: JULIA AND BOBS PETAL DANCE
devised: 1996-07-01
notes:
  The dance was devised for the wedding of Julia Kelemen and Robert Finan on 14/07/1996 in Dundee.

  According to the memories of those involved, the petals reels are danced right shoulder to maximise flow.


created: 2003-04-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-18 16:23:32.819803+00
name: Bowling Ball Reel, The
ucname: BOWLING BALL REEL
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Dance for 11 persons. 10 pins and one ball.
  While this dance has been devised as a joke, there has been sufficient thought in its construction to merit it being listed here.


created: 2015-05-04 11:06:18.208168+00
last_modified: 2016-05-18 16:26:31.964776+00
name: Copthorne Steamie, The
ucname: COPTHORNE STEAMIE
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  A 40-bar jig for 4½ couples in a longwise set.  (the ½ stands at the top of the set as the “Umbrella” with a small part-filled laundry basket )


created: 2016-04-15 20:58:42.019318+00
last_modified: 2019-08-25 20:37:35.39858+00
name: Bottoms Up!
ucname: BOTTOMS UP
intensity_bars: 888/888/008/888
devised: 2006-02-01
notes:
  2s, 3s & 4s begin. After 32 bars order is 1243. 1s, 2s & 4s repeat finishing 1432 and 1s & 4s change places to 4132 and 1s, 3s and 2s begin 3rd time through.


created: 2016-02-10 14:01:30.671906+00
last_modified: 2016-02-10 14:05:55.649143+00
name: Dance for Helen, A
ucname: DANCE FOR HELEN
notes:
  Video found on Youtube; this is up to now the only source for this dance entry.  Probably the dance has been published as a leaflet

  Danced from first place as Strathspey, from second as Reel.  4 times through.


created: 2011-11-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-27 09:12:13.593313+00
name: Miss Jeanetta McColl
ucname: MISS JEANETTA MACCOLL
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2007-07-01
notes:
  This dance and tune, devised as an auction item at Pinewoods camp 2007, is dedicated to Miss Jeanetta McColl who has been central to the life and growth of Boston Branch RSCDS over many years.


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-02-12 22:27:57.134277+00
name: Lowpin Lizards
ucname: LOWPIN LIZARDS
intensity_bars: 844/880/844/888
devised: 2003-07-29
notes:
  Dedicated to Gordon and Ria Skilling on the occasion of their Silver Wedding Anniversary, 29 July 2003.

  The author tells us:  I originally named the dance »Leapin' Lizards« after an outcry habitually uttered by an ancient cowboy hero in the »Eagle« comic paper which I used to get as a kid.  I later changed the name to »Lowpin Lizards« on a recommendation by Jennifer Wilson; »lowpin« (without an apostrophe) means »jumping« in Scotch.

  Note:  If danced in a 3 couples longways set, on bars 25 – 28, couples 3 and 1 set and dance half right hands across, while 2nd couple set and cross over right hands. Finish with the normal bars 29-32 [circle halfway to the left].


created: 1998-03-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-02-12 23:24:50.96146+00
name: Dundee Lassie
ucname: DUNDEE LASSIE
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/844
devised: 1993-06-01
notes:
  Devised as a farewell dance for Anne Scobie (she's originally from Dundee) upon her move from Washington DC to Oslo, Norway.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-03-18 23:06:55.937917+00
name: Heather Ale
ucname: HEATHER ALE
intensity_bars: 262/622/888/888
notes:
  Text printed at the top of the instruction page


  "From the bonny bells of heather

  They brewed a drink long-syne,

  Was sweeter far than honey,

  Was stronger far than wine."


created: 2016-02-16 22:20:43.485545+00
last_modified: 2016-03-05 20:26:25.143948+00
name: Triple Gold
ucname: TRIPLE GOLD
intensity_bars: 88888/04840/44844/44844/80000
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  Note:

  This dance was devised by Ken Jones for the three 2006 Golden Wedding Anniversaries enjoyed by long time supporters of the Sheffield Branch RSCDS.

  Our best wishes in dance to:

  	Margaret and Brian McAteer

  	Paul and Dulcie Bond

  	Elsie and Gordon Burnside


created: 1997-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-24 19:56:11.055591+00
name: North Star, The
ucname: NORTH STAR
notes:
  A sixty four bar strathspey, sixty four bar reel & sixty four bar strathspey medley for three couples in a hexagonal set. The dancers form up as in a normal longwise set. On the second chord the second couple cross over giving right hand to finish on the opposite aide slightly outside the line of the set. At the same time the first man and third lady turn to face each other, and first lady and third man do the same.


created: 2016-06-07 21:34:34.996584+00
last_modified: 2016-06-07 21:35:01.481262+00
name: Celestial Perturbations
ucname: CELESTIAL PERTURBATIONS
notes:
  Devised: 2016-05

  Devised May 2016 by Lara Friedman-Shedlov for Audrey Salo, a Twin Cities dancer and lover of astronomy, on the occasion of her leaving Minneapolis to attend college at the University of California, Berkeley.


created: 2012-05-09 13:32:57.360291+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:36.077067+00
name: Buckie Loon, The
ucname: BUCKIE LOON
intensity_bars: 844/888/800/888
notes:
  Dance devised by Bill Zobel and Muriel Johnstone as a tribute to Alex Jappy of Delta, Vancouver, who has provided music for Ruth and given pleasure to so many dancers over a great many years. It has to be said however that the elocution lessons have had no effect whatever ~ Alex still sounds very much a 'Buckie Loon'.


created: 2002-10-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-10-22 05:56:02.871391+00
name: Napier's Index
ucname: NAPIERS INDEX
intensity_bars: 800 844 888 844 888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  This dance is dedicated to Keith Napier of Australia who, for many years, has maintained a computerised index of Scottish Country Dances. This index was one of the original building blocks of Alan Paterson’s Dance Data which is now incorporated in the Strathspey website.
  ##<<


created: 2016-02-25 00:54:25.012194+00
last_modified: 2020-10-17 20:44:12.491875+00
name: Jessie Stuart of Dufftown
ucname: JESSIE STUART OF DUFFTOWN
intensity_bars: 800/844/866/888
notes:
  Jessie, originally from Dufftown, is known all over the world for teaching both Scottish Country and Old Time Dancing.


created: 2016-02-25 00:23:17.801246+00
last_modified: 2016-02-25 00:23:17.801246+00
name: Borough Briggs
ucname: BOROUGH BRIGGS
notes:
  For the Elgin City Dance Club who met at Borough Briggs,
  the home of Elgin City Football Club.



  Bars		Description

  1 – 8	2nd and 4th couples petronella turn to face partners up and down the set; set to partners and turn right hand once round to finish with 2nd woman facing 1st woman, 2nd man facing 3rd man, 4th woman facing 3rd woman and 4th man facing 5th man.  2nd man and 4th woman are back to back.

  9 – 16	2nd woman dances a reel of three with 1st couple as 4th man dances a reel of three with 5th couple while 2nd man and 4th woman dance a reel of four with 3rd couple.  All pass right shoulders to begin the reels.  2nd man and 4th woman pass right shoulders on bars 15 and 16.

  17 – 18	2nd and 4th couples pass the person they are facing right shoulder and cast off or up to original places (man cast up, women cast off).

  19 – 22	2nd and 4th couples turn right hand once round.

  23 – 24	2nd and 4th couples cast off once place.  3rd and 5th couples step up.

  25 – 30	1st and 3rd couples together and 2nd and 5th couples together dance ¾ rights and lefts and stay facing out.

  31 – 32	3rd, 1st, 5th and 2nd couples set while pulling right shoulder back to finish facing in.  Finish 3, 1, 5, 2, 4.


  Repeat from new positions.


created: 2016-02-25 00:26:53.320732+00
last_modified: 2016-02-25 00:26:53.320732+00
name: Jimmy Allan's Rant
ucname: JIMMY ALLANS RANT
notes:
  To celebrate the 90th birthday of Jimmy Allan of Westhill


  Bars		Description

  1 – 8	1st and 2nd couples set, cross over giving right hands and dance on two places clockwise to finish 2, 1, 3.  1st man stays facing out in second place.

  9 – 12	2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance half a reel of three on the sides.  To begin 1st and 2nd couples pass right shoulders.

  13 – 16	3rd, 1st and 2nd couples set then turn partners rights hand to finish in the middle of the set facing up.

  17 – 24	3rd, 1st and 2nd couples dance a three couple allemande.  On bars 23 and 24 the 1st couple cast off to third place while the 3rd couple dance up to second place.

  25 – 32	2nd, 3rd and 1st couples advance, retire and turn partners with the right hand once round.  Finish 2, 3, 1.


  Dance three times through in Strathspey time
  then three times through in Reel time.


created: 2015-02-14 14:53:16.488106+00
last_modified: 2016-05-10 23:28:26.581129+00
name: Ruby Wedding
ucname: RUBY WEDDING
notes:
  Devised by Richard Donaldson, Victoria Branch, and dedicated to his wife, Elaine, to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

  Dance either all 64 bars, or repeat bars 1-32 having passed a couple.  In that case the dance becomes S 3/4L with progression is (213).


created: 2000-08-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-02-27 11:34:49.888829+00
name: Izayoi
ucname: IZAYOI
devised: 1993-10-01
notes:
  After the second time through the positions are (3,4,1,2); 1c then steps down to (3,4,2,1).  8 times through in all finishes in (1,2,3,4)


created: 1997-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-10-07 16:16:36.94064+00
name: Safe Anchorage
ucname: SAFE ANCHORAGE
intensity_bars: 88880/80800/80800/80888
devised: 1982-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for a demonstration at 'The Anchorage', Mudeford. 1982, in aid of the
  R.B.L.I.


created: 2015-03-13 16:34:28.677884+00
last_modified: 2017-05-31 10:39:17.443517+00
name: Mayor and Her Secretary, The
ucname: MAYOR AND HER SECRETARY
intensity_bars: 800/822/822/822
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Devised  for the retirement celebration of Elke Szepanski, Mayor of Hatten from 2006 till 2014 having joined the “Potters Pairs” in 2013.

  In the original form, the lead-change Fig8 for bars 1-8 was too tight in a crowded hall.  After some discussion Martin McWilliam wrote to me on 2016-02-23 : "Hi Eric, We have made a decision : ) . The best is just to scrap the "lead change parallel", so that 1M leads 1W all through the Fig8.  Then it all works very well."  At Martin's request both crib and diagram now show the "no lead change" Fig8.


created: 2016-02-25 00:40:59.793757+00
last_modified: 2021-03-30 19:50:51.847988+00
name: Fotheringhame Fling, The
ucname: FOTHERINGHAME FLING
notes:
  Devised for Billy and Lana Fotheringhame to thank them for all their hospitality and friendship during the Orkney Ceilidh Weekend.




  Bars	Description

  1 – 8	All 4 couples dance 8 hands round and back.

  9 – 16	1st couple dance in front of the 2nd couple, behind the 3rd couple, in front of the 4th couple then dance up behind their own lines back to place.

  17 - 24       	1st and 2nd couples dance half right hands across (1st woman stay facing out); 1st and 3rd couples dance half left hands across (1st woman stay facing out); 1st and 4th couple dance half right hands across; all 4 couples cross over right hand.

  25 - 32       	All 4 couples advance for 2 and retire for 2.  All 4 couples put right hands round partrer's waist and join left hands above heads and spin partners for 4 bars.


  Repeat with a new top couple.


created: 2013-01-05 07:35:55.288746+00
last_modified: 2016-02-28 11:41:08.680291+00
name: General Murray's Reel
ucname: GENERAL MURRAYS REEL
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 888
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Recommended Tune: Duke John, by Niel Gow. Written for John Murray (1729-1774) who became the 3rd Duke of Atholl; he was the eldest son of Lord George Murray.

  Devised to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the death of General Lord George Murray, a Scottish Jacobite general, most noted for his 1745 campaign under Bonnie Prince Charlie into England. Born 4 October 1694, he was the sixth son of John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl. 

  After the defeat at Culloden in 1745 he escaped to the European continent where he lived in numerous places. The last few years of his life he lived in Medemblik, Holland where he died on 11 October 1760. He is buried in the Church of St. Boniface in Medemblik.    


created: 2018-05-01 20:08:47.353758+00
last_modified: 2018-05-03 00:04:43.836827+00
name: To Friends
ucname: TO FRIENDS
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Irene Townshend - My gratitude and thanks to Tim Wilson for help in pulling this dance together also to Ruth Jappy and Tim for secretly testing out the dance.  

  In honour of special friends Louise Lattimore and Linda McGaw, two vibrant members of the Edmonton Caledonian Branch, in celebrating their special birthdays this year.  

  Presented at the Edmonton Caledonian Workshop February 2014. 


created: 1998-10-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-12 23:22:26.666671+00
name: Seann Triubhas
ucname: SEANN TRIUBHAS
notes:
  Pronounced (approximately) “Shorn Troos”.

  See the “Extra Info” on <<ddd:Seann Triubhas Willichan>> for a discussion of the spelling of “Triubhas” vs. “Truibhas”. (TL;DR: “Triubhas” is correct.)


created: 2015-05-30 17:34:50.730526+00
last_modified: 2025-12-23 18:22:20.737482+00
name: Triomphe, La
ucname: TRIOMPHE
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  The devisers call this a 2 couple dance, as only 1c+2c are actually dancing.  But as 1c casts to the bottom at the end, the progression is (2341), and this has to be classified as a 4 couple dance in the database.


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-07 16:16:59.665664+00
name: Mrs Shore's Strathspey
ucname: MRS SHORES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/880/088/808
devised: 1989-01-01
notes:
  This dance is inscribed to Mrs. Jone Shore, in gratitude for her dedication to teaching Scottish Country Dance, and most of all for sharing with us her joy of life.  
  Devised by Charles Ryer, March 1989.  
  Recommended Music: The MacPhersons of Edinburgh. "Scottish Dance Time", Volume 3.


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-17 19:12:20.663704+00
name: Last Exit to Soquel
ucname: LAST EXIT TO SOQUEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/880
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  Note: The name Soquel is usually mispronounced (it's pronounced Sokell). The tongue-in-cheek title refers
  to the one and only exit from the freeway to Soquel.  Down that road a bit, you can find the Soquel Class
  most Friday nights. This dance was devised with fellow teacher Paula Jacobson as a good way to teach reels
  to beginnen.


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-09-11 08:54:59.063594+00
name: Lover's Track
ucname: LOVERS TRACK
intensity_bars: 820/880/888/844
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  Dance Notes: Bars 7 & 8 will help new men or women dancers dancing as men to think of the direction
  needed to travel into a ladies' chain.


created: 2005-04-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-01-15 10:52:29.308873+00
name: Ogden of Greenhow
ucname: OGDEN OF GREENHOW
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/822
notes:
  Published in The Leeds Branch Newsletter, Issue 36, 2004 (http://www.rscdsleeds.org.uk/newsletters.htm)


created: 1998-10-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-03-22 22:06:19.261026+00
name: Founders' Reel
ucname: FOUNDERS REEL
intensity_bars: 8000/8640/8880/8440/8000/8444
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  "A 48 bar reel for three couples. This dance was devised to honor the founders of the Los Angeles Branch.
  RSCDS at its Silver Anniversary. David B. Brandon was the organiser and Founding Chairman. C. Stewart
  Smith was the inspiration and teacher extraordinaire."

  The official description tells 1c to finish in 4pl and 3c+4c to step up (2,3,4,1).  That makes it a 4C dance, contradicting the initial statement above.  


created: 2003-05-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-07-08 01:39:54.894168+00
name: Pat's Piano
ucname: PATS PIANO
intensity_bars: 888/880/800/888/822
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  Devised approximately ten years ago by Junior Member, Lesley Higgs, for Pat Clark and included in this book with grateful thanks, for all the beautiful music she has produced to compliment these dances.  

  Music for this dance composed by 16yr old Lyndsey Walsham


created: 2018-07-17 00:14:31.288961+00
last_modified: 2018-07-18 03:18:12.287703+00
name: Ysobel Stewart of Fish Hoek
ucname: YSOBEL STEWART OF FISH HOEK
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/866
devised: 2016-10-01
notes:
  In 1955, Mrs Ysobel Stewart (co-founder of the RSCDS) moved to South Africa, where she found the climate more agreeable to her rheumatism. During a trip to Cape Town, the deviser visited the suburb of Fish Hoek (also known as Vishoek) where Mrs Stewart lived.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-10 19:25:46.377307+00
name: Leprechaun, The
ucname: LEPRECHAUN
intensity_bars: 800/840/804/888
devised: 1969-04-06
notes:
  Devised for Noeline on Sunday 6th April, 1969 during a weekend school in Christchurch conducted by Alec Hay.

  Suitable recorded music is the 32 bar <<http://my.strathspey.org/dd/recording/2949/|Jig medley>> on Bobby MacLeod's "<<http://my.strathspey.org/dd/album/273/|Complete Scottish Dance Master>>".


created: 2016-04-18 12:44:31.686691+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 11:01:27.564888+00
name: Snod's Edge
ucname: SNODS EDGE
devised: 2006-09-01
notes:
  Written for the wedding of Geraldine McIvor and Gordon “Snod” Simpson in Edinburgh on 16th September, 2006.  Snod’s Edge is a village in the North East of England.


created: 2015-09-29 10:25:56.213803+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 17:33:21.324356+00
name: One of the Best
ucname: ONE OF THE BEST
intensity_bars: 88/88/44/88
devised: 2015-09-29
notes:
  For Gisela Koehne of Ettlingen, Germany, on the occasion of her significant birthday in October, 2015.


created: 2003-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-04-20 06:02:05.437423+00
name: Road to Montgomery, The
ucname: ROAD TO MONTGOMERY
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/800
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised to teach reels of four.  The deviser wrote it to be danced either in a 3-couple set (as shown here) or in a 4-couple set (4C/4L), four times through. For that, on [27-28] 1c cast off to 4pl (4c up).  Progression 2341.


created: 2002-12-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-04 21:44:45.492536+00
name: Small Gym Romp
ucname: SMALL GYM ROMP
intensity_bars: 88888/88888/48884/88888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised by Peter Cass & Marion Peutherer to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Newcastle University Scottish Country Dance Society in 1999.  The Small Gym, in the King's Walk Sports Centre, has been the home of the club for many years.  Such a shame that the University SCD Society folded in 2003 due to lack of participants.

  Ian Thow very kindly provided a signature tune for the dance.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-03 20:38:37.165356+00
name: Scottish Heritage
ucname: SCOTTISH HERITAGE
intensity_bars: 6006/8448/6006/8448/8888/8668
devised: 1983-01-01
notes:
  "for Jim and Mary Murray of Heritage Boulevard, Vancouver B.C."

  Note (by Drewry) - I have always felt that, although the beginning of "Holyrood House" was very good, the rest of the dance failed to live up to the initial promise. Perhaps this is explained by the fact that the dance, like the camel, was "a horse designed by a committee". This dance is an attempt !o improve the ending of "Holyrood House". At first, I thought of calling this dance "Rizzio's Revenge - or the Murder of Holyrood House", but, later, had a more poetic inspiration. Jim and Mary used to l1ve beside Holyrood Park during their days in Edinburgh.


created: 2016-06-11 22:26:39.035994+00
last_modified: 2017-02-24 23:38:54.213024+00
name: Dance for Maisondieu, A
ucname: DANCE FOR MAISONDIEU
notes:
  Devised by Mary Gardner for the pupils of Maisondieu Primary School, Brechin.

  3rd of the 7 New Dances for Beginners


created: 2015-05-09 17:41:31.394864+00
last_modified: 2016-05-14 21:42:04.757847+00
name: Shall We Dance Again
ucname: SHALL WE DANCE AGAIN
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Dancers begin on their appropriate side of the dance and will finish one place CCW (2nd turn L is center up and M is center down) and will dance the next round from that orientation


created: 1998-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-18 19:19:49.189699+00
name: Dance No. 1 (Reel)
ucname: DANCE NO 1 REEL
notes:
  A Set dance for 4 couples, beginning in tbe position of the Cross of St. Andrew.
  The original title is as shown, basically just a number and the type of dance. The editorial team came up with an unofficial alias name for this dance for better search reference.


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-25 20:52:42.350051+00
name: Snowflake Strathspey, The
ucname: SNOWFLAKE STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 16/16/16/16/16/16
notes:
  Hexagonal: the six W stand Back to Back in the middle, facing their partners.
  The dance has six 16-bar figures, each consisting of an 8-bar phrase plus a fixed 8-bar chorus, which moves everyone to a new partner.  


created: 2015-04-22 22:52:07.394735+00
last_modified: 2016-05-06 19:03:59.261525+00
name: New Rigged Hip, The
ucname: NEW RIGGED HIP
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8000/8000/4444/8888
devised: 2015-04-22
notes:
  THE NEW RIGGED HIP
  J48
  4-couple set

  1-8      All dance eight hands round and back
  9-16     All dance mirror reels of four on the sides (begin 1C facing 2C, 3C facing 4C, 1C+3C start in and down)
  17-24    1C lead down and up
  25-32    1C cross RH, cast off 3 places (others step up), cross RH
  33-36    2M+3W, 4M+1W, set and turn RH
  37-40    2W+3M, 4W+1M, set and turn RH
  41-48    2C+3C, 4C+1C, diagonal reels of four (begin 2W+3M and 4W+1M passing partner RS)

  note: suitable music [New Rigged Ship, J 4x48] was recorded many years ago by Jim Cameron and is available on iTunes (for 99 cents here in the US).


created: 2002-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-08 20:51:41.679817+00
name: Who Should Love Me
ucname: WHO SHOULD LOVE ME
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/888
devised: 1981-01-01
notes:
  Composed in 1981 by Todd McCall, who has an affection for "story·telling" dances. In this dance, the first woman encourages her partner to overcome his shyness of the opposite sex.


created: 1999-07-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-10 20:58:09.293817+00
name: Saltire Medley, The
ucname: SALTIRE MEDLEY
notes:
  Starting position: as in DTr, four women as corners, two men facing up/down in the middle, no hands.


created: 2001-11-06 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-11 13:44:58.549985+00
name: Saint Ann's Twasome
ucname: SAINT ANNS TWASOME
notes:
  ST. ANN'S TWASOME 
  64 bar Strathspey 	 
  1 couple, woman on man's right hand side facing audience 	

  Featured Formation:  Glasgow Highlanders Setting 

  BARS 

   1-4	1/2 GLASGOW HIGHLANDERS SETTING & CHASE HALFWAY TO THE LEFT: couple set to each other with Glasgow Highlanders setting step (2 bars) & then dance to the left halfway around a circle to change places with 2 travelling steps (left & right); 

  5-8	1/2 GLASGOW HIGHLANDERS SETTING & CHASE HALFWAY TO THE RIGHT: couple set to each other with Glasgow Highlanders setting step starting to the left (2 bars) & then dance to the right halfway around a circle back to original places; 

  9-16	SET & 1/2 TURN TWICE: set to each other & turn halfway with right hands, then set & turn halfway with right hands ending in allemande hold facing audience; 

  17-24	ALLEMANDE: dance a complete allemande; 

  25-32	CAST, 1/2 TURN & TWIRL, CHASE: pull back right shoulder & cast 1/4 around a circle (2 bars), then turn halfway with right hands (2 bars), twirl (with right hands still joined dance towards each other & then, pulling back right shoulders cast out (2 bars) & chase clockwise to original places (2 bars); 

  33-40	TURN, SET & PETRONELLA: turn each other once round with both hands (4 bars), set & petronella to the right ending facing each other; 

  41-48	REPEAT bars 33-40 to end in each other's places; 

  49-52	SET & 1/2 JIP: set to each other & then passing each other by the right shoulder, end facing each other in ballroom hold; 

  53-56	HIGHLAND SCHOTTISCHE SETTING starting to the man's left; 

  57-60	1/2 REEL OF 4: pulling back right shoulders, cast into a right shoulder reel of 4 halfway (with imaginary end people), on bar 60 spin once around to the left; 

  61-64	1/2 .REEL OF 4: dance a left shoulder reel of4 halfway, but end with a left hand turn halfway (instead of passing right shoulders). 

  Bow/Curtsey to each other and then to audience 


created: 2011-07-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-11 14:16:53.521311+00
name: Exercise for Beginners
ucname: EXERCISE FOR BEGINNERS
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  Can be danced as a reel or jig.

  Longwise set of 8 couples or more

  1c turn RH | cast off (2c up) ; turn LH | cast off (3c up)
  continue to end.  New couple starts from top every 8 bars.

  This is a very good exercise for phrasing and covering, keeping the set in shape, moving up, giving hands in quick turns, get the idea of dancing with quick turns and wide loops in the casting.


created: 2017-09-17 10:32:10.253979+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:29:58.63871+00
name: Gratitude
ucname: GRATITUDE
intensity_bars: 880/888/800/844/888
devised: 2017-06-01
notes:
  In memory of Margaret Parker (Peggy), a vera dear friend from Carlisle and Border Branch.Peggy passed away on 28 June 2017. She joined the carlisle and Border Branch in 1955, becoming a committee member shortly afterwards and loyally served in all committee roles over 60 years. Latterly she was elected President, a role she served in actively until the day she left us.


created: 2004-11-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-13 14:41:11.491613+00
name: Two Short
ucname: TWO SHORT
notes:
  TWO SHORT

  Devised by Natalie Coviello	3x32 Jig

  Three couples arranged in a square set.

  [Here a figure shows the set.  1st and 3rd couples are placed as in a normal four-couple square set, 2nd lady is in the 2nd couple’s place, 2nd Man in the 4th couple’s place.] 

  Bars
  1-8		2nd lady and 1st man, 2nd and 3rd men turn right hands to original places.
  	2nd and 3rd ladies, 2nd man and 1st lady turn left hands to original places

  9-16		2nd couple set, half turn right hands to face 3rd couple, 2’s and 3’s dance half rights and lefts to change places. 3rd couple omits polite turn at the end to finish facing out

  [Here a figure shows the right hands across for twice three dancers]

  17-24		3rd man dances right hands across with 2nd couple (in 3rd place), 3rd lany dances right hands across with 1st couple.  3rd couple pass right shoulder to dance right hands across, 3rd man with first couple and 3rd lady with 2nd couple.  Finish in the “square” formation, 3rd man in 2nd place, 3rd lady in 4th place.

  25-28	All half circle to the left.  3rd couple must control the half circle so that everybody finishes exactly half way, in new positions.

  29-32	All three couples advance and retire. Finish 2nd couple in 1st place, 3rd lady in 2nd place, 1st couple in 3rd place and 3rd man in 4th place

  Music used: 3x32 Jig from record “Grandfather Mountain”.




  This text is an exact copy of the original text which was supplied as a JPG by the deviser. Two hand-drawn figures have been replaced by text describing their content.   Eric Ferguson, 9th feb 2016.


created: 2013-05-19 10:52:18.781023+00
last_modified: 2016-05-14 10:57:34.771301+00
name: Lost in the Cairngorms
ucname: LOST IN THE CAIRNGORMS
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  The description does not state whether in shall be danced as Reel or Jig.

  Start in Square set with two couples in the middle facing side couples.


created: 2016-03-15 00:52:18.345329+00
last_modified: 2016-05-26 09:53:34.526047+00
name: Gymnasts' Medley, The
ucname: GYMNASTS MEDLEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2015-08-01
notes:
  Strathspey

  1-6 1 st and 3rd couples dance half rights and lefts and set to finish facing in while 2nd and 4th couples set and dance half rights and lefts (2nd and 4th women twirl left) to finish facing out

  7-8 2nd woman with 1 st man and 4th woman with 3rd man, giving left hands, turn halfway round while 3rd woman with 2nd man and 1 st woman with 4th man, giving right hands, turn halfway round to finish all facing in

  9-10 4th woman with 2nd man and 2nd woman with 4th man, giving nearer hands, advance to meet own partners

  11-16 2nd and 4th couples, giving nearer hands, dance out between side couples, part and cast up or down to form lines of four on the sides facing 1 st and 3rd couples (1 st and 3rd couples turn on the spot to face up or down on bar 14), and all set

  Reel

  17-24 All dance reels of four on sidelines, 1 st and 3rd couples pass right shoulders on bars 23-24 while 2nd and 4th couples dance slightly in to form a square set again, finishing all facing clockwise

  25-32 4th woman with 2nd man, 1 st woman with 3rd man, 2nd woman with 4th man and 3rd woman with 1 st man chase clockwise halfway in tandem (women loop right to begin and follow the men who started behind) to finish all facing in and all set

  On each repeat, the women move one place anticlockwise and the men one place clockwise. Newly formed couples repeat three times from new positions.


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-28 14:44:15.105786+00
name: Five is Fun
ucname: FIVE IS FUN
notes:
  Set: 3 W and 2 M; standing in a 2 couple set with a lone W in 3rd place on the midline.  The W progress (3,1,2), the men do not change places.  Three times through.


created: 2003-01-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-05-30 22:36:59.043858+00
name: Pulling Bracken
ucname: PULLING BRACKEN
intensity_bars: 880 888 822 888
notes:
  It is suggested that at the end of their second time through the dance, the dancing couple finish in 3rd place and progress to the foot by again dancing bars 1-8 with the 4th couple, who will then flow naturally into the Grand Chain. [from the original SDA leaflet 68, 1975]

  On 3 jan 2013 Angela Bulteel wrote on "Strathspey":   My husband Tony Bulteel wrote this dance, and whenever he was teaching it, he always taught the retiring 1s to reel with the 4s while the new 1s were doing their 1st reel across.  However, I am fairly certain this was not actually written into the dance at the time it was first published, I believe it was more of a suggestion added at the bottom of the instructions, and as such, I think it gets forgotten, which is rather a shame as it does look particularly good, especially when couples are covering well.  Tony is 85 now and did express the hope that dancers would continue to dance the extra reel to finish in 4th place. Hope this helps.

  On 30 may 2016 Angela Bulteel wrote on "Strathspey":  My husband Anthony Bulteel, sadly now deceased, wrote Pulling Bracken and I couldn't help noticing the request for instructions and sheet music.  I do not have the written instructions for his dance but would like to mention that it was written and titled Pulling Bracken because my husband loved the tune of the same name.   Some time after he wrote the dance someone wrote a piece of music which they decided to say was to be the original tune for  Tony's dance. This was done  without asking or even seeking my husband's approval or agreement.   May I just say that if this is to be danced by your group at an occasion where a live band is playing,  may I request that the original tune of the same name be played for the dance?  Although I do not have the sheet music, I'm sure there are many musicians out there who would be willing to supply a copy of this melody to you. May I also say it's good to know this dance is still on many programmes.  Kindest regards Angela Bulteel.


created: 2016-04-18 10:34:29.605792+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:08:10.873691+00
name: Pirongia
ucname: PIRONGIA
notes:
  Pirongia is a small town in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It is 12 km to the west of Te Awamutu, on the banks of the Waipa River, close to the foot of the 962m Mount Pirongia, which lies in a forest park to the west of the town, near to where Robert & Margaret Senior’s grandchildren live.


created: 2011-12-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-22 14:57:00.676381+00
name: Audrey & Peter's Jubilee
ucname: AUDREY AND PETERS JUBILEE
intensity_bars: 844 622 444 888 888 844
notes:
  Presented to Audrey and Peter Saunders on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.

  Suitable Music: CD Dancers’ Choice 2, Robert Whitehead & the Danelaw Dance Band, Track 6 ‘One for the Millenium’. 

  However, in the meantime an official recording exists.


created: 2016-06-23 22:54:16.912498+00
last_modified: 2025-11-11 23:18:33.186604+00
name: Portcullis, The
ucname: PORTCULLIS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8444
notes:
  The deviser states: "The Portcullis is the Coat of Arms of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough who hosted the National Garden Festival 1990. The formations in this dance describe the shape of the Portcullis and the operating mechanism."


created: 2015-02-11 22:21:48.005142+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 15:36:04.404068+00
name: Trip to the Highlands, A
ucname: TRIP TO THE HIGHLANDS
devised: 2015-02-11
notes:
  Devised for my teaching visit to St Petersburg in February, 2015.

  I had a one-hour session to teach beginners some simple formations and dances and originally wanted to use <<ddd:Highland Fair>> from the <<ddpub:Graded Book>>. I didn't want both dances for that class
  to be jigs, so I tweaked that dance a little and changed the rhythm to “reel”.


created: 2016-05-31 00:35:06.832557+00
last_modified: 2016-06-04 22:59:07.122275+00
name: Vishoek
ucname: VISHOEK
intensity_bars: 888/880/888/866
devised: 2016-05-17
notes:
  Notes:  Devised 17/5/2016.  Vishoek or Fish Hoek is a lovely town on the Cape Town pensulia.  I taught a class there in one windy night 2011 and the group was a lot of fun.  I have been meaning to write a dance for them, and it occurred to me, that the La Spirale is a bit like a fish hook....

  Recommended music is the set of Irish Reels by the Sound Company.  Another excellent alternative would be the Peter Elmes set for Mr William Brown's Reel from "Thistle Hall," which could be described as "Bothy Ballads."  Otherwise a good driving reel in one of these styles.


created: 2018-05-02 18:13:11.670474+00
last_modified: 2018-05-07 01:05:59.343567+00
name: Forty Years of Royal Oak Nights
ucname: FORTY YEARS OF ROYAL OAK NIGHTS
intensity_bars: 822/822/866/844
devised: 2013-06-21
notes:
  Written in honour of the Royal Oak Scottish Country Dance Club for their 40th Anniversary celebrations in October 2014.  

  The dance is for the current co-tutors Sue Crosbie and Jan Batten, and all past and present life and club members and tutors.


created: 2018-05-02 18:14:17.253028+00
last_modified: 2020-11-15 11:29:49.355477+00
name: Great Hall, The
ucname: GREAT HALL
intensity_bars: 880/880/800/880
devised: 2011-04-30
notes:
  Written for Sue Crosbie, co-tutor of the Royal Oak Club, who at the time of writing
  the dance, was following her dream of having a Ball in ‘The Great Hall’ of the
  Auckland Town Hall.


created: 2016-06-11 22:03:26.257771+00
last_modified: 2017-02-24 23:20:14.482128+00
name: Bruce Brymer of Brechin
ucname: BRUCE BRYMER OF BRECHIN
notes:
  “Bruce Brymer, Butcher of Brechin”, rolls off the tongue as well as his splendid meat rolls off his knife!


created: 2003-12-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-02-24 23:10:28.796795+00
name: Montrose Dancers
ucname: MONTROSE DANCERS
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/088
notes:
  Montrose is a port at the mouth of the South Esk and lies between the North Sea and the Montrose Basin, a wild bird reserve which hosts most of the worlds pink footed geese in winter.


created: 2016-06-07 15:52:33.010365+00
last_modified: 2025-03-18 09:41:00.040895+00
name: Laura's Fancy
ucname: LAURAS FANCY
intensity_bars: 8000/8440/8448/8888
notes:
  Dedicated to Laura DeCesare, a teacher-candidate in 2014-2015, for her incrdible energy and dedication.


created: 2016-06-11 22:16:04.172568+00
last_modified: 2017-02-24 23:29:55.438692+00
name: Arbroath Eightsome March, The
ucname: ARBROATH EIGHTSOME MARCH
devised: 2003-03-22
notes:
  March or Reel.

  Devised for The Scottish Country and Old Time Dancers of Arbroath (Site of the famous Abbey where the 14th Century “Declaration of Arbroath” confirmed Scottish independence from England).


created: 2016-06-05 09:39:59.097642+00
last_modified: 2016-06-13 08:37:12.074897+00
name: Nuernberg Castle
ucname: NUERNBERG CASTLE
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/844
devised: 2011-05-01
notes:
  Dedicated to the Nürnberg Castle, see 

  https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%BCrnberger_Burg 

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_Castle


created: 2016-06-13 13:43:55.987687+00
last_modified: 2016-06-14 00:53:45.665135+00
name: Salute to the Netherlands
ucname: SALUTE TO THE NETHERLANDS
intensity_bars: 8080/0808/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2016-06-13
notes:
  Written in September 2014 when Ray and Sylvia visited the Geldermalsen SCD group "White Heather".  The dance was revised and finalised in june 2016.

  The full original description of "Schiehallion Link and set" is as follows:

  	33-34	All four men dance one position round anti-clockwise into womens’ positions (1st man into 4th woman’s place, 4th man to 3rd woman’s place, 3rd man into 2nd woman’s place, 2nd man into 1st woman’s place.  At the same time all four women, pulling their right shoulder back dance into their own partner’s original position.  All face in.

  	35-36	All set.

  	37-38 All four women dance one position round anti-clockwise into womens’ positions (1st woman into 4th woman’s original place, 4th woman to 3rd woman’s place, 3rd woman into 2nd woman’s place, 2nd woman into 1st woman’s place.  At the same time all four men, pulling their right shoulder back dance into men’s position.  All face in. 

  	39-40	All set. Couples will have progressed one position anti-clockwise round the set.


created: 2011-12-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-28 00:24:59.942299+00
name: Pumpking Baker, The
ucname: PUMPKING BAKER
intensity_bars: 888/844/888/888
devised: 2007-12-01
notes:
  Devised by Craig Chamberlain and Lara Friedman-Shedlov in December 2007, based on a sequence of formations Craig thought he remembered doing before. We couldn't find a dance that had the sequence, so we made one up. The word "pumpking" originated as a typo for the word pumpkin, but was subsequently given its own definition: "to gorge on deliciousness." 


created: 2002-01-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-11-15 14:32:10.013164+00
name: Reel of The Royal Scots, The
ucname: REEL OF THE ROYAL SCOTS
intensity_bars: 886 808 844 888
devised: 1983-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  A dance commissioned from the Society and devised by <<ddp:Goldring, Roy|Roy Goldring>> to celebrate the 350th anniversary in 1983 of Scotland’s oldest regiment. Along with all the other Scottish regiments, The Royal Scots have been merged into The Royal Regiment of Scotland with most of its traditions being carried on by the 1st Battalion of that regiment
  ##<<


created: 2016-06-23 22:57:11.096812+00
last_modified: 2025-06-14 06:11:20.083656+00
name: Forty Love
ucname: FORTY LOVE
intensity_bars: 8888/8800/8080/8000/8008
notes:
  This dance was devised to celebrate the Ruby Wedding Anniversary of Marie and Gilbert Duthie.   
  Bars 1-8 represent the bond of the Wedding Ring.  
  Bars 9-32 represent a double Lovers Knot with Streamers.


created: 2016-06-19 10:31:40.335566+00
last_modified: 2018-10-25 09:58:43.343671+00
name: Hole in One, The
ucname: HOLE IN ONE
intensity_bars: 800/844/8866/888
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised to celebrate the 60th birthday of the club’s President, Dr Roy Nelson. Roy is a keen golfer – the dance represents a successful round on the golf course!


created: 2016-06-19 10:35:25.378319+00
last_modified: 2018-10-25 01:05:52.644098+00
name: Half-Century, The
ucname: HALFCENTURY
intensity_bars: 888/422/800/888/844
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  Written for Lilian Morris who was 50 years young in May 1992.
  Lilian was the Harwell Caledonian Society’s secretary at the time.


created: 2016-07-04 19:28:36.220862+00
last_modified: 2020-10-19 10:03:27.313927+00
name: Forty Shades of Grey
ucname: FORTY SHADES OF GREY
intensity_bars: 880/808/088/888/888
notes:
  This dance was devised to provide a 3 couple jig, which is helpful for smaller dance groups. It does not contain setting and it does allow each of the couples an 8 bar rest at some stage of the dance, which can be helpful for the “greyheads” amongst us! The final circle round and back should also allow time to think ahead and neatly ties in with the fortieth anniversary.


created: 2016-06-30 21:30:53.359422+00
last_modified: 2022-08-13 21:25:54.093042+00
name: Southsea's Golden Year
ucname: SOUTHSEAS GOLDEN YEAR
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8080/0808/4444/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Andrew Sharp and his mother Anthea to celebrate the many happy years and friendship
  enjoyed while dancing at the Southsea Reel Club, 2005


created: 2016-06-30 21:38:22.627988+00
last_modified: 2022-12-04 13:15:34.261093+00
name: Teacher and the Music Man, The
ucname: TEACHER AND THE MUSIC MAN
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Kathy and Trevor Lawman OUR teacher and Music Man on the Club's 50th Anniversary, 2005".


created: 2016-06-23 21:30:14.88999+00
last_modified: 2020-10-18 11:17:03.872492+00
name: Remembering Miss Cameron
ucname: REMEMBERING MISS CAMERON
notes:
  Miss Cameron was a beautiful dancer, and was the deviser's first dancing teacher: she taught him when he was between the ages of seven and twelve years old


created: 2016-06-19 10:27:45.216048+00
last_modified: 2018-10-25 17:03:59.139414+00
name: Rimes Close
ucname: RIMES CLOSE
intensity_bars: 888/888/484/844
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Rimes Close was the home of Katie & Roy Nelson who hosted the club’s summer party for a number of years. In 1993 Roy was elected President of the Harwell Caledonian Society, a position he held until he was posted to Dounreay in 1997.


created: 2016-07-02 22:25:37.025059+00
last_modified: 2018-07-17 00:21:42.448316+00
name: Triple Happiness
ucname: TRIPLE HAPPINESS
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  The dance was written to celebrate the special ball of SCD group ’Mie SCDF’. ‘Mie’ is a prefecture name and means ‘Triple’.


created: 2016-07-04 19:39:12.733412+00
last_modified: 2018-04-30 12:41:51.871563+00
name: Garrowby Hill
ucname: GARROWBY HILL
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
notes:
  The dance is named after a hill east of Stamford Bridge on the York to Bridlington road, which I have strong memories of climbing slowly up in the car on the way to the various classes in Wetwang early in the Branch’s history.


created: 2016-07-04 15:05:01.893945+00
last_modified: 2018-04-29 23:19:55.541812+00
name: Dancing for May
ucname: DANCING FOR MAY
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/868
notes:
  Written in memory of May Johnson, a loyal branch member who danced with us at classes,
  dances, festivals and displays throughout the area


created: 2002-11-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-07-08 15:49:10.290832+00
name: Polka Dot Polka
ucname: POLKA DOT POLKA
intensity_bars: 80808/08088/80044/04840
notes:
  Five dancers in a square: head dancers 1+3, sides 2+4, 5 in centre facing 1.
  Music: "Lively polka or rant".

  On 8 july 2016 the author wrote to the SCDDB editors "A further update on the 'Polka Dot Polka. Although I was completely unaware at the time I made up the dance, I have been told very recently that there is actually a traditional 5 -hand reel dance mentioned in one of Thomas Hardy's Wessex novels. As he was an accomplished fiddle player, playing for village dances, I suspect that the 5 hand reel was a genuine dance though whether it survived and the notation was ever 'collected' I don't know."
   


created: 2016-01-11 10:29:18.343793+00
last_modified: 2020-05-12 21:45:31.842485+00
name: Hillcrest's Ruby Gem
ucname: HILLCRESTS RUBY GEM
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  Devised for the occasion of Hillcrest’s 40th Anniversary Dance, Toronto, December 15, 2015

  Published in the January 2016 issue of Set and Link by Toronto RSCDS


created: 2016-06-23 21:00:42.709762+00
last_modified: 2020-10-18 10:22:33.904687+00
name: Dolphins in the Tay
ucname: DOLPHINS IN THE TAY
intensity_bars: 886/888/844/888
notes:
  The name of this dance is self-explanatory, and will strike a chord with anyone who lives by the Tay!


created: 2016-06-23 21:08:23.749763+00
last_modified: 2020-10-18 10:29:04.660742+00
name: Genna's Wedding
ucname: GENNAS WEDDING
intensity_bars: 6666/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2009-07-01
notes:
  This dance was written to celebrate the wedding of Miss Genna Coutts to Mr Keith Simpson in July, 2009


created: 2016-06-23 21:21:31.404682+00
last_modified: 2020-10-18 10:34:26.738147+00
name: Miss Margaret Inglis
ucname: MISS MARGARET INGLIS
intensity_bars: 80/88/84/88
notes:
  Miss Margaret Inglis was the maiden name of the deviser's mother. She was an infant teacher and musician, who tried very hard to teach her daughter the piano! She was also Stella's first dance teacher.


created: 2016-07-04 20:00:31.25595+00
last_modified: 2018-04-30 06:22:29.012268+00
name: Wetwang's Wandering Piano
ucname: WETWANGS WANDERING PIANO
intensity_bars: 844/800/888/844
notes:
  The certificate training classes used to take place in the Wetwang village hall. The piano that was used was brought from another building in the village and was pulled on a trolley through the village to the hall.  As a young boy I tried to help, although I may have been more of a hindrance!


created: 2002-06-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-27 14:15:06.738826+00
name: Siwash Rock
ucname: SIWASH ROCK
devised: 1996-05-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Sarah Scott of Vancouver B.C. and for Simon Scott, her father."

  Siwash Rock is a large rock outcrop in the Pacific Ocean at the west end of Stanley Park in Vancouver.
  It is a prominent feature in the view from Simon Scott's house. The Rock is connected in Indian Legend with the birth of a princess and the name "Sarah" also means "Princess".


created: 2016-07-11 19:23:56.248182+00
last_modified: 2024-09-26 09:42:05.91311+00
name: Trip to Applecross, A
ucname: TRIP TO APPLECROSS
intensity_bars: 80/88/88/84
devised: 2013-10-01
notes:
  This dance was written on the way back from a trip to the Applecross peninsula in Scotland. The first eight bars recall the deviser wandering up and down, waiting, while her partner photographed the beautiful landscape.


created: 2016-07-11 19:16:02.482006+00
last_modified: 2025-09-13 17:28:34.655763+00
name: Wandering Wallaby, The
ucname: WANDERING WALLABY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2014-11-01
notes:
  The wallaby is a pest which eats the native vegetation where the deviser lives in rural New Zealand. It was introduced to the town as a present for a lady who lived there years ago.


created: 2016-07-12 22:20:42.812404+00
last_modified: 2021-08-16 08:16:53.576965+00
name: I Can't Make It Any Easier
ucname: I CANT MAKE IT ANY EASIER
intensity_bars: 880/888/822/888
notes:
  For Bill Forbes on the occasion of his 90th birthday

  "I can't make it any easier" is something that Bill sometimes says when we at St. John's are making a bit of a meal over picking up a dance that he is trying to teach.  Hopefully the description of this dance is easy to follow.


created: 2006-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-01-23 15:38:24.960205+00
name: Swiss Chocolate
ucname: SWISS CHOCOLATE
intensity_bars: 444/444/088/888
notes:
  This dance was devised in gratitude for the men in the Mountain View Class, who come back from trips to
  Switzerland bearing chocolate to share.


created: 2014-05-09 22:33:18.41509+00
last_modified: 2020-12-29 19:33:23.102961+00
name: Phoenix Rising
ucname: PHOENIX RISING
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  Dedicated to the memory of Bobby Brown who wrote the signature tune, Mrs. Francis Carol Brown, and in celebration of Laird’s leadership of his new band, Scotch Mist, into its bright future.


created: 2016-07-12 23:34:39.757748+00
last_modified: 2021-02-25 14:48:02.668506+00
name: De Walden Court
ucname: DE WALDEN COURT
intensity_bars: 880/808/844/888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  De Walden Court is in Eastbourne and the Strathspey was given as a gift to Elaine Montgomerie.  

  This dance had its debut at the annual Tartan Ball in Sussex on May 12th, 2001.


created: 2015-08-27 17:55:21.528269+00
last_modified: 2017-05-31 10:54:47.981954+00
name: Nova Scotia Tea Dance, A
ucname: NOVA SCOTIA TEA DANCE
devised: 2013-05-01
notes:
  *The progression in Miss Hadden ʼs Reel – what the TAC candidate class of 2012 called
  ʻthe Flype ʼ. Lydia Hedge asked for a dance with the Flype in it.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:56.996329+00
name: Kathy's Double Celebration
ucname: KATHYS DOUBLE CELEBRATION
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to a friend of mine, Miss Katherine Dressier (now Dr. Katherine Chino), who when it was devised had just survived her first year of medical school and had also just gotten engaged.  Bars 1-16 and 17-24 represent the precision required in medical study and a trip down the aisle; then come double wheels, double figure eights, and double triangles.


created: 2011-08-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-07-27 18:50:49.519869+00
name: Reel Easy
ucname: REEL EASY
intensity_bars: 880/888/800/888
notes:
  This dance was devised to teach reels on the side. Setting before and after the reels prepares the dancers to start the reels and allows for a chance to regain orientation after completion


created: 2003-07-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2019-03-16 14:52:20.635251+00
name: Robin Hood's Quarterstaff
ucname: ROBIN HOODS QUARTERSTAFF
notes:
  This is a demonstration dance for 3 couples in a longwise 3-couple set.
  After 32 the set is rotated by 90 degrees. Despite the number of dancers, it is danced 4 times through to get back to the original orientation of the set. 


created: 2002-03-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-08-29 22:40:32.865792+00
name: Sleeping Warrior, The
ucname: SLEEPING WARRIOR
intensity_bars: 8448 8888 8448 8888
devised: 1973-01-01
notes:
  First published by the SD Archives january 1973

  Note (by the deviser): On bars 15-16, of the Allemande, 1c and 4c may turn their P once round LH, into the Left Hands Across. 


created: 2016-08-08 00:10:27.002867+00
last_modified: 2019-06-20 21:55:25.039752+00
name: Miss Gabrielle's Reel
ucname: MISS GABRIELLES REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
notes:
  Miss Gabrielle was the daughter of Victor Laidlaw who was the drummer for the Lothian Band for many years.


created: 2009-11-29 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-08-05 14:55:35.432171+00
name: Pitcarnie Hornpipe, The
ucname: PITCARNIE HORNPIPE
notes:
  This dance was devised for Fred Moyes and Christine Basnett of London, Ontario.

  (Source: a copy of this dances was published in the "Dance On!" magazine together with the above information.)


created: 2005-04-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:08:17.670173+00
name: Someplace Else
ucname: SOMEPLACE ELSE
devised: 1992-07-11
notes:
  Dance devised in celebration of the wedding of my daughter Katrina to Derek Murphy, 11th July, 1992.   The reception was held at the Conference facility called Someplace Else.   This was only the second Saturday that didn’t rain that June and July, whew what a relief.

  The music is recorded on the CD Hoogie as the first tune in the selection Good Morning Jigs;  Katrina has always been a morning person and full of life, so this was an obvious choice, even the cheery Good Morning on the recording could be her on Christmas Morning. 


created: 1998-10-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-14 17:39:53.844293+00
name: Queen's Bridge
ucname: QUEENS BRIDGE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8000/8888/8888
devised: 1960-01-01
notes:
  According to the leaflet, the dance was devised by Mrs Anne Wishart and John Williamson and published by The Perth Branch of The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society to commemorate the 1960 Annual General Meeting.

  The Music in the leaflet was composed and arranged by Derek Auld.


created: 2016-07-12 22:02:09.779673+00
last_modified: 2021-08-16 10:22:27.017165+00
name: Nonagenarian, The
ucname: NONAGENARIAN
intensity_bars: 844/822/822/888
notes:
  For Bill Forbes on the occasion of his 90th birthday  

  Recommended Tune: The 1921 Jig by Alistair Forbes And recorded music: North American Jigs found on CD Free Spirit by Sound Company


created: 2016-07-28 22:23:49.704149+00
last_modified: 2021-04-25 16:38:44.704752+00
name: Registrar, The
ucname: REGISTRAR
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/866
notes:
  Devised by Pam Stephens and friends to honor Fred Eustis, longtime registrar for Scottish Weekend and Scottish Weekend guru. Fred’s patience and hard work, his love of the music and dancing, and the friendship he brings to Scottish Weekend have made it a wonderful experience for all.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-04 21:08:41.547136+00
name: Bringing Home The Bride
ucname: BRINGING HOME THE BRIDE
notes:
  This dance should be for when a Scottish man marries a non-Scottish woman, but there have been no such weddings in the Boston Branch since I devised it! (The sexes are dictated by the standard direction for a two-hand tum.)


created: 1998-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-08-13 15:39:39.104207+00
name: Riders Of Rohan, The
ucname: RIDERS OF ROHAN
intensity_bars: 888/888/844/844/866
devised: 1971-01-01
notes:
  Note by the deviser.

  Devised during the last week of July, 1971.

  This dance was originally devised after Noeline challenged me to devise a 'really real reel' - a dance
  consisting of reels only. Under the circumstances an alliterative title was unavoidable.

  At the end of bar 78 (ie. at the end of the reel of three with comers during the second time through)
  fourth couple finish in original places facing out. On bars 79-80 first couple lead down with left
  hands and cross over between fourth couple while fourth couple dance up to third place.

  Rohan ('Land-of-Horses') was a realm of Men north of the White Mountains - originally a province
  of Gondor. It was a fair country of vast grasslands - ideal for the rearing and breeding of horses.

  The inhabitants were known in Gondor as the Rohirrim ('Masters-of-Horses') - the Riders of Rohan much respected for their loyalty and bravery. A white horse upon green was the emblem of these people.


created: 2016-08-22 16:55:08.574092+00
last_modified: 2016-08-22 21:16:01.469855+00
name: Kristi's Conundrum
ucname: KRISTIS CONUNDRUM
intensity_bars: 880/880/844/844
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Bruce Herbold adds:  

  This dance is dedicated to and inspired by my friend Kristi Closser. Kristi went through the teacher training for Scottish country dance and I was one of her trainers.  One week Kristi was to teach Double Triangles and she started with a very normal exercise of setting and pivoting round, as the first couple does in the middle of Double Triangles; unfortunately she had people practice in the order, travel round, set, travel round and set. The next session she was to teach circle four hands round and back into Allemand; she taught very clearly to circle to the right and back to the left, only having to worry about one set of dancers who insisted circling to the left(!).  The resulting transition into Allemand went so smoothly that it wasn’t until the debriefing that she realized that most circles begin to the left.   It turns out that Kristi, Tim Wilson and I all went home that night and wrote dances to capture and celebrate this smoothly flowing variation.  This is my effort.


created: 1997-09-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-18 13:34:25.354626+00
name: Mr Scatterday's Grace and Mrs Scatterday's Glen
ucname: MR SCATTERDAYS GRACE AND MRS SCATTERDAYS GLEN
intensity_bars: 824/888/888/826
notes:
  To Grace and Glen Scatterday, on the occasion of their leaving Burlington for Dallas, Texas,
  where they continue to be active in Scottish Country Dancing.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-17 12:15:54.553234+00
name: Wandering Willie
ucname: WANDERING WILLIE
intensity_bars: 44/88/84/80
notes:
  The notes say that "Wandering Willie is a character in 'Redgauntlet' and was also a locomotive (Scott Class, of course) on the North British Railway."


created: 2016-09-04 10:49:04.957851+00
last_modified: 2018-09-13 21:11:07.773412+00
name: Janet Rennie's Strathspey
ucname: JANET RENNIES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/866/866/888
notes:
  Janet Rennie (nee Bennet) was a Highland and country dancer as a girl in Scotland. She also played the fiddle in her father’s band. After immigrating to California in 1961 she became an active dancer in the Los Angeles Branch RSCDS often entertaining at ceilidhs with her fiddle.


created: 2018-01-13 12:08:04.34376+00
last_modified: 2019-04-29 22:29:29.480509+00
name: Back in the Day
ucname: BACK IN THE DAY
devised: 2016-05-01
notes:
  Suggested music: 'Airdrie Lasses' Track 8 on An Angus Welcome Deirdre Adamson Quartet.  

  Devised by Jill Memory, May 2016.  

  The name was suggested by thinking back to 1968 and the energy levels of youth. The Peter White movement with its casting behind just seemed to fit.


created: 2018-06-05 00:05:32.203653+00
last_modified: 2025-12-05 20:20:02.931453+00
name: Katie's Farewell
ucname: KATIES FAREWELL
devised: 2018-05-01
notes:
  DEVISED:2018-05

  "For Katie Whitear, a member of the Hamburg group, on her departure to Freiburg and a new phase of her life."

  This was originally entered with the title "The Finkenwerder Fancy" which was the name used, as a surprise, on the farewell programme for Katie.
  The intended name is "Katie's Farewell". Since the fake name was in SCDDB for a while it is kept as an alias.


created: 2002-03-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-03 12:34:16.738247+00
name: Corrievreckan
ucname: CORRIEVRECKAN
intensity_bars: 55 55 55 55 88 44 88 88 bis
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to the late Frank Riley, past Chairman of the Lakes SCD Club, forester, sailor, mountaineer and much more besides.  Corrievreckan was one of Frank's favourite places.


created: 2012-08-15 08:57:44.258822+00
last_modified: 2016-08-16 14:40:00.818691+00
name: Castle of Mey, The
ucname: CASTLE OF MEY
intensity_bars: 888/880/800/880
notes:
  »The Castle of Mey was Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's residence in the far north of Scotland where she spent some time during each year. After her death it was opened to the public.«

  Note (additional to the book and the Manual). collected by Helen Russell from staff teaching The Diamond Jubilee book at Summer School 2012. 

  16	2nd couple finish the double figure of eight flat.

  At Summer School the dance was taught and completed in the traditional way i.e. at the end of the second time through with 1st couple stepping out and down. The new 3rd couple entered the reels from 4m place this caused no problems.  

  However we have since learned that the deviser intended that ... "1st couple on bars 7 -8 of the poussette would dance down nearer hands joined to fourth place, while 4th couple steps up ready for the reels", but it appears that these notes were not included in the script sent in for publication.


created: 2010-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:08:19.446506+00
name: Sweeney's Farewell to Vienna, The
ucname: SWEENEYS FAREWELL TO VIENNA
notes:
  A Note from "The Vienna Book":  
  This dance was devised by Robert Finan, Julia Kelemen and Beatrix Wepner for Ian (a.k.a. John) and Mairead Sweeney, who danced in Vienna while working at the British Embassy.


created: 2018-09-17 18:56:41.774581+00
last_modified: 2018-09-17 22:25:40.366211+00
name: All Right Bob
ucname: ALL RIGHT BOB
intensity_bars: 800/864/846/844
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  This dance was composed in the autumn of 2010 following ‘an incident’ which left our treasurer (Bob) unable to take left hands with other dancers for some period.


created: 2012-08-15 09:13:13.896176+00
last_modified: 2020-10-01 20:57:06.858396+00
name: Burnaby at Forty
ucname: BURNABY AT FORTY
intensity_bars: 6666 6666 6666 6666 8888
notes:
  Devised for the 40th anniversary of the Burnaby SCD Club.

  Note (additional to the book and the Manual). Collected by Helen Russell from staff teaching The Diamond Jubilee book at Summer School 2012. 

  21 - 24, 29 - 32, 33 - 40    Long steps to cross diagonally, shorter steps to cast.


created: 2016-08-19 20:12:02.710765+00
last_modified: 2020-10-22 20:30:53.220827+00
name: Ken and Tula's Reel
ucname: KEN AND TULAS REEL
intensity_bars: 844 866 822 888
devised: 2016-06-17
notes:
  Devised for the wedding of Ken Martlew to Petula Allen, 3 September 2016.  Ken wanted a lively reel to fit the music he originally composed for Links to St Petersburg.  For a young and energetic 1st couple the crossing into the second half of the reel can become a birl, to make it even more lively.


created: 2000-09-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-03 19:19:57.308815+00
name: Right and a Wrong Way, A
ucname: RIGHT AND A WRONG WAY
notes:
  Mrs. Ysobel Stewart of Fasnacloich, and Miss Jean C. Milligan of Glasgow, worked together to make SCD socially popular again. SCD was in a sorry, chaotic state. Dances were done differently in different areas, and the general tone was rough and anti-social. They succeeded in establishing standardized technique based on thorough research through old manuscripts. Then the first book of selected dances was published by Mr. Diack of Pattersons Publishing Company, free of charge, 6 chosen by Miss Milligan, and 6 by Mrs. Stewart, and a new era in SCD was begun. 

  Now that SCD is so well supported, there is SCD in nearly every country, books of dances and a standard method of teaching so that technique is the same all over the world. Therefore, when travelling, one can walk into any class and be able to take part. Miss Milligan met a Japanese gymnast who was making a world-wide study of Physical Education. He proceeded to go SCD mad and from then on they say, he ran fantastic SCD classes in Japan. 


created: 2012-08-15 08:23:20.65402+00
last_modified: 2016-08-16 15:12:49.864393+00
name: Royal Patron, The
ucname: ROYAL PATRON
intensity_bars: 800 888 808 880
notes:
  »Devised as a tribute to our gracious Patron Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and dedicated to Robert H Mackay who suggested the title and the original tune.«

  There is a typo in the tune title in the book – the place is called »Ardnilly« according to the original publication by Wm. Marshall.

  ## The following notes were put forward by Andrew McConnell in the Fully Certificated Class at St Andrews Summer School 2012, Week 4:

  ##1-8:: 1st woman dances slightly in to begin to help phrasing. 1st couple should be dancing through women's sidelines at end of bar 4 and covering until end of bar 8.  
  ##13-16:: 1st couple as they are turning are slightly below 3rd couple, but must finish facing 3rd couple. 1st woman must be careful to avoid finishing facing 4th man.
  ##25-32:: At the end of the half reel of four, 1st couple must finish reasonably far apart from each other. The left hand turn is a wide, slow turn. On bar 32, 1st and 2nd men and 1st and 2nd women should cover as they dance out to the sidelines. 1st woman stays facing out to begin next turn.

  Note (additional to the book and the Manual). collected by Helen Russell from staff teaching The Diamond Jubilee book at Summer School 2012. 

  4            1st couple should be on women's sideline at the end of bar 4.

  13 -16   To begin the turn, the man takes a long step down towards his partner. 1st couple finish shoulder to shoulder facing 3rd couple, not back to back, as stated in the original instructions.

  21 -24   3rd couple need to remember to set and cross.

  29 -32   This is a tum requiring short steps. At the end of this left hand turn the 1st woman may stay facing out ready to cast. 2nd couple need to remember to set and cross.


created: 1998-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-08-30 22:20:28.609761+00
name: Haymakers, The
ucname: HAYMAKERS
intensity_bars: 4004 4004 4004 4004 4004 8888
notes:
  According to the RSCDS book, this is a »variation on *Sir Roger de Coverley*, one of the oldest country dances, described in many 18th and 19th century publications.«


created: 2016-09-04 12:12:12.323752+00
last_modified: 2022-09-27 07:04:15.283336+00
name: Starry Night
ucname: STARRY NIGHT
devised: 2008-07-01
notes:
  The dance was devised while dancing on Dianne Wilson’s patio, during the summer when the school where class was normally held was closed for its summer vacation.


created: 2016-09-03 19:12:51.288887+00
last_modified: 2016-09-03 19:26:16.438818+00
name: To Name A Few
ucname: TO NAME A FEW
notes:
  Many Scotsmen distinguished themselves in the fields of science and medicine. For example, Dr. James Young Simpson, who was born at Bathgate in 1811 and, at the age of 14, was admitted to University, was the discoverer of chloroform as an anaesthetic agent. "For this triumph of science, he was rewarded with a prize of 2000 francs from the Paris Academy of Sciences, and was elected a member of the learned societies both in England and upon the continent of Europe." Sir James Whylie was physician to Nicholas, the late Czar of Russia; Dr. Matthew Bailie, whose monument is in Westminster Abbey, was a distinguished anatomist and physician to George III; Sir James Clark was physician to Queen Victoria and, by his writings on medical subjects and his merits as a skillful physician, earned the title of Baronet. 

  -Scotland's Share in Civilizing the World 


created: 2016-09-03 20:06:59.268882+00
last_modified: 2016-09-03 20:08:01.969677+00
name: Jacksonville Reel
ucname: JACKSONVILLE REEL
notes:
  This dance is for all those in the future who choose to enjoy the challenge, the delight and the music of Scottish Country Dance in Northeast Florida. 


created: 2016-09-03 19:58:56.069357+00
last_modified: 2018-09-19 09:44:37.336475+00
name: Dyer's Andover Hey
ucname: DYERS ANDOVER HEY
notes:
  Charles Dyer teaches English Country Dancing and publishes a website advertising dance events in Northeast Florida. A graduate of Andover and Yale University, Charles is largely responsible for the survival of English Country Dance in Jacksonville


created: 2016-09-03 20:16:39.035885+00
last_modified: 2018-09-19 09:49:43.775541+00
name: St. Paul's Commons
ucname: SAINT PAULS COMMONS
notes:
  Anne Hueser attended boarding school at St. Pauls in New Hampshire and Columbia University. This dance reflects the busy days of her youth in a delightfully demanding atmosphere


created: 2016-09-03 20:21:52.234062+00
last_modified: 2016-09-03 20:44:11.044552+00
name: Spring Fling, The
ucname: SPRING FLING
notes:
  In the spring of 2010, Anne attended the Sarasota ball and the Dunedin weekly class. She then drove across the state to take the Space Coast weekly class. A few weeks later, she assisted with the Scottish Country Dance demonstrations at the Northeast Florida Highland Games. Capping off her spring fling, she attended the Space Coast spring workshop, the Titusville class and the Orlando class 


created: 2006-05-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-08-21 08:13:46.839995+00
name: Mary Currie's Marryat Dances
ucname: MARY CURRIES MARRYAT DANCES
intensity_bars: 800/844/866/888
notes:
  Mary Currie has given so much time to promoting Scottish Country Dancing within Dundee over the years. It was Mary who started the Marryat Hall summer dancing many years ago. Therefore it seemed appropriate to incorporate this in the name of the dance.


created: 1997-09-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-04 21:22:49.165324+00
name: Miss Milligan's Travels
ucname: MISS MILLIGANS TRAVELS
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to the memory of Miss Jean Milligan, who, in her many travels, seemed
  always to be in motion, only occasionally seizing the opportunity to "set".


created: 2002-09-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-04 21:25:00.073266+00
name: Pinewoods Return
ucname: PINEWOODS RETURN
devised: 2000-07-05
notes:
  A dance devised to mark the first Pinewoods Scottish Dance Camp of the Millennium (or the last
  depending on your method of counting).


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-03 19:25:43.553822+00
name: Marianne Taylor's Hornpipe
ucname: MARIANNE TAYLORS HORNPIPE
notes:
  Dedicated to our teacher, Marianne Taylor, by the Boston Demonstration Team for her inspiring
  leadership.


created: 2016-09-04 20:09:03.838254+00
last_modified: 2023-01-09 23:09:07.31435+00
name: Turque, La
ucname: TURQUE
notes:
  The dance sheet states: "A la mode de 1795 (...) On the departure of Chris and John Bowie Dickson. Bismillah! This dance was first published in the Tartan Times for June 1981."


created: 2015-02-06 14:40:32.606124+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:46:18.87146+00
name: Kathy's Garden
ucname: KATHYS GARDEN
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  Devised in the memory of Kathy Schoeffler of Durham, North Carolina in June 2004. Kathy
  grew up dancing in the DC area before moving to NC and becoming a permanent fixture in the
  Southeast. She was a very joyous and passionate dancer and great friend to all.

  Kathy passed away suddenly in January, 2004. At her memorial service, dancers performed
  one of her favourite dances, Seann Truibhas Willichan. This is a variation of the pieces of that
  dance into a loving tribute to her.


created: 1997-09-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-04 20:32:47.369472+00
name: Towers, The
ucname: TOWERS
devised: 1973-01-02
notes:
  Composed for and danced at the wedding ofCindy and Charles Tower, 18 November 1972.

  First published in the Tartan Times for January 1973; also circulated in leaflet form.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-04 21:10:58.834388+00
name: Salt and Pepper
ucname: SALT AND PEPPER
notes:
  One evening after a dance several of us went to our favorite restaurant. The service that night was much slower than usual, and while we were waiting two of our younger members gathered four pairs of salt and pepper shakers, and "walked through" some dances with them. So then I took a napkin and devised this dance for them. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, as we were very hungry) the food finally arrived just then, and so it never did get done by the shakers it was devised for. However, Marianne Taylor kept the napkin and tried the dance in her workshop the next week, where it went over very well.


created: 1997-09-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-06-21 09:25:17.059023+00
name: Piper Frap
ucname: PIPER FRAP
devised: 1975-01-01
notes:
  The dance was devised in honor of "Frap" Frappia of the RSCDS Hawaii Branch and of the Honolulu Pipes and Drums.


created: 2018-12-06 13:01:49.914048+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 21:21:46.611543+00
name: Countess of Elgin, The
ucname: COUNTESS OF ELGIN
intensity_bars: 880/888/866/888
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Janet Johnston, RSCDS Stirling Branch, 2017.   The Countess of Elgin was involved in the early years with Dunfermline Branch and held office within the Scottish Country Dance Society.


created: 1997-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-04 21:51:46.916883+00
name: Scotch Rose
ucname: SCOTCH ROSE
notes:
  Dedicated to all dancers who discovered Scottish Country Dancing later in life. We use this dance as an easy introductory dance for beginners. As such it has no particular tune-just "any good jig" (or, on occasion, even "any good strathspey"). As all dancers are dancing all the time, four rounds are plenty


created: 2016-09-04 22:51:20.62013+00
last_modified: 2017-02-24 23:35:43.683602+00
name: Angus Glens Chain
ucname: ANGUS GLENS CHAIN
notes:
  Note:- All the main Angus glens are linked together by the watersheds, up in the Grampian mountains.


created: 2016-09-06 20:24:24.855121+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:24:28.350327+00
name: Mobile Bay Medley, The
ucname: MOBILE BAY MEDLEY
notes:
  Devised for Debbie Palmer and Kellie Richardson of Mobile, Alabama in July, 2005. Debbie and Kellie started dancing in 2000 and dance in Mobile, as well as driving 50 miles each way to dance in Pensacola, Florida every Tuesday night.


created: 2021-10-02 04:06:23.025453+00
last_modified: 2021-10-14 09:20:58.564903+00
name: Bypass, The
ucname: BYPASS
devised: 2005-05-01
notes:
  Written for Alan Nicolle, who came through his quadruple heart bypass with flying colours in May 2005.


created: 2015-02-06 17:41:14.450017+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:38:33.565942+00
name: Walk In Pensacola, A
ucname: WALK IN PENSACOLA
devised: 2005-08-01
notes:
  Devised for Richard and Connie Walker o fPensacola, Florida in August 2005. Richard has taught dancing in the area for decades and Connie plays the fiddle. And their laughter and enjoyment is music to our ears.


created: 2015-02-06 17:16:05.874722+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:41:34.973304+00
name: Traveling Peterkins, The
ucname: TRAVELING PETERKINS
devised: 2006-04-01
notes:
  Devised for Andrew, Catherine, and Rachel Peterkin of North Carolina in April, 2006.
  Andrew and Catherine return to Thistle School every summer, where they first met, to enjoy the
  dancing and the friends that they have made across the Southeast.


created: 2015-02-06 17:04:54.413992+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:42:30.547775+00
name: Three Quarters of a Century
ucname: THREE QUARTERS OF A CENTURY
devised: 2005-10-01
notes:
  Devised for my mother, Scotty Gallamore, in October 2005 to celebrate her 75th birthday.
  She had always wanted a strathspey that included the Philabeg, a figure devised by Bob Campbell.


created: 2016-09-09 18:25:35.363241+00
last_modified: 2016-09-09 18:25:35.363241+00
name: Remembering Rico
ucname: REMEMBERING RICO
devised: 1998-03-01
notes:
  Presented to the Lyndhurst Group at its Annual Weekend 1998

  In memory of his many contributions to Scottish Country Dancing in Cleveland and reflects his love of the interconnections between Scottish Country Dancers


created: 1997-08-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-11-04 07:14:23.785283+00
name: Au Revoir, Betty And Tony
ucname: AU REVOIR BETTY AND TONY
devised: 1976-09-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Betty and Tony Moretti for their contribution to Scottish Country Dancing while in the United States. Devised and first performed at Pinewoods, July 1976; first published in the Tartan Times for September 1976.


created: 2018-10-27 23:54:28.344757+00
last_modified: 2022-03-20 12:51:40.695908+00
name: Infamous El Guapo, The
ucname: INFAMOUS EL GUAPO
devised: 2016-09-01
notes:
  There is also a 5 couple version of this dance (<<http://www.rscds-swws.org/news/stories/InfamousElGuapoTenPesoVersion.pdf>>).


created: 2018-07-19 10:41:38.55895+00
last_modified: 2025-02-19 23:57:40.388167+00
name: Ghan, The
ucname: GHAN
devised: 2014-04-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For friends Trevor and Anne Walker, Christine Freeman, Neil and Audrey Stuckey and Jenny Kuttle travelling on the Ghan, the train that travels from Adelaide to Darwin and other stops along the way."


created: 2016-09-06 20:20:48.350318+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 20:56:28.886109+00
name: River Players, The
ucname: RIVER PLAYERS
notes:
  Devised for Dale and Brenda Sleight of North Carolina in April, 2006, Apart from enjoying dancing with the Greensboro and Raleigh dancers, they love kayaking or "playing a river" ... and their new love of rabbits.


created: 2015-02-06 15:51:42.615563+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 21:00:22.726525+00
name: Reel MacKay, The
ucname: REEL MACKAY
devised: 2008-09-01
notes:
  Sugg music: Reels(Simple) 3x32 6x through the Dance by M.Johnstone

  Devised for Eric and Tine MacKay of, currently. Harrisburg. PA in September. 2008 by Sandy Gallamore. Eric and Tine have lived all over the country and used to travel great miles to go dancing. normally because there is no dancing nearby. Now. they can enjoy all the dancing to be found on the East coast and it's great to have them around.


created: 2015-02-06 13:58:24.701834+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 21:04:38.56984+00
name: Corrigan Strathspey, The
ucname: CORRIGAN STRATHSPEY
devised: 2007-09-01
notes:
  Devised for Jeffand Patsy Corrigan of Placersville, California in September 2007. They
  have danced all across the country; California, Little Rock, Arkansas, and taught for several years
  in Williamsburg, Virginia before returning to California. They are fun teachers, great dancers, and
  good friends.


created: 2015-02-06 15:04:20.55012+00
last_modified: 2016-09-06 21:09:05.548379+00
name: Maxwell's Golden Rant
ucname: MAXWELLS GOLDEN RANT
devised: 2004-08-01
notes:
  Devised for Larry and Catherine Long in August, 2004for their 50th wedding anniversary.  Larry and Catherine have been long time supporters of all things Scottish: Clan Maxwell, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, and Scottish Country Dancing.


created: 2016-09-08 03:40:42.845992+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 03:40:42.845992+00
name: Gypsy Bracelet, The
ucname: GYPSY BRACELET
notes:
  This dance intends to add a note of “sleight of hand” to what appears a very simple little dance….and hence the title. It was was very much influenced  by the music suggested…do use it if you have it.


created: 2015-02-06 14:07:21.150354+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:33.757255+00
name: Dancing Scot, The
ucname: DANCING SCOT
devised: 2009-09-01
notes:
  Devised for Valerie Brookeman of Richmond, Virginia on her first official day of retirement (September 1, 2009) with the hopes that she'll enjoy more dancing with her new found free time. Originally from Scotland, her email address starts with "DancingScot@.... (This was supposed to a good dance for teaching set to and turn corners into a reel, but this is much better.)


created: 2016-09-08 03:21:51.603802+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:41.166332+00
name: Dancing in the Air
ucname: DANCING IN THE AIR
notes:
  I have always loved dancing “Pelorous Jack”. In this dance, rather than gambolling in the bow wave of a speeding ship, imagine being part of a virtuoso flying display at sunset over Fen Drayton in a cast of thousands!


created: 2016-09-07 22:40:12.112013+00
last_modified: 2016-09-07 22:40:15.322259+00
name: London's 50
ucname: LONDONS 50
devised: 2011-05-01
notes:
  Note: devised in May 2011 to mark the London Ontario Branch's 50th anniversary and was presented to the Branch on 7th May 2011 at the Golden Jubilee Ball held to mark the occasion.


created: 2014-02-20 13:38:53.918188+00
last_modified: 2018-06-01 14:22:53.390351+00
name: Brockbank's Drowning
ucname: BROCKBANKS DROWNING
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
notes:
  The idea for this dance came from an inscription on a bridge over the river Tay which joins the villages of Strathtay and Grandtully. It is a memorial to Charles Brockbank a man from Birmingham who drowned in the river in 1873. He was possibly one of the first canoeing tourists and still the only one to drown in the river which runs rapidly and dangerously under the bridge.


created: 2016-09-07 23:17:23.31269+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 02:51:30.17563+00
name: Amadis of Gaul
ucname: AMADIS OF GAUL
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Note: marked as 8x32, but with progression 2341.  Error somewhere

  I enjoyed the middle sections of ”Father Connelly’s Jig” very much, but as a beginner found its length and logic difficult to assimilate. So this as an attempt to create a standard length dance with a symmetrical opening round those 16 bars!

  The opening 8 is a movement imitating the winding –up, aiming & firing of the medieval siege-engine after which it is named.( I had just seen a TV program on siege war-fare) & this clicked exactly with the dance name, which, unusually I had already picked at random from a dictionary…….such is the creative process!

  I thought it best to arrange that after the fun of the middle 16, everyone who would restart was static & able to concentrate on this new figure !


created: 1998-12-09 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:46.187547+00
name: Flooers O' Fa'kirk, The
ucname: FLOOERS O FAKIRK
devised: 1989-01-01
notes:
  [For Sheila Duncan of London (Ont)]

  Fah Kirk - long converted into "Falkirk" but retained in local pronunciation. Sc. Fah = varicoloured (or pale red). The Fah Kirk gave its name to the town Fal kirk (first appearing thus in 16th century records)


created: 2018-08-21 09:18:09.088735+00
last_modified: 2018-10-21 00:31:02.885638+00
name: Walnut Pie, The
ucname: WALNUT PIE
devised: 2018-02-01
notes:
  Another dance with rights and lefts on the diagonal, more difficult, but suitable if there are just five couples of dancers.


created: 2016-09-03 16:54:36.831003+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 02:59:00.067412+00
name: Brackenberry Rant, The
ucname: BRACKENBERRY RANT
notes:
  This dance came into my head one Sunday morning and crystallised round the unusual but great dancing track listed. It seemed ideal to try this dance in Strathspey time before reeling it as intended .With this music, the first run is in Strathspey time & the repeat in sprightly reel time. I thought any dancers who liked the reels would also enjoy La Baratte instead of a turn or Birl.


created: 2016-09-08 03:09:22.507242+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 03:09:22.507242+00
name: Beyond Bond
ucname: BEYOND BOND
notes:
  This dance is a cocktail of figures both shaken and stirred (whence its name) & is intended to be challenging to dance. In compensation, it should be easy to memorise.

  N B … you will pair up with every opp. sex dancer in the set for one of the 4 repeats.


created: 2016-09-08 03:17:56.016357+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 03:17:56.016357+00
name: Daily Bread
ucname: DAILY BREAD
notes:
  Curiously, here I had the Name of the dance in my head from the start. I have been lucky to be taught by George Daly who continually introduces us to new and interesting dances….a breeding ground for inspiration over many years. After his September class, I felt the need to space out 2 couple petronellas so as to avoid my ”moment with Margaret” , delightful though it was!.

  The movement across the dance [b13-16] I have used before [“Quarry Triumphant” & “Hadron Collider”] ,calling it “Goodbye/Hello” setting…..much easier to call!


created: 2016-09-08 03:25:14.109921+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 03:25:18.672884+00
name: Dancing Devil, The
ucname: DANCING DEVIL
notes:
  A “Dancing Devil” is one of the many names for a dust-devil ….a skittish, unpredictable, small whirlwind. The figures in the dance try to capture the patterns made round my feet by sand swirling capriciously in the hot sun as I stood on the concrete step edging the approach to the beach.


created: 2016-09-08 03:33:33.073269+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 03:33:36.574155+00
name: Flying Cats of Frisco, The
ucname: FLYING CATS OF FRISCO
notes:
  Huge catamarans leapt out of the water and literally flew round the course during the 2013 America's Cup Races. The New Zealand boat,”Aotearoa”, raced against “Oracle”, the American victor over a 17 race series. This dance portrays the contest.

  The first 4 bars describe the manoeuvres and bluffs which go on behind the Start-line. The firing of the Start gun sends the yachts surging away on the same tack to round the marks & to jockey for position on the upwind and downwind legs.

  The last 8 bars simulate the crowds of onlookers who went wild along the viewing piers as the crews crossed the line, followed by the crews reaction. On the first run, the contestants drop sail and re-group for a re-match, but on the repeat dance, the series is decided so they join in the celebrations!

  The race was held in San Francisco Bay.


created: 2016-09-08 03:37:12.219013+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 03:37:12.219013+00
name: Fourpenny One, The
ucname: FOURPENNY ONE
notes:
  This is a lively “partner”dance…the leads have essentially a 30bar solo!

  The figure in bars 13-16 is a variation of “Set &Link” designed make the dance interesting to watch……so it needs to bedanced well…. the spins synchronised to the release of handholds, danced exactly on the side lines with spacing carefully kept as the dancers make a precise squared - corner chase.


created: 2016-09-08 03:44:35.276477+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 03:44:35.276477+00
name: Henneker Rant, The
ucname: HENNEKER RANT
notes:
  Here inspiration came from watching the courtship dancing of Crested Grebes.  Bobby Brown’s lovely track has 3 repeats …Lucky 2nd couple!


created: 2016-09-08 03:53:42.270073+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 03:53:42.270073+00
name: Mining for Flint
ucname: MINING FOR FLINT
notes:
  This is a team dance inspired by the absolutely cracking music suggested. I felt its figures, with their turns & twists and reveals, somehow suggested ancient mining. I hope that the dance rewards the effort expended…. obviously the mining did


created: 2016-09-08 03:59:43.462815+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 03:59:43.462815+00
name: New Willow Bank Reel
ucname: NEW WILLOW BANK REEL
notes:
  This was written to celebrate the house-warming dance held in New Willow Bank House in December 2012.

  The 3rd 8 bars is pretty frenetic for the leads, so the corners need to be aware of that & assist them by ensuring that the RHs across are fast and never behind the beat! They will also need to be aware that the leads will be entering the final circle left at speed……so might need catching! If you get this one right, I am sure you will smile!


created: 2016-09-08 04:05:31.004641+00
last_modified: 2016-09-08 04:05:31.004641+00
name: Sixpenny Maid, The
ucname: SIXPENNY MAID
notes:
  The dance evolved from my attempts to find variations of do-si-do which offer the dancers increased communication… especially eye-contact. The nursery-rhyme “Sing a Song of Sixpence” provided inspiration plus the name, KSMJ the wonderful music to which to dance it.


created: 2016-09-08 04:10:06.21308+00
last_modified: 2018-09-19 09:54:33.188956+00
name: Wickham's Fancy
ucname: WICKHAMS FANCY
notes:
  This little dance is about fly fishing & takes its name from a type of tied lure. “Hook-turns” seem particularly appropriate as they mimic the controlled check of the rod’s swing back followed by the reversing & launching out of the line across the water. The dancing lady begins by mimicking the lure skittering across the surface at the end of a cast.


created: 2016-09-09 20:06:36.271809+00
last_modified: 2019-02-25 14:27:35.535228+00
name: Catch Me if You Can
ucname: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2015-08-01
notes:
  Deviser's note; The turn about at the end of each half reel was taken from Tim Wilson's dance "Chased Lovers,"although in his dance they only turn around after an eight bar reel.


created: 2016-09-09 19:58:40.067154+00
last_modified: 2021-03-04 19:09:17.728066+00
name: Eilean Na Hearadh (Isle of Harris)
ucname: EILEAN NA HEARADH ISLE OF HARRIS
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/888
devised: 2010-12-01
notes:
  Note: the movement in bars 1-8 is based on the Half Rondel devised by John Drewry. Bars 9-24 are
  based on the movement devised by Alex Hay.


created: 2016-03-06 11:10:19.839861+00
last_modified: 2019-08-02 13:26:33.397953+00
name: Tandem to Anvil
ucname: TANDEM TO ANVIL
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised by Val Dawson for the wedding reception/ceilidh to celebrate the marriage of Frank and Helen Davenport. Frank and Helen undertook a tandem bike ride around the coast of Britain. Starting at the beginning of March 2009 they rode from their home in Comwall to a Scottish Dance Class in Looe on the Monday morning, and then continued their ride to finish in Gretna Green for their wedding on 19th June. They then continued their tour around the coast to finish back in Cornwall in time for their wedding ceilidh on 5th September 2009.

  Bars 1 - 16 Represents their tandem bike  
  Bars 16 - 24 Riding around the coast of Britain  
  Bars 25 - 32 The Wedding  

  For ceilidh dancing the rights and lefts (bars 17-24) could be omitted, with just the 1st couple dancing in tandem. On Bars 31 & 32 the 2d and 3d couples could just step back into place.

  Recommended Tune: Original (Daisy, Daisy Trad) or Welcome to Dufftown (CD Nice to See You)


created: 2016-09-12 22:19:36.592354+00
last_modified: 2016-09-12 22:20:00.931777+00
name: Eilean Mòr
ucname: EILEAN MOR
notes:
  Ellean Mòr (pronounced Aileen More) 1s a small relatively inaccessible island that lies half a mile offshore between Kei11s and Kilmory, southeast of Jura.


created: 2016-09-14 08:53:01.843291+00
last_modified: 2016-09-14 08:53:05.315904+00
name: Kersty's Jig
ucname: KERSTYS JIG
notes:
  This dance was devised as a review of some basic figures. Kersty is our cat. Friends introduced her to a
  toy called a Cat Dancer and I know that we have as, much fun watching her "dance" as she has in doing
  her "jigs".


created: 2016-09-14 08:59:35.706688+00
last_modified: 2016-09-14 08:59:35.706688+00
name: Miss Kate of Ashland
ucname: MISS KATE OF ASHLAND
notes:
  Music: Any good strathspey (not too strong and not an air)

  Note: Kate is a lovely young lady who celebrated her 16th birthday the weekend friends and I 
  visited her home and family in Ashland, Oregon.


created: 2016-06-19 10:20:53.836384+00
last_modified: 2018-10-25 09:01:43.890201+00
name: Tea Time
ucname: TEA TIME
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888/888
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  The figures recall the daily gathering for afternoon tea, organised by Miss Ross, at the RSCDS Summer School at St.Andrews. The dance was sketched out in the 1970’s but was only recently completed and danced by Harwell Caledonian Society.


created: 2016-09-14 11:31:07.911196+00
last_modified: 2016-09-14 11:31:07.911196+00
name: Diana's Flight for the Fiftieth
ucname: DIANAS FLIGHT FOR THE FIFTIETH
notes:
  Devisor's note: At the end of bars 13-16 (the hands across), supporting couples need to cover so
  they flow right into the advance and retire.


created: 2017-01-05 09:20:35.434555+00
last_modified: 2018-04-11 00:37:25.642178+00
name: September in Skye
ucname: SEPTEMBER IN SKYE
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/888
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Ruth Barnes.

  For her husband Ronnie to celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary in 7th September 2012. They spent their honeymoon in Skye. 


created: 2016-09-16 09:29:35.398983+00
last_modified: 2016-09-16 09:29:35.398983+00
name: Oquaga Breakdown
ucname: OQUAGA BREAKDOWN
notes:
  After first 32 bars, all couples have progressed one place clockwise and partners have exchanged
  places.  The floor pattern of the dance is then repeated exactly, with the substitution of women for men, and men for women.


created: 2015-02-01 21:33:18.344297+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:08:22.881986+00
name: Turnham Green
ucname: TURNHAM GREEN
intensity_bars: 422/12,12,12/888/822
notes:
  Devised in appreciation of kind folk Chiswick Scottish Dancing Club which meets at St.Michael & All Angels Church, Turnham Green, London


created: 2015-02-10 12:50:45.859284+00
last_modified: 2018-06-02 17:34:49.802966+00
name: Lilly and Grumpy
ucname: LILLY AND GRUMPY
notes:
  For my granddaughter Lilly who couldn’t quite manage to say Grandad which somehow turned into Grumpy, I wonder why.  

  Please note set and link back to back was originally devised by John Drewry in the Bankhead Collection 5


created: 2002-03-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-11-15 19:20:35.843244+00
name: MacDonald Saunter, The
ucname: MACDONALD SAUNTER
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  A progressive, round the room dance for couples facing line of dance (counterclockwise) with ladies on their
  partner's right. Begin with the outside foot. Take jaunty walking steps, two per bar of music.  Skip change of step may be used instead of walking steps depending on the dancers.


created: 2016-09-14 09:26:31.36489+00
last_modified: 2020-07-20 08:13:37.651687+00
name: Jane and Alice have a Birthday
ucname: JANE AND ALICE HAVE A BIRTHDAY
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2011-11-01
notes:
  Devised by Lydia Hedge for the occasion of Jane Jones’ and Alice Ferguson’s birthdays in November 2011.


created: 2016-09-14 13:32:00.316352+00
last_modified: 2025-11-10 13:04:29.040579+00
name: Platinum Pair, A
ucname: PLATINUM PAIR
notes:
  Presented at Thistle XXXVI to Betty Lee and Duard Barnes on the occasion of their platinum anniversary.


created: 2016-09-16 09:49:37.528951+00
last_modified: 2016-09-16 09:49:37.528951+00
name: Sue's Delight
ucname: SUES DELIGHT
devised: 2008-10-01
notes:
  To truly appreciate not knowing "Which Hand is Right?" advanced dancers may wish to try repeating the dance with rights, lefts, and roles reversed. The repeat starts with 1st woman and 2nd man setting, then the diagonal changes are made with left hands and are followed by a counterclockwise chase. The reels start with left shoulders and flow into left hands across.  1st couple dances down the middle with a left hand lead (1st woman crossing 1st man in front of her), 1st man leads the cast up around 3rd woman, 1st woman leads the cast down around 2nd woman, and the final half turn uses right hands.

  This Scottish Country Dance was commissioned to honor Sue Wartell.  It is her hard work and calm leadership that makes the Columbus Country Dance Weekend such a magical event. Thanks Sue and a belated happy birthday too!  Presented at the Columbus Country Dance Weekend, October 24-25-26, 2008


created: 2016-09-14 22:10:21.771045+00
last_modified: 2016-10-11 23:33:17.928492+00
name: Bude's Coming of Age
ucname: BUDES COMING OF AGE
intensity_bars: 888/800/822/822
devised: 2016-08-01
notes:
  This dance was composed to celebrate the 21st weekend school at Bude, Cornwall, England.

  The official instructions specify the progression (213), but both crib and diagram show the normal way this dance is danced, with progression (2,1x,3), and 1c dancing 2nd time from opposite side.


created: 1999-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-16 17:50:46.257539+00
name: Sabino Wedding
ucname: SABINO WEDDING
devised: 1997-04-01
notes:
  Devised in honour of the marriage of Gail Cordy and Bryce Carey, 23 March 1997. Gail and Bryce were married in Sabino Canyon outside Tucson. There was some confusion among the guests about whether they were supposed to be going to Bear Canyon or Lower Sabino Canyon, hence the allemandes in opposite directions.


created: 2016-09-16 17:55:46.880473+00
last_modified: 2016-09-16 17:55:46.880473+00
name: Courtship, The
ucname: COURTSHIP
notes:
  Devised by James and Sharon LaTourette of the Scottish Country Dancers of Colorado, New Mexico Branch. This dance is a story dance depicting a typical courtship. One pursues, the other flees. A period of indecision ensues while they flirt with other partners. Finally, they are reunited and allemande off into the sunset.


created: 2016-09-16 18:37:34.692507+00
last_modified: 2016-09-16 18:37:34.692507+00
name: Shotgun Wedding
ucname: SHOTGUN WEDDING
devised: 1994-06-01
notes:
  The dance was devised by Jeff and Linda Davis while under the gun searching for suitable "mob" dances for a wedding reception.


created: 2016-09-16 18:52:27.846285+00
last_modified: 2016-09-16 18:52:27.846285+00
name: Chartreuse Pelican, The
ucname: CHARTREUSE PELICAN
notes:
  The dance was devised by James Thayer for Sharon LaTourette on the occasion of their
  Birthday. The name is a play on "Seann Truibhas Willichan"


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-19 20:15:50.299034+00
name: How many are there tonight, David?
ucname: HOW MANY ARE THERE TONIGHT DAVID
intensity_bars: 808/888/844/888
devised: 2009-03-04
notes:
  Dance devised to celebrate the 80th birthday of David Foster on 4 March 2009.
  At the start of each Tuesday class Barbara usually asks the question ‘How many are there tonight, David?’  David can always supply the answer!


created: 2015-02-11 12:48:19.788992+00
last_modified: 2018-06-03 08:06:05.554587+00
name: Haytor Reel, The
ucname: HAYTOR REEL
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2011-10-28
notes:
  Written to celebrate the week-end of dance organised by the Westbury Scottish Dance group 28th-30th October 2011


created: 2016-09-16 18:59:31.02441+00
last_modified: 2016-09-16 18:59:31.02441+00
name: Beavertail Slap, The
ucname: BEAVERTAIL SLAP
notes:
  The dance was written by Carolyn Engel-Wilson of Phoenix Branch, Arizona three years ago based on an idea from her non-dancer husband Ron, who also came up with the name. The dance tells a story about beavers. When the story begins, the beavers are cutting down a very large tree (petronella setting and turning). When the tree finally falls, two beavers are so startled by the crash that they slap their flat tails on the water in alarm (the clap) and swim around in panic. Hearing the tails slap and seeing the frantic activity alarms the other beavers in the pond. They all slap their tails on the water (all clap) and swim around seeking a safe place (reels of three).


created: 2016-09-16 09:39:35.559329+00
last_modified: 2025-10-15 10:32:45.099176+00
name: Rod and Kristin's Farewell Fugue
ucname: ROD AND KRISTINS FAREWELL FUGUE
devised: 1992-12-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired by, and uses in slightly modified form, the first figure of a dance written by Rod Downey for his wife, <<ddd:Kristin MacDonald's Strathspey#11616>>, while he was visiting Ithaca In the fall of 1992.


created: 2016-09-16 18:33:17.882999+00
last_modified: 2016-09-16 19:48:00.060575+00
name: Ashley Pond's Reel
ucname: ASHLEY PONDS REEL
notes:
  Ashley Pond was the headmaster of the boy's ranch school which occupied Los Alamos before the Manhattan Project arrived. The pond in the middle of town is technically "Ashley Pond pond".


created: 1997-09-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2019-09-13 16:38:38.778498+00
name: Trip to Paris, A
ucname: TRIP TO PARIS
devised: 1711-01-01
notes:
  Note in the Whetherly Book 24: the setting on bars 23-24 has been added in accordance with modern technique.


created: 2016-09-16 19:20:07.093799+00
last_modified: 2016-09-16 19:20:07.093799+00
name: Mrs. Ella Thompson
ucname: MRS ELLA THOMPSON
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  Dance devised in 1986 by Richard Wood, in honor of Ella, a sweet lady, RSCDS Instructor,
  mentor, and director of dancing for the St. Andrew Society of Colorado. First performed for
  Ella in the 3rd floor elevator landing of Porter Memorial Hospital, Denver, Colorado.


created: 2016-09-16 19:13:06.481213+00
last_modified: 2016-09-16 19:54:08.437856+00
name: Ann's Frolic
ucname: ANNS FROLIC
notes:
  Note: The dance repeats having progressed one place. When all four couples are dancing, interlock the casts through the center.

  The dance was devised to complement music written and dedicated by Loretta Thompson to the memory of friend Ann Chambers.


created: 2015-07-07 16:24:58.790775+00
last_modified: 2016-09-17 23:11:01.176788+00
name: Madame de Staël
ucname: MADAME DE STAEL
intensity_bars: 8484/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  Madame de Staël (1766-1817)

  One of the Directoire Merveilleuses, salonière, writer and essayist. During the years of 1803 and 1813 she was exiled to her family Château in Coppet alongside the shores of Lake Geneva, her was exile was mainly due to her opposition against Napoléon Bonaparte.

  During the 10 years of exile, she held the most important Salon in Europe, in which the most brilliant minds of the time would gather and discuss the current day affairs, perform plays, read out aloud the latest novels, and of course dance!

  Most importantly, in the Castle account book for the summer of 1808 Madame de Staël had a certain "M. Fergusson de Perrth à été mandé a donner des leçons de danse aux enfans",  Mr Ferguson from Perth was asked to give dance lessons to the children.

  One can only imagine what dances we're taught! but this also proves that everything that was "Scotch" was the height of sophistication.

  Also when in London during the season of 1814, Herself and her daughter were frequent guests at Almack's the most elite ballroom during the Regency, and Scotch Reels were always on the Program.

  It is however in my belief, quite appropriate that alongside the Noble Ladies and Gentry of Scotland, that Madame de Staël should also have a dance in her name.

  Lord Byron and Mary Shelley both said that her conversation was like an avalanche of snow.

  This dance reflects her in a certain way!

  (information provided by the deviser)


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-18 12:32:13.74568+00
name: Friends Forever
ucname: FRIENDS FOREVER
intensity_bars: 44/88/88/88
devised: 1992-01-02
notes:
  For Eva Schiedrum, who talked me into taking up Scottish country dancing.  Devised in January, 1992.


created: 2014-03-21 23:57:37.731902+00
last_modified: 2016-12-31 14:47:11.491335+00
name: Ardmore Junction
ucname: ARDMORE JUNCTION
intensity_bars: 888/820/820/880
notes:
  This dance was devised while I was waiting for the 44 bus, which goes to Ardmore. It honors the monthly social dances Kate, Ed, and Sara Nealley host in their home, Inverarity, at the Ardmore Junction train stop. The dance incorporates bits of my favorite Inverarity dance, Flowers of Edinburgh.


created: 2016-10-30 11:27:50.721504+00
last_modified: 2021-07-04 12:10:44.364249+00
name: Carlingwark Jig
ucname: CARLINGWARK JIG
intensity_bars: 8888/6222/8888/8888
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Also published singly as a leaflet with music score by RSCDS Castle Douglas and District Branch to mark their 60th anniversary (1950-2010) and dedicated to teachers, musicians, office bearers, and members past and present. Information from <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2535/|issue 2535>>.


created: 2002-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-23 22:31:18.17769+00
name: She's Noo Awa Frae Ballantyre
ucname: SHES NOO AWA FRAE BALLANTYRE
notes:
  Written in 1993 to denote Nancy Weins' departure from the Ballantyre Apartments of Eagan, Minnesota. Nancy moved to Moberly, Missouri. 


created: 2018-01-14 17:03:33.685953+00
last_modified: 2018-05-13 21:09:35.896774+00
name: Invertay House
ucname: INVERTAY HOUSE
intensity_bars: 8888/8466/4488/8888
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Suggested music: MacDonald of Keppoch (Book 49) 

  Devised by Graeme Plank from Tam O’Shanter Club, Christchurch.  

  Dedicated to Gilian and Bruce Ford who were the most gracious hosts at Invertay House, a former manse converted to a Guest House in the picturesque village of Killin near Loch Tay. Graeme’s parents in law were planning to stay at Invertay House on holiday in 2017 but found that the Ford’s had just retired and still had fond memories of Graeme who had stayed for a short period 18 years earlier while tracing his MacNabb ancestry. Hence this dance is dedicated to them.  
  The dance was devised for demonstration purposes as a graceful blend of the old and the new … much like Invertay House in Killin.


created: 2018-07-19 14:16:08.539254+00
last_modified: 2025-02-19 16:47:33.021151+00
name: Crocodile Tears
ucname: CROCODILE TEARS
devised: 2004-06-01
notes:
  "In memory of Steve Irwin, Australia's crocodile hunter. This dance is full offun and vitality, as was Steve, and was written two years before his sudden and untimely death."


created: 2013-10-14 08:27:11.928013+00
last_modified: 2016-09-20 12:16:38.227119+00
name: Heck Hurry, The
ucname: HECK HURRY
notes:
  Joanna Barrie was 9 years old when she devised "The Heck Hurry" (Thistle Scottish Country Dance Club, Dumfries.

  The Heck is a hamlet outside of Lockerbie, one of the four royal towns.


created: 2016-09-22 22:39:19.199376+00
last_modified: 2016-09-25 23:29:00.405422+00
name: Calais Sunshine
ucname: CALAIS SUNSHINE
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8008/8888/8888
devised: 2014-08-14
notes:
  I find it difficult to sit in the sunshine with nothing to do!  Prior to going on holiday I had received a letter from Bognor SCD club asking me to write a Strathspey for their Day of Dance. This dance was devised while sitting with a Drink in the Calais Sunshine.

  A full description of "Set and Link for Four" can be found on "A Twinkle in His Eye" in the Leeds Golden Collection.


created: 2015-08-26 08:13:37.180796+00
last_modified: 2016-09-25 16:57:19.127097+00
name: Sixth of August
ucname: SIXTH OF AUGUST
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/888/844/888
devised: 1965-08-06
notes:
  Devised by Ron Watson, 6th August 1965.

  Having instigated the application for Bournemouth Reel Club to become a Branch of The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Ron Watson devised this dance to commemorate the occasion of our acceptance.


created: 2013-08-06 12:53:14.22724+00
last_modified: 2016-09-27 18:01:09.249652+00
name: Cate's Conundrum
ucname: CATES CONUNDRUM
intensity_bars: 880/880/844/868
devised: 2005-12-27
notes:
  Devised in New Zealand after singing the upside down Christmas carol, hence the 2nd and 3rd couples crossing on bars 31-32


created: 2002-11-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-07-24 13:09:50.709128+00
name: Dutiful Wife, The
ucname: DUTIFUL WIFE
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/800
devised: 1989-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Jean Waugh, the dutiful wife of Alec Waugh. The Waughs dance with the Boston branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society


created: 2016-12-31 14:56:11.017409+00
last_modified: 2020-11-02 09:36:24.554503+00
name: Spring's Arrival
ucname: SPRINGS ARRIVAL
intensity_bars: 800/888/860/888
notes:
  This dance was devised to celebrate the birth of Elena Violet Giacoletti to our good friends Kathy and Justin on April 15, 2005.The final twelve bars of the dance demonstrate the birth. Please note the tempo should be fast enough such that it takes less than nine months to complete them.


created: 2003-04-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-07 19:08:57.091674+00
name: Long and the Short of It, The
ucname: LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT
intensity_bars: 8800 8000 8088 8008
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  32-bar dance, designed to be danced 4 times Strathspey followed by 4 times Reel.

  Bruce Herbold devised “The Long and the Short of It” for the wedding of David Newitt (6’3”) and Heather MacKay (barely 5’ 1 ¼”). Despite their height mismatch, they are a perfect pair. Patti wrote the name tune in contemplation of how long the road can be to find that person who really feels like “home”. 


created: 2017-01-05 10:04:35.284176+00
last_modified: 2021-04-14 10:36:16.032984+00
name: Snow in Summer
ucname: SNOW IN SUMMER
devised: 2013-05-01
notes:
  The notes say the title of the dance is reminiscent of when, in May 2013, most of Northern Ireland was white with snow.


created: 2016-10-30 12:20:33.983393+00
last_modified: 2018-12-02 15:39:01.68909+00
name: Sandy's Strathspey
ucname: SANDYS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/866/833/844
devised: 2011-07-01
notes:
  In Memory of Sandy Millar, Gatehouse of Fleet. A devoted and natural Scottish country dancer over many years and a dear friend to all.


created: 2017-01-20 03:24:12.148763+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 16:48:21.205053+00
name: Celebration Waltz
ucname: CELEBRATION WALTZ
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Bruce Fordyce in recognition of 50 years of dancing by the Hastings (NZ) Scottish Country Dance Club (1950-2001).


created: 2011-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-27 14:27:25.013967+00
name: Floundering Around
ucname: FLOUNDERING AROUND
intensity_bars: 808088/888888/888800/888888
devised: 2007-01-31
notes:
  For the Bognor Regis S.D.C.

  6 couple square set. 5th couple facing lst couple, 6th couple facing 3rd couple

  I was asked to devise a dance with a place being the theme.  So with my liking for plays on words I added to place gave me Plaice and I came up with the title.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-09-27 14:41:46.22014+00
name: Chelmsford Lassies
ucname: CHELMSFORD LASSIES
notes:
  Slow Jig.

  Devised by Plpe Major Peter Quinn, for Lassies Night of the Chelmsford Scottish Society, at the Shire Hall, Chelmsford, where it was first danced around 1961  under its original name of “Lassies Nicht at Chelmsford”


created: 2016-10-04 12:53:40.331107+00
last_modified: 2016-10-04 14:43:25.512385+00
name: Aloha Strathspey, The
ucname: ALOHA STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/844/880/866
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  For Cameron MacDonald and Art Tarsa as they move to Hawaii.  Art and Cameron were long-time dancers in the San Francisco Branch.  Cameron was the only other Scottish Dancer with me at the Environmental Protection Agency.  I miss them both, but dance with them still in the Sandwich Isles.


created: 1997-04-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-02-27 17:53:03.288216+00
name: Elspeth Pyper of St John's
ucname: ELSPETH PYPER OF ST JOHNS
intensity_bars: 8888/4444/4444/8888
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Elspeth Pyper, who started the St John’s Scottish Country Dance Group in Toorak, Melbourne in 1966 (and taught there for 47 years).  The dance was devised for the St John’s Scottish Country Dance Group 30th Anniversary Ball held in 1996 at Fitzroy Town Hall.


created: 2016-10-04 15:21:53.115739+00
last_modified: 2016-10-04 15:21:58.307191+00
name: Couple of Keepers, A
ucname: COUPLE OF KEEPERS
intensity_bars: 840/880/844/848
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Tim and Sylvain have kept the San Francisco Class fun and friendly for many years.  Tim is a librarian and Sylvain is our branch treasurer and he works in financial services, so they are both, in different ways, keepers of books.  They are beloved by the other class members who certainly consider them a couple of keepers.  The dance name was the result of long lakeside discussions in Yellowstone amongst Patti, Bruce, Mark Caplin, and Eileen Ritchey.


created: 2016-09-29 09:30:11.173871+00
last_modified: 2026-03-07 01:31:08.483366+00
name: Stepways
ucname: STEPWAYS
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/888
devised: 2007-02-01
notes:
  Inscribed "a dance for Avis Harrison to teach at Morland 2007. 'Stepways' is the name of Avis's house."

  May be danced either as a Reel or a Strathspey.


created: 2003-01-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-11-06 10:10:03.322991+00
name: Sassenachs' Pleasure
ucname: SASSENACHS PLEASURE
intensity_bars: 840/804/400/888/400/888
notes:
  SASSENACHS (Scottish term for an Englishman) 
  Written for two ladies of the same English ancestry, Ruth V. Coates and Frances M. Whittaker 

  Is this dance a Reel or Jig?   The dance was first published in The Cameo Collection No.1 as a "40 bar Jig", with "Kingussie Flower" as suggested music, but that is a 40 bar REEL.  The same month a new printing of the book names this dance as a Reel.  It seems likely that "Jig" was a misprint that was corrected.   For details read the extensive discussion on the "Strathspey List" on 26-27 September 2016. 


created: 1997-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-05-16 00:53:30.390636+00
name: Gala Night
ucname: GALA NIGHT
intensity_bars: 80/88/88/88
notes:
  I feel that the fIrst dance of a party or ball and the fIrst dance after intermission should be gentle dances - no pas de basque, preferably shorter than normal - and also very friendly dances; so this (which has
  gone through many permutations but I'm finally happy with it) now opens our Grandfather Mountain Games Gala each July in the lovely hills of North Carolina.


created: 2016-09-30 19:50:23.12092+00
last_modified: 2020-03-19 10:54:45.511995+00
name: While Grumpy Rested
ucname: WHILE GRUMPY RESTED
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8448
notes:
  For competent sets, the side couples, during bars 17 - 24, may dance rights and lefts, starting on the sides.  If this is done, the right hands across should finish where it started, so all are in line across the dance, facing up or down, as they are at the start of the phrase. This provides 2 great covering opportunities - bar 17 and bar 21. The end of the left-hands across has to be judged carefully so that all the dancers are where they should be for the start of the reels.The dance works best if it is more of a ‘square’ than a ‘long’ set when these rights and lefts are done.

  I composed this dance on the sunny balcony of an empty mountain chalet whilst I waited
  for my ski-touring companions who were moving faster uphill than my injured knee would
  allow me to climb; what else can one do for 2 hours in the sun on a deserted mountainside?


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-01 21:04:27.048594+00
name: Hebridean Weaving Lilt
ucname: HEBRIDEAN WEAVING LILT
notes:
  ##RSCDS-DI:omit-type

  Introduction to the description:  This is an occupational dance for four couples in a  longwise set. If possible, the dance should be danced to "mouth music". The step throughout is a running step with a  distinctly marked beat on lhe first beat of each bar. Arms are linked instead of Joining hands. Where possible the movements are phrased to eight bars of music, but when this is found too difficult, the dancers keep running on the spot until they can start a new figure with the beginning of a musical phrase. 


created: 2013-08-05 06:46:37.62753+00
last_modified: 2016-10-08 23:30:24.254482+00
name: Staircase In Styria
ucname: STAIRCASE IN STYRIA
intensity_bars: 84840 80844 80800 80400 80004
notes:
  The dance was inspired by the double spiral staircase in the castle in Graz, capital of the Styrian region of Austria, and represents going up the stairs, down the stairs and meeting on the stairs.


created: 2018-07-19 10:47:38.474304+00
last_modified: 2019-07-19 07:10:57.627637+00
name: Travelling Trios, The
ucname: TRAVELLING TRIOS
notes:
  When our travelling group parted in Dublin, two ladies and one man flew to England for further travels and two men and one lady flew home to Australia, hence the structure of the set.


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-10-24 02:30:37.591818+00
name: Amanda Mae's Strathspey
ucname: AMANDA MAES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 66/66/44/88
devised: 1991-02-01
notes:
  Amanda Mae's Strathspey was devised in her honor by local teacher Aase Hansen and then published when Amanda Mae Fleri was only about 1½ years old (born in August of 1989).  She is the daughter of San Diego dancers Cynthia and Ward Fleri.


created: 2016-10-04 23:16:33.057424+00
last_modified: 2019-12-26 12:10:59.048792+00
name: Stolen Moments
ucname: STOLEN MOMENTS
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  Composition of Stolen Time followed on from the Beachcomber Reel, with which it is combined in the recorded set of tunes for On the Boardwalk.  
  Patti explains that "This tune is a further exploration of tunes with syncopation, playing with time."


created: 2017-03-27 21:03:25.411231+00
last_modified: 2017-04-01 08:51:36.271837+00
name: Flora's Journey
ucname: FLORAS JOURNEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8440/8448/8888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Dance devised for an intermediate technique class at Asilomar 2016. It contains all of the quick-time steps, and the transitions between most.
  It is important that the music be played AABBB.


created: 2016-10-04 23:13:42.58743+00
last_modified: 2020-08-23 10:10:31.65803+00
name: On the Wings of a Skorie
ucname: ON THE WINGS OF A SKORIE
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to the late fiddler Michael Ferrie who wrote the tune and who died far too young.  The notes to the album where this tune appears explain: 

  “Michael Ferrie wrote this tune after watching the family’s new kitten playing in the garden.  The kitten bravely decided to tackle a large skorie (Herring Gull) and jumped on its back.  The skorie, not much impressed, took flight with the kitten aboard.  Luckily for the kitten it managed to escape, but not until the bird had flown several hundred yards down the field.”  

  The chase in bars 17-24 of the dance is my effort to represent the kitten’s adventure.  Thanks to my friend James MacQueen for bringing the tune to my attention. 


created: 2013-12-22 23:23:19.625331+00
last_modified: 2021-07-04 08:52:36.398637+00
name: Six-Figured Man, The
ucname: SIXFIGURED MAN
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/844/844/888
devised: 2013-03-01
notes:
  The dance refers to "The Six-fingered Man".  The author's comments are:

  bars 1-8: The Fateful meeting of the Stranger and the Spanish sword maker.

  bars 9-40:  The son's lifelong search for the stranger who killed his father, known to him only as the "Six-Fingered Man".

  Bars 41-48:  The final last chase through the castle, culminating, at last, in the climatic face-to-face meeting with the Six-Fingered Man.

  The title is meant to be humorous - a play on words - the dance is made up of six figures.

  Editor's note: as the dance refers to "The Six-Fingered Man", that name has been added as a spelling alias to help those who search using that more intuitive name.


created: 2016-10-19 21:47:45.332735+00
last_modified: 2016-10-20 10:19:37.073288+00
name: Trefoil Badge, The
ucname: TREFOIL BADGE
notes:
  This dance is so-named in recognition of the critical importance of the Girl Guide movement to Scottish Country Dancing.

  But for Mrs Ysobel Stewart's inspired idea that Scottish Girl Guides should learn and be tested in their native dancing rather than English Country Dancing, the activity which so many of us enjoy might simply have withered away. 

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


created: 2016-12-31 15:03:00.923008+00
last_modified: 2016-12-31 15:03:00.923008+00
name: Get Your Feet Wet
ucname: GET YOUR FEET WET
notes:
  This dance was devised during a trek from the train to one of the wonderful pool parties held at the home of Dan, Jill, and Jessica Emery.I thought a good warmup jig would be an appropriate tribute to hot afternoons by the water's edge.


created: 2016-10-18 10:22:40.65036+00
last_modified: 2016-10-20 15:46:37.355105+00
name: Mary MacNiven's Sash Pin
ucname: MARY MACNIVENS SASH PIN
notes:
  Contains Sash Pin Reels.

  Mary MacNiven was the singer for whom John Bannerman wrote the Gaelic song Mairi Bhàn (literally, Fair Mary, in English but usually known as Mairi's Wedding after the translation by Sir Hugh Roberton); it is sung to the traditional tune, Lewis Bridal Song. This dance is so-named because it is a derivative of James B. Cosh's dance, Mairi's Wedding, on the fairly safe assumption that Mary would have worn a sash at her eventual wedding to John Campbell. 

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


  Dance Notes by the deviser, Reuben Freemantle

  This dance is intended to flow seamlessly from one figure to the next as far as possible so that, at the end of every phrase, the dancers are facing in the correct direction for the beginning of the next phrase. 

    1-2   2s step up; 

    9-40 All three couples are moving continuously in these sash pin reels, never stopping. As an aide-mémoire, each corner reaches and passes through his/her original corner position at the end of each 8-bar phrase, stopping only at the end of bar 40. 

    9-16 The sash pin reel with first corners is an 8-bar combination of a half reel of 4 on the first corners' diagonal with a chase clockwise halfway around the corners' square; 1s are followed by partner's first corner, 2 bars behind; second corners dance in to the centre to meet and turn so that 1s and first corners can chase through second corners' positions, unimpeded. Timing is of the essence: 2 bars for each quarter of the diagonal reel of 4 and for each side of the corners' square in the chase; second corners have a quite sedate movement and so must be particularly careful not to get ahead of the music. The chase should follow the rectilinear shape of the corners' square, with a sharp change of direction at the halfway corner, rather than a sloppy oval; this helps with timing as well being more satisfying to the dancers and any spectator. 

  17-24 The sash pin reel with second corners is an 8-bar combination of a half reel of 4 on the second corners' diagonal with a chase clockwise halfway around the corners' square; first corners dance in to the centre to meet and turn so that 1s and second corners can chase through first corners' positions, unimpeded. 

  25-32 This sash pin reel is exactly as in bars 9-16 but starting with 1s facing partner's first corners. 

  33-40 This sash pin reel is as in bars 17-24 but starting with 1s facing partner's second corners. Corners finish facing in, 1s cross by the right to finish in 2nd place on own sides, facing out (except on the final repeat when they pull right shoulders back to face in). 

      -40 On the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th repeats, 1s finish in 2nd place, facing out, ready to dance as 1st couple again. 
  On the 2nd, 4th and 6th repeats, 1s also finish in 2nd place, facing out, ready to cast to 4th place of the full set in bars 1-2 of the next repeat WHILE the new 3s step up. 
  On the last repeat, 1s finish in 2nd place of the active set (3rd place of the full set), facing in. 

  ________________________________________


  Laurence's alternative description of Mary MacNiven's Sash Pin from the dancer's perspective, starting from the first sash pin reel, bar 9. 

  The dancing couple (1s) individually dance ¼ of a diagonal reel of 4 with their first corners, then chase clockwise 2 places and turn by the left ¼ in the centre of the dance to finish facing their second corners. 

  The dancing couple then individually dance ¼ of a diagonal reel of 4 with their second corners, then chase clockwise 2 places and turn by the left ¼ in the centre of the dance to finish facing their third corners. 

  The dancing couple then individually dance ¼ of a diagonal reel of 4 with their third corners, then chase clockwise 2 places and turn by the left ¼ in the centre of the dance to finish facing their fourth corners. 

  The dancing couple then individually dance ¼ of a diagonal reel of 4 with their fourth corners, then chase clockwise 2 places and cross by the right to 2nd place on own sides to finish facing out ready for the repeat. 

  WHILE 

  The first corners perform a half diagonal reel of four on the first corners diagonal line then chase clockwise 2 places to finish in original places. 

  The first corners then set to each other, then turn by the right to finish in original places. 

  The first corners then perform a half diagonal reel of four on the first corners diagonal line then chase clockwise 2 places to finish in original places. 

  The first corners then set to each other, then turn by the right to finish in original places. 

  WHILE 

  The second corners set to each other, then turn by the right to finish in original places. 

  The second corners then perform a half diagonal reel of four on the second corners diagonal line then chase clockwise 2 places to finish in original places. 

  The second corners then set to each other, then turn by the right to finish in original places. 

  The second corners then perform a half diagonal reel of four on the second corners diagonal line then chase clockwise 2 places to finish in original places. 


created: 2016-10-11 00:47:09.278023+00
last_modified: 2022-08-15 08:41:18.665373+00
name: Court House Walk, The
ucname: COURT HOUSE WALK
intensity_bars: 880/822/888/888
devised: 2016-06-14
notes:
  To celebrate the Marriage of Ron Wallace and Gary Thomas, in Santa Rosa, Califomia, on June 14th 2016.


created: 2016-10-18 11:11:54.174552+00
last_modified: 2016-10-20 15:33:53.42099+00
name: John Campbell's Kilt Pin
ucname: JOHN CAMPBELLS KILT PIN
notes:
  Contains Kilt Pin Reels.

  Mary MacNiven was the singer for whom John Bannerman wrote the Gaelic song Mairi Bhan (literally, Fair Mary, in English but usually known as Mairi's Wedding after the translation by Sir Hugh Roberton); it is sung to the traditional tune, Lewis Bridal Song. Many years later, she married John Campbell.

  The kilt pin is a piece of jewellery that is worn on the lower corner of the outer apron of a kilt in order to prevent the apron falling or blowing open, by adding weight to the outer apron. It does not pin the outer apron to the inner fabric. 

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


  *Dance Notes by the deviser, Reuben Freemantle*

  This dance is so-named because it is a close derivative of Mary MacNiven's Sash Pin; enthusiasts (but only by agreement with the other dancers in the set!) may like to dance Mary MacNiven's Sash Pin on the odd-numbered repeats and John Campbell's Kilt Pin on the even. 

  This dance is intended to flow seamlessly from one figure to the next as far as possible so that, at the end of every phrase, the dancers are facing in the correct direction for the beginning of the next phrase. 

    1-2   2s step up; 

    9-40 All three couples are moving continuously in these kilt pin reels, never stopping. As an aide-mémoire, each corner reaches and passes through his/her original corner position at the end of each 8-bar phrase, stopping only at the end of bar 40. 

    9-16 The kilt pin reel with second corners is an 8-bar combination of a half reverse reel of 4 on the second corners' diagonal with a chase clockwise halfway around the corners' square; 1s are followed by partner's second corner, 2 bars behind; first corners dance in to the centre to meet and turn so that 1s and second corners can chase through first corners' positions, unimpeded. Timing is of the essence: 2 bars for each quarter of the reverse diagonal reel of 4 and for each side of the corners' square in the chase; first corners have a quite sedate movement and so must be particularly careful not to get ahead of the music. The chase should follow the rectilinear shape of the corners' square, with a sharp change of direction at the halfway corner, rather than a sloppy oval; this helps with timing as well being more satisfying to the dancers and any spectator. 

  17-24 The kilt pin reel with first corners is an 8-bar combination of a half reverse reel of 4 on the first corners' diagonal with a chase clockwise halfway around the corners' square; second corners dance in to the centre to meet and turn so that 1s and first corners can chase through first corners' positions, unimpeded. 

  25-32 This kilt pin reel is exactly as in bars 9-16 but starting with 1s facing partner's second corners. 

  33-40 This kilt pin reel is as in bars 17-24 but starting with 1s facing partner's first corners. Corners finish facing in, 1s cross by the left to finish in 2nd place on own sides, facing out (except on the final repeat when they pull left shoulders back to face in). 

      -40 On the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th repeats, 1s finish in 2nd place, facing out, ready to dance as 1st couple again. 

  On the 2nd, 4th and 6th repeats, 1s also finish in 2nd place, facing out, ready to cast to 4th place of the full set in bars 1-2 of the next repeat WHILE the new 3s step up. 

  On the last repeat, 1s finish in 2nd place of the active set (3rd place of the full set), facing in. 

  ________________________________________

  Dance Notes (2)

  Laurence's alternative description of John Campbell's Kilt Pin from the dancer's perspective, starting from the first kilt pin reel, bar 9. 

  The dancing couple (1s) individually dance ¼ of a reverse (left shoulder) diagonal reel of 4 with their second corners, then chase anticlockwise 2 places and turn by the right ¼ in the centre of the dance to finish facing their first corners. 

  The dancing couple then individually dance ¼ of a reverse diagonal reel of 4 with their first corners, then chase anticlockwise 2 places and turn by the right ¼ in the centre of the dance to finish facing their third corners. 

  The dancing couple (1s) individually dance ¼ of a reverse diagonal reel of 4 with their third corners, then chase anticlockwise 2 places and turn by the right ¼ in the centre of the dance to finish facing their fourth corners. 

  The dancing couple (1s) individually dance ¼ of a reverse diagonal reel of 4 with their fourth corners, then chase anticlockwise 2 places and cross by the left to 2nd place on own sides to finish facing out ready for the repeat. 

  WHILE 

  The second corners perform a half reverse diagonal reel of four on the second corners diagonal line then chase anticlockwise 2 places to finish in original places. 

  The second corners then set to each other, then turn by the left to finish in original places. 

  The second corners then perform a half reverse diagonal reel of four on the second corners diagonal line then chase anticlockwise 2 places to finish in original places. 

  The second corners then set to each other, then turn by the left to finish in original places. 

  WHILE 

  The first corners set to each other, then turn by the left to finish in original places. 

  The first corners then perform a half reverse diagonal reel of four on the first corners diagonal line then chase anticlockwise 2 places to finish in original places. 

  The first corners then set to each other, then turn by the left to finish in original places. 

  The first corners then perform a half reverse diagonal reel of four on the first corners diagonal line then chase anticlockwise 2 places to finish in original places. 

  (Dance Notes by the deviser, Reuben Freemantle) 


created: 2017-01-20 02:16:19.158672+00
last_modified: 2017-01-20 02:16:19.158672+00
name: Topsy Turvy
ucname: TOPSY TURVY
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  After the first time trough, the couples end in the order 3,1,4,2 but on opposite sides.
  Thus, top and bottom are swapped, and the couples dance as in order 2,4,1,3.
  The dance is repeated four times, swapping top and bottom after every 40-bar phrase.


created: 2016-12-27 01:10:42.951627+00
last_modified: 2017-01-10 00:19:00.177329+00
name: Yvonne's Strathspey
ucname: YVONNES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/888
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Yvonne Yang of Washington DC, and depicts her doing her hair, checking it in the mirror, re-doing it, and rushing off to just make the dance.


created: 2011-03-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-05-16 01:03:09.636231+00
name: Rusty Nail, The
ucname: RUSTY NAIL
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Ralph and Jean Seel who always made the Rusty Nails after any out of town dance. The dance can be done in strathspey time if the dancers feel they have had too many Rusty Nails!


created: 2017-02-19 02:45:03.141007+00
last_modified: 2019-10-15 12:04:55.766287+00
name: Crossing the Line Again
ucname: CROSSING THE LINE AGAIN
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/888
devised: 2017-02-19
notes:
  Devised in February 2017 for Fanny Raoul of the Scots Bonnet Club as she said she enjoyed dancing the original Crossing The Line by John Drewry


created: 2017-01-31 21:43:02.507934+00
last_modified: 2019-09-06 23:12:07.605603+00
name: Vrolijkheid
ucname: VROLIJKHEID
intensity_bars: 8444/8888/6888/0888
devised: 2013-09-01
notes:
  Note: Vrolijkheid is both an Afrikaans and a Dutch word that means great merriment, cheerfulness or happiness.. It is also the name of a nature reserve just outside McGregor in the Breede River Valley. This dance echoes the jig ‘Joie de Vivre’ (Joy of living) and was devised to celebrate a dancing weekend in McGregor.


created: 2016-10-19 21:05:48.54449+00
last_modified: 2016-10-20 14:53:22.682468+00
name: Dark Island, The
ucname: DARK ISLAND
notes:
  *Dance Notes by the deviser, Reuben Freemantle*

  Note that the Strathspey and Reel parts of a Medley with this format can be performed independently. 

  This dance is intended to flow seamlessly from one figure to the next as far as possible so that, at the end of every phrase, the dancers are facing in the correct direction for the beginning of the next phrase. 

    3-14 With this starting point of the reel of six, all start and finish on own sides of the centre line, right shoulder to right shoulder, Mn facing up, Ls down. 

    3-4   1M, at the top, 3L, at the bottom, dance clockwise loops to finish in the positions vacated by their partners at bar 3 WHILE 1L2M 2L3M pass giving left shoulder to finish 2M 3M on the Mn's side facing up, 1L 2L on the Ls' side facing down, 2M1M 3M1L 3L2L right shoulder to right shoulder; 

  all have now progressed one position clockwise around the set, finishing 2M3M3L on the Mn's side of the centre line, 1M1L2L on the Ls'. 

    5-6   All repeat bars 3-4 from the new positions, finishing 3M3L2L on the Mn's side of the centre line, 2M1M1L on the Ls'. 

    7-8   All repeat bars 3-4 from the new positions, finishing 3L2L1L on the Mn's side of the centre line, 3M2M1M on the Ls' (note that this is the halfway point in the reel of six). 

    9-14 All repeat bars 3-8 from the new positions, finishing 1s 2s 3s as at bar 3. 

  15-16 In the reel, the turn with both hands is with skip change, not pas-de-basque. 

  17-     In the strathspey, 1M 2L change foot to start the highland schottische poussette. 


  23-     In the strathspey, 1L 2M change foot to start; 2s1s cover when turning with both hands. 

  24-24 In the strathspey, 1s3s cover when turning with both hands. 

  25-     In the strathspey, 3M 1L change foot to start the highland schottische poussette. 

  31-32 In the strathspey, 1L 3M change foot to start; 3s1s cover when turning with both hands three quarters. 

  (end of notes)

  The Dark Island (An t-Eilean Dorcha) is the name used in Gaelic poetry for Benbecula (Beinn na Faoghla), the island in the Outer Hebrides (Na h-Eileanan Siar) which is joined by causeways to North Uist (Uibhist a' Tuath) and South Uist (Uibhist a' Deas).

  These three islands are nowadays linked by another causeway to Eriskay (Eiriosgaigh) and then via a small vehicle ferry to Barra (Barraidh). The dance is so-named because the main road in these five islands is shaped like a reel of six with a loop at either end (North Uist and Barra), joined by a spine road through Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay and the Barra ferry. Many parts of the road are single track with passing places, again reminiscent of the middle part of the reel.

  The Dark Island is also the name of a Gaelic waltz (and a slow air) by the late Iain McLachlan, the great button-box player from Benbecula. In the early 1990s, shortly before his untimely death, he played at weekends in the bar of the, sadly now defunct, Clachan Beag Hotel in Castlebay (Bagh a' Chaisteil). The deviser and his wife have fond memories of dancing to Iain's music there on a "postage stamp" floor: The Canadian Barn Dance, The Schottische (also remembered in the strathspey part of this dance) and, of course, Iain's own, renowned Gaelic waltz. 

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


created: 2016-10-19 21:37:47.551263+00
last_modified: 2024-06-26 10:58:47.846406+00
name: Step Forth
ucname: STEP FORTH
intensity_bars: 8444/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  The dance name is a mild pun on pas-de-basque as the fourth step to be learnt by a Beginner. 

  The devisor also suggests a 3-couple variant where couples 1,2 and 3 dance 6 hands across on bars 17-24 and 6 hands round and back on bars 25-32.

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


created: 2017-02-21 21:59:09.631729+00
last_modified: 2025-12-21 11:43:47.736071+00
name: Glaikit Gowk (April Fool), The
ucname: GLAIKIT GOWK APRIL FOOL
intensity_bars: 7887/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  This is a dance for the Geneva Spring Dance on 1st April 2017.  You may start with a partner, but you won’t see him / her again soon.


created: 2010-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-10-22 19:23:20.050148+00
name: Ambassadors' Reel, The
ucname: AMBASSADORS REEL
intensity_bars: 800 800 844 888
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  The dance was devised as a farewell present of the RSCDS Vienna Branch to John and Judith MacGregor, British Ambassadors in Vienna and Bratislava. 
  John Macgregor had been the Honorary President of the Branch for a couple of years. John and Judith MacGregor were leaving Austria in August 2007 as their appointments as ambassadors to Vienna and Bratislava came to an end. 

  The dance and tune was presented to them at the end-of-season dance at the residency of the British ambassador in Vienna.

  A Note from "The Vienna Book":  
  This is a very fluid dance. Although conventional barring is used in the description above, it should be taken only as an approximation of what happens at any given point in the dance. For the sake of convenience, couples should start and end each turn of the dance in the sidelines, facing each other.


created: 2016-10-19 20:58:46.593861+00
last_modified: 2016-10-20 13:21:17.024442+00
name: Chaperons
ucname: CHAPERONS
notes:
  Dance Notes by the deviser, Reuben Freemantle

  The dance is intended to flow seamlessly from one figure to the next as far as possible so that, at the end of every phrase, the dancers are facing in the correct direction for the beginning of the next phrase.

    1-8   Partners should be exactly the width of the set apart at all times and on the same level up and down. Covering must be visual since hands cannot be taken in parallel reels.

      -8   2M3M 2L3L should already have passed left shoulders.

  17-24 In reverse reels of 4 (also known as left shoulder reels of 4), the dancers pass by the left at the ends. The same considerations apply over parallelism as in bars 1-8.

  23-24 Instead of passing right shoulders, 3M2M 3L2L take both hands and turn halfway by the right on the sides into original places (a quick movement similar to that in bars 31-32 of Fifty Years On); 4L finish facing out, all others in.

  25-26 1s stand for two bars and so 1M can encroach on the beginning of this phrase to finish facing in.

      -32 On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd repeats, all release hands on the left foot step, pulling right shoulder back, 4M 1L 2M 3L turning 1⁄8 on the spot, 4L 1M 2L 3M turning 5⁄8.

  (Dance Notes end)

  This dance is so-named because 2s and 3s (like chaperons) successfully thwart any attempted assignation of 1M with 1L or 4M with 4L for 24 bars. 1s and 4s cannot meet their partners since they are constrained to stay exactly the same distance apart during the parallel reels and the chaperons pass between them; the chaperons are ever present even during the hands across.
  On bar 25, while the chaperons congratulate themselves on their success and take their eyes off their charges, 4th couple slip away and, on bar 27, 1st couple also take advantage of the opportunity to elude the chaperons.
  On bar 31, the errant 1s and 4s return to the party as though nothing had happened. 

  A chaperone (or occasionally chaperon) is an adult who accompanies or supervises one or more young, unmarried men or women during social occasions, usually with the specific intent of preventing inappropriate social interactions or other bad behavior. The chaperone is typically accountable to a third party, usually the parents of one of the accompanied young people. 

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


created: 2012-06-15 05:03:46.350173+00
last_modified: 2020-09-29 08:01:30.995818+00
name: King in the Ring
ucname: KING IN THE RING
devised: 2007-10-01
notes:
  The "King" (or in his absence an empty chair) sits in the centre of the set; the others dance round him.

  Written for György Lajtos (Gyuri) on becoming 40.


created: 2018-12-06 12:31:33.215546+00
last_modified: 2021-03-13 21:16:15.627033+00
name: Nethertown Nights
ucname: NETHERTOWN NIGHTS
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/802
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  RSCDS Dunfermline Branch meets on Mondays evenings in the Dell Farquharson Community Centre, formerly known as the Nethertown Institute, Nethertown Broad Street, Dunfermline - hence the title of the dance.


created: 2017-04-01 19:50:31.142821+00
last_modified: 2021-01-04 12:32:23.496965+00
name: Serpent of Loch Nell, The
ucname: SERPENT OF LOCH NELL
intensity_bars: 880/822/888/888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  The ‘snake’ in this dance was inspired by an ancient earth monument, the Loch Nell Serpent Mound, in Argyll, Scotland.


created: 2016-12-31 16:05:01.430961+00
last_modified: 2021-01-19 00:03:53.929648+00
name: Swarthmore Friends Meeting
ucname: SWARTHMORE FRIENDS MEETING
intensity_bars: 800/866/822/888
notes:
  As a final dance,  I've included this dance for all our friends far and wide.  The Swarthmore Friends Meeting House is where we hold our biennial ceilidh, and Swarthmore College is the site of many of our big events.  It's a true gift to have so many friends to return to after our travels for yet another dance.


created: 1997-09-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-17 22:59:28.053509+00
name: Lady June Gordon
ucname: LADY JUNE GORDON
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/880
devised: 1988-07-01
notes:
  The dance is dedicated to Lady June Gordon, marchioness of Aberdeen and Tremair.
  Bill Moorhead presented the dance to Lady June Gordon at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in July 1988.


created: 2016-10-01 13:09:41.881482+00
last_modified: 2016-10-20 13:42:36.256118+00
name: Cooper's Crown, The
ucname: COOPERS CROWN
notes:
  10 bar phrases

  The dance name is intended as reminder that it is made up of 10-bar phrases, just like The Wee Cooper o' Fife. The crown was a coin valued at five shillings and so is an allusion to this as a five-couple dance. 

  (Dance Notes by the deviser, Reuben Freemantle) 

  The music for this dance must be in 10-bar phrases, as in The Wee Cooper o' Fife and The Cooper's Wife (Mitchell); the music for Trinity Tensome or any other, more conventional 5-couple, 5 x 40 bar dance would be totally unsuitable. Until a suitable recording is available, use a 4 x 40 bar set of The Wee Cooper o' Fife and restart after once through.

  As a dancer, since these are 10-bar phrases, do not panic on bar 7 of the phrase when finding oneself still far from the end position.

    1-8   3s 5s do not step up.

    9-10 Cover in the turns.

  11-30 Take hands with partner at every opportunity in these mirror reels to help with covering.
  These reels of five start with the dancers all evenly spaced; each dancer should follow the dancer immediately ahead and should be exactly two bars behind, throughout.

  11-20 The following instructions apply to the Mn's reel; since these are mirror reels, the Ls' dance with left and right, clockwise and anticlockwise, interchanged. To start, 2M 4M, on the inside, face up and to the left, 1M, half a place above his original place on the side line, and 3M 5M, on the outside, face down and to the left.

  11-12 1M2M 3M4M pass giving right shoulder WHILE 5M dance round the anticlockwise loop at the bottom, finishing 1M in 3M's position at the start of bar 11, 3M in 5M's, 5M in 4M's, 4M in 2M's, 2M in 1M's.

  13-20 All repeat bars 11-12 four times from their new positions, finishing as at the start of bar 11.

  21-30 All repeat bars 11-20 with 1s crossing down to opposite sides to start.

  31-32 Slow turns with covering.


created: 2016-11-07 09:08:21.438657+00
last_modified: 2018-07-13 06:39:28.429128+00
name: Ardochart House
ucname: ARDOCHART HOUSE
devised: 2016-11-01
notes:
  "Ardochart" is the name of the house of my scottish friends, Margaret and Dave Phillips, to whom this dance is dedicated.


created: 2006-10-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-03-03 22:58:30.821571+00
name: Welcome in Tokyo, A
ucname: WELCOME IN TOKYO
notes:
  Although a 3-couple dance, 4th couple dance bars 1-2 on first time through. A progression in advance.


created: 2016-09-09 10:41:49.047852+00
last_modified: 2021-11-25 07:41:20.310501+00
name: Pretty Bride of Préty, The
ucname: PRETTY BRIDE OF PRETY
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/888
notes:
  For Aliénor Latour on the occasion of her wedding in Préty, Bourgogne, on December 13th, 2014.  
  The first eight bars represent the bride and groom meeting and solemnly walking up the aisle. 
  Music composed by Pascaline Latour, bridesmaid on that occasion.


created: 2015-05-30 17:19:33.471518+00
last_modified: 2017-01-04 17:03:30.881765+00
name: Valentine Special
ucname: VALENTINE SPECIAL
intensity_bars: 848/808/888/844
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  The description given in http://www.minicrib.org.uk/Publications/Keppie_John/H7.pdf, which is probably a reproduction of the original text, has several errors.  The Reel of 4 on the midline is danced by 1c+3c (not 1c+2c), and on [18-24] 1c+2c+3c dance a full (not half) circle to the Left. 


created: 2016-10-30 11:37:21.888903+00
last_modified: 2018-03-20 10:27:50.409024+00
name: Auchengar
ucname: AUCHENGAR
intensity_bars: 555/555/848/844
notes:
  Devised by W. Little, Castle Douglas, to mark the retirement of Rosemary B Smith, Auchengar, Wigtown after over fifty years of enthusiastic teaching of Scottish country dancing to children and adults in various parts of the Machars of Wigtownshire.


created: 1997-11-20 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-10-29 02:13:27.325808+00
name: Argyll Reel
ucname: ARGYLL REEL
intensity_bars: 84/88/80/88
notes:
  The description used for this entry was old, the description and diagrams did not fully agree. The crib is provisional only. 

  The deviser is not mentioned on the description. There is an uncertain attribution of this dance to Derek Haynes; we are looking for reliable information on this


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-10-26 00:36:42.912471+00
name: Black Isle
ucname: BLACK ISLE
notes:
  The description used for this entry was old, the description and diagrams did not fully agree.  The crib is provisional only.


created: 1998-04-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-10-28 22:29:27.96515+00
name: Fairy Ring, The
ucname: FAIRY RING
intensity_bars: 88/80/08/88
notes:
  From the original book: Iain Boyd has this either as a 40 or 32 bar dance. The former will apply to Children who find the 2 bar per hand grand chain tricky. He has then clap twice on first bar, and beat Rf twice on second bar.

  Recommended music 32 bar sequence The Wild Geese, and The Fyket for a 40 bar one.


created: 2016-10-30 11:47:32.835315+00
last_modified: 2018-08-26 07:30:08.903396+00
name: Our Friend Viv
ucname: OUR FRIEND VIV
intensity_bars: 8444/8444/8222/8888
notes:
  For Viv Vedat, a much loved teacher, dancer, musician and friend of the Gatehouse Branch on her move to Wigtownshire.


created: 2016-10-30 11:46:21.055145+00
last_modified: 2018-08-23 21:11:09.121764+00
name: Jessie Cannon's Strathspey
ucname: JESSIE CANNONS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 844/880/866/888
notes:
  In memory of Jessie Cannon, Gatehouse. A devoted Scottish country dancer and a kind loving friend to all.


created: 2016-10-30 11:45:02.691968+00
last_modified: 2018-08-24 06:43:40.252927+00
name: Isabel Paterson's Jig
ucname: ISABEL PATERSONS JIG
intensity_bars: 844/800/844/888
notes:
  In memory of Isabel Paterson, Newton Stewart. Music composed by her husband, Alan, who now plays accordion for the Gatehouse Scottish Country Dance Class. 


created: 2018-05-02 18:22:10.229579+00
last_modified: 2018-05-17 02:42:37.052432+00
name: Remembrance For Russell, A
ucname: REMEMBRANCE FOR RUSSELL
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/800
devised: 2010-04-01
notes:
  For Beverley.  

  Written in memory of Russell Young, a well-known Auckland dancer for many years, who passed away on 29 April 2009.


created: 2016-06-11 21:10:08.828899+00
last_modified: 2020-10-18 10:15:12.511942+00
name: Reeling to Kirriemuir
ucname: REELING TO KIRRIEMUIR
notes:
  RR Dance of facing lines of two couples, the M in the middle.  Each line progresses to meet next line RR.  

  Kirremmuir is the gateway to the Angus glens


created: 1998-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-09 23:36:21.670381+00
name: Many Happy Returns
ucname: MANY HAPPY RETURNS
intensity_bars: 880/840/844/800
devised: 1988-06-03
notes:
  The dance was devised to celebrate the departure of dancer and teacher Martin Mulligan from the Chicago Branch to begin a new phase of his career in Newfoundland; it was first taught and danced at the Chicago Branch Weekend June 3-5, 1988.


created: 2016-11-05 00:19:56.665229+00
last_modified: 2024-03-11 10:11:25.438018+00
name: Mr. Graham W. Donald
ucname: MR GRAHAM W DONALD
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/844
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "Dance for Graham Donald on the occasion of his 50 birthday, TAC Summer School 31 July 2009."


created: 2010-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-10-22 20:57:01.268165+00
name: Thirty plus Ten (30 + 10)
ucname: THIRTY PLUS TEN 30 10
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  10 bar phrases

  A Note from "The Vienna Book":  
  Devised by Beatrix Wepner for Jutta Kribala on the occasion of her 30 plus 10th birthday in 2004.


created: 2012-07-27 07:40:00.425892+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:36.177252+00
name: Busy Bee, The
ucname: BUSY BEE
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Michaela Haslinger for her 40th birthday.

  The patterns of the dance are inspired by Michi’s endless energy, her ability to buzz from one thing to the next and to organise others into following her lead.


created: 1997-12-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:08:24.032719+00
name: Waggle of the Kilt, The
ucname: WAGGLE OF THE KILT
intensity_bars: 820/800/822/888/888
notes:
  The dress of the Scots with the shoulder plaid and kilt has undergone fewer changes through the centuries than any other. The details of the complete equipment of a Highland Chief in 1797 differs very little from to-day, except in the quality of the wooL The kilt was made of the finest native wool. The sheep of that time are now extinct. There being no hem on the kilt, the hard tartans, made by machinery after the Disarmament were so raspy that the edge, or selvedge, chafed the men's legs. When Queen Victoria inspected one of her regiments, she noticed the sores and bleeding at the backs of the soldiers' legs. She immediately notified the War Office, and since then the tartans have been softer. The Suggested Music is played to the tune of 'The Waggle of the Kilt." The fourth tune is: 'That's the Reason Noo I wear the Kilt." This dance gives all kilt wearers license and opportunity to make good use of the "waggle" as they try out the following formations.


created: 2018-09-17 18:48:49.572502+00
last_modified: 2018-09-17 22:26:22.122215+00
name: All Left Moira
ucname: ALL LEFT MOIRA
intensity_bars: 800/846/864/844
notes:
  This is the left-hand-only version of All Right Bob. It was named for Moira at the time of a right arm injury.


created: 2018-08-21 09:22:59.436907+00
last_modified: 2018-09-09 05:34:19.467053+00
name: Walnut Cake with Chocolate Spread
ucname: WALNUT CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE SPREAD
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
devised: 2018-04-01
notes:
  Walnut cake is very good just by itself, but it can taste even better covered with chocolate spread! It is actually one of my favourites.


created: 2016-10-30 12:08:03.909307+00
last_modified: 2018-12-04 23:39:42.422846+00
name: Welcome Home
ucname: WELCOME HOME
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2010-10-01
notes:
  In honour of Margaret Philip, talented and devoted pianist over many years, for the Scottish Country Dancing in Gatehouse of Fleet.


created: 2018-05-02 18:22:53.882227+00
last_modified: 2018-05-17 02:11:05.266644+00
name: Ruby Wilkinson's Rant
ucname: RUBY WILKINSONS RANT
intensity_bars: 888/880/880/888
devised: 2013-09-30
notes:
  This dance was written during the 2013 Australian Winter School, held in Albany, Western Australia.  
  The dance was devised for Ruby Wilkinson, one of the teachers at the school, who is currently the RSCDS Schools Director. The creation of the dance was inspired by Ruby’s teaching of the La Baratte movement during the first class of the school.


created: 2005-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2016-11-15 19:47:31.955101+00
name: Hutchison House
ucname: HUTCHISON HOUSE
intensity_bars: 84/88/88/48
devised: 1998-10-01
notes:
  Hutchison House was built for Dr John Hutchison, the first doctor to practise in Peterborough.  The house is now a museum and it has been a strong supporter of Scottish heritage in the area.


created: 2016-10-30 11:49:07.885215+00
last_modified: 2021-01-01 20:25:46.864726+00
name: Kind Robin
ucname: KIND ROBIN
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/800
devised: 2014-11-01
notes:
  For Robin Allan who attended dance classes at Gatehouse of Fleet and Castle Douglas during his stay at The National Trust of Scotland School of Gardening at Threave.


created: 2016-12-15 00:17:13.409893+00
last_modified: 2016-12-16 00:31:52.497372+00
name: Straighten Your Lines
ucname: STRAIGHTEN YOUR LINES
intensity_bars: 8448/8448/8888/8888
devised: 2016-07-23
notes:
  Deviser's note:  "Straighten your Lines" was written in July 2016 for Angelika Schmidkonz as a farewell present when she left Munich for Bochum after more than 13 years of very active membership. Angelika had been a committee member for many years, organised many dance events, danced in the Munich Scottish Association's demonstration team and was one of the MSA's dance teachers. She was particularly keen on having perfectly straight lines in the sets and never omitted to remind the class of this.


created: 2018-05-20 14:23:21.431579+00
last_modified: 2018-10-09 23:40:51.701942+00
name: Johnsonville Gold
ucname: JOHNSONVILLE GOLD
devised: 2016-08-25
notes:
  Notes from the deviser:

  Devised 25/8/2016, during Johnsonville's \golden anniversary" year. This dance
  is a less vertigo inducing version of THE JOHNSONVILLE DIAMOND.


created: 2017-02-24 17:10:17.094777+00
last_modified: 2023-02-03 09:35:50.968876+00
name: Strathspey for Bar, A
ucname: STRATHSPEY FOR BAR
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/4444/8888
devised: 2013-06-01
notes:
  The dance comprises four parts of 32 bars; each has first the 16-bar Cloverleaf formation, then one of several 8 bar figures, and finally 8 unchanging bars.  The women progress anticlockwise to a new partner each time, and finish with their original partner.

  Dance devised by Brian Pierson at the request of the Chiswick Scottish Country Dance Club in June 2013 for <<ddp:Martlew, Bar#11165|Barbara Martlew>> (Bar) of Hemel Hempstead.  Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Bar was President of the Berkhamsted Strathspey & Reel Club, an RSCDS-qualified teacher at the London Branch, and the Watford, Gerrards Cross, and Chiswick clubs, and an MC whose expertise earned her the role of MC at an RSCDS AGM Ball.


created: 2016-12-31 14:30:31.342434+00
last_modified: 2016-12-31 14:30:31.342434+00
name: Movin' Out
ucname: MOVIN OUT
notes:
  This dance was written while moving into my new apartment on Spruce Street,wanting anything to distract me from the packing. It is included here with special credit to Matt Sharp and Chloe and Clare Maher for making every thing happen. It Is written for 5 couples, because more hands make lighter work.


created: 2016-06-11 21:57:06.164052+00
last_modified: 2017-02-24 23:18:24.066759+00
name: Tumbling Waters Of Unich, The
ucname: TUMBLING WATERS OF UNICH
notes:
  Note: The Unich Burn starts on the watershed between Glen Clova & Glen Lee, goes through the Falls of Danff & tumbles down about one thousand feet in about a mile & a half through the Gully of Unich, to the falls of Unich. Then it joins the River Lee, which flows into Loch Lee. Then the Lee & the River Mark join to form the River North Esk (which flows down Glen Esk, and onto the sea not far from St Cyrus.


created: 2016-06-11 22:10:16.439119+00
last_modified: 2017-02-24 23:23:24.179222+00
name: Tenth Anniversary Strathspey (Aberlemno), The
ucname: TENTH ANNIVERSARY STRATHSPEY ABERLEMNO
devised: 2006-03-22
notes:
  Devised 22nd March 2006. For the 10th anniversary (1996 to 2006) of dance classes at Aberlemno (site of the famous carved Pictish Stones).


created: 2016-06-11 22:17:40.265945+00
last_modified: 2017-02-24 23:34:55.08559+00
name: Mount Keen
ucname: MOUNT KEEN
devised: 2004-04-11
notes:
  Twice through only.

  Mount Keen, 3,135 ft is our local Munro (Munros are mountains over 3000 ft in Scotland, all climbed and described by a member of the Munro Clan)

  Note: Please check if this tune is the same as "Highland Lassie" by Jim Johnstone.  If so, those entries must be merged.


created: 2018-07-19 14:21:13.687434+00
last_modified: 2020-06-05 18:07:30.794112+00
name: Weekend Celebration, A
ucname: WEEKEND CELEBRATION
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888/888
devised: 2008-03-01
notes:
  Devised for Geoff Thompson and Vivienne Murphy at a weekend of celebration: their marriage, birthdays and St Patrick’s Day.


created: 2017-02-25 16:49:08.230498+00
last_modified: 2020-11-04 10:38:46.124379+00
name: St Columba's 60th Anniversary Reel
ucname: SAINT COLUMBAS 60TH ANNIVERSARY REEL
notes:
  2016 marks the 60th Anniversary of St Columba’s Church and Hall in Pont Street, Knightsbridge. To celebrate a competition was held to devise a dance to be called “St Columba’s 60th Anniversary”. The dance should be something that anyone can do and enjoy from those dancing for the first time to experienced dancers.


created: 1998-04-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-08 09:39:15.68561+00
name: Farewell To Saint Kilda
ucname: FAREWELL TO SAINT KILDA
intensity_bars: 888 888 888 880
devised: 1989-01-01
notes:
  Advanced level.

  The exodus of the St. Kilda people in 1930 inspuired me to this dance.

  I "invented" the progression with the half reel of 4 and called it the "Spindle".  Then I found this progression in two more dances as the Half Chain progression. *[In SCDDB this is referred to as "Half-Reel progression"].*


created: 2002-05-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-06-25 19:27:02.49642+00
name: Amethyst, The
ucname: AMETHYST
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  At the 24th Australian Winter School in Perth in September/October 1999 I was in the Nullagine Class. Derek Haynes taught his dance “<<ddd:Black Donald>>” which has the figure Allemande Right and Allemande Left, which is described in the dance “<<ddd:Not I>>”, R.S.C.D.S. Book 28. I like this figure and other dances, “<<ddd:Peterhead Lassies>>” by Roy Goldring and “<<ddd:The Bluebells of Scotland>>” by Iain Boyd, which contain it. It occurred to me that I did not know of any strathspey containing the figure (although Alastair McFadyen in New Zealand had taught a version of <<ddd:Sandy O’er the Lea>> with that figure from an old book). This was the inspiration for the dance. To the Allemande figure, I have added other of my favourite strathspey movements - the progression, dancing through the ends and the hands across flowing into right hand turns.  

  Nullagine is a town in Western Australia which is famous for its amethyst production. We were
  pleased to learn that amethyst is said to protect from intoxication!


created: 2015-01-20 12:16:12.267516+00
last_modified: 2016-12-16 21:27:39.901907+00
name: Extra Day, The
ucname: EXTRA DAY
intensity_bars: 10 0 0/10 8 8/10 4 4/10 8 8
devised: 2004-02-01
notes:
  Phrasing 4 x 10.

  This dance was devised by Malcolm Frost in 2004 to celebrate leap year (and to give another excuse to dance to the fabulous tune The Wee Cooper Of Fife). It is further hoped that less experienced dancers may find these figures less challenging than those for Wee Cooper when acclimatising to 10-bar phrasing, thus helping them subsequently to better enjoy dancing the WeeCooper


created: 2017-04-01 16:44:21.825996+00
last_modified: 2017-04-07 14:53:35.720645+00
name: Chartreuse
ucname: CHARTREUSE
intensity_bars: 8800/8888/0800/8888
notes:
  Revised version, April 2017.
  Note: the PDF of this dance has a misprint: on [17-18] 2c is turning, not 3c.


created: 2015-05-01 23:06:59.733336+00
last_modified: 2025-09-12 11:14:45.595759+00
name: Spring Fling Reel, The
ucname: SPRING FLING REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844/888
devised: 2014-09-01
notes:
  Spring Fling 2015 was held over the weekend of April 17th to the 19th in Hounslow, London.

  On the last day of Spring Fling a dance competition was held to choose a dance for the upcoming Book 50. In total, 46 dances from around the world were submitted and trialled, with 7 finalists chosen to be voted on by Spring Fling attendees.

  The winning dance, shown here, was the culmination of many hours of devising, dancing and deliberation. It was danced by Spring Fling attendees who, after a long weekend of dancing, with a lot of energy spent (and sleep lost), were up for one more dance!


created: 2016-12-12 05:56:20.56208+00
last_modified: 2016-12-18 22:52:12.282502+00
name: Take A Bow
ucname: TAKE A BOW
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/888
devised: 2011-09-01
notes:
  This is a 3 couple dance in a 4 couple longwise set (8 x 32), but as it is a wedding dance the non-dancing couple also joins in in each 8 hands round on [25-32]. 

  This dance is dedicated to Lena and Felix to celebrate their wedding in September 2011.

  The dance contains a special variation of a reel of four called the bow tie reel (or Mascherl Reel in Austrian).


created: 2004-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-05-18 07:51:01.443133+00
name: Forty Happy Years
ucname: FORTY HAPPY YEARS
intensity_bars: 6666/8888/0660/8008
devised: 2003-07-01
notes:
  For the 40th Anniversary of St. Columba's Class in Leeds requested by Avis Harrison  

  John wrote: "I wrote this dance as a reel but, when it was danced in Avis's class, they decided that they preferred it as a strathspey."


created: 2016-12-27 10:02:32.03952+00
last_modified: 2019-03-14 15:20:11.767249+00
name: Welcome Wagon, The
ucname: WELCOME WAGON
intensity_bars: 440/888/880/888
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Mary Wessel-Walker and Molly Glenn of Ann Arbor, Michigan, who taught the beginners' class with me.


created: 2016-12-31 14:23:08.963167+00
last_modified: 2016-12-31 14:23:08.963167+00
name: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not
ucname: HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOT
notes:
  This dance tells a tale of two lovers who meet and then part. As the woman picks the petals one by one of the daisy, she hopes to discern his feelings. In the end, they are united in the most romantic figure, the poussette right round. This dance is given in thanks to the Bryn Mawr and Haverford College dance class for programming this dance on their lovely springtime tea dance.


created: 2011-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-09-07 03:37:54.688392+00
name: Cat's Cradle
ucname: CATS CRADLE
intensity_bars: 550/550/444/886
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to ailurophiles, but lovers of other animals may dance it! Cat's cradle is a game played by making intricate patterns with a loop of string between the fingers.


created: 2017-01-04 17:24:55.906555+00
last_modified: 2019-06-28 08:43:08.67544+00
name: Aubigny-sur-Nère Reel
ucname: AUBIGNYSURNERE REEL
devised: 2004-11-02
notes:
  For the visit to Aubigny-sur-Nere in July 2005.

  The dance starts and ends as a longwise set, bars 33-96 are in a square set.


created: 2011-03-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-01-22 23:08:46.448065+00
name: Barbaron
ucname: BARBARON
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Commissioned at the Thistle School Auction in 2009 and lovingly devised by Elizabeth Lee Barnes for
  Barbara and Ron Gemmell for their 50th anniversary in 2010.


created: 2007-07-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-02-01 00:39:14.924963+00
name: Mascads Jig
ucname: MASCADS JIG
intensity_bars: 888/844/888/888
devised: 2007-05-01
notes:
  This dance was devised to say thank you to a few people. It is dedicated to Andrea from Dundee, Antoine from Paris, Clemens from Heidelberg, Daniele from Paris, Martina from Langenfeld, Silke from Leverkusen and Stefan from Kornwestheim.  
  Thank you for your helpful support!

  The Name of the dance are the initials from Martina, Andrea, Silke, Clemens, Antoine, Daniele und Stefan ;-).


created: 2017-05-09 17:27:34.461819+00
last_modified: 2017-05-09 17:27:34.461819+00
name: Welcome to Ashmerg
ucname: WELCOME TO ASHMERG
devised: 1997-05-01
notes:
  Devised May 1997 to welcome dancers to the start of a new dance season at the ASHMERG Scottish Country Dance Group.


created: 2006-11-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-02-02 21:57:53.729353+00
name: Lord of the Dance
ucname: LORD OF THE DANCE
intensity_bars: 8040/8044/8400/8404
devised: 2001-08-07
notes:
  There is a misprint in the original instructions.  On bar 25, in the diagonal reel 1st Lady starts Rsh to 2nd Lady (in 1st Man's place); the instructions mistakenly say 2nd MAN


created: 2017-01-30 23:34:28.13017+00
last_modified: 2021-05-27 22:24:42.602641+00
name: Donna's Cake
ucname: DONNAS CAKE
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
notes:
  For dancer Donna Graham, a great cake maker, on finishing her chemotherapy.  Donna passed away in February 2012 after a long battle with cancer.  Her smile and laughter will be with us always.


created: 2017-01-25 23:15:45.781469+00
last_modified: 2021-07-30 04:02:45.860523+00
name: Day of Dance, The
ucname: DAY OF DANCE
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8282/8888
devised: 2011-04-01
notes:
  Written for the Children’s Day of Dance held on May 28th 2011 in Dumfries, which was led by Louise Macdougall and organised by the Dumfries Branch of the RSCDS with children's class teacher Jo Olive


created: 2017-01-25 23:25:02.3015+00
last_modified: 2021-07-30 08:35:44.215472+00
name: Queen of the Seas
ucname: QUEEN OF THE SEAS
notes:
  Devised on board the Cunard Liner Queen Elizabeth for the dancers in Halifax Nova Scotia as a thank you for the warm welcome I received on my visit.

  The dance was then modified with the assistance of the dancers from the Nova Scotia Branch at the workshop held during my visit.


created: 2017-03-02 00:45:51.91045+00
last_modified: 2017-03-02 00:45:51.91045+00
name: Magic of Summer School, The
ucname: MAGIC OF SUMMER SCHOOL
notes:
  The dance was inspired by Helen's love of the fun and magic of New Zealand Summer School. It was written after the 2011-2012 Summer School.


created: 2015-08-29 13:10:29.73547+00
last_modified: 2017-03-03 21:46:46.841005+00
name: Bob's Chase
ucname: BOBS CHASE
notes:
  Bob was our Border Collie who loved chasing us or being chased around the garden at Dykeside. He passed away in 2014.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-07 17:25:40.485443+00
name: Betty's Jig
ucname: BETTYS JIG
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry noted in the original description that the dance is for Betty Haughey of Glasgow, who died in Benidorm 12 January, 1977.

  The notes also mention using the tune <<ddt:I Lo'e nae a Laddie but Ane>> "which gives the right impulse for the dance" until an original tune for the dance was composed (which was since done).


created: 2005-02-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-22 18:21:33.113168+00
name: Braveheart
ucname: BRAVEHEART
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Possible error!  A pdf of "Braveheart" from a publication "Clapyerhands 'n Stampyerfeet" describes a very different dance from the one of the attached Minicrib.  This needs sorting out.  Eric Ferguson, 7 feb. 2017.


created: 2005-02-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-22 18:30:32.040419+00
name: Robert the Bruce
ucname: ROBERT THE BRUCE
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  The instructions from 2017 describe this as a four couple longwise dance which corresponds to the MiniCrib.

  An older, 2003, version of the original "Clapyerhands 'n Stampyerfeet" has it as a circle dance, all next to partner. This appears to have been completely revised for the 2017 edition.


created: 2017-01-22 21:39:35.777614+00
last_modified: 2023-03-18 16:45:25.141432+00
name: Yellow Fliers, The
ucname: YELLOW FLIERS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844
notes:
  Devised in honor of Bernard Kaiman and the yellow fliers he took to all events to
  publicize the next event.


created: 2018-07-19 16:00:50.183545+00
last_modified: 2025-04-22 06:18:05.187243+00
name: Greenock "Pearl", The
ucname: GREENOCK PEARL
intensity_bars: 888/888/088/888
devised: 2006-02-01
notes:
  A dance in memory and honour of a great friend and Scottish country dance enthusiast - Pearl Smith. Pearl, along with her husband and family, migrated to Australia looking for a better life. Eventually, Pearl moved to the Gold Coast, where she became one of the stalwarts and personalities of the Scottish country dance scene, not only on the Gold Coast, but throughout Queensland.  

  his dance is a three couple jig and like "our Pearl" there are not too many of them around. Again like Pearl, this dance is a busy dance, and requires a focussed mind.


created: 2018-05-21 02:32:43.732574+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 16:22:26.393835+00
name: When Harry Wed Meghan
ucname: WHEN HARRY WED MEGHAN
intensity_bars: 800/888/866/888/866
devised: 2018-05-20
notes:
  The tune was composed and the dance devised in honour of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding at Windsor Castle which took place on 19 May 2018.


created: 2018-05-20 14:19:18.176355+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 12:52:04.783735+00
name: Summer on the Neckar
ucname: SUMMER ON THE NECKAR
intensity_bars: 888/882/888/808/808/888
devised: 2017-08-09
notes:
  Note by the deviser:

  Devised 9 August, 2017. Dedicated to the SCD group in Heidelberg, with whom we danced many times in May and June 2017. Many thanks especially to Stefanie Eckert for going out of her way to pick us up so many times in 2017 and previous years; Gillian and Joe Wheadon for taking us home from the class, and even from Frankfurt, Stefanie and Viktor Lehmann for teaching the class, and to the members for welcoming us there yet again. Heidelberg lies on the beautiful Neckar River, and is a remarkably nice place to be over the summer.
  We have lots of very fond memories with icecream, cycling and biergartens high on this list as well as dancing, of course.


created: 2002-03-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-02-11 23:37:42.597288+00
name: Duke of Wellington, The
ucname: DUKE OF WELLINGTON
intensity_bars: 880/880/888/844
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  NOTES by Drewry

  1. I have suggested the modified Petronella for two reasons. The first is that it enables the 1st couple to be well apart when setting and the second is that it is less tiring. (In strathspeys e.g. "The Lea Rig" the Petronella movement is danced with travelling steps) N.B. I am not suggesting that Petronella itself should be danced with skip-changeof-step. Those, who because of ingrained habit, find it difficult to do the movement in this way, may use pas de basque throughout provided that they use long steps for travelling.

  2. In "pass and turn" (a 4-bar figure), 1st couple dance round the corner position by the right; while the corners dance in (passing 1st man or woman by the right) on bar 1; they turn each other with the right hand on bar 2; they dance out towards own places (again passing 1st man or woman by the right) on bar 3; and curve into place on bar 4.

  3. Wellington was named after the Iron Duke, who chose his title from Wellington in Somerset (not Wellington in Shropshire). 


created: 2017-02-04 17:27:29.805492+00
last_modified: 2017-02-14 00:19:56.017209+00
name: Optometrist, The
ucname: OPTOMETRIST
intensity_bars: 8888/8686/8888/8888
devised: 2017-02-13
notes:
  Dance revised in Feb. 2017.  In the previous version, the place changes in [15-16] were Rsh, not RH.


created: 1999-02-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-06-25 16:40:35.633198+00
name: Derek's Dilemma
ucname: DEREKS DILEMMA
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8448/8668
devised: 2017-02-19
notes:
  This dance was revised and republished on 19 feb. 2017.  This revised version replaces all earlier versions.


created: 2017-02-15 20:02:53.88863+00
last_modified: 2020-08-15 13:18:31.565411+00
name: Moikei Gold
ucname: MOIKEI GOLD
intensity_bars: 888/880/888/808
devised: 2013-12-13
notes:
  Devised by Pat Clark for Moira and Keith Stacey (Kirkcudbright) on their Golden Wedding Anniversary, December 13th 2013


created: 2001-06-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-02-16 13:05:07.957357+00
name: Late in the Day
ucname: LATE IN THE DAY
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888/888
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  For the 25th wedding anniversary of Denise and Ken Fallas in 1997. They were mystified by the title.


created: 2017-02-20 09:44:14.825544+00
last_modified: 2017-02-20 09:44:14.825544+00
name: Fireside Reel, The
ucname: FIRESIDE REEL
notes:
  The description of this dance was published December 1993 in the book "Angela's and Tony's Dances Books 1", where it is stated "origin unknown".
  Due to its large resemblance to "The Fireside Reel" from 1740 published in the "18th Century Book", it is likely a variant of this one. It only differs in bars 17-24, where the "Set, Petronella Turn, Set, Petronella Turn" has been substituted by a Poussette up-and-down with less turning to do the progression.
  Possibly it was forwarded among dancers mistaking Petronella with Poussette...


created: 2017-03-02 19:25:01.214591+00
last_modified: 2017-03-03 23:11:56.743875+00
name: Joie de la Danse, La
ucname: JOIE DE LA DANSE
notes:
  Devised for Elizabeth Holtan, of Washington DC area, in honour of her landmark birthday on March 1, 2017.  The English translation – “The joy of the dance.”


created: 2016-08-22 21:41:08.809795+00
last_modified: 2017-02-28 12:18:06.904679+00
name: Alderwood Knot, The
ucname: ALDERWOOD KNOT
intensity_bars: 6666/8080/8888/8888
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Maria Ward, for her inspirational nature, graceful dancing, and personal strength, with best wishes many more years of enjoyment from dancing.

  The Alder tree is symbolic of strength and rebirth and a grove of black alders is situated near Urquhart Castle by the village of Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness, Scotland.

  Dance devised on the occasion of Maria Ward’s 60th birthday and return to dancing after surgery. January 2012. Interlocking Set and Link devised August 2011.  Bars 25-26 modified in 2016; they were "All Advance{1} and Retire{1}".

  Northern Virginia Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.


created: 2017-02-15 19:53:24.444625+00
last_modified: 2020-07-01 17:19:04.913228+00
name: Jim Stott's Reel
ucname: JIM STOTTS REEL
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8888/8888
devised: 2012-08-01
notes:
  In the <<ddpub:#1351|Corberry II book>> this dance is called "Jim Stott's Reel" on the page describing the dance but "Jim Stott's Rant" on the index page. The latter is added as an alias.


created: 2017-02-15 19:52:06.67252+00
last_modified: 2020-08-15 13:42:40.544561+00
name: Hallowe'en Shadows
ucname: HALLOWEEN SHADOWS
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/888
devised: 2016-10-31
notes:
  Devised for Hallowe’en at Dumfries Branch October 2016.
  Note: “Corners pass left and turn left” as in corners pass and turn using right hand but replaced with left handed turns and shoulders.


created: 2015-08-29 13:41:25.693251+00
last_modified: 2018-02-04 23:25:50.825061+00
name: Thomson's Adumu
ucname: THOMSONS ADUMU
intensity_bars: 8888/8228/8448/8888
notes:
  Joseph Thomson was an explorer who lived in Dumfriesshire in the 1800s. He travelled to Africa on many expeditions. Joseph said, “I am a Scot and I can talk to people.” As a result, when he visited the Maasai in Kenya, he was welcomed as a friend and no one on either side was killed. He was a man of peace. Joseph gave his name to Thomson’s Falls and Thomson’s Gazelles. I am proud to say I am his Gt. Gt. Gt. Cousin. Joseph’s motto was - “He who goes gently goes safely and he who goes safely goes far.”

  Bars 25-32 represent the Maasai "Adumu ("Jumping Dance") 


created: 2015-08-29 13:00:54.679355+00
last_modified: 2018-02-04 13:17:55.08126+00
name: Amisfield Tower
ucname: AMISFIELD TOWER
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8444/8888
notes:
  Amisfield Tower is one of the best examples of a Tower House in Scotland. It dates back to around 1600 although there was a castle at Amisfield in the 1200s. There are historic links to King Robert the Bruce and the Stuart Kings. The ancient and fine oak door from Amisfield is in the National Museum of Scotland in
  Edinburgh.


created: 2017-03-04 09:05:34.636993+00
last_modified: 2019-02-03 21:17:44.58864+00
name: Over The Heather (Jig 32 version)
ucname: OVER THE HEATHER JIG 32 VERSION
notes:
  This is the original 24 bar Strathspey version of 1997.  It was republished as a 32 bar Jig around 2014


created: 2016-09-03 16:31:27.67483+00
last_modified: 2017-03-10 17:05:43.849171+00
name: Canada Rising
ucname: CANADA RISING
notes:
  On the original description, the dance is named Canda Rising, but the diagrams are titled Canada Rising.  The deviser's note below shows that "Canda" is a misprint.

  This was written to be the first “set dance” attempted by a group of  great singers but novice dancers. Gratifyingly, 3 out of 3 sets danced it successfully...no doubt inspired by the suggested music!   It works quite well as a warm-up dance .

  The choice of title is a personal reminder to me of the great conductor who lead us .... who lived at that time in a road called 2 Canada Rise” and who invited me to lay on a “bit of dancing” in the evening.


created: 2017-03-12 23:53:03.356987+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:34.934418+00
name: Golden Eccles Cakes
ucname: GOLDEN ECCLES CAKES
intensity_bars: 880 888 888 888
devised: 2015-04-01
notes:
  Suggested music  "A Jig for Joe" recorded by Ian Slater

  A dance to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Eccles and District Scottish Society in April 2015.


created: 2017-03-10 20:49:39.967373+00
last_modified: 2017-03-14 13:19:47.196036+00
name: Kongelige, Den
ucname: KONGELIGE DEN
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/888/800
devised: 1998-05-01
notes:
  Devised as a tribute to the St. Andrews Society of Denmark


  For the figures the deviser uses the names:

  1-8:  Alexandra Progression

  9-16 and 17-24:  Royal Reel

  25-32: Royal visits across the country

  33-40:  Letting the next generation take over.


created: 2017-03-15 05:00:15.188807+00
last_modified: 2017-03-15 09:44:13.171141+00
name: KPSA Reel for Laurent
ucname: KPSA REEL FOR LAURENT
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Laurent who is a KPSA (sofware package) expert to thank him for training the deviser for more than a year on my new job.
  Laurent is now a happy young retired man.


created: 1997-12-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-07-20 11:55:24.667031+00
name: Curleywee
ucname: CURLEYWEE
intensity_bars: 88/44/88/88
notes:
  The original publications (Galloway Hills Set and Galloway Album) use the spelling Curleywee.
  In the Collins book the name is missspelled Curlywee.

  Curleywee is the name of a hill in Galloway: from the Gaelic Cor le gaoith, (Hill in the wind).


created: 2017-03-03 00:19:42.127858+00
last_modified: 2021-10-05 22:46:29.473803+00
name: Over the Volcano
ucname: OVER THE VOLCANO
intensity_bars: 88888/48884/68486/88888
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  The dance was written within sight of Mexico’s famous volcano, Popocatepetl, and the name is suggested by Under the Volcano, Malcolm Lowry’s account of his life in that country.


created: 2017-03-12 23:44:03.209669+00
last_modified: 2017-05-09 13:13:59.930647+00
name: Diamond Jig
ucname: DIAMOND JIG
notes:
  This dance ws written to celebrate the "60th Wedding Anniversary" of longstanding members, Betty & Alan Dunn.
  '60': The figure '6' is traced out in bars 1-4 and 9-12 and the figure '0' in bars 17-24


created: 2017-03-31 09:16:46.650377+00
last_modified: 2018-04-11 09:19:03.45233+00
name: Perth Town Lade, The
ucname: PERTH TOWN LADE
intensity_bars: 4884/8888/8888/4888/8888
notes:
  Devised by David Taylor.

  The Town Lade is a waterway in the city of Perth.

  - Bars 1-8 represent the mill wheels
  - Bars 9-16 represent the walkway (which the author lived beside and traversed many times)
  - Bars 17-32 represent the water flowing and the sluice gates
  - Bars 33-40 represent the walls of the city


created: 2017-03-31 09:05:06.559046+00
last_modified: 2019-09-08 10:42:19.370856+00
name: Deca-dance
ucname: DECADANCE
intensity_bars: 8000 8888 8040 8888
devised: 2017-03-31
notes:
  Dance written to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Gay Gordons (Manchester) in 2017, with bars 9-16 representing the “10”


created: 2017-03-24 14:55:14.194174+00
last_modified: 2020-06-21 09:37:43.306443+00
name: Brandons of Los Angeles, The
ucname: BRANDONS OF LOS ANGELES
intensity_bars: 720 888 844 888
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  Deanna St. Amand devised this dance in 1997 to celebrate Mary and David
  Brandon's accomplishments.  In 1996 Mary was named an examiner, and
  David received the Society's Scroll of Honour in 1997.


created: 2017-03-22 13:22:20.66923+00
last_modified: 2020-06-21 14:42:15.103565+00
name: Lady Aberdeen Strathspey
ucname: LADY ABERDEEN STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/888/844/844
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  The first dance club in Vancouver was named for Lady Aberdeen, the wife of the Governor General of Canada. When the club started holding a tea dance on Remembrance Day on November 11, they named it for her. The club no longer exists, but the Lady Aberdeen Tea dance is still a highlight of the dance calendar for the Vancouver Branch.


created: 2017-03-22 13:43:38.855229+00
last_modified: 2020-12-28 11:14:26.84142+00
name: Lions Gate
ucname: LIONS GATE
intensity_bars: 8228 8448 8448 8888 8008
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  The twin mountain peaks called The Lions are easily recognizable Vancouver landmarks. They are named after a fancied resemblance to Landseer's lions statues in Trafalgar Square. The suspension bridge that connects the North Shore with Vancouver is also named "Lions Gate".


created: 1997-08-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-30 09:14:37.260409+00
name: Bonnie White Rose, The
ucname: BONNIE WHITE ROSE
intensity_bars: 800/866/888/888
devised: 1964-01-01
notes:
  NOTES:  

  1. The title is taken from the poem *Harne, Harne, Harne* by Alan Cunningham  

  2. Originally I called this dance Rose Among the Heather, then I found that Mr. lain Boyd of New Zealand had composed a dance with this title, so I had to think of a new name for my dance, but, of course, the tune stays the same.


created: 2017-03-22 13:06:58.286021+00
last_modified: 2020-12-29 11:51:16.5253+00
name: Gleneagles Reel
ucname: GLENEAGLES REEL
intensity_bars: 822 888 877 877 888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  The clubhouse at Vancouver's Gleneagles Golf Club is the birthplace and the home of the Gleneagles SCD Club. Mary was the club's first dance teacher in 1962.


created: 2017-03-24 17:18:36.370263+00
last_modified: 2021-01-06 10:31:05.490692+00
name: Mormaer of Moray, The
ucname: MORMAER OF MORAY
notes:
  Adapted by Mary S. Brandon
  From "<<ddd:#3649|Laich of Moray>>" by Leslie Cumming published in "Scottish Country Dance - Canberra 25"


created: 2017-03-26 23:43:50.266073+00
last_modified: 2017-12-31 02:31:58.583461+00
name: Serendipity
ucname: SERENDIPITY
notes:
  Sole Source: two videos by "Red Thistle Dancers" on YouTube, and an e-mail naming the deviser.  Have not seen the instructions.  Eric


created: 2017-03-24 17:41:41.762345+00
last_modified: 2024-04-19 09:49:14.051742+00
name: Phaeton, The
ucname: PHAETON
notes:
  128 jig in four movements using three, four, five and six couples.
  It is based on "Machine Without Horses".

  The couples are renumbered every 32 bars and include one more couple each time.
  All except 6th couple start on their own sides but the progression gradually ends with the bottom couples crossed over.


created: 1997-12-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-06-30 08:04:49.07257+00
name: Blackland Farm
ucname: BLACKLAND FARM
intensity_bars: 800/455/455/888
devised: 1992-04-01
notes:
  To celebrate the weekend meeting at Blackland Farm, April 1992.

  Note by the deviser: "At the end of the second time through, the 1st couple cast into 4th place as the new top couple begins."


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-04-01 23:03:10.560826+00
name: Canadian Corn Rigs
ucname: CANADIAN CORN RIGS
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
notes:
  This dance is substantially identical to <<ddd:Riggs of Corn>>, except that for bars 17-24,  2c is always below 1c, both down and up..

  This dance is not listed in the Table of Contents of the book "Flowing Reels and Proud Poussettes", but presented "on the sly" in the introduction on page 16.  The full text follows here.


  "Canadian Corn Rigs" was introduced to me over 20 years ago as Canada's adaptation of "Corn Rigs" (Book 4 No. 12), another two couple dance with its own very catchy tune which we hardly ever hear, more's the pity. I cannot find any written reference for "Canadian Corn Rigs" and it is certainly not listed in Napier's Index. So here it is:

  Corn Rigs, you will recall, can be re-capped thus:  "Down the back and up, figure of eight round twos, down the middle and up, poussette." 

  Canadian Com Rigs  goes like this:

  "1-8 The 1st couple, followed by the 2nd couple (who dance up to start) dance down behind the sidelines for four bars, and then turn and dance back to places (2nd couple lead back and remain facing out at the end of bar 8).

  9-16 The Lst and 2nd couples dance a double figure of 8 across the dance, the 1st couple crossing down to begin.

  17-24 The lst and 2nd couples dance down the middle and up again. The 2nd couple lead down and the 1st couple lead back.

  25-32 The l st and 2nd couples dance a poussette.

  Danced six times through in a three couple set, this is a real fun dance to a super tune. Try it.


created: 1997-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-04-02 19:08:07.219641+00
name: First Love
ucname: FIRST LOVE
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/888
devised: 1993-11-14
notes:
  This dance was devised for a beginner workshop in Downey, California on November 14, 1993 and is dedicated to my first granddaughter, Valerie Kaye Love, on her seventh birthday (November 14th). (JB)


created: 2017-04-03 17:46:52.672778+00
last_modified: 2017-04-25 11:31:02.460165+00
name: Tanz mit Susanne, Ein
ucname: TANZ MIT SUSANNE EIN
intensity_bars: 800/866/844/888
devised: 2016-04-01
notes:
  Dance devised by Kira Dowling with Elaine Arthur and Jenny Atton.

  Both this dance and its original tune were written for Susanne Reichhardt, an enthusiastic dancer who joined our Canberra dancing community for several years.  


created: 2003-11-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-04-17 00:25:34.689054+00
name: In Scottish Spirit
ucname: IN SCOTTISH SPIRIT
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  This is a demonstration dance.

  Edinburgh Branch’s annual show of dancing in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe changed producer and venue in 2002, moving to Edinburgh Academy in Henderson 
  Row, Edinburgh, with Peter Edwards as producer. One of Peter’s key new concepts was to have the show “in the round” with the audience on all sides, and the new venue is well suited to this, having the stage in the centre with the audience all the way round, and also having a balcony.  Thinking about the potential offered by the venue, this dance took shape.

  This dance is dedicated to the dancers and musicians who have performed in the show, and to those whose support has kept everything running smoothly. 


created: 2017-04-06 15:55:18.344984+00
last_modified: 2021-11-25 00:59:46.957688+00
name: Madame Pipeau
ucname: MADAME PIPEAU
devised: 2017-04-03
notes:
  For the 30th birthday of Pascaline Latour, music director of the Paris Branch and professional flutist. *Pipeau*, pronounced /pi'po/, is French for “tin whistle”.


created: 2017-04-12 13:53:09.611178+00
last_modified: 2017-04-12 13:55:06.899093+00
name: Flype the Socks
ucname: FLYPE THE SOCKS
devised: 2012-08-01
notes:
  Note: The first 16 bars of the dance represent the argyll pattern on a long sock. The diagonal
  crosses draw the single line and the double triangles setting outlines the blocks of color. The two
  circles represent the openings at the top of the socks.


created: 2016-07-11 16:01:06.717458+00
last_modified: 2018-10-14 13:54:28.147281+00
name: Doonhamer Delight, The
ucname: DOONHAMER DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2014-11-01
notes:
  The title celebrates the deviser’s home town, Dumfries, where locals are referred to as Doonhamers.


created: 2017-04-12 20:25:03.253948+00
last_modified: 2017-04-12 20:52:23.151566+00
name: Down the Elevator and Up
ucname: DOWN THE ELEVATOR AND UP
devised: 2012-08-01
notes:
  Note: The strathspey time describes waiting for the slow elevator in the dorm building. The reel
  time describes the faster, but much more talkative, elevator in the Recreation Center


created: 2017-04-12 20:30:02.658547+00
last_modified: 2017-04-12 20:52:51.233209+00
name: Duck has Quacked, The
ucname: DUCK HAS QUACKED
devised: 2012-08-01
notes:
  Note: In honor of Alan Twhigg’s cell phone that ”quacked” at us if we went over our time when
  practicing for the Unit 3 exam.


created: 2016-09-18 22:47:55.248858+00
last_modified: 2018-08-01 13:08:18.323165+00
name: Sleepless Night
ucname: SLEEPLESS NIGHT
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8448/8888
notes:
  Suggested recording: Strathspey and Reel Medley by the Music Makars on Jig for Joy CD:  <<http://my.strathspey.org/dd/recording/1667/ | http://my.strathspey.org/dd/recording/1667/>>


created: 2002-03-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-04-16 00:27:15.215035+00
name: Corsair Field
ucname: CORSAIR FIELD
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  This is a demonstration dance of three 32 bar figures and two 16-bar figures, all danced once through,  The square set is formed by four trios WMW.  

  This dance was first performed by the Demonstration Team of the Los Angeles, Branch, RSCDS, at the annual United Scottish Society's Highland Games at Corsair Field, Santa Monica, California, June 1969.


created: 2000-04-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-04-21 01:12:20.538531+00
name: Hamish Henderson's Refusal
ucname: HAMISH HENDERSONS REFUSAL
intensity_bars: 66/66/88/88
notes:
  Hamish Henderson 1919 - 2002 A poet, songwriter and leader of the Scottish folk revival.

  James (Hamish) Scott Henderson was born on 11 November, 1919, in Blairgowrie to a single mother who introduced him to folksong and brought him up to speak Gaelic.

  In 1951 he accompanied the American folklorist Alan Lomax on a collecting tour in Scotland, recording and preserving the folk songs of Scotland's gipsies, fishermen, farm labourers and factory hands, which can be regarded as the beginning of an upsurge of interest in Scottish folk material and tradition.  Parallel to Henderson’s research ran his close involvement with the folk revival in Scotland, beginning with the Edinburgh People’s Festivals in the early 1950s.

  Henderson held several honorary degrees and after his retirement became an honorary fellow of the School of Scottish Studies. In 1983 he refused an OBE in protest against the nuclear arms policy of the Thatcher government. He died in Edinburgh on 8 March 2002


created: 2002-07-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-04-21 21:21:20.023855+00
name: Swirls of the Wiske, The
ucname: SWIRLS OF THE WISKE
devised: 2002-05-01
notes:
  Devised: 2002-05
  Published on page 6 of The Leeds Branch Newsletter, Issue 29, Feb 2003 (<<http://www.rscdsleeds.org.uk/newsletters.html|http://www.rscdsleeds.org.uk/newsletters.html>>)


created: 2012-11-02 08:44:18.422494+00
last_modified: 2018-01-13 15:06:02.465367+00
name: Red Wine and Straight Lines
ucname: RED WINE AND STRAIGHT LINES
intensity_bars: 808/666/888/484
devised: 2012-02-01
notes:
  The original version started with “set, petronella”.  That is how Fred DeMarse taught it in the Rechberg workshop Autumn 2012, as shown in the video recorded there.  Jennifer Kelly later changed bars 1-4 into “petronella turn into the center, then set”. That is the final form.  

  Devised 2012-02 for Fred De Marse, to celebrate a significant Birthday, with all good wishes for many more.

  According to Fred De Marse the preferred music for the dance is a medley as specified in the database.


created: 2018-05-21 08:52:17.306015+00
last_modified: 2019-10-05 05:57:15.978972+00
name: Marjorie Crawford's Hornpipe
ucname: MARJORIE CRAWFORDS HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 888/800/866/866
devised: 2018-05-15
notes:
  Devised 15 May 2018. Marjorie was my first tutor back in the 1990's, and taught me a great deal when I was becoming a tutor, particularly how to really listen to the music as a teacher. She had a great sense of humour and an inpenetrable Glaswegian accent. Sadly she passed away in 2017. Recommended tune is "The Ton" by James Aird played ABAB which is a traditional tune used for "Jessie's Hornpipe" and any good recording of this would be appropriate. I used the one by Stan Hamilton and his Flying Scotsmen, and the one by Jim Macleod is also excellent. I hope she might have enjoyed this dance.


created: 1997-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-04-21 23:04:27.140539+00
name: Bob Campbell
ucname: BOB CAMPBELL
intensity_bars: 888 888 882 844
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Bob Campbell of Oakville, Ontario.


created: 2015-07-21 14:50:49.652728+00
last_modified: 2018-05-30 08:03:58.093712+00
name: Flora's Cross
ucname: FLORAS CROSS
intensity_bars: 747/888/648/800
devised: 2014-03-01
notes:
  This dance, devised in March 2014, was inspired by the monument to Flora MacDonald in Kilmuir Cemetery on the Isle of Skye.  
  The cross shape formed by the reels of four is reminiscent of the memorial stone.


created: 2017-11-13 01:02:09.217204+00
last_modified: 2017-11-13 01:02:09.217204+00
name: Waters of Jona, The
ucname: WATERS OF JONA
notes:
  The deviser says: “Jona [in Switzerland – SCDDB ed.] is the town where I live. It's also the name of the river that runs through it.”

  DEVISED:2012-05


created: 2002-04-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-06-27 11:29:23.855943+00
name: Spring In Helensburgh
ucname: SPRING IN HELENSBURGH
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888/888
devised: 1991-04-01
notes:
  The recommended music was changed from "Welcome to Witney" to "Captain Mackintosh", as recorded for the Miscellanies by Muriel Johnstone, as it is better music and more readily available.
  The dance was written for the Spring Social, held in the first week in September each year, by the Helensburgh Club, Helensburgh is the most northerly suburb of Wollongong, NSW.  

  Notes: The movement "Dance to Corners and Set" is danced as described in the Courage Reel
  by John Drewry in the Canadian Book of dances.  

  Devised by Brian Charlton in April, 1991 and first danced at the Helensburgh Scottish Country
  Dancing Club Spring Social, September, 1991. Helensburgh is the most northerly suburb of
  Wollongong, NSW, Australia.


created: 2017-04-30 10:13:26.260988+00
last_modified: 2025-12-09 15:17:16.275484+00
name: Sutherland's Laddie
ucname: SUTHERLANDS LADDIE
intensity_bars: 800/808/888
devised: 1973-12-01
notes:
  Devised to assist in teaching the Children's Class of the Berkhamsted Strathspey and Reel Club by using only the skip change of step and named in dedication of Douglas Sutherland, Stephen’s class teacher from 1969-1972 at the Thursday Nighters SCD Club in Pietermaritzburg in South Africa.


created: 2017-04-02 08:36:45.284179+00
last_modified: 2026-02-11 23:52:25.650561+00
name: April Snow on Mull
ucname: APRIL SNOW ON MULL
intensity_bars: 888/550/844/888/844
devised: 2016-07-01
notes:
  "Devised in July 2016 and named in memory of a beautiful sunny day on the snow-covered Isle of Mull and Iona."


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-09 10:12:46.087667+00
name: McKeown's Hornpipe
ucname: MACKEOWNS HORNPIPE
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Stuart McKeown of Milngarvie.

  This dance came to John Drewry while he listened to Stuart's playing.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-06-08 10:45:03.004454+00
name: Findhorn In Flood
ucname: FINDHORN IN FLOOD
intensity_bars: 0880/8668/8228/8448/8448/8888
devised: 1976-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Simon Fraser of Nairn.

  Furthermore, he notes:
  *At Randolph's Leap near the confluence of the Findhorn and Divie there are two stones marking the record height of the waters during the great floods of 1829. Simon's father was born at Dounduff about half a mile north-east of Randolph's Leap.*


created: 2017-05-09 16:13:06.810547+00
last_modified: 2018-04-02 23:56:37.113345+00
name: Queen's Jig
ucname: QUEENS JIG
devised: 2015-04-01
notes:
  Devised April 2015 after one of the many enjoyable weekends at the Queen's Hotel Llandudno, organised by Brian Eckersley.

  The dance consists of 'bits' borrowed from Postie's Jig, Seton's Ceilidh Band, The Cooper's Wife and The Kenora Reel.


created: 1997-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-01-10 11:38:30.972851+00
name: Kenavarra
ucname: KENAVARRA
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Mary Stoker, and about the title:

  *Kenavarra (Gaelic "Ceanna ' Bharra") is a headland at the west end of Balephuill Bay on the south coast of Tiree, where Mary has a holiday home.*


created: 1998-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-09 18:27:18.170096+00
name: Dunnottar Castle
ucname: DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry noted in the original description:

  *Dunnottar Castle stands on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea
  just south of Stonehaven. During the Commonwealth Wars the Scottish
  regalia was kept in this castle and when the castle was besieged the
  regalia was smuggled out and kept at Kinneff, a village to the south
  of the castle.*


created: 1997-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-17 13:01:15.63385+00
name: Cock o' the North, The
ucname: COCK O THE NORTH
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry noted in the original description:

  *"The Cock O' the North" was a title applied to the Marquis of Huntly, the chief of Clan Gordon, because of his powerful role in the North-East of Scotland.*

  *The tune is pre-eminently the Gordon pipe tune, and is now the Barch Past of the Gordon Highlanders.*


created: 2016-09-14 04:30:23.918819+00
last_modified: 2017-04-27 11:26:24.551116+00
name: Missed Third, The
ucname: MISSED THIRD
devised: 2015-07-22
notes:
  The dance was conceived on July 4, 2015 in the Auckland, New Zealand airport while en route to the 40th Australian Winter School being held in Brisbane. My plane left San Francisco on July 2nd and arrived in Auckland, twelve hours later, on July 4th.

  With its 312 progression, the dance can also be done as a 3x or a 6x. My preference is as an 8x with both 1st and 2nd couples repeating thier roles before 1st couple step down to fourth place.


created: 2017-04-25 20:09:34.537419+00
last_modified: 2018-04-26 22:42:56.574264+00
name: Bicycle Made For Two, A
ucname: BICYCLE MADE FOR TWO
intensity_bars: 80800/84884/80800/80822/88888
devised: 2016-08-16
notes:
  This dance was written to celebrate the wedding of Kirsten Ferguson and Liz Jones on 20 August 2016.  The dance includes a ‘double spoke’ movement to recognise the fun of their tandem adventures!  Ideally, the dance is danced to an up-tempo version of the song “Daisy, Daisy…”.


created: 2017-04-28 22:58:54.360394+00
last_modified: 2017-04-29 22:02:51.939956+00
name: Maplewood Knot, The
ucname: MAPLEWOOD KNOT
intensity_bars: 888/866/866/888
devised: 2016-10-08
notes:
  For Keira and Marc.

  Note: Experienced dancers are invited to discover additional opportunities to pivot (twiddle) beyond those written into the dance.

  Recommended Music: A driving reel


created: 2018-05-21 08:59:17.723486+00
last_modified: 2018-05-21 08:59:26.874693+00
name: Lost Legion, The
ucname: LOST LEGION
devised: 2018-04-23
notes:
  Devised 23/4/2018. Revised 1/5/2018. Xiaowen Yu contacted me and told me that they had danced the next dance "My Golden Bear" as a strathspey with a New York group, and it worked well. This got me thinking, and the above is the result. The corners pass and turn in tandem movement is from "The Golden Bear". Charlotte Williams suggested I write a dance called the lost legion, which, according to at least one legend, *Legio IX Hispana* marched into second century Scotland (from York) and were never seen again. Suggested music is "The Scottish Snap" by J. Murdoch Henderson and an excellent recording is Strathspey (track 3) of "On Track" by the Sound Company. A reasonable alternative is "Miss Macpherson of Scone" as recorded by James Coutts and his band, or if you are lucky enough to have it "Green Grow the Rashes" as recorded by Alasdair Downie (or even James Cameron if you like the Coronet).


created: 2017-05-03 07:53:11.476673+00
last_modified: 2017-05-03 07:53:11.476673+00
name: Fiona's Reel
ucname: FIONAS REEL
devised: 2017-04-01
notes:
  Devised by Duncan Brown for Fiona Brunk, one of his fellow teachers at the RSCDS Spring Fling in Bonn, April 2017.


created: 1997-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-05-26 20:24:23.132546+00
name: Happy Potter, The
ucname: HAPPY POTTER
intensity_bars: 88/80/88/88
devised: 1976-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Muriel Macintyre of Nairn Ceramics.


created: 2017-03-12 23:54:30.405157+00
last_modified: 2017-05-09 16:00:25.554823+00
name: Phoenix Strathspey, The
ucname: PHOENIX STRATHSPEY
devised: 2013-02-01
notes:
  60 ... At each end of the set, 
  bars 9-12 trace out the number 6 - though written from the bottom And
  bars 13 - 16 the zero.

  Written for the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Muriel & Wilf Phoenix, 7th Feb 2013


created: 2017-05-09 16:55:28.780359+00
last_modified: 2017-12-20 23:26:25.369391+00
name: Thank You Bob
ucname: THANK YOU BOB
devised: 2006-03-01
notes:
  Devised by Jim Haworth, March 2006
  To mark the occasion of the retirement of Bob Brown as Dance Director of ASGMERG Scottish Country Dance Group


created: 2017-03-12 23:47:24.879655+00
last_modified: 2020-11-07 21:12:41.519164+00
name: Emma & Danielle's Jig
ucname: EMMA AND DANIELLES JIG
intensity_bars: 8228 8888 8448 8888
devised: 2010-12-01
notes:
  Devised for Jim's granddaughter Emma and her friend Danielle, granddaughter of the late Isobelle Watts, to be used at their children's class in Sale. (Parents and grandparents should also feel free to dance it!)


created: 2017-05-10 22:42:44.629975+00
last_modified: 2019-03-03 21:50:36.103192+00
name: Celebration at Higham
ucname: CELEBRATION AT HIGHAM
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/844
devised: 2016-12-01
notes:
  'Devised by Robert Smith with help from Geoff Entwistle, Diane Rooney, Lorna Harmsworth, Ron and Shauna Currie at Higham Hall, Cumbria, December 2016.'


created: 2017-03-04 22:54:37.490125+00
last_modified: 2019-03-23 00:36:28.463827+00
name: Dance For Helen Lobb, A
ucname: DANCE FOR HELEN LOBB
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8888/8888
devised: 2017-08-16
notes:
  In February 2018, the deviser, Steve Goulden, asked the crib and diagram authors on SCDDB: "Could you change the format of this dance to Sx2/Rx2?  That way each couple gets to dance each rhythm.".

  The original description uses the name "A Dance for Helen".  It is not clear when and why the second name was adopted.  


created: 2017-05-10 22:53:41.205663+00
last_modified: 2024-12-28 22:32:21.300742+00
name: Higham Hogmanay
ucname: HIGHAM HOGMANAY
intensity_bars: 844/888/844/888
devised: 2016-12-01
notes:
  'Devised by Annie Park with help from Susan Casson, Roger Cooper, Jenny Evans, Irene Roberts at Higham Hall, Cumbria, December 2016.'


created: 2003-02-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-30 10:50:17.396115+00
name: Wedding Celebration
ucname: WEDDING CELEBRATION
devised: 1992-06-01
notes:
  This dance symbolises a blossoming romance (represented by the 1st couple) through seeing each other, being introduced, experiencing a first touch, meeting each other; then to the engagement and finally the wedding.  
  The dance, Wedding Celebration, formerly called Mr & Mrs Munro, was devised to commemorate the wedding of Rhona MacGregor and Robert Munro on 20th June 1992, when it was first performed. Rhona is the daughter of Bobby and Flora MacGregor, both of whom are past-presidents of Berkhamsted Strathspey and Reel Club.  
  This dance is published in BSRC Golden Jubilee Book of Dances 2002 as Mr & Mrs Munro.


created: 2017-05-10 22:52:43.117734+00
last_modified: 2020-08-14 16:37:28.380916+00
name: Higham Silver Celebration, The
ucname: HIGHAM SILVER CELEBRATION
intensity_bars: 820/888/844/844
devised: 2016-12-01
notes:
  Devised by Keith Evans with help from Helen Summerson, Margaret Davidson, Elizabeth Scott, Susan Madigan and Monica Sutcliffe at Higham Hall, Cumbria, December 2016.


created: 2018-05-21 23:38:03.560838+00
last_modified: 2021-04-12 11:39:44.733541+00
name: Trip to York, A
ucname: TRIP TO YORK
devised: 2017-05-24
notes:
  Notes by the deviser:

  Devised 22nd May and 19th May 2017. Revised 24th May, 2017. 

  This is a present to the York group for "Downey Day of Dance". 
  On the day, bars 16-24 were a chain progression and Malcolm Brown suggested the targe movement.
  There was still a slight problem which I tweaked on 24th may. 

  Recommended music is "Hon Mrs Fraser" by Robert Mackintosh, played ABAB. 
  This is the lead tune for "The Auld Alliance" and a suitable recording is by Gordon Shand in Music for Book 23.


created: 2002-04-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 00:07:59.556789+00
name: Lilo's Birthday Fancy
ucname: LILOS BIRTHDAY FANCY
notes:
  Devised in 2000 by Andreas Jelinek on the occasion of Lilo Grimm-Cresswell's birthday

  Lilo joined the Munich Scottish Association in 1993 and was very active on the committee, including as treasurer, from 1998 to 2008. She sadly died in 2010.

  Andy was chairman of the Munich Scottish Association from 1999 to 2002.


created: 2016-09-16 19:26:51.893711+00
last_modified: 2017-05-31 11:03:42.195146+00
name: (Albu)'Querque .Flirty, The
ucname: ALBUQUERQUE FLIRTY
devised: 1999-01-22
notes:
  This dance had its first glimmerings at the dance workshop in Prescott, Arizona in 1998. A couple of the dances there had some very flirtatious figures in them, which caught Glenda's imagination and inspired the name (yes, the name very much came first!). This when combined with the influence of several contra dance figures which really have no direct translations into Scottish Country Dance (namely the Gypsy), resulted in the development of this dance which is designed to encourage the dancing couple to really play up the social aspect. Enjoy


created: 2016-06-30 09:46:33.395875+00
last_modified: 2017-05-31 12:39:04.483471+00
name: Battle of Trafalgar, The
ucname: BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Written to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.  The celebrations for which were centred on Portsmouth.


created: 2013-12-10 19:21:23.679912+00
last_modified: 2017-06-16 16:29:37.106385+00
name: Dumbarton Rock
ucname: DUMBARTON ROCK
notes:
  Dance written by Irene Wilkie for, and with suggestions from, Hopscotch - the children's Scottish dance team in Chippenham. As Bill Gass is the regular piper with the team, the children wanted the dance to be named after him, hence Dumbarton Rock, as Bill comes from Dumbarton.

  Bill has regularly piped for Bristol Branch's celebrations - Bums Nights, Branch weekends in this country, tours abroad and other special occasions.


created: 2018-05-21 23:46:41.170682+00
last_modified: 2018-05-21 23:46:45.039371+00
name: Alec Hay
ucname: ALEC HAY
devised: 2017-05-26
notes:
  Notes by the deviser:

  Devised 26/7/2017, after re-reading Hay's Australian Ladies. 

  Alec was a truly fine devisor of dances, and I have incorporated modified versions of two of his ideas in the above. Meeting set and shuttle is one of them, and I introduced this formation in The Fyreladdie, the modified tourbillon is similar to one I first used in Tofino Strathspey. 

  Recommended tune is Davy Nick Nack played ABAB and a good recording is by Don Bartlett in In Triumph. If the dance is performed as the alternative 4x32H I would suggest the recording of Angus Fitchet, 
  The Legendary Angus Fitchet, track 10 (Set of Hornpipes), or Bobby Brown Celtic Fire in the Music Set of Reels 5, track 4, CD 2, (The Fiddler's Contest, etc.


created: 2016-10-30 12:22:17.115934+00
last_modified: 2018-09-05 10:57:24.202221+00
name: Laxey Wheel, The
ucname: LAXEY WHEEL
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/888
notes:
  In memory of Doreen Coupe, for many years a most enthusiastic and devoted member of the Kirkcudbright Branch.


created: 2017-05-27 16:18:17.497953+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:35:48.997324+00
name: Barefoot Lad, The
ucname: BAREFOOT LAD
devised: 2012-02-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Brian Tailleur, a long time member of the San Francisco branch, who passed on February 7th, 2012.  He is known for dancing barefoot and for his free spirit.


created: 2015-04-15 11:03:35.586037+00
last_modified: 2017-06-01 22:28:26.317195+00
name: ABC - Jig (Annual Basic Cleaning - Jig)
ucname: ABC JIG ANNUAL BASIC CLEANING JIG
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2012-07-23
notes:
  Devised by Judith Kowalczik on Monday, 23rd July 2012, when the Oldenburg dancers met in the community centre Pasteurstr. in Oldenburg, because there was the annual basic cleaning in the community centre Erikaweg, where they usually have their dance lessons.


created: 2018-10-01 10:41:48.494783+00
last_modified: 2018-10-01 10:41:48.494783+00
name: 9 Pin Bowling
ucname: 9 PIN BOWLING
devised: 2011-10-01
notes:
  This dance was written as a simpler attempt to fill a need for a demo where there are many more women available than men.


created: 2017-06-07 09:12:33.292379+00
last_modified: 2017-06-07 09:12:33.292379+00
name: New Floor Jig, The
ucname: NEW FLOOR JIG
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised in 1993 by Sylvia & Godfrey Cozens on the ocassion of the first dance on the new floor of the schoolroom of the Methodist Church Bingham. (Since demolished in 2015)


created: 1997-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-06-07 09:34:37.220594+00
name: Fire Hose Reel, The
ucname: FIRE HOSE REEL
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Those who have seen the concerts of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra will be aware of the great sense of humour of their conductor John Masson. It is not surprising that when he saw the sign over a certain fire-fighting appliance de decided to write music for a reel: "The Firehose Reel"! This appealed very much to Stuart's sense of humour - it was too good an opportunity to miss! So Joyce Elliott devised the dance and the Galloways performed it for him as a birthday present. [from the original description]


created: 1998-01-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-06-07 14:56:47.180065+00
name: Buchanan Strathspey, The
ucname: BUCHANAN STRATHSPEY
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Although the dance description lays out the dance in 'couples', it is explicitly written to be performed by 8 women.


created: 2013-03-14 09:42:42.699707+00
last_modified: 2017-06-08 11:57:57.604866+00
name: Kintbury Strathspey, The
ucname: KINTBURY STRATHSPEY
notes:
  Devised by Trisha & Mick Rawlings, 2012, in appreciation of the musicians, Ian and Judith Muir, who live in Kintbury, Berkshire. 


created: 2013-12-10 19:28:46.661815+00
last_modified: 2018-03-25 11:51:21.549557+00
name: Jig for Marcus, A
ucname: JIG FOR MARCUS
intensity_bars: 822/12 12 12/400/844/888
notes:
  Devised by Hugh and Joan Ferguson for Marcus Ashman, one time Chairman of Bristol RSCDS, in celebration of a Special Birthday, October 2008.


created: 2013-03-14 10:02:52.482338+00
last_modified: 2017-06-09 23:55:42.740826+00
name: Noces d'Or, Les
ucname: NOCES DOR
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/888
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Trisha & Mick Rawlings to celebrate the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Diana & Dennis Tucker, 9th August 2006.


created: 2017-05-31 12:40:24.207165+00
last_modified: 2023-04-05 22:38:12.275288+00
name: Rose for the Cobbler, A
ucname: ROSE FOR THE COBBLER
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/888
devised: 2016-08-19
notes:
  Devised for Herbert Schuster on 19th August 2016. Herbert is a faithful member of the Potter's Pairs and the devoted father of Rosa.


created: 2017-02-05 00:01:44.698632+00
last_modified: 2020-11-06 10:12:03.335244+00
name: May Frolic
ucname: MAY FROLIC
intensity_bars: 866/888/888/866
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  The dance demands good timing, especially in bars 8-16, but works quite well.  It requires quite a lot of energy. 


created: 2017-06-22 17:46:31.028722+00
last_modified: 2024-11-20 11:49:26.642145+00
name: Resounding Bells, The
ucname: RESOUNDING BELLS
intensity_bars: 880/828/888/844
devised: 2011-12-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For John and Jean Bell as they move back to the UK. A big thank you for their contribution to Scottish Country Dancing in North Queensland."


created: 2015-05-21 14:50:30.637634+00
last_modified: 2018-05-04 15:30:42.236628+00
name: Spark O'Water
ucname: SPARK OWATER
notes:
  Maggie’s inspiration for the title of the dance comes from Song for the Mira: “The stars on the river
  they sparkle and spin”.

  Suggested music: *Mira River*, composed by Muriel Johnstone


created: 2017-06-18 16:21:06.65683+00
last_modified: 2017-06-19 15:22:45.637327+00
name: Leaving Portree
ucname: LEAVING PORTREE
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  - 1-8: Tears at leaving Skye
  - 9-24: Winding roads leaving Skye
  - 25-32: The Skye Bridge
  - 33-40: The mountains of Kintail on the mainland of Scotland


created: 2017-06-17 08:39:42.941017+00
last_modified: 2017-06-19 13:31:24.735547+00
name: Southern Rose Waltz
ucname: SOUTHERN ROSE WALTZ
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  Couples take positions around the perimeter of the dance floor with gents having their backs toward the center;  the line of dance is anticlockwise.  Gents dance forward on the left foot and ladies dance forward on the right foot.

  Dance in waltz hold.  The pattern is also danced free; that is, dance in the available space as other dancers dance either the same or another waltz pattern.

  The crib uses ceilidh terminology, and is provisional; it is waiting to be rewritten using SCD terminology.

  Edition of December 25, 2008


created: 2002-11-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-06-28 16:58:15.905303+00
name: V and J's Maggot
ucname: V AND JS MAGGOT
devised: 1988-07-01
notes:
  *MAGGOT*: A favourite tune or dance that "gnaws" at your mind!

  For Jim and Vaurneen Powell, as a farewell dance from the RSCDS Nova Scotia Branch July, 1988.


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-11 21:24:46.181641+00
name: Champagne Reel, The
ucname: CHAMPAGNE REEL
notes:
  Dance devised by Dennis Tucker, in 1993, in celebration of jubilees, birthdays and other champagne occasions.


created: 2002-01-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2018-04-03 09:20:37.748116+00
name: Deil amang the Tailors, The
ucname: DEIL AMANG THE TAILORS
intensity_bars: 880 800 880 888
notes:
  ##>>
  The title almost certainly refers to a table game of skittles. This game involves nine small skittles to be knocked down by a ball on a string attached to an arm similar to a miniature garden ‘swingball’ or, in a larger version, by directing a spinning top at the skittles.  

  Why the devil should be among the tailors, however, remains a mystery although it has been suggested that a tailor’s devil is a pressing iron and the title refers to its use by a number of tailors who traditionally sit in a circle on a large workbench.
  ##<<


created: 2017-06-22 11:06:57.735402+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 18:43:13.475406+00
name: Desborough Cross, The
ucname: DESBOROUGH CROSS
notes:
  Inscribed "For my friends John and Jean Bell who moved back to England from Cairns, Queensland to Desborough, UK."


created: 2017-06-22 11:02:05.030763+00
last_modified: 2024-11-27 11:21:10.249784+00
name: Judith of Yarram
ucname: JUDITH OF YARRAM
intensity_bars: 880/880/888/844
devised: 2009-10-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For Judith Howlett, from Yarram in Victoria, Australia. In gratitude for her friendship and long standing tolerance towards me as her dancing partner over a number of years."


created: 2017-06-29 17:07:19.87289+00
last_modified: 2018-08-07 21:21:40.901858+00
name: Célébrations
ucname: CELEBRATIONS
intensity_bars: 8800/8880/8440/8088/8088/8088
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Holly Boyd writes "I wrote the dance to go with 8 x 24 J music (specifically The Merry Reapers on A Camp of Pleasure by The Berkeley Scottish Players.) and feel that 8 x 24 fits the dance better that 4 x 48."


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-07-07 12:52:39.99777+00
name: Crieff Fair
ucname: CRIEFF FAIR
intensity_bars: 880 800 822
devised: 1816-01-01
notes:
  The movements of 1st couple on [15-16] have been much discussed, als on "Strathspey" in october 2013.

  A summary of the issue can be found at http://www.rscds.org/help/technique-panel-dances/199-crieff-fair.html, which says"

  Question

  Crieff Fair  Bars 15-16.

  The wording in 101 SCD and the 1994 edition of book 10 differs from the recent compilation Books 7-12 (2009) which says "1st couple finish facing first corners, 1st woman turning under her own right arm".

  Does this mean 1st woman turns left about under their joined right hands using skip change of step rather than the pas de basque mentioned in an earlier publication?

  Answer

  Miss J. Milligan was very definite about pas de basque in 101 SCD but this can be considered a ‘private’ publication. Since then no RSCDS publications mentions pas de basque which would have been done if that had been the Society’s intention. In these circumstances both skip change or pas de basque could be considered acceptable. However, if teaching the dance today, the appropriate step to use would be skip change. Although previously agreed that the lady turned left about, the key phrase in the compilation books 7-12, “1st woman turning under her own right arm” means that she should turn clockwise or right about using skip change of step.  

   


created: 2017-06-18 15:02:44.244515+00
last_modified: 2017-06-28 16:52:46.394841+00
name: Mhairi And I
ucname: MHAIRI AND I
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  This is a story dance about the regular walk I take with my dog Mhairi, a yellow labrador, at Rainbow Haven Beach, Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.

  - 1-8: Mhairi and I wend our way down the trail to the long sandy beach.
  - 9-16: We see the sparkling waves rolling onto the shore.
  - 17-24: Sea gulls, piping plovers, and sandpipers work their way along the tide’s edge, seeking the breakfast treasures brought by the Atlantic Ocean.
  - 25-32: We often meet other dogs and owners, greeting old friends and making new ones.
  - 33-40: It's time to go home, but we promise each other to return again.


created: 2017-06-18 16:26:58.730469+00
last_modified: 2017-06-28 16:59:44.099628+00
name: Tallahassee Reel, The
ucname: TALLAHASSEE REEL
notes:
  The *Tallahassee* was a Confederate ship which came into Halifax harbour for repairs during the Civil War and snuck out through Eastern Passage with the help of an Eastern Passage pilot, Jock Fleming, thus evading the Union ships waiting at the mouth of the harbour. We dance it during Tallahassee Days every year.


created: 2017-07-16 11:41:56.120562+00
last_modified: 2017-07-21 22:18:31.843087+00
name: Edinburgh Toy Shop, The
ucname: EDINBURGH TOY SHOP
notes:
  “The deviser went with his family to Scotland in 2006 and, although not quite four years old, remembers the toys in the ‘gift shoppe’ at Edinburgh Castle, especially the foam swords.’

  DEVISED:2016-03


created: 2017-01-25 23:21:26.663666+00
last_modified: 2021-08-02 09:36:55.716788+00
name: Dumfries Welcomes Ribble Valley
ucname: DUMFRIES WELCOMES RIBBLE VALLEY
intensity_bars: 8080/8484/8888/4444/8888
devised: 2011-08-01
notes:
  Written to welcome members of the Ribble Valley Branch of the RSCDS on their visit to Dumfries in April 2012
  .


created: 2015-10-14 15:38:08.896766+00
last_modified: 2019-09-23 20:24:06.542108+00
name: Borders Traditional
ucname: BORDERS TRADITIONAL
intensity_bars: 880/880/888/844
devised: 2014-04-06
notes:
  Notes from The Johnsonville Collection:

  Devised 6 April, 2014 following a suggestion by Pat Reesby and Desiree Patterson that I devise a dance based upon the Borders’ Poussette; or possibly, my (mis-)interpretation of the instructions for the Borders’ Poussette. I only learned of this figure from the old book A Complete Guide to Scottish Country Dancing by Allie Anderson and John Duthie (McDougall’s Educational Co, Ltd), where it is called “Poussette Second Form” (pages 30-31). Apparently at the time of the writing of this old edition, this method of dancing the poussette was danced in the South-East Borders Counties. The instructions for bars 6-8 say to quarter turn, hesitate, turn and retire. On reconsideration (as pointed out by Iain Boyd) likely this means continue to turn, and then retire. However, I like the mis-interpretation and kept it for that reason.  

  Recommended music is “The Daggs of Craighouse” by Moira Reekie played ABAB, this being the lead tune for “A Tribute to the Borders.” Good recordings include the ones on “Music for Leaflet Dances Vol. 2” by Neil Copland and his Scottish Dance Band, and on “Dancing Live” by The Muriel Johnstone Trio. 


created: 2017-09-26 23:08:56.595514+00
last_modified: 2018-09-19 09:50:12.408839+00
name: Vladimir's Fancy
ucname: VLADIMIRS FANCY
notes:
  During our dance weekend in the town of Vladimir the weather was truly remarkable. We were safely indoors enjoying our social dance while a small hurricane was smashing the town’s trees into pieces.


created: 2017-07-16 12:06:14.625315+00
last_modified: 2024-09-02 19:52:10.899565+00
name: And for the Young Ones
ucname: AND FOR THE YOUNG ONES
devised: 2016-03-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for lessons in a nursery school. It was first meant to be danced in one big circle with the woman on her partner's right and without a progression.


created: 2017-07-09 21:54:37.622533+00
last_modified: 2023-11-13 12:53:33.837194+00
name: Fiddling in the Pinewoods
ucname: FIDDLING IN THE PINEWOODS
intensity_bars: 886/866/822/840
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Barbara McOwen and all the superb musicians, not only fiddlers but pianists, accordionists, pipers and a range of other instrument players, who I met at Pinewoods in 2014 and/or 2016.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2019-05-01 06:34:41.421933+00
name: Argyll's Bowling Green
ucname: ARGYLLS BOWLING GREEN
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/884
devised: 1715-02-02
notes:
  The title of this dance refers to a mountainous peninsula on the west coast of Scotland, between Loch Goil and Loch Long. The name is an anglicisation of the Gaelic *baile na greine* or »sunny cattle pasture«, which must be considered somewhat ironic since the area is not particularly suitable for cattle.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-07-15 01:29:38.239843+00
name: Jeanetta's Progress
ucname: JEANETTAS PROGRESS
notes:
  Devised for Jeanetta McColl on I forget which one of her many promotions. (Source: original description)


created: 1997-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-04-17 17:42:34.338475+00
name: Octocentennial Jig, The
ucname: OCTOCENTENNIAL JIG
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  The leaflet says »MUSIC – opposite page« but the copy in the RSCDS Archive only has the front page. If you have the actual leaflet and can tell us about the music please do get in touch.

  The dance has sometimes been misnamed "Dumfries Octocentenary Jig".  The error arose from misreading the following text section in Drewry's description: 

  "THE OCTOCENTENNIAL JIG

  to mark the eight hundredth anniversary of Dumfries as a Royal Burgh 

  dance devised by John Drewry

  Jig - 3 couples - 32 bars.

  Tune - "lain J. McConnell of Solway" - by McGowan

  this tune and three other new tunes are played on the DUMFRIES OCTOCENTENARY record (Heather Sound Company No. LS020)"


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-07-09 22:39:26.584148+00
name: Saxie's Baa
ucname: SAXIES BAA
notes:
  Saxie and Herman were two Shetland giants. In a quarrel each hurled a rock at the other. Saxie's rock, new known as Saxie's Baa, fell into the water, just short of Herman's home.


created: 2017-07-12 14:16:41.260842+00
last_modified: 2017-10-02 10:31:55.64274+00
name: Gowan Hill
ucname: GOWAN HILL
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8888/8668
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Gowan Hill (85m) is located 0.4km north-east of Stirling Castle.
  There is a vitrified hill fort and many other archaeological sites across the hill.
  There is also a Beheading Stone which is said to have been used regularly in the 15th century.


created: 2017-07-16 11:47:23.591017+00
last_modified: 2017-07-23 20:41:30.22973+00
name: Somerset Children's Reel, The
ucname: SOMERSET CHILDRENS REEL
devised: 2015-10-01
notes:
  Dedicated to the children's class of the RSCDS Somerset Branch. This dance includes the children's favourite formations. The children also helped choose the name of the dance.


created: 2017-07-16 12:02:35.379167+00
last_modified: 2017-07-23 20:57:49.874652+00
name: Summer on the Beach
ucname: SUMMER ON THE BEACH
devised: 2012-06-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for Laura in my children's class in Ghent, Belgium. She was nine years old at the time and, although a very enthusiastic dancer, was looking forward to her summer holiday at the seaside.

  - bars 1–8 represent the parasols being set up on the beach;
  - bars 9–16 represent the children jumping over the waves that roll onto the beach;
  - bars 17–24 represent the children diving into the water and swimming back to the shore; and
  - bars 25–32 represent the children playing with their kites.


created: 2018-05-22 17:33:31.687238+00
last_modified: 2018-05-22 17:55:50.513845+00
name: Trip to Fourqueux, A
ucname: TRIP TO FOURQUEUX
intensity_bars: 800/866/822/822
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed to Tom McKinlay and the Sash and Sporran. The Sash and Sporran dance, gather and laugh in Fourqueux, a bonnie wee toon next to Saint-Germain-en-Laye.  

  Recommended music:  
  "Dancing On", Vintage Goldring, Piano, Muriel Johnstone, Fiddle, Keith Smith.


created: 1999-04-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2022-12-03 11:53:19.036555+00
name: Middleton Medley, The
ucname: MIDDLETON MEDLEY
intensity_bars: 840 822 811 811
notes:
  This dance is a 16S/16J medley; the tune "Craighall", universally used for this dance, is a jig.

  In some older publications the quicktime part was wrongly said to be a Reel. This error was corrected in an earlier revision of Book 22, but has appeared again in the revised pocket Books 19-24. Just disregard these errors.


created: 2017-09-26 21:57:29.310435+00
last_modified: 2017-09-26 21:57:29.310435+00
name: 'Innocent' Railway, The
ucname: INNOCENT RAILWAY
notes:
  The Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway was an early railway built to convey coal from pits in the vicinity of Dalkeith into the capital. It was a horse-operated line, with a terminus at St Leonards on the south side of Arthur’s Seat. Today it’s a nice walking and cycling path with a halfmile tunnel. A tablet has been erected naming the railway 'The Innocent Railway' on the basis that the line never suffered a fatal accident.


created: 2017-09-26 21:59:17.201794+00
last_modified: 2017-09-26 21:59:17.201794+00
name: Don't Miss Your Partner In The Dusk
ucname: DONT MISS YOUR PARTNER IN THE DUSK
notes:
  During one of our summer open-air dancing sessions we were dancing at sunset. When it became dark there were still no street lights switched on and the 1st lady cast one place while her partner cast to the bottom. They found each other later.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-07-02 12:39:24.739819+00
name: Round Pond Rant, The
ucname: ROUND POND RANT
intensity_bars: 88/88/84/48
notes:
  The original description states: With thanks to Brian Forbes of the Birmingham Branch, RSCDS, whose "chain" progression is the best new thing in Scottish country dancing since the Rondel.

  However, the Strathspey 'Ailsa Craig' and Jig 'Glen Mor' from the 'Birmingham Book' from 1973 that introduce the 'Chain Progression' were written by Eric Forbes, not Brian. (There are no dances known to date written by a Brian Forbes.)


created: 2017-11-13 15:45:13.562177+00
last_modified: 2025-09-14 20:51:51.24106+00
name: Strathspey for Steve
ucname: STRATHSPEY FOR STEVE
intensity_bars: 880/880/880/888
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  > Note: This dance was written for my favorite dance partner and wonderful husband, Steve Rice.

  The deviser's music suggestion: "something lyrical".


created: 2017-07-09 20:55:07.834552+00
last_modified: 2023-11-13 12:52:42.64173+00
name: Miss Charlotte Sandifer
ucname: MISS CHARLOTTE SANDIFER
devised: 2005-02-11
notes:
  Devised by Lyn Wilson for Charlotte Sandifer on the occasion of her 18th birthday in recognition of her stalwart support during her teenage years for the Golden Oldies of the Vale of Glamorgan class!


created: 2017-07-16 11:50:46.275348+00
last_modified: 2023-11-29 09:55:52.697998+00
name: Save the Children
ucname: SAVE THE CHILDREN
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/888
devised: 2015-09-01
notes:
  This dance was devised to inspire young dancers to give demonstrations in villages and towns to raise money for children's charities.


created: 2017-09-26 21:16:40.749124+00
last_modified: 2017-09-26 22:30:09.780333+00
name: From Siberia With Love
ucname: FROM SIBERIA WITH LOVE
notes:
  This dance was inspired by my winter trip to Siberia where I was teaching local dancers and discovering the real Siberia.

  1 - 8 Handshaking in the kitchen

  9-16 Trip to Novosibirsk

  17-24 “There’s too much of you!“

  25-32 Evening dancing and farewell hugs at the airport


created: 2017-10-01 21:04:44.224343+00
last_modified: 2017-10-03 23:32:48.331112+00
name: Blackness Castle
ucname: BLACKNESS CASTLE
intensity_bars: 8228/6666/4884/8008
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Blackness Castle stands on the south side of the River Forth four miles north-east of Linlithgow. It is also known as ‘The Ship that Never Sailed’ for its boat-like shape and was built in the 1400s for Sir George Crichton, Admiral of Scotland. 


created: 2017-02-23 17:21:58.238139+00
last_modified: 2017-10-03 22:44:37.244853+00
name: Shorter, The Longer, The
ucname: SHORTER THE LONGER
devised: 2017-02-01
notes:
  Devised by Mathias Ferber on February 2017.

  Dedicated by Mathias Ferber, Christina Hood, Mélissa Meunier, Emma and Raphaëlle Orgeret to Asako Tamaki, for the occasion of her departure to Japan, after spending many years in Europe. Asako is a short dancer with very beautiful and powerful style. If any of us thinks he can’t cover in a dance, he should always remember her dancing. 

  The music was written by Christina Hood.

  Tune : The shortest legs take the longest steps


created: 2017-06-25 22:24:02.258018+00
last_modified: 2017-07-21 08:20:10.633358+00
name: Sound Technician (variant 2017), The
ucname: SOUND TECHNICIAN VARIANT 2017
notes:
  See also The Sound Technician, http://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/12739/ by the same author which differs only in bars 25-32


created: 2017-08-02 13:56:24.81427+00
last_modified: 2017-08-07 10:55:41.292386+00
name: Elma McCausland MBE
ucname: ELMA MACCAUSLAND MBE
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Lucy Mulholland on behalf of the Belfast Branch to celebrate Elma being awarded an MBE in recognition of her years of dedicated service to Scottish County Dancing.


created: 2018-05-22 20:46:09.546115+00
last_modified: 2018-05-22 21:08:32.042298+00
name: Summerfield Lass
ucname: SUMMERFIELD LASS
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
notes:
  _*Summerfield Place*_ was the name of the street where devisor’s wife Jamie lived prior to them getting married – Hence _*Summerfield Lass*_.


created: 2017-08-23 11:25:08.379974+00
last_modified: 2018-02-22 09:05:42.786127+00
name: Sunset over Connel Bridge
ucname: SUNSET OVER CONNEL BRIDGE
intensity_bars: 400/12 12 12/666/808
devised: 2016-08-01
notes:
  “For Jens Heckmann whose heart beats for Scottish dancing and the beauty of Scotland.
  A quiet spot on the banks of Loch Etive with a view of Connel Bridge and the ever-changing
  waters underneath is a favourite place of his.”


created: 2017-10-10 15:13:54.792048+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 13:57:29.087959+00
name: Flowers Galore
ucname: FLOWERS GALORE
intensity_bars: 8888/8080/0808/8888/6666/6666/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2017-05-01
notes:
  In memory of my mother, Kathleen (Kay) Bamford Harris (née Richter) (11/2/1920 - 2/7/2008), to whom I owe my love of flowers and my flower-arranging skills.


created: 2003-10-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:33:36.796619+00
name: Summer Serendipity
ucname: SUMMER SERENDIPITY
intensity_bars: 880/888/800/844
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  "Summer Serendipity" was created to celebrate the marriage of Lori Farrell and Michael Howard on October 13, 2001.


created: 2017-09-02 19:39:02.689673+00
last_modified: 2018-04-26 22:53:14.325111+00
name: Mixed Doubles
ucname: MIXED DOUBLES
intensity_bars: 42824/42824/04440/88888
devised: 2011-11-02
notes:
  Devised for the Bognor Scottish Country Dancing Club (They wanted a dance with a title beginning with the letter M).


created: 2017-08-20 07:23:29.571491+00
last_modified: 2018-05-20 20:25:49.811754+00
name: Désirée Patterson
ucname: DESIREE PATTERSON
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8888/8008/8888
devised: 2017-06-15
notes:
  Rod writes: "Désirée has been secretary for the Johnsonville club, and is a long serving member. She and her husband John are super cyclists and have a longstanding blog. Being of Dutch descent, the cycling is part of her DNA.
  The Hello and Goodbye fIgure is from the Cane Toad Collection, specially the dance called The Three Oaks.
  Recommended music is "Centenary Square" by Chris Drewhurst, and a good recording is the society's recording of The Library at Birmingham from Book 49."

  Rod Downey, tutor of the Johnsonville SCD Club, Wellington, New Zealand, devised 'Désirée Patterson' in honour of club member Désirée Patterson's 70th birthday on Monday, August 14, 2017.

  He taught this four-couple strathspey to Désirée and other club members as the last dance for the evening at the club's weekly meeting, which occurred on Désirée's birthday. So it was danced for the first time ever.


created: 2017-06-23 09:23:37.01358+00
last_modified: 2018-05-26 02:05:42.364073+00
name: Kilted Norseman, The
ucname: KILTED NORSEMAN
intensity_bars: 800/866/888/888/888
devised: 2015-03-01
notes:
  For Johan Berg celebr ating his 50th birthday, March 2015.  

  Devised by Francis Walduck, Brisbane, Australia, March 2015.  
  Suggested music, Jig, track 2, All Set CD by David Cunningham jnr and his Band.


created: 2017-11-23 17:05:36.476935+00
last_modified: 2021-04-14 08:52:38.016049+00
name: Remembering Robyn
ucname: REMEMBERING ROBYN
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/880
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Jan Pyke of Opotiki, Waikato Region.
  This dance is dedicated to the memory of Robyn Margerison, a Scottish Country Dancer from Opotiki,who died tragically in January 2010.

  Suggested music: Ythanside, track 7 HISCD


created: 2017-11-23 13:43:23.534445+00
last_modified: 2021-05-12 00:39:16.633691+00
name: Friendship
ucname: FRIENDSHIP
intensity_bars: 822/844/888/466
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Sue Bowater, Nelson Marlborough Region, to celebrate Richmond Scottish Country Dance Club's 50 years in 2013.

  Suggeseted music: Happy Dancers, Haste Ye Back, Muriel Johnstone's Scottish Dance Band


created: 2018-06-03 14:29:31.664661+00
last_modified: 2025-02-02 13:56:02.558572+00
name: Day at The Beach, A
ucname: DAY AT THE BEACH
notes:
  The dance was devised by Patrick Carter (aged 10) and member of CSCDS Inc (who) wrote the dance on the way to the beach.


created: 2018-08-21 09:43:52.007784+00
last_modified: 2018-09-06 06:24:34.196007+00
name: Walnut Chaser
ucname: WALNUT CHASER
intensity_bars: 44444/44444/88888/80000
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  A very easy dance suitable for a ceilidh or a warm up.  It was devised as a variation of Rabbie's Reel and Charlestown Chaser for a teaching and performance project in a nursery school in my hometown Pontcharra, so that different classes could learn very easy but slightly different dances.  It was originally called "Pontcharra Chaser" and renamed for The Walnut Book.


created: 2018-04-10 21:25:07.002069+00
last_modified: 2018-09-07 11:05:50.168896+00
name: Walnut Orchard, The
ucname: WALNUT ORCHARD
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2018-03-01
notes:
  There are plenty of walnut orchards in the area of Grenoble, northwards up to Chambery and southwards down to Valence, it is quite typical in the landscape all along the lsere valley.

  This dance is very similar to <<ddd:Reel of the Gordon Highlanders>>


created: 2015-04-11 17:19:56.244097+00
last_modified: 2017-09-29 22:26:21.659967+00
name: Hans and Ulla Circles
ucname: HANS AND ULLA CIRCLES
intensity_bars: 0844/8000/8426/8888
devised: 2006-08-19
notes:
  Set shape:  2s, 3s and 4s as in a three couple dance, with 1M in the centre between 2s and 3s and 1L in the centre between 3s and 4s

  The dance is called "Hans and Ulla Circles" in the table of contents, and "Hans and Ulla" on the page with the description.


created: 2017-09-25 21:03:27.784799+00
last_modified: 2024-11-20 13:38:38.77407+00
name: Time for a New Dog (dance)
ucname: TIME FOR A NEW DOG DANCE
intensity_bars: 88880/84840/84884/80800/88888
devised: 2015-10-01
notes:
  The notes explain the title: "While walking in the woods with Martha Kent and her dog Peggy, I started missing all the dogs with whom I have ever lived."


created: 2017-09-25 20:49:03.434442+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 09:48:20.336535+00
name: Lest We Forget
ucname: LEST WE FORGET
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/888
devised: 2015-11-01
notes:
  My father was born in October 1910. This dance is written for him. He was a navigator in the Second World War and his war years made an indelible impression on him. My brother and I were brought up to respect and appreciate the sacrifices that were made to keep us free.


created: 2017-10-11 12:10:01.030703+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 15:14:56.297957+00
name: Hello, Bye-Bye
ucname: HELLO BYEBYE
intensity_bars: 820/844/866/888
devised: 2016-06-01
notes:
  At a conference I attended, one of the speakers referred to older, non-smartphones (the sort that only do calls and text messages) as "hello, bye-bye" phones. My SCD mind immediately thought of "hello and goodbye setting" (set to corners and partner) and during a break in the proceedings, this dance took shape.


created: 2017-09-25 20:46:36.643386+00
last_modified: 2023-04-08 14:13:22.011553+00
name: Katie's Birthday
ucname: KATIES BIRTHDAY
intensity_bars: 888/880/800/888
devised: 2015-12-01
notes:
  Katie thinks of this as a special birthday. Can you guess which one? The figures in the dance represent 11 X 3 + party = Katieʼs birthday!  

  There is a typo in the original instructions for bars 25-32. Instead of "2nd, 3rd and 1st couples circle four hands round to the left..." it should read "2nd, 3rd and 1st couples circle _six_ hands round to the left..."


created: 2017-09-25 20:55:23.151083+00
last_modified: 2021-02-07 19:03:44.272356+00
name: On the Moxley's Deck
ucname: ON THE MOXLEYS DECK
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/808
devised: 2015-08-01
notes:
  I wanted to write a dance using the Maurice progression. We tried this at the Moxley's cottage so I named it for them.


created: 2014-03-27 23:32:42.756932+00
last_modified: 2018-09-07 14:28:25.227378+00
name: Newburgh Jig
ucname: NEWBURGH JIG
intensity_bars: 888/800/822/844
notes:
  For Netta Berry, who teaches the Newburgh Church Scottish Country Dance Class, on her 70th birthday.


created: 2018-07-26 10:24:43.458676+00
last_modified: 2018-09-28 22:34:32.189314+00
name: Celebration Reel
ucname: CELEBRATION REEL
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/844
notes:
  Message from JeanShaw.  My original instructions for bars 25-32 ended with: "1s ending in 2nd place own side".  In a later version I made an error in putting "1s cross over to 2nd place"!  Please accept my sincere apologies.  


created: 2017-06-23 09:22:33.532184+00
last_modified: 2018-05-26 02:07:36.390711+00
name: Arrogant Frog, The
ucname: ARROGANT FROG
intensity_bars: 884/888/844/888
devised: 2012-07-01
notes:
  For Marie-Solange Pollard visiting Brisbane from the RSCDS Paris Branch. Marie-Solange became the proud recipient of a bottle of The Arrogant Frog red wine. It is a long way to travel to sample a bottle 'red' from southern France.  

  Devised by Francis Walduck, Brisbane, Queensland Branch RSCDS, July 2012.  
  Suggested Music: Andrew's Reel - track 5 - Bordering on Scottish - Marian Anderson and her SD
  Band.


created: 2017-09-25 18:39:10.13021+00
last_modified: 2021-02-09 17:22:30.463125+00
name: Biking in Aarhus
ucname: BIKING IN AARHUS
intensity_bars: 866/844/844/888
devised: 2013-05-01
notes:
  This is written for Fiona, Peter, Chris, Shane and Ros who joined Don and me when we took a bike tour of Aarhus, Denmark. That was fun!


created: 2017-09-25 19:13:35.972414+00
last_modified: 2021-05-07 21:10:13.894772+00
name: Cyprus Roundabout
ucname: CYPRUS ROUNDABOUT
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2017-05-01
notes:
  Celebrating a vacation in Cyprus with the International branch.

  Holly Boyd has reported that the instructions for bars 49-56 should be: All set to partners (2),  half a grand chain (4) and set facing in (2). The last two bars are missing from the book.


created: 2017-09-24 15:10:44.039412+00
last_modified: 2020-09-16 07:56:49.51122+00
name: Caledonian Club Centenary Medley, The
ucname: CALEDONIAN CLUB CENTENARY MEDLEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8222/8888
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Devised for the 100th anniversary of The Caledonian Club, Belgravia, London, in 2017.    

  Bars 1-8 make the "1" of "100".  
  Bars 9-12 make the "00" of "100".


created: 2017-09-25 21:02:01.967145+00
last_modified: 2024-11-20 13:19:55.012875+00
name: Til We Meet Up Again
ucname: TIL WE MEET UP AGAIN
intensity_bars: 88880/80800/88888/80800
devised: 2014-09-01
notes:
  The book has the title starting with "Til" but "Till" is added as a spelling alias to help with searches.

  The notes say "I was trying to write something that the beginners at our A&P class might enjoy."


created: 2017-11-23 14:59:42.633972+00
last_modified: 2017-11-23 14:59:42.633972+00
name: Ever Winding Road, The
ucname: EVER WINDING ROAD
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8884/8008
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Joan Tuffery, Southland Region, to celebrate the St Andrew's Scottish Country Dance Club's 50th Anniversary in 2007.

  Suggested music: The Hiking Song


created: 2015-07-31 14:08:56.336503+00
last_modified: 2017-10-11 22:25:56.728467+00
name: Ruby Rant, The
ucname: RUBY RANT
intensity_bars: 880/866/866/844
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  To mark the 40th Australian Winter School in 2015, hosted by Queensland Branch.

  On [1-8] we have a modified formation "Set and Rotate": set, cast clw half round, cross with P.


created: 2017-06-23 09:22:08.025414+00
last_modified: 2018-05-26 05:54:29.13072+00
name: Your Lady is Waiting
ucname: YOUR LADY IS WAITING
devised: 2013-06-01
notes:
  For Greg and Naree Paulsen, our travelling companions through Eastern Europe and Ireland 2013. Greg was always taking another photo as the group moved on.  

  Devised by Francis Walduck, Brisbane, Queensland Branch RSCDS, June 2013.  
  Suggested music: West End, track 6, Haste Ye Back-Muriel Johnstone's Scottish Dance Band.


created: 2017-03-31 09:09:14.882042+00
last_modified: 2018-07-08 13:29:01.960232+00
name: Eiffel Tower, The
ucname: EIFFEL TOWER
intensity_bars: 800/844/833/800
notes:
  Erratum:  In the published book, bars 17-20 say "1st man dances across the set, passes 3rd lady right shoulder ..." - 1st man actually passes 3rd lady LEFT shoulder.

  A dance written to commemorate the engagement of Richard Campbell and Jose MacQueen,
  two members of Gay Gordons (Manchester), who got engaged on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  

  Imagery:  

  1-8 – the crowds mingling at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower  
  9-16 – the lift up the Eiffel Tower  
  17-24 – exchanging of rings  
  25-32 – leaving the Eiffel Tower hand-in-hand  


created: 2016-10-30 12:23:40.546889+00
last_modified: 2018-09-05 06:27:39.81017+00
name: Wee Mary's Strathspey
ucname: WEE MARYS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/888/660/808
notes:
  Mrs Mary Wilson had a passion for Scottish Country Dancing and each year she attended the Summer School in St Andrews organised by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. She travelled to dances in the north of England and all over Scotland. She would never dream of “sitting one out”. Always smiling, and dearly loved by everyone, she had a great zest for life. To all her many friends she was known simply as “Wee Mary”.


created: 2013-12-10 19:22:35.337927+00
last_modified: 2018-08-21 16:07:01.358281+00
name: Golden Chains
ucname: GOLDEN CHAINS
intensity_bars: 8888/4444/6666/4444/6666/8888
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  Set shape:  The original instructions carry a heading "4 couples in a 4 couple longwise set".  The instructions, however, only make sense if the dance is in a Square Set, and that is what we, the editors, have assumed in writing this database entry, with crib and diagram.

  Devised by Dorothy Bell, a founder member of RSCDS Bristol Branch, in honour of the 50th Anniversary of the Branch, and her return to visit and dance at the Ball in the City of Bristol Council House on 10th March 2012.


created: 2018-08-21 09:29:00.870165+00
last_modified: 2018-09-05 16:46:44.403423+00
name: Walnut Tree, The
ucname: WALNUT TREE
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8888/8448
devised: 2017-12-01
notes:
  This dance was devised to teach the formation reel of four.  
  My husband and I bought a house in summer 2004, and one of the things we did in the garden within the first year, was to plant a walnut tree. This tree has now grown quite big in our small garden, and it gives lots of walnuts every year, with which I can bake my favourite walnut cake, and which I can take with honey for breakfast as well.


created: 2017-10-12 13:49:17.998448+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 09:51:14.55756+00
name: Short Visit, A
ucname: SHORT VISIT
intensity_bars: 0880/4884/8888/4884
devised: 2017-02-02
notes:
  Devised by Wouter Joubert, 2 February 2017, for Mervyn Short.

  * My preference is for one chord only with 3rd and 4th couples already on opposite sides from the start.


created: 2017-10-11 12:49:49.827616+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 14:56:24.639889+00
name: Joe's Delight
ucname: JOES DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 822/844/880/808
devised: 2017-06-01
notes:
  For Joe Murphy, my teacher, mentor and special friend. Joe joined the Carlisle and Border Branch in 1967. He served on the committee for over 40 years in many different roles including Chairperson. He taught the Branch class for around 5 years.


created: 2017-10-11 12:36:15.843604+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 14:58:17.115975+00
name: Hleka Bafazi
ucname: HLEKA BAFAZI
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Hleka Bafazi is the Xhosa and Zulu name for a Southern African bird called the Green Wood-Hoopoe. This name is derived from the call that the bird makes which sounds like a group of woman merrily going about their business.Translated into English it means "Laughing Woman". This dance is a tribute to all the women who have made meaningful contributions to my Scottish Country dancing. Amongst the laughing women I include Joan Evans, Terry McBurnie, Rose McMillan, Helen Frame, Urisa Reungsuwan, Coral Epton, Kim Mills and of course my wife Heather.


created: 2017-10-12 14:08:55.438825+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 15:18:14.714988+00
name: Six
ucname: SIX
intensity_bars: 484/888/484/844
devised: 2013-08-01
notes:
  In the winter of 2013, with attendance numbers down to six on many dance evenings, we needed three-couple dances, hence this dance and its name.


created: 2017-06-23 09:21:35.253247+00
last_modified: 2019-10-27 23:53:04.762367+00
name: Northern Spring, The
ucname: NORTHERN SPRING
devised: 2013-05-01
notes:
  Spring in the northern hemisphere 2013 was chilly and wet, however, the leafless tress were budding and coming into flower and the daffodils and tulips were everywhere. The colour in the bleakness was a vivid contrast.  

  Devised by Francis Walduck, Brisbane, Queensland Branch RSCDS, May 2013.  
  Suggested music: Jig Generic, track 05, Strictly Scottish Vol 1 - Robert Whitehead's SD Band.


created: 2017-10-12 16:04:55.933717+00
last_modified: 2019-02-23 19:00:17.08651+00
name: Very Happy Birthday, A
ucname: VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
intensity_bars: 8228/8008/8888/8008
devised: 2014-03-01
notes:
  For Gill Wocke's 60th birthday celebration.

  *As the devisor my personal preference is for one chord only with the 3rd and 4th couples already on opposite sides from the start.


created: 2017-06-23 09:21:01.590493+00
last_modified: 2018-05-27 06:20:29.171643+00
name: Italian Tryst, The
ucname: ITALIAN TRYST
devised: 2013-05-01
notes:
  Four of our intrepid travellers ventured off early to spend a couple of weeks in Rome and points north before we all met up in Budapest. The food and accommodation in places are described as 'very Italian' but much enjoyed experiences.  

  Devised by Francis Walduck, Brisbane, Queensland Branch RSCDS, May 2013.  
  Suggested music: Brunette d'Ecosse, track 11, Reel Friends Book 2 - David Hall and his SCD Band.


created: 2017-11-23 16:28:32.761888+00
last_modified: 2017-11-23 16:28:32.761888+00
name: Memories of the Canongate
ucname: MEMORIES OF THE CANONGATE
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8008/8888
notes:
  Devised by Gaye Collins, Wellington Region, for Charlotte Williams (who named the dance)

  Suggested music: Fran's Fancy, Dancing on Air by Muriel Johnstone


created: 2017-11-23 18:14:00.570334+00
last_modified: 2017-11-23 18:14:00.570334+00
name: Wee Davy
ucname: WEE DAVY
intensity_bars: 82820/80800/88888/82824
notes:
  Devised by Coreen Wallis, Canterbury Region, for Dave Lindsay's 50th birthday July 2002.

  Suggested music: Scotch Mist, Highlander Series Volume 6 by Drummond Cook


created: 2013-07-24 14:24:15.921898+00
last_modified: 2017-11-10 23:55:15.978265+00
name: Minister on the Mississippi, The
ucname: MINISTER ON THE MISSISSIPPI
intensity_bars: 800 818 888 866
devised: 2012-12-01
notes:
  Devised December 2012 by Lara Friedman-Shedlov (lfriedmanshedlov [at] gmail.com) in memory of RSCDS Twin Cities Branch member Alan Grant, who passed away on October 29. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Alan spent most of his adult life in Minneapolis and many years living along the shores of the Mississippi.


created: 2000-02-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2021-05-07 19:53:27.066866+00
name: Miss Nancy Frowns
ucname: MISS NANCY FROWNS
intensity_bars: 880 800 888 844
devised: 1751-01-01
notes:
  Former RSCDS Archivist Marilyn Healy writes:

  > Miss Nancy  -  frowns or Frowns?  The source is Thompson’s Compleat
  > Collection of 200 Favourite CD c.1755 (there is a copy in the archive) and
  > it clearly shows ‘Miss Nancy frowns’ i.e. it’s not her surname!  


created: 2010-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2017-10-22 20:33:41.360818+00
name: Mortar-Board, The
ucname: MORTARBOARD
notes:
  Notes from "The Vienna Book":  
  This dance was devised by the members of the Vienna Branch of the RSCDS to mark the graduation of Elisabeth Wolzt.

  A <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_academic_cap|mortar-board>> should be used if possible, otherwise any suitable hat. The dance begins with 1st man wearing the hat.


created: 2017-12-13 15:20:29.516497+00
last_modified: 2019-07-02 20:24:20.929244+00
name: Strathspey for a Perfect Day
ucname: STRATHSPEY FOR A PERFECT DAY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8448/8448/8008
devised: 2008-06-01
notes:
  For Diane Breslin on the occasion of her marriage to Avi Chatterjee in Edinburgh on the 7th of June 2008.


created: 2017-10-20 07:28:32.932577+00
last_modified: 2023-12-07 18:01:08.719703+00
name: Queensland Twosome, The
ucname: QUEENSLAND TWOSOME
intensity_bars: 888/840/844/888
devised: 2015-07-06
notes:
  The dance was created during the 40th Australian Winter School in Brisbane, Australia.  It's written for Emma Nixon and Iain Mckenzie. who were playing for the evening social on the night the dance was devised.
  (Amy Luxton-Esler).


created: 2018-06-03 14:43:32.029488+00
last_modified: 2025-03-13 21:06:33.39777+00
name: Jig for Robert Black, A
ucname: JIG FOR ROBERT BLACK
notes:
  The dance, devised by Jack Pressley, was for Robert Black who is one of the greatest ever Scottish Musicians whose extra ordinal talent spans many styles of music and is in great demand by all.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 11:47:38.822844+00
name: Leeze Me
ucname: LEEZE ME
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8000/6688
devised: 1984-01-01
notes:
  Slow Air Strathspey

  Devised in 1984 to commemorate the 25-year involvement of James' wife Phyllis in Scottish Country Dancing. "Leeze Me" is an old Scottish expression meaning "Dear Is To Me".

  Bars 1 - 8 Visiting both islands of New Zealand.  
  Bars 9 - 12 Making friends and dancing with New Zealanders.  
  Bars 13 - 16 Returning to Australia.  
  Bars 17 - 24 Visiting St. Andrews and Europe.  
  Bars 25 - 32 Dancing in Scotland and returning home.

  <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/4118/|Issue 4118>>, quoting <<https://www.dalsegnomusic.com/DSMCD004-3-errata.html>>, reports that the instructions in the CD booklet are slightly incorrect.
  Bars 9-12 should read as:

  > 9 - 12 Dancing in from the sides, 1st and 4th couples dance right hands across once around and, turning towards their partner, finish ready to lead out the ends of the set WHILE 2nd and 3rd couples set and cross over giving right hands.


created: 2018-06-03 14:32:00.956477+00
last_modified: 2025-03-13 21:09:11.892299+00
name: James Carter's Strathspey
ucname: JAMES CARTERS STRATHSPEY
notes:
  Dance was devised by Patrick Carter (CSCDS Inc.) for his father James who has been a great supporter and promoter of Scottish Country Dancing.


created: 2018-04-28 13:00:14.803764+00
last_modified: 2025-10-02 11:17:33.785898+00
name: Surbiton Frolic, The
ucname: SURBITON FROLIC
intensity_bars: 800/866/844/866/844
devised: 2017-12-01
notes:
  Devised in honour of the 70th anniversary of the Surbiton & District Caledonian Society. 

  The instructions were revised slightly in July 2018 to be clear that 1st couple pass each other left shoulder on bars 17 and 33 when entering the (right shoulder) half reels and pass right shoulder between the half reels.


created: 2015-02-27 10:12:13.501553+00
last_modified: 2018-07-11 01:01:27.877376+00
name: Border Lads and Lassies
ucname: BORDER LADS AND LASSIES
intensity_bars: 880/800/880/866
notes:
  Devised by Lyn Bryce for Ann Naismith in recognition of her contribution to Scottish Country Dancing and her many years of teaching all age groups, especially in the Scottish Borders. 


created: 2017-11-07 21:26:29.515289+00
last_modified: 2017-11-07 21:26:29.515289+00
name: Morland High Jinks
ucname: MORLAND HIGH JINKS
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  A dance for the week of dancing in Morland ln the summer of 2006.

  Could be danced as Strathspey or Reel or Medley (i.e. Strathspey and Reel). However, John Drewry suggests this dance to be danced four times as a strathspey and then four times as a reel.


created: 2018-09-18 15:07:40.358188+00
last_modified: 2018-09-19 02:56:44.181693+00
name: Abby's Reel
ucname: ABBYS REEL
devised: 2014-11-21
notes:
  This dance was originally Halloween Reel (1999) but we adjusted it Nov 21/2014.  Judy's new granddaughter was born the same week, Abby Keeling.


created: 2016-05-27 21:33:12.515502+00
last_modified: 2019-02-19 23:12:35.409165+00
name: Bye-Bye Bluebelle
ucname: BYEBYE BLUEBELLE
intensity_bars: 484/888/844/888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  Composed for Avril and David Quarrie (and Bluebelle) on their leaving Geneva for more northerly climes.


created: 1997-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2020-08-06 15:51:47.54726+00
name: Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton Reel, The
ucname: LORD MALCOLM DOUGLASHAMILTON REEL
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844/866
devised: 1967-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised in memory of the late Lord Malcom Douglas-Hamilton, Scottish patriot and founder of the  American Scottish Foundation.


created: 2017-10-22 21:58:09.356723+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 21:05:52.278105+00
name: St Andrew's Day
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS DAY
devised: 1949-01-01
notes:
  Modified version. The original published instructions (<<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/18076/|Dance 18076>>) were for a 48 bar dance.  This has been altered to improve danceability.  Bars 17-32 took 8 bars and bars 41-64 have been changed.

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

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


created: 2017-11-10 17:34:06.999927+00
last_modified: 2023-10-05 17:45:47.585814+00
name: White Eagle
ucname: WHITE EAGLE
devised: 2017-04-01
notes:
  The dance was written for Richard Schmidt who founded the White Eagle Dance Academy
  in Montreal in 2008. He taught Polish dances in Japan in 2013, 2015 and 2017.


created: 2017-12-13 21:14:42.375057+00
last_modified: 2023-10-05 11:21:51.336403+00
name: Strathspey for Stan
ucname: STRATHSPEY FOR STAN
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
devised: 2017-03-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Stan Hamilton whose wonderful music has been enjoyed by dancers and listeners from all over the world.


created: 2017-10-25 10:12:25.44728+00
last_modified: 2024-12-07 23:42:29.595526+00
name: Palace Pier, The
ucname: PALACE PIER
intensity_bars: 888/800/444/444/888
notes:
  Devised for the Brighton and Hove Scottish Dance Club to celebrate their Diamond Jubilee.  Unfortunately Alice 'passed away' before she could see it danced at the 60th Tartan Ball in May 2012.  Music specially composed by Alastair Forbes.


created: 2013-07-24 15:05:57.172212+00
last_modified: 2017-11-11 00:31:54.102917+00
name: Maggie and Caitlin
ucname: MAGGIE AND CAITLIN
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 822
notes:
  Devised by J. A. McKernan (jamckern [at] gmail.com) for Maggie and Caitlin on leaving Minnesota for Oregon, May 2012. It is a fast-paced dance to reflect Maggie and Caitlin's youth and vitality, it has a 1C solo to reflect their relationship, a chase to represent travel (4 bars to get to Oregon, pretty speedy!) and CPCP to suggest making new Scottish dance friends there.

  Original text copied from 8x32

  1-4     1st couple set advancing, turn both hands to face down nearer hands joined.
  5-8     1st couple dance below 3rd couple, cross and cast up to 2nd place on opposite sides.
  9-16     Right hands across: 1st man with 2nd couple, 1st woman with 3rd couple. Left hands across: 1st woman with 2nd couple, 1st man with 3rd couple.
  17-20     All chase anti-clockwise halfway around the set.
  21-24     3rd and 2nd couples dance half rights and left WHILE 1st couple cross right hand and cast right to face 1st corners.
  25-32     1st couple turn corner, partner, corner, partner.


