# dance

created: 2023-01-25 13:47:17.204585+00
last_modified: 2025-05-14 07:36:41.9673+00
name: Manual Memories
ucname: MANUAL MEMORIES
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
notes:
  Deviser’s note: “During a very busy time dancing in Glasgow, with competitions and examination preparation for multiple units – I guess I had a lot of dancing on my mind because this dance just came to me in my sleep.”


created: 2001-06-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-03 13:30:43.819206+00
name: Tyneside Tribute to Ian Thow, A
ucname: TYNESIDE TRIBUTE TO IAN THOW
devised: 1993-03-25
notes:
  Inscribed "to Ian Thow with thanks for his many years of music making for the Branch; the first figure and the 'cauld kail' setting are references to his Aberdeen connections."


created: 1997-09-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-04 16:08:34.830701+00
name: Miss Russell's Rant
ucname: MISS RUSSELLS RANT
intensity_bars: 800/844/884/840
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to the late Miss Edna Russell, Chairman of the Scottish Dance Branch of the ISTD for most of the 20 years to 1986.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-11 19:25:42.908355+00
name: Ashcroft
ucname: ASHCROFT
intensity_bars: 6446/6446/8888/8448
notes:
  Inscribed "This dance was written for Cynthia Wardley who lived at 'Ashcroft 'and In whose garden many 'last classes' In June have been enJoyed."


created: 1997-09-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-10 14:35:26.573074+00
name: Dornie Strathspey
ucname: DORNIE STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888 404 888 888
notes:
  The notes say that "Dornie lies at the point where three lochs meet, Loch Long, Loch Aish and Loch Duich. The dance represents the meeting of the waters, the middle 16 bars Eilean Donan Castle and the last 8 bars the water moving under the bridges up to the castle."


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-10 14:43:17.8943+00
name: Donna's Diamonds
ucname: DONNAS DIAMONDS
notes:
  From the notes: "Dedicated to Donna Wilson who dances 'Petronella Diamonds' with such obvious enjoyment.

  Most dances containing Petronella Diamonds either contain poussettes which require good pas-de-bas from both partners or more difficult formations, hence my reason for composing this little dance."


created: 1997-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-10 15:04:30.01541+00
name: Dr. Sally Hayes
ucname: DR SALLY HAYES
notes:
  The notes say that the dance "was written to acknowledge the kindness, gentleness, competence and unfailing good humour of the staff of Dixon Ward, St. Richards Hospital and named after the young doctor who was in charge of my case under the surgeon who operated.


created: 1997-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-10 15:18:23.236891+00
name: Devil's Point, The
ucname: DEVILS POINT
devised: 1981-01-01
notes:
  The notes say that "The Devil's Point (3303 ft.) is a conical peak formed of large, overlapping slabs of rock, which give it an inaccessible appearance when viewed from Glen Dee."


created: 1998-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-12 20:48:59.37669+00
name: Starkers Fell
ucname: STARKERS FELL
devised: 1994-06-01
notes:
  Inscribed "to all who walk alone".

  Drewry writes in the notes that "when two of the dancers at the Morland Week were walking near Ullswater, they met a solitary hiker. He wore a straw hat, a rucksack, climbing boots and nothing else! This dance is a light-hearted depiction of this incident and is not to be taken too seriously!"


created: 1997-08-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-07 17:33:28.076652+00
name: Beadbonny Ash, The
ucname: BEADBONNY ASH
devised: 1991-09-01
notes:
  The notes say "the title is from June's favourite poem 'Inversnaid' by Gerard Manley Hopkins"  
  'Wiry heathpacks. flitches of fern.  
  And the beadbonny ash that sits over the burn'.  
  The beadbonny ash is an ash tree which has bead-like fruit hanging from it.


created: 2022-12-02 22:12:53.082933+00
last_modified: 2023-02-13 23:15:22.725881+00
name: 8 - 8
ucname: 8 8
intensity_bars: 8888/8800/0044/8888
devised: 2022-08-20
notes:
  "Dance written for our gentle Scottish Dancing friend Bruce McLaren. It features, for obvious [birthday] reasons, two Double Figures of Eight."

  Originally conceived as a strathspey the devisers suggest it may also be danced in different rhythms using  recordings as follows:  

    - Medley (64S+64J): Johnnie Walker (Iain MacPhail)
    - Jig: Waratah Weaver (Luke Brady)
    - Reel: The Shetland Fiddler  (Chris and Julie Dewhurst)
    - Playford: Daniel's Reel (The Assembly Players)


created: 2022-05-13 17:46:55.634491+00
last_modified: 2023-02-17 09:17:27.957445+00
name: Wee Bairnie Strathspey, The
ucname: WEE BAIRNIE STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 666/666/888/888
devised: 2012-08-23
notes:
  Devised "to mark the birth of Madison Inglis".

  The dance was originally intended as a strathspey. However when the deviser needed a jig for a demonstration involving 3 couples it was tried in that rhythm (see <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/list/34028/|dance list 34028>>). In that incarnation it is called The Wee Bairnie Jig which is added as an alias. It may be danced in either rhythm.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-17 11:58:53.135787+00
name: Crooket-Horned Ewie, The
ucname: CROOKETHORNED EWIE
intensity_bars: 440/448/800/844
devised: 1760-01-01
notes:
  A “crooket horned ewie”, or “sheep with bent horns” is an illicit whisky still – the name comes from the shape of the still-pot's outlet. The clandestine preparation of untaxed spirits required highly mobile equipment since it was frequently necessary to pack up and move or hide the “distillery” in order to avoid overly curious gaugers (excisemen) whose job it was to curb illegal distilling.


created: 2023-06-20 20:23:01.318521+00
last_modified: 2023-09-14 22:40:40.986833+00
name: All Eyes on Us
ucname: ALL EYES ON US
notes:
  Notes from the deviser: This dance was devised to celebrate all the fun times I have had dancing with Thomas Rintoul. For the majority of the dance, only the first couple are moving, while everyone else watches them, hence “All eyes on us”. This is an elegant strathspey to show off the dancer’s best steps and chemistry between 1st man and 1st lady.


created: 1997-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-17 13:10:44.440572+00
name: Clootie Well, The
ucname: CLOOTIE WELL
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry noted in the original description:

  *The Clootie Well is near Culloden (although others occur in other parts of the country). By tradition, it is visited on the first Sunday in May; the visitor throws a coin in the well and ties a cloot to one of the trees to symbolise the leaving of all cares behind.*

  *May 1st 1977 was a Sunday. I visited the well with Simon Fraser about a week later and the lower branches of the trees surrounding the well were festooned with hundreds of bits of rag.*

  *It would appear that this is the survival of a pre-Christian Celtic custom.*

  In later editions of the book, John Drewry added:

  *This version issued in September 1977, has an improved figure
  for Bars 1-8 and this should replace the earlier version (May 1977).*

  and 

  *The spelling "Clootie" (rather than "Cloutie") is probably preferable
  in that it gives a better indication of the pronunciation. Both spellings
  are given in Chambers Scots Dictionary.*


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-21 19:26:55.706358+00
name: Bras d'Or
ucname: BRAS DOR
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  This dance has been revised in February 1992.  Originally, in the Summer Collection 1988, it had 32 bars.  John Drewry revised and republished it in Bankhead Book 1 with the comment: "The original dance was 32 bars long ...  There was always a problem with entering the repeats of the dance.  I have added the extra bars to make it possible to repeat the dance without difficulty".

  Inscribed "for the Scottish Country Dancers of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia".


created: 2023-02-20 12:01:36.854955+00
last_modified: 2023-02-22 17:54:54.338264+00
name: Lightbulb Reel, The
ucname: LIGHTBULB REEL
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  Source: youtube videos <<https://youtu.be/Vsq4clq3m5M>> (dance) and <<https://youtu.be/mPnCjxBzf6I>> (walk through). The deviser (Marian) starts as first woman in both videos.

  The deviser's instructions:  
  1-4 – 1’s lead down the middle; 2’s step up on 3 and 4  
  5-8 – 1’s turn in place; cast up behind the 3’s into 2nd place  
  9-16 – 1’s and 3’s Right hands Across; Left hands back  
  17-24 – 1’s, 2’s and 3’s, right shoulder reel along own lines  
  25-28 – 1’s and 2’s Right hands across  
  29-32 – Everyone (including the 4’s) turn their partner with their right  

  Background story: None of these characters are brightest bulbs in the drawer. 
   
  2’s need the 1’s help to change a lightbulb.  
  1’s are eager but in confusion end up helping the 3’s instead.  It isn’t until they screw in the 3’s lightbulb (right hands across) that they realize they were supposed to help the 2’s.  Therefore, they must unscrew the 3’s lightbulb (left hands back).  
  2’s and 1’s are now looking for each other and the 3’s, not having any idea of what is going on, follow the others (reel).  
  Finally, the 1’s get it right and help the 2’s screw in their lightbulb (right hands across).  Everyone celebrates getting right (including the 4’s)!

  Music:  Anything fun and lively.


created: 1998-01-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-28 19:25:16.982229+00
name: Deanstone House
ucname: DEANSTONE HOUSE
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/880
devised: 1996-04-30
notes:
  It seems the instructions for bars 5-8 of this dance were updated or corrected at some point.

  One version has:  
  1-8: First couple cross with the right hand and cast off one place. (Second couple step up on bars 3 & 4). First couple turn each other _1 1/2 times with the right hand_.

  Another, perhaps the corrected version, has:  
  1-8: First couple cross with the right hand and cast off one place. (Second couple step up on bars 3 & 4). First couple turn each other _1 3/4 times with the left hand_.


created: 2019-04-02 20:32:27.373788+00
last_modified: 2023-03-02 10:37:52.49845+00
name: Titanic, The
ucname: TITANIC
notes:
  Crib found on a dance programme.  Dance originally added using that information.

  This was originally entered as a reel, but is changed to a jig thanks to information from Patrick Brunskill of Belfast Branch: "I think I saw it on the website listed as a reel. It's definitely a Jig."


created: 2002-08-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-02-25 14:47:10.154844+00
name: Ring of Friendship, A
ucname: RING OF FRIENDSHIP
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 1982-01-01
notes:
  One original copy of the instructions carries the following handwritten note by Betty Grant:

  A Ring of Friendship

  The idea behind this dance is the ring of dancers around the world who start to dance in a small group, then intermingle with the neighbouring groups, and giving hands across borders, continents and seas move on in a never-ending Ring of Friendship.

  Best wishes,

  Betty Grant


created: 2023-02-27 17:33:50.012569+00
last_modified: 2023-02-27 17:33:50.012569+00
name: Catherine
ucname: CATHERINE
intensity_bars: 840/844/844/888
notes:
  Written for Catherine Packwood-Bluett who, together with Aileen Napper, took over the running of the Isle of Wight Weekend School which was started in the 1980s by their mothers. The dance includes some of Catherine’s favoured formations.


created: 2023-03-20 18:06:29.49613+00
last_modified: 2023-03-20 18:06:29.49613+00
name: Off to Arden
ucname: OFF TO ARDEN
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  Jill and piper husband Dan Emery are renovating a house in the community of Arden (near Wilmington, DE), which is gathering a large number of dancers. The choreography loosely represents house-hunting, negotiations, and celebration. The first figure is a nod to the beginning of Jill’s dance Couples Meet, published in Delaware Valley Silver. The strathspey tempo echoes the lengthy moving process!


created: 2018-03-21 15:59:26.067326+00
last_modified: 2023-02-28 10:40:52.202033+00
name: Borrower, The
ucname: BORROWER
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
devised: 2017-11-01
notes:
  For Aileen Napper who lives on the Isle of Wight.  Due to Aleen's and Craig's height difference Craig always commented when dancing with Aleen that it was like dancing with a *borrower*!  Bars 19-24 suit the height difference very well.

  _Useful information about borrowers:_  
  *"The Borrowers" is a children's fantasy novel by the English author Mary Norton, published in 1952. It features a family of tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house and "borrow" from the big people in order to survive. The Borrowers also refers to the series of five novels including The Borrowers and four sequels that feature the same family after they leave "their" house.* (borrowed from <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Borrowers|Wikipedia>>.)

  The online source link (<<https://craigellachie-band.co.uk/teacher-resources/new-dances-resource-the-borrower/>>) has the instructions, the score for the tune and a recording by Ian and Judith Muir.


created: 2023-03-19 12:32:49.467716+00
last_modified: 2023-03-21 22:16:31.231358+00
name: Absurd Number of Cucumber Sandwiches, An
ucname: ABSURD NUMBER OF CUCUMBER SANDWICHES
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  As president of the Swarthmore College Folk Dance Club, Darbus announced that the members would have to make “an absurd number of cucumber sandwiches” for the 2016 English-Scottish Ball, and another student joked that the phrase sounded like a good name for a dance. The figures represent 1) toasting the bread, 2) buttering the bread, 3) adding cucumbers, and 4) slicing the tea sandwiches into triangles.


created: 2023-02-23 11:16:51.982632+00
last_modified: 2023-03-08 10:46:26.540823+00
name: Yec'hed Mat
ucname: YECHED MAT
intensity_bars: 8888/0880/8008/8888
devised: 2012-05-01
notes:
  Good health! in Breton  
  Devised to celebrate the visit to Arradon as part of the twinning celebrations between Upton, Chester and Arradon.

  From <<https://forvo.com/word/yec%27hed_mat/>> the pronciation is roughly as English speakers would say Yeah-Head-Mart.


created: 2023-03-19 09:55:03.712213+00
last_modified: 2023-03-19 10:30:50.800035+00
name: Road to California
ucname: ROAD TO CALIFORNIA
intensity_bars: 800/822/888/888
notes:
  Devised by Joan Hellmann to honor Ruth Scodel.

  Source <<https://youtu.be/orMa8f-71qQ|youtube video>> which gives the complete instructions in the comments.


created: 2003-01-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-03 09:44:14.397222+00
name: Oompah, Oompah, Shove it Up your Joompah!
ucname: OOMPAH OOMPAH SHOVE IT UP YOUR JOOMPAH
intensity_bars: 84/88/88/44
devised: 2002-05-01
notes:
  1. This is a very energetic dance and so it would probably be better to dance it in three-couple sets, but, if it should ever reach the heights of demonstration, a four-couple set would provide a more interesting spectacle.  
  Bars 9-12 are similar to bars 9-12 of Anna Holden's Strathspey.  
  2. The title comes from a chance remark which Joe Murphy made during a telephone conversation. He was referring to the way some bands play Country Dance Music.


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-04 02:29:50.656427+00
name: Slopes of Hlidarendi, The
ucname: SLOPES OF HLIDARENDI
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/884
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  I have given the figure in the first 4 bars the name "Ha," which is Icelandic for "what?"  

  A dance for Elizabeth and John of the Stanford Class, California. Elizabeth suggested the title from the *Njal's Saga*, when the hero Gunnar says, "Never have the slopes of Hlidarendi seemed so fair to me. I shall stay and not go into exile, come what may." Hlidarendi is pronounced Hleether-endee.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-05 09:22:30.211929+00
name: Gary Morris
ucname: GARY MORRIS
devised: 1968-01-01
notes:
  This was originally entered in SCDDB as "Gary Morris' Jig" (which is the name in the book's index) the title on the dance page is actually just "Gary Morris". The longer name is added as an alias.

  This seems to be the first dance which has the inverting double triangles figure.


created: 2023-03-05 17:24:04.916557+00
last_modified: 2023-03-05 17:24:04.916557+00
name: Ducking the Wind
ucname: DUCKING THE WIND
devised: 2022-04-10
notes:
  Joe Dolson of Minneapolis won the dance and tune in an auction to raise funds for the Teachers’ Association of Canada at its virtual summer school in 2021. Joe explains the title of the dance and tune as follows: “The title ‘Ducking the Wind’ comes from a behavior our cat exhibits when she is offered the opportunity to go outside in the winter - she begs piteously to go out, then when the blast of cold air comes in, she'll try to duck away from it. It's very cute. This dance contains a lot of variations on swirling - in the set and link, reels, and the chase, and the casting is somewhat an effect of ducking away from each other.”


created: 1998-04-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-05 17:58:46.633168+00
name: Botany Bay
ucname: BOTANY BAY
devised: 1994-12-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for the dancers in Australia, who have invited me to visit them in 1995."

  The notes add that "the title is obviously appropriate for the dancers in Sydney and also reflects my own life-long interest in plants."


created: 2023-02-27 16:12:59.77487+00
last_modified: 2023-12-11 23:33:10.995295+00
name: Golden Hill Fort
ucname: GOLDEN HILL FORT
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888/844
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  Devised on the occasion of the Isle of Wight Caledonian Society’s Platinum Anniversary, 2022.

  The online source link (<<https://craigellachie-band.co.uk/teacher-resources/golden-hill-fort/>>) has the instructions, the score for the tune and a recording.


created: 1998-03-22 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-04 12:37:04.547085+00
name: Borders Welcome, A
ucname: BORDERS WELCOME
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this "represents the meetings and friendships made by the Scottish dancers of Berks, Hants and Surrey."


created: 2023-04-14 13:33:16.743039+00
last_modified: 2025-01-04 11:34:11.429467+00
name: Sarah's Stamp Party
ucname: SARAHS STAMP PARTY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8088
devised: 2022-06-01
notes:
  From the notes:

  > The 2 couple movements within the dance symbolise the shapes of the stamps being trimmed for the Scottish Air Ambulance.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-05 18:13:45.001766+00
name: Border Reel
ucname: BORDER REEL
notes:
  The SC Dancer April 2009, page 7, gives the following information:
  In the original versions of Book 12 (1st. edition in 1938) this dance was published as follows:
  1-8   	First and second men dance the figure of eight round their partners
  9-16  	First and second women do the same
  17-18	First man sets to second woman while first woman sets to second man 
  19-20	First man and second woman change places while first woman and second man set again
  21-22	First woman and second man change places
  23-24	Second couple giving right hands cross over to own side at the top of the dance while first couple giving right hand lead down and turn into third place ready for poussette.  Third couple move up and join for poussette
  25-32	First and third couples poussette.


created: 2018-10-06 19:46:00.938949+00
last_modified: 2023-03-05 23:05:27.041324+00
name: Helen Brown
ucname: HELEN BROWN
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8888/8448
devised: 2018-07-01
notes:
  Presented at "Downey Day of Dance, 2018". Given to Helen Brown for all her work for the York Branch and her (and Malcolm's) hospitality to Kristin and me. Recommended music is "The Bob O' Dowally", and either of the recordings for Book 2 by Bobby Crowe would be good. Lacking this a strong strathspey should be used (not an air).


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-06 13:04:38.463016+00
name: Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The
ucname: DUKE AND DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH
intensity_bars: 888 800 888 822 888
notes:
  This dance originally came out in 1948, when the then Princess Elizabeth used to be »the Duchess of Edinburgh« before becoming Queen Elizabeth II.
  Her husband, Prince Philip, of course continued to use the title.
  The RSCDS officially »blessed« it by including it in Book 39 when it came out in 1996, to celebrate the Queen's 70th birthday.

  The following corrections were included on a loose sheet "Notes on Dances by Bob Grant June 1996", when Book 39 was first sold in the Summer School bookshop:

  1-8  1st woman 'hovers' while 1st man faces top before casting

  9-16  Nearer hands

  25-32  Second time through, 1st couple crosses to the bottom giving left hands

  This dance had been published originally in 1948 by Rae, Macintosh with original music by John Robertson (The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Birkhall).  The 1996 RSCDS Book 39 incorrectly named the first tune as Dunnottar Castle from the Middleton Collection (this is the music used for Miss Florence Adams from RSCDS Book 38). An erratum slip was produced.


created: 2005-02-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-11 19:44:12.370406+00
name: Lesley's Medley
ucname: LESLEYS MEDLEY
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  Being a mathematician Gordon Thomson enjoyed composing complicated dances - this Medley became also known as Lesley’s Mudlley because it was so complicated.  
  (Information by Lesley Thomson, see extra info for <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/person/3345/|Gordon Thomson>>)


created: 2015-02-03 17:57:40.240451+00
last_modified: 2023-03-15 11:28:15.225758+00
name: She's a Fine Wee Lass
ucname: SHES A FINE WEE LASS
intensity_bars: 880/808/822/888
notes:
  Devised "as a tribute to Irene Dickson who for many years taught the Monday class at the Boggs."

  There is correction to the originally published instructions:  
  29-32 2nd, 1st, and 3rd couples set, and cross, giving a right hand, to own sides.  
  (The original missed the "set" and mentioned "left hand").


created: 2003-01-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-11 11:15:06.175325+00
name: Barmkin, The
ucname: BARMKIN
intensity_bars: 8080 8080 0808 0808 8080 8080 0808 0808 6666 6666 8888
notes:
  <<imgt:smailholm.jpg|Smailholm Tower|200x200:right>>
  A »barmkin« is a part of a castle or fortified manor, commonly behind
  an outer wall, used, e.g., to protect cattle from reivers. The
  photograph shows Smailholm Tower near Kelso in the Borders; the
  barmkin's wall can be seen in the foreground.

  The online *Dictionary of the Scots Language* places the earliest
  known appearance of the word »barmkin« in 1460; it is apparently
  derived from »barbican«.


created: 1998-11-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-11 11:30:44.204323+00
name: Balmoral Terrace
ucname: BALMORAL TERRACE
intensity_bars: 840/800/888/888
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this was devised in January 1990 for a Birthday Party for the deviser's wife, Marjory. Number 5 Balmoral Terrace was Marjory's birthplace. Bars 1 - 16 represent the numbers 6 and 5. The numbers 8 and 0 of the last two figures are to be ignored for now.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-11 11:41:07.687048+00
name: Ballynaree
ucname: BALLYNAREE
devised: 1992-05-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Alex Stewart of Kingston-on-Thames formerly of Perth".

  The notes also explain that "Ballynaree (Baile na righ) means the town of the king and has a double connection with Alex in that early English Kings were crowned at Kinqston-on-Thames while Scottish Kings were crowned at Scone near Perth".


created: 1998-10-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 21:00:19.428463+00
name: Schiehallion
ucname: SCHIEHALLION
intensity_bars: no bar count made
devised: 1971-01-01
notes:
  Schiehallion (pronounced shee-HALL-i-en, from the Gaelic *sidh chailleann*) is a mountain in Perth and Kinross, Scotland. It overlooks Loch Tummel and is 1,083 m high, which makes it a <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munro|Munro>>. Seen from the west its shape is an almost perfect cone, and it is reasonably easy to climb with great views.

  Being an isolated mountain with a very regular shape, Schiehallion was used in 1774 for an interesting experiment which was supposed to estimate the mass of the Earth by means of the deflection of a pendulum by the mass of the mountain. This experiment was proposed by Charles Mason (1728–1786, an English astronomer who was also instrumental in the definition of the Mason-Dixon line) and carried out by a commission under the direction of the Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne (1732–1811).

  The intersection of the line of latitude midway between the most northerly and southerly points on the Scottish mainland and the line of longitude midway between the most westerly and easterly points is very close to the summit of Schiehallion. This means that in a sense the mountain could be seen as the “centre of Scotland”. This, however, presupposes that the most westerly point is Corrachadh Mòr in Ardnamurchan; the completion of the Skye Bridge in 1995 makes Skye technically part of the Scottish mainland and that would throw the calculation off.

  The dance was originally devised in order to “create a new reel” (with “reel” as in “Scottish reel”, not “quick dance in 2/4 or 4/4 time” or “weaving formation”) during the early 1950s. It started out as a “self-assembly kit” which specified the “choruses” in strathspey time and reel time and left a choice of “verses” to the dancers. This did not go down well since most dancers preferred being told in definite terms what to do, so eventually Hugh Thurston picked the four most popular “verses” to arrive at the version of the dance done today. Its most popular figure was the “reel of eight” formation at the end, commonly called “Schiehallion reel” today, which Hugh Thurston originally thought was original but which is basically a version of the reel in the Orkney “Axum reel” as described by J. F. and T. M. Flett in *Traditional Dancing in Scotland* (the RSCDS version of the dance distorts this reel so that the correspondence is less easily perceived).
  The original “self-assembly kit” publication of the dance is difficult to find today but the current version was published as a leaflet by Hugh Foss (Formby) in the early 1970s.
  (**Update:** The current, ready-made, version now also appears in RSCDS <<ddpub:Book 53>>.)

  Hugh Thurston describes the origin of the dance in <<link:thethistle/48||3>>.


created: 1999-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-11 18:51:53.668154+00
name: Australian Ladies, The
ucname: AUSTRALIAN LADIES
intensity_bars: 804 840 888 888
devised: 1967-05-01
notes:
  Devised in May 1967 in New Zealand by Bob Campbell of Canada for Jean Conway, Elma See, Lorraine Dyall, and Margaret Gray of the Newcastle (Australia) Colleges Strathspey and Reel Club.


created: 2006-10-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-19 08:23:22.43792+00
name: Young Moira's Real (& alive)
ucname: YOUNG MOIRAS REAL AND ALIVE
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/888
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  The dance "Lads & Lasses" (see dance 1.04), acknowledges the group of individual dancers making up a dance team of that name. Young Moira was the "baby" of the team and has recently (some forty years on) been spotted, living and dancing in Perthshire.


created: 2023-03-19 20:45:01.404024+00
last_modified: 2023-03-19 20:45:01.404024+00
name: Fearsome Fivesome, The
ucname: FEARSOME FIVESOME
intensity_bars: 80008/88888/80008/88484
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  The devisors were born to Branch dancers between 1994 and 1997. They grew up seeing one another at socials, balls, and non-dancing events like birthday parties and sleepovers, and became known as the “Fearless Five.” Now in their 20s, they get together a few times a year at pool parties, Inverarity social dances, Pinewoods Camp, and the Hogmanay Ball. They wrote this dance together via Facebook Messenger from Glasgow, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New York City.


created: 2023-03-19 21:26:53.987563+00
last_modified: 2023-03-19 21:26:53.987563+00
name: Golden Jubilee Quadrille
ucname: GOLDEN JUBILEE QUADRILLE
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  A Golden Jubilee is a gala birthday celebration of 50 years. This dance features one figure for each decade since the founding of the Delaware Valley Branch.


created: 2023-03-19 23:25:07.439208+00
last_modified: 2023-03-19 23:25:07.439208+00
name: Lansdowne Strathspey
ucname: LANSDOWNE STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/84
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  Devised with Bree Humphries’ Lansdowne, PA, social class, when Bree needed a strathspey that had a ladies' chain.


created: 2023-03-19 23:58:07.342272+00
last_modified: 2023-03-19 23:58:07.342272+00
name: Morstein Hornpipe, The
ucname: MORSTEIN HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8000/6222
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  In return for an annual outdoor work day of weeding, vine pulling, and brush burning, the Branch used to hold special dance events and a Labor Day picnic in and around the old barn of the Morstein country estate near West Chester, PA.


created: 2023-03-19 21:39:38.579486+00
last_modified: 2023-03-20 09:04:15.66703+00
name: Jane's Flying Cello
ucname: JANES FLYING CELLO
intensity_bars: 844/888/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  When Jane Roberts, Branch music coordinator, began attending the St. Andrews Summer School musicians’ course, her cello flew with her on the plane, double-cased for safety from baggage handlers. After a particularly dramatic flight, Jane now hires a cello locally when in Scotland.


created: 2023-03-17 20:58:06.565257+00
last_modified: 2023-03-20 17:13:56.286429+00
name: Twisted Tree, The
ucname: TWISTED TREE
intensity_bars: 84844/80800/88888/88888
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  The Twisted Tree is the tree at Woolsthorpe Manor in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, England  under which Isaac Newton sat when an apple falling from the tree caused him to conceive the idea of Universal Gravity. The tree was blown down in 1820, but the fallen trunk re-rooted itself. It still flourishes, but is somewhat twisted.


created: 2023-03-19 21:04:09.913462+00
last_modified: 2023-03-20 17:19:01.173262+00
name: Garden Party Social, The
ucname: GARDEN PARTY SOCIAL
intensity_bars: 888/880/888/844
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  This dance was written in honor of the Delaware Valley Branch Garden Party, a May afternoon social dance followed by a potluck supper in Geoffrey and Cecily Selling’s lovingly cultivated English garden in full spring bloom.


created: 2023-03-11 15:04:46.629373+00
last_modified: 2023-09-02 12:32:49.982414+00
name: High on the Hundred
ucname: HIGH ON THE HUNDRED
intensity_bars: 800/866/844/844
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  High – for Highlands - but more especially the high you can enjoy on SCD
  and Hundred – for the RSCDS Centenary 2023


created: 2023-03-19 14:08:20.92595+00
last_modified: 2023-11-28 12:23:17.270095+00
name: Carrie's Flight
ucname: CARRIES FLIGHT
intensity_bars: 4884/4884/8888/8888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Scott's partner, Carrie Rose, a recent convert to Scottish country dancing. They both take delight in the exhilarating sense of flying through a dance.


created: 2023-03-19 14:17:41.829151+00
last_modified: 2024-10-02 21:44:59.623106+00
name: Crum Creek Hornpipe
ucname: CRUM CREEK HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 804/480/844/888
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Crum Creek, named by early 18th century settlers, runs through Chester and Delaware Counties, including the woods on the Swarthmore College campus, and eventually reaches the Delaware River. “Crum” (from Dutch "krom") means “crooked.”


created: 2023-03-28 20:59:14.721246+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 17:35:31.510487+00
name: Keith Rose of Felmersham
ucname: KEITH ROSE OF FELMERSHAM
intensity_bars: 844/802/884/888
devised: 2023-03-23
notes:
  Devised by Wouter Joubert, 23 March 2023, in honour of Keith Rose.  
  A 3x32 recording played by <<ddp:Joubert, Wouter#3179>> is available at <<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Th2eW1AyrgMgpZAqU7kpHGGJtcaVjpk4/view>>.


created: 2023-03-20 23:18:28.997211+00
last_modified: 2023-03-20 23:18:28.997211+00
name: Pittsburgh Rake, The
ucname: PITTSBURGH RAKE
intensity_bars: 880/808/088/800
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Volunteers at a Pinewoods Camp Spring Work Weekend had to spread an imposing pile of wood chips on the paths. Seth (The Pittsburgh Rake) had the landscape rake. First, he raked about half of the wood chips out of the Ez-Go cart. After the Ez-Go moved slightly forward, he raked the second half out. He then got a rest while the Ez-Go went to fetch more wood chips.


created: 2023-03-21 00:04:48.87457+00
last_modified: 2023-03-21 00:04:48.87457+00
name: Tarble-in-Clothier
ucname: TARBLEINCLOTHIER
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  Tarble All-Campus Space inside Clothier Hall is a long hall with wood timbering and tall windows on the second floor of a neo-Gothic gray stone building. Swarthmore College's main indoor public space, it has been the venue for dozens of Spring Balls and Hogmanay Balls over the decades, as well as the Swarthmore Folk Dance Club’s annual English-Scottish Ball. The college has been threatening to gut and renovate the building for several years, but as of this publication date has not.


created: 2023-03-21 00:17:51.748857+00
last_modified: 2023-03-21 00:17:51.748857+00
name: Trip to Tarble
ucname: TRIP TO TARBLE
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  This dance commemorates many years of dancing in Tarble-in-Clothier on the campus of Swarthmore College. The figures represent 1) the journey to the dance hall, 2) meeting old and new friends, and 3) all of us who love Scottish dance coming together to dance and celebrate!


created: 2015-09-03 21:03:42.835346+00
last_modified: 2023-04-21 18:18:54.223316+00
name: Mrs. Ruth Housden
ucname: MRS RUTH HOUSDEN
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Ruth Housden has been the teacher at the Aboyne Scottish Country Dance Group on Royal Deeside since 2001.


created: 2023-03-19 12:46:47.569203+00
last_modified: 2023-03-21 22:17:43.768611+00
name: Aflooga
ucname: AFLOOGA
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/6666/4883
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  Aflooga is an acronym for “A Figure Lifted Out Of Glasgow Assembly.” Glasgow Assembly is a four-couple set dance medley devised by Robert Campbell and published in 1973. Vallorie learned Glasgow Assembly as a novice dancer and this setting figure made an indelible impression.


created: 2001-05-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-22 21:42:44.810105+00
name: Brandywine
ucname: BRANDYWINE
intensity_bars: 884/884/888/888
notes:
  The Brandywine is a scenic river that runs through Wilmington, Delaware and is important
  to the area's history and commerce. It is a tributary of the Delaware River, from which the
  Delaware Valley gets its name.


created: 2002-03-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-03-22 22:19:08.607677+00
name: Kumite
ucname: KUMITE
notes:
  Kumite (pronounced kii' -me-ti) is a Japanese word which, roughly translated, means a group or set of people working together.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-09 18:26:04.13866+00
name: Clavie, The
ucname: CLAVIE
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888/84
notes:
  "Burning the Clavie is a fire festival held annually at Burghead on January 11th. The Clavie, made from half a tar barrel and fixed to a six foot spike, is lit then carried through the streets of the town before being taken to a nearby hilltop from which the burning embers are scattered."


created: 2018-07-13 10:10:03.281419+00
last_modified: 2023-04-12 23:42:31.446386+00
name: Knight in Flowing Tartan, The
ucname: KNIGHT IN FLOWING TARTAN
notes:
  "This dance is dedicated to a person known locally as St Anton (actually our dear friend Dr Anton Korobeinikov from St Petersburg, who had never missed an opportunity to make us happier) - and an idea of a diamond poussette for four couples. It was first danced on the floor of the bedroom by the collection of brooches (the usual silent victims!) and then in class by our patient friends (they were too polite to complain). Try it at your own peril, but it feels less complicated and more flowing than it seems."

  The video used the recording <<ddrec:Aye Afloat#7084>>.


created: 2006-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-13 03:22:46.303983+00
name: Tae the Beggin'
ucname: TAE THE BEGGIN
intensity_bars: 800/800/866/844
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  In 1606 begging became so widespread in Scotland that King James VI passed a law to control the begging. Beggars were issued badges with their name and the king's initials. They were also regarded as bringers of luck at weddings and carriers of useful news. There was a special place by the fire in many houses for the "Gaberlunzie Man." Good luck or not, my cats insist on a treat before I go to bed. I have not been able to break them of this begging rituaL


created: 2002-03-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-15 11:29:36.415459+00
name: Child's Play
ucname: CHILDS PLAY
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/888/888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  "Children's games are very simple, but often if an adult plays with a child, the child wins. This dance was written with this thought in mind. The figures are all simple individually, but trickier combined, leaving many adult dancers breathless enough to wish they were children again."


created: 2023-03-21 09:19:31.79295+00
last_modified: 2023-09-26 01:21:48.325518+00
name: Written Examination, The
ucname: WRITTEN EXAMINATION
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  The dance commemorates a mistake Jenny made in the Unit 1 examination about rights and lefts for three couples. In quick time, this formation requires performance team skill to execute successfully — this strathspey version gives dancers more time to enjoy the pattern, and to get it right. Set & rotate was also on the exam, as was a question about William Marshall.


created: 2001-05-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-22 09:39:28.738501+00
name: Gentle Annie
ucname: GENTLE ANNIE
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Dr. William Gatens in honor of his long history of providing live music for our branch, including his own compositions.


created: 2015-01-22 13:08:59.865036+00
last_modified: 2026-02-18 13:46:01.766636+00
name: Poplar Brides, The
ucname: POPLAR BRIDES
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2007-04-01
notes:
  On a trip to the Riberac area of France in April 2007 I was told the following story by a resident New Zealander.  
  When a girl child was born the parents planted a poplar tree which grew quickly enough so that when she was due to marry it could be chopped down and the wood sold to provide her with a dowry.


created: 2018-07-16 23:54:47.294676+00
last_modified: 2023-03-31 04:56:18.686975+00
name: Ullapool Ferry, The
ucname: ULLAPOOL FERRY
intensity_bars: 8800/8880/8008/8008
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  A ferry sails daily between Ullapool in Wester Ross and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, providing access to the remote and beautiful islands of the Outer Hebrides.  

  Note: The hello-goodbye poussette was devised by Rod Downey, Wellington, New Zealand, inspired by a similar formation in the dance Lang May Your Lum Reek by Barry Priddey.


created: 2023-04-04 21:47:45.661723+00
last_modified: 2023-04-04 21:47:45.661723+00
name: Argyll Arcade, The
ucname: ARGYLL ARCADE
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  "The Argyll Arcade, Glasgow, built by John Baird in 1827, was Scotland’s first custom-built shopping arcade and as the centre of the Scottish diamond trade is quite literally a jewel in the city’s retail crown."


created: 2023-04-04 22:02:58.388688+00
last_modified: 2023-04-04 22:02:58.388688+00
name: Sir James Irvine's Jig
ucname: SIR JAMES IRVINES JIG
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  "Commemorating the organic chemist Sir James Colquhoun Irvine (1877–1952), Principle and Vice Chancellor of St Andrews University (1921–1952), who was considered by some to be no less than the institution’s ‘second founder’. His wife, Lady Mabel Irvine, was the first Chairman of the St Andrews Branch of the RSCDS (see Lady Irvine’s Jig, RSCDS St Andrews Branch, 75 Years of Dancing in St Andrews, 2013)."


created: 2023-04-04 22:05:51.927769+00
last_modified: 2023-04-04 22:05:51.927769+00
name: Robert Fergusson's Rant
ucname: ROBERT FERGUSSONS RANT
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  "Commemorating the Scottish enlightenment poet Robert Fergusson (1750–1774) from Edinburgh, whose work inspired Robert Burns."


created: 2023-04-04 21:35:13.915394+00
last_modified: 2023-04-04 22:15:14.478042+00
name: St Andrews to Loches
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS TO LOCHES
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  This is intended as a ceilidh dance since it is meant for people who dance little or not at all, contains no setting and could be done with travelling step, running step or just by fast walking if necessary.

  It is expected the dance will have its own tune (by Luke Brady).


created: 1998-09-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-05 19:25:15.933249+00
name: Miss Allie Anderson
ucname: MISS ALLIE ANDERSON
intensity_bars: 666 888 888 840
notes:
  The leaflet shows no devising year/date. The "Scottish Country Dancer", issue Oct 2022, though states that "Allie's contribution to Scottish country dancing was recognised by the Saltire Society in 1980 with an award and reception. This included a demonstration of a new dance 'Miss Allie Anderson' devised by (...) Mina Corson (...)." Thus the devising year should be around 1979/1980.


created: 2016-09-06 23:32:37.1966+00
last_modified: 2023-04-08 12:19:12.230087+00
name: Wake the Piper
ucname: WAKE THE PIPER
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/888
devised: 1994-10-01
notes:
  The dance is dedicated to all the wake-up pipers at Scottish country dance weeks and weekends, but especially to piper Dan Emery when he plays at Pinewoods Camp as the sun's rays break through the morning mist.

  Originally devised in October 1994, there were revisions to the description in August 1996, August 1997 and April 2002.


created: 2016-09-06 23:29:59.910848+00
last_modified: 2023-04-08 11:17:42.22054+00
name: Piglet's Jig
ucname: PIGLETS JIG
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/844
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  “Twirl around Piglet, Step lightly Pooh, This silly ol' dance is perfect for two.” - A.A. Milne
  (Bars 3-4, 5-8, 13, 24, and 28 are opportunities for Piglet to twirl.)

  For Ivy and Chris, remembering Pinewoods.


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-08 14:40:42.08762+00
name: Further Expectations
ucname: FURTHER EXPECTATIONS
intensity_bars: 404/404/800/888
notes:
  High Expectations and Further Expectations are variations of "Great Expectations" from *Let's All Dance.*


created: 2002-03-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-09 11:13:40.112338+00
name: Fairy Bridge, The
ucname: FAIRY BRIDGE
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  Incribed "For Dorothy Arton, who gave me the idea for the dance."

  The notes also say that "According to legend, it was at the Fairy Bridge, near Dunvegan, that a 14th century chief of the MacLeods was given the Fairy Flag as a parting gift from his fairy wife."


created: 2023-04-07 10:25:52.734425+00
last_modified: 2023-07-11 14:44:55.481406+00
name: Never Forgotten
ucname: NEVER FORGOTTEN
intensity_bars: 880/880/820/888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  The deviser writes that "Since 2019 we have lost at least 6 members of our extended dance community. This dance was written to honor them and because we will never forget them."


created: 2023-03-21 12:17:18.431335+00
last_modified: 2024-11-11 10:52:47.723158+00
name: Our Berber Blessing
ucname: OUR BERBER BLESSING
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2022-12-01
notes:
  For Nayma Genin who wanted a dance with lots of energy and an allemande. Nayma grew up in the
  Berber speaking region of Morocco where her name means "blessing".


created: 2001-04-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-03-16 09:26:56.241588+00
name: Squirrel on the Bough
ucname: SQUIRREL ON THE BOUGH
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this was "inspired by the morning activities of a squirrel family outside the bedroom window."


created: 2014-07-14 09:40:35.715404+00
last_modified: 2025-03-16 11:32:58.925659+00
name: Santa Barbara Strathspey
ucname: SANTA BARBARA STRATHSPEY
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  Devised "in honor of the wedding of Barbara Burns and Frank Mills in Santa Barbara, California, March 20, 1999."

  May be danced by 3, 4 or 5 couples (with appropriate adjustment of figures).


created: 2002-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-18 00:13:18.946697+00
name: New Fowlis Hall, The
ucname: NEW FOWLIS HALL
intensity_bars: 8448/8888/8228/8888
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  Description, submitted by the deviser herself:

  The New Fowlis Hall: 4x32 bar jig

  Bars

  1-4  1st couple with 2nd couple and 3rd couple with 4th couple dance right hands across.
  2nd and 3rd couples finish on sidelines, 1st and 4th couple stay facing clockwise.

  5-8  1st couple and 4th couple chase CW round outside of set half way to finish with 1st
  couple at bottom on opposite sides facing 3rd couple and 4th couple at top on opposite
  sides facing 2nd couple.

  9-16  Right shoulder reels of four on the side. All finish facing up/down on sides.

  17-24  All turn facing person right hand half-way (4L turns 2M; 4M turns 2L; 1L turns 3M;
  1M turns 3L); 1st couple and 4th couple dance left hands across in the middle; 4th couple
  and 1st couple retain hold of partner’s left hand on bar 22, cross left hand to own side
  of the set to finish 2413.

  25-32  Eight hands round and back.

  Dance devised by Mary Cant to celebrate the opening of the new Fowlis Easter Village Hall in southwest Angus on June 22nd 2002.

  The hall was designed by Iain Dunsire of Battledown Studio, Forgandenny, Perthshire, taking inspiration from paintings of Angus stackyards by the eminent landscape artist James McIntosh Patrick.

  The formations in the dance reflect the architecture of the building. The wheels represent the round stacks of corn; the chase represents the passageways outside the main hall; the reel of four represents weaving in and out of the various rooms; and the dance finishes with a celebratory circle representing the main hall, comprised of the two largest stacks.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-20 09:25:21.155502+00
name: Holden Lane
ucname: HOLDEN LANE
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
notes:
  Anna has been a frequent and always popular guest teacher at Brock Summer School and we are
  pleased that one of her dances is in this collection.


created: 1997-09-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-21 11:13:37.420063+00
name: John Sinton's Strathspey
ucname: JOHN SINTONS STRATHSPEY
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description: *A dance for John Sinton, who plays the bass
  in Jim Macleod's band at Dunblane Hydro. A large dance for a large instrument!*

  Furthermore, he writes:

  *There are three basic positions in the dance, because 6th couple dance
  similar figures to 1st couple (but from the opposite end of the set),
  5th couple dance similar figures to 2nd couple, and 4th couple to 3rd couple.*

  and

  *Two repeats are probably sufficient, then
  each couple will have danced from 1st or 6th position, from 2nd or 5th
  position and from 3rd or 4th position.*


created: 2023-04-24 12:15:21.194302+00
last_modified: 2023-04-24 12:15:21.194302+00
name: Master of Linden
ucname: MASTER OF LINDEN
notes:
  The notes say this is a "Tribute to <<ddd:Simmonds, Ian#349>> who establish the Linden Club in Wellington, and taught there for 40 years."


created: 1998-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-25 16:00:52.806844+00
name: Salut Angers
ucname: SALUT ANGERS
devised: 1988-09-10
notes:
  The notes say this "was devised for the occasion of the twinning ceremony of the towns ofWigan and Angers, France, on 10th September 1988."


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-28 17:13:47.345017+00
name: Gang the Same Gate
ucname: GANG THE SAME GATE
intensity_bars: 800 833 833 888
notes:
  ##>>
  More usually written as 'Gang the same gait'.  It means simply, "go the same way" in both the literal and figurative senses of the expression.
  ##<<

  "Gate" in Scottish is related to the Scandinavian "Gata", meaning "Street".

  *Further information from Bruce Herbold:*

  Milton Levy dance names (at least Abbot of Unreason as well as this one) draw on the writings of Sir Walter Scott. In The Heart of Mid Lothian a prisoner is bewailing his fate… "… in the book of Job: “He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head. He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone. And mine hope hath he removed like a tree.”

  “Isna that ower true a doctrine?” said the prisoner “Isna my crown, my honour, removed? And what am I but a poor, wasted, wan-thriven tree, dug up by the roots, and flung out to waste in the highway, that man and beast may tread it under foot? I thought o’ the bonny bit them that our father rooted out o’ the yard last May, when it had a’ the flush o’ blossoms on it; and then it lay in the court till the beasts had trod them a’ to pieces wi’ their feet. I little thought, when I was wae for the bit silly green bush and its flowers, that I was to gang the same gate mysell.”


created: 2023-04-24 11:48:31.172448+00
last_modified: 2023-07-02 10:20:54.506717+00
name: Aileen Logie
ucname: AILEEN LOGIE
devised: 2022-10-06
notes:
  From the notes: "Aileen Logie is one of our local musicians and who plays monthly with the
  Johnsonville Club."


created: 2023-04-23 19:00:50.171466+00
last_modified: 2025-01-04 11:38:39.06837+00
name: Yacht Arion
ucname: YACHT ARION
intensity_bars: 880/882/888/888
devised: 2019-01-24
notes:
  The deviser writes: “Arion, a Greek poet and musician, was the name of Rodney’s ketch, which he sailed to/from and round the Mediterranean for many years. Rodney, a member of the Harrogate SCDC, was a musician which is one of the reasons for the name of his yacht."


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-10-26 18:11:47.912649+00
name: Minister on the Loch, The
ucname: MINISTER ON THE LOCH
intensity_bars: 880 800 808 844
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  The title refers to the portrait by <<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Raeburn|Sir Henry Raeburn>>
  of “Reverend Robert Walker skating on Duddingston Loch”
  (or “The Skating Minister”, for short)
  which now hangs in the
  <<https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/5327|National Gallery of Scotland>>.
  Art and artists were among <<ddp:Goldring, Roy>>’s other great passions.


created: 2018-09-18 16:25:42.451769+00
last_modified: 2023-04-27 02:52:35.241185+00
name: Banks of Boone
ucname: BANKS OF BOONE
intensity_bars: 440/800/844/844
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  To Scottish Country Dancers in Boone, Iowa, and Boone, North Carolina.

  Note 1: The turns on bars 1-8 are similar to the turns of the corners in Pass & Turn, except that 1M on bars 3-4, and 1W on bars 7-8, takes smaller steps to finish in 2nd place own side.

  Note 2: At the end of every second repetition of the dance, 1C finish in 3rd place and step out and down on bars 1-2 of new active couple’s turn. This requires 3W to begin the next repetition by dancing up from 4th place to turn the new 1M. 3W finishes the turn in 3rd place.


created: 2022-10-01 07:49:14.476135+00
last_modified: 2023-04-30 09:45:49.923334+00
name: 5000
ucname: 5000
intensity_bars: 84840/88888/84866/88862
devised: 2020-03-27
notes:
  Devised by Keith Rose, 27 March 2020, to mark the occasion of drawing his 5000th dance diagram since he started at the end of 1991.

  The diagram symbol for a reel of 4 is three circles, which looks like three zeros, and this dance contains five (half) reels of four.


created: 2018-09-18 20:12:43.979956+00
last_modified: 2023-04-27 05:30:36.481334+00
name: Gang Tither Gate
ucname: GANG TITHER GATE
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/888
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Earlier version written in 2012  

  Notes:  
  On bars 9-16 and 25-32, 2C and 3C dance complete 8-bar R3 on own sides. To begin each reel, 2C dance in and down, 3C dance in and up.  
  At the end of bar 24, 1C are in the same position as at the end of bar 8; but on bar 25 they “go the other way” (to the left) to begin the reel.


created: 2023-03-19 13:58:30.632771+00
last_modified: 2023-04-28 16:52:42.0561+00
name: Before the Storm
ucname: BEFORE THE STORM
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/888
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  The choreography came to Steven early one morning as he lay in bed contemplating the moment that can be considered the calm before the ‘storm’ of the day. Ironically, a snowstorm started a few hours later. The dance was first tried by the brave souls who came out to that evening’s Inverarity party (the long-running dance party in the Nealleys’ home in Ardmore, Pennsylvania).


created: 1998-01-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-04-30 10:24:12.100968+00
name: Cork Hornpipe
ucname: CORK HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88/88
notes:
  The “Border style” poussette in this dance seems to refer to "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). In contrast to the standard form, in this poussette the men begin with the right foot. Apparently, at the time of writing (circa 1960), this method of dancing the poussette was danced in the South-East Borders Counties.


created: 2016-08-22 07:54:39.912535+00
last_modified: 2023-04-30 21:57:06.862202+00
name: Long John Diamond
ucname: LONG JOHN DIAMOND
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this was written "for John Ferguson, by his daughter, on the occasion of his sixtieth birthday".


created: 2002-04-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-27 16:48:29.164687+00
name: Father Connelly's Jig
ucname: FATHER CONNELLYS JIG
intensity_bars: 8800/8880/8880/8880/8000/8088/8088/8088
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  (Author's notes)

  NOTE The dance is really two dances each of 32 bars. Bars 9-24 of each dance are similar. 1st couple dance the first part with 2nd and 3rd couples and the second part with 3rd and 4th couples. Either part could be danced separately as a normal  8 X 32 bar dance. The reason for this unusual structure is that the tune contains 64 bars and it was thought that this arrangement would make it less tiring for the dancers than an 8 X 64 bar dance.

  In the half right and left on the diagonal it is essential for the dancers to be in the side lines before changing places with the left hand to leave the centre of the set free for the other dancers.


created: 2011-08-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-03 09:58:10.657295+00
name: Nethy Bridge
ucname: NETHY BRIDGE
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8448/8668
devised: 2006-07-01
notes:
  "Presented to Alison Lamb and Colin Brown on the occasion of their wedding in Edinburgh on 22nd July 2006, by members of New Scotland and Dunedin Dancers."


created: 2023-04-28 10:49:18.553126+00
last_modified: 2024-12-10 21:50:22.144623+00
name: Just Footprints
ucname: JUST FOOTPRINTS
notes:
  My wife Olga McIntosh found a dance with a connection to our new local area: <<ddd:Leasowe Castle#9682>>. Leasowe Castle is at the coast end of the Wirral. IT HAS GLIDE SYMMETRY! This is the transformation that maps a right footprint onto a left footprint and is much less common in SCD than parallel, mirror or anti-parallel reels.

  This has inspired me to write a dance featuring reels with this symmetry. It's based on <<ddd:Catch the Wind#1087>> and is named for our local zero-waste shop (which unfortunately closed down after its move to the new fancier market building - be careful when naming dances after things in case it’s bad luck!).

  Note about role terms: if you and your partner face up toward the band, the Lark is on the Left and the Raven is on the Right.


created: 2023-02-22 00:35:42.298954+00
last_modified: 2024-04-28 21:28:30.811364+00
name: Spring School 2022
ucname: SPRING SCHOOL 2022
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888/888
notes:
  Original source: <<https://youtu.be/ebQ1LZGNo_M|youtube video>>. Subsequently published in the <<ddp:Che-book vol 1#1792|Che-book>>.

  In the diagram for this dance, briefly seen in the video (<<https://youtu.be/ebQ1LZGNo_M?t=20>>) the figure of bars 29-32 is referred to as "Paragraph" and also shows the symbol § which is sometimes used to denote a paragraph or section and here matches the choreography.


created: 2011-05-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-19 16:00:13.873996+00
name: Live Long and Prosper
ucname: LIVE LONG AND PROSPER
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  For Matthias Lang, long-standing member of the FSCDC and among all his other accomplishments a moderate Trekkie, who didn't receive a proper dance from me when he should have. The Helix (in strathspey time) is taken from <<ddd:Hana>> by Alex Gray.

  Note: At the start of this dance, a Vulcan salute (:vulcan_salute:) may be substituted for the customary bow and curtsey.


created: 2002-11-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-01 22:27:51.81057+00
name: 75th Anniversary Reel
ucname: 75TH ANNIVERSARY REEL
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/8888/8000
notes:
  MiniCrib gives the title as "75th Anniversary Reel". The original book as "Federation 75th. Anniversary Reel" which is added as an alias.


created: 2023-05-01 22:37:56.192364+00
last_modified: 2023-05-06 17:12:26.469065+00
name: Marquis of Huntly's Reel
ucname: MARQUIS OF HUNTLYS REEL
notes:
  The notes say this dance is "named for the Chieftain of the Clan Gordon" and that "the tune was the march past of the Gordon Highlanders".

  The introduction to the book says all the dances it contains are reels and the title has "reel". However the tune given is a jig, though that seems unlikely to be used as a march.


created: 2016-08-11 16:32:23.68064+00
last_modified: 2023-05-06 13:58:02.43134+00
name: Altamont Fair
ucname: ALTAMONT FAIR
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/844
notes:
  Alternative name for Peter Price's Compliment to Geoff and Pat Walshe

  Geoff and Pat Walshe were dancers with the New Haven Branch for many years


created: 2002-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-06 14:01:18.671181+00
name: Peter Price's Compliment to Geoff and Pat Walshe
ucname: PETER PRICES COMPLIMENT TO GEOFF AND PAT WALSHE
devised: 1994-09-02
notes:
  Alternative name: Altamont Fair.

  Geoff and Pat Walshe were dancers with the New Haven Branch for many years


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-06 20:48:26.898198+00
name: Glenfeshie
ucname: GLENFESHIE
notes:
  Glen Feshie is a wild remote valley deep in the Scottish Highlands along the lower reaches of the northward-flowing River Feshie, a tributary of the River Spey.  The River Feshie rises from the ridgeline of the north watershed of the thousand-meter  (about 3,300 feet) Grampian Mountains.  The river first flows down through  the dense Glenfeshie Forest and eventually enters the more open glen in  question.  About 1½ miles below the tiny village of Feshiebridge it flows  into the River Spey at a point considerably above the broad valley called Strathspey.
   
  While the river itself is somewhat longer, the  glen with the magnificent 4,000-foot Cairngorm Mountains towering to its east is  only about ten miles long.  One stretch of the  river are particularly "braided," i.e. divided into multiple interlocking  channels.

  (Robb Quint)


created: 2023-05-07 10:53:03.307448+00
last_modified: 2023-07-10 15:09:21.826676+00
name: Fairy Lights
ucname: FAIRY LIGHTS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/0880/8888
devised: 2022-12-01
notes:
  Devised by Wiebke E. Luedtke in December of 2022, trying to reflect the process of disentangling the
  Christmas lights which you could swear you’ve put away neatly but have somehow ended up in one big
  knotted ball again. At the start I always feel quite confident in my de-knotting abilities only to realise at
  some point that I’ve inevitably made it worse and need to retrace my steps to return to the beginning!


created: 2023-05-04 12:04:42.622443+00
last_modified: 2023-12-20 23:50:50.977514+00
name: Daisy, Daisy
ucname: DAISY DAISY
devised: 2012-10-31
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the formation Petronella in Tandem to a class. It is designed to be done as a jig, reel or strathspey.

  Title: As in 'Daisy Bell - Bicycle Built for Two'.


created: 2023-05-02 16:22:02.465262+00
last_modified: 2024-05-03 20:12:24.750776+00
name: Fog on the Fell
ucname: FOG ON THE FELL
notes:
  The notes say this was "suggested by the mists on Waddington Fell after a dance class".

  The <<ddpub:#1681|publication>> attributes this dance to "Isobel Briscoe" but in fact her surname is "Bristow".


created: 2023-05-03 14:05:24.170838+00
last_modified: 2024-07-31 20:59:36.966547+00
name: Click Go the Shears
ucname: CLICK GO THE SHEARS
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  The deviser suggests recording 6380 (Glengarry Homestead by Marion Anderson on The Kangaroo Paw) as alternative. Could also use other Australian folk songs such as Botany Bay and The Wild Colonial Boy as the non-name tunes.


created: 2023-05-03 22:39:54.358931+00
last_modified: 2025-01-04 12:47:25.97796+00
name: Lillian's Century
ucname: LILLIANS CENTURY
intensity_bars: 88888/88880/08088/88888
devised: 2008-09-11
notes:
  Devised "to celebrate Lillian Kirk’s 100th birthday, 11th September 2008, incorporating the number 100 and her initials."


created: 1998-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-07 20:36:39.884848+00
name: Tinker's Reel, The
ucname: TINKERS REEL
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8888 8888 8000 8000
notes:
  The Ormskirk Memorial Edition, edited by Bob Donald, has a final page of "Notes for teachers".  On this dance it says:

  In THE TINKER'S REEL, the tune is given as "Rosin the Beau". This is a JIG but the dance is given as a REEL. I have no explanation for this error, which is quite uncharacteristic of Roy. I do not feel qualified to make an alternative choice of recommended tune. Teachers should therefore make their own choice, informed by competant musicians where possible.    Bob Donald


created: 2003-10-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 10:30:07.647338+00
name: Love Spoon, The
ucname: LOVE SPOON
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/888
devised: 2002-04-01
notes:
  Inscribed "In celebration of the marriage in North Wales of Margaret McQueen-Jones and Francis Devine on 6 July 2002."

  The notes also say that the custom of young men carving and giving "love spoons" to their sweethearts originated in Wales hundreds of years ago.


created: 2023-05-08 09:36:54.905685+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 16:07:01.087431+00
name: Reindeer's Jubilee, A
ucname: REINDEERS JUBILEE
intensity_bars: 8080/0808/5454/7474/2424/6666
devised: 2022-11-01
notes:
  Devised for Rudolf Goerlich-Hansen, the founder of the SCD Lueneburg group, on the occasion of the group’s 10 year anniversary. The name of the dance pays tribute to me repeatedly misspelling his name as ‘Rudolph’ when I first joined the group, until he finally corrected me and exclaimed exasperatedly: “I’m not a reindeer, you know”. We will miss you, Rudolf!


created: 2001-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 12:55:55.823496+00
name: Blue Bonnets
ucname: BLUE BONNETS
intensity_bars: 44 44 80 88
notes:
  <<scddb-not-identical:8753>>

  The dark blue bonnet, or cap, is a typical article of traditional male
  Scottish attire, and it should not come as a big surprise that the
  “blue bonnets” in this case refer to the Scots in arms against the
  English (*All the blue bonnets are o'er the border* – Sir Walter
  Scott).

  During the past few centuries, Scottish military units sported a
  variety of bonnets including the “Balmoral bonnet” (a fairly flat cap
  similar to a beret, but with a cockade and badge at the front left and
  a “toorie” or fluffy woolen pom-pom, usually red, at the centre of the
  crown) and the “Glengarry bonnet” (a more elaborate item more like a
  fore-and-aft or overseas cap, with a cockade, badge, red toorie and
  often a red-and-white diced band at the bottom, cock feathers and long
  streamer ribbons in the back). Nowadays only the Glengarry bonnet
  remains in military use, although the Balmoral bonnet is still popular
  as a part of Highland dress. In *So You're Going to Wear the Kilt*,
  J. Charles Thompson claims that “some of my Scottish advisors […] have
  no use for a Glengarry for anyone of any age who is not forced to wear
  it by military regulations”.

  The music for the dance used to be called *Lesley's March* (its
  namesake, one General Lesley, lived in the 17th century and fought,
  like many other Scots, on the Swedish side in the Thirty-Year War on
  the Continent before returning to Scotland to lead the army of the
  “covenanters” against Cromwell), but was renamed *Blue Bonnets o'er
  the Border* after Sir Walter Scott had come up with appropriate words
  to suit the tune.


created: 2005-03-15 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 12:55:55.873899+00
name: Gold and Silver Strathspey
ucname: GOLD AND SILVER STRATHSPEY
notes:
  <<scddb-not-identical:13569>>

  MiniCrib notes that this was "devised for 75th anniv of RSCDS Kirkcaldy".


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 20:46:40.757209+00
name: Thanksgiving Reel
ucname: THANKSGIVING REEL
notes:
  In the online publication (<<http://www.dancescottish.ca/books_files/Centennial%20Collection.pdf>>) this danced is unnamed and just referred to as "Jig (Lively)". It is not clear how the name "Thanksgiving Reel" was assigned to the dance in SCDDB. As MiniCrib use "Jig (Lively)" that is now added as an alias.

  This was originally entered in SCDDB as a 3 couple dance in a 4 couple set with progression 213. In the online source link it is actually a 4C set dance with progression 2341.


created: 2023-06-20 20:25:56.697633+00
last_modified: 2023-09-14 22:41:29.47668+00
name: London Fog
ucname: LONDON FOG
notes:
  Notes from the deviser: The inspiration for this dance came whilst sat in the main library drinking a (to be honest, not very good) London fog. I’d gone for the comforting mix of earl grey, vanilla, and oat milk to try and alleviate some dissertation stress. Sadly, the caffeine only added to my jitteriness, but from it this lively dance was born.


created: 2011-12-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 12:55:55.946494+00
name: Ladebraes
ucname: LADEBRAES
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  <<scddb-not-identical:3572>>

  Notes: Ladebraes in St Andrews, Scotland is a short cut between South Street and the Boys Brigade Hall used by dancers 'in the know' on the long walk to the hall. Ladebraes was one of the possible titles of The Chequered Court when I wrote it in 2001. However, I decided that Ladebraes sounded like a strathspey rather than a quick time dance, so here is the dance to go with the title!


created: 2004-09-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 12:55:55.96648+00
name: September 1st
ucname: SEPTEMBER 1ST
intensity_bars: 844/633/633/888
notes:
  <<scddb-not-identical:1533>>

  Originally entered in SCDDB with unknown deviser and name "First of September" this dance was later identified as "September 1st" by Fiona Miller.

  The notes say it was "devised in honour of the 40th wedding anniversary of my parents, Netta and Alan Brown, September 1, 1991."


created: 2021-04-05 09:13:45.706865+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 15:11:09.9618+00
name: Westward Bound
ucname: WESTWARD BOUND
intensity_bars: 800/844/866/866
notes:
  This dance is written for Alice Cuneo who is heading west to Perth to be closer to her family.

  This was originally entered in SCDDB as a 9/8 Jig, but the recommended recording, The Greenbelt Jig, sounds like a standard jig so the dance entry is changed to that.


created: 2018-08-27 23:02:49.558803+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 17:13:31.087632+00
name: 100 years behind us!, A
ucname: 100 YEARS BEHIND US
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  Dance devised by Jennie Hartley with input from members to commemorate the Centenary of Watford and West Herts Scottish Society.  

  Bars 25-28 represent the 1, bars 5-8 represent 00 - making the 100.


created: 2020-04-24 23:43:36.046559+00
last_modified: 2024-12-04 11:37:16.117035+00
name: All Shall Be Well
ucname: ALL SHALL BE WELL
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888
devised: 2020-03-01
notes:
  “All shall be well and all manner of things shall be well” was the motto of Julian of Norwich, a 14th century woman who survived the Black Death and later became an anchoress, walling herself up in the tower of St Julian’s church after a series of religious visions. She described her views of a benevolent loving deity to those visiting her cell and also in a book, the earliest surviving work by a woman writing in English. This was suppressed by the church, but copies were preserved by an order of nuns until its popular rediscovery in the 20th century. In these times of mass self-isolation even atheist dance devisers may take comfort from her optimism.

  As a woman known by a male name, she is represented here by both members of 1st couple who are isolated in the centre for bars 17-24. The last 8 bars depict the ringing of church bells. Although hands would normally be taken here, this phrase may also be danced hands free. The dancers should align in geometric cross shapes at the end of bars 13, 15 and 19.


created: 2017-11-10 16:35:37.510322+00
last_modified: 2025-12-21 11:26:36.308627+00
name: Flower Lady, The
ucname: FLOWER LADY
intensity_bars: 808/880/800/804
devised: 2016-11-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Marie-Noëlle Dubey whose beauty of character was reflected in the floral arrangements she made each year for the Geneva Spring Dance.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 18:48:14.524903+00
name: Mr & Mrs Richard McLaughlin of San Diego
ucname: MR AND MRS RICHARD MACLAUGHLIN OF SAN DIEGO
devised: 1992-01-19
notes:
  Inscribed to "Marjorie Easton and Richard McLaughlin, who were married in San Diego, on January 18, 1992."


created: 2011-03-09 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 18:55:34.165568+00
name: Round and Roundabout
ucname: ROUND AND ROUNDABOUT
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Beatrix "Bexi" Wepner to celebrate her birthday in November 2010. The title, in either English or Austrian, fits a number of formations in the dance.

  Note: The 'circulating knot' was introduced independently by Sue McKinnell (in the USA) and Heiko Schmidt (in Austria) at the same time.


created: 2001-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 18:59:23.539383+00
name: Well Done, Bernard!!
ucname: WELL DONE BERNARD
intensity_bars: 800 866 844 888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  To Dr. Bernard Kaiman on receiving the RSCDS Scroll of Honour in july 1999, and presented at English Mountain Weekend 1999

  The elements of this dance have the following symbolic associations:
  1-8      the pattern danced on the floor is a mirrored "B" for Bernard
  9-16    _crown_ triangles for the _Royal_ Scottish Country Dance Society
  17-24  depicts the fellowship and fun of SCD, which Bernard always epitomized
  25-32  symbolizes the worldwide family of dancers to which we all belong


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 19:22:27.728497+00
name: Highland Lass, The
ucname: HIGHLAND LASS
intensity_bars: 844 844 880 844
devised: 1728-01-01
notes:
  In Book 30 the RSCDS says this dance was adapted from a 1728 edition of the Playford dances. A version of the dance was also published in an earlier edition of Playford dating from 1718. The latter is available online at <<https://playforddances.com/dances-2-3/highland-lass-2/>>. Some discussion of this can be found in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2967/|issue 2967>>.


created: 1998-09-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 19:43:29.864568+00
name: Munro Rant, The
ucname: MUNRO RANT
intensity_bars: 80 88 88 88
notes:
  This was originally published as a 3c dance; 1c then cross below 3c on [5].  It would be useful to look up in which editions of the RDCDS books and Pocket Books this change was made.


created: 2001-03-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 19:57:32.124691+00
name: Scallywag, The
ucname: SCALLYWAG
intensity_bars: 800/866/844/866/800
devised: 1997-02-01
notes:
  The notes say this is an "appropriately flirtatious dance, composed February 1997 to honor Mikkel Thompson on reaching his half century."

  An early SCDDB comment suggested that *the demonstrations by the Alamo dem team show that there is an error in the original instructions for bars [33-34]: 1c meets with Rsh, not Lsh as stated, and then joins RH.* However current versions of the instructions  just mention joining RH.


created: 1998-01-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-08 22:10:16.533911+00
name: Drunken Parson, The
ucname: DRUNKEN PARSON
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
notes:
  This dance was originally labeled as “Reel”. As the recommended tune is a jig, and hence all recordings are also in Jig time, the editors of "The Whetherly Books" felt it appropriate to change the dance type to “Jig” as well (2023-05-08).  
  The “Border style” poussette in this dance seems to refer to "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). In contrast to the standard form, in this poussette the men begin with the right foot. Apparently, at the time of writing (circa 1960), this method of dancing the poussette was danced in the South-East Borders Counties.


created: 2006-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 07:57:09.655313+00
name: Accordion Player, The
ucname: ACCORDION PLAYER
intensity_bars: 844 844 888 844
notes:
  Dedicated to Liz Donaldson, great musician and piano player, who impressed us al whenshe took up the accordion!


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

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

  Gaye Collin


created: 2014-02-15 07:24:02.078683+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 08:03:39.598701+00
name: Ann of Scotia
ucname: ANN OF SCOTIA
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/888
devised: 2013-11-01
notes:
  Devised by Chris and Sue Ronald, November 2013, to honor Ann Hankins’ extraordinary contribution to Scotia Dancers in New York.

  Original text:

  Bars	

  1-4	(Cuddle cast) 1st couple dance towards partner, face up, touch nearer hands and cast to second place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4. 

  5-8	1st couple set advancing, turn ½ way with both hands and pivot pulling right shoulder back on the last bar to face first corners. 

  9-16	(Set and flirt) 1st couple set to first corners, and dance around each other by right shoulder (gypsy) to face second corners; repeat with second corners, and finish on own side in second place, facing out.

  17-20	1st couple dance a loop (by right shoulder) around third corners and pass each other by right shoulder up and down the centre of the set while third corners ½ turn with right hand, face each other, and dance into each other’s place on a curve, pulling right shoulder back (½ turn and twirl).

  21-24	Repeat bars 17-20 with fourth corners. On the last two bars, 1st couple pass right shoulder to finish in second place on opposite side.

  25-32	All chase clockwise half way (4 bars) then all turn partner once round with both hands.  
  Repeat having passed a couple.


created: 2002-11-18 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 08:08:47.352411+00
name: Banks of the Limmat, The
ucname: BANKS OF THE LIMMAT
intensity_bars: 804/840/800/888
notes:
  Inscribed to Prue Brunner, who was president of the Zurich Scottish Country Dancing Club for 20 years.


created: 2009-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 08:34:15.497327+00
name: Courting Couples
ucname: COURTING COUPLES
intensity_bars: 80800 83863 83863 84888
notes:
  Written for the many couples who have met and courted most elegantly while dancing in the Kuckucksnest over the past 20 years.  It replaces the 3C/4L dance "The Courting Couple", which Carola wants to discontinue.


created: 2021-08-20 15:06:02.062957+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 08:35:20.154606+00
name: Dance for Donna, A
ucname: DANCE FOR DONNA
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/888
devised: 2016-02-26
notes:
  Devised on February 26, 2016, for Donna Campbell, long time friend and fellow member of St Andrew’s of Brampton.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 09:58:50.611715+00
name: 35 Years and Counting
ucname: 35 YEARS AND COUNTING
intensity_bars: 800/844/866/888
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Terry Lynne Harris, Pretoria 2007.

  Written for the 35th anniversary of the Pretoria Branch of the RSCDS


created: 2001-06-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-03 13:51:08.349466+00
name: Tribute to Jimmy Strachan
ucname: TRIBUTE TO JIMMY STRACHAN
notes:
  SCDDB has listed the tune Lily Davison for this dance.

  However the instructions mention three different tunes: Tribute to J. Shand (not known to the database); Orange and Blue; The Fiddlers Joy.


created: 2015-03-29 23:31:46.920022+00
last_modified: 2024-06-03 12:07:23.427665+00
name: 40 Years Together
ucname: 40 YEARS TOGETHER
intensity_bars: 8228/8888/8888/8448/8888
devised: 2005-08-07
notes:
  Dance devised by Helen Beaney to celebrate the Ruby Wedding Anniversary on 7th August 2005 of her parents, Jill Down and Frank Bonar, who first met through Scottish Country Dancing.
  Music composed by John Barnes of the Dublin Scottish Country Dance Club.


created: 2012-06-12 13:18:40.688418+00
last_modified: 2025-12-13 09:06:04.941768+00
name: Berkhamsted Castle
ucname: BERKHAMSTED CASTLE
intensity_bars: 822/888/800/888
devised: 2010-10-01
notes:
  Berkhamsted was where in 1066 Saxon leaders offered the crown of England to William of Normandy. The castle’s construction was begun that year. The dance was devised to celebrate 60 years of friendship at Berkhamsted Strathspey & Reel Club and depicts the castle motte and bailey whilst echoing the club’s Diamond Jubilee through it’s patterns.


created: 2011-07-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 08:53:06.546733+00
name: Grand Central Station
ucname: GRAND CENTRAL STATION
intensity_bars: 804/888/888/888
notes:
  Devised in December 2008. 

  As this is quite a busy dance, particularly bars 17-24, it brought an image of Grand Central Station to mind.

  Music
  Any busy jig. A suitable recording is ‘The Alder Burn‘, Dancing Forth, Gordon Shand and his Scottish Dance Band, track 4.


created: 2006-10-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 09:01:09.612972+00
name: Heart of Midlothian F.C., The
ucname: HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN FC
intensity_bars: 804/844/866/888
devised: 2004-04-01
notes:
  A freely downloadable recording of music for this dance is available via <<http://www.fiddletree-music.com/johnturner/scdrecordings.html>>  

  Devised by Moira Turner, SCD-Richmond VA, April 2004, for my dad, James Randall Duffy, born on The Pleasance, Edinburgh, in 1915.  Despite growing up in the Irish-Scots immigrant community of the Cowgate, he was one of The Heart of Midlothian FC’s staunchest supporters ever and a member of the Edina HSC.  ‘Forever and Ever’ was a spirit song popular with Hearts’ fans in the mid-1950s.  The title was borrowed for the dance’s signature tune.


created: 2019-02-21 09:12:17.958618+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 09:06:20.444262+00
name: Ian's Delight
ucname: IANS DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 804/844/888/888
devised: 2018-02-01
notes:
  Dedicated to the memory of Ian Ross, a dear friend and fellow-dancer who, together with his devoted partner, Marmie Smith, epitomised the joyfulness of Scottish country dancing.


created: 2019-05-25 21:55:10.613181+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 09:13:53.869658+00
name: John of Dumbarton
ucname: JOHN OF DUMBARTON
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  In bars 33-36, for the touch nearer hands, the deviser Isabel Neves wants people to touch palms with fingers pointing upwards and maintaining contact for as long as possible, roughly two bars.

  The dance was devised in memory of John Corcoran who died in 2018. He was one of the directors of St Andrews College Summer School, in Bearsden.

  The deviser writes that he was "a great man, very active in his community. And very nice and kind. He would take me on trips and almost make me feel I was Scottish, not a tourist. The closest I had to a Scottish father.  I felt like a real Scot on a weekend trip the few times he took me somewhere. My first fish and chips, in Callander, ice cream in beautiful Luss come to mind. And he took a day to take me to Loch Katrine, to do the tour on the steamship I've been dreaming of since I was eighteen."


created: 2003-12-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 09:15:14.400614+00
name: Kristin MacDonald's Strathspey
ucname: KRISTIN MACDONALDS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/808/888/888
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  From the deviser's notes:

  Devised in Ithaca,  New York,  USA in September,  1992 and modified in June 1997.
  Kristin is my wife.  This was the first dance I ever wrote.

  Note that the preferred recording (Ms Gillian McMullen Of Cambridge) is played four times through although this is a three couple set dance.


created: 2022-08-05 22:47:46.819114+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 09:32:52.627517+00
name: Matt's Wedding
ucname: MATTS WEDDING
intensity_bars: 8008/8008/4044/8000/8088
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  Devised for the wedding of Emmy Wilkinson to Matt Dunn at Fingask Castle on 9th August 2022.
  This is a strathspey version of Emmy's Wedding


created: 2023-05-09 09:54:59.657678+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 10:52:06.611571+00
name: Scotched-In
ucname: SCOTCHEDIN
devised: 2022-04-01
notes:
  The notes say that "This dance was devised for a Tartan/Burns Dinner which was first held in April 2022, where all who were gathered were scotched in".


created: 2017-08-02 14:35:47.74232+00
last_modified: 2024-03-23 16:10:22.799198+00
name: Glenoe
ucname: GLENOE
intensity_bars: 880/808/844/888
devised: 2017-03-23
notes:
  Devised by Daphne Jones, 23rd March 2017, for Elma McCausland MBE, who lives at Glenoe, Bangor, Co. Down


created: 2014-05-19 14:57:00.620248+00
last_modified: 2025-11-17 15:12:23.181696+00
name: Janice
ucname: JANICE
intensity_bars: 888/800/866/844
devised: 2013-06-01
notes:
  Devised in June 2013 by Lara Friedman-Shedlov (lfriedmanshedlov [at] gmail.com) for Janice Lacock, now of Madison, Wisconsin.

  Music:   "I would prefer a traditional-style Strathspey (not an air); there is no designated tune as of yet."


created: 2016-03-06 11:51:36.029243+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 10:33:52.996786+00
name: Mrs Carmichael of Okataina
ucname: MRS CARMICHAEL OF OKATAINA
intensity_bars: 822/844/844/888
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Devised by George Roberts to celebrate Joan Carmichael's birthday which coincided with the Saltash
  Scottish Country Dance Club's Annual Christmas Social held on Saturday 10th December 2005.  

  "Heagy" and Joan Carmichael used to run the Saltash Scottish Country Dance Club for many years.
  "Okataina" is the name of their house. They were instrumental in encouraging Scottish country dancing in Cornwall.  

  George Roberts plays the accordion and is lead of the Scottish Country dance Band, "Celtic Capers" and was playing for the dance that evening. When George plays this "live" he likes to use as the first tune "Peter Sanderson's Strathspey" which is the first tune played by Hugh Ferguson on Reflections of Dalriada, track 2 for the strathspey "The Red Rose of Dunoon" which is a 4 x 32 bar strathspey.


created: 2020-03-09 22:27:19.243275+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 10:41:35.782479+00
name: Nur gucken, nicht anfassen
ucname: NUR GUCKEN NICHT ANFASSEN
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/822
notes:
  Source used : Dance List for SF Hildesheim - <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/list/23114/|Mitbringsel Hannover 2019-06-18a>>


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

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


created: 2005-01-20 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 10:50:32.462458+00
name: Pittencrieff Panic
ucname: PITTENCRIEFF PANIC
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2004-05-08
notes:
  Seonaid Gent provided the instructions for this dance and commented :

  "Pittencrieff Panic was a group of my friends (calling themselves the Town  House Posse) to celebrate my wedding to David on 8 May 2004.  The reception was held in the Glen Pavillion in Pittencrief Park in Dunfermline.  The Panic bit comes from the fact that it was only when they were having tea in between attending the wedding ceremony and coming to the evening reception that they realised no-one had written a dance for us."

  Strathspey mailing group, Jan. 22, 2005, Message 40364, 
  <<https://www.strathspey.org/lists/strathspey%40strathspey.org/t/40359/#m40364>>


created: 2021-05-03 16:16:32.003656+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 10:56:00.676951+00
name: Seal of Approval, The
ucname: SEAL OF APPROVAL
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/088
devised: 2021-05-01
notes:
  Devised on May 1, 2021, after the Friday night Zoom class when Deirdre Bark taught her new dance, Selkie Fowk (Seal People in English, from an old Scottish legend) and Arlene Koteff gave it her seal of approval.


created: 2018-12-03 15:56:48.395555+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 11:02:23.143687+00
name: Skeely Skipper, The
ucname: SKEELY SKIPPER
intensity_bars: 840/880/888/888/668
devised: 2016-01-18
notes:
  The dance takes its title from the opening lines of the ballad Sir Patrick Spens  
  The King sits in Dunfermline toun,  
  Drinkin the blude-reid wine  
  'O whaur will I get a skeely skipper  
  Tae sail this new ship o mine?'


created: 2021-09-07 20:28:52.386649+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 11:22:23.138397+00
name: Twenty-five Glorious Years
ucname: TWENTYFIVE GLORIOUS YEARS
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2010-05-01
notes:
  Devised in May 2010 for Paul Maloney to celebrate his 25th anniversary as the revered teacher of St Andrew’s of Brampton. This dance was premiered on September 22, 25 years and 4 days after Paul began teaching the group.


created: 2001-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 11:38:30.242403+00
name: Bespoke Taylors
ucname: BESPOKE TAYLORS
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/844
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote this dance for the Taylors of Dargaville, New Zealand. 

  Note: During Bars 25-32, 1st man dances up both times, while 1st woman dances down both times, to enter the half reels of four.


created: 1997-08-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 11:51:25.187673+00
name: Cabrach, The
ucname: CABRACH
intensity_bars: 440 888 888 888
notes:
  "This dance can be used to introduce the 3-couple allemande in reel time and as an introduction to dancing a medley - 32 bar strathspey -  32 bar reel, each couple dancing once through in strathspey time and  then in reel time for their second turn."  Also danced as medley; as S for 1c and 2c, as Reel for 3c and 4c.


created: 2002-04-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 12:39:30.401217+00
name: Castle Campbell
ucname: CASTLE CAMPBELL
intensity_bars: 8000/8220/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  The notes say "This strathspey was written for Ellen and Lynnette Campbell who visited me in 1995 for a delightful tour of Scotland. "


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 12:56:22.473046+00
name: Duchess Tree, The
ucname: DUCHESS TREE
intensity_bars: 888 888 880 880
devised: 1971-01-01
notes:
  Drewry writes" The Duchess Tree was a lime tree in the grounds of Gordon Castle at Fochabers. It spread to vast proportions and, when measured in 1911, had a girth of 17 feet 5 inches and a circumference of
  144 yards. Sadly the tree is no more but was famous in its time and marked on ordnance survey maps. (I am indebted to Margaret Cooke of Forres for this information.)


created: 2002-11-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 13:09:21.791462+00
name: Laird of the Dance, The
ucname: LAIRD OF THE DANCE
devised: 1998-07-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Bob Blackie. The title comes from the description of Bob in the "Globe and Mail" from Toronto, Friday, July 10, 1998. Bob died May 25, 1998, age 62.


created: 2016-09-05 23:19:27.395769+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 13:21:45.685964+00
name: Muckle Muddle, The
ucname: MUCKLE MUDDLE
devised: 2013-05-02
notes:
  Objective: Fun and novelty

  Music: A Strathspey set under four minutes works best

  Suggest: “Leaving Benbecula” by Nicol McLaren on the Craigievar Dances album.


created: 2002-04-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 13:24:44.858564+00
name: No Mean Feet
ucname: NO MEAN FEET
notes:
  "Dedicated to Maureen Vivino, longtime renegade and leader of the Ithaca Scottish Country Dancers; an all round good dancer, great friend, and noted vegetarian. The name of the dance came up during an after-dance get together and, to me, is suggestive of the ability and the attitude that she brings to her own dancing and the spirit she inspires in others. The dance was inspired by her cast off in tandem modification, for a demo, to a Strathspey That Shall Remain Nameless."


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 13:42:56.42175+00
name: Swiss Lassie
ucname: SWISS LASSIE
intensity_bars: 840 880 884 484
notes:
  In memory of Judith Binder


  The following corrections were included on a loose sheet "Notes on Dances by Bob Grant June 1996", when Book 39 was first sold in the Summer School bookshop:

  9-16  2nd man & 1st woman need to be beginning to dance out at end of reel

  17-20  2nd woman and 1st man should dance to end of reel before following partners


created: 2016-11-01 12:48:01.71573+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 13:48:38.285795+00
name: Toast to the Mousies
ucname: TOAST TO THE MOUSIES
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2016-09-30
notes:
  Notes from the leaflet:

  Devised by Sara Gratiot, San Francisco Branch, Sept. 2016 Inspired by the tune “Toast to the Mousies” composed by Keith Smith in 2008 The tune has always tickled me and it needed a dance!

  When asked what prompted the tune, Keith responded: “There have been a number of mice incidents over the years but one in particular was trying to humanely catch and eject small cute field-mice that were making rather loud munching noises in my house whilst a pal and I were trying to record Scottish music...”

  About the dance, Sara shares: “I first heard Keith’s tune “Toast to the Mousies” in a set by the same name on the CD, Highland Shortbread, with Keith Smith and Muriel Johnstone, released by Scotscores in 2009. The tune just makes me happy, and I thought it needed a light, fun, whisker-wiggling, tail-twitching dance. The dance was finally devised for the Sunday morning combined class at the San Francisco Branch’s Annual Asilomar Weekend Workshop in 2016. Bars 9–16 honor our kept creatures that get their exercise on a wheel. Bars 17–24 depict the skittering into and out of mouseholes and hidey-holes.”


created: 2020-12-20 22:55:10.41011+00
last_modified: 2023-05-09 13:54:56.200186+00
name: Virtual Happiness
ucname: VIRTUAL HAPPINESS
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888
devised: 2020-12-01
notes:
  This dance is written to thank all the scd dance groups, musicians, tech wizards and teachers who are putting a great deal of time and effort into keeping Scottish Country dancing alive and well during this pandemic.  From the RSCDS weekly Wednesday classes to the smallest online groups (like mine), we are keeping dancers connected and, hopefully, in shape until we can return to normal.


created: 2018-10-09 10:40:56.109385+00
last_modified: 2023-05-15 06:24:39.979285+00
name: There and Back Again
ucname: THERE AND BACK AGAIN
intensity_bars: 840/880/844/888
devised: 2014-12-01
notes:
  Written for a geek night celebrating the release of the hobbit movie.  
  The dance was originally labeled as a jig (as per online source). With the suggested music being a reel though, the deviser being asked stated: "The music is always the defining tempo. So this dance is a reel."


created: 2015-07-20 12:25:53.310694+00
last_modified: 2023-05-10 11:17:05.628523+00
name: Apple for the Teacher, An
ucname: APPLE FOR THE TEACHER
devised: 2001-11-07
notes:
  SCDDB lists two tunes though the instructions only mention Val Mitchell's Reel (which is a jig). Possibly the other tune "An Apple for the Teacher" is a mistaken duplicate based on the dance name? To be checked.


created: 2020-11-26 18:33:16.495042+00
last_modified: 2023-05-12 07:26:03.050069+00
name: Amelia Frances Charlotte Wood
ucname: AMELIA FRANCES CHARLOTTE WOOD
intensity_bars: 880/880/808/808
devised: 2020-09-01
notes:
  Written to celebrate Katie and Alistair’s new baby.

  The figures in 1-8 and 17-24 are a variation on the <<ddd:Seann Triubhas Willichan#5982>> variation that Dale and Polly Birdsall devised and put into the dance <<ddd:One More Time#20062>>.

  Originally intended as a strathspey but later changed to a jig.


created: 2000-04-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-14 17:29:52.188837+00
name: Tweedsmuir Tangle
ucname: TWEEDSMUIR TANGLE
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  The description calls this a 4 couple reel in a longwise set, but only the first three couples dance, and the progression is (213), so it is obviously a 3C/4L dance.


created: 2023-05-14 20:56:23.38633+00
last_modified: 2023-05-14 21:35:03.601473+00
name: Dymkovo Patterns
ucname: DYMKOVO PATTERNS
notes:
  Source: youtube videos.

  Dymkovo toys are traditionally hand made by women from the Kirov region in Russia.


created: 1998-04-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-15 09:15:47.999214+00
name: Haggis Hunters, The
ucname: HAGGIS HUNTERS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8080/0808/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  The original instructions for Figure 2 just have "All dance eight hands round to the left" without specifying how far. In practise half way round, as shown in the videos, seems to fit well.


created: 2019-05-12 08:56:01.984326+00
last_modified: 2023-05-18 12:34:40.598689+00
name: Maxwell's Waves
ucname: MAXWELLS WAVES
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  The dance was commissioned by the Orkney International Science Festival in 2012 to celebrate the life of physicist James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) who is best known for unifying the theories of electricity and magnetism and showing that light is an electromagnetic wave.

  The comments on the <<https://youtu.be/WvhYB1Fmr80|youtube video>> give a lot more detail about him.

  This is also <<https://www.scottishcountrydanceoftheday.com/daysoftheyear/maxwell's-waves|Scottish Country Dance of the Day>> for 13 June which was Maxwell's birthday.


created: 2000-11-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-16 07:36:54.328902+00
name: Here's a Hand
ucname: HERES A HAND
intensity_bars: 8800/8880/8888/8444
notes:
  Medley, first 2 times in Strathspey time, 3rd and 4th in Reel  
  Suitable recordings: *Schiehallion* or *1314*


created: 2014-05-26 20:51:01.891985+00
last_modified: 2023-08-24 22:07:43.674086+00
name: Fifty-two Summers
ucname: FIFTYTWO SUMMERS
intensity_bars: 8080/0808/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2013-07-19
notes:
  SCDDB originally linked the tune <<ddt:Six-Twenty Two Step>> but this is not mentioned in the instructions in the <<ddpub:Riverside Dances>> book so it has now been removed and replaced by the two tunes which are listed there.


created: 2013-01-21 23:11:03.264239+00
last_modified: 2023-05-15 09:23:14.334942+00
name: Niles Roberts' Farewell to Pasadena
ucname: NILES ROBERTS FAREWELL TO PASADENA
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 888
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  When this dance was originally published the suggested tune was <<ddt:Burns' Night#3050>>. This is now replaced by <<ddt:Doug Macdonald's Birthday#13156>> which was subsequently written for the dance as a present to the deviser from his wife <<ddp:Anthea Macdonald#3308|Anthea>>.

  Advice for Teachers (from the deviser)

  The main focus in teaching this dance should be an emphasis on smooth and natural flow between the half-reels which make up bars 9-24 of this dance. The primary rule is that there should be no sharp corners and no sudden changes of direction in these reels. The half reels of bars 9-12 and 17-20 are oriented primarily along the diagonal, while the half reels of bars 13-16 and 21-24 are primarily on the sidelines. So, it requires a little bit of thought and physical effort to make those those half reels flow effortlessly and naturally from one to the next. With that in mind, here is some advice.

  1. At the end of the first and third half reels on the diagonal, first couple should be ready to blend into a half reel on the sidelines, but they should not be in the middle of the sidelines at the end of bar 12. Keep in mind that second corners are starting from a standing start after setting, so first couple should be approaching the sideline, but not yet quite there.

  2. At the end of bars 13-16, first couple should dance as if they’re intending to come shoulder-to-shoulder to re-form the first corner diagonal, but they should not come fully shoulder-to-shoulder. That would require too sharp a turn to go out the sideline in a graceful way. Instead, first couple should BEND their motion toward the sidelines when they’re about a meter away off each other’s starboard bow. I hope that nautical metaphor makes sense.

  At the end of bar 24, first couple should end up left-shoulder-to-left-shoulder ready to give left hands for a half-turn. Their left-hand half turn should take two bars, and should be exactly a half turn, ensuring that they don’t interfere with the supporting couples crossing the set. They’ll take four bars to dance out the end of the set and cast left into the sidelines, which synchronizes them with the phrasing of the first couple.

  The dance is fairly leisurely-paced, but bars 27-30 may require careful attention to phrasing.

  1. Bars 27-30: First couple has four bars to dance from the middle of the set out the end and cast to the sidelines. They should try to gauge where the sideline is, and be in line with the corners for the final setting.

  2. Bars 29-30: Second corners are changing places on the sideline AND doing a courtesy turn before the final setting. So they particularly may need to lengthen their steps substantially to make that work gracefully.


created: 2005-02-20 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-15 13:49:30.950849+00
name: Raising The Anchor
ucname: RAISING THE ANCHOR
intensity_bars: 88800/80888/80008/80004
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  No specific tune recommended for this dance by its author. Iain Boyd stated in an e-mail: "However, my original comments are: Any suitable reel with a hornpipe 'flavour' played AABB."


created: 2019-11-01 08:02:34.542881+00
last_modified: 2023-05-15 16:53:55.131172+00
name: Owen Sutherland's Reel
ucname: OWEN SUTHERLANDS REEL
intensity_bars: 844/888/800/822/844
notes:
  Devised in memory of Owen Sutherland, a much loved and appreciated member of Javea SCD who also enthusiastically attended the Iberian Gatherings for many years.

  The preferred tune is <<ddt:Sutherland's Reel>> (as recorded by <<ddp:#3018>> on <<dda:#115>>) but there is no connection to Owen Sutherland other than the surname.


created: 2022-06-25 15:10:28.731905+00
last_modified: 2023-05-18 08:39:44.461364+00
name: Bird Man, The
ucname: BIRD MAN
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
notes:
  Dance written in memory of Peter Hawkey who died in 2006. Peter was Warden on the Farne Islands for many years and it was extremely interesting to listen to him talking about the bird life, especially the Puffins. Peter and his wife Joyce rarely missed local dances and travelled great distances to go to dances in other areas and abroad.


created: 2002-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-18 03:29:48.097777+00
name: Gothenburg's Welcome
ucname: GOTHENBURGS WELCOME
intensity_bars: 400/12,12,12/844/888
notes:
  This dance was devised by Bobby Munro to mark the occasion of the 1st Scandinavian Scottish Weekend Course in Gothenburg by the Gothenburg Branch.


created: 2002-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-02 12:30:15.499675+00
name: King's Croft
ucname: KINGS CROFT
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  3 X 32 Reel for 3 two-couple sets in spokes of wheel formation, evenly spaced.  Devised for the RSCDS London Branch Demonstration Class. On their video the dance is referred to as The Bousfield Reel.


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-16 21:06:42.360518+00
name: Silver Strand, The
ucname: SILVER STRAND
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
notes:
  Alexander Dances, Book 8 instructs 1st corners to turn 1 1/2 times with the right hand on bars 19-20 .  The finishing order would be 2 1 3 with 2C and 3C on opposite sides.  If they turn once only the progression becomes 3 1 2 with all on own sides which is a valid progression in a 3 couple set.


created: 2017-06-18 15:07:35.173256+00
last_modified: 2023-05-18 17:24:51.83776+00
name: SandBJ
ucname: SANDBJ
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  The deviser has changed bars 9-16 from the printed original.  The original instructions had all dancing just 6 bars of a 3 couple Knot in 8 bars, omitting the last half LH turn. 

  This has now been changed to add an extra half LH turn. All still end on opposite sides. This version is shown in video 1 (<<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dancevideo/9620/>>).


created: 2022-10-01 08:00:10.485439+00
last_modified: 2023-05-17 22:27:38.979861+00
name: Bonsoir Roland
ucname: BONSOIR ROLAND
intensity_bars: 880/888/800/844
devised: 2021-01-29
notes:
  Devised by Wouter Joubert, 29 January 2021, for Roland Telle of the E-cribs team.  
  As l lay awake in the early hours of the morning, stressing about my upcoming 12 hour online exam, this dance finally came together. The early morning inspiration and the fact that Roland and l usually correspond late at night via email inspired the title of the dance.


created: 1997-08-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-19 18:24:30.081027+00
name: Bicycle Reel, The
ucname: BICYCLE REEL
notes:
  According to the notes "The first pedal bicycle was made by Kirkpatrick Macmillan of Dumfriesshire in 1839."

  The symbolism is given as:  
  1-8: The wheels  
  9-16: Handlebars and saddle  
  17-24:Bicycle chain  
  25-32: Off on a joumey


created: 2023-05-16 21:56:13.666791+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 17:36:29.018229+00
name: Creator of Intricacies, The
ucname: CREATOR OF INTRICACIES
intensity_bars: 660/828/888/888
devised: 2023-03-28
notes:
  Inscribed "in honour of Murrough Landon, who delights in devising intricate dances."

  A 3x32 recording played by <<ddp:Joubert, Wouter#3179>> is available at <<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KuPpyBhvb-XbvqQ2zURK-XmuM7gymzn7/view>>.


created: 2023-05-13 10:56:05.718596+00
last_modified: 2023-05-20 08:27:01.599082+00
name: San Siro Reel, The
ucname: SAN SIRO REEL
notes:
  Planned to be in the embryonic Milan Scottish Country Dancers Collection. 

  Original music by Michael Philip.


created: 2023-05-20 09:02:23.884113+00
last_modified: 2023-05-20 09:02:23.884113+00
name: Too Much
ucname: TOO MUCH
notes:
  Devised by dancers in Tomsk. A 32 bar demonstration called "Too Much" repeated in jig, strathspey and reel. The names of the devisers are not yet known to the database editors.


created: 2023-05-20 22:36:10.343279+00
last_modified: 2023-05-22 07:17:54.838629+00
name: Rowan's Welcome
ucname: ROWANS WELCOME
devised: 2023-05-19
notes:
  Devised to mark the visit to Frankfurt by Rowan the sheep, the RSCDS Young Dancers' mascot, in May, 2023.


created: 2023-05-22 14:07:01.366687+00
last_modified: 2023-05-22 14:07:01.366687+00
name: Summertown Circulation
ucname: SUMMERTOWN CIRCULATION
notes:
  The notes say this was "written for RSCDS Oxfordshire who dance in Summertown, Oxford on Thursday nights."


created: 2023-04-04 10:41:28.808927+00
last_modified: 2023-05-24 13:44:36.326471+00
name: George Taylor's Strathspey
ucname: GEORGE TAYLORS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/808
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  The dance was written for one of the members of the Lisbon Lapa group, called Jorge Alfaiate (the Portuguese word alfaiate means tailor in English).

  The dance was originally mistakenly entered in the database as "Jorge Taylor's Strathspey" which is kept as a spelling alias.


created: 1997-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-26 19:50:54.344338+00
name: Firth Jig, The
ucname: FIRTH JIG
intensity_bars: 000088/080888/444488/808088/080888/808088
notes:
  The notes suggest that dancing this 3 times is sufficient. For all to return to original places needs 12 times.


created: 1997-09-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-26 20:04:33.906743+00
name: Flower of Yarrow, The
ucname: FLOWER OF YARROW
intensity_bars: 800/822/877/837
notes:
  According to the notes "The Flower of Yarrow was the name given to Mary Scott of Dryhope in the Border Ballads."


created: 2023-04-24 12:02:35.536896+00
last_modified: 2023-05-26 22:40:15.289281+00
name: Two Roses, The
ucname: TWO ROSES
devised: 2023-01-16
notes:
  The notes in the book say that "the half turn and cast reels resemble the rose progression, and here the idea is that these celebrate the two roses, Lancaster and York, to form the Tudor rose, which is represented by the espagnole."


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-27 17:30:29.52471+00
name: Irene's Rant
ucname: IRENES RANT
devised: 1975-03-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For Irene Lodge of Paisley".

  The notes say the dance was originally devised in March 1975, but bars 29-32 were revised in December 1986.


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-27 17:37:22.339128+00
name: Jacobite Ladies Of Murrayshall, The
ucname: JACOBITE LADIES OF MURRAYSHALL
notes:
  Murrayshall, near Stirling, the home of William Wilson, an Edinburgh lawyer and his three daughters, was a centre of Jacobite intrigue. The daughters became known locally a "the three Jacobite ladies of Murrayshall".


created: 2020-09-24 08:49:59.267013+00
last_modified: 2025-07-17 10:46:22.730033+00
name: Darlington Dancer, The
ucname: DARLINGTON DANCER
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8888/8668/8888
devised: 2020-03-13
notes:
  Devised to celebrate a significant birthday for Pat Stevenson, 13 March 2020. Although Pat has lived in Western Australia for a long time she is originally from Darlington in northern England's County Durham.


created: 2002-04-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-02 11:56:56.437212+00
name: Sutton Strathspey, The
ucname: SUTTON STRATHSPEY
notes:
  The notes say that "The Sutton Strathspey was devised for the Sutton Coldfield Scottish Country Dance Society. It has no particular music associated with it, but it was intended for dancing to any suitable 4x32 bar strathspey record."

  The dance consists of four different 32 bar figures.


created: 2021-11-21 21:53:13.562904+00
last_modified: 2023-05-30 15:28:45.362818+00
name: St Mark's Strathspey
ucname: SAINT MARKS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 822/888/844/822
devised: 2020-10-01
notes:
  Devised during  Covid-19. The dance name was chosen from a list of ten entries of which this name was suggested by Jamie Wilson and Evelyn Norman.


created: 1998-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-30 15:39:04.943048+00
name: Butterscotch and Honey
ucname: BUTTERSCOTCH AND HONEY
intensity_bars: 8400/8044/8888/8888
devised: 1984-01-01
notes:
  In 2003, in response to a query regarding bars 17-24, Mrs. Attwood wrote:

  I wrote this dance in 1984 and have had one or two queries like yours over the years.  As the dancers reach the top of the set, 1st couple leading, they cross to their own side, each couple in turn passing his, or her, partner by the left shoulder.  As you say the dancers "interleave", or as I always put it, they "criss-cross".


created: 1997-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-30 21:25:28.206352+00
name: May Morning Jig
ucname: MAY MORNING JIG
devised: 1993-05-01
notes:
  "A lively jig to welcome the May mornings" by Mary Garvie (aged 11) of the RSCDS Leeds Branch Children's class.


created: 1997-09-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-30 21:44:27.938957+00
name: Merry-Go-Round, The
ucname: MERRYGOROUND
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Ann-Marie Bunyan and Ruth Leeson (both aged 11) of the RSCDS Leeds Branch Childrens class of 1993.


created: 1997-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-05-31 10:59:31.975891+00
name: King's Chapel
ucname: KINGS CHAPEL
intensity_bars: 800 866 866 888
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this was devised for a dance programme in Cambridge consisting entirely of John Drewry dances.


created: 1997-09-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-01 12:08:42.016271+00
name: Michealmas
ucname: MICHEALMAS
notes:
  This dance is named "Michealmas", which deviates from the standard English spelling "Michaelmas".  It may well be a typo, but that still remains the name.  The standard spelling is added as an alias. 
  The editors of the 2019 combined edition of Imperial Books 4, 5 and More have opted to use the spelling "Michaelmas"


created: 2023-06-02 08:48:06.82547+00
last_modified: 2023-06-09 08:37:09.265754+00
name: Adelaide Platinum Strathspey, The
ucname: ADELAIDE PLATINUM STRATHSPEY
devised: 2022-08-01
notes:
  The deviser notes: “The first 8 bars represent the number 7 and 0 as seen from above. The 70th anniversary is known as Platinum. Adelaide Branch was formed in 1952 so this is our Platinum Anniversary.”


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-01 12:45:34.290306+00
name: Miss Elizabeth McGillivray
ucname: MISS ELIZABETH MACGILLIVRAY
notes:
  This is inscribed "For Elizabeth McGillivray, a founder member of the Adelaide Branch of the R.S.C.D.S."


created: 1997-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-01 13:53:02.812323+00
name: Neptune's Staircase
ucname: NEPTUNES STAIRCASE
notes:
  According to the notes "Neptune's Staircase is the name given to the flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal at Banavie."


created: 1997-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-02 20:41:07.838512+00
name: Wee Barra
ucname: WEE BARRA
notes:
  According to the notes "Barra was a lovely friendly little dog who chased flies on the beach. Sadly he died of cancer aged 20 months and this dance has been devised in his memory by his owner and members of the PONTELAND CLASS Teacher Mrs M Barlow."


created: 2002-11-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-03 21:32:12.792255+00
name: At the Studio
ucname: AT THE STUDIO
notes:
  The notes say this was devised "for classes held at The Studio in Glasgow, Kentucky. Barren River State Park, near Glasgow is the site of the annual Glasgow Highland Games."


created: 1997-09-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-04 09:55:45.485587+00
name: North Country Lass, A
ucname: NORTH COUNTRY LASS
notes:
  The notes say this is "dedicated to Maids Wilson - a North Country Lass - who enjoys giving others pleasure through Scottish Country Dancing. Mavis and her husband Dick were stalwarts of the Scottish dancing group at Great Blakenham, and unfailingly made newcomers welcome. For many years Roy and his wife Lilian ‘kilted’ out hundreds of Scottish dancers from around the world in their Stowmarket shop."


created: 2023-06-04 15:30:21.574727+00
last_modified: 2023-06-04 15:30:21.574727+00
name: Seven Mountains Reel, The
ucname: SEVEN MOUNTAINS REEL
devised: 2023-04-01
notes:
  This dance – an obvious relative of <<ddd:Black Mountain Reel>> – was devised for the 30th Bonn Ball, “The Mountain Calls!”. The *Siebengebirge* (Seven Mountains Range) is a famous landmark and popular excursion spot on the river Rhine near Bonn.


created: 1998-09-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-05 08:54:00.138127+00
name: What you please
ucname: WHAT YOU PLEASE
intensity_bars: 880/880/800/808/880
notes:
  The old MMM Vol 2 says for bars 25-40:  
  25-32: 1st and 3rd couples make a circle and dance 8 slip steps round to left and 8 back again.  
  33-40: 1st and 2nd couples make a circle and dance 8 slip steps round to left and 8 back again.

  The revised combined MMM edition 0f 2007 says:  
  25 - 32 1st and 3rd couples dance four hands round and back.  
  33 - 40 2nd and 1st couples dance rights and lefts.  
  (this is the same as in Miss Milligan's still earlier "99 More").

  The source is given as:  
  Skillern, T: *Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1781*  
  Customary tune: *What you please* (Skillern)


created: 2003-02-09 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-06 21:21:31.524381+00
name: I Don't Want to be One
ucname: I DONT WANT TO BE ONE
intensity_bars: 0048 0608 8808 8448
notes:
  Written by a Scottish Country Dance Band player who kept hearing dancers say 'I don't want to be one. Will you go first?' So he devised a dance where the 4C start as the dancing couple and progress to 1st place.


created: 1997-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-08 13:07:36.907785+00
name: Five Penny Ness
ucname: FIVE PENNY NESS
intensity_bars: 88088/88888/08080/80000
notes:
  The notes say that "Five Penny Nese is on the north-east ooast of the Isle ot Lewis, near the Butt of Lewis."


created: 2011-12-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-08 19:45:38.236687+00
name: Ginger Sharks
ucname: GINGER SHARKS
devised: 2011-09-21
notes:
  Suggested music: "Kiss Me Quick, My Mither's Coming" - 7 Favourite Scottish Dances Vol. 4, George Stirrat's Band or "Mrs Leslye Buchanan" - Dancing Fingers 2, Muriel Johnstone

  Devised 21 September 2011 by Peter M Price (peter.price1672 [at] gmail.com) and dedicated to Rudi and Bugs, ginger cats who, at the opening of the front door, my sitting in the living room rocker, or the sound of a can being opened, come circling. When sitting in the rocker often only the tip of their tails are visible.


created: 2001-06-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-11 18:49:51.686078+00
name: Edinburgh's Welcome
ucname: EDINBURGHS WELCOME
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  For demonstration with the groups visiting the international festival run by Dunedin Dancers in 1997.


created: 2019-08-16 16:55:16.112741+00
last_modified: 2024-07-03 15:01:52.544491+00
name: Felicity's Frolic
ucname: FELICITYS FROLIC
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2013-07-01
notes:
  Notes: 
  If first couple dance polite turns on bar 24, it helps them to move forwards and to their right on bar 25. 
  Felicity's Frolic may be danced as a reel,  jig or strathspey.


created: 1998-11-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-22 15:07:55.65853+00
name: Kuckucksnest Special
ucname: KUCKUCKSNEST SPECIAL
devised: 1998-06-01
notes:
  This dance was devised in Summer 1998 by Carola Fischer (once Tress) to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Kuckucksnest (Cuckoo's Nest - <<http://www.kuckucksnest.com/engl/>>).

  In this dance couples 2 and 4 are the dancing couples. The dance 'changes sides' every second time through. That means, the 2nd and 4th time through top and bottom changes, people start from the opposite side and performing every movement with the left shoulder, left hand, etc. Just the 5-couple poussette is danced the same way, changing the (original) top couple to the bottom. 

  The 5-couple poussette is described as follows:
  Couples 2 to 5 dance the 2nd couple's part of a poussette, 1st couple dance out and turn on bar 1, dance down on bars 2-4, down and turn on 5, then all turn half way round on bar 6. On bars 7 + 8 pass right shoulders and dance out to opposite sides with two skip-change. (Except in the 5th time through, where couples dance a 'normal' fall back.)

  As music the deviser suggests recordings of The Plantation Reel.


created: 2014-03-17 22:58:05.38455+00
last_modified: 2023-06-20 22:15:36.146036+00
name: Alley Cat, The
ucname: ALLEY CAT
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  **Erratum:** According to the original instructions for bars 25–32, “3rd/1st couples Allemande while 2nd/4th Poussette”. This should read “3rd/4th couples Allemande while 2nd/1st Poussette”, i.e., the end couples dance the allemande movement while the middle couples dance the poussette movement. This leads to a formation which is centrally symmetric with respect to the whole set.  (The deviser concurs with this.)


created: 2023-06-18 14:57:12.722904+00
last_modified: 2023-06-19 08:21:02.048615+00
name: Rainbow Dress for Anne, A
ucname: RAINBOW DRESS FOR ANNE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8448/8888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  This dance was created in response to a promise I made to Anne Dejean, a SCD teacher, who unfortunatelly left us far too soon in July 2022, following a diagnosis of cancer. Anne was a bubbly and sparkling person, luminous, always smiling. She had the most incredible rainbow coloured dresses and would always tell me where she had bought them. So, enjoy the reels, her favourite formation


created: 2006-07-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-15 16:36:51.827608+00
name: New Dixon Quadrille
ucname: NEW DIXON QUADRILLE
notes:
  Devised by Frances Richardson and dedicated to her friends, Peter and Wendy Dixon, who produced quadruplets on 1st April - all girls, no joke! The dance is designed to provide opportunities for four identical girls to confuse their male partners, particularly as the men progress round the square rather than the ladies.


created: 2006-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-15 16:42:14.569107+00
name: One of a Kind
ucname: ONE OF A KIND
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  This is a demonstration dance - presented to Ken Sumby by members of the Western Australia Branch Demonstration Team on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

  The three medley sections are all different and are mostly described in four bar phrases with detailed hints on transitions between them. 

  For demo dances making a crib or adding detailed formation information serves no purpose.


created: 2011-08-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-15 17:54:56.776457+00
name: Reel To Hopalots, A
ucname: REEL TO HOPALOTS
devised: 2011-02-14
notes:
  The dance can be danced with five couples or with three couples in a three- or four-couple longwise set.


created: 2020-04-27 22:10:48.881718+00
last_modified: 2023-06-24 08:05:59.832505+00
name: Happy Birthday, Kennocha!
ucname: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNOCHA
intensity_bars: 888/888/844/888
devised: 2019-04-01
notes:
  This may be danced as a reel.  

  This dance was devised for my daughter’s birthday. She was disappointed that I was not going to be with her in the morning of the very day of her ninth birthday since I was going to be teaching in Méaudre scd May week-end while she was busy somewhere else. So I decided to write a dance that we could dance with my husband and her to celebrate together in the evening.


created: 2005-04-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-24 08:00:56.017743+00
name: Double Nickels
ucname: DOUBLE NICKELS
devised: 2004-08-01
notes:
  I wrote this dance for all of us who have passed a certain milestone (double nickel originally referred to the 55 mile-per-hour speed limit in the U.S.) and to prove we could still dance. The reel version proved a bit speedy (although a tweak to bars 23 and 24 helped), so we tried it as a strathspey and it works quite well.


created: 2023-06-20 18:43:48.983669+00
last_modified: 2023-09-14 22:28:37.374656+00
name: Muddy Puddles
ucname: MUDDY PUDDLES
notes:
  2nd couple start back to back ready for double triangles.

  Notes from the deviser: The dance is an attempt to capture the childish joy of jumping in puddles through the setting in the dance.


created: 2023-06-20 18:46:19.316103+00
last_modified: 2023-09-14 22:29:27.282472+00
name: Spin Cycle
ucname: SPIN CYCLE
notes:
  Notes from the deviser: This dance was devised while trying to find an easy dance to use for a class that had yet to learn to set. The washing machine happened to have started its Spin Cycle at the time and I thought, “why not get them really good at turning right?”


created: 2023-06-20 20:03:21.117377+00
last_modified: 2023-09-14 22:37:08.064408+00
name: Dunkeld Larch Strathspey, The
ucname: DUNKELD LARCH STRATHSPEY
notes:
  Notes from the deviser: This dance was named for ‘The Parent Larch’ found in Dunkeld that is the last remaining of 5 seedlings brought from Europe in 1738. It is considered to be the source of over 14 million other Larch trees planted after it.


created: 1998-10-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-21 09:14:07.206818+00
name: Lord McDonald's Quadrille
ucname: LORD MACDONALDS QUADRILLE
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  This demo dance has four 32-bar figures; the first has no name, the second is called "Advance and Retire", the third is called "Schiehallion", the fourth "Ladies' Figure".

  The dance was adapted from "<<ddd:Corsair Field#8778>>" when not enough dancers were available.


created: 2023-06-22 08:16:16.712415+00
last_modified: 2023-06-22 08:16:16.712415+00
name: Uncle Jim
ucname: UNCLE JIM
notes:
  In the notes the deviser says that "This dance arose from my misunderstanding of the dance <<ddd:Cousin Jim#1375>> by Hugh Foss. I thought Cousin Jim had a right shoulder petronella at the end of Hello-G’bye flowing into a left shoulder cast, resulting in a complete reversal of direction and a hefty kilt/skirt flip and exceptional eye contact with partner. When I discovered my error, many years later, I decided the dance had to exist and it became my task."


created: 2022-05-09 17:35:23.257629+00
last_modified: 2023-06-21 17:10:26.198218+00
name: Re-jig for Covid
ucname: REJIG FOR COVID
intensity_bars: 8888/0880/8888/0888/8888
devised: 2021-07-01
notes:
  Inspired by the way that Covid turned the world upside-down, preventing us from making contact with other people. The "moorland progression" is a modified version of the defining sequence in Muirland Willie and reminds us of the fact that we could only take our exercise "in nature". The 40 bars are a reference to quarantine.


created: 2017-06-22 11:05:02.270063+00
last_modified: 2023-06-22 10:42:27.72386+00
name: St. Philip's Rant
ucname: SAINT PHILIPS RANT
devised: 2006-07-01
notes:
  The notes say this was "presented to the members of the St Philip's Scottish Country Dance Club (nee Bayside) on the occasion of the Club's 28th anniversary."


created: 2022-12-02 09:15:22.220954+00
last_modified: 2023-06-23 07:56:16.713071+00
name: Summer's Day, A
ucname: SUMMERS DAY
notes:
  The notes say this is "In memory of my dear friend Brigitte Leitner whose favorite poem was Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18".

  For a 3 or 4 couple set.


created: 2022-03-20 12:48:55.922591+00
last_modified: 2023-06-23 15:07:40.876569+00
name: Take the Amigos' Clothes
ucname: TAKE THE AMIGOS CLOTHES
devised: 2018-03-01
notes:
  There is also a 5 couple version of this dance (<<http://www.rscds-swws.org/news/stories/TakeAmigosClothesTenPesoVersion.pdf>>).


created: 2006-12-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-23 21:07:51.258675+00
name: Bubble Sort
ucname: BUBBLE SORT
intensity_bars: 6666/8888/8888/7887
devised: 2005-08-01
notes:
  My original goal was to create a dance named Chaos Reigns that seemed to be complicated, but from which order formed at bar 32 with everyone changing partners, ala Caddam Wood; however in this dance people are back with partners after the second time through and, thus, don’t dance with everyone else. When this dance occurred to me, the ending figure seemed so much like a computer bubble sort that I renamed the dance. It isn’t clear to me whether the figure in bars 17-24 can be danced in reel time; if it can, this dance is actually a better reel than a strathspey. If the figure doesn’t work in reel time, then Fill the Fetters is strong strathspey music that easily carries the dance.


created: 2000-10-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-23 21:12:19.634509+00
name: Crieff Jig, The
ucname: CRIEFF JIG
notes:
  Suited for Jig as well as Strathspey time (stated explicitly in the description of the dance).

  In the table of contents of the publication, the dance is erroneously spelled with one 'f' only.


created: 2023-06-22 08:10:32.625403+00
last_modified: 2023-06-25 16:26:36.193132+00
name: Gillian's Gavotte
ucname: GILLIANS GAVOTTE
notes:
  The notes say this is "for my cousin Gillian Bagwell" and that "Gillian pronounces her name with a hard G, so I hope this helps remind people of that."


created: 2023-06-29 18:42:32.924705+00
last_modified: 2023-09-16 11:09:44.289936+00
name: 60103
ucname: 60103
notes:
  Source: MiniCrib.

  This dance commemorates the famous British LNER locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and named after the train it hauled, the Flying Scotsman service.  The locomotive was originally a Class A1 design but after upgrades became Class A3.  The locomotive bore various numbers including 4472, but was finally numbered 60103 in the era of British Railways. 

  The dance illustrates the locomotive’s “Pacific” (4-6-2) wheel pattern. Bars 1-­4 represent the four wheels of the front bogie, and the loops of the 2s in Bars 5-8 represent the buffers.  Bars 9-20 represent the six driving wheels and Bars 21-24 the two trailing wheels of the locomotive. Bars 25-32 allude to the tender, although from early on, the locomotive used tenders with 8 wheels rather than 6, especially corrridor tenders which allowed crew changes on the non-stop runs between London and Edinburgh.


created: 2017-07-16 12:21:23.268319+00
last_modified: 2023-11-29 10:12:55.250548+00
name: Hello-Goodbye
ucname: HELLOGOODBYE
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/888
devised: 2012-10-01
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the formation ‘set to corners and partner’ in either strathspey time or in quick time. In *Won't You Join the Dance*, Jean Milligan offered the following advice to teachers: ‘It has been found very helpful to make them (the class) say “How do you do” – “Goodbye” to each person as they set.’


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-24 08:18:15.143218+00
name: Black-Haired Lassie, The
ucname: BLACKHAIRED LASSIE
intensity_bars: 888/800/844/888
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  Can also be danced as a strathspey.

  Note: As a new 1st couple begins at the top, 3rd couple dance up into the reel from 4th place and the former 1st couple step to the bottom.

  The black-haired lassie is Julie Osborne, who was in the Stockton beginners' class.


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-24 08:20:23.184329+00
name: Highland Mary
ucname: HIGHLAND MARY
intensity_bars: 880/800/822/808
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Music:  
    There is no specific tune chosen at this time but the dance seems to want an easy moving jig or a gentle strathspey, but not an 'air'.  

  Notes:  
  I would use the more forgiving strathspey tempo if turn comer and partner were a new (or almost new) figure.  
  This dance was devised for a Robert Bums dance evening. Highland Mary was Mary Campbell of Argyll with whom Bums was going run away to the West Indies. Mary died shortly before they were to sail and is said to have inspired Bums' song, "Flow Gently Sweet Afton." (Jo Hamilton)


created: 2016-01-18 17:03:51.960552+00
last_modified: 2023-06-24 08:44:40.813269+00
name: Ones with Twos, Threes & Fours
ucname: ONES WITH TWOS THREES AND FOURS
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Can be danced as a Jig or a Strathspey

  This dance was devised for teaching at the Wellington Region’s Beginners’ Class 2013.


created: 2023-06-25 21:23:27.049047+00
last_modified: 2023-06-25 21:23:27.049047+00
name: Drumin Castle
ucname: DRUMIN CASTLE
notes:
  Drumin Castle stands on a rocky bluff overlooking the confluence of the River Livet and the River Avon in Glenlivet.


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-27 11:25:36.43598+00
name: Shakkin Brig, The
ucname: SHAKKIN BRIG
devised: 1980-01-01
notes:
  The notes say that: The Shakkin Brig (i.e. The Shaking Bridge) spans the North Esk River at Edzell. It is an old suspension bridge and definitely "shaks" as one crosses it.


created: 2016-05-30 22:54:58.024059+00
last_modified: 2023-06-27 11:38:34.291919+00
name: Kitchen Faerie, The
ucname: KITCHEN FAERIE
devised: 2016-04-03
notes:
  Notes from The Johnsonville Collection:

  Devised 3rd April 2016.  The dance is dedicated to Elizabeth Ngan, our club's dedicated "kitchen faerie". According to the dictionary, a faery is a "A tiny, mischievous, imaginary being".  Ours is also the ruling Czar of the kitchen (and indispensible). 

  Recommended music is "Colonel Hamilton's Delight" by Joseph Reinagle, a traditional tune which is the lead tune for "Hamilton House" from Book 7.  I used the recording by Jimmy Shand in "O'er the Border"


created: 2021-11-23 19:11:26.187055+00
last_modified: 2023-06-29 08:18:22.96262+00
name: Between Yews and Willows
ucname: BETWEEN YEWS AND WILLOWS
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/800
devised: 2021-11-01
notes:
  Statement by Regina Freinbichler, the deviser of the dance, from her web page of the dance (with her permission):

  _Ovarian Cancer Appeal for Scottish Country Dancers_

  I have been suffering from ovarian cancer for the past 4 years. I’m at a point where I know I’m not winning the fight. As a keen Scottish Country Dancer I would like to make an impact, and so I have decided to start this appeal.
  It would be great if you could join in, do the dance that I have written in your group, and print out the leaflet I have prepared for your dancers (or read the info to them). Men do not need to feel left out. It could be someone close to them who is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. When I was first diagnosed, I did not have that information. It would have been helpful to me.
  In <<https://www.turnverein-maxglan.at/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ovarian-cancer2.pdf|the leaflet>> you will also find information about the dance name. A special thanks to Stephan Vollmar and the Munich Scottish Association for trying the dance and creating the minicrib.

  *A 3x32 recording for this dance by Wouter Joubert is available at the same link as the score for the tune:  
  <<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hWXHwuPxXlBa8F94hKA7i3255_coPtD9>>*

  From <<https://www.turnverein-maxglan.at/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ovarian-cancer2.pdf|Regina's leaflet>>:  
  Why is the dance called “Between yews and willows”? 
  The yew tree, which we all know is poisonous, specifically its bark, provides us with a chemotherapeutic agent for 
  the treatment of ovarian cancer called Paclitaxel.  
  The willow tree is a symbol of hope, healing, the ability to let go of pain and suffering and the idea of standing tall.


created: 1997-08-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-29 10:17:37.861046+00
name: Among The Farthest Hebrides
ucname: AMONG THE FARTHEST HEBRIDES
devised: 1964-01-01
notes:
  The notes quote two lines from The Solitary Reaper by W. Wordsworth:  
  *Breaking the silence of the seas*  
  *Among the farthest Hebrides.*


created: 2022-05-31 19:03:43.712016+00
last_modified: 2024-02-02 11:21:34.795974+00
name: Atheist, The
ucname: ATHEIST
intensity_bars: 880/888/848/888
devised: 2022-03-01
notes:
  Written in memory of Deborah Ainger who died in December 2021.
  Deborah, a keen dancer and a passionate activist, was never seen without a badge proudly proclaiming herself as an atheist.
  As a fellow non-believer I always liked to see her wearing this.
  She was one of those people who found it hard to distinguish right from left, so this dance tries to make all the directions and turning as obvious as possible.


created: 2019-02-15 18:32:50.590609+00
last_modified: 2024-05-26 11:03:11.353938+00
name: Mulberry Bush, The
ucname: MULBERRY BUSH
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888
devised: 2015-03-01
notes:
  This may also be danced as a Reel or a Medley of 32 S + 32 R.  

  Devised as an introduction to set and rotate for three couples.


created: 2004-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-19 18:40:02.055713+00
name: Volcanicity
ucname: VOLCANICITY
devised: 2003-05-01
notes:
  In the original description, Drewry states: Strathspey and/or Reel.

  Inscribed "for the dancers in Morland".

  The notes explain the title: "An advertisment for mineral water claims that it fills the drinker with VOLCANICITY!"


created: 2003-01-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-29 10:43:04.561432+00
name: Anniversary Reel, The
ucname: ANNIVERSARY REEL
intensity_bars: 800/808/737/844/888/888
notes:
  Written in honour of the 25th Wedding Anniversary of Catherine and John Prentice  

  Legend:  
  1-8 Catherine Simpson and John Prentice were married in Edinburgh, Scotland, 25 years ago, starting
  out hand in hand looking hopefully to the future.  
  9-20 In due time Brian and Heather came along and tagged after mother and father.  
  21-24 They crossed the ocean and made a new place for themselves in Canada.  
  25-48 They look back on 25 years of happy involvement with family, an ever-widening circle of friends,
  and their special love, Scottish Country Dancing.

  Note: No e-crib has been made as the instructions are not clear enough.


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-06-29 22:03:28.343637+00
name: EH3 7AF
ucname: EH3 7AF
intensity_bars: 800 888 822 844
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  EH3 7AF is the postcode for the RSCDS headquarters in Coates Crescent in Edinburgh.

  The dance is often referred to informally as *The Postcode Dance*.
  ##<<


created: 2014-05-25 09:01:50.77204+00
last_modified: 2023-07-02 12:12:00.663863+00
name: Rhoda's Jig 2000
ucname: RHODAS JIG 2000
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Rhoda Purcell, the Peterborough RSCDS Branch Chairperson and Advanced Class Instructor who helps me to perfect my dances.
  The dance was inspired by the 'double M' (Roman Numerals) denoting the year 2000.  The 'double M' is shown twice, once on the Ladies side of the dance and then once more across the dance, all in the first 16 bars.


created: 2015-01-22 16:32:11.307085+00
last_modified: 2023-07-02 12:45:36.387076+00
name: Catherine de Barnes
ucname: CATHERINE DE BARNES
devised: 2007-06-01
notes:
  Suggested music: Dream catcher recorded by George Meikle and the Lothian Band for RSCDS Book 45.

  According to the notes "Catherine de Barnes is the name of my local village and was once a small area of heath within Longdon Manor. It takes its name not as you may think from a Norman Lady but from the 12th century Lord of the Manor whose name was KETELBERNE. By the 17th century the name had been elaborated to Catherine de Barnes, and in the 19th century was known as CATNEY BARNES."


created: 2023-07-01 23:05:08.088561+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 07:24:07.659692+00
name: Helga's Hufflepuffs
ucname: HELGAS HUFFLEPUFFS
intensity_bars: 886/888/844/844
devised: 2023-06-03
notes:
  Devised by Wouter Joubert, 3 June 2023. In honour of Hufflepuff House – one of the four Hogwarts
  houses in the Harry Potter series.


created: 1997-09-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-07-03 16:08:57.66856+00
name: Laigh o' Moray, The
ucname: LAIGH O MORAY
notes:
  It seems there are other versions around. The LA demonstration team dance very different choreography in the quicktime section in reel time  (<<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dancevideo/9764/|video 2>>). According to <<ddp:Gotfried, Roberta#11329>> this may have been created by <<ddp:Brandon, Mary Shoolbraid#50>>.


created: 2016-03-05 18:06:07.932834+00
last_modified: 2023-07-04 23:52:36.728804+00
name: Roses for Johanna
ucname: ROSES FOR JOHANNA
devised: 2016-03-04
notes:
  For Johanna Leithoff of Erfurt, Germany, on the occasion of her wedding on 19 March 2016. Johanna danced with the Frankfurt Scottish Country Dance Club for many years, and taught there and at the “Narhalla Dancers” in Mainz, before moving to Erfurt to work at the university there.


created: 2023-07-04 22:50:59.783842+00
last_modified: 2023-07-05 05:27:45.526288+00
name: Soft Winds and Roses
ucname: SOFT WINDS AND ROSES
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2023-05-01
notes:
  I've been a huge fan of Gordon Lightfoot's music since 1968. The title of this dance is the second line in one of my favorite songs "Pussywillows, Cattails." I wrote this dance shortly after hearing of his passing at the age of 84.  
  Note: when we danced it we realized people can get confused with both set and link for 3 couples and set and rotate for 3 couples, but once they keep them straight it flows beautifully.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:26:48.908078+00
name: Friends For Reel
ucname: FRIENDS FOR REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2005-08-01
notes:
  Devised by Irene van Maarseveen, Pretoria, August 2005.  

  In honour of Malcolm and Helen Brown. with best wishes from the Pretoria Branch of the RSCDS where friends are made for reel.  

  Note:  
  The square reel of six forms a Ceftic knotwork pattern. Each dancer reels the whole way round the square. 1st couple dance round each of their 4 corner positions in turn moving anticlockwise round the set, passing corners alternately by the right shoulder and the left shoulder. Between each pair of ½ reels, 1st couple should pass partner closely in the middle of the set i.e. not finish in the line of the reels except at the end of bar 32.


created: 2022-12-04 22:26:21.969495+00
last_modified: 2024-03-05 23:24:14.050745+00
name: Summer Superstars
ucname: SUMMER SUPERSTARS
intensity_bars: 880/824/824/888
devised: 2022-09-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Graham and Caroline Hamilton with many thanks for having run the London Summer Tuesdays seasons for such a long time (1994-2019).

  Graham originally suggested that bands should choose their own sets of tunes for this dance. However Frank Reid has now composed a specific tune with the name <<ddt:Hamilton Astronomicles#15082>>.


created: 2023-07-05 06:13:28.313948+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 07:14:59.877075+00
name: Dogwood Flower, The
ucname: DOGWOOD FLOWER
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2023-04-01
notes:
  The track for first couple in bars 9-24 reminds me of the shape of a dogwood flower. The first time we danced this dance, one dancer recommended changing the hands across in bars 25-28 to LH across, then first couple would turn RH to place – either is fine with me.


created: 2016-06-11 21:51:06.736013+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 11:13:20.768588+00
name: Flower of Forfar
ucname: FLOWER OF FORFAR
notes:
  The dance has a 4-bar intro. The instructions say "1st 2 bars of the tune plus 2 bars on one note" (but the accompanying score has 3 bars of the tune and 1 bar on one note).

  The original description is for a 32 bar dance in a square set.  The "Angus SCD Book" page with this description has "4x40 4C Square set" in the title.  The sheet music and Minicrib also specify 32 bars.  We think the "40" is probably a typo, so SCDDB has entered this as a 32 bar dance..  


  This dance represents a flower of which the centre is represented by central stars, and the petals by exchanges of dancers between the inner and outer rings. Bowing to the centre represents the closing of the flower in the evening and opening in the morning. The Men moving round one place defines the circumference of the flower.


created: 2017-03-22 14:07:44.38889+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 11:57:25.470006+00
name: Simon Fraser's Reel
ucname: SIMON FRASERS REEL
intensity_bars: 864 444 888 880
devised: 1973-01-01
notes:
  Simon Fraser was a Scottish fur trader and explorer who charted much of what is now the Canadian province of British Columbia (B.C.). The dance was devised for the Vancouver Branch in 1973.


created: 2015-01-22 12:58:56.865761+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 17:24:00.744821+00
name: Elizabeth's Reel
ucname: ELIZABETHS REEL
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Suggested Music: Tak Tent recorded by Sandy Nixon on CD The Luckenbooth Brooch.

  Inscribed "For Elizabeth Page current Chairman of the Birmingham Branch who can always be heard giggling during a fun dance especially when it goes wrong. I hope this counts as a fun dance and makes her laugh."


created: 2015-01-22 12:04:30.97646+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 17:38:06.325377+00
name: Dancing Friends
ucname: DANCING FRIENDS
devised: 2005-10-01
notes:
  Suggested Music The Chocolate Factory recorded by George Meikle and the Lothian Band on CD for the Birmingham Diamond Jubilee Dance Book.

  The notes say this is "dedicated to all the friends we have made through dancing both in the UK and abroad."


created: 2021-03-13 22:20:12.622132+00
last_modified: 2023-07-06 18:35:50.971168+00
name: Lakeland at Night
ucname: LAKELAND AT NIGHT
devised: 2020-08-01
notes:
  Dance specifically devised with adapted figures to maintain 2m distance from other dancers. Where formations are listed for the dance they are the originals the actual figures were adapted from.


created: 2012-06-12 13:29:06.897559+00
last_modified: 2023-07-08 08:49:16.842325+00
name: Chiltern Chase
ucname: CHILTERN CHASE
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/6666/8484/8888
devised: 2011-02-01
notes:
  From the dance description:  
  The dance name comes from walks in the Chiltern Hills and the dance reflects a time when a group was walking in an area of many interlocking paths.  After negotiating a stile one might walk with a new companion.


created: 2023-07-09 08:11:38.767939+00
last_modified: 2023-09-27 17:39:04.873939+00
name: Sea of Daffodils, A
ucname: SEA OF DAFFODILS
intensity_bars: 864/888/844/484
devised: 2023-04-01
notes:
  Years ago I planted loads of daffodils in the backyard and now every spring I have a sea of daffodils covering the yard. Note: everyone, especially first couple, need to be ready for the last 8 bars as they are zippy.


created: 2023-07-14 19:58:38.235378+00
last_modified: 2023-07-21 08:13:35.074107+00
name: Geordie Lass, The
ucname: GEORDIE LASS
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/484
notes:
  For Elaine Clarkson's 80th birthday.  Elaine has raised thousands of pounds for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.


created: 2002-04-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-07-22 09:21:59.404003+00
name: Ferry Louper, The
ucname: FERRY LOUPER
intensity_bars: 888 880 800 888
notes:
  According to the <<https://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/ferrylouper|
  Scottish National Dictionary>> a "Ferry Louper" is an inhabitant of Orkney who is not a native but has come from the mainland (on the ferry).


created: 1997-09-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 20:56:00.201058+00
name: Port of Vancouver
ucname: PORT OF VANCOUVER
notes:
  This was originally published in <<link:thethistle/10>> but was later corrected in <<link:thethistle/12>>.


created: 2023-07-08 23:20:19.88647+00
last_modified: 2025-07-24 20:41:25.304727+00
name: Carpet of Bluebells, A
ucname: CARPET OF BLUEBELLS
intensity_bars: 800/888/448/684
devised: 2023-04-01
notes:
  Years ago my neighbor gave me some Virginia bluebells for my yard and over the years they have spread to cover the front and back yards. I love their beautiful blooms every Spring.


created: 2019-02-04 14:29:30.085539+00
last_modified: 2025-12-22 16:40:38.345846+00
name: Happy Memories
ucname: HAPPY MEMORIES
intensity_bars: 8444/8484/6844/8888/8088
devised: 2007-03-01
notes:
  4 couple trapezoidal set.  To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the SE Herts SCD Society founded in 1958.  The unusual shape reflects the floor plan of The Castle Hall, Hertford where many annual balls had been held.


created: 2016-09-04 10:21:05.238931+00
last_modified: 2023-12-10 16:04:00.508077+00
name: Down Under, Hands Up!
ucname: DOWN UNDER HANDS UP
intensity_bars: 822/822/884/888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired by a trip taken by several American dancers to Australia in April 2015.
  The first 8 bars represent us circling the airport parking area repeatedly to pick up a late arrival.
  The second figure represents the "hands up" figure our Sydney instructor used.
  The final figure (and variations of it) was the signature of Robert Templeton, from Tasmania, who introduced us to several of his dances.


created: 2018-07-17 16:10:24.47805+00
last_modified: 2023-07-09 22:05:06.460553+00
name: Triangulation
ucname: TRIANGULATION
notes:
  Inscribed "For Bethany Warburton, to celebrate her 21 st birthday whilst a Geography student at Edinburgh University. Triangulation is of course a method for determining spot heights and thereby making maps."


created: 2016-09-04 10:44:40.631653+00
last_modified: 2023-12-10 15:21:38.905051+00
name: Intruders, The
ucname: INTRUDERS
intensity_bars: 880/808/844/888
devised: 2015-05-01
notes:
  Many dancers like to insert themselves into dances when they are standing out. Some teachers/dancers object to this “over–exuberance.” I wrote this dance for those of you who, like me, love to move to the music even when you should be standing out.

  Although involving all four couples this is effectively a standard 8x32 three couple dance with the normally resting end couples intruding.


created: 2023-07-15 20:36:07.275822+00
last_modified: 2023-07-15 20:36:07.275822+00
name: Flight of the Hawk
ucname: FLIGHT OF THE HAWK
devised: 2023-02-23
notes:
  I was standing at my front door where the outer door is glass top to bottom and a very large bird flew by only a couple of feet away from the door. It flew into a nearby tree and perched so I was able to see it was a red-tailed hawk.


created: 2023-07-15 19:55:01.512753+00
last_modified: 2023-07-15 20:24:22.120728+00
name: Ariel's Mama
ucname: ARIELS MAMA
intensity_bars: 8008/8228/8888/8888
devised: 2023-02-01
notes:
  I really love set and rotate for 3 couples and wanted to try it with 4 couples. Mady Newfield loved the dance, so this is dedicated to and named for her (Ariel is her cat).


created: 2023-07-17 22:08:13.976586+00
last_modified: 2023-07-17 23:04:01.016044+00
name: Janet Johnston's Strathspey
ucname: JANET JOHNSTONS STRATHSPEY
devised: 2009-04-01
notes:
  Dedicated "to <<ddp:Janet Johnston#11759>> as a thank you for her wonderful teaching during the years."


created: 2005-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:18:43.304912+00
name: Mr Smith's Delight
ucname: MR SMITHS DELIGHT
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Jennifer Kelly writes:    
  Notes for teachers on the dances in the Anniversary Suite.   
  As I devised these dances I had a particular teaching point in mind for each of them.  

  These teaching notes can be found at 
  <<https://dances.e-cribs.org/rscds-sf/Anniversay_Suite_Notes.pdf>>

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


created: 2015-03-09 23:54:24.281884+00
last_modified: 2024-10-04 21:17:47.62645+00
name: Charming Frenchman, The
ucname: CHARMING FRENCHMAN
intensity_bars: 888/800/822/888
devised: 2008-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Guillaume Legrand, the “Charming Frenchman” of the Flying Celts (Kuckucksnest/Germany).

  Devised in 2008.


created: 2023-07-13 10:57:26.045557+00
last_modified: 2025-01-31 10:16:57.518618+00
name: Quaich, The
ucname: QUAICH
intensity_bars: 888/800/880/808
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Devised to celebrate the Quaich which the class presented to Rosemary and Bill as a thank you for starting Miltonduff Scottish Country Dance.


created: 2021-04-14 11:07:33.471558+00
last_modified: 2025-03-30 20:31:13.644152+00
name: Chambéry
ucname: CHAMBERY
devised: 2020-02-01
notes:
  Devised by Ron Wallace in February 2020. This dance is dedicated to Danièle Landrieau, her committee and all the attendees of the Easter weekend planned in Chambéry in April 2020.


created: 2023-07-12 07:43:45.038646+00
last_modified: 2026-01-06 16:17:57.286131+00
name: Friends' Anniversary Reel, The
ucname: FRIENDS ANNIVERSARY REEL
intensity_bars: 822/888/888/888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Source:  <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/friends-anniversary-reel.html>>.


created: 2014-10-28 11:31:00.935191+00
last_modified: 2023-07-22 21:59:24.355249+00
name: One Good Turn Deserves Another
ucname: ONE GOOD TURN DESERVES ANOTHER
intensity_bars: 880/888/822/808
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this devised "as a result of a challenge from Gillian Taylor. She wanted the sweeping turns of a Tournee without the preceding confusion."


created: 2014-07-17 14:16:23.987282+00
last_modified: 2023-07-24 17:40:43.60709+00
name: Around the World to Meet You
ucname: AROUND THE WORLD TO MEET YOU
intensity_bars: 6060/0606/6666/8888/8888
devised: 2011-09-01
notes:
  Devised by Dirk Kölbl for the occasion of the wedding of Sophie Rickebusch and Sjoerd van Leersum in September 2011 and performed by guests at the Wedding Ceilidh on 03.09.2011.
  It tells the story of the meeting of Sophie and Sjoerd.


created: 2013-09-15 20:52:36.408193+00
last_modified: 2023-07-24 17:42:27.534069+00
name: Going Dutch
ucname: GOING DUTCH
intensity_bars: 855 888 888 800
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  Devised by for the occasion of the wedding of Sophie Rickebusch and Sjoerd van Leersum in September 2011 and performed by guests at the Wedding Ceilidh on 03.09.2011.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-07-25 10:13:12.498557+00
name: Lady Baird's Reel
ucname: LADY BAIRDS REEL
intensity_bars: 888/880/888/888
notes:
  Note that the tune published by the RSCDS in Book 18 as the "own tune" for Lady Baird's Reel is in fact <<ddt:Lord St. Clair's Reel#15111>>. See <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3201/|issue 3201>> for more details.


created: 2023-07-29 15:41:29.753514+00
last_modified: 2023-07-29 16:40:45.897909+00
name: Duns Daisy Chain
ucname: DUNS DAISY CHAIN
intensity_bars: 8888/8608/9000/8008
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Duns and District Branch in 2023. 
  It is named Duns Daisy chain:
  Duns for the Duns and District Branch.
  Daisy for Margaret Rae the founder of the Duns and District Branch who was fondly known as Daisy.
  Chain because Duns and District gifted a chain to the RSCDS for the Chair to wear with the RSCDS medallion. Daisy was instrumental in commissioning and designing the beautiful silver chain.


created: 2002-12-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-07-29 16:43:40.317663+00
name: Hawkesbury Rant, The
ucname: HAWKESBURY RANT
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8088/8888
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain that the original version was "devised by Bill Zobel during the Australian Winter School of 1995 held at Hawkesbury. In his class there were a number of people from Queensland. Queenslanders are renowned as the people who put the bends in bananas!"

  And also say "For those who were at Hawkesbury in 1995, the first eight bars of the dance have been modified from the original version. This gives 2nd,   3rd and 4th couples a breather and is for the benefit of those who do not have access to the unlimited energy that derives from a diet of bananas."


created: 2000-06-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-07-26 12:07:07.433478+00
name: Lamb Skinnet
ucname: LAMB SKINNET
intensity_bars: 800 800 800 880
devised: 1751-01-01
notes:
  The Society’s version of this dance can be traced to "Thompson's Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances" (c. 1755) where it was published without setting in bars 1-4 and 9-12.

  Several meanings of the name have been discussed. A very likely on is that name traces back to a card game, since the tune is also known under similar names like "Lamb Skinnett", "Lambskinnet", "Lanquenet", "Lansquenet". Lansquenet is the French writing and pronunciation of the German term "Landsknecht" which refers to a foot soldier in foreign service. And there is also a card game with the same name likely introduced by these mercenary soldiers.

  Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) states for "Lansquenet":  
     1. A German foot soldier in foreign service in the 15th and 16th centuries; a soldier of fortune; — a term used in France and Western Europe.  
     2. A game at cards, vulgarly called lambskinnet.

  Try the 5-couple version of this - <<ddd:Skamb Linnet>>

  Some versions of the instructions for bars 17-24 of this dance have 1st couple dancing above 1st place in 4 bars, setting, then casting with 3rd couple stepping down on 23-24 (and 2nd couple not moving). This was reflected in  the original version of the e-crib. However the revised version of Book 14 has 1st couple dancing up to 1st place as 2nd & 3rd couples step down, then 2nd couple step up again as 1st couple cast. The e-crib was updated to show this version. Although not in the current RSCDS version, Stephen Webb reported that Jean Milligan's Won't You Join the Dance suggests bars 17-20 should be 1 to dance in, 2 to dance up and 1 to dance out. The e-crib shows this.


created: 2019-09-05 19:35:37.218391+00
last_modified: 2023-07-27 11:42:15.870514+00
name: Climbing Marguareis
ucname: CLIMBING MARGUAREIS
intensity_bars: 00008/00888/88888/88008
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  The Punta Marguareis (It) or Pointe Marguareis (Fr) is a mountain in the Ligurian Alps, on the boundary between Italy and France; It is the highest peak of the Ligurian Alps.

  Originally a medley, the deviser has since changed this dance to a strathspey (2023).


created: 2015-09-03 20:44:51.288189+00
last_modified: 2023-07-27 12:31:53.206795+00
name: Jollity
ucname: JOLLITY
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  The deviser notes that "I am told by my class that we have a very friendly jolly class. With great music and an excellent musician in a friendly atmosphere, it can be summed up in one word - jollity."


created: 2023-07-29 07:46:23.031404+00
last_modified: 2023-10-21 15:35:07.134826+00
name: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
ucname: SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES
intensity_bars: 800/843/833/844
devised: 2023-06-01
notes:
  In the last week of June the smoke from Canadian wildfires was so dense that the Chicago area had the worst air quality in the world. Luckily I missed it as I was visiting family in Ohio.


created: 2018-04-29 12:08:07.202223+00
last_modified: 2023-07-30 21:20:52.727794+00
name: Marry Me, Again
ucname: MARRY ME AGAIN
intensity_bars: 880|888|888|880
devised: 2018-03-15
notes:
  Deviser says: “Dedicated to Alfred Kolb. We ‘upgraded’ to full marriage exactly three years after our Registered Partnership even though the first time felt like THE marriage. The starting formation (The Rose Progression) is the connection to our original wedding dance, <<ddd:Imagine>>.


created: 2017-11-26 19:59:34.988616+00
last_modified: 2023-07-31 06:43:17.335732+00
name: Shores of Black Mill Bay, The
ucname: SHORES OF BLACK MILL BAY
devised: 2017-08-17
notes:
  Deviser says: “Dedicated to Steff Eckert, remembering our lovely stay at the island of Luing at „The Gorsten Bed & Breakfast“, run by Julia Shuff. We hade an interesting „walk“ at the beach with me hopping from stone to stone, from mudhole to mudhole and - of course - me kissing the earth. Eventually, we sat on a rock at the beach, listening to the waves and mother nature.”


created: 2021-07-19 21:27:06.567934+00
last_modified: 2023-07-31 10:02:00.013036+00
name: Ducklings on the Lake of Menteith
ucname: DUCKLINGS ON THE LAKE OF MENTEITH
intensity_bars: 800/888/800
devised: 2021-07-13
notes:
  The deviser writes "I think everyone knows how calming it is to watch a group of ducklings doing their SCD routines."


created: 1999-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-05-22 09:44:52.437782+00
name: Deaconsbank
ucname: DEACONSBANK
intensity_bars: 8800/8480/8048/8888
notes:
  Note by Eric Ferguson:  The starting and ending positions are both (1,2,3,4), but the progression (2x,3x,4,1) means that on each repeat two couples in varied positions start on opposite side.  This pattern is impossible to remember, and is confusing to the dancers.     
  If 2c were to start on opposite side (1,2x,3,4), only the couple in 2pos would start on opposite side on each repeat. That would be easy to remember, and so make the dance easier, more elegant and more attractive.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-03 20:51:11.223688+00
name: Tarry a While
ucname: TARRY A WHILE
intensity_bars: 44 44 66 88
notes:
  Adapted from D Anderson: Ball-Room Guide, Dundee.  
  Note that the Poussette has non-standard phrasing for [25-28] : 1M+2W starting on own sidelines, with Partner: ¼ turn, move | move, ¼ turn ; )


created: 2014-05-08 09:17:30.769872+00
last_modified: 2026-03-01 22:14:51.797597+00
name: Battle of Trafalgar, The
ucname: BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR
intensity_bars: 888888 888000 888888 888888 888888
devised: 2014-02-01
notes:
  The dancers are arranged as two, side by side, 3 couple sets, i.e. 4M, 5M and 6M are back to back with 1L 2L and 3L. The first set, couples 1, 2 and 3 represents the English fleet, the second set with couples 4, 5 and 6 represents the French and Spanish fleet.

  Devised by Keith Rose for a Scottish Dancing holiday to Conil de la Frontera on the Costa de la Luz, Spain which is about 8 miles from Cape Trafalgar. The Battle of Trafalgar was fought on 21 October 1805 when Admiral Nelson attacked the larger combined French and Spanish fleets using a new strategy of attacking perpendicularly to the line of enemy ships.


created: 2014-06-09 16:13:23.111093+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 20:43:35.308659+00
name: London Celebration, A
ucname: LONDON CELEBRATION
intensity_bars: 88/88/44/88
devised: 2012-04-10
notes:
  Written to celebrate The Olympic Games London 2012. It was published in the London Branch magazine, <<link:thereel/280||5>>.

  Dance also found on the Chiswick video collection.


created: 2010-09-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-15 22:28:46.829644+00
name: Ken and Lavinia's Ruby
ucname: KEN AND LAVINIAS RUBY
intensity_bars: 8228/8888/4444/8448/8888
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  This dance was altered from an original called '40 yeras together', with suggestions from various friends, and demonstrated at Ken and Lavinia's Ruby Wedding Dance 17th March 2006 with music specially written for the occasion by David Queen.


created: 1999-08-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-14 00:12:09.303126+00
name: Earl of Arran, The
ucname: EARL OF ARRAN
notes:
  At the deviser's request, no cribs of this dance may be published online.  


  The chain figure of [9-12] is similar to a Ladies' Chain,  but "skewed diagonally" as it is danced by 1c in 2pl with their 2cnrs.    
  [13-16] has a skewed Men's Chain, danced by 1c in 2pl with their 1cnrs.  These skewed chains are not yet included in the list of formations, and therefore shown (incorrectly) as the M and L chains in the overview page.


created: 2023-07-08 13:12:39.083426+00
last_modified: 2023-09-02 12:42:36.084555+00
name: Vivid 90
ucname: VIVID 90
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  Devised by Masako (Marchan) Okada Naitoh in March 2023, on her 90th birthday.

  Bars 1-4 represent a "Figure of 9" and bars 9-12 represent a "Figure of 0".
  The 2nd & 4th time through start from Ladies' solo, round men by the right shoulders, not left shoulders.


created: 2016-06-07 14:31:41.609922+00
last_modified: 2023-09-02 00:45:27.378089+00
name: Dance Mistress, The
ucname: DANCE MISTRESS
intensity_bars: 480/880/880/844
notes:
  Written in honor of Andrea Taylor-Blenis, who was highly instrumental in the success of the Teacher Candidate Class in 2014-2015. Without her dancing expertise, the class would not have accomplished what it did.


created: 2023-09-19 10:13:51.950641+00
last_modified: 2023-09-19 10:13:51.950641+00
name: Unexpected Waltz, The
ucname: UNEXPECTED WALTZ
devised: 2019-02-01
notes:
  The notes explain that "While I was teaching English dancing in Vancouver BC the band leader asked if she could play a reel that I had written as a waltz. This is the dance that I wrote to the waltz, but obviously having to use a strathspey here."


created: 2023-07-30 15:05:39.346795+00
last_modified: 2025-01-05 13:07:16.467058+00
name: Took Us Long Enough
ucname: TOOK US LONG ENOUGH
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  Authors' dedication: “This dance is dedicated to Andy Taylor-Blenis for her expertise and dedication preparing us for the 2015 Part 1 candidate exam. Andy has a talent for helping us stretch out our whole bodies and for emphasizing where our good posture should come from - including that we should, at all times, keep our tuchas tucked underneath us (especially for things like set to corners and partner.)"


created: 2023-03-03 20:55:25.891449+00
last_modified: 2024-10-02 14:35:27.802067+00
name: Erraid
ucname: ERRAID
intensity_bars: 8080/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2021-07-01
notes:
  The title of this dance comes circuitously from the Set to Corners and Cast Away figure of bars 17-24. The island of Erraid is where David Balfour, the hero of Robert Louis Stephenson's novel Kidnapped, thought he was stranded as a castaway. Erraid is actually linked to Mull at low tide.


created: 2002-05-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-08 16:04:10.400063+00
name: Rumbledethumps
ucname: RUMBLEDETHUMPS
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/8448/8888/8888/8888
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  According to the dance notes, Rumbledethumps is the Border version of Bubble and Squeak. Rumbled means "mixed" and thumped, means "bashed together". There is plenty of the former, but hopefully none of the latter! With thanks to Liverpool RSCDS Demonstration Team who gave their time to practice this dance.


created: 2009-11-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-08 19:38:42.780705+00
name: Silver Walk, The
ucname: SILVER WALK
intensity_bars: 6666/6666/4444/4444/7777/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  The notes say this is "In memory of Rena Rennie, a member ofNewburgh and St Matthew's Scottish Country Dance classes".

  The original instructions for bars 49-56 say 2nd couple dance a reel with 1st and 3rd men. That should be 1st man and 3rd woman (on the sides). Similarly for 4th couple.


created: 2002-03-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-08 20:31:52.999574+00
name: Woodland Assembly
ucname: WOODLAND ASSEMBLY
intensity_bars: 8888 8080 8888 8484 8888 8888 8888 8888
notes:
  Inscribed "For George Meikle and The Lothian Band."

  Repeat bars 1-64 with 2C and 4C dancing bars 9 - 28. 2C face 3M to begin the reel. 4C face 1M.

  This is Priddey's simplified version of his own »<<ddd:#2135|Fete Champêtre>>«, a demonstration dance.


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


created: 2023-08-09 21:42:37.590238+00
last_modified: 2025-03-07 11:03:19.955587+00
name: View of the Valley, A
ucname: VIEW OF THE VALLEY
intensity_bars: 80800/88888/88888/84844
devised: 2019-06-01
notes:
  Revised in 2024.

  After this dance was first tested and filmed it was suggested that the turn once in bars 5-8 should be one and a half, reducing that in bars 27-28 to be just a half turn for a smoother entry into the final half reels across. This is now the recommended version. Compared to the original version, 1st and 3rd couple have each swapped roles with their partner from bars 9-26.

  The online source (<<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/ViewOfTheValley.pdf>>), E-crib and diagram have been updated and a new video has been made (video #2).


created: 2018-12-17 11:42:40.45993+00
last_modified: 2024-10-02 15:11:32.045947+00
name: Gallivanting
ucname: GALLIVANTING
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8440/8448
devised: 2017-02-01
notes:
  For Allan Gavine, a long standing member of the Gay Gordons, who regularly goes gallivanting on walking holidays, typically in mountainous areas.


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 14:50:26.499137+00
name: John McAlpin
ucname: JOHN MACALPIN
intensity_bars: 800 822 777 888
notes:
  According to <<link:thethistle/28|The Thistle #28>> (May 1966):

  > The ideas in this dance came from fencing. But it is not a “fencing lilt”. The origin is only of historical
  > interest and does not affect the manner of dancing.
  >
  > Bars 1–4 represent a one-two, where a fencer feints on one side of his opponent's blade and
  > disengages to make the real attack on the other side. Bars 5–8 represent one-two-deceive
  > (get a fencer to explain this). When one fencer retires his opponent usually advances. This inspired
  > bars 17–24. Sometimes fencers rush up so close to each other that they have to be separated by the
  > referee. This is known as a corps-à-corps. Hence bars 25–32.
  >
  > The tune was chosen first. Then the fencing ideas were poured into the mould.


created: 2013-01-23 01:30:19.363888+00
last_modified: 2023-08-17 22:41:45.958396+00
name: Circassian (Big) Circle
ucname: CIRCASSIAN BIG CIRCLE
intensity_bars: 8/4/8/8
notes:
  This dance (Single Circle) has no relationship to the dance "Circassian Circle" in RSCDS Book 1 #3.  (Couple facing Couple ).  Many variants of this dance exist, but the original source is unknown, and might not exist. 

  This dance has been entered using the video of the Edinburgh team's display in Newcastle 2012 as source.  The Edinburgh Branch seem to have worked from online sources, and say that they used a “variation” of this dance. 

  A broad overview of dances called "Circassian Circle" can be found on Andrew Timmins' website at https://www.libraryofdance.org/dances/circassian-circle/

  Supplement:  The website https://www.dancilla.com/wiki/index.php/Circassian_Circle  tells us that the Community Dances Manual 1, 1949, (still available from the English Folk Dance And Song Society; Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Rd, London NW1 7AY.) has the following entry where both dances are combined:

  13. The Circassian And The Big Circle (Collected by Maud Karpeles in Northumberland)

  PART 1: The Cercassian Circle (jig tune) Form: Progressive Sicilian Circle (couple facing couple). A.1. Right and left through or woman cross over (left) and men cross over (right), and repeat to places. A.2. Partners balance right and left. Partners swing. B.1. "Ladies Chain" B.2. Swing and change OR Promenade on to next couple.

  PART 2: The Big Cercle (reel tune) All join hands in one ring: Each man with his partner on his right facing centre. A.1.Forward and back twice. A.2. Woman to centre and back again. Men go in and back to contrary partner, i.e. the woman on his left. B.1. Swing her round. B.2. Promenade around and repeat as from A.1." 

  Could this double variant be the reason why these unsimilar dances have such similar names?


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 19:01:43.800136+00
name: Bratach Bana
ucname: BRATACH BANA
intensity_bars: 800 888 822 844
devised: 1964-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  The dance is named for the tune of the same name which John Drewry referred to as *a Gaelic song with a very catchy tune*. This tune was, and is, used by many bands in various reel sets, in addition to being the lead tune for this dance.  

  The Gaelic name translates loosely as White Banner and is usually taken to refer to the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan kept at Dunvegan Castle, the seat of Clan Macleod on the Isle of Skye. The flag is the subject of numerous legends.

  Note by John Drewry on [27-28]:  I am indebted to Derek Haynes for suggesting this improvement in the dance, originally I had 1st couple and their second corners turning with 2 pas de basque, while retaining promenade hold. 

  ##<<

  Note on [27-28]: O. Otto says best variant is corners in PdB, 1c in SkCh.

  The name is given in the publications of the dance as "Bratach Bana" with no accent, but the gaelic song has "Bratach Bàna" with accent which is added as a spelling alias.


created: 2019-09-02 19:29:59.815059+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 20:40:25.934502+00
name: Lochinver
ucname: LOCHINVER
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2019-04-01
notes:
  This dance has been revised since it was first published in the Reel issue 309.  

  The new version was published in <<link:thereel/310||13>> (December 2019) with:  

  17-24  Repeat bars 9-16 with second corners, 1st couple curve round to finish in lines across with 1st woman between 3rd couple in first place all facing down, 1st man between 2nd couple in third place all facing up.

  In addition to the above link to The Reel, the tune and a recording are also available via <<https://craigellachie-band.co.uk/teacher-resources/new-dances-resource-lochinver/>>.


created: 2007-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-30 22:32:57.271069+00
name: Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch
ucname: DUKE AND DUCHESS OF BUCCLEUCH
intensity_bars: 680/800/608/844
notes:
  Dedicated to my sister, Anna and her husband Nicholas, on the occasion of their marriage on 2 July 1966.  
  They were married in the beautiful chapel of Shawnigan Lake School, the location of the 2005 and 2007 TAC Summer Schools.


created: 2018-01-13 11:45:40.156622+00
last_modified: 2023-09-02 21:44:53.942928+00
name: Tribute to Drew, A
ucname: TRIBUTE TO DREW
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8008/8008
devised: 2015-04-01
notes:
  Suggested music: Scottish Dances Vol.6  Drummond Cook – Track 12  

  Devised by Glenys Kefalas, April 2015  

  Dedicated to Drew with love.


created: 2003-02-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-16 21:32:27.268099+00
name: Lady Fenella Fogarty
ucname: LADY FENELLA FOGARTY
intensity_bars: 880/808/800/866
notes:
  *Information supplied by Stephen Webb:*

  This dance was devised by Robert Johnston who was a banker with Chartered Bank and the father of Colin Johnston for whom the tune has been named and composed by Ken Martlew (2002).

  Lady Fenella was the wife of Air Marshal, Sir Donald Fogarty who commanded the RAF detachments based in Singapore during the Malayan troubles in the early 1950s.
  Robert devised this dance on the occasion of Lady Fenella’s departure  from Singapore in appreciation of her enthusiasm for SCD with other ex pats at Cairnhill Circle.
  Robert was a keen dancer and from 1925 - 1959 ran classes in China, India, Ceylon, Singapore and the Philippines.

  Please also see the article by Colin entitled ‘Reflections on my Dancing Father’ in 
  <<link:thereel/298||15>>.


created: 2018-05-30 20:51:33.849764+00
last_modified: 2024-10-10 11:00:58.656345+00
name: Katrina's Kapers
ucname: KATRINAS KAPERS
intensity_bars: 86868/83863/83863/88888
devised: 2017-05-19
notes:
  To celebrate Katrina Osborne's 50th birthday.  Published in <<link:thereel/306||13>>, December 2018.

  A video of the dance can be found on the Richmond Caledonian society website: <https://www.richmondcaledonian.co.uk/photo_gallery_select.php>


created: 2000-02-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-17 22:49:24.474388+00
name: Circassian Circle
ucname: CIRCASSIAN CIRCLE
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
notes:
  This dance (Couple facing Couple ) has no relationship to the dance "Circassian (Big) Circle" (Single Circle) . The original source of this dance is unknown, and might not exist. 

  Many variants of "Round the Room" dances called something like "Circassian Circle" exist, both with a single circle of dancers, and two circles (Couple facing Couple).  A broad overview can be found on Andrew Timmins' website at https://www.libraryofdance.org/dances/circassian-circle/

  Supplement: The website https://www.dancilla.com/wiki/index.php/Circassian_Circle tells us that the Community Dances Manual 1, 1949, (still available from the English Folk Dance And Song Society; Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, London NW1 7AY.) has the following entry where both dances are combined:

      The Circassian And The Big Circle (Collected by Maud Karpeles in Northumberland)

  PART 1: The Cercassian Circle (jig tune) Form: Progressive Sicilian Circle (couple facing couple). A.1. Right and left through or woman cross over (left) and men cross over (right), and repeat to places. A.2. Partners balance right and left. Partners swing. B.1. “Ladies Chain” B.2. Swing and change OR Promenade on to next couple.

  PART 2: The Big Cercle (reel tune) All join hands in one ring: Each man with his partner on his right facing centre. A.1.Forward and back twice. A.2. Woman to centre and back again. Men go in and back to contrary partner, i.e. the woman on his left. B.1. Swing her round. B.2. Promenade around and repeat as from A.1."

  Could this double variant be the reason why these unsimilar dances have such similar names?


created: 2002-03-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-24 19:19:02.438032+00
name: Squirrel Lady, The
ucname: SQUIRREL LADY
intensity_bars: 800/822/866/888
notes:
  The deviser has studied squirrels for many years in her rescue work for the RSPCA. The dance echoes the movements squirrels make in their flight and play, Dancers should be as light and as noiseless on their feet as squirrels and should dance with good 'flight' throughout.


created: 2022-06-23 18:41:12.471951+00
last_modified: 2023-08-24 22:07:02.012536+00
name: Tairawhiti Wedding
ucname: TAIRAWHITI WEDDING
devised: 2022-06-01
notes:
  This dance commemorates the wedding of the deviser's son in Tairawhiti (the Maori name for Gisborne, NZ).


created: 2010-09-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-19 22:21:28.915137+00
name: Ken and Lavinia Morris
ucname: KEN AND LAVINIA MORRIS
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8448/8888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  The dance was written for the tench anniversary ball of the Ribble Valley branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, May 2004.


created: 2002-08-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-21 11:25:28.251866+00
name: Ring of Brogar, The
ucname: RING OF BROGAR
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8448/8888
notes:
  The Ring of Brogar is now more commonly spelled The Ring of Brodgar (see <<http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/brodgar/>>) but Brogar was the spelling used by <<ddp:#313>> in the original publication.

  There is also a dance <<ddd:The Ring of Brodgar#10774>> by <<ddp:#175>>.


created: 1998-10-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-21 11:53:17.594285+00
name: Rose Garden, The
ucname: ROSE GARDEN
intensity_bars: 88 88 88
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  According to the deviser, the publication date "1993" shown within the San Francisco Collection Vol. 2 is not correct; the dance was devised in 1994.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-21 20:57:02.732869+00
name: Crooked Glen, The
ucname: CROOKED GLEN
notes:
  According to the notes the Gaelic name for Glen Lyon, longest of the Scottish Glens, is Crom-ghlearn nan clach. “The Crooked Glen of the Stones”.


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-08-23 06:38:07.878663+00
name: Haunt Of The Gnomes, The
ucname: HAUNT OF THE GNOMES
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Robert MacKay of Edinburgh who introduced John Drewry to J. Scott Skinner's tune *The Haunt of the Gnomes* at St. Andrews in July 1977.

  Furthermore:

  *The dance may be repeated with the side couples leading :-
  The first reels of three will be up and down the dance (Bars 17-24).
  The second reels of three will be across the dance (Bars 25-32).
  The straight lines (Bar 25 onwards) will be across the dance.*

  and

  *The dance provides a good test of memory and of orientation when done twice without stopping!*


created: 2023-08-29 23:02:33.637759+00
last_modified: 2023-08-30 18:14:52.489255+00
name: Sweet Beet, The
ucname: SWEET BEET
notes:
  "Written for <<ddp:Cashmore, Pauline#3416>> our teacher who is a great lover of Beetroot!"

  "Any good reel" or The Silver Thistle from The Silver Thistle Collection by David Cunningham and his band.

  Symbolism: 1-8: stalk and the leaves; 9-16: the root; 17-24: small beets growing; 25-32: the fully formed beetroot.


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-02 21:48:02.912763+00
name: New Parliament House Jig, The
ucname: NEW PARLIAMENT HOUSE JIG
intensity_bars: 033/330/121/202/121/121/333/111
devised: 1980-01-01
notes:
  Three trios WMW arranged in a 3 x 3 square set.

  Here is the introduction from a magazine called "Stringybark and Greenhide, Folk magazine of Australia" Vol. 2 No. 6 December 1980:

  This dance represents the system of government in Australia.  The man in the middle representing the new Parliament House.  The six women representing the Australian States.  The other two men representing the Territories.  The various movements of the dance represent the interaction of the central government, the State Governments, and the Territory Authorities, finishing with a change of Government.


  -------------------------Historical note by the author ------------------------------

  New Parliament House Jig
  ------------------------------------------
  This dance was not written with any particular genre in mind. Actually, I had been observing that dancing (at the time) was tending towards the frantic rather than sedate so I decided to attempt to write a dance that just couldn't be successfully danced at a fast pace, and the original tune was played somewhat slower than the usual tempo for jigs.

  Here is the background -

  I lived in Canberra from 1976 - 1981 and had a gig at a wine bar/restaurant where the architect of the proposed New [Australian] Parliament House was a regular customer. He attended a couple of bush dances at the Yarralumla Woolshed when I was playing and we had some discussion about traditional dancing and how dance and movement can be representative.

  From this the idea of a dance was born and very quickly composed, together with an original tune (3x64 bar jig aptly named The New Parliament House Jig) for the pending Dance Composing Competition being held by the Sydney Bush Music Club at their 1980 festival - I'm pleased to say that it won and was published in Stringybark and Greenhide in Dec 1980.

  I understand that the dance has become popular near and far - which is very gratifying. Also I believe that it has been changed somewhat and some rather exotic calls have been used by inventive callers - and of course that's the wonderful folk process at work.

  The last I heard from Phil Wilson was that it was to be published (with the original tune) by Cecil Sharpe House in a collection of most popular dances. Makes me quite chuffed.

  John Colville, May, 2003


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 14:35:46.206774+00
name: Come out of your Buckie
ucname: COME OUT OF YOUR BUCKIE
devised: 1984-01-01
notes:
  In the publication of this dance in <<link:thereel/175||2>> Drewry writes that it is for <<ddp: Zadworny, Margaret#1269>> of Nova Scotia who was born in Buckie. He also says that "Buckie" is the name for the whelk or sea-snail as well as the town on the Banff-shire coast. So the title "Come out of your Buckie" also means "Come out of your shell".


created: 2001-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 14:42:20.060928+00
name: Fruit-Cake, The
ucname: FRUITCAKE
intensity_bars: 848/848/844/888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote this dance for Rosalind Zuridis. 

  Other notes from *Greenburn Book 3:*

  1. When 1st couple are repeating the dance, during bars 21 -24, 1st and original 4th couples can turn with the right hand one and a half times, before dancing the circle. This is a convenient way of taking the original first couple down to the bottom to be ready for a clean start with the new top couple.
  1. Mrs. Zuridis has written an article about me for the London Reel. In it she says that if she ever creates a dance it will be called "Drewry's Cake". Maybe this dance will help her on her way, but I hope that she does not think that I am an absolute fruit-cake or even a half-baked one!

  Please also note, the spelling of this dance is not consistent. In "New dances by John Drewry (devised in the period 1999 - 2000)" this dance is spelled "Fruit Cake, The". In the "Greenburn Book 3" (2000) and in <<link:thereel/230||2>> it is spelled "The Fruit-Cake".


created: 1998-11-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 14:44:25.451773+00
name: Fugal Fergus
ucname: FUGAL FERGUS
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888/884/000
devised: 1963-01-01
notes:
  Fugue. Men dance 8 bars behind the ladies.
  This is the only dance described in <<ddpub:#406|Roll Back the Carpet>>, a delightful and interesting book that analyses a large variety of possible SCD figures. It is in the section "Counterpoint" which was first published in <<link:thereel/75||4>>.

  See also <<ddd:Waverley>>.

  Anselm Lingnau writes: "While we're on the subject of Fugal Fergus, it's probably worth mentioning that it is a derivative of the dance Waverley (or Fergus McIver) from RSCDS Book 15. The chases from the original are fairly evident in Foss's adaptation, as is the setting and crossing (even though in Fugal Fergus it goes across the dance, while in Waverley it goes up and down).  Waverley also features the poussette and double triangles, which Fugal Fergus does not.  Fugal Fergus is dance #1 in Hugh Foss's book The Waverley Fugues, which contains 12 "fugal" dances of increasing complexity, and it is the only one in the book based on an existing dance.  As an exercise in devising dances, The Waverley Fugues remains unsurpassed, and  it offers many interesting challenges for advanced dancers.  My personal favourites are Rob Roy (#6) and Dugald Dalgetty (#9)...."


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 14:46:20.169694+00
name: Gassy Jack's Eightsome
ucname: GASSY JACKS EIGHTSOME
devised: 1965-01-01
notes:
  The square formation should be wide for the strathspey. At the end of the Strathspey as the couples dance back to place, the size of the set should be reduced for the reel.

  When Vancouver was just a small settlement at the mouth of the Fraser
  River, it was known as Gastown - named after a well-known local
  character, Gassy Jack Deighton. The Vancouver Branch Demonstration Team
  first performed this dance for Miss Jean Milligan's visit to Vancouver
  in October, 1966. 
  The dance was first published in <<link:thethistle/37||3>>.


created: 1999-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 20:36:05.576902+00
name: Ladies' Fancy
ucname: LADIES FANCY
intensity_bars: 62/84/88/88
notes:
  Though "collected in Angus", the RSCDS publication "Scottish Country Dances Books 13 to 18" also refers to "D Anderson's Ball-Room Guide c. 1886".

  An article in <<link:thethistle/30||7>> by the Fletts 
  gives some background and reconstruction of the original instructions.


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 20:53:19.35596+00
name: Paddy O'Rafferty
ucname: PADDY ORAFFERTY
notes:
  A version of this dance is described in <<link:thethistle/36||2>> (as part of an article about <<ddd:Rory O'More#5658>>).


created: 2002-01-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-26 11:42:03.917512+00
name: Monymusk
ucname: MONYMUSK
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 866
devised: 1786-01-01
notes:
  In *Scotland Through Her Country Dances*, George S. Emmerson writes:

  > »Sir Archibald Grant of Monymusk« is one of the great Strathspey tunes, composed by that very original composer in the traditional idioms, Daniel Dow (1732-83), music teacher in Edinburgh.

  > The name is Gaelic, »moine mus(g)ach«, »nasty, filthy bog«. Not, perhaps, the most prepossessing of names. The laird of this territory in Aberdeenshire is Grant, Baronet of Monymusk. The Third Baronet, who died in 1796, is doubtless the one honoured by Daniel Dow.

  One must always be wary when Emmerson uses words like »doubtless«, but in this instance his theory seems sound. There are other conjectures about the name which are more absurd.

  Monymusk is 50 kilometers or so (30 miles) north-west of Aberdeen and can be found using Google Maps. <<http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townfirst4089.html|The Gazetteer for Scotland>> contains more information about the place than anyone other than serious Scottish history buffs would find useful.

  <<link:thereel/16||3>> contains an article about Monymusk.

  Those curious about the historical versions of the dance might be interested in watching a more quicktime version based on <<https://olddance.org/dancelib/73/>> (from 1812) at <<https://youtu.be/9fpDS-mNLyw?t=41>> (not SCD music, nor RSCDS style and with their own "variations"). This follows the original "lead out bottom and top" in bars 25-32 rather than the RSCDS reels.


created: 2002-01-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 20:57:34.765768+00
name: Reel of the 51st Division, The
ucname: REEL OF THE 51ST DIVISION
intensity_bars: 800 833 833 888
devised: 1940-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  Reams have been written about this dance and several pages could be added here but that is not the intention of these notes.

  The dance was written by Lieutenants Jimmy Atkinson and Peter Oliver with some input from Lt Col. Tom Harris Hunter while they were prisoners of war in a camp in Germany.

  <<img:51st-division-badge.jpg|caption="Badge of the 51st Division",by="Imperial War Museum",license="public domain"|right@t:200>>
  The defining feature of the dance, the diagonal lines representing the Saltire badge of the Division, was worked out by Jimmy Atkinson while marching from the north-west coast of France to the POW camp on the German/Austrian border and was said by him to be a variation on the beginning of *Scottish Reform*. (**Note:** The badge connection is somewhat doubtful since the 51st Division's badge was not actually a saltire but the stylised letters “HD” in a circle. The use of this to mark designated marching routes brought the 51st Division the nickname “Highway Decorators”.)

  To read more about the history of the dance you may refer to <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/anselm/stories/reelofthe51st/|here>>, <<https://web.archive.org/web/20170617141349/http://www.historyinanhour.com/2014/06/04/history-reel-51st-division/|here>> or <<https://www.laird.org.uk/Scots/51st_Division_at_St_Valery.aspx|here>>. Or <<link:thereel/165|here|4>>. A recording of Jimmy Atkinson talking about the dance is part of a BBC article <<https://canvas-story.bbcrewind.co.uk/sites/dancing-for-victory/|here>>.
  ##<<


created: 1998-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-03 21:02:10.324255+00
name: Spey In Spate, The
ucname: SPEY IN SPATE
intensity_bars: 888 800 844 800
devised: 1968-01-01
notes:
  Devised in 1968, and first published as Glendarroch SCD Sheet No. 34 in 1969.

  As mentioned in the <<https://www.rscdslondon.org.uk/sdata/dances/glendarroch/spey.pdf|Glendarroch Sheet>>, is a rearrangement of Derek Haynes' earlier dance "Hadrian's Wall".
  Possibly, Derek Haynes liked the "The Spey in Spate" dance better, which might explain why "The Spey in Spate" did enter the devisor's Carnforth Collection books published in the 1990s, while "Hadrian's Wall" did not.


created: 2011-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-07 11:22:18.213098+00
name: Xiaowen
ucname: XIAOWEN
intensity_bars: 083/083/484/484/888/448
devised: 2010-07-25
notes:
  Devised 25 July, 2010. Given to Xiaowen Yu (daughter of Monica). The first 16 bars are taken from a a dance devised by Iain Boyd which in turn uses an idea by Alec Hay.

  Recommended music is “An’ Thou Wert My Only Dear” preferably played ABABAB, and there is no recording of this with only 3 repetitions.
  The RSCDS recording of Book 21 by John Renton and his band, track 3 is an excellent 8 by 32 version. Acceptable alternative music would be “Balcomie House” as recorded by e.g. The Lothian Band (“In Strict Tempo”, track 1) or The Irvine Valley SCD Band (Favourite SCD’s Vol 3, Teacher’s Choice, track 11)


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-09 08:26:07.385523+00
name: Phantom Piper, The
ucname: PHANTOM PIPER
intensity_bars: 8888 8668 8228 8888
notes:
  Inscribed "for John Dick, piper".

  The notes say "The sound of ghostly piping is sometimes heard around the ruins of Gight Castle. It is said to be the playing of a piper who was sent to explore an underground passage from which he never returned."


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-11 01:29:18.243834+00
name: Leaving Benbecula
ucname: LEAVING BENBECULA
notes:
  Inscribed to Mrs. Sheila Jupp, who spent several years living on the Island. It was from Benbecula that Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald sailed in 1746.

  For a while MiniCrib had a duplicate crib for this dance under the name "Return to Benbecula". It is not known how or why this was added (around 2001). As of 2022 it is now removed from MiniCrib and SCDDB but is added as a name alias along with this note in case anyone ever tries to search for it.


created: 1999-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-11 10:28:29.113058+00
name: Devil on Paws, The
ucname: DEVIL ON PAWS
devised: 1991-11-01
notes:
  "Dedicated to Pinky, a black and white male cat, known as 'The Devil on Paws' because of his behaviour."


created: 1999-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-11 10:30:23.890208+00
name: Three-Legged Cat, The
ucname: THREELEGGED CAT
intensity_bars: 800/480/888/800
devised: 1991-07-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Tripod, a tortoiseshell and white female cat, who lost her front right leg in a motor vehicle accident. Hence, first woman does not use her right hand.

  Just a note for anyone planning to do this dance in future: After the advance and retire, the first couple should be not so much simply dancing around each other as dancing a close 'gypsy turn'.  The deviser writes: "The first couple are dancing the interactions between Tripod and Pinky, so dancing around is up close and glaring!"  So just think of warring cats!


created: 1999-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-11 10:38:03.169659+00
name: Old Girls, The
ucname: OLD GIRLS
intensity_bars: 888/880/888/888
devised: 1990-08-15
notes:
  Dedicated to all Wanganui Girls' College Old Girls on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the College celebrated in 1991. The dance was performed by eight Old Girls on Saturday 30 March 1991 at the "Nog 'n' Natter" held in the College Hall.  

  The formations in the dance depict aspects of the badge of the Wanganui Girls' College Old Girls Association. The deviser wishes to acknowledge the use of the three couple half diagonal rights and lefts devised by Ian Barbour.


created: 1999-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-11 10:40:02.275065+00
name: Pamela of Plimmerton
ucname: PAMELA OF PLIMMERTON
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  "Presented to Pamela Stent, Founding President of the Plimmerton Scottish Country Dance Club, on 20 May 1993."


created: 2023-10-01 19:40:44.12456+00
last_modified: 2023-10-01 19:40:44.12456+00
name: Home to Whitsome
ucname: HOME TO WHITSOME
notes:
  The notes say this is "... with love to Marian in appreciation of all the wonderful music she has composed for me over the years."


created: 2015-12-16 10:55:47.845492+00
last_modified: 2023-09-11 11:47:57.770298+00
name: Bon Viveur, The
ucname: BON VIVEUR
intensity_bars: 8888/8080/12 12 12 12/4444
devised: 2015-12-01
notes:
  Written for <<ddp:Adam, Stewart#518>> in recognition of his award of the RSCDS Scroll of Honour at the AGM in Perth in November 2015 and first danced at the Edinburgh Branch Christmas Party in December.

  The dance was originally submitted to the RSCDS with <<ddt:Wing Commander Donald Mackenzie's Reel>> as the suggested tune for the reel part. Since this tune was deemed too difficult and it wasn't possible to obtain copyright clearance for reprinting it in the book, Iain MacPhail (a good friend of Stewart Adam's) was asked to compose a reel tune for the dance. This tune – <<ddt:Stewart Adam – Bon Viveur#13932>> – is the one that is now in the RSCDS book.


created: 2023-09-11 18:54:18.573649+00
last_modified: 2023-09-11 19:14:04.491269+00
name: Lost Ship, The
ucname: LOST SHIP
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  The notes explain that "HMY Iolaire was an Admiralty Yacht that sank at the entrance to Stornoway harbour on 1 January 1919, with the loss of at least 201 men out of the 283 on board. The vessel was filled with seamen returning from WW1. They lost their lives on the rocks known as the Beasts of Holm."


created: 2023-06-20 20:19:57.431714+00
last_modified: 2023-09-14 22:40:01.335605+00
name: Grandfather Mountain
ucname: GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
notes:
  In memory of the deviser's grandmother, Judi Stephens.

  Notes from the deviser: This dance is inspired by the hairpin turns and mile-high swinging bridge on Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. This is the site of the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, the setting of Fraser’s Ridge in Outlander, and the location of my family reunion.


created: 2018-09-24 22:58:22.63522+00
last_modified: 2024-10-02 15:00:05.397091+00
name: 10/6 In This Style
ucname: 10/6 IN THIS STYLE
intensity_bars: 888 888 444 767
devised: 2018-07-01
notes:
  A dance for the Mad Hatter’s hat which was priced at ten shillings and six pence (this used to be written as 10/6 and pronounced "ten and six").

  For an example of the original Tenniel illustrations see <<https://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/wp-content/uploads/1book24.jpg>>.


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-22 15:06:20.156361+00
name: Carola's Reel
ucname: CAROLAS REEL
intensity_bars: 84/88/88/84
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  For Carola Tress, Kuckucksnest 1993.

  Two different tunes have been proposed for this dance.
  (1) Da Mirrie Boys O Greenland (in the Tafeln & Tanzen im Kuckucksnest book);
  (2) Muirtown House as the lead tune in the The Water Kelpie recording mentioned in the version from Rudi Spägele's original website.


created: 2023-06-20 19:44:17.89816+00
last_modified: 2023-09-14 22:31:33.829847+00
name: Superorganism
ucname: SUPERORGANISM
notes:
  Notes from the deviser: The ‘superorganism’ concept refers to the belief that we can view eusocial colonies (like ants) not as individual organisms but as one collective superorganism. Each individual is working together for the collective, much like each cell in your body is working together to be you.

  I chose to write a presentation on superorganisms for a module on social insects in my final year at St Andrews and it struck me that Scottish country dancers form a sort of superorganism while dancing – we all follow our individual paths but are working together to produce a whole complete dance. I wanted to write something to commemorate the collective experience of dancing, but also to celebrate the beauty of social insects.


created: 2023-06-20 19:57:40.383934+00
last_modified: 2023-09-14 22:33:29.97873+00
name: Tampa Bay Strathspey
ucname: TAMPA BAY STRATHSPEY
notes:
  Notes from the deviser: I have fond memories from my time in Florida, contra dancing with the Tampa Bay Friends of Old-Time Dance. Contra and Scottish Country Dancing are cousins, sharing some structure and terminology, while differing in footwork and progression. Like contra, this dance is for two couples and features from overlap between the two dance forms (even if only in name – a contra allemande is quite a different thing!). The biggest commonality between contra and SCD is the friendly culture of the dancers, who joyfully welcome new dancers on both sides of the Atlantic.


created: 2023-06-20 09:00:50.938958+00
last_modified: 2023-09-14 22:36:12.383979+00
name: Miss Lucy Phillips
ucname: MISS LUCY PHILLIPS
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Danced twice.

  Notes from the deviser: This is far from the first revision of this dance. I first wrote it several months prior to Lucy’s 21st birthday and it went through several rounds of tweaking as I realised I’d tried to be too clever with parts of it. Trialling it for this book led to one final revision before the final version, featuring most of Lucy’s favourite figures, went down a storm at its first public outing at her 21st birthday celebration.


created: 2002-04-28 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-16 10:52:08.02411+00
name: Blue Men of the Minch, The
ucname: BLUE MEN OF THE MINCH
intensity_bars: 8008/0880/8888/8888
notes:
  "The Blue Men of the Minch were Storm Kelpies whose home was in the rough seas that divide the Outer Hebrides from the mainland."


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-17 10:37:34.016035+00
name: Wells Of Swona, The
ucname: WELLS OF SWONA
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8008
notes:
  The Wells of Swona is a whirlpool to the north of the Scottish mainland. It was supposed to be caused by a witch’s struggles to free herself from the grasp of a drowning man.


created: 1997-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-17 10:58:55.739741+00
name: Whirlpool, The
ucname: WHIRLPOOL
devised: 1976-01-01
notes:
  Deviser's note:  The phrasing given for bars 25-32 is only approximate, intended to suggest a gradual closing in and speeding up, followed by an opening out and slowing down to allow the dancers to finish comfortably in their places.


created: 2002-09-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-26 16:36:55.348702+00
name: Eight of Diamonds, The
ucname: EIGHT OF DIAMONDS
intensity_bars: 48848448/88808088/08888808/44462642
notes:
  The reprint of the 5th Carnforth book adds the note  "Note that dancers number 2 and 3 simply change places with each other every 32 bars."  The other dancers thus return to places after 6 times through.

  Note by Eric Ferguson: If [31-32] is replaced by "the new centres change places" the progresssion goes fully round in 8 times through"


created: 2023-09-19 10:21:39.007313+00
last_modified: 2023-09-19 10:21:39.007313+00
name: Whiteadder Periscope, The
ucname: WHITEADDER PERISCOPE
intensity_bars: 880/880/888/808
devised: 2003-07-01
notes:
  From the notes "I live on the shores of Whiteadder Reservoir in the Lammermuir Hills. There is an old farm beneath the water immediately in front of my house which at one time had a wrought iron fence. Part of the metal from this fence sticks up above the water and looks just like a periscope."


created: 2006-05-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-20 12:07:47.110449+00
name: Bill Jacob's Jig
ucname: BILL JACOBS JIG
intensity_bars: 8080/8080/8888/8444
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised in 2001. When making a video of it in 2023 the deviser changed bars 9-16. The original Lochiel Collection version had 1st and 3rd couples setting, crossing down and chasing back to place. The revised version has 1st & 2nd also 3rd & 4th couple setting, right hands across and setting again.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-09 15:01:55.326735+00
name: Something To Celebrate
ucname: SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE
notes:
  The notes say the something to celebrate is "Twenty-one years of Scottish Country Dancing in Sutton Coldfield."

  Originally this was entered in SCDDB as a Jig. The original printed book may have had that in the table of contents. However the recommended recording is a reel. And the updated edition of the book now has "reel" in the dance description as well.


created: 1997-09-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-23 02:08:47.313948+00
name: Morison's Bush
ucname: MORISONS BUSH
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/844/844
devised: 1954-01-01
notes:
  Morison's Bush was one of the earliest outposts in the Wairarapa, taking its name from Duncan Morison (originally Morrison) who settled there in 1856. At first it was an isolated place, not for ten years connected, and then only precariously, by a coach service to Wellington over the steep mountain range of the Rimutakas. One hundred years later modern transport made light of miles and mountains, and from North and South dancers gathered to make Morison's Bush famous as the venue of the first Scottish Country Dance Balls ever held in New Zealand.


created: 2002-03-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-24 10:26:05.875025+00
name: Breathalyser, The
ucname: BREATHALYSER
intensity_bars: 844/844/844/888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  For David Robertson  

  David never drinks alcohol but, when he was in New Zealand, he was breathalysed twice on successive evenings.  
  Recitation of The *Leith Police dismisseth us* was used as a test of sobriety in pre-breathalyser days.


created: 2001-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-27 10:38:06.231748+00
name: Lovely Hall, A
ucname: LOVELY HALL
intensity_bars: 800/844/866/888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  This dance is named for how Mady Newfield describes the Baker Center in St. Charles, Illinois, where the Silk and Thistle class hold their annual Frolic on the Fox.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-25 10:45:24.800697+00
name: Muggons In May
ucname: MUGGONS IN MAY
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/7777/8888
notes:
  “If they wad drink nettles in March  
  And eat muggons in May,  
  Sae mony braw maidens  
  Wadna gang tae the clay”.

  According to <<https://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/muggins>> muggons or muggins are Scottish dialect for mugwort which, along with nettles, was used as a prescription against tuberculosis.

  The notes explain that "bars 17 - 24 are taken from an adaptation of Hooper's Jig for four couples that I made for demonstration purposes. They seemed interesting enough to exist in a dance of their own."


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-25 12:10:29.191918+00
name: Maiden's Leap, The
ucname: MAIDENS LEAP
notes:
  The notes say that "The Maiden's Leap is the name traditionally given to the space between two of the towers of Huntingtower Castle."


created: 2023-09-28 08:43:23.803414+00
last_modified: 2023-09-28 09:22:30.309553+00
name: Rowan's Gambol in Budapest
ucname: ROWANS GAMBOL IN BUDAPEST
devised: 2023-09-01
notes:
  The dance was devised in September 2023 for Rowan's visit to Budapest, where Rowan had the opportunity to dance with Racka, the Hungarian young dancer mascot and the youngest members of Budapest Scottish Dance Club.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-09-29 16:01:36.307987+00
name: Awatiro Jig, The
ucname: AWATIRO JIG
devised: 1984-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For the Stubbs family of Awatiro and the Auckland Speleo Group."

  This dance includes half the "Marigold Reels" from <<ddd:Marigold#4175>>.


created: 2014-05-25 08:57:12.228777+00
last_modified: 2023-10-01 11:39:57.776603+00
name: Pipe Major Mullen
ucname: PIPE MAJOR MULLEN
notes:
  Dedicated to Tom Mullen, a man of many talents and a very popular personality in Manchester Scottish circles, including RSCDS dancing and RSCDS dance band, Pipe Bands and Caledonian Choir.
  I have personally known Tom since the early 60's when he was Pipe Major of the Prince Charles Edward Pipe Band in Manchester in which I was a drummer.
  The first time I heard Harvest Home was when Tom introduced it to the Pipe Band as part of a very exciting medley.
  (Notes are by Peter Dawson and are from Ten Modern SCDs)


created: 2014-05-09 22:35:13.485403+00
last_modified: 2023-10-01 17:02:10.510999+00
name: George Watson of Tipperlinn
ucname: GEORGE WATSON OF TIPPERLINN
devised: 2003-07-06
notes:
  George Watson's College in Edinburgh was the secondary school the devisor attended and first learned to Scottish Country Dance.


created: 2017-01-05 10:52:42.377905+00
last_modified: 2024-11-27 11:33:36.52726+00
name: Orchards of Co. Armagh, The
ucname: ORCHARDS OF CO ARMAGH
intensity_bars: 868/844/808/884
notes:
  The dance was inspired by the rows of orchards in Portadown.  

  The recording on the CD for the book states "The Orchards of Armagh" (without "Co.").


created: 2023-10-01 20:22:18.608562+00
last_modified: 2023-10-01 20:22:18.608562+00
name: St Andrews Sands
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS SANDS
devised: 2009-02-01
notes:
  May also be danced in 5 or 3 couple longwise sets with 1st & 3rd couples or only 1st couple as the active couples.


created: 2023-10-02 03:39:16.46948+00
last_modified: 2023-10-02 03:51:39.503826+00
name: Sushi Rolls
ucname: SUSHI ROLLS
intensity_bars: 8020/8080/8888/8008
devised: 2023-09-01
notes:
  Written for my daughter Lorna on her 21st birthday, and first performed at her 21st birthday dance with Lindsay Weir playing.  

  This dance was inspired by a variation of The Flying Scotsman which my wife Caroline came across, where the dancing couple changes sides when heading down the middle so everyone gets to dance it from both sides of the set. One phrase I associate with Lorna (apparently coined by her friend Neelu) is “sushi rolls, not gender roles” so I thought a dance where everyone dances on both sides of the set
  might suit her well.  
  When I discussed possible tunes with Lindsay, she said she had recently worked up a set of new tunes with The Inevitable Journey by Robert Nairn as first tune, and pointed me at her Facebook post where she plays it (https://www.facebook.com/lindsay.weir.92/videos/445522507419551/). It seemed to really suit the dance.


created: 2017-07-09 21:12:14.496164+00
last_modified: 2023-10-05 12:46:40.422507+00
name: Trip to Sorrento, A
ucname: TRIP TO SORRENTO
intensity_bars: 888/800/880/888
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  This 32 bar dance goes 6 times through: After 32 bars, the progression has reached (2,1,3).  1c then repeats from 2nd place, i.e. 1c lead down and up from 2pl, and 1c+3c dance the Allemande.  The progression after 64 bars is (2,3,1)


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-06 03:56:22.24017+00
name: Shooglie, The
ucname: SHOOGLIE
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/880
devised: 1983-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised in 1983 and appeared in the Glasgow Branch of the RSCDS Diamond Jubilee book of dances. The Glasgow Branch hold the copyright but agreed to let it appear in this book. Shooglie was an affectionate name for the tramcars in Glasgow pre 1950.


created: 2023-09-18 08:15:41.240996+00
last_modified: 2023-10-10 22:59:22.748766+00
name: City of Villages, The
ucname: CITY OF VILLAGES
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
notes:
  Devised for those who organised and attended the 2016 West End Workshop in Mississauga, Canada and made me feel so welcome.  
  Mississauga is known as the *City of Villages*.


created: 2014-03-13 15:40:34.497179+00
last_modified: 2023-10-07 10:44:04.864218+00
name: Whisky Galore
ucname: WHISKY GALORE
devised: 2011-12-01
notes:
  The notes say this was "Written for a Twixmas party at the home of Frances Richardson who won half a gallon of whisky and needed some help in drinking it up. Unfortunately the party goers didn’t manage to drink it all so we have enjoyed several parties since!!  The Twixmas Hornpipe was composed by Chris Dewhurst who also plays for dancing at the parties."


created: 2023-10-15 13:11:48.303202+00
last_modified: 2023-10-17 09:59:55.151703+00
name: Urlaub in Münster
ucname: URLAUB IN MUNSTER
intensity_bars: 888/880/888/888
devised: 2023-10-01
notes:
  This dance came about as a request from Toni and Barry Robinson for a dance reminiscent of their trip to Europe where they spent some time in Münster and got to dance with the dance group there. The request asked for a rondel to remember all the umbrellas in the rain and hands across to remember all the bicycles.


created: 2023-10-30 11:33:32.288632+00
last_modified: 2023-10-30 11:33:32.288632+00
name: Piri Pukeko's Jig
ucname: PIRI PUKEKOS JIG
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  From the dance notes:
  *This dance was devised for the children attending the NZ 2009 JAM Camp, (Junior Associate Members) held over the first weekend in October, in Masterton.  This dance was put on the Saturday night programme, and all the children learnt it on the night.*

  *The name of the camp was “The Wildlife Fun Camp, and Pukeko’s (NZ birds) were the birds used for the logo.  They have beautiful blue coloured features on their breast, and red perks, they also have long spindly legs.*

  *Elaine Lethbridge was the organiser of the camp, and it gathered 70 juniors from all around NZ.  Elaine was keen to have a dance devised for this school. So Piri Pukeko’s was the result.*


created: 2023-09-18 08:02:57.265817+00
last_modified: 2024-05-20 13:17:55.382599+00
name: Mr Diack's Measure
ucname: MR DIACKS MEASURE
intensity_bars: 800/880/822/888
notes:
  Devised by Linda Gaul in honour of Mr Michael Diack of Paterson’s Publications Ltd, Glasgow who introduced Miss Jean Milligan to Mrs Isabel Stewart. Mr Diack arranged the music for   the first six RSCDS books of dances and Paterson’s Publications Ltd was responsible for their publication.


created: 2023-10-30 11:16:15.484989+00
last_modified: 2025-10-21 14:58:14.032793+00
name: Gowans' Fair
ucname: GOWANS FAIR
intensity_bars: 555/555/800/844
devised: 2012-08-01
notes:
  From the dance notes:
  *This dance was requested by members of the Waikanae SCD club, to give to one of their oldest dancers to celebrate her 90th birthday.  Rita Brennan, the lady in question, has danced and taught at the Waikanae club, after leaving the Hutt Valley with her husband Colin to retire to sunny Waikanae.*

  *The name was researched by Jacki King, the president of the Waikanae club.  Gowan is the name of a meadow daisy – and Rita’s full name is Marguerite, which also means daisy.*


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-08 16:18:02.074672+00
name: Travelling Dancers, The
ucname: TRAVELLING DANCERS
intensity_bars: 8000/8800/8000/8080/8000/8008/8000/8888
devised: 1992-01-01
notes:
  "Written for Ruth & Ash Fitchett, loyal and supportive members of the of Wellington SCD Club".  Ruth and Ash are great travellers and have had several trips overseas.  As the dance will show, they take off on their own but always return to dance with their friends at the Wellington Club". 

  The instructions for this dance were first published in "A tribute to Norfolk Island" (1992), and then again (1999) in the booklet accompanying the CD <<dda:Kardinia Capers#355>>. Those both say that on bar 48, at the end of the reel, 1st couple half turn left hand and face up (then change to right hand joined to lead up).

  Another version of the instructions instead say that on bar 48 1st couple should pass right shoulder and face up with right hands joined.

  Originally both MiniCrib and E-crib followed the first version but are being changed to follow the second version.

  The video <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dancevideo/5529/|Video 1>> shows several sets, with dancers using each option.


created: 2006-10-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-12 11:15:30.85566+00
name: Song of the Saltire
ucname: SONG OF THE SALTIRE
intensity_bars: 8888/8448/8008/8888/8888
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for the members of the Greensboro Scottish Country Dance Society with thanks for a memorable St. Andrew’s Day 20th anniversary weekend!"


created: 2006-10-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-12 11:25:58.403791+00
name: Dance Gypsies
ucname: DANCE GYPSIES
intensity_bars: 886/833/833/844
devised: 2005-08-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For Linda Bell Salter – my partner in 'Where Is There Dancing Tonight?' crime".

  NB an earlier version of the instructions had a different ending (various crossings instead of a chase).


created: 2023-10-09 18:55:59.301989+00
last_modified: 2023-10-09 20:19:11.655064+00
name: Matriarchs of Salem, The
ucname: MATRIARCHS OF SALEM
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  The dance is dedicated to Sally Dee, MaryEllen Scannell and Susie Petrov for their warm welcome, wisdom, and encouragements to me as well as all dancers since I joined the Salem Scottish Dancers in Salem, Mass.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-10 20:57:12.413062+00
name: Light's Vision
ucname: LIGHTS VISION
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this is "To mark the 150th anniversary of the State of South Australia 1836 - 1986. Colonel Light the Surveyor General drew up the plans for Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. There is a statue of Colonel Light known as "Light's Vision on Montefiore Hill over- looking Adelaide and its lovely parklands."

  Danced twice.


created: 2007-08-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-11 17:00:34.583696+00
name: Trip to Lorient, A
ucname: TRIP TO LORIENT
devised: 2007-04-01
notes:
  Bars 1-4 of the RSCDS version has a single advance and retire.  Ian's website, https://www.scottishdance.net/dances/Book/ATripToLorient.pdf has advance and retire twice.

  Ian writes: I intended the strathspey to be advance for one, retire for one twice - I really like this dynamic figure, whereas advance for two retire for two always makes me believe the set is too narrow. Unfortunately during publication by the RSCDS these bars were set to the same as the corresponding bars of the quick time, and I missed this during proof-reading.

  ln the quick time, it remains advance for two, retire for two once.

  The strathspey and reel parts each have progression 3142 and dancers may choose to repeat each part.


created: 2006-10-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-12 19:45:59.707883+00
name: Corriejukit
ucname: CORRIEJUKIT
devised: 2004-02-01
notes:
  The notes explain that Corriejukit  means “left handed.” And the dance is inscribed "for our daughter, Allison Garrison – who is!"


created: 2023-07-07 04:40:34.455974+00
last_modified: 2023-10-14 22:03:46.160127+00
name: Secret Location
ucname: SECRET LOCATION
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  Deviser's Note: Although the description assumes three couples in a set, it is not a disaster if there is a different number of couples in some sets – and this is probably quite likely to happen based on my experience with similar dances.  
     
  Written for the wedding of my sister Sara Brockbank to Alex Wright near Forres on the 8th of April 2023. We were not told where the wedding would take place – we were just told to turn up to the Mosset Tavern at 2pm and a bus would take us there. The “secret location” turned out to be on the shore of Loch of Blairs on the Altyre Estate near Forres, with the bride arriving by rowing boat and the ceremony beneath the trees on the shoreside.


created: 1998-09-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-16 20:04:00.338458+00
name: Largo Law
ucname: LARGO LAW
intensity_bars: 888 800 880 800
notes:
  The MMM publication has "dance down the middle and up" for bars 9-16. However the TAC notes for MMM say this should be "lead" not "dance" down.


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-17 18:08:07.413041+00
name: Holborn March
ucname: HOLBORN MARCH
intensity_bars: 80/08/88/80
devised: 1740-01-01
notes:
  A thirty two bar March for two couples in a longwise set, from Wright's "Compleat Collection" (1740). The dance and music were originally published under the title "Princess Amelia" in 1731, in honour of a daughter of King George III.  

  This dance is a March and should be walked throughout, except when setting. In the original instructions it says that the second strain of music is played twice, this is obviously incorrect, especially as it also indicates the wheels are danced right hands across halfway and back with the left hand, which would not be particularly far to travel in sixteen bars.  

  This dance is entered in the database as a medley but in <<http://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/1766/|issue 1766>> it is claimed this is wrong - at least as it is danced by the US English Country Dance community.


created: 2023-10-20 22:29:49.963101+00
last_modified: 2025-01-24 11:18:54.841588+00
name: Never Too Close
ucname: NEVER TOO CLOSE
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/844
devised: 2019-05-01
notes:
  The idea of bars 9-16 came to me, then I added bars 17-24 and 25-32 and finally bars 1-8. The title comes from a favorite Gordon Lightfoot song.


created: 2023-10-17 20:51:21.143571+00
last_modified: 2023-10-17 20:51:21.143571+00
name: Golden Glow
ucname: GOLDEN GLOW
devised: 2018-11-01
notes:
  I named this dance for how our large maple tree in the front yard looked this year – in the sun the leaves glowed golden with a hint of red/rust on a few leaves.


created: 2023-10-18 08:48:25.339977+00
last_modified: 2023-10-18 18:24:48.375186+00
name: Muir of Tarradale
ucname: MUIR OF TARRADALE
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/888
notes:
  Peter Jamieson writes that:  
  "It was devised by Mary M Campbell, a former Ross-shire dance teacher, to go with music 'Mrs Mary M Campbell' written for her by David J MacKenzie, a local musician.

  I was given a copy of the sheet music and dance crib by Muir of Ord dance teacher Duncan Cromb, who tells me that it was a very popular dance locally during the 70's."


created: 2023-10-17 20:54:28.04535+00
last_modified: 2023-10-17 21:26:48.457345+00
name: Reel by the Lake, A
ucname: REEL BY THE LAKE
intensity_bars: 8008/8228/8888/8888
devised: 2023-07-01
notes:
  The title is a reference to "<<https://bletchleypark.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/record_attachments/1775.pdf|A Bletchley Alphabet>>" which lists some characters working at Bletchley Park, the British codebreaking centre in the second world war. The entry for F describes cryptographer and dance deviser <<ddp:Foss, Hugh#129>> who can regularly be seen "dancing a reel by the lake". When not dancing Foss was in charge of decoding Japanese naval ciphers.

  The dance starts with an echo of <<ddd:J. B. Milne#3172>>, contains a reel and then a circle to represent the lake.


created: 2023-10-17 22:26:28.564419+00
last_modified: 2023-10-19 08:25:06.707493+00
name: Gift of Song, A
ucname: GIFT OF SONG
intensity_bars: 844/844/844/888
devised: 2023-09-01
notes:
  The title comes from a favorite song by Mason Williams which has the line "A gift of song is a gift of love" in it. When I heard of the passing of Roger Whittaker I realized that over the last few years several of my absolute favorite singers have died and I wrote this as an appreciation of all the joy they have given me (and still do) with their music. [Don Williams, Johnny Crawford, Jim Glaser, Gordon Lightfoot, Ed Ames, and Roger Whittaker]


created: 2005-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-21 11:45:31.125222+00
name: Auld Red Cat, The
ucname: AULD RED CAT
devised: 2005-06-01
notes:
  This dance honors my old red cat, Cinnamon, who will be 18 years old in August of this year and who has weathered a host of potentially lethal diseases and still survives. (Cinny lived to be 19 years and 3 months before succumbing to old age.)


created: 2023-10-18 22:17:28.205901+00
last_modified: 2023-10-19 12:45:59.716043+00
name: Angels with Whiskers
ucname: ANGELS WITH WHISKERS
devised: 2023-08-01
notes:
  Those who know me know this refers to cats, but it can refer to any pet as they are all angels. I liked the reel in Eileen Watt's Reel – this is a variation of it.


created: 2023-10-21 13:37:58.662685+00
last_modified: 2023-10-21 13:55:34.134579+00
name: Beverly Court
ucname: BEVERLY COURT
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2023-07-01
notes:
  I named this dance for the street on which I spent my childhood from around age 6 to around age 11 in St Albans, Vermont.


created: 2023-10-21 12:55:01.009262+00
last_modified: 2023-10-21 13:08:21.594024+00
name: Double Exposure
ucname: DOUBLE EXPOSURE
intensity_bars: 888/820/880/800
devised: 2023-08-01
notes:
  August 2023 is to bring us two super moons. We got to see the first one on the first of August after dancing and this dance has the repeated figure reminiscent of two moons.


created: 2023-10-21 13:59:48.918013+00
last_modified: 2023-10-21 15:22:38.650003+00
name: Eye of Horus, The
ucname: EYE OF HORUS
intensity_bars: 840/888/888/844
devised: 2023-07-01
notes:
  There is absolutely no reason for the name of this dance; it is just a phrase that came into my mind after I wrote this dance. The eye of Horus is considered a symbol of protection against evil so it is a good thing.


created: 2013-07-03 22:18:25.94564+00
last_modified: 2023-10-21 23:49:45.488373+00
name: Vintage Simon
ucname: VINTAGE SIMON
intensity_bars: 80808 86338 86338 84448
notes:
  For Simon Scott, at the request of the Gleneagles Scottish Dance Group, West Vancouver, to celebrate his 50 year as a teacher of Scottish Country Dance.


created: 2013-12-19 10:36:29.79307+00
last_modified: 2023-10-22 14:51:58.10467+00
name: Lion Gate, The
ucname: LION GATE
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  The dance commemorates the granting of the Charter confirming Perth as a Royal Burgh by William the Lion in 1210.


created: 2000-07-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:20:01.451997+00
name: Naughty Nancy
ucname: NAUGHTY NANCY
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  The deviser suggests (in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3342/|issue 3342>>) that <<ddrec:Icebreaker#2655>> by The White Cockade SCD Band is very suitable for this dance.


created: 2013-12-19 10:42:50.727222+00
last_modified: 2023-10-22 14:54:21.551097+00
name: May's 100
ucname: MAYS 100
devised: 2011-04-11
notes:
  For Mrs May Brown on the occasion of her 100th birthday, 22 April 2011.

  Sadly. May subsequently died peacefully on 14 June 2011.  May was a life member of the RSCDS Western Australia Branch and the deviser of several dances, including the McCulloch Strathspey published as a leaflet by the RSCDS in 1966


created: 2013-12-19 10:47:02.311931+00
last_modified: 2023-10-22 14:56:32.017381+00
name: Anne Archdeacon Reel, The
ucname: ANNE ARCHDEACON REEL
devised: 2011-09-01
notes:
  To mark the occasion of the presentation of the Society’s 'Scroll' to Anne Archdeacon for her work in the development and continued growth of Scottish Country Dancing in Far North Queensland. September 2011.


created: 2013-12-19 10:53:30.743636+00
last_modified: 2023-10-22 14:59:04.870133+00
name: Highlander in Glasgow, A
ucname: HIGHLANDER IN GLASGOW
devised: 2013-05-01
notes:
  In memory of David Gordon, fiddle player, composer and member of the RSCDS Western Australia branch. David was born a highlander near Inverness but before immigrating to Australia, spent most of his early working life in Glasgow.


created: 2020-08-03 08:58:20.497861+00
last_modified: 2023-10-23 06:28:45.02252+00
name: Gypsy Crown
ucname: GYPSY CROWN
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/866
devised: 2020-04-01
notes:
  Published in The Postie's Jig, newsletter of the Western Australia Branch of the RSCDS.  Volume 41 Number 3, August 2020


created: 2011-12-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-23 06:31:10.581144+00
name: Emmett's Chase
ucname: EMMETTS CHASE
devised: 2010-03-01
notes:
  Devised for Audrey and Robin Emmett on the occasion of their 50th birthdays - March 2010. 

  This dance was originally published as a Reel on "8x32" at http://blog.lib.umn.edu/ldfs/8x32/2010_04.html, and then republished (with identical wording) as a Jig on http://www.members.westnet.com.au/trevanne/rscdswa/dances/Emmett%27s_Chase.pdf  
  For the original Reel, the deviser indicated: Suitable CD recording : Track 9, RSCDS Belfast Branch Diamond Jubilee Dances recorded by Marian Anderson's Scottish Dance Band (tune "Iain Peterson")

  John Brenchley writes (private communication): "When we came to record the Other Kangaroo Paw cd we had rather too many reels and Emmett's Chase seemed more suited to a jig so we changed it. Marian composed a new tune for it. The tune suggested on the earlier version was only based on a suitable track from a cd for those without access to live music."


created: 2014-09-29 13:19:39.819363+00
last_modified: 2023-10-29 18:56:48.455841+00
name: Sour Lemon, The
ucname: SOUR LEMON
devised: 2001-03-01
notes:
  Devised by John & Hilary Ashby, also original members of Bridport Scottish Country Dancers, in March 2001. This jig was written for all those who forget to smile when dancing!


created: 2014-10-04 00:43:41.665849+00
last_modified: 2023-10-29 10:21:55.490373+00
name: Bus Pass, The
ucname: BUS PASS
intensity_bars: 666/888/888/844
devised: 2010-11-01
notes:
  1 - 4    The ladies waiting for the bus (the men)

  5 - 8    The ladies getting on the bus after dancing for joy having waited for so long for one to come along.

  9 - 16  Travelling on the bus.

  17-20  The wheels of the bus.

  21-24  The BUS PASS.

  25-32  Leaving the bus and returning home after the journey


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-24 00:59:02.416972+00
name: Ythanside
ucname: YTHANSIDE
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 888
devised: 1985-01-01
notes:
  Variant:

  According to information from the SC Dictionary,  Drewry also wrote a variant where 2c+3c make a full turn on the sides on [23-24], and 2W & 3M lead the break on [28] into the Circle6, and the progression becomes (3,1,2)


created: 1998-10-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-10-26 11:36:02.784941+00
name: City of Angels
ucname: CITY OF ANGELS
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  From the notes: "This dance is one of four devised to commemorate the Silver Anniversary of the Los Angeles Branch, RSCDS."

  Originally the SCDDB entry had this dance as devised in 1998 but the instructions say 1991.


created: 2014-09-29 13:26:44.2953+00
last_modified: 2023-10-29 16:53:29.412715+00
name: Dance for Ann, A
ucname: DANCE FOR ANN
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844/888
devised: 2002-11-01
notes:
  Original version Nov. 2002; modified 05 Nov. 2014  

  In honour of Ann Prior, one of the founding teachers of the Bridport Scottish Dancers.


created: 2014-10-04 00:24:39.198324+00
last_modified: 2023-10-29 16:59:45.285385+00
name: Bramley House Strathspey
ucname: BRAMLEY HOUSE STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/888
notes:
  Devised by John Ashby to mark the move by Bill and Kathleen Allan to their new home in Bramley House, Bridport - The dance incorporates 'Macdonald of the Isles' reels which Bill enjoyed as he could gaze into his
  partner's eyes - and a nice slow turn at the end for Kathleen.

  Tune:  Wells House


created: 2014-09-29 13:14:34.80428+00
last_modified: 2023-10-29 19:00:13.71842+00
name: Welcome to Bridport
ucname: WELCOME TO BRIDPORT
intensity_bars: 886/888/888/888
devised: 2000-06-30
notes:
  Devised by Leslie Broughton in June 2000.  Leslie was a long-standing member of the group, who provided a new dance for every occasion!


created: 2014-10-04 01:05:58.508451+00
last_modified: 2023-10-29 17:51:24.706777+00
name: Mrs Rae of Westerton
ucname: MRS RAE OF WESTERTON
intensity_bars: 484/484/484/800
devised: 2006-10-12
notes:
  Devised by Marion McIntosh, the current dance teacher at Westerton, for 12th October 2006 - The 75th Anniversary of the founding, by Janet Rae, of Westerton Scottish Country Dance Club.    

  Mrs Rae attended one of Miss Milligan's classes in the city of Glasgow, and persuaded her to come to Westerton with a few of her stalwarts to set up the club. It was only a small wooden hut at the time, and so many people turned up that half of them had to dance outside in the street.


created: 2016-04-15 19:05:47.686352+00
last_modified: 2023-10-30 12:59:29.224182+00
name: Hellbender
ucname: HELLBENDER
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
notes:
  The crib and diagram are an interpretation of the original instructions at <<https://sites.google.com/view/thefollyofrogues/cusrc-reelwiki/hellbender>>. However the deviser reported a different version of the last 8 bars by email:

  > The dance starts off in an unusual formation - diagonally opposite your partner rather than across from them,
  > 
  > 1M   3L  
  > 2M   2L  
  > 3M   1L  
  > 
  > After step 16, and again after step 24, you're in formation
  > 
  > 3M 2M  
  > 1L  1M  
  > 2L   3L  
  > 
  > In the final 8 bars, the 1C are going to dance 6 bars of La baratte to change places, and then set on the sides, while the other two couples turn the same-sex person half RH, chase 1/4 ACW, > and then full turn someone opposite-sex who is NOT their partner (covering with the 1s where possible), to finish
  > 
  > 3M      2L  
  > 1M      1L  
  > 2M      3L  
  > 
  > That is, everyone is again diagonally opposite their partner, not across from them.


created: 2023-10-19 08:51:20.737746+00
last_modified: 2023-11-03 13:20:35.461203+00
name: Vote for the Gay Gordons!
ucname: VOTE FOR THE GAY GORDONS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2023-10-01
notes:
  A dance to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the London Gay Gordons.
  The group was founded in October 2005 by Daniel Capron and John Tyler who was our first teacher.
  Gay Gordons groups were subsequently established in Manchester and Edinburgh.

  The GGs group is represented, in lower case, by two opposing "g" shapes in bars 9-16 (these could also be considered as two "9"s).
  Bars 17-24 are a reminder of the pink triangles once used as a gay symbol.
  Bars 25-26 and 27-32 are the digits 18 which is currently the voting age in the UK.
  The Bellringer recording was regularly used by John Tyler in his classes.


created: 1998-01-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-04 12:07:44.519957+00
name: Lochmaben Castle
ucname: LOCHMABEN CASTLE
devised: 1968-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "to Lena Barclay (nee Milligan), of Aberdeen, formerly of Dumfries."

  According to the dance notes "Lochmaben Castle is the traditional birthplace of Robert Bruce."


created: 2023-11-03 21:07:53.987727+00
last_modified: 2025-08-03 18:03:42.918119+00
name: Dusty Bluebells
ucname: DUSTY BLUEBELLS
intensity_bars: 88/80/88/84
devised: 2022-05-01
notes:
  The title was inspired by the weaving movements in the children's singing game: In and Out the Dusty Bluebells.


created: 2023-11-02 11:24:07.742996+00
last_modified: 2023-11-10 21:01:15.983229+00
name: Books and Needles
ucname: BOOKS AND NEEDLES
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8088/0088
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  "This dance is dedicated to Susanne Grimberg finally to celebrate her 40th birthday in March 2023 which had to be postponed several times."


created: 2023-10-29 22:28:22.510261+00
last_modified: 2024-05-21 20:47:37.619872+00
name: King of Spain's Daughter, The
ucname: KING OF SPAINS DAUGHTER
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/888
devised: 2013-07-01
notes:
  The dance was devised as a basic dance for teaching the espagnole. It can be done in either strathspey or quick time. In either tempo, the dance can also be done 8 times through: to do this, dance as written with 1s dancing a normal repeat from second place; the next repetition is begun by 3s from the top. After 8 times through, each couple has done two repeats from the top. It's unusual but a valid progression.


created: 2023-12-01 17:50:01.377119+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 11:32:51.093466+00
name: Thanksgiving Feast, A
ucname: THANKSGIVING FEAST
intensity_bars: 844/888/866/888
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  I was looking for Thanksgiving-themed dances for class and decided to name this dance for the season.


created: 2023-12-06 23:46:07.537658+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 11:34:31.1362+00
name: Feline Frenzy
ucname: FELINE FRENZY
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/804
devised: 2023-02-01
notes:
  Our younger cat, Trotter, loves to play and when he does, he leaps around and chases after the toy quite wildly.


created: 2006-10-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-06 15:07:18.630776+00
name: Stalwarts, The
ucname: STALWARTS
notes:
  Dedicated to the Watford dancers who support the Thursday evening class in Croxley Green.

  The Gaelic for "Stalwart" is "Làidir" which is an alternate name for the dance.


created: 1997-12-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-07 17:47:29.624651+00
name: Twix Hill and Glen
ucname: TWIX HILL AND GLEN
devised: 1996-05-21
notes:
  Although described as a 48 bar dance for 4 couples the choreography of bars 1-24 and 25-48 are identical, equivalent to a 24 bar dance for 3 couples in a 4 couple set with progression 213.


created: 2005-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-07 18:45:23.086143+00
name: Buckinghamshire Lass, The
ucname: BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LASS
devised: 1994-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "A dance for my mother, Mrs Dee Brenchley, who was born in Stoke Pages, Buckinghamshire and who first introduced me to Scottish Country Dancing. Dee now dances with the Tavistock Country Dance Club in Devon."


created: 2004-10-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-07 18:55:14.832803+00
name: Skerryvore Light, The
ucname: SKERRYVORE LIGHT
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
notes:
  The Skerryvore Light was erected on rooks to the west of Tiree in 1844.
  It was destroyed by fire in 1954, rebuilt in 1958 and is still in operation.


created: 2004-10-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-07 19:06:15.456716+00
name: Castlecary
ucname: CASTLECARY
intensity_bars: 8448/8888/8888/8008
notes:
  Inscribed "For Bessie Bailey, on the occasion of her 80th birthday."

  The notes also say that "Castlecary, near Falkirk, was, for a time, the family seat of the Baillies, but passed out of their ownership when Bethia Baillie married Thomas Dunbar of Fingask in 1730."


created: 2011-07-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-07 23:56:42.159867+00
name: Golden Chain, The
ucname: GOLDEN CHAIN
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/866
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Devised January 2009. 

  The name Golden Chain comes from the central figure, a chain, and the dance having been devised on the 50th anniversary of the New York Branch.

  This dance can also be done as a quick-time dance for 3 couples in a 4-couple set. In that case, it should be danced eight times through, with bars 29-32 modified so that 1st couple cross to second place on their own side passing left shoulder and all three couples set on the last two bars.

  Music
  Any good strathspey (or jig or reel). When danced as a strathspey a suitable recording is 'The Gordonian Strathspey', Reel Friends Book 2, David Hall Scottish Dance Band, track 6.


created: 2019-06-01 16:11:13.031452+00
last_modified: 2024-12-14 16:53:54.059837+00
name: Two Hornpipes
ucname: TWO HORNPIPES
notes:
  Actually 66 and a half bars - but SCDDB can only accept a whole number of bars!

  Inspired by the music of Hans Zimmer for Pirates of the Caribbean. (<<https://thesession.org/discussions/10667|Apparently>> this is based on the traditional tune Fisher's Hornpipe).

  The online source URL <<http://bstk.hu/dances/two-hornpipes/>> has more information, a diagram and a link (<<https://youtu.be/wVknCcIrH7E>>) to a special recording usable for trying the dance.


created: 2022-03-20 12:36:30.411618+00
last_modified: 2023-11-11 22:15:02.622456+00
name: Pacific Northwest Picnic
ucname: PACIFIC NORTHWEST PICNIC
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  Pacific Northwest Picnic was adapted by Tom Halpenny from the medley Pacific Northwest Picnic Surprise, a collaborative creation by members of Portland, Oregon and Southwest Washington State branches performed for the RSCDS Virtual Festival 2018.  <<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI81iNlysBs&t=95s>>

  There is also a 3 couple version of this dance (<<http://www.rscds-swws.org/news/stories/PacificNorthwestCeilidh.pdf>>).


created: 2023-11-12 00:39:25.977218+00
last_modified: 2023-11-12 10:36:07.656293+00
name: Back Road, The
ucname: BACK ROAD
intensity_bars: 880/866/866/888
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  The notes explain that "The Back Road is the other name for the Peat Road, which is the short cut between the villages of Finsbay and Leverburgh (Obb) on the island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides."


created: 2025-03-27 18:39:57.560707+00
last_modified: 2025-08-21 22:48:37.34286+00
name: Rivers of Carlisle, The
ucname: RIVERS OF CARLISLE
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Source <<https://youtu.be/vVktlxgUaCA|youtube video>> where the comments say this 2x56 bar strathspey was devised "by John Foster as a gift to RSCDS Carlisle and Borders Branch for the occasion of its 70th anniversary in 2020. Following John's death before the event took place the dance was completed by his daughter Jane Atkins a member of the branch."

  The instructions explain the symbolism:

  > The dance represents the Rivers Eden, Petteril and Caldew which meet in Carlisle.
  > The wheels and reels represent the whirls and flow of the water.
  > The arches represent the bridges over the rivers and the circle represents the communities either side of the bridge coming together.


created: 2002-06-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-04-22 12:37:22.855863+00
name: Uncle Isaac
ucname: UNCLE ISAAC
intensity_bars: 84/88/88/84
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  The dance notes have the following story to explain the title:

  *My father's mother claimed to have a family connection with Sir Isaac Newton. We have no proof of this connection. but they both came from the same part of Lincolnshire.*
  *An interesting parallel is that I was sitting one day under a haggis tree and a haggis fell off onto my head.*
  *This made me gravitate to Scottish Country Dancing!*
  *Someone in the "Big Apple" actually believed this story which proves that if one tells a big enough lie it may become established truth!*

  *One of my father's cousins took her mother, my grandmother and another aunt to a restaurant in London.*
  *Wishing to impress the other diners, the aunt said in a loud voice, "Of course we are all descended from Sir Isaac Newton".*
  *She was promptly kicked under the table because Uncle Isaac was a bachelor, and, in those days, single parents were not even mentioned in polite circles.*


created: 1999-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-13 11:28:10.054257+00
name: Cold and Raw
ucname: COLD AND RAW
intensity_bars: 88/66/66
devised: 1718-01-01
notes:
  Dancers should know that the text for bars 17-20 was changed in 2008.   
   
  The original text in Playford (1718) specifes that for [9-12] the M pass their P Rsh, but for [17-20] only says "the women doing the like", leaving unclear which shoulder to use.

  RSCDS book 5 (published in 1928), the Pocket Editions of 1954 and 1986, and the 2006 edition of book 5, use the wording “2nd and 1st man stand still while 1st woman dances round and below her partner into 2nd woman’s original place, and 2nd woman dances round and below her partner into 1st woman’s original place. (1st woman dances in front of 2nd woman).”  This is not unambiguous, but seems to imply that the women dance LEFT shoulder round their partner.  TACnotes (5th edition, 2008) says this explicitly.  

  The revised “combined A5 edition” of Books 1–6, uses the wording “1st woman dances across the set below her partner, behind him and across to 2nd woman’s original place.  At the same time 2nd woman dances below her partner, behind him and across to  1st woman’s original place.  1st woman dances in front of 2nd woman to begin.” This makes explicit that the women dance RIGHT shoulder round their partner.  This flows far better into the hands round that follow.

  This entry to SCDDB (Cribs and diagram) follows the currently official 2008 text.

  It has been pointed out that in bars 17-20 both the <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dancevideo/7734/|Edinburgh>> and <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dancevideo/7313/|Graziani>> videos show 2nd woman passing in front of 1st woman (the opposite of the official Book 5 instructions). This variant seems to work well.


created: 1997-08-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-15 13:46:47.762449+00
name: Wallace Tower, The
ucname: WALLACE TOWER
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8080/8282/8888/8888/0808/2828/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 1991-09-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Ron Wallace of Santa Rosa, California".

  The dance notes also say that "The Wallace Tower was an old building in the Netherkirkgate in the centre of Aberdeen. It was taken down in 1964 to make way for an expansion of Marks and Spencers and was rebuilt high above the River Don near St. Hachar's Cathedral."


created: 2003-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-17 13:00:26.695727+00
name: Jingle Bells
ucname: JINGLE BELLS
devised: 2001-12-01
notes:
  This dance was written to celebrate the holiday season; it seems to dance to Jingle Bells, also - at least in my head.


created: 2003-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-17 13:13:16.60922+00
name: House on Dell Lane, The
ucname: HOUSE ON DELL LANE
devised: 2002-05-01
notes:
  I wrote this dance to honor our demo team leaders, who open their house to us for demo practice and rehearsals. The room in which we dance is above the garage and the perfect size for a 5 couple set with no down the middle and back figure.


created: 2003-06-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-17 13:27:36.676063+00
name: Portman Road
ucname: PORTMAN ROAD
intensity_bars: 884/848/888/844
notes:
  The notes say "This dance is named after the road in which Ivy [Thew] lived. Auckland dancers became very familiar with this road when they collected ivy to take her to the many dancing events she attended."


created: 2016-09-09 20:16:12.001752+00
last_modified: 2023-11-18 21:42:10.374249+00
name: Scottish Snowman, The
ucname: SCOTTISH SNOWMAN
devised: 2009-12-12
notes:
  Jig or Reel (the leaflet did not specify the type of musik)

  From the leaflet:  

     - The Scottish Snowman (a dance for four frozen couples)  

     - Devised by the hardy members of the Edmonton Caledonian Branch Children's class - which showed up for dance class on December 12, 2009 when the temperature was minus 27 with a wind chill of minus 35!

  <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3386/|Issue 3386>> gives the original instructions:

  1-8: Eight hands around and back (making the big ball)  
  9-12: Couples two and three, four right hands across (making the middle ball)  
  13-16: First couple turn once by the right hand, retaining hands (making the head)  
  17-20: First couple lead up (for 2) then cast below twos who step up (making the hat and ready for the scarf)  
  21-24: First couple, cross by the right and cast to bottom (tying the scarf), couples three and four step up, bars 23 & 24.  
  25-28: All advance and retire (boys motion placing sticks for arms, girls motion placing carrot for nose)  
  29-32: First couple dance half figure of eight around the fours (patting snow at the base to make sure he’s solid)


created: 2022-06-27 16:51:03.625163+00
last_modified: 2025-12-17 12:28:25.804404+00
name: Hog-Roast Rant, The
ucname: HOGROAST RANT
intensity_bars: 4/8/4/8
devised: 2022-06-01
notes:
  This dance has been devised to add to other suitable and easy ceilidh style dances that exist - it gives an opportunity to meet other dancers. It flows from one figure to the next with the opportunity to walk steps or catch up as necessary.  

  Its name derives from a special platinum summer event organised by the Berkhamsted Strathspey & Reel Club.

  The deviser recommends "Any lively Reel", but also gives <<ddt:Cambridge Hornpipe, The#1881>> as suitable tune.


created: 2001-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-22 09:59:15.214481+00
name: Pinball Wizard
ucname: PINBALL WIZARD
devised: 2001-04-01
notes:
  The figure in bars 1-16 reminds me of the physics of the ball bouncing around in pinball; thus the name of the dance.


created: 2016-06-07 15:40:05.263735+00
last_modified: 2023-11-25 11:51:17.901147+00
name: Gaucherie, La
ucname: GAUCHERIE
intensity_bars: 800/800/800/888
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Alan and Lydia Smith in memory of the weekends spent in Chocorua, New Hampshire and the time we spent working out this dance there.


created: 2023-11-21 16:06:52.060012+00
last_modified: 2023-11-22 15:48:11.80695+00
name: Fairy Godmother, The
ucname: FAIRY GODMOTHER
intensity_bars: 8888|8888|8888|8888
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Linda Harley Gillespie for her wonderful and dedicated work as  2023 Summer School Depute Director (weeks 3 and 4). The week 4 dem team named her "The Fairy Godmother" - dress and attitude were a perfect fit.


created: 2016-06-07 14:10:35.390398+00
last_modified: 2023-11-25 15:40:12.472203+00
name: Beth and Christine's Reel
ucname: BETH AND CHRISTINES REEL
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/880
notes:
  This dance was written and dedicated to Elizabeth Robinson and Christine Anderson who played for my classes in 1982.


created: 2020-08-09 11:54:59.365441+00
last_modified: 2023-11-24 21:00:00.470955+00
name: Allison Kay
ucname: ALLISON KAY
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2020-02-27
notes:
  Devised 27/2/2020 for a teaching dance as above. We had not yet done pas de Basque with the beginners. I now do this dance in conjunction with Delvine Side and Corner Greeting.  
  Allison Kay is our longstanding treasurer, and a pillar of the Johnsonville Club


created: 2016-06-07 15:09:21.591386+00
last_modified: 2023-11-25 06:47:21.4495+00
name: Hamiltons' Delight, The
ucname: HAMILTONS DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 888/880/800/880
devised: 2014-12-01
notes:
  Devised in honor of Bob and Pauline Hamilton of Andover., Massachusetts who are always a delight to have in a set, even well into their 80s.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-25 08:45:46.933305+00
name: Gates of Edinburgh, The
ucname: GATES OF EDINBURGH
intensity_bars: 888 888 888 888
devised: 1750-01-01
notes:
  There are various opinions concerning the name of this dance. One school of thought claims that the »gates« are the gates of the town which are opened in the morning and closed at night – hence the giving of hands in the reels of three. This sounds very plausible if one disregards the fact that the city of Edinburgh was never fortified and thus did not actually feature such gates.

  The other school of thought notes that the word »gate«, in Scots, does not actually mean »gate« as in »big door«, but »street« (from the Scandinavian *gatan*) – as evidenced by well-known Edinburgh street names such as Cowgate or Canongate. A »gate«, the big door, would be a »port«, as in in the song about John Graham of Claverhouse, a.k.a. »Bonnie Dundee«:

  > Come fill up my cup, come fill up my can,  
  > Saddle my horses and call out my men,  
  > And it's Ho! for the west _port_ and let us gae free,  
  > And we'll follow the bonnets o' Bonnie Dundee!

  So according to this theory the »gates of Edinburgh« are really the »streets of Edinburgh«.


created: 2001-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-08-17 11:49:22.293973+00
name: Chasing Castles
ucname: CHASING CASTLES
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/888
devised: 2001-08-01
notes:
  During my August 2001 trip to Scotland we visited a number of castles. My favorite was Inverlochy Castle, which was built in the 1300's and is the classic shape of a castle in childhood stories (square with round towers at the corners).


created: 2013-12-07 21:28:08.679091+00
last_modified: 2023-11-29 11:23:18.713744+00
name: Road to the Border, The
ucname: ROAD TO THE BORDER
intensity_bars: 888/800/844/866
devised: 2004-07-01
notes:
  Devised in July 2004 and taught at the 2004 ISCDS workshop. I created this while driving through Maine on my way to Nova Scotia. It's a long way through Maine at night!  
  The working title .... Maine Moose Madness! I never did see any moose in Maine, but I did in Cape Breton.


created: 2023-11-26 20:01:21.123732+00
last_modified: 2023-11-26 21:30:42.181838+00
name: Petronella Reloaded
ucname: PETRONELLA RELOADED
intensity_bars: 868|888|888|888
devised: 2023-11-24
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Andrew Nolan who - during November Course 2023 at the Kuckucksnest in Schlüchtern, Germany - gave us an overview on how „Petronella“ developed over time. We felt it was time for the next level. This dance comes as a canon, with second couple being two bars behind the other couples throughout most of the dance.


created: 2013-05-24 13:59:14.662381+00
last_modified: 2023-11-30 23:24:51.713395+00
name: Coit Tower Reel
ucname: COIT TOWER REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/880/822
notes:
  For Lillie Hitchcock, Coit, mascot of Knickerbocker Engine Company No. 5, who honored firemen throughout her life


created: 2004-10-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-28 23:55:12.168312+00
name: Hunting The Haggis
ucname: HUNTING THE HAGGIS
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
notes:
  From the notes: *As Mrs. Beeton might have put it - "First catch your haggis.”!! In bars 9-16, two haggises escape and in bars 17-24, two are caught and taken home.*


created: 2006-03-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-30 11:01:35.971405+00
name: Debbie's Chase
ucname: DEBBIES CHASE
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  "This dance is dedicated to my wife, Debbie."

  The notes also say that "The dance is a flirtation. The couple are introduced, then the woman runs away.
  Giving chase, her partner catches up but only hangs on after they both flirt with someone else.
  At the end they celebrate being together, and the other couple joins the celebration.?


created: 1998-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-11-30 12:21:17.290648+00
name: Miss Agnes Lowden
ucname: MISS AGNES LOWDEN
intensity_bars: 886/888/888/888
notes:
  Dancing couples changes side on every repetition.

  In the original publication, the name of this dance on the page of instructions was given as  "Miss Agness Lowden" while the table of contents has "Miss Agnes Lowden"  The deviser's daughter, <<ddp:Mitchell, Alison#11936>>, prefers the more common spelling with a single S, "Miss Agnes Lowden".

  <<scddb-not-identical:4420>>


created: 2023-12-06 23:54:34.101138+00
last_modified: 2023-12-07 18:13:39.076624+00
name: Spirit of Waitemata
ucname: SPIRIT OF WAITEMATA
devised: 2012-02-22
notes:
  This is mentioned as 8x32 in the table of contents but is described as for 4 couples in a square set in the dance instructions and the suggested recordings are 4x32.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:23:46.052664+00
name: Illusive Eclipse
ucname: ILLUSIVE ECLIPSE
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/844
devised: 2002-12-01
notes:
  Devised by Terry Lynne Harris. Pretoria, December 2002.  

  I wrote this after the total solar eclipse of 4 December 2002. I made the trip to the area of totality in South Africa's Limpopo Province, but the eclipse proved illusive, thanks to cloud cover and rain. Very disappointing indeed.


created: 2023-11-28 13:50:44.778261+00
last_modified: 2024-12-08 12:33:03.642171+00
name: Riverwood Downs Medley, The
ucname: RIVERWOOD DOWNS MEDLEY
intensity_bars: 800/844/866/808
devised: 2022-11-01
notes:
  Colleges Scottish Country Dance Club organised a dancing weekend at Riverwood Downs again in November 2022 (after a two year break). The Riverwood Downs Resort is by the Karuah River at Monkerai in NSW. This dance was written to celebrate the weekend.


created: 2023-12-01 18:55:23.340153+00
last_modified: 2024-12-16 08:25:10.887109+00
name: 75 Is Just a Number
ucname: 75 IS JUST A NUMBER
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  My birthday is in November and since I believe I 'invented' the 3-couple bourrel and I really like the figure I started writing dances with it each November. Since I turned 75 this year, I named this dance accordingly.


created: 2021-08-02 02:51:41.847428+00
last_modified: 2024-12-07 14:02:57.646135+00
name: Portarlington Beckons
ucname: PORTARLINGTON BECKONS
intensity_bars: 88888/88888/80000/88888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Arthur Kingsland, Hunter Valley Branch.  
  Written for dancers at the 2016 Traditional Social Dance Association of Victoria Spring Dance Weekend held in Portarlington, Victoria, Australia


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-04 15:04:43.053702+00
name: Dundee Royal Arch
ucname: DUNDEE ROYAL ARCH
notes:
  This is mentioned in <<https://www.rscdslondon.org.uk/_files/ugd/580b0a_37648bb29c1d4bd6883ed014ebafd8c5.pdf#page=4|The Thistle issue 42>>.


created: 2023-12-05 10:28:47.444352+00
last_modified: 2023-12-05 11:46:10.046399+00
name: Echoing Birdsong
ucname: ECHOING BIRDSONG
devised: 2014-09-27
notes:
  This dance is described as an "8x32 bar Jig" on the contents page of the book, but the dance description is a 4 couple dance.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-06 02:36:40.061329+00
name: Laggan Bay
ucname: LAGGAN BAY
intensity_bars: 844/888/844/866
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  Devised in late 1987 or early 1988 for Eileen Stuart and Neil Oxlade on the occasion of their wedding in June 1988.

  Eileen was Secretary at that time of St. John’s Scottish Country Dancing Class at Wokingham and Bill Forbes taught there, as well as at Maidenhead. The tune was written for Eileen by Ray Milbourne. Eileen walked down the aisle to this tune, played by Ann Pfeiffer’s mother (Ann is a member of the Maidenhead club).

  Laggan Bay on the Isle of Islay is Eileen and Neil's favourite camping holiday place.


created: 2023-12-06 14:30:43.326411+00
last_modified: 2023-12-06 17:32:50.120786+00
name: By the Fireside in Concourdan
ucname: BY THE FIRESIDE IN CONCOURDAN
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Concourdan is close to the town of Villard de Lan at an altitude of 1250 metres and nestled in the mountains of the Vercors....

  Concourdan consists of only one house, Dominique and Régis's home!
  This dance was created for the birthday of the Méaudre Reel’s oldest dancer.
  It has no Pas de Basque as Régis is allergic to this step!


created: 2023-12-06 23:34:53.06352+00
last_modified: 2026-04-02 10:35:34.274241+00
name: Deviser Extraordaire, The
ucname: DEVISER EXTRAORDAIRE
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  This dance is spelled as "Devisor" in the table of contents of the book, but "Deviser" in the instructions.

  In the <<ddpub:Dance Devisers Days 2017#1906>> book the title is spelled with "Extraordinaire" rather than "Extraordaire".


created: 2023-12-07 00:02:54.110723+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 11:41:59.758495+00
name: Pair of Mallards, A
ucname: PAIR OF MALLARDS
intensity_bars: 800/844/633/633/844
devised: 2023-02-01
notes:
  This dance was actually named in May 2023, shortly after we moved our bird feeder away from the house into the front yard. Not long after that we had a pair of mallard ducks visit regularly to feed on the sunflower seed that fell from the feeder, fascinating our cats. Note that the turns in the middle are all of differing length, which makes for an interesting timing challenge.


created: 2023-12-07 00:09:41.888238+00
last_modified: 2025-04-13 10:07:09.075441+00
name: Yet Close in Spirit
ucname: YET CLOSE IN SPIRIT
intensity_bars: 844/888/822/888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  This was written in response to <<ddp:Garbuzov, Vladimir#11527>>'s dance <<ddd:Kingdom (Far, Far Away), The#21319>> which he kindly dedicated to the UK, being unable to travel to the RSCDS Summer School or the Newcastle Festival due to western travel sanctions against Russia.
  Hopefully one day our countries will rediscover the benefits of peaceful cooperation with our neighbours and we will be able to dance again in person with our Scottish Country Dance friends from far away.
  Meanwhile I hope we remain close in spirit.
  For most of this dance each couple is on the "wrong" side (of a border?) compared to more traditional dances.


created: 2023-12-21 16:57:57.718633+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 16:57:57.718633+00
name: Ring o' Roses
ucname: RING O ROSES
devised: 2019-03-01
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the formation 'Set and Rotate' to a class. It may be done as a jig, reel or strathspey.

  Besides working on the formation, the dance can be used to teach several step transitions.


created: 2003-06-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-11 00:43:42.486315+00
name: 1 Past Midnight
ucname: 1 PAST MIDNIGHT
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/800
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  I had this dance half complete running around in my mind. I finished it off and wrote it down at 1 minute past midnight 1st Jan 2000


created: 2023-12-05 10:24:41.966472+00
last_modified: 2026-02-09 19:15:26.946713+00
name: Canberra Bound
ucname: CANBERRA BOUND
intensity_bars: 880/880/880/888
devised: 2014-09-29
notes:
  The dance has been written for George and Jane Meikle who travelled out from Scotland for the 2014 Australian Winter School in Canberra.


created: 2023-12-11 09:28:56.962864+00
last_modified: 2023-12-15 13:42:00.812418+00
name: Rafford Country Dancers, The
ucname: RAFFORD COUNTRY DANCERS
notes:
  Dedicated to the Rafford Class which is taught by the deviser. Rafford is a village three miles outside Forres.


created: 2023-12-07 14:32:34.678537+00
last_modified: 2023-12-11 17:43:19.154478+00
name: Falls of Divach, The
ucname: FALLS OF DIVACH
intensity_bars: 844/633/633/888
devised: 2023-02-01
notes:
  In 2001 when we visited Scotland, we traveled up the side of Loch Ness and made a side trip to these falls. The Falls of Divach (Jeevach) are close to the small town of Drumnadrochit.


created: 2023-11-26 12:04:36.237719+00
last_modified: 2023-12-11 17:44:53.034455+00
name: Escher's Metamorphosis
ucname: ESCHERS METAMORPHOSIS
intensity_bars: 8642/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/6767/8888/8888/2468
devised: 2019-08-01
notes:
  The inspiration for this demonstration dance came while visiting an exhibition of works by M.C. Escher in Lisbon after the December 2017 Curia SCD weekend in Portugal.
  However it was nearly two years before the idea emerged from its larval stage to become a mature dance.

  My favourite Escher drawings are those that show geometrically and/or gravity defying buildings with multiple perspectives.
  But unlike those, or the eternally climbing monks, the three Metamorphosis woodcuts do at least have both a beginning and an end so are more amenable to representation in dance form.

  This dance is a pale reflection of the complexity of Escher’s drawings, but is still difficult and suitable only for a group of mathematically and/or artistically minded expert dancers with some time on their hands.
  It is loosely based on Metamorphosis II, the 2nd in the series, which has roughly 12 sections that transform from one to another.
  The succession of figures tries, in some way, to match the images with some similar transformations between them.

  Some images of the woodcut may be found at <<http://www.3quarks.com/en/Metamorphose/index.html>> or <<https://uploads7.wikiart.org/images/m-c-escher/metamorphosis-ii.jpg>>.


created: 2023-12-11 20:24:50.552137+00
last_modified: 2023-12-11 21:06:49.716509+00
name: Flying High in Straight Formation
ucname: FLYING HIGH IN STRAIGHT FORMATION
intensity_bars: 860/840/844/888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  I have loved the song *Migration* from Ray Thomas’ Album Hope, Wishes, and Dreams. I was outside one day when the sandhill cranes were flying overhead squawking and in a double V formation. It reminded me of this line from the song.


created: 2023-12-11 09:12:56.634372+00
last_modified: 2023-12-12 23:32:34.021258+00
name: Catenary
ucname: CATENARY
intensity_bars: 840/888/844/888/844
devised: 2020-09-01
notes:
  This dance includes two different chain-like figures involving three couples, neither of which is exactly the formation, originally from <<ddd:Linnea's Strathspey#11284>> by <<ddp:Wilson, Tim#2701>>, that the RSCDS (in my opinion) misnames the “three couple chain progression”.

  In mathematics, a catenary is the curve a chain forms when hanging from its end points.


created: 2023-12-09 02:11:14.319812+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 11:43:11.592834+00
name: Harrington's Cozy
ucname: HARRINGTONS COZY
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  Our neighbors brought us a huge cat cozy that is very fluffy and which our elder cat Harrington has claimed for his own and in which he spends nearly all his time sleeping.


created: 2023-12-11 09:25:11.60813+00
last_modified: 2024-12-04 11:00:37.461939+00
name: Winning Smile, A
ucname: WINNING SMILE
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8888/8008
devised: 2021-09-01
notes:
  The title for this dance was inspired by meeting a woman called Win Balgarnie on a dancing holiday.
  She was then approaching 90, but still full of energy and enthusiasm for dancing and she always seemed to be smiling.
  So this dance is dedicated to all those who increase our enjoyment by looking at, and **naturally** smiling at, other people on the dance floor.


created: 2022-06-26 12:07:47.525955+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 15:53:27.48058+00
name: Slinky, The
ucname: SLINKY
devised: 2012-10-30
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the formation 'Set and Link' to a class. 

  The formation was devised by New Zealander Alec Hay in 1966. He indicated that hands are released on completion of the setting steps. A tendency has emerged for dancers to retain hands some way into the linking movement. I discourage this practice as it risks shoulder injuries. 

  As with many of my 'formation dances', this dance may be done as a jig, reel or strathspey. 

  Named after the children's toy.


created: 2023-12-21 17:14:47.180362+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 17:14:47.180362+00
name: Little Miss Muffet
ucname: LITTLE MISS MUFFET
devised: 2012-10-31
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the Spoke to a class. It can be done as a reel or a jig. 

  A spoke might be seen in a spider's web, which brings Little Miss Muffet to mind.


created: 2023-12-21 17:34:07.8175+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 17:34:07.8175+00
name: Ocean Waves
ucname: OCEAN WAVES
devised: 2022-09-01
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce dolphin reels to a class. It can be done as a jig, reel or strathspey.


created: 2023-12-22 13:13:18.075425+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 13:13:18.075425+00
name: Strathspey for Judith, A
ucname: STRATHSPEY FOR JUDITH
notes:
  Dedicatd to <<ddp:Jones, Judith#12411>>, London Branch teacher and long-standing member of the <<Surbiton & District Caledonian Society#12409>>.


created: 2023-12-22 13:24:45.785235+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 13:24:45.785235+00
name: Accordion to the Music
ucname: ACCORDION TO THE MUSIC
devised: 2018-08-01
notes:
  Incribed "for all the fabulous musicians who provide us with such wonderful music all over the world for Scottish Country Dancing."


created: 2023-12-22 13:47:27.302066+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 13:47:27.302066+00
name: McFarlanes of Mile End, The
ucname: MACFARLANES OF MILE END
notes:
  The dance is named after Grace McFarlane, the grandmother of Peter Kendrick, the deviser's husband. She was one of eleven children in what must have been a very busy household.


created: 2014-10-01 22:15:38.30429+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 18:48:22.251488+00
name: Eric's Reel
ucname: ERICS REEL
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2012-10-09
notes:
  Unfortunately the dance was published without background notes.

  The Eric in question is Eric Liddell, the runner made famous by the film
  "Chariots of Fire". The dance was written for a beginners class which
  met in the Eric Liddell Centre in Morningside, Edinburgh. It was the 9th
  October 2012, their 3rd class of the season. I was introducing them to
  setting, and I wanted a dance with plenty of practice for setting that
  contrasted with the other dance that evening (Bonnie Geordie's Wig), but
  didn't require any figures we hadn't encountered yet.

  Seonaid Lynn was musician for the class that evening, and when she heard
  I had written a new dance for the class, she decided to write a tune to
  go with it, which she also premiered that night; this is the tune which
  Graeme Munro plays on the CD to accompany the RSCDS Edinburgh Branch
  90th Anniversary book.


created: 2009-11-06 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 18:50:26.917756+00
name: Festival Interceltique
ucname: FESTIVAL INTERCELTIQUE
intensity_bars: 8 8 4 8 8
devised: 2007-04-01
notes:
  ##RSCDS-DI:bars:32+8

  When I first wrote Festival Interceltique, I had it with dancers in square sets. so the promenade has the dancers changing set.  Unfortunately, on the original dance-through with the Lorient team there were only 5 couples, so we had to dance it as a single 5-couple set. They then taught it at the festival as a single circular set for as many as will, and this is the version that was published.  Do try it with square sets - it gives a bit more meaning to the promenade. Of course, you will probably find that when the dancers re-form at the end of the promenade, you will have sets of 3 couples, 5 couples, 2 couples, 6 couples, just as happens with the Dunedin Festival Dance / Borrowdale Exchange.  This is fine and the dance allows for it.

  Cheers,  Ian Brockbank,  Edinburgh. Scotland


created: 1998-12-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 19:46:35.305233+00
name: Tune the Fiddles (DUPLICATE)
ucname: TUNE THE FIDDLES DUPLICATE
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  This is an obsolete duplicate of the dance now revised and renamed as <<ddd:Slante, Austro-Alba#18611>>.

  This entry ought to be deleted but appears in Collections.


created: 2019-09-01 14:04:46.114892+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 20:11:15.91104+00
name: Together In Kippo
ucname: TOGETHER IN KIPPO
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/808
notes:
  Source: Crib by deviser (<<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/together-in-kippo.html>>).


created: 2014-06-09 19:47:19.552852+00
last_modified: 2024-01-06 21:57:02.7499+00
name: Saxtead Mill, The
ucname: SAXTEAD MILL
intensity_bars: 800/880/808/844
notes:
  Chris Dix from the Anglo-Scottish Society of Ipswich writes (Jan 2024):

  This dance was devised by the late Fred Scott some years ago in Suffolk,
  UK. Unfortunately we do not know if he had a particular tune in mind for
  it. It is most probable that he used an existing recorded track, but we do
  not know which.  It has gained popularity again here, so we make the
  following suggestion of a suitable tune and recorded track which fits
  well. It is track #6 entitled "Set of Jigs" 8x32J on the CD Music for
  Scottish Dancing by Neil Barron and His Scottish Dance Band.  The first
  tune is "Jig for Jed" by Andrew Bathgate. The CD is out of print, but at
  the time of writing there are still some copies available on the web.


created: 2019-12-19 21:06:50.262753+00
last_modified: 2024-01-07 12:19:56.299905+00
name: Cockermouth Floods, The
ucname: COCKERMOUTH FLOODS
intensity_bars: 2222/8888/8888/8440/8448
notes:
  In November 2009 the gem town of Cockermouth in Cumbria was devastated by floods.
  This dance symbolises the floods rising, the rescues, the  community cooperation and the return of the town to normal.*

  The deviser originally named this "Cockermouth Floods of 2009"  but changed this to "The Cockermouth Floods" after they re-occurred in 2015.


created: 2023-12-22 13:41:19.340734+00
last_modified: 2024-10-10 08:10:44.177717+00
name: That Red Dress
ucname: THAT RED DRESS
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  Devised for a member of the <<ddp:Surbiton & District Caledonian Society#12409>> who wore a striking red dress to an event.


created: 2023-12-18 13:46:43.568507+00
last_modified: 2023-12-18 13:46:43.568507+00
name: Centenary Christmas
ucname: CENTENARY CHRISTMAS
devised: 2023-12-01
notes:
  Devised as "a Christmas Dance, with a star (1-8), globes (9-16), ribbons (17-24) and lights (last 8 bars), as in a tree".


created: 2022-11-13 18:12:20.991986+00
last_modified: 2023-12-20 00:23:03.711795+00
name: Newark's Welcome
ucname: NEWARKS WELCOME
devised: 2022-09-25
notes:
  Devised in honour of the Newark Scottish Country Dance Society which has given a very warm welcome to my wife and myself since we moved to the East Midlands in 2020.

  As with many of my 'formation dances' this dance can be done as a jig, reel or strathspey.  For teaching purposes it is sometimes useful for a class to dance it first as a strathspey and then repeat it immediately in quick time. The planned recording will have the required music (3x32S+3x32J).


created: 2023-09-12 16:04:29.532108+00
last_modified: 2024-07-24 15:28:46.67914+00
name: All Things Nice
ucname: ALL THINGS NICE
devised: 2012-10-01
notes:
  Format is couple facing couple round the room (Sicilian circle). The dance was devised to introduce the ladies' chain to a class.


created: 2001-03-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-14 09:57:38.814339+00
name: Zytglogge
ucname: ZYTGLOGGE
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 888
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  The Zytglogge is a clock tower in the centre of Berne with clockwork figures which come into life every hour.

  Advice from <<ddp:Harris, Chris#671>>: The correct pronunciation of the name, as far as can be rendered in English, is: "Tsitglocka".


created: 2023-12-13 10:01:25.694861+00
last_modified: 2023-12-15 11:28:40.314371+00
name: Valse à Martin
ucname: VALSE A MARTIN
notes:
  <<ddp:Marchand, Sophie#12404>> writes:  
  > My very first dancing teacher was <<ddp:Sheffield, Martin#17>>.
  > I remember he used to finish the evening with this waltz whenever he taught Scottish country dance workshops in and around Grenoble.
  > He always danced it with his wife Genevieve.
  > He had learnt this lovely waltz as a youngster when he joined the local Caledonian Society with his parents.
  > There appear to be no written instructions, nor is it widely known, but it would be sad if such a dance was forgotten, so I have decided to write out the steps with Martin for others to learn.


  1-4: In Allemande Hold, all dance with partner 4 advancing waltz steps, starting Left Foot  
  5-8: Still in Allemande hold, all dance:  
  . Step on Left Foot (1 bar), Point Right Foot to the Right (1 bar)  
  . Step Right Foot to the Left in front of left foot (1 bar), Point Left Foot to the left (1 bar)  
  9-12: Still in Allemande hold, all dance backwards with partner 4 Waltz Steps, starting with Left foot  
  13-16: Still in Allemande hold, all dance :  
  . One step advancing on Left Foot (1 bar)  
  . Point Right Foot to the right (1 bar)  
  . Step Right Foot to the left (1 bar)  
  . Quarter turn pulling back RSH to end both feet joined (1 bar)  
  17-24: Still in Allemande hold but Lady with back to partner, 2 slow slip steps to the left (2 bars), then to the right (2 bars).
  Then the Man has his partner turn waltzing under his arm, having her advancing and turning slowly, while man waltzes advancing following his partner.  
  25-32: In ballroom hold, 8 bars of normal waltz

  Dance notes:
  On bar 20, change of foot for the lady, to start right foot to waltz.


created: 2023-12-21 16:43:19.090963+00
last_modified: 2024-05-25 07:16:24.005456+00
name: Super Slinky
ucname: SUPER SLINKY
intensity_bars: 802/888/888/888
devised: 2021-01-31
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the formation 'Set and Link for 3 Couples' to a class. It may be done as a strathspey, jig or reel.


created: 2017-05-13 18:59:37.689447+00
last_modified: 2023-12-20 21:57:41.451521+00
name: Grand Old Duke, The
ucname: GRAND OLD DUKE
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/888
devised: 2012-10-31
notes:
  Devised to introduce the Grand Chain to a class. It can be danced as a reel, jig or strathspey. 

  On bar 8, 1s finish in the middle at the top, both facing the women's side.


created: 2023-12-20 23:14:40.713415+00
last_modified: 2023-12-20 23:14:40.713415+00
name: Over the Hills
ucname: OVER THE HILLS
devised: 2022-01-31
notes:
  This dance was devised to introduce the 3-couple knot to a class. It can be danced as a jig, reel or strathspey. It sometimes helps with learning for a dance to be done first in strathspey time and then in quicktime. The planned recording for the dance is 32x3 strathspey followed by 32x3 reel.


created: 2023-12-20 23:36:58.017401+00
last_modified: 2023-12-20 23:41:07.72433+00
name: Slugs and Snails
ucname: SLUGS AND SNAILS
devised: 2013-07-30
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the formation Men's Chain. It can be done as a strathspey, jig or reel. With the planned recording, 1st couple do the dance once through as a strathspey and then repeat it as a jig.


created: 2023-11-26 12:59:09.991563+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 11:36:08.223223+00
name: Sue's Strathspey
ucname: SUES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/880/888/888
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  My birthday is in November and since I believe I 'invented' the 3-couple bourrel and I really like the figure I started writing dances with it each November. I have never named a dance for myself, so this is that dance.


created: 2023-12-20 22:12:45.03293+00
last_modified: 2025-08-15 21:23:32.366561+00
name: Piper's Son, The
ucname: PIPERS SON
intensity_bars: 80/08/88/88
devised: 2021-01-31
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the 2-couple knot to a class. It may be danced as a jig, reel or strathspey.


created: 2018-05-16 17:40:11.362599+00
last_modified: 2025-08-26 17:08:05.277756+00
name: Jig for Gina, A
ucname: JIG FOR GINA
intensity_bars: 8000/8440/4804/4848
notes:
  This dance was written for Gina Barney, a very memorable character who was a highly regarded figure in the lift and safety industry. She transitioned to become Gina late in life, hence the progression in this dance with all ending on opposite sides.

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

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


created: 2022-03-21 17:08:01.679134+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 20:36:45.903114+00
name: Tight Little Island
ucname: TIGHT LITTLE ISLAND
notes:
  Instructions received from Duncan Keppie by email:  

  TIGHT LITTLE ISLAND 32 bar Strathspey, Couple facing couple around the room. Keppie unpublished.  
  1-8 REEL OF 4: each person dances a reel of four around the room & back (staying on the inner or
  outer circle) starting by passing opposite by the right shoulder (Bar 1), the next person around
  the room by the left shoulder (Bar 2), & the next person around the room by the right shoulder
  (Bar 3), pull right shoulder to come back (Bar 4), & continue the reel back to original place;  
  9-16 WHEELS: right hands across & back with left hands across (end facing partner)  
  17-24 LADIES CHAIN ending with both hands joined & angled slightly so men can pass each other on Bar 25;  
  25-32 ANCIENT POUSSETTE: 1st & 2nd couples dance anticlockwise 1 1/2 times around each
  other on a diamond pattern finishing with 1/2 turn to end facing next couple around the circle;
  i.e. dance out to side with 1/4 turn clockwise at end (Bar 25), dance to opposite place with 1/4
  turn clockwise at end (Bar 26), dance out to side with 1/4 turn clockwise at end (Bar 27), dance
  to original place with a 1/4 turn clockwise at end (Bar 28), repeat Bars 25-26 & turn 1/2
  clockwise to end facing next couple around the circle (N.B. the strathspey setting step is used
  throughout).  
  REPEAT AS REQUIRED


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-27 15:39:52.108685+00
name: Click Mill, The
ucname: CLICK MILL
notes:
  Click Mill, Orkney, which has a horizontal wheel, is the only water-mill designed to a Norse pattern still working today.


created: 2016-10-30 11:51:10.894953+00
last_modified: 2023-12-23 12:26:25.830505+00
name: Cilla's Jig
ucname: CILLAS JIG
intensity_bars: 880/808/804/888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Cilla Strain of Minnigaff, Newton Stewart for her outstanding work with Wigtownshire Primary Schools, ‘Days of Dance’ and competitions.


created: 2023-12-17 18:25:15.517693+00
last_modified: 2023-12-23 21:43:41.38263+00
name: Thelma's Strathspey
ucname: THELMAS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8484/8484/4848/4848/8888/8888
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Devised in recognition of Thelma Bell’s contribution to the Demonstration Team of Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance Society.


created: 2023-12-22 13:03:59.683799+00
last_modified: 2023-12-24 10:11:51.299364+00
name: Conundrum, The
ucname: CONUNDRUM
devised: 2017-02-01
notes:
  The progression after the first time through is 31245, but then on alternate repeats the dancing couple (3rd couple) cast to alternate ends. After five times the set ends in order 54321.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-24 15:32:32.263612+00
name: Bonnie Wee Glen
ucname: BONNIE WEE GLEN
notes:
  Attributed to Hugh Thurston, but in <<link:thethistle/39|issue 39 of The Thistle|4>> it is given as "by John Geddes".


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-25 17:32:01.633135+00
name: Bucksburn Reel, The
ucname: BUCKSBURN REEL
notes:
  This dance is unusual in that all four couples are involved in the poussette when 1st couple start from the top, but only two couples dance the poussette on the even repeats.


created: 1998-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-27 18:11:20.739466+00
name: Three Reel Four
ucname: THREE REEL FOUR
notes:
  This was originally entered in SCDDB as "3 Reel 4" but the published version in <<ddpub:Gaelic College SCD Book 1#353>> gives the title as "Three Reel Four". That is now used as the main title with "3 Reel 4" kept as a spelling alias.


created: 2023-12-30 09:58:20.988027+00
last_modified: 2024-01-01 07:59:26.41469+00
name: Haud Yer Wheesht!
ucname: HAUD YER WHEESHT
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/888
devised: 2023-06-01
notes:
  Devised in June 2023 at the request of Helen Bain for her Cove and Kilcreggan Scottish country dance class.


created: 1997-09-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-28 12:06:41.252777+00
name: Don't Fall Over
ucname: DONT FALL OVER
notes:
  The deviser writes: "There are several reasons for this particular name. The first is I did fall over in the very first dance one evening in full view of everyone, and it hurt, so I don't want anyone else to do the same! Secondly, I wanted to name a dance after Mr. Chater, my teacher, but he wasn't very keen on this idea, so I had to call it something else. --When I danced this dance with a team, the verdict was, 'a quick thinking dance', so it is really for slightly more competent dancers".


created: 2002-02-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-28 12:33:19.109526+00
name: Duke of Edinburgh's Welcome to Shetland, The
ucname: DUKE OF EDINBURGHS WELCOME TO SHETLAND
notes:
  The printed dance sheet states: "This is a Shetland square dance for four couples. (...) The music is of a slow reel rhythm and because of the Duke of Edinburgh's connection with the Royal Navy, it has a hornpipe lilt. To a Scottish Country Dancer the Shetland steps are danced low on the balls of the feet, the setting step similar to the Strathspey step but slightly faster."


created: 2023-12-27 22:04:47.662928+00
last_modified: 2023-12-30 11:39:39.371568+00
name: Union Square
ucname: UNION SQUARE
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/8000/8888/8888
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  This dance is devised by Brenda Porter in honour of Jim Osmond and Judi Henderson, dancing friends whose wedding is being celebrated on August 3, 1996.


created: 1997-09-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-06 15:10:54.365611+00
name: Palnackie
ucname: PALNACKIE
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  The dance notes explain that "Palnackie is a village in Galloway. An idyllic day drive around the coast was rounded off with an excellent meal which was cooked especially for us."


created: 2023-11-03 21:16:32.261241+00
last_modified: 2025-06-14 21:00:31.244769+00
name: Broadsword, The
ucname: BROADSWORD
intensity_bars: 44/88/88/84
devised: 2020-11-30
notes:
  Experienced dancers will notice the resemblance between this dance and The Clansman (RSCDS Book 32), the original dance with a Targe. The main change is to the first 8 bars, which I hope dancers will find more straightforward.  

  A broadsword was traditionally used by a Highlander along with a targe.


created: 2024-01-08 14:16:13.501234+00
last_modified: 2024-01-08 15:14:29.967333+00
name: Crabs Walk Sideways
ucname: CRABS WALK SIDEWAYS
intensity_bars: 80800/08088/08088/88888
devised: 2023-12-01
notes:
  When I mentioned that The Sunday Class CD had several tracks of non-8 times repeats, Mady asked me to write a dance for the 5 times through jig. I came up with this dance but struggled for a title. Then Tommy Smothers died and I named the dance in honor of him and for one of my favorite bits he and Dick did.


created: 2010-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-09 11:17:04.864724+00
name: Vienna Conspiracy, The
ucname: VIENNA CONSPIRACY
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  The first time through is lead by 1st man, the second time through in lead by 1st lady with figures reversed.

  Though being a three couple dance only couples 1 and 2 are actually dancing. The standing 3rd couple represent the passive observers of the conspiracy.


created: 1997-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-11 11:30:41.922951+00
name: Salute To The Tournee
ucname: SALUTE TO THE TOURNEE
notes:
  This dance was in the Boston Branch demonstration team's repertory for 1978-1979.

  The notes also say "it goes very well to the tunes for Prince of Wales (RSCDS Book 18)."


created: 2023-06-20 19:49:04.838686+00
last_modified: 2024-01-14 17:56:25.997244+00
name: Trip to St Andrews
ucname: TRIP TO ST ANDREWS
intensity_bars: 800/844/822/888/888
notes:
  Notes from the deviser: This dance was inspired by a return journey from the Scottish University Scottish Country Dance Festival (SUSCDF) held in Edinburgh in academic year 2021-22. The dance features “Hello-Goodbye Setting” which is a favourite figure of two Celtic Soc dancers, now teachers, Thomas Rintoul and Lucy Phillips, and who decided the group would have a spontaneous trip to a supermarket on the way back to St Andrews – needless to say everyone was still in kilts and ball dresses – though people have probably seen weirder in supermarkets!


created: 2024-01-14 13:25:23.448261+00
last_modified: 2024-01-16 08:27:43.65534+00
name: Jim and Margaret's Jig
ucname: JIM AND MARGARETS JIG
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Devised "to celebrate the many years that Jim and Margaret Cranmer gave to the Anglo Scottish Society of Ipswich.  Jim and Margaret were guests of honour at the Society's diamond jubilee dance in July 2023 where this dance was enjoyed for the the first time.  The birling was written into the dance because Jim and Margaret loved to birl."


created: 2024-01-14 20:42:19.29696+00
last_modified: 2024-01-14 22:52:37.675247+00
name: Doon the Burn Davey Lad
ucname: DOON THE BURN DAVEY LAD
notes:
  Start as for <<ddd:Tempête, La#3562>>: 1c with 2c on their L, facing 3c with 4c on their R, each M has W on the R.


created: 2023-12-05 10:40:08.880674+00
last_modified: 2024-01-18 15:50:14.449138+00
name: View from Buda, The
ucname: VIEW FROM BUDA
intensity_bars: 666/888/888/880
devised: 2023-09-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired by my second visit to Budapest for their SCD Weekend in September 2023. Once again I climbed the hill on the Buda side of the Danube which gives a good view over the city. 

  The first 8 bars represent the zigzag paths up the hill. The arches are the bridges with boats passing beneath them and the turning third couple are the island in the river. Among the dances taught by our teacher, Antoine Rousseau, were <<ddd:Rose Garden, The #8576>> and <<ddd:Dance for Susi, A#15706>>. The former has the "kissing gate" figure in bars 21-24 here and the latter includes the Rose progression. Bars 17-20 are a reminder of strathspey step practice. The dance is very busy which reflects an intense weekend. The top and bottom keep swapping: just imagine walking from the hotel to the gymnasium, and back, and back...


created: 2003-01-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-21 18:50:09.952691+00
name: Wild Geese, The
ucname: WILD GEESE
intensity_bars: 808 808 800 880
notes:
  ##>>
  This is generally used as a reference to Irish soldiers who fought in the service of various foreign kings and monarchs, including some who supported both Jacobite risings. The legend is that when they died abroad, their souls were transformed into geese so that they could fly back to Ireland.
  ##<<

  The 5-couple dance "A Flock of Geese" is based on this dance.


created: 2013-01-05 11:12:01.557714+00
last_modified: 2024-01-20 13:14:01.967618+00
name: It's About Time
ucname: ITS ABOUT TIME
intensity_bars: 880 880 811 844
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  From the dance description: "Celebrating the marriage of Maria Adams to Ed Ward, September 2004. They quietly went off to Scotland and were married at Urquhart Castle. After 13 years of dating…… ‘it’s about time!’ was everyone’s response.”


created: 2000-12-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-22 04:22:29.261767+00
name: Diamond for Rose and Tom, A
ucname: DIAMOND FOR ROSE AND TOM
intensity_bars: 840/888/800/888
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Ruth Taylor to commemorate the 60th wedding anniversary of Rose and Tom Houston on 2nd January 1993.  
  The figures are:  
  bars 1-4 the number six, 5-8 a wee kiss, 9-16 the number zero, 17-24 a diamond, 25-32 the journey
  through life together.


created: 2023-10-27 09:53:37.829262+00
last_modified: 2025-11-11 08:04:07.133727+00
name: 2121Au
ucname: 2121AU
intensity_bars: 800/877/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  A dance written for the 50th anniversary of the Epping Scottish Country Dance Club.

  The title 2121Au refers to Epping NSW (postcode 2121) and gold (chemical symbol Au).
  The deviser prefers that the name has no space between digits and letters.

  The formations of the dance, particularly bars 9-16, reflect the shapes of the Epping club logo.


created: 2000-12-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-24 17:52:33.401156+00
name: Hand in Glove
ucname: HAND IN GLOVE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8222
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Ruth Taylor (with help from Bob and Cathie Taylor) to celebrate the wedding of Virginia and Don Glover,May 10,1991.  
  The figures are:
  * bars 1-6 flirtation,
  * 7-8 encouragement,
  * 9-12 chase,
  * 13-16 meeting mutual friends,
  * 17-24 and again,
  * 25-26 the wedding and a horseshoe for luck,
  * 27-32 the reception line.


created: 2022-06-19 08:46:48.650933+00
last_modified: 2024-01-29 22:52:06.380814+00
name: Kelburn's Farewell
ucname: KELBURNS FAREWELL
devised: 2022-04-01
notes:
  The deviser has adjusted the dance to "begin by 1C crossing and retaining right hand on bars 1-2. The rest of the dance remains the same." See  <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3216/>> of 6 August 2023.

  Kelburn’s Farewell was on the programme for the Kelburn Scottish Country Dancing Club’s tea dance on June 19, 2022.  

  The dance was devised by the club’s tutor, Chris Totton, and its name reflects the fact that the club is closing down after 63 years of existence.  

  The dance was held in St Michael’s church hall in Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand. Live music was by Aileen Logie, Hilary Ferral and Jason Morris.  

  The deviser asked <<ddp:Logie, Aileen#12425>> to write the lead tune for the dance. Aileen writes: “I wrote a tune that night  - a tune which has happy bits and sad bits, reflecting all the good years of the Kelburn club and their decision to close. A few days later, Chris sent me the dance and mentioned that he liked Vale of Atholl on the Heather Hills CD. My jig happened to go pretty well with these tunes, and so the set was made quite easily. I just needed to change the tunes to an ABBA configuration to fit with Chris's dance. (Vale of Atholl is a well known pipe band based in Pitlochry, Scotland - it wins lots of trophies globally. The tunes are in the style of pipe jigs).”  

  Aileen’s lead tune is also called <<ddt:Kelburn's Farewell#15648>>.


created: 2018-07-17 16:12:46.476136+00
last_modified: 2024-01-30 12:40:40.115682+00
name: Tigger Dance for Linda, A
ucname: TIGGER DANCE FOR LINDA
intensity_bars: 84844/88808/88888/88888
notes:
  For Linda Garside from Rachel Robson and Neil Wignall, with many thanks for helping with our wedding decorations.


created: 2000-12-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-25 09:04:43.472622+00
name: Essex Scottish, The
ucname: ESSEX SCOTTISH
intensity_bars: 4848/8888/8888/8848
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Devised by John Trew in 1991, after seeing the Demonstration Team of the RSCDS Windsor Branch perform at a civic function in that city, and presented to the Windsor Branch in appreciation.


created: 1999-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-25 18:19:09.71297+00
name: Allemande Joy
ucname: ALLEMANDE JOY
devised: 1997-10-01
notes:
  The dance notes say this is 'Inscribed to Jim Kuemmerle, who makes atrocious puns. After doing his first dance with an allemande Jim remarked that, “It needs some work but when I master the formation I’ll be filled with allemande joy.” Of course I took it as a challenge but that only encourages him!'


created: 2024-01-19 21:28:21.430035+00
last_modified: 2024-01-26 09:11:40.220995+00
name: Meadow Place
ucname: MEADOW PLACE
intensity_bars: 80/88/88/88
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised for Jamie Berg Gray’s 40th birthday, celebrated with a small group of friends in a flat on Meadow Place in Edinburgh.  Designed so that it could be danced in a relatively small space, like the living room of the flat.


created: 2024-01-03 15:27:05.091777+00
last_modified: 2024-02-07 09:49:11.269211+00
name: Vivarais Forever
ucname: VIVARAIS FOREVER
intensity_bars: 840/824/880/880
notes:
  "But why would I be the only family member who doesn’t devise any dance? Yes, I can too—
  When I started Scottish dance, it was after a challenge: my future wife had just told me that she would never force me to wear the kilt or dance but in return, I had the formal prohibition to prevent her from dancing Scottish…. Finally, the kilt is not so bad!" Lionel said.


created: 2024-02-01 10:09:27.093984+00
last_modified: 2024-02-01 10:09:27.093984+00
name: Blackadder Strathspey, The
ucname: BLACKADDER STRATHSPEY
notes:
  The youtube video comments say "Blackadder Water is a river in Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders."


created: 2005-04-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 19:26:29.224473+00
name: St. Machar Jig, The
ucname: SAINT MACHAR JIG
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  The table of contents for <<ddpub:New Dances by John Drewry 2004#1785>> has the title as "The St. Machar Jig" though it was originally entered in SCDDB as "The Saint Machar Jig" which is kept as a spelling alias.


created: 2011-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-06 23:18:58.395366+00
name: Linge River Dance, The
ucname: LINGE RIVER DANCE
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  The White Heather SCD Group (disbanded around 2022) was located in Geldermalsen, which lies on the small river De Linge.   The teacher was Wil van den Berg, and in Dutch  "Berg" means "Mountain".  Hence the name of the dance and the book.


created: 2012-09-02 20:19:13.720012+00
last_modified: 2024-03-07 02:06:14.87932+00
name: Return from Fulda
ucname: RETURN FROM FULDA
intensity_bars: 8888 2222 8888 8444 8888
devised: 2005-08-25
notes:
  Our group of Scottish Country Dancers was enjoying a week of dancing and cultural visits, organised by Jim Cook of London at Kuckucksnest (Vollmerz, Germany).  The dance symbolizes the return from a day trip to Fulda on August 24, 2005.  The 16:09 return train was cancelled due to the discovery of a WW2 bomb near the line.  After the normal day [1-8] we waited in the train for ¾ hour [9-16], walked to the buses [17-24] which took us by many twists and turns to Schlüchtern and on to Vollmertz [25-32] where we were glad to be home [33-40].

  The dance may be suitable for a children's class.

  Here is the report in the local newspaper

  Bei Flieden: 20-Zentner-Fliegerbombe gefunden

  Bei Baggerarbeiten an der Neubaustrecke der A 66, zwischen Schlüchtern Nord und Neuhof, in Höhe der Ortslage Flieden-Schweben wurde eine 20-Zentner-Fliegerbombe (Splitterbombe amerikanischer Herkunft mit einem 1000 m Sprengradius) aus dem 2. Weltkrieg aufgefunden.

  Der Fundort der Bombe befand sich in ca. 170 Meter Entfernung zum Bahnhof Flieden und ca. 350 Metern zur Bundesstraße 27. Der Auffindeort wurde in einem Umkreis von zunächst etwa 300 Metern durch Kräfte der Polizeistation Fulda, dem Polizeiposten Neuhof und der Bundespolizei abgesperrt.

  Kräfte der Bundespolizei räumten den Bahnhof Flieden für die Dauer der Entschärfungsmaßnahmen und sperrten ihn ab. Der Bahnverkehr auf der Strecke Fulda - Frankfurt wurde ab 16.10 Uhr in beide Richtungen eingestellt - ein Buspendelverkehr durch die Deutsche Bahn AG eingerichtet.

  Ein in ca. 200 Metern entfernt liegender Bauernhof wurde ebenfalls vorsorglich geräumt. Das dort lebende Ehepaar verließ seinen Hof für die Dauer der Entschärfung. Nachdem die Sprengwirkung der Bombe durch den Experten des Kampfmittelräumdienstes ermittelt war, erweiterte die Polizei den Absperrradius auf 1000 Meter in beide Richtungen der Baustelle. Dabei war von Bedeutung, dass die Bombe zuvor so gedreht worden war, dass die Sprengwirkung in Hauptrichtung entlang der Autobahntrasse verlaufen wäre, um die Gefährdung der Einwohner Fliedens so gering wie möglich zu halten.

  Der Kampfmittelräumdienst meldete um 19.31 Uhr: Bombe vor Ort entschärft ! Einige Meter vom Auffindeort abgesetzt sprengte der Experte kontrolliert den Zünder, der Bombenkörper wurde anschließend mit einem Speziallastwagen abtransportiert. Die Absperrmaßnahmen und die Streckensperrung konnten gegen 19.35 Uhr aufgehoben werden.

  Nach Angaben des Notfallmanagers der Deutschen Bahn AG um 20.40 Uhr, kam es bei 69 Zügen zu insgesamt 2300 Minuten Verspätung. Dazu müssen noch etwa 1000 Mnuten Verspätung im Güterverkehr der Bahn gezählt werden. Insgesamt mussten 23 Umleitungen im Bahnverkehr eingerichtet werden. Des weiteren kam zu neun Teilausfällen und  zwei Ganzausfällen. (fdi/ms)

  Erschienen am: 24.08.2005 


  From:
  http://www.fuldainfo.de/page/include.php?path=content/articles.php&contentid=1469&PHPKITSID=2fa0b61065be0d9f495ee44a701a0c07


created: 2015-02-04 07:03:05.700907+00
last_modified: 2025-02-22 21:46:25.571733+00
name: Maggieknockater Revisited
ucname: MAGGIEKNOCKATER REVISITED
devised: 2015-02-03
notes:
  For Ulrike Köppler, whose Internet domain name is “maggieknockater.de”.

  This dance is obviously inspired by <<ddp:Drewry, John>>'s <<ddd:The Bees of Maggieknockater>>.
  The dancing couples' movements during bars 9–25 are identical to those in that dance.


created: 2015-02-18 16:49:00.21985+00
last_modified: 2025-07-19 16:12:12.785885+00
name: Nevskiy Prospekt
ucname: NEVSKIY PROSPEKT
devised: 2015-02-18
notes:
  Written for my teaching trip to St Petersburg, February 2015.

  Nevskiy Prospekt is the main thoroughfare of central St Petersburg. The St P dancers put us up in a nice hotel right off Nevskiy Prospekt, which was quite convenient not just for the class venue but also many of the sights of this fascinating city.


created: 1997-08-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-07 17:09:05.00568+00
name: Silver Fern Reel, The
ucname: SILVER FERN REEL
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For the members of the New Zealand Branch to mark the 150th Anniversary (in 1990)
  of the first formal British Settlement in New Zealand."

  The notes also say that "the SILVER FERN is widely used as a symbol of New Zealand both in New Zealand and by sporting and cultural groups travelling overseas."


created: 1997-09-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-07 18:00:22.576637+00
name: Petticoat Tails
ucname: PETTICOAT TAILS
notes:
  Inscribed "For Jessie and Michael Collins of Newbury, with happy memories of their marvellous dance parties - especially the food!"

  The notes also say that "Shortbread Petticoat Tails were a favourite delicacy of Mary Queen of Scots, and the words are thought to be a corruption of the French, petit gatelles."


created: 1997-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-04 18:10:48.252031+00
name: Winterlude Reel, The
ucname: WINTERLUDE REEL
notes:
  From the notes: "Winterlude is the Ottawa winter carnival, held mainly on the frozen Rideau Canal, which forms a six-mile skating rink."


created: 1997-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-04 22:37:01.426026+00
name: Skyte Neuk
ucname: SKYTE NEUK
intensity_bars: 8880/8800/8880/8888
notes:
  This dance is unusual in that 1st couple repeat it from 2nd place as for a 3 couple dance in a 4 couple set. But here all 4 couples are joining in the final promenade. So the 2134 progression is appropriate.


created: 2024-02-08 00:10:03.817672+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:00:05.395236+00
name: Kessel Run, The
ucname: KESSEL RUN
devised: 2024-02-08
notes:
  Written for the FSCDC e.V./Central Germany Branch teachers' workshop, February 2024.

  The Kessel Run is what Han Solo famously managed “in 12 parsecs” in *Star Wars*. This dance owes a debt of gratitude to Ed Abdill's <<ddd:Starlight>>, and it lets you do something in space that usually takes a lot longer, with lots of panache, tight turns, and narrow escapes. The dance's main objective is to combine double triangles and hello-goodbye setting, which do not frequently occur in the same dance.


created: 1997-12-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-05 23:01:10.668942+00
name: O' Flower of Scotland
ucname: O FLOWER OF SCOTLAND
devised: 1995-11-20
notes:
  Originally SCDDB had the title as "O! Flower of Scotland" but the instructions have "O' Flower of Scotland". The former is added as a spelling alias.


created: 2025-08-30 12:26:02.213169+00
last_modified: 2025-09-01 12:18:36.707011+00
name: 1948, the very best year, after 46.
ucname: 1948 THE VERY BEST YEAR AFTER 46
intensity_bars: 8888/6004/8008/8888
devised: 2018-08-18
notes:
  “Composed for the 4 persons in the Dancetide team who this year now are 70 years. Bente Anne Hanne and Bjarne”.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-06 13:57:41.605443+00
name: George Square of Edinburgh
ucname: GEORGE SQUARE OF EDINBURGH
notes:
  The following text, contributed by a SCDDB user, gives more details than the text describing the dance.  I am searching for more information.  Eric

  A)  
  1-8 All dance 8 bar right shoulder reels of 3 on own sides of square  
  9-24 Wheels - All dance 3 hands across, R.H., then men move one place to the right - ladies change hands and all dance L.H. across - man leaves this wheel and dance on one place - ladies change hands and all dance R.H. across - Men leave this wheel and dance on one place - Ladies again change hands and all dance L.H. across  
  25-32 All dance a left shoulder reel on own side of the square. (lady on the left has a change of direction to start this reel.) 

  B)  
  1-8 Man, with R.H. lady face to the right, in promenade hold, while L.H. lady faces opposite direction - All dance half Grand Chain, couples dancing out and singles dancing in i.e. passing left shoulder to start. At half-way point dance R.H. across (man and his two ladies)  
  9-16 Men keep dancing in same direction, but changing to L.H. lady in promenade hold, while R.H. lady dances chain movement back to own place and dance 3-hands across L.H. on own sides of the square  
  17-24 All right hand ladies dance Ladies' Chain across and back, forming R.H. wheel in centre and turning opposite man, left hand etc  
  25-32 All left hand ladies repeat above formation : but dancing into centre to give L.H. across and turning opposite man, right hand.  

  C)  
  1-8 Sides 1 and 3 - turn opposite person by right hand (4 bars), set to each other (2 bars) and cast back to places by the right (2 bars)  
  9-16 Sides 2 and 4 repeat above sequence  
  17-24 All ladies advance (2), and join hands in circle, then retire (2) Advance again (2) joining hands in circle and set (2) (underlined section) WHILE Men set (2), Advance (2) and turn by the right and dance out to place (2) and start dancing round the outside of the square anti-clockwise  
  25-32 Men continue dancing round the outside and finish facing own ladies WHILE ladies circle left with 12 slip steps and cast into own places on last 2 bars.


created: 2024-02-07 23:01:18.465967+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:03:58.778875+00
name: February Fancy, A
ucname: FEBRUARY FANCY
devised: 2024-02-07
notes:
  Written for the FSCDC e.V./Central Germany Branch teachers' workshop, February 2024. The patron saint of SCD teachers will hopefully forgive us for pinching bars 17–24 of her dance.


created: 2024-02-07 08:37:36.333536+00
last_modified: 2024-02-10 23:00:39.408342+00
name: Spelthorne's 50
ucname: SPELTHORNES 50
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8888/8888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Andrew Nolan, originally of Spelthorne to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Borough of Spelthorne. The snake pass movement in bars 21-24 makes the S of Spelthorne (or a 5 which when followed by the circle which makes up the 50).


created: 2024-02-07 22:24:21.816305+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:06:51.345515+00
name: Frankfurt Lasses
ucname: FRANKFURT LASSES
devised: 2024-02-07
notes:
  Devised for the FSCDC e.V./Central Germany Branch Teachers' Workshop, February 2024. There are very few dances in the repertoire which combine a ladies' chain and allemande.


created: 2002-02-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:21:46.154836+00
name: Jack's Delight
ucname: JACKS DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 8888 8282 2828 8888 8888 8888 8888 8888
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Dance writtten for the Dec. 1995 birthday of Jack Campbell, the Frankfurt club's teacher. Bars 9-24 are based on 'Glayva'.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-09 09:51:37.113113+00
name: Marischal College
ucname: MARISCHAL COLLEGE
devised: 1967-01-01
notes:
  Devised: 1967.
  Inscribed "To Mrs. Maurice Cramb. of Aberdeen".

  This dance was first published in "The Rondel Book" in 1967.


created: 2002-05-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-09 15:11:29.175004+00
name: Salute to Ayr Branch
ucname: SALUTE TO AYR BRANCH
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/880
notes:
  Devised "to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Ayr Branch. The reels, setting and casting denote the 8 and 3 of 1983."


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-09 15:38:34.202649+00
name: Newcastleton Weavers
ucname: NEWCASTLETON WEAVERS
notes:
  Inscribed "For Barry Priddey of Sutton Coldfield RSCDS."

  The notes also explain that: "The village of Newcastleton, in Liddlesdale, was built in 1793 by the Duke of Buccleuch, to house a colony of handloom weavers."


created: 2002-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-14 01:12:51.231094+00
name: Chalmers Hall
ucname: CHALMERS HALL
intensity_bars: 888/808/888/888
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  For the 20th Anniversary of the Linlithgow Scottish Country Dance Club. The club meets every Friday night in the Chalmers Hall.,


created: 2001-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-10 23:39:00.701589+00
name: Cauld Kail
ucname: CAULD KAIL
intensity_bars: 880 840 800 822
notes:
  The name derives from a Robert Burns song, »Cauld Kail in
  Aberdeen«. In former times, kail (or, more commonly, curly-leaved
  kale) – *Brassica oleracea acephala* –, a form of greenish leaf
  cabbage, formed a very important part of the Scottish diet.

  In the 1890s, Scottish writers including J. M. Barrie (of *Peter Pan*
  fame) and George MacDonald developed the »Kailyard school« of fiction,
  depicting a sentimental version of rural Scottish life. A kailyard is
  a small cabbage patch, often adjacent to a crofter's cottage.

  The dance introduces the formation »set to corners and partner« –
  today commonly referred to as »hello-goodbye setting« – and got
  connected to it to the degree that the formation used to be known as
  »Cauld Kail setting«.


created: 2018-10-13 22:32:08.674123+00
last_modified: 2024-02-11 19:38:33.392281+00
name: Barbara White's Diamond Strathspey
ucname: BARBARA WHITES DIAMOND STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/804
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Found on the RSCDS Cheshire website, 2018-10-14

  This dance was presented to Barbara White at the 25th Anniversary Ball of RSCDS Cheshire Branch on 10th January 2009. Its purpose is to honour Barbara and thank her for her service to the RSCDS and to the Cheshire Branch. She is a founder member of the Cheshire Branch and has been an RSCDS member for over sixty years.

  The original 2009 version of the dance was updated in preparation for publication in the forthcoming Cheshire 40th Anniversary Book. Bars 17-24 were changed to have all ending on the sides and bars 25-32 were changed to have all setting on the sides and end with all turning both hands. See <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3453/|issue 3453>> for details.


created: 2024-02-14 12:48:58.788955+00
last_modified: 2024-02-20 13:08:54.643441+00
name: Lobsters Walk Straight
ucname: LOBSTERS WALK STRAIGHT
intensity_bars: 840/880/844/822
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  After the passing of Tom Smothers, I named a dance <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/21787/|*Crabs Walk Sideways*>> in his honor and for a favorite bit he and his brother did. It was only logical that I write a companion dance *Lobsters Walk Straight* to go with it.


created: 2002-03-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-13 11:35:49.989549+00
name: Misty Isle, The
ucname: MISTY ISLE
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  The notes say "This dance was devised at the request of The Clan MacLeod Dancers of Beverly Hills, California, USA."


created: 2010-08-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-13 11:46:03.18311+00
name: Capital Jig, A
ucname: CAPITAL JIG
intensity_bars: 880 888 844 844
notes:
  The notes say this is "Dedicated to the Harrisburg Scottish Country Dancers. Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania."


created: 2024-02-14 12:39:13.035912+00
last_modified: 2024-02-14 12:46:08.446957+00
name: For the New Ones
ucname: FOR THE NEW ONES
devised: 2024-02-01
notes:
  This dance is an attempt to capture some of the basic figures new dancers should know and put them in one dance.


created: 1998-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-06-23 18:34:11.5165+00
name: Cumberland Reel
ucname: CUMBERLAND REEL
intensity_bars: 8800 8000 12 12 12 12 4444
notes:
  As with many dances of ceilidh origin, there are several variants of the "Cumberland Reel".  In the RSCDS version (Book 1 #11) the figure "dance down and lead up" is 6+6 bars [bars 17-28].  The cribs and diagram show this version.

  In one variation, this figure is 4+4 [bars 17-24], which is easier to dance.  Then "all turn partner RH" is added at the end to fill in the missing 4 bars. See for example <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/cumberland-jig.html>>.

  In some versions 3c+4c also dance "RHA ; LHA" for bars 1-8.


created: 2016-06-07 14:03:00.267803+00
last_modified: 2025-12-15 15:35:39.074515+00
name: Bampton Strathspey, The
ucname: BAMPTON STRATHSPEY
notes:
  Devised to honor Judy Reynolds Shaw and Roger Shaw for their wonderful companionship and love of Scottish Country Dancing. The title comes from the cabin that Judy and Roger inhabited annually at the Scottish Sessions at Pinewoods Camp.


created: 2005-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 19:24:04.960129+00
name: St. Machar Reel, The
ucname: SAINT MACHAR REEL
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  The table of contents for <<ddpub:New Dances by John Drewry 2004#1785>> has the title as "The St. Machar Reel" though it was originally entered in SCDDB as "The Saint Machar Reel" which is kept as a spelling alias.


created: 2024-02-16 22:21:21.831694+00
last_modified: 2025-11-05 12:18:41.770157+00
name: Drawing Together
ucname: DRAWING TOGETHER
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  For Keith and Helen Rose on their 50th wedding anniversary. Apart from any other connotations, the title refers to their teamwork in producing thousands of diagrams of Scottish Country Dances. Keith draws them and Helen checks every single one.

  There is a 3x32 recording by <<ddp:Robertson, Ian#1631>> of the music for this dance available via <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/recording/>>.


created: 2001-05-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:35:12.995707+00
name: Mrs Hume's Strathspey
ucname: MRS HUMES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 808 810 880 888
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to the members of the First Fortnight Teacher's Certificate Class, RSCDS Summer School 2000, St. Andrews. The 'Surge' progression, in particular, is for Ralph Stoddard (and his tea-cup) and Blaine Peet. Having been written for candidates, the dance is probably most fun in a fairly large set.


created: 2024-02-17 22:50:48.483823+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:51:41.406718+00
name: October Celebration
ucname: OCTOBER CELEBRATION
notes:
  For Ute Hoppmann-Lacour, on the occasion of her birthday in October 2010. Ute was really into
  display dancing in those days, so this dance has more of a “display” than a “social” feel.


created: 2024-02-18 22:38:32.084655+00
last_modified: 2024-02-20 13:10:18.753805+00
name: Armadale House
ucname: ARMADALE HOUSE
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Before my first Summer School in 2019, I spent 12 days volunteering in a guesthouse on the North Coast 500 (Scotland). The guesthouse is called Armadale House. The dance pictures proper bed making, Henry the hoover, sheeps, rolling sea and wind, and happiness.


created: 2003-02-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-19 20:46:21.19958+00
name: Antarctica Bound
ucname: ANTARCTICA BOUND
intensity_bars: 8800 0088 8004 8888
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  Goldring's original description in the Scotia Suite describes bars 5-8 as "1st couple followed by 2nd couple dance up to place."; this could be read as "up the middle". The later Leaflet Dances version says "... cast up to original places".; i.e. outside the set.

  Asked about these two versions, Christine Parker-Jones writes "As one of those lucky enough to have been taught to dance by Roy, I spent many a happy Saturday afternoon trying out his new dances prior to their publication. To the best of my knowledge and memory we always danced this dance by dancing outside the set back to place".


created: 2013-08-01 19:54:42.670991+00
last_modified: 2024-02-21 23:25:44.889958+00
name: Bees They are A'Drummin', The
ucname: BEES THEY ARE ADRUMMIN
intensity_bars: 804/888/844/888
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  This  dance is for  Chris  Rea  to  mark  his 10  years’ service as Secretary, Treasurer  and  committee  member  of Peterborough & District RSCDS Branch. Chris is a keen beekeeper and one-time drummer with the Peterborough Pipe Band. 

  Recommended recordings: Mr Watson’s Favourite (RSCDS Book of Graded SCDs  - David Cunningham & his Band) or The Mason’s Apron (Scottish Dance Vol.12 - Marian Anderson’s Scottish Dance Band)


created: 2016-09-19 00:12:56.745519+00
last_modified: 2025-02-22 21:48:32.640482+00
name: Rosalind's Fancy
ucname: ROSALINDS FANCY
devised: 2016-09-19
notes:
  Dedicated to the memory of Rosalind Elsie Franklin (1920–1958), chemist and X-ray crystallographer, who among many other accomplishments contributed significantly to the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA. Having died of ovarian cancer at age 37, Franklin was ineligible to share the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins in 1962, since Nobel Prizes are not given posthumously.


created: 2024-01-25 00:44:44.246047+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 15:39:53.415691+00
name: São Jorge Whale-Watchers, The
ucname: SAO JORGE WHALEWATCHERS
devised: 2024-01-25
notes:
  “This dance is a reminder of an utterly dismal afternoon out on the
  Atlantic, in a small boat, in the pouring rain near the Azorean
  island of São Jorge (soft J). I don't recall ever being as
  completely soaked through as on that day. We did get to see some
  Risso's dolphins (Pelorus Jack's European relations), which we
  were told are very rarely encountered in the area, so that made up
  for all the hardships, to a degree. Use hornpipe music”


created: 2025-06-10 12:51:47.34871+00
last_modified: 2025-06-12 15:04:51.0893+00
name: Elegant Lady
ucname: ELEGANT LADY
intensity_bars: 800/844/868/888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  "Dance was written to mark the ‘special’ birthday of Anne MacDonald, who had just completed 8 years as Chairperson of the Cheshire Branch."


created: 2010-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 16:51:25.17331+00
name: (Other) Hungarian Bride, The
ucname: OTHER HUNGARIAN BRIDE
devised: 2010-10-04
notes:
  This dance started its existence as “The Hungarian Bride” until I found out that there was another, vastly more popular, dance by Eric Finley which is also called <<ddd:The Hungarian Bride@Finley>>” – although it was written for a completely different person!

  Anyway, *this* Hungarian bride is Anett Morgül, and she married Clemens Mannert in October, 2010. Anett used to be a regular at the Frankfurt SCD Club.


created: 1997-11-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-01 16:37:57.06978+00
name: I Shall Return!
ucname: I SHALL RETURN
devised: 1991-04-01
notes:
  For a branch member "Ted" who had a hip operation. The dance represents his slower and faster movement before and after the operation.


created: 2024-02-27 22:50:36.439299+00
last_modified: 2024-03-01 19:58:13.453464+00
name: Beth's Wedding
ucname: BETHS WEDDING
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/808
devised: 2023-09-27
notes:
  Devised on the occasion of the Wedding of Beth, member of the Strasbourg Scottish country dancing group, to Étienne.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-01 20:44:25.337988+00
name: Golden Wedding, A
ucname: GOLDEN WEDDING
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/4444/8222
notes:
  The notes say that "Peg and Bob Brown were married in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, in 1941, and they renewed their vows there in 1991 in a meaningful ceremony."


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-01 23:01:59.803459+00
name: Coulin and Clair
ucname: COULIN AND CLAIR
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/4884
notes:
  Coulin and Clair are two beautiful lochs to be seen when walking the Coulin Pass between Glen Carron and Glen Torridon.


created: 2002-02-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-29 21:57:26.419224+00
name: Strathspey for Jane, A
ucname: STRATHSPEY FOR JANE
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  "Inscribed to Jane Rattray."

  Further information from Sue James: "Jane Rattray was a Perth and Perthshire teacher and dancer and who died suddenly in January 2024 at the untimely age of 66."

  Sue adds that "The dance is being danced again in Jane's memory including at the Ericht Club Dance on 16th February 2024 where Marian Anderson wrote and played a new tune 'A Strathspey for Jane'."

  There is also an earlier tune for the dance composed by Alan Morrison.


created: 1997-11-24 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-02 10:10:21.916562+00
name: Inverugie Castle
ucname: INVERUGIE CASTLE
notes:
  The notes say this is dedicated to Bob Ritchie who for many years teased Leicester teachers about a dance bearing this name. The figures relate to his description of the area :-  
  Bars 1 - 8 portray the River Ugie,  
  9 - 16 depict the two castles, Inverugie and Ravenscraig,  
  17 - 24 represent the communal Fish House originally used by both castles and  
  25 - 32 life in the two castles.

  When the dance was being devised Bob was not very well but on his recovery he was 'raring to go' hence the reason why the women dance the first figure in strathspey time and the men dance it in jig time.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-02 10:21:22.073145+00
name: Rigmarie
ucname: RIGMARIE
intensity_bars: 8008/8668/8228/8668
notes:
  According to the notes "A Rigmarie was a coin minted during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, getting its name from the inscription 'Reg. Maria'."


created: 2013-01-22 00:10:16.613791+00
last_modified: 2024-07-21 09:49:44.421757+00
name: Just for the Fun of It
ucname: JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT
intensity_bars: 800 844 880 888
notes:
  The progression after one repeat is (2,1,3) but then the top & bottom of the set are inverted after each repeat, so 3rd couple start the 2nd repeat.

  This dance was later revised as <<ddd:Upsy Daisy#21902>>.


created: 2015-01-09 14:21:51.428322+00
last_modified: 2024-03-04 22:28:37.520308+00
name: Guy's Seven Berry Jelly
ucname: GUYS SEVEN BERRY JELLY
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2009-05-31
notes:
  Inscribed "For Guy Lock whose chosen figure was half diagonal reels of four. The title relates to the jar of home made Seven Berry Jelly he gave me at Christmas which was great with our Turkey dinner!"


created: 2023-12-09 19:26:52.753005+00
last_modified: 2024-03-06 11:03:06.710888+00
name: Hands Off!
ucname: HANDS OFF
intensity_bars: 800/866/888/888
devised: 2021-11-01
notes:
  This is a ‘socially-distanced’ dance devised to celebrate the Centenary of Inverness Music & Performance Festival in 2022.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-26 16:30:10.033623+00
name: Gowans
ucname: GOWANS
intensity_bars: 7777/8888/8008/8888
notes:
  Gowan is Scots for a daisy (or other white/yellow wild flower). See <<https://www.scotslanguage.com/articles/view/id/5215>>.

  The dance notes identify successive formations in the dance with steps in making a daisy chain: head, stalk, threading and the complete chain.


created: 2024-02-28 12:07:31.312175+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 07:22:06.979463+00
name: Pancake Dance, The
ucname: PANCAKE DANCE
devised: 2024-02-01
notes:
  A dance for "pancake day" (Shrove Tuesday). The symbolism is:  
  Bars 1-16 represent mixing the pancake batter.  
  Bars 17-24 are flipping the pancake.  
  Bars 25-32 are putting the pancake on the plate!


created: 2024-02-25 11:11:23.454414+00
last_modified: 2024-07-21 09:50:44.16991+00
name: Upsy Daisy
ucname: UPSY DAISY
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  This dance was first entered in SCDDB based on <<https://youtu.be/1eFsPKPpA6U|this youtube video>> but there are now online instructions and a better video.

  1st couple end in 2nd place opposite side, then the dance is repeated from the bottom of the set.
  After 3 repeats all are on opposite sides and the set is completely upside down.
  After 6 repeats all are back in original places.

  This dance is a revised version of <<ddd:Just for the Fun of It#14677>>.


created: 2023-01-25 13:00:14.508358+00
last_modified: 2024-03-07 09:31:30.819243+00
name: Faerie Pools, The
ucname: FAERIE POOLS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/288/844/888
notes:
  The deviser, Les Lambert, was inspired by the whirlpools and waterfalls in Glen Brittle,
  Skye, whilst on holiday with his granddaughter and wife, Carolyn.


created: 2023-01-25 14:34:22.011768+00
last_modified: 2024-03-07 09:45:22.007857+00
name: Athenaeum, The
ucname: ATHENAEUM
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/888
notes:
  The Athenaeum in Glasgow was the venue for the first meeting of the Scottish Country Dance
  Society on 26 November, 1923.

  The building, in 179 Buchanan Street (near the Glasgow Queen Street railway station) still stands and now houses the <<https://www.visitscotland.com/de-de/info/food-drink/hard-rock-cafe-glasgow-p875191|Hard Rock Café>>. On 26 November 2023, a commemorative plaque was unveiled to underscore the importance of the building to the <<https://rscds.org|RSCDS>>.


created: 2024-03-03 16:37:25.273313+00
last_modified: 2024-03-07 10:33:01.438429+00
name: See You in Brittany
ucname: SEE YOU IN BRITTANY
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The Méaudre Reel , a Scottish Country Dance association based in the Vercors in France, regularly organises trips for its dancers combining dance and tourism in different regions of France, or even Europe. They have been to brittany several times, particularly to Port Louis. In August 2024 they were invited by the local SCD club to visit during the Lorient Interceltic Festival. This dance is dedicated to this region and its inhabitants, especially those who invited the Méaudre Reel dancers.


created: 2016-06-26 14:55:19.28783+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 02:16:28.633131+00
name: Who's Afraid of Yellow and Gold?
ucname: WHOS AFRAID OF YELLOW AND GOLD
devised: 1996-02-01
notes:
  In the original book "The Rowan Tree Dancers", bars 25-32 of the full description is incomplete due to a misprint.  

  A local website "https://nvs-dance.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Whos_afraid_of_Yellow_and_Gold.pdf" publishes the full description,

  1 – 8 2C & 3C ladies’ chain.

  9 – 12 2C & 3C left hands across

  13 – 16 2C & 3C right hands across finishing in promenade hold (2C facing up and 3C down).

  17 – 20 1L, 2C, 3C and 4L ½ a R-shoulder reel of four (2C and 3C pass left shoulder)

  21 – 24 1M, 2C, 3C and 4M ½ a R-shoulder reel of four (2C face 3C in the centre).

  25 – 28 2C & 3C set and half right hands across

  29 – 32 2C arching, dance to top place, while 3C dance to the bottom (bar 31 – 32: 4C and 1C step to the centre) [2413].


created: 1997-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-08 17:41:49.722488+00
name: Reel for Catherine and Thomas, A
ucname: REEL FOR CATHERINE AND THOMAS
intensity_bars: 80800/82842/88880/80800/80888
devised: 1974-04-27
notes:
  Devised for Catherine Neill and Thomas Graham, and danced by members of the Boston Branch on the occasion of their marriage on April 27th 1974.

  The instructions give the music as "None So Pretty". This has been interpreted here as a recording for that 40 bar dance (whose recommended tune is Johnnie in Nether Mains) rather than the tune None So Pretty.


created: 2024-01-30 23:58:59.486704+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 16:14:40.732276+00
name: Winter Meeting, A
ucname: WINTER MEETING
intensity_bars: 848/888/888/844
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised for the SCD group in Lueneburg. Trying to learn the dance ‘<<ddd:Summer Meeting, A#13766>>’ by Irene Townshend wasn’t going well, and one of the recurring excuses was: “Well, it’s just not possible to learn a dance called Summer Meeting in the middle of January!”
  Immediately, the idea for ‘A Winter Meeting’ was born – so no more excuses! The dance is meant to follow the same pattern as ‘A Summer Meeting’ (turn, reel, Bourrel, Poussette) with a few alterations to include the 3rd couple in more of the figures.


created: 2024-03-08 16:43:01.352256+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 15:48:35.755448+00
name: Dance Through the Decades, A
ucname: DANCE THROUGH THE DECADES
intensity_bars: 800/880/620/888/888/804/888/808/668/080
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Devised for the RSCDS Virtual Festival 2023. While looking at the ten dances featured on the official “Dances through the Decades” list, the idea arose of combining all ten of them into one dance. The first 8 bars are taken from ‘Flowers of Edinburgh’, the next 8 bars from ‘Rakes of Glasgow’ and so on. Slight modifications were added only where necessary to continue the flow of the dance.

  Recommended music: "<<ddrec:Bleu Ribbon, The#6828>>“ by <<ddp:Jim Lindsay and his Band#10659>> (shortened version).
  Only 6 repeats are needed.


created: 2024-03-08 16:52:05.150061+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 15:50:29.009984+00
name: Duncan's Tri-Oomph
ucname: DUNCANS TRIOOMPH
intensity_bars: 8448/8448/8800/8888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Devised for <<ddp:Brown, Duncan#854>> during the Summer Course at the Kuckucksnest in 2023 with lots of swoosh and extra oomph!


created: 2024-01-30 23:11:30.065633+00
last_modified: 2024-04-01 16:01:43.961157+00
name: Wolf in the Wetsuit, The
ucname: WOLF IN THE WETSUIT
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised for Wolfgang Kutsche on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Since he is a big fan of water sports such as sailing, kayaking and surfing, chances are that if he’s not wearing a kilt, he’ll be in a wetsuit instead!
  Originally a 3C/3C dance but would also work 8x through as a 3C/4C dance with the same progression depending on people’s energy levels.


created: 2024-05-03 22:47:40.670276+00
last_modified: 2024-05-03 22:47:40.670276+00
name: Dilemma, The
ucname: DILEMMA
notes:
  The individual young people named as devising this dance are: Amber Bradburn, Claire Walker, Sarah V. walker, Elysia Ward.


created: 2020-04-15 19:29:51.28865+00
last_modified: 2024-03-10 00:25:06.565435+00
name: Famiglia Graziani, La
ucname: FAMIGLIA GRAZIANI
intensity_bars: 88/88
devised: 2020-04-10
notes:
  It may be danced just twice in a two couple set or as usual in a three or four couple set as preferred. It is a busy dance so a three couple set is probably ideal.

  During the Corona virus lockdown the Graziani family in Bologna have been making one video per day of a two couple RSCDS dance published on their <<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyojdYqjbxETi1C5mFptXtg/videos|youtube channel>>. It has been lovely to watch this series so this dance is offered as a thank-you. And also in case they run out of RSCDS dances to try!

  There is a 6x32 recording by <<ddp:Galloway, Ewan#11858>> of the music for this dance available via <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/recording/>>.


created: 2022-06-07 20:24:56.797783+00
last_modified: 2024-03-10 11:13:13.693888+00
name: Cheerful Celebrations
ucname: CHEERFUL CELEBRATIONS
intensity_bars: 800/844/822/888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Music composed by Hiroko Kokai.

  Although this dance was briefly circulated in "Clara 20th & Saltire 10th Anniversary", it was never intended for publication.


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-10 15:15:53.57392+00
name: Summer in Assynt
ucname: SUMMER IN ASSYNT
intensity_bars: 880/888/880/888
devised: 1973-01-01
notes:
  Note that the original description of this dance stipulates a type of chain progression that differs subtly from the one in common usage (the back of the book has notes and pictures for two different styles of chain progression, for strathspey time and quick-time dances). This seems to be widely underappreciated and the description of the chain progression in the RSCDS *Manual* (sec. 6.7.10, p. 108) does not take this into account.


created: 2024-03-10 13:04:44.404521+00
last_modified: 2024-03-11 13:35:20.330246+00
name: Celtic Bride, The
ucname: CELTIC BRIDE
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  The dance was written to celebrate Valeria Corradin and Gabriele Fabris' wedding in 2014. Valeria is our teacher and together with Gabriele the founder of Scotia Shores, the scd group based in Marostica, that in 2010 co-founded the Northern Italy Branch.


created: 2003-10-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 09:57:10.845447+00
name: 51st Travellers, The
ucname: 51ST TRAVELLERS
intensity_bars: 844 888 888 844
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  This dance's other name is »Perpetual Motion«. This is listed as an unofficial alias so it won't show up in the RSCDS Index of Dances, which would be confusing.

  The notes explain that this dance was "Devised in 2001 by Sandra Turton of 51st Club, Johannesburg, South Africa, to commemorate the Club’s 50th Anniversary, and dedicated to all the people of the 51st Club who travelled weekly to dance in Johannesburg throughout its fifty years existence."


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-12 09:27:55.878985+00
name: Mrs Cholmondeley's Reel
ucname: MRS CHOLMONDELEYS REEL
intensity_bars: 800 080 800 880
notes:
  Meryl Thomson reports in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3483/|issue 3483>> that "The source for this appears to be William Campbell's 9th Book (c. 1794). He has a dance of the same name with figures very similar although they have been slightly adapted."

  Campbell's 9th book is not yet added to SCDDB.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-12 11:21:45.300592+00
name: Watson's Reel
ucname: WATSONS REEL
intensity_bars: 88/80/88
notes:
  Meryl Thomson reports in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3484/|issue 3484>> that:

  The earliest known source for Watson's Reel is a silk dance fan from 1797. Other graded dances on the same fan are: Davy's Locker, Galloway House, Leap Year, Wedderburn's Reel (although hard to read).

  For more information about this and other dance fans, see the <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3484/|original issue>>.


created: 2002-12-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-12 13:38:14.360617+00
name: Festival Jig
ucname: FESTIVAL JIG
devised: 2000-11-01
notes:
  The notes say this was "devised for the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of the Builth Wells Scottish Country Dance Group."


created: 2002-12-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-12 14:23:43.693944+00
name: Timothy's Battered Fiddle
ucname: TIMOTHYS BATTERED FIDDLE
devised: 2001-03-01
notes:
  The notes say this "dance is dedicated to Timothy Sennett who accused me of beating the S*** out of his fiddle at one of Vicky's (in)famous parties."


created: 2024-01-30 23:52:46.783971+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 16:10:43.63565+00
name: Sorting Hat, The
ucname: SORTING HAT
intensity_bars: 88888/88888/88888/88088/88888
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  Devised during a long distance phone call between two Harry Potter fans. The third couple act as the sorting hat that is passed by the other dancers who are then sorted into four lines / “houses”.


created: 2002-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 18:06:11.844942+00
name: Highland Welcome in Switzerland, A
ucname: HIGHLAND WELCOME IN SWITZERLAND
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Devised in January 1995 for Minnie Bänninger. The notes add that "Minnie always provides a fine
  Highland welcome for visitors - including malt whisky."


created: 2024-03-14 10:58:08.487477+00
last_modified: 2024-03-14 11:05:58.096859+00
name: Corocora
ucname: COROCORA
intensity_bars: 4884/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2023-04-01
notes:
  The Corocora, or Scarlet Ibis, is a bird native to the Caribbean and parts of South America including Venezuela. This dance is for Carlos de Faria who is originally from Venezuela. Some of his artwork has featured the Corocora (in its less colourful juvenile phase).


created: 2024-03-14 11:13:24.828902+00
last_modified: 2024-03-14 11:13:24.828902+00
name: Haggis, The
ucname: HAGGIS
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  "Written for Scottish Country Dance Society of Berlin Burns Night, January 2004. It describes the preparation of a Haggis."


created: 2022-03-25 09:39:56.186384+00
last_modified: 2024-03-20 10:26:04.077949+00
name: Paulette in Boots
ucname: PAULETTE IN BOOTS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  Two versions of the instructions have been circulated, one with half figure of eight up between 2nd couple in bars 5-8. The deviser has confirmed that the correct version is with the half figure of eight down between 3rd couple.


created: 2024-03-14 11:08:22.740344+00
last_modified: 2024-03-14 11:23:55.686702+00
name: Whreel of Life
ucname: WHREEL OF LIFE
devised: 2008-06-14
notes:
  Inscribed "For my 50th birthday, 25 Sept. 2009".

  Danced twice: "First round for women – second round for men".


created: 2013-05-28 21:59:50.323355+00
last_modified: 2024-03-14 21:25:23.785992+00
name: Dust Devils
ucname: DUST DEVILS
intensity_bars: 8040/8040/0808/8888
devised: 2006-02-18
notes:
  The notes say "This dance portrays the Southwest dust devils building up speed and sweeping up everything in their path."


created: 2024-03-14 09:47:48.297861+00
last_modified: 2024-03-15 13:40:40.960914+00
name: Heart of Glass
ucname: HEART OF GLASS
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/844
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  Back in the late 1970s I went to a bar with friends from work to play pinball and other bar games. *Heart of Glass* was playing on the jukebox and for some reason it really resonated with me (still does) – no clue why as it is definitely not any genre of music I generally listen to; maybe the interrupted back beat.


created: 2002-04-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-19 17:43:32.670988+00
name: Nighean Donn
ucname: NIGHEAN DONN
intensity_bars: 18281/48884/77877/63636
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  The notes say that "The dance, then untitled, was first performed at the 21st birthday party of Gwendoline Margaret Watson. The title (pronounced nee'n down and translated as The Brown Haired Lass) Is in honour not only of Gwendy but of brown haired lassies everywhere."


created: 2023-11-29 23:34:10.768032+00
last_modified: 2024-03-21 10:58:14.87927+00
name: Ardnahoe
ucname: ARDNAHOE
intensity_bars: 880/808/844/888
devised: 2019-02-01
notes:
  Ardnahoe is the newest of the Inner Hebridean Isle of Islay's many whisky distilleries, which is located along the Sound of Islay just north of Port Askaig. It takes its name from its geographic location, literally meaning height (**ard**) of the hollow (**hoe**), which is, though close to sea level, a spot of high ground (on which was built the distillery) separating a small freshwater loch from the saltwater sound. The lower location of the loch itself and the immediate land around it can be taken to be the hollow. It is from this small freshwater loch that the distillery draws its water.  
  <<img:https://img.e-cribs.org/Ardnahoe.jpg|Ardnahoe distillery>>


created: 1997-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-21 22:47:18.07529+00
name: Braid Bonnet, The
ucname: BRAID BONNET
notes:
  The notes say that "A braid bonnet is an old Scots cap, made of woollen material, but having no seams or lining."


created: 2024-03-23 15:06:32.854578+00
last_modified: 2024-03-23 15:22:10.110398+00
name: Stars Around Us, The
ucname: STARS AROUND US
intensity_bars: 800/888/648/888
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  I was reading about some amazing new pictures of the universe that are showing us, so I named this dance for my sense of amazement at what is out there.


created: 2006-03-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-23 17:40:30.919424+00
name: Tartan Tree, The
ucname: TARTAN TREE
intensity_bars: 800/884/844/866
notes:
  The notes say this was devised "To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the RSCDS Hamilton (Ont) Branch in 1994, we funded a commemorative tree in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton in memory of one of our founders, Dr. Bob Smith. A new planting of beech trees was being created in the gardens, and we chose a tri-colour beech because it reminded us of multi· coloured tartan."


created: 2024-03-24 11:23:31.927003+00
last_modified: 2024-03-24 11:25:33.325188+00
name: Fiona's Wish
ucname: FIONAS WISH
notes:
  The source for this dance is the DancieMaetion video <<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muwumfHZ0vU>>.

  This appears to be a 4 couple jig version of the 3 couple strathspey <<ddd:Fiona's Strathspey#8354>> published as dance #5 in <<ddpub:Stepping Out Part 1 - Basic SCDs for beginners#298>>.

  The version of this book available to the SCDDB editors has the strathspey. That given to DancieMaetion has the jig. It is not clear which is intended as the revised version.


created: 1997-12-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-24 11:27:30.477201+00
name: Fiona's Strathspey
ucname: FIONAS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/800/800/800
notes:
  Some versions of the publication have a jig version of this dance called <<ddd:Fiona's Wish#21926>>.


created: 2024-03-25 00:41:24.678783+00
last_modified: 2024-03-25 01:11:47.570432+00
name: Capital Pianist, The
ucname: CAPITAL PIANIST
intensity_bars: 880/844/808/802
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  In 2012 I won the privilege of having Liz write a tune for a dance I wrote. I love the tune, but was never totally satisfied with the dance for which it was written. I wrote this dance in hopes it is a better choice for the tune. The title reflects that Liz was born in Washington, D.C. and is her suggestion for a title.


created: 1998-12-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-10 15:55:10.125853+00
name: Margaret's Waltz
ucname: MARGARETS WALTZ
notes:
  Information from <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3507/|issue 3507>>:

  Patrick Noel Shuldham-Shaw (1917-1977) composed both dance and music for Margaret Grant on her retirement in 1959 as EFDSS representative in Devon.
  First performed at Country Dance Party broadcast from Clyst St George 25 March 1959.

  There is a recording of this music on the CD called Walpole Cottage played by The Assembly Players in 2002 ref. APCD0202.


created: 2002-05-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-25 11:38:55.710589+00
name: Legacy of Pearl's, A
ucname: LEGACY OF PEARLS
intensity_bars: 8484/8888/8888/8080
notes:
  This dance was devised in memory of Pearl Holmberg, a founder member and benefactor of the RSCDS Vancouver Branch.  
  Pearl's bequest has enabled the Vancouver Branch to sponsor a teachers' and musicians' workshop in her name, and has enhanced our music and dancing in many other ways.


created: 2013-01-29 14:18:33.601314+00
last_modified: 2024-04-15 19:02:14.594177+00
name: Hammock Jig, The
ucname: HAMMOCK JIG
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/844
notes:
  In the summer of 2007, club members or friends often hosted dance parties in their gardens. One such evening I had planned to teach a dance with cross over mirror reels but most people were enjoying the sun, lounging in hammocks, enjoying the food and wine. I persuaded three couples away from the food and wine and came up with the Hammock Jig.


created: 2002-03-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-25 13:53:14.746624+00
name: Duke of Gordon's Welcome to Aberdeen, The
ucname: DUKE OF GORDONS WELCOME TO ABERDEEN
notes:
  This dance is too involved to be placed on a Ball programme; it is essentially a demonstration dance.  However MiniCrib has now provided a crib for it.

  The dance has five figures:  
  Fig. 1: 64 bars  
  Fig. 2: 32 bars  
  Fig. 3: 32 bars  
  Fig. 4: 16 bars  
  Fig. 5: 32 bars  

  This dance was collected by Mrs MacNab but from a Mr Graham Forbes of Hamilton, Ontario who was taught it by his Grandfather in Scotland.


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-26 10:46:06.06866+00
name: Jig for Mrs Dunn, A
ucname: JIG FOR MRS DUNN
intensity_bars: 80/80/88/88
notes:
  The notes say the dance was "composed by the children from Mrs Norah Dunn's chiLdren's class when she left the Helensburgh district."


created: 2005-06-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-31 09:10:22.854616+00
name: Mount Seymour Strathspey
ucname: MOUNT SEYMOUR STRATHSPEY
notes:
  This dance was written for all the dancers who live at the foot of Mount Seymour in North Vancouver, and
  especially for Mike Paul who wrote the tune.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-27 10:24:52.326869+00
name: Follow the Fiddler
ucname: FOLLOW THE FIDDLER
intensity_bars: 8800/8880/8220/8008
notes:
  The notes say that "The figures of this dance represent a Shetland wedding where the procession to the Church was always led by a fiddler. Bars 25-32 represent the Bride's Reel, in which the bridesmaid takes the place of the bride halfway through, to keep her safe from the fairies who might abduct her."

  The recommended music is "A good Shetland reel".


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-27 19:11:16.590853+00
name: It'll Be Alright on The Night
ucname: ITLL BE ALRIGHT ON THE NIGHT
notes:
  Note:  The positions after once through are (3,1x,2x).

  2nd and lst couples repeat from new positions but men dance ladies' figures and vice versa. For bars 29-32, second time through, 1st, 2nd and 4th couples dance haH Reel of Three giving nearer hands to partners as they meet.  

  If danced as an encore once each couple, 2nd couple start on opposite sides in 2nd place and dance bars 1-28 from second time through then bars 29-32 from first time through.


created: 2002-04-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-30 11:52:05.873443+00
name: Key Lime Pie
ucname: KEY LIME PIE
devised: 1999-07-13
notes:
  This dance recalls a lunch between Pinewoods sessions, when 10 people were seated at a long table, five on each side. The first four bars depict the hesitation about whether to order a dessert, the next 12 bars the consultations among the participants about what to order, and the final 16 bars represent the decision of several people sitting diagonally opposite each other to share key lime pies!

  Warning from the author: This is a challenging dance!


created: 2024-04-15 02:18:37.068027+00
last_modified: 2024-04-15 02:37:27.064988+00
name: Turra Market
ucname: TURRA MARKET
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/888
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  At last year's Midwest Scottish Weekend the musicians were playing a familiar tune that turned out to be The Barnyards of Delgaty - a name I didn't recognize although I knew I knew it from somewhere where it was sung. Later I realized it was the second tune from my favorite track for Bratach Bana. The suggested track is the only track in my collection of SCD music that contains this tune and is not a track for Bratach Bana; it has a nice collection of fun tunes.


created: 2024-04-17 08:03:28.750059+00
last_modified: 2024-04-17 08:04:41.206897+00
name: Oh, Claire
ucname: OH CLAIRE
devised: 2024-04-01
notes:
  In memory of Claire Hunter, a delightful member of the San Francisco class for many years. 
  Her smile and her dancing always brightened the room.


created: 1999-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-17 10:17:07.97545+00
name: Scotsman's Choice, The
ucname: SCOTSMANS CHOICE
devised: 1994-02-01
notes:
  The notes say this was "devised by Teri Sanders (age 12), February 1994 (with a little help from MMV on the 3-person poussette)."

  The title refers to a man who can't decide which of two women to invite to a ball.


created: 2005-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 04:08:58.307526+00
name: Kathleen and Walter McAdam
ucname: KATHLEEN AND WALTER MACADAM
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Jennifer Kelly writes:    
  Notes for teachers on the dances in the Anniversary Suite.   
  As I devised these dances I had a particular teaching point in mind for each of them.  

  These teaching notes can be found at 
  http://rscds-sf.org/resources/dances/Anniversay%20Suite%20Notes.pdf


created: 2006-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-28 10:48:15.643099+00
name: Ladies of Schiehallion, The
ucname: LADIES OF SCHIEHALLION
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  The dance tells a story:
  Part one of the story is in strathspey  because the party hasn’t gotten going yet and it denotes the personality of one of the roommates. The Set and Rotate figure represents the opening of a champagne bottle – so only the top 2 couples dance – representing the cork.  After the cork pops, the champagne bubbles up and spills out and down the sides of the bottle. This bubble up figure was devised by Michael Bentley. The constant flowing movement in the reel of four represents the pouring of the champagne and in the last figure of strathspey - the people are setting in little groups talking - but decide to circulate to see who else is at the party – then the couples decide to split up and get the party going.

  Part two of the story is in quick time to represent the personality of the other roommate – and because the party is now in full swing.  Dancing the Schiehallion reels is always fun and lively - just like a party.  Then it’s time to settle down – take a breather – look for a place to rest for awhile.  While the top 2 couples rest (and think about opening another bottle of champagne in strathspey time) – the bottom 2 couples have found a little champagne left in the old bottle and decide to finish it off - with the Slip Knot – danced up as the bottle empties. Don’t worry – the Schiehallion ladies would never have just one bottle of champagne – in fact they have four – so all 4 couples have a chance to open a bottle, dance, and have a “Reel” good time.


created: 2004-08-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-03 22:28:53.610959+00
name: Crathes Castle
ucname: CRATHES CASTLE
intensity_bars: 800 888 800 888 844 888
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  In <<ddpub:Highlander Collection Vol 1#1069>>  this dance is named "One for the Millennium". We keep this as an unofficial alias because an official alias would show up in the RSCDS Dance Index, which would be confusing.


created: 2009-11-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-04 08:02:14.338332+00
name: Forget Me Knot
ucname: FORGET ME KNOT
intensity_bars: 800 866 866 806
devised: 1999-06-01
notes:
  Brian Youngman devised "Forget Me Knot" for his wife Barbara Youngman, who is a dance teacher in North Carolina.   The full description can be found at the URL.

  From a Strathspey messages of 11 jan 2011:  
  'Forget Me Knot' was written for me for our 30th Anniversary in 1999. I commissioned Dave Wiesler to write the tune for it to present to Brian at the Silver Thistle Ball in 2003 which landed on our 34th Anniversary. The name of the tune for the dance is 'Our Someday'.      Barbara Youngman


created: 2024-04-03 21:33:32.137482+00
last_modified: 2024-04-04 11:17:00.891922+00
name: Trip to Vestal, A
ucname: TRIP TO VESTAL
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Although 3rd and 4th couple start crossed over (1,2,3x,4x), one turn of the dances ends with those in 2nd and 4th places crossed over (3,1x,4,2x). So the genders gradually change during the dance. Those crossing in the Ladies (RH) Chain are 1W & 4W in some repeats, 1M & 4M in others.


created: 2025-08-30 22:20:12.321773+00
last_modified: 2025-09-19 11:08:22.532445+00
name: Jersey Cow, A
ucname: JERSEY COW
intensity_bars: 804/844/888/844
devised: 2025-07-01
notes:
  Years ago when I was in high school a good friend told me about a class his uncle was taking in how to use visualization to help remember a list. Then he told me about the one his uncle used to remember the original 13 colonies in the order in which they joined the union. The third image is described "balanced on the pencil is a Jersey cow" (New Jersey). It’s now 60+ years later and I still remember the whole sequence, so I decided to use the phrases as titles for some dances; this is the third of those dances.


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-07 09:25:19.032671+00
name: Hugh's Welcome
ucname: HUGHS WELCOME
notes:
  The New Zealand "Scottish Country Dancer" published this dance noting that "Dr Thurston's visit  has occasioned several new compositions. At Wallaceville's ceilidh on June 25 a new dance was done in his honour."

  The dance notes add that it was "composed by Marion Cunningham for the Eighth Ceilidh of Wallaceville Scottish Country Dance Club, in honour of the visit of Dr Hugh Thurston. The theme of the dance is the passing round the ballroom of the visitor, who is welcomed by every couple in turn."

  The date is not known, but in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3503/|issue 3503>> Joy Tracey writes that "it was on the Taradale Juniors Dance programme in July 1986".


created: 1997-09-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-07 11:12:37.092985+00
name: Jip's Jig
ucname: JIPS JIG
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/888
notes:
  The deviser writes that "Jip is a young Collie pup. being trained as a sheep-dog on the farm where I live. Most of the time he spends rounding up anything in sight such as sheep, Iambs, cats, dogs, and even people!"


created: 2024-04-07 21:14:22.070304+00
last_modified: 2024-04-07 23:15:07.250196+00
name: Rainbow Laces
ucname: RAINBOW LACES
intensity_bars: 888/888/880/800/888
devised: 2023-12-01
notes:
  David Taylor writes that this was "devised to celebrate The Rainbow Laces campaign of the English Premier League football which was started in 2013. Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces Campaign is an annual event in support of the LGBTQ+ community and the support of increasing diversity in sports across the world. The campaign was started in 2013 and has been promoted by the biggest sports in the world from Men’s and Women’s association football to wheelchair rugby."


created: 2023-03-19 23:44:52.152646+00
last_modified: 2025-07-02 18:11:06.803147+00
name: Longborough Lanterns
ucname: LONGBOROUGH LANTERNS
intensity_bars: 800/880/800/822
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  A string of multicolored lanterns was once a familiar sight outside the Longborough cabins above the main path at Pinewoods Camp during Scottish Sessions.

  From <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3497/|issue 3497>>: Bruce Herbold of Oakland, CA, notes that this can easily be modified into a 5-couple dance by having 1s and 3s begin and then progress to 3rd and 5th places, respectively, on the dance-around of the last two bars. Original 3s must be alert to stepping up.


created: 2009-11-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-21 21:50:18.16708+00
name: Away Tae Moray
ucname: AWAY TAE MORAY
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888
devised: 2008-07-01
notes:
  The dance "Away Tae Moray" was composed in July 2008 for the chairman of the RSCDS Inverness and District Branch.  It was included in their 2009 "Diamond Jubilee Collection" under the name "The Telford Hornpipe".  The deviser republished the dance in her own "The Corberry Collection" using the original name, which she prefers.


created: 2024-04-21 11:13:03.595705+00
last_modified: 2024-04-21 11:15:45.9306+00
name: Ben Rinnes Reel, The
ucname: BEN RINNES REEL
notes:
  Demonstration dance for 3 couples. Ben Rinnes is a mountain about 6 km from Dufftown.

  A note on the Dufftown  Dance Club website (https://www.dufftowndanceclub.com/) says it was "Devised by Miss Catherine Sweeney teacher at the Catholic School, Mount Street in early 1950s. Miss Sweeney taught Scottish country dancing and pianist was Annie Esplin. Andy McCormack also played for Miss Sweeney's class."


created: 2023-10-30 11:47:09.072862+00
last_modified: 2024-06-27 09:52:41.971357+00
name: Indicate Through Momentum
ucname: INDICATE THROUGH MOMENTUM
intensity_bars: 8000/8880/8002/8008
devised: 2007-09-01
notes:
  From the dance notes:
  *Dance was devised after meeting Vanessa Holt, a kind dancer who transported us from Maitland after a ball to Sydney in September 2017.*

  *When traveling back from Maitland, Vanessa was showing us some of the sights around Sydney and she used the phrase, (referring to the traffic), “Indicate through Momentum” which I thought was a great title for a dance and is essential in this dance for first couple to maintain continuous flow through all 4 formations, just like the traffic around Sydney.*


created: 2023-12-07 00:11:21.660216+00
last_modified: 2025-12-25 17:56:09.392691+00
name: Bonnie Gill Shaw
ucname: BONNIE GILL SHAW
intensity_bars: 848/668/668/888
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "In memory of Gillian Torbet Shaw (1956 - 2022)."

  Note 1:  1c and 2c step in for the half Poussette on bar 1. 2c does not finish the Poussette but dropping hands on bar 4 and passing right shoulder to own side, as 1c continues another half Poussette with 3c.

  Note 2:  In a message to the SCDDB editors on 19 April 2024, the deviser modified the dance as follows:
  In my original instructions, in bars 1 - 4, while 1s and 2s do the modified poussette, 3s set and turn right hand to end in the first corner diagonal. Having danced it a few times, people have suggested that it worked better if the 3s turn 2 hands instead of just with the right hand. It feels more natural as they flow into a half poussette with 1s and the formation is more cohesive.  I agree with them and so I'd like to include this alternative.

  The video added in 2024 shows the improved version.


created: 2024-05-03 22:52:52.670118+00
last_modified: 2024-05-03 22:58:26.753976+00
name: Double Chase, The
ucname: DOUBLE CHASE
notes:
  The individual young people named as devising this dance are: Elizabeth Brady, Charlotte Evans, Elle Hutton, Rachel Reynolds, Grace Turner, Sarah Walker.


created: 1999-05-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 18:15:40.320709+00
name: Ross of Mull, The
ucname: ROSS OF MULL
notes:
  Inscribed to the 1990 "Castle Hoppers."

  Bars 1-8: The intertwining falls of Mull as they drop from the cliff top.  
  Bars 9-16: The curvy nature of the falls as they are diverted in their downward fall by jutting rocks in the cliff face.  
  Bars 17-24: The long ribbons of water falling into the sea and the backsplash they create.  
  Bars 25-32 The swirling of the sea as it crashes against the cliff face.


created: 2019-01-02 12:00:42.920475+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:47:00.620351+00
name: Together For Forty Years
ucname: TOGETHER FOR FORTY YEARS
intensity_bars: 600/888/844/880
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  For Tom and Kathy Allen on the occasion of their 40th anniversary. Kathy gave me the gist of the dance—must have a flirtatious opening and a poussette.I hope the rest weds their appreciation of tradition with a nod to sociable and uncomplicated interactions. They’ve always been interested in getting new dancers on the floor,building community, and keeping things grounded in good humor.


created: 2024-04-21 12:05:47.597216+00
last_modified: 2024-10-19 07:45:55.972284+00
name: Happy Easter With Anouk
ucname: HAPPY EASTER WITH ANOUK
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  Anouk, a lively little girl, was Sophie Marchand’s pupil for 3 years at the primary school in Méaudre. They also share a birthday which they celebrated every year in early April. After leaving school to attend college, Anouk was the only one to come back and continue Scottish country dancing. At the end of March 2024, she gave Sophie a piece of paper saying “ I have written a dance but it has no title”. In early April 2024, their birthdays coincided with Easter so the title of the dance was obvious : Happy Easter with Anouk!


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-26 11:50:02.630617+00
name: Mountain Magic
ucname: MOUNTAIN MAGIC
intensity_bars: 808/888/888/880
devised: 1995-05-01
notes:
  Inscribed "to the mountains of New Zealand".

  Drewry further reports that:
  > On Sunday 14th May, 1995, I climbed Mount Ruapehu (a volcano and the highest peak in the North Island of New Zealand) with Helen Lyons, Marcel Horvath, Olive Cammidge and Terry Pye. Helen and Marcel were the leaders because they knew the mountain well. It was a day of pure magic with blue skies and sunshine.  
  > When we returned, we learned that New Zealand had won the final race in the America's Cup in their boat "Black Magic".  
  > The title of this dance reflects this doubly eventful day and also the fascination which mountains have always had for me.  
  > In the following week, I experienced more mountain magic with Dorothy Wilson on the west side of Mount Cook at the Franz Josef Glacier, and then, two days later, with John and Marie Martin on the east side at the Hermitage, again in perfect weather.


created: 2024-04-27 10:53:26.155619+00
last_modified: 2024-04-27 10:59:46.987497+00
name: Daisy and Rebecca
ucname: DAISY AND REBECCA
devised: 2011-06-01
notes:
  The standard Rights and Lefts for Three Couples has a narrow and challenging track for the dancers passing up and down the centre as they give left hands.  This modification to the formation makes that track safer and more danceable.

  I have called this dance ‘Daisy and Rebecca’ because on each repetition two ladies (2nd and 3rd) are left out of the rights and lefts figure.  This is compensated by the fact that ladies have much more fun than men in Ladies’ Chains. ‘Two Ladies’ may also be seen as a reference to the two Ladies’ Chains. Daisy and Rebecca are the names of my two grand-daughters.


created: 2006-10-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-28 09:24:34.065885+00
name: Preparation Reel
ucname: PREPARATION REEL
intensity_bars: 804/800/880/888
notes:
  Written at Scottish Weekend 1999 to teach the reels for <<ddd:Cranberry Tart|Cranberry Tart>>, a dance by Terry Glasspool in the book Seven Year Itch.


created: 2024-04-28 20:05:31.221903+00
last_modified: 2024-12-29 04:57:41.593614+00
name: Eyes and Hands
ucname: EYES AND HANDS
intensity_bars: 822/866/888/822
devised: 2022-04-01
notes:
  The dance was devised for a special class at the Spring School 2022 to show how eyes and hands can be used in different formations and movements in one dance.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-29 13:01:16.794587+00
name: Gushet Neuk
ucname: GUSHET NEUK
intensity_bars: 660/730/888/888
devised: 1968-11-01
notes:
  Devised in November 1968 for all members of an Australian Club. The original name was "Let's all go walkabout" by which it is probably known in Australia. The present name is that of the tune composed by Jimmy Reith of Aberdeen.


created: 2019-12-13 13:01:31.417119+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:32:43.606356+00
name: Still and Always
ucname: STILL AND ALWAYS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/880
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  For Tom and Margaret Ward on the occasion of their anniversary. Although 2019 isn’t a 0 or 5 year anniversary, Margaret was moved to request a dance that honored their strong and loving marriage. Tom and Margaret share their respect and kindness with all on the dance floor. The dance, as yet unnamed, was presented at the Jean Patrick Memorial Dance on August 31, 2019. On the following morning, Tom shared the dance title above.


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


created: 2024-04-28 20:16:04.858377+00
last_modified: 2024-12-29 05:02:07.636107+00
name: Kurai Reel
ucname: KURAI REEL
devised: 2022-08-01
notes:
  The dance was devised during a game-contest where each couple in the team invented their own 8 bars. The event was held in Ufa at the summer dancing weekend early August in 2022. By their joint decision,
  the team dedicated the dance to hospitable Bashkiria and named it after one of the symbols of the republic – the flower of Kurai.


created: 2019-02-28 19:13:21.23996+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:23:28.209252+00
name: Of Quakes and Quaichs
ucname: OF QUAKES AND QUAICHS
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  For Donna Weidenfeller and Harry Andrews in celebration of their wedding. Donna is from Wisconsin originally but has been living in San Francisco, California for most of her adult life. Harry is from Edinburgh. They met several years ago in the San Francisco Scottish dance class and began a friendship that has grown deeper over time.  

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


created: 2018-10-24 19:05:56.417006+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:25:26.099462+00
name: Pilot's Delight
ucname: PILOTS DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/844
devised: 2017-05-27
notes:
  The dance and tune are the result of Pat Gregory’s successful bid at the 2016 Asilomar Weekend Auction. In addition to Scottish Country dancing, Pat’s an active member of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots.


created: 2000-02-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:44:10.881773+00
name: Merrill Gathering, The
ucname: MERRILL GATHERING
intensity_bars: 811 888 840 848 800
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for the 31st annual Asilomar Weekend Workshop of the San Francisco Branch of the RSCDS. It is dedicated to all those who gathered in Merrill Hall on Sunday October 31, 1999, where Fiona taught the dance.


created: 2014-11-05 11:14:28.272016+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:14:57.925178+00
name: Margaret Mitchell's Rant
ucname: MARGARET MITCHELLS RANT
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8448/8008
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  Tune: A free-spirited jig with some swing 

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

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


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


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


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


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


created: 2014-08-18 14:17:44.658472+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:31:39.002077+00
name: State of Grace
ucname: STATE OF GRACE
intensity_bars: 880/800/822/888
devised: 2012-02-07
notes:
  Written in memory of Polly Paterson who passed away on January 29, 2012. Polly was a loyal and enthusiastic member of the Berkeley class. She attended dances all over and served on the branch board. Her enjoyment of SCD was reflected in her ready smile and the encouragement she shared with all in her set. I’ve borrowed 8 bars from Adieu Mon Ami as a tribute to a friend and dancer who is sorely missed.


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

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


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


created: 2017-05-27 16:06:54.967305+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:29:34.152982+00
name: Something Blue
ucname: SOMETHING BLUE
intensity_bars: 880/833/877/822
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Written for Kim Jorgensen & Kathy Wendell's nuptials.

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

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


created: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:30:50.735497+00
name: Stargazers
ucname: STARGAZERS
devised: 2009-07-04
notes:
  This dance was presented to Jane Turton and Michael Gregg on the occasion of  their wedding on July 4, 2009. One can easily see the stars in their eyes when they look at one another. On top of  that, Michael is an astronomer by profession.


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

   Bars 

   1-8    Wagon wheels. 

   9-20   Forming wagon trains and crossing the plains. 

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


created: 2011-12-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 20:44:36.165952+00
name: Basic Knitting
ucname: BASIC KNITTING
devised: 2007-10-01
notes:
  Traditionally, every San Francisco Class Solstice Party program includes a dance devised by or for a class member.
  Michael Iachini started dancing last year (2006-2007).


created: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:04:08.881785+00
name: Granville Bridge
ucname: GRANVILLE BRIDGE
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2008-05-13
notes:
  This dance was inspired by a visit to Vancouver, and the experience of walking from downtown Vancouver to Granville Island. The Granville Bridge appears on maps to go to the island, but in fact goes OVER the island. To walk to the island from downtown, it is necessary to walk past the island to the far shore before doubling back (represented by the first eight bars). The middle sixteen bars represent the bridge itself, and the last eight bars represent the hustle and bustle of the Granville Public Market.


created: 2006-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:08:26.874041+00
name: Langdon Knot, The
ucname: LANGDON KNOT
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/880
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  For Susie Langdon Kass on the occasion of her significant birthday. Susie's husband Sid commissioned the tune by Muriel Johnstone. Susie was my fIrst teacher (as she was for many dancers in the Bay Area) and is a tireless and enthusiastic promoter of Scottish Country Dancing. She is well known for teaching "The Langdon Knot" to any (and all) who have yet to learn this very secure way of tying shoelaces. The fIgure in bars 9-16 reminds me of tying a knot and is evocative of the central fIgure in John McAlpin, one of Susie's favorite dances. A Ramsay herself, another of Susie's favorites is Lady Lucy Ramsay, which is the source for the last 8 bars. (Tim Wilson)


created: 2009-08-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:12:20.561992+00
name: Magic of Merrill, The
ucname: MAGIC OF MERRILL
intensity_bars: 873 888 844 888
notes:
  Lead tune: I recommend the Cape Breton version of “Return from India,” as in Jerry Holland's (first) Collection of Fiddle Tunes. Be warned that early editions of this collection have a repeat mark at the end of bar 8 that you should ignore; the first eight bars are A, the remaining four bars repeated are B, and you make 32 bars by playing ABAB. Note also that Jerry or his Cape Breton colleagues have altered the tune significantly from the older version that is found on page 8 of Kerr’s First Collection of Merry Melodies, including swapping the A and B parts.


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


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


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


created: 2024-05-12 16:36:15.869768+00
last_modified: 2025-01-31 17:45:17.217727+00
name: Snowstorm
ucname: SNOWSTORM
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The title, and the triangular set shape, come from the six pointed structure of snowflakes and the whirlwind meaning of the tourbillon style figure in bars 9-16.


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

  Bars

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

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

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

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

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

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

  29-32 All dance back-to-back.

  Repeat, having passed a couple.


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

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

  Alice and Malcolm’s Golden Wedding

  8x32 Strathspey

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

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

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

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

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

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

  17-20 	1M and 3L turn BH

  21-24 	1L and 3M turn BH

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

  Repeat, having passed a couple.


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


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


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

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

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


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

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


created: 1998-11-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-08-31 17:57:38.376925+00
name: Mrs MacLeod
ucname: MRS MACLEOD
intensity_bars: 880 800 844 866
devised: 1827-01-01
notes:
  The revised version of Book 6 changed "lead" down & up to "dance" down & up in bars 9-16. 

  **However.** On the [RSCDS publication updates page](https://rscds.org/learn/resources-dancers/publication-updates) there is now an erratum which changes the “dance” back to “lead”.

  All the available videos show the original "lead" version with RH joined.


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

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

  (Original description added at author's request.)


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


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


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


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

  Reel time: working life  
  Strathspey time: time to rest


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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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

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


