# dance

created: 2020-03-24 22:30:16.676155+00
last_modified: 2024-12-04 11:42:42.796758+00
name: Corinne's Caper
ucname: CORINNES CAPER
intensity_bars: 840/880/888/844
devised: 2018-04-01
notes:
  Written in memory of Corinne McArdle who was a regular and active member of our Branch for many years.  

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


created: 2018-10-17 12:33:14.650445+00
last_modified: 2024-12-06 17:23:45.49279+00
name: Charlotte's Knot
ucname: CHARLOTTES KNOT
intensity_bars: 888/840/888/888
notes:
  A dance for Charlotte Knott, South Shields, who passed her R.S.C.D.S. Medal Test with Distinction. Charlotte was taught her dancing skills by Jean Wright.


created: 1998-04-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-07 16:36:45.810582+00
name: Lassie What Mair Wad Ye Ha'e
ucname: LASSIE WHAT MAIR WAD YE HAE
devised: 1982-01-01
notes:
  Official Alias: Sheila Scott's Jig.

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


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


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


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


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

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

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

  No publication known.


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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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


created: 2022-09-01 12:04:38.887608+00
last_modified: 2025-02-04 01:37:18.760598+00
name: Iain's Inspiration
ucname: IAINS INSPIRATION
intensity_bars: 440/880/888/888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Iain Boyd posted a query on strathspey.org about a set and link for 3 couples on the sides which got me thinking about how it might work. I have no idea whether this is the same figure as the one Iain asked about, but when I danced it in my head, it occurred to me that it was the perfect setup for the 3-couple bourrel, so I had to try it out in a dance.


created: 2024-12-12 15:57:36.890103+00
last_modified: 2025-10-02 10:04:42.417849+00
name: Away to the West
ucname: AWAY TO THE WEST
intensity_bars: 550/888/888/844
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Anne Thorn for Joan Murray’s special birthday in April 2022. Joan was born in Fife and now lives on the west coast of Scotland.


created: 2024-12-12 16:01:27.125539+00
last_modified: 2025-09-28 22:34:27.280601+00
name: Down in the Glen
ucname: DOWN IN THE GLEN
intensity_bars: 888/844/888/888
devised: 2016-02-01
notes:
  Devised in December 2016 by Anne Thorn for the 90th Anniversary of Dunfermline RSCDS. The devisor was born in Dunfermline and has many happy memories of going to Pittencrieff Park (The Glen) in the 1960s.


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


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

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


created: 2024-11-23 14:32:40.616962+00
last_modified: 2024-12-17 17:07:02.166295+00
name: Unit 2 Fantasia
ucname: UNIT 2 FANTASIA
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/888/808/880/088/088/042/888/888/686
devised: 2020-08-01
notes:
  The notes explain the origin of this "jigsaw medley":

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

  The original version of the dance was revised in 2024.


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


created: 2002-08-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-12-19 17:40:53.358165+00
name: Indian River Strathspey
ucname: INDIAN RIVER STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888 844 888 844
notes:
  The Indian River is on the east coast of Florida at Orlando, south of Cape Canaveral.
  George Senyk and his wife Onie lived on the Indian River Intercoastal waterway across from the Kennedy Space Center.

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

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


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


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


created: 2022-03-01 00:13:34.366025+00
last_modified: 2025-07-14 15:25:33.189785+00
name: Blue Sky, Yellow Sun
ucname: BLUE SKY YELLOW SUN
intensity_bars: 8888/0880/8888/4884
devised: 2022-02-26
notes:
  This dance was written the Saturday after the invasion of Ukraine. In London the weather was fine. I went out walking but kept thinking of those suffering far away. The combination of the yellow sun in a pale blue sky reminded me of the Ukrainian flag which gave me the title.

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

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


created: 2024-12-27 11:54:08.194228+00
last_modified: 2025-10-05 22:02:00.461171+00
name: Time to Celebrate
ucname: TIME TO CELEBRATE
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Anne Thorn (current teacher of the class) in January 2020 to mark the 70th Anniversary of Helensburgh Scottish Country Dance Club which was formed in 1950. Sadly our 70th Anniversary Dance in March 2020 had to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus. Hopefully we’ll be able to celebrate our 75th Anniversary in 2025!


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


created: 2025-10-16 12:47:15.405772+00
last_modified: 2025-10-16 12:47:15.405772+00
name: Holly and the Ivy Strathspey, The
ucname: HOLLY AND THE IVY STRATHSPEY
devised: 2010-10-01
notes:
  Although described as a 64 bar dance, bars 33-64 are identical to 1-32. However they have a 4 couple progression.


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


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


created: 2005-04-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-11-01 22:16:11.987413+00
name: Maureen Calling
ucname: MAUREEN CALLING
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8448/8888
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  This dance is written for Maureen Pettigrew on the occasion of her birthday; the name of the dance is the salutation she often uses when sending out email.


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


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

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


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


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

  The title comes from Robert Burns:

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


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-05-05 10:37:25.237001+00
name: Southern Cairn, The
ucname: SOUTHERN CAIRN
intensity_bars: 844/866/822/888
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  Devised "for the Addlestone and District Scottish Society to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee season, 1993-94."


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

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


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


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


created: 2024-07-25 04:26:55.866813+00
last_modified: 2026-02-04 22:29:42.453184+00
name: Two Men Dancing
ucname: TWO MEN DANCING
devised: 2023-12-31
notes:
  This dance was written as a tribute to the Scottish country dance demonstration performed with Nicolas “Niols” Jeannerod at Summer School 2023 in St Andrews, where we danced together as first couple.

  There is a video of that demonstration at <<https://youtu.be/-z3J9s5iXzw>>.


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

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


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

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

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

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


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


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


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

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

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


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


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

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


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

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

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


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


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


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

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


created: 2024-12-06 18:09:44.632176+00
last_modified: 2025-01-28 17:05:16.924224+00
name: Missing Lightfoot
ucname: MISSING LIGHTFOOT
intensity_bars: 880/864/844/888
devised: 2024-11-24
notes:
  Gordon Lightfoot was my favorite singer/songwriter of all time. His birthday was November 17th, the day before mine, so I think of him each November, even more now that he is gone.


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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

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


created: 2019-12-13 13:07:07.003517+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 04:00:36.90231+00
name: A.J.'s Jig
ucname: AJS JIG
intensity_bars: 880/808/808/888
devised: 2019-11-19
notes:
  For Andrew Clyde on the occasion of his 16th birthday on November 3, 2019. As his full name is Andrew John, his nickname is A.J. He and his family celebrated the event at the San Francisco branch’s annual Asilomar weekend workshop. Andrew shares his energy and enthusiasm on the dance floor with his partners and other dancers in the set. Such a joy!


created: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 20:45:41.010748+00
name: Bill McIver's Fancy
ucname: BILL MACIVERS FANCY
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/888
devised: 2010-05-03
notes:
  This dance was devised for Bill and Carolyn McIver of Reno, Nevada. For several years they have hosted a number of dancers in their home for the annual Truckee, California workshop. They are the consummate hosts and really see to the well-being of each guest. Bill is a gourmet chef; so the vittles are always top-notch. I won't even touch on his Scotch collection but you can imagine. What is a special pleasure is to see the loving care that Bill and Carolyn show each other in many small ways. It is clear that they still fancy one another quite a bit.


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

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


created: 2005-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:39:27.232878+00
name: Fiddlesticks Frolic, The
ucname: FIDDLESTICKS FROLIC
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Jennifer Kelly writes:    
  Notes for teachers on the dances in the Anniversary Suite.   
  As I devised these dances I had a particular teaching point in mind for each of them.  

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

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


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


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


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


created: 2024-11-30 23:04:31.580582+00
last_modified: 2025-01-28 17:08:21.791119+00
name: Pecan Pie
ucname: PECAN PIE
intensity_bars: 800/844/466/888
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  Every year around October/November I start thinking about different ways to get couples set up for a 3-couple bourrel and often write a couple of dances. This is one of them for 2024. We danced this one the week of Thanksgiving so I named it in honor of the holiday.


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


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

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


created: 2001-09-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:00:27.638804+00
name: Elusive Muse, The
ucname: ELUSIVE MUSE
intensity_bars: 640 800 804 888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  For Bruce Herbold on the occasion of his 50th birthday. A wonderful teacher, fellow dance devisor, and fish biologist, I had intended to surprise him with a dance on his 49th birthday but the muse was too elusive. This time she stayed just long enough. This dance pays homage to two of his fishy favorites: The Duran Ranger and The Salmonfield Poacher. “Easily Led” is a reference to one of his favorite teaching exercises which is to brief either the women or the men and have them lead their partners through a dance with non-verbal cues.

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

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

  Tim Wilson wrote: 

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

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

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


created: 2009-08-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:06:09.693508+00
name: Kathleen McAdam's Scroll
ucname: KATHLEEN MACADAMS SCROLL
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/888
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  Written to celebrate Kathleen McAdam who received the Scroll of Honour from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in 2007. Kathleen’s patient teaching, encouragement, and infectious good humor have enriched the San Francisco branch and Scottish dancing worldwide. For many years she has taught a youth class and this dance is intended to be suitable for young dancers.

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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


created: 2025-02-01 20:56:23.351435+00
last_modified: 2025-08-20 16:50:29.889436+00
name: Jackie Stewart's Reel
ucname: JACKIE STEWARTS REEL
intensity_bars: 800/822/822/888
notes:
  Jennie likes a fast dance, so I devised this one to give the opportunity (but not an obligation) to go fast. I saw that the name "Jennifer's Reel" was already taken, so I thought of another guy who likes to go fast, and was surprised to see that Jackie Stewart's name was not already taken, considering that he (a Formula One racer from the 1960s) is most likely the fastest Scot ever. Rev your engines!


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


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


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

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


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


created: 2024-10-24 20:42:45.474652+00
last_modified: 2025-02-04 13:20:16.202879+00
name: Prestonfield Silver
ucname: PRESTONFIELD SILVER
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2024-10-01
notes:
  On the 23rd of October 1999, Caroline and I married in a marquee in the grounds of Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh, signing the register while Calum’s Road played in the background.  
  To Caroline for our silver anniversary, with much love, and thanks for 25 years together.


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


created: 2025-02-06 13:24:42.467261+00
last_modified: 2025-07-03 10:38:14.772392+00
name: Sir Nils Olav III
ucname: SIR NILS OLAV III
intensity_bars: 8000/8222/8888/8222/8888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  The notes explain that:  
  > Sir Nils Olav III is a penguin at Edinburgh Zoo who is also a major general in the Norwegian King’s Guard.
  > They visit every so often to promote him further — maybe someone can get them to dance this next time they visit?

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


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

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


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

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


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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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


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

  2nd and 5th couples are the dancing couples.


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


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:26.920338+00
name: Lassies of Dunse, The
ucname: LASSIES OF DUNSE
intensity_bars: 440 440 800 800
devised: 1750-01-01
notes:
  The Society’s version of this dance can be traced to Rutherford’s first collection of about 1755 where it is given as *The Lasses of Dunce*. 

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


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

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

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


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


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


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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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

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


created: 2025-09-01 10:41:00.467341+00
last_modified: 2025-09-01 18:31:46.063712+00
name: Camel of Hastings, The
ucname: CAMEL OF HASTINGS
intensity_bars: 4884/0880/8228/8888
devised: 2025-02-01
notes:
  > The title is short for "The Camel of Hastings Street, London WC1H" which is too much of a mouthful.
  > The camel itself is a gold coloured statue sitting above a doorway, looking down at passers by.
  > It has a saddle for riders, which in my single, never to be repeated, experience of riding a camel, is extremely uncomfortable.
  > The saddle also hides whether there are one or two humps, so this dance features both.
  > Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is also for camels!
  >
  > For the history of the statue see <<https://skinnersarmslondon.com/camel-story>>.


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


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


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


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

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


created: 2024-08-15 20:27:06.280456+00
last_modified: 2025-02-25 16:10:11.132316+00
name: Welcome to Applegarth
ucname: WELCOME TO APPLEGARTH
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/866
notes:
  A dance devised by Anna Smith for Jan and Geoff Robinson, as a thank you for all they do for the Richmond (North Yorkshire) RSCDS Branch. Applegarth is the name of their lovely home, where they have hosted an outdoor dance most summers for over 25 years.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


created: 2024-11-24 19:39:42.144075+00
last_modified: 2025-03-02 23:26:53.574115+00
name: Emerging Gold
ucname: EMERGING GOLD
intensity_bars: 800/466/800/648
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  2024 saw the emergence of 17-year cicadas in my area and the emergence of 13-year cicadas in some nearby areas. This was the first time since Thomas Jefferson was president in 1803 that both had emerged in the same year. I loved watching them fly through my backyard and even though their wings are actually orange, when the sun was on them they looked like gold.


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

  This may also be danced with a 3 couple set


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


created: 2024-11-10 10:45:09.835731+00
last_modified: 2025-03-30 17:45:04.012007+00
name: Tuis in the Garden
ucname: TUIS IN THE GARDEN
intensity_bars: 80800/82842/82842/82822
notes:
  Where has the name of this dance come from?

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


created: 2018-10-03 00:29:56.655685+00
last_modified: 2025-09-02 09:42:28.561834+00
name: Cat Who Wasn't There, The
ucname: CAT WHO WASNT THERE
intensity_bars: 808/884/888/888
devised: 2013-11-01
notes:
  One of our cats disappeared in the house for 3 days. We nearly went crazy looking for him until one morning he just showed up again.


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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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


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


created: 2024-09-08 19:57:20.155214+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 14:17:27.487544+00
name: Dr Windley's Stilton Strathspey
ucname: DR WINDLEYS STILTON STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2024-09-01
notes:
  My great-uncle Dr William Windley was a general practitioner in the village of Colston Bassett. In 1913 he invented the Colston Bassett Stilton, and this dance commemorates it:  
  Bars 1-8: The doctor on his rounds in Colston Bassett in 1913, having the idea of how to make a Stilton Cheese  
  Bars 9-16: Raising £1000 from the local farmers, aristocrats, and his patients, to start the Colston Bassett Dairy  
  Bars 17-24: Making the cheese – pushing in the stainless steel needles to make those delicious blue nodules  
  Bars 25-32: Eating the Colston Bassett Stilton cheese


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-04-01 21:41:38.720036+00
name: Haliburton Welcome
ucname: HALIBURTON WELCOME
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8220/8446
notes:
  "This dance was devised by Don Clarke. It was the first dance he attempted his hand at. Don claimed it came to him in a nightmare. The Haliburton group has been using this dance regularly at their dances to help welcome visitors. We have all had plenty of enjoyment with this special dance and we hope you will too!"


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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


created: 1997-09-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-25 02:50:56.469202+00
name: Epsom Caledonian's Reel
ucname: EPSOM CALEDONIANS REEL
notes:
  Originally entered in SCDDB as "Epsom Caledonian's Reel" but the instructions, received by email, jave have "Epsom Caledonian" which is added as an alias.


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


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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


created: 2025-04-15 16:45:46.97965+00
last_modified: 2025-12-10 17:23:44.700236+00
name: 70 Years of Happiness
ucname: 70 YEARS OF HAPPINESS
intensity_bars: 474/585/822/888
devised: 2025-04-10
notes:
  To mark the 70th wedding anniversary of Keith and Mary Oughton, teachers of the Leicester Branch of the RSCDS.  
  >The first 16 bars of the dance depict the number 70 twice. The next 8 bars represent a dinghy tacking across the water as Keith and Mary first started dating on a university sailing holiday in the Lake District. The last 8 bars symbolize their love of dancing with friends.


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

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


created: 2024-07-25 04:24:16.916258+00
last_modified: 2025-04-22 13:22:29.981777+00
name: Lose Yourself to Dance
ucname: LOSE YOURSELF TO DANCE
intensity_bars: 800/880/808/808
devised: 2023-11-05
notes:
  I always write dances on my way back from an event; the Autumn Gathering in 2023 was no exception. This strathspey contains my two favourite things: the knot, and changing gender halfway through the dance.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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


created: 2025-05-01 20:48:57.162138+00
last_modified: 2026-02-27 17:22:36.240568+00
name: Flight of the Lancaster
ucname: FLIGHT OF THE LANCASTER
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/844/800
notes:
  In memory of Flight Sergeant Peter Brown, the last surviving Lancaster crew member.  
  Who was Flt Sgt Peter Brown?  
  Born in Jamaica in 1926, he travelled to the UK in 1943 to join the RAF in World War Two.  He trained as a wireless operator and air gunner and had flown five missions in Lancaster bombers before the age of 20.  He died in his home in Maida Vale, north London in December 2022 aged 96.

  This dance was originally devised as a jig. It was changed to a reel, with the deviser's consent, when Ewan Galloway incorporated it in the Dances of Valour book with a recording featuring the Dam Busters March. However the earlier jig version was published in the Ribble Valley 30th anniversary book. [Information from Sara Horne].


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


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


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


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


created: 2025-05-08 10:42:33.106762+00
last_modified: 2026-02-18 11:17:24.494799+00
name: Peacocks Appear out of Nowhere
ucname: PEACOCKS APPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE
intensity_bars: 880/800/844/888
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired both by <<ddd:Lambs Jump up from Nowhere>> and the peacocks roaming around Hof Oberlethe near Oldenburg in Germany where the Potters Pairs group holds its annual dance weekend.

  The original version was tested at the 2025 Potters Pairs weekend, but bars 9-16 were later revised to end with 1st couple on opposite sides rather than in lines across.


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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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


created: 2025-10-05 16:56:18.165905+00
last_modified: 2025-10-07 21:48:13.110426+00
name: (In the) Necker Time
ucname: IN THE NECKER TIME
devised: 2025-10-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Fiona Wilkie and Michael Lawson and their unfailing presence with the Geneva Scottish
  Country Dance Club, dancing in Necker School gym.


created: 2025-10-09 21:33:06.478932+00
last_modified: 2025-10-09 21:33:06.478932+00
name: Party Streamer
ucname: PARTY STREAMER
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  > This dance was devised for the first “Scottish Carnival Party”, our Carnival ceilidh.
  >
  > Suggested music: Postie's Jig.


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

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


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

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

  The former weblinks no longer exist.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

  Symbolism:  

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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


created: 2025-06-02 09:51:26.967973+00
last_modified: 2025-06-23 18:10:19.02217+00
name: Mael, Just Begun
ucname: MAEL JUST BEGUN
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  For the deviser's 1 year old grandson Mael. The title is a reference to the first line of AA Milne's poem Now We Are Six.


created: 2025-06-19 21:31:50.934827+00
last_modified: 2025-08-26 17:22:13.596164+00
name: Wesley Wednesdays
ucname: WESLEY WEDNESDAYS
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/888
devised: 2025-06-15
notes:
  Written for <<ddp:Hood, Christina#12086>>, as a farewell after playing for the Cambridge University Strathspey and Reel Club and RSCDS Cambridge & District Branch advanced class (‘The Wednesday Class’) from 2011 to 2025. Christina wrote the tune for the class, saying that “It aims to capture the relaxed, cheeky and quirky character of the class, which I have greatly appreciated.” The dance aims to do the same!


created: 2025-06-24 22:27:30.904526+00
last_modified: 2025-06-24 22:27:30.904526+00
name: I80
ucname: I80
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  Devised "for István Szabó, also called Pityu, the chief pastry maker of Budapest Scottish Dance Club, to celebrate his 80th birthday on 14th June 2025. The title was inspired by the name of the Hungarian cake E80."


created: 1997-12-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-06-26 13:12:37.759803+00
name: Hemmen Lane
ucname: HEMMEN LANE
intensity_bars: 888/888/822/888
notes:
  Information supplied (in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3902/|issue 3902>>) by Stuart Kreloff from the Watford & West Herts Scottish Society archives:

  > Devised by Bess Stokes for Mrs. Don McNeil.
  >
  > I believe the dance is for Olive MacNeil, which is the correct surname spelling [ see <<ddd:Olive MacNeil of Hayes#14799>> ]
  >
  > Olive died on 21 January 2012. A dance was written for her husband, Don [ see <<ddd:Donald MacNeil#12189>> ]


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-06-26 20:16:31.353746+00
name: Meeting Place, The
ucname: MEETING PLACE
devised: 1984-04-01
notes:
  The notes say that "Toronto" is the English version of a Mississauga word meaning "The Meeting Place".

  And in a hand written addition on one copy, the deviser adds "I like to think of this title as meaning anywhere in the world where people gather together to enjoy Scottish Country Dancing. Best wishes and happy dancing."


created: 2017-12-19 09:49:42.188573+00
last_modified: 2025-06-27 10:52:20.561756+00
name: Butterfly Flutter, The
ucname: BUTTERFLY FLUTTER
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/808
notes:
  NB the original instructions say this is an "8x32 bar jig for three couples in a three couple set". The choreography and suggested recording are actually 3x32, so it is assumed that the "8x32" was a mistake.


created: 2025-06-23 18:41:05.736557+00
last_modified: 2025-07-05 07:19:22.213406+00
name: Kendall's Jig
ucname: KENDALLS JIG
notes:
  This is a variation of <<ddd:Kendall's Hornpipe#3435>> (actually a jig) which is intended to be more intuitive for inexperienced dancers.


created: 2025-07-04 08:00:50.411313+00
last_modified: 2025-07-05 07:21:35.239334+00
name: Margaux, Clever as Clever
ucname: MARGAUX CLEVER AS CLEVER
devised: 2025-06-01
notes:
  The notes say that "Margaux is my 6 year-old granddaughter. So according to AA Milne's poem Now we are six, she should be clever as clever. I devised the dance for my son's 40th birthday."

  The figures in the dance are intended to suggest the letters MARGAUX.


created: 2002-04-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-06-30 06:24:09.778907+00
name: Alexandra Grace
ucname: ALEXANDRA GRACE
intensity_bars: 8800/8880/8220/8844
notes:
  For Alexandra Grace Holland.  

  The dance was devised as a teaching dance in order to practise formations.


created: 2000-01-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-01 23:15:11.911854+00
name: Askival
ucname: ASKIVAL
devised: 1997-03-01
notes:
  The notes for the dance give the following background:

  > This dance was written for a group of dancers from Aberdeen who were to visit the Island of Rhum.
  > Askival is the highest mountain in the Cuillin of Rhum.
  > Kinloch Castle is the "big house" on Rhum.
  > When I visited Rhum many years ago the number of the phone in the phone box outside the post office was "RHUM 1".


created: 2025-07-08 11:34:16.688088+00
last_modified: 2025-07-08 11:42:04.139267+00
name: Fiona's Farewell
ucname: FIONAS FAREWELL
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/844
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Fiona Marr a teacher in Forres Branch. Fiona is leaving in September and will be really missed by the Forres Branch."


created: 2024-06-30 08:28:45.455368+00
last_modified: 2025-07-12 23:08:52.267669+00
name: Jewel of Mountain View, The
ucname: JEWEL OF MOUNTAIN VIEW
notes:
  Inscribed "This dance was devised, with tremendous gratitude, to honor Jewel Murphy,
  who has been indispensable to our Mountain View class and to the San Francisco Branch.
  She is always volunteering, helping others, ready to step in wherever there is a need."


created: 2016-09-04 10:30:48.678036+00
last_modified: 2025-07-13 09:28:40.963618+00
name: Four Branches, The
ucname: FOUR BRANCHES
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/4888
notes:
  This dance celebrates the four RSCDS branches of Southern California, and the many memorable dances and workshops they collaborate to sponsor. Bars 9-16 are meant to resemble the branches of a tree sprouting up from the bottom of the set. Cooperation of the four “branches” helps to make this formation work. Bars 13-16 should be a smooth curving figure for couples 1, 2 and 3. When they reach the sideline, they should drop hands, then continue curving, cast off one place with the lower dancer of each couple leading the way and crossing to their own side. Their partners follow but don't cross over. It should be a smooth, continuous curving 4-bar fig


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 09:46:16.213854+00
name: Colourful Character
ucname: COLOURFUL CHARACTER
intensity_bars: 880/886/888/888
devised: 2004-04-01
notes:
  Devised by Terry Lynne Harris, Pretoria, April 2004.

  Written for Martin Sheffield, with happy memories of attending his first SCD Holiday near Grenoble, France, 16-23 June 2003. Martin is a colourful character, unconventional, "slightly eccentric" (his own words on his web-site), and exudes enthusiasm and energy. Dancing with him was a joy!


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 09:47:00.745824+00
name: Cosmos in the Highlands
ucname: COSMOS IN THE HIGHLANDS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/822
devised: 2006-04-01
notes:
  Devised by Irene van Maarseveen, Pretoria, April 2006.

  Dedicated to Wouter Joubert, for his friendship and his selfless and tireless contribution to Scottish country dancing in Pretoria. Devised while driving through the highlands of Mpumalanga, South Africa, when the fields were awash with cosmos in bloom.

  The "faerie garden" on the opposite page is based on a mural I did for my daughter's bedroom. The figures and some of the plant designs were borrowed from a selection of her favourite faerie story books.


created: 2018-04-05 15:59:04.766238+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 09:58:04.289511+00
name: Engagement Ring, The
ucname: ENGAGEMENT RING
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2018-02-01
notes:
  Devised by Wouter and Liebet Joubert, February 2018. In honour of Emily Rosenberg and Tim Hill’s engagement.

  In this dance third and fourth corners refer to the corner positions and whoever occupies them at that time.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 10:19:07.653627+00
name: Four Score Square
ucname: FOUR SCORE SQUARE
intensity_bars: 8080/8080/0808/0808/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2003-09-01
notes:
  Devised by Irene van Maarseveen, Pretoria, September 2003.  

  For Shirley Lloyd, 80 years young on 13 November 2003.  

  Many of the formations in the dance are in the shape of an 8 or an 0.  

  Tunes: An Tè Liath and lrene's Piece played as follows:  
  An Tè Liath ABAB, lrene's Piece AABB, An Tè Liath AB; total 80 bars.


created: 2017-06-18 16:11:13.161672+00
last_modified: 2025-07-14 08:39:16.658374+00
name: Wedding Medley
ucname: WEDDING MEDLEY
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8888/8222
devised: 1997-08-03
notes:
  > On the occasion of Joyce and Lawrence’s wedding August 3, 1997.  

  Story of dance:  
  - First figure: Joyce and Lawrence meeting now and then at various times.  
  - Second figure: Both attending workshops with everyone together and being acknowledged as a couple.  
  - Third figure: Back and forth from Winnipeg to Dryden (only showing this once, but we all know it was many times - not enough bars!)  
  - Fourth figure: The arch signifies their new house and also their wedding.  
  - Fifth figure: Together forever as one.


created: 2025-07-06 17:20:30.835752+00
last_modified: 2025-07-14 09:59:16.513135+00
name: Hexagonal Water Pavilion, The
ucname: HEXAGONAL WATER PAVILION
intensity_bars: 8888/4444/4884/5775/8888/8888
devised: 2025-06-01
notes:
  The elongated hexagonal set shape, formed from two overlapping diamonds, was inspired by Jeppe Hein's Hexagonal Water Pavilion installation by the Nuremberg Neues Museum for Art and Design.
  This dance is for the Nuremberg Gartenstadt group led by Annette Lotz who invited me to teach them some of my dances.


created: 2015-03-25 14:03:51.045322+00
last_modified: 2025-07-14 16:04:07.35084+00
name: Camberley Reel, The
ucname: CAMBERLEY REEL
devised: 2000-09-01
notes:
  The Camberley Reel was devised by our President from 1989 to 2002, Jim Adams, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Camberley Reel Club, which was celebrated in September 2000. 

  A check is needed if the "Jim Adams" is the same person as the "J.E. Adams" here listed as deviser (for lack of a Jim Adams)

  Description Published on the Camberley website.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 09:44:03.693261+00
name: To Have and To Hold
ucname: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
intensity_bars: 880/840/844/844
devised: 2005-07-01
notes:
  Devised by Irene van Maarseveen, Pretoria, July 2005.

  In celebration of the marriage of Ryan Nelson and Malindi Shäfer. 1 October 2005.

  "... to have and to hold from his day forward.  ... to love and to cherish ..."


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 10:21:08.745662+00
name: Farquharson Fifty
ucname: FARQUHARSON FIFTY
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/888
devised: 2006-07-17
notes:
  Devised by Irene van Maarseveen, for the 50th birthday of Ingrid le Roux, descendant o
  the Farquharson clan, 17 July 2006.

  In a simplified ve . on of Farquharson Fifty, named The Celebration, only 1st couple lead
  down the middle and up again in bars 1-8.


created: 2002-11-24 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 10:55:26.0098+00
name: Wheel of Fortune
ucname: WHEEL OF FORTUNE
devised: 2002-08-01
notes:
  Devised by Terry Lynne Harris, Pretoria, South Africa; August 2002

  The idea for this dance was born when I encountered a description of the Roulette formation for the first time. It conjured up visions of roulette tables and casinos, where fortunes are won or lost through the spinning of a wheel.


created: 2025-07-15 11:03:45.656286+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:03:45.656286+00
name: Glenelg Reel
ucname: GLENELG REEL
notes:
  I dedicate this dance to Charlene Lam and David Chang.
  Charlene is known to us (who danced with her in Livermore) for her sweetness, cheerfulness, and positive spirit.
  I am touched by David's unique, loving way of celebrating Charlene.
  He also encouraged the devisors in the kindest and sweetest possible way.
  His generosity exemplifies the Scottish dancing community's spirits and makes me feel glad again that I'm part of this wonderful community.
  I named the dance after Glenelg, a charming little village I accidentally discovered this summer while walking in the Kintails.
  It stirred me to create something that I hope to be different, delightful, or refreshing.


created: 2017-04-12 18:41:52.403573+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:04:39.551138+00
name: Mrs Stewart of Fish Hoek
ucname: MRS STEWART OF FISH HOEK
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  From the Cape Town group.  This dance is dedicated to RSCDS Co-founder Mrs Ysobel Stewart who retired to Fish Hoek and in fact lived just a few houses away from where we dance.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:09:55.592693+00
name: Mosi oa Tunya
ucname: MOSI OA TUNYA
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2006-06-01
notes:
  Devised by Terry Lynne Harris, Pretoria, August 2006.  
  Written for Ken Martlew. in celebration of the Martlews' visit to our beautiful shores, 25 August - 10 September 2006.  

  Notes:  
  Mosi oa Tunya. meaning "The Smoke that Thunders". and pronounced: Mawsi wa Toonyah. was the local name used for the falls when David Livingstone first saw them in November 1855. Livingstone called the falls ''Victoria Falls". after Britain's Queen Victoria.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:20:50.490273+00
name: S C D
ucname: S C D
intensity_bars: 80/88/28/88
devised: 2004-10-01
notes:
  Devised by Irene van Maarseveen, Pretoria, October 2004.

  S C D - Strathspey for Cooks Dauth; also widely used as an abbreviation for Scottish Country Dancing. In Pretoria, the two have long been almost synonymous. Cooks helped found the Pretoria Branch of the RSCDS in 1972 having become the first RSCDS-qualified teacher in Pretoria.

  This dance could be used to introduce a reel of 4 to inexperienced dancers.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:22:10.886731+00
name: Muriel's Magic
ucname: MURIELS MAGIC
intensity_bars: 820/888/888/888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Wouter Joubert, 2003 (bars 25-32 revised June 2007).

  In honour of Muriel Johnstone and her piano magic.

  Notes:  
  In this dance 2nd couple start each repeat.  
  Therefore the couples who start the dance from 2nd place the 2nd, 4th and 6th times round must be aware that they will be starting the 3rd, 5th and 7th times round from 2nd position as well.  
  At the end of the 2nd repeat 1st and 4th couple must promptly step down/up to allow the new 2nd couple space for leading down and crossing below 3rd place.


created: 2025-07-15 11:21:40.30277+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:22:41.352076+00
name: Castle for His Lady, A
ucname: CASTLE FOR HIS LADY
notes:
  For Charlene Lam and her joy of dancing, whose memory is bitter-sweet: sweet for the memory of her infectious love for dancing, but bitter for the foreshortened period of her enjoyment.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:22:50.217913+00
name: Tying the Knot
ucname: TYING THE KNOT
intensity_bars: 880/840/888/888
devised: 2005-07-01
notes:
  Devised by Irene van Maarseveen, Pretoria. July 2005.  

  In celebration of marriage. A couple dancing the under-the-arm turns for the first time usually gets themselves tied in a knot. The last 16 bars of the dance form a Celtic knotwork pattern.  

  Notes:  
  If the set is a little wider and shorter than usual. it is easier for 2nd couple to dance down behind 1st couple on bar 4.  

  In bars 17-32, 1st couple dance round each of their 4 corner positions in turn, moving anticlockwise round the set, and passing corners alternately by the right shoulder and the left shoulder. They dance right shoulder round 4th corner position. then left round the 1st, right round the 2nd and left round the 3rd. Between each pair of ½ reels. 1st couple should pass partner closely in the middle of the dance, i.e. not finish in the line of the reels except at the end of bar 32.


created: 2017-10-12 15:26:00.432849+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:28:19.719295+00
name: Three is Magic
ucname: THREE IS MAGIC
intensity_bars: 646/646/888/866
devised: 2017-07-01
notes:
  We listened to the audio recording of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, while driving down to Betty's Bay for a family wedding. This, as well as the tune, The Forbidden Forest, inspired this dance. I wanted to write a Harry Potter related dance to go with the title of the tune, so I decided to use the number three - for the trio of main characters: Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Thus we have a three couple dance in a three couple set, using formations of three wherever possible, titled 'Three is Magic'.


created: 2025-07-15 11:36:20.579276+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:36:20.579276+00
name: My Friend Charlene
ucname: MY FRIEND CHARLENE
notes:
  This dance is for Charlene Lam who was taken from all of us too soon after a long battle with cancer.
  She was everyone’s best friend.
  She loved dancing with her feet and in her heart and soul, all while wearing the white demo dress.
  This dance puts Charlene’s love and appreciation of dance and elegance to music and movement.


created: 2025-07-15 11:39:42.027373+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:39:42.027373+00
name: Rose for Charlene, A
ucname: ROSE FOR CHARLENE
notes:
  I was so touched by David’s heartfelt suggestion to have us write a dance for Charlene,
  I chose figures that reflected their love. And for me, that love took the shape of a rose.


created: 2025-07-15 11:44:56.347908+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:44:56.347908+00
name: Smile Wide
ucname: SMILE WIDE
notes:
  Dedicated to Charlene Lam.
  This dance was written to honor Charlene's infectious joyful spirit.
  She never failed to light up the room with her smile and positivity.
  I wrote the meanwhile figure "The Welcome Parade" to represent how she would often make her own path weaving in and out of the dancers, greeting each dancer personally with her bright smile as they warmed up around the room.
  It was so special to recount so many happy memories of her while writing this dance.


created: 2025-07-15 11:55:54.904135+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 11:55:54.904135+00
name: Celtic Dream
ucname: CELTIC DREAM
notes:
  The Celtic Dream is what I was dreaming when I woke up two days after devising Charlene's Bobbins.
  I wrote it down in honor of Charlene Lam.


created: 2025-07-15 12:02:04.766059+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 12:02:04.766059+00
name: Charlene's Bobbins
ucname: CHARLENES BOBBINS
notes:
  In honor of Charlene Lam.

  Notes: I wrote this in her honor because Shiftin’ Bobbins was one of her favorite dances.
  It was also my very first favorite dance.


created: 2025-07-15 12:05:41.83199+00
last_modified: 2025-12-05 20:21:07.226817+00
name: Charlene's Circle
ucname: CHARLENES CIRCLE
notes:
  In memory of Charlene Lam, a well-loved member of the Livermore class.
  There’s a nod to Shiftin’ Bobbins which was one of her favorite dances.


created: 2017-10-12 10:04:57.389075+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 14:54:59.829062+00
name: J-P
ucname: JP
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/844
devised: 2016-06-01
notes:
  In memory of Jean-Paul (J-P) Genot (13 August 1949 — 30 November 2013): friend, Scottish Country dancer and former colleague and mentor.
  Jean-Paul Genot grew up in what was then the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). He came to South Africa to study at the University of Natal (now the University of KwaZulu-Natal) in Durban and then moved to Pretoria to work at the University of South Africa (Unisa) Library. 
  When I started work as a librarian at Unisa in 1979, he was my supervisor and mentor. 
  He later moved back to Durban to work at the Technikon Mangosuthu (now the Durban University of Technology). 
  In the early 1990s he and his wife and their two daughters moved to Europe. 
  While working for a library systems company, he spent some time in Jerusalem, Israel. 
  While there, he took up Scottish Country Dancing at the St Andrews Presbyterian Church. 
  After moving to Frankfurt, Germany, to work for the European Central Bank, he danced with the Frankfurt SCD Club. 
  Whenever he came to South Africa to visit his in-laws and friends, he came to see me at the Library for coffee and a chat. 
  On 30 November 2013, at the age of 64, he lost his battle with cancer. Sadly, I never had the chance to dance with him.

  J-P, this one's for you. Merci beaucoup.


created: 2017-10-12 14:47:38.513031+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 14:57:37.835566+00
name: Table Mountain Beauty
ucname: TABLE MOUNTAIN BEAUTY
intensity_bars: 800/880/880/808
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Bars 25 -32 are known locally in Cape Town as the 'Littlecroft' formation as devised by Christpher Gilmour in the dance Littlecroft Strathspey.

  The Table Mountain Beauty (Aeropetes tulbaghia) is a butterfly found on Table Mountain and is the pollinator for the Red Disa (Disa uniflora). 
  This dance was devised as a farewell gift for Nina Hobbhahn to remind her of shared happy memories in the Western Cape.


created: 2012-08-15 09:05:38.788993+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:33.182513+00
name: Rodney's Rant
ucname: RODNEYS RANT
intensity_bars: 800 844 888 844
notes:
  »Devised at the request of the Saltire Scottish Country Dance club for Rodney Mount's 80th birthday.«

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

  9 - 16    2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance two consecutive half rights and lefts on the diagonal.


created: 2013-09-13 11:44:09.887037+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 15:16:32.011495+00
name: Land of the Rising Sun
ucname: LAND OF THE RISING SUN
devised: 2011-03-11
notes:
  Devised by Wouter Joubert, 20 March 2011, as a tribute to the brave people of Japan who are rebuilding their lives, their homes and their country after the devastating earthquake and Tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March 2011.

  On 2 December 2017, Wouter J. wrote: "The e-crib instructions for bars 17-20 differs from any of the printed versions of this dance but it represents how I want these bars to be danced. The movement is intended to simulate waves slapping against something. Retaining hands on bar 18 certainly helps the dancers to execute the quick underarm change of places successfully and also adds energy and tension to the movement."


created: 2020-05-12 11:47:37.750431+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 17:02:42.637406+00
name: Ho! Tom Bombadil
ucname: HO TOM BOMBADIL
intensity_bars: 800/822/800/808
devised: 2020-03-02
notes:
  The _Tom Bombadil turn_:  

  1st couple, giving right hands, cross, 1st man dancing above his partner while she dances under the arch made by their joined right hands and, with right hands still joined, 1st man curves clockwise while 1st woman curves anti-clockwise to finish next to each other in the centre in 1st place facing up. 1st woman has to start her anti-clockwise curve while dancing under their joined hands and 1st man has to dance past his partner before starting his clockwise curve.  

  The tune, Ho! Tom Bombadil, inspired the dance. I then composed March Madness as the second tune to be used in the music set, and Ho! Tom Bombadil must be repeated to make up the three required tunes.


created: 2022-10-01 08:45:50.063521+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 17:09:27.487007+00
name: Otterphant, The
ucname: OTTERPHANT
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  Devised "for Heather Carson in celebration of her 60th birthday and a happy reminder of our shared sighting of Cape Clawless Otters at Olifantsbos in Cape Point."


created: 2019-09-09 21:12:11.909551+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 17:11:11.54454+00
name: Reel Numbers
ucname: REEL NUMBERS
intensity_bars: 8000/8800/8884/8448
devised: 2019-04-01
notes:
  This dance is for Christopher Gilmour and Fiona McCutcheon in celebration of their 70th birthdays in 2019.  

  This dance recognizes their contribution to dancing in Cape Town at club as well as RSCDS Branch level. They are both members of the Lynfrae “Reel Eight” Committee, Chris in role of Chair and Fiona as Treasurer. They additionally serve on the RSCD Branch Committee with Fiona as the current Secretary.  

  They both enjoy numbers and teaching others things mathematical. Chris is Emeritus Professor at University of Cape Town having spent 42 years in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics before retiring in 2014. Fiona holds a Bsc (Hons.) Mathematics and currently coaches high-school maths.  

  The dance portrays a sequence of real numbers starting with 1 couple then 2s joining in then progressively including the 3s and 4s.
  The name “Reel Numbers” (and not “Real Numbers”) in intentional and not a typo as Chris is fond of word play.


created: 2018-04-05 11:56:36.756662+00
last_modified: 2025-07-15 17:34:50.825003+00
name: Dancing Dragons
ucname: DANCING DRAGONS
intensity_bars: 800/888/468/888
devised: 2017-08-18
notes:
  Devised by Liebet Joubert, 18 August 2017.

  This dance was inspired by Daenerys Targaryen’s three dragons – Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion – from Game of Thrones. I tried to mimic the dragons in flight with the formations that I used and I decided that I had to use the snake pass, since dragons are reptilian and sometimes portrayed as serpentine.


created: 1997-11-18 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-16 00:43:31.188878+00
name: Moulin Dhu
ucname: MOULIN DHU
notes:
  ##RSCDS-DI:omit-type

  From the original description: "This is a working dance and shows the movements of the mill wheel. Collected in North Uist."


created: 2025-07-08 11:38:44.721073+00
last_modified: 2025-07-18 03:00:24.962055+00
name: One for Dorothy
ucname: ONE FOR DOROTHY
intensity_bars: 8888/8444/8888/8888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Dorothy Scott, a teacher in Forres Branch. Dorothy played a big part in the formation of the new MiltonduffSCD class near Elgin. Robert Gourlay who composed the tune 'Balmoral' and Dorothy's father were both fiddlers who played together in a local music group in the Forres area."


created: 2012-10-13 20:58:47.563594+00
last_modified: 2025-07-19 16:44:17.496178+00
name: Two for Three
ucname: TWO FOR THREE
devised: 2005-07-29
notes:
  Anselm says: »Written for the wedding of Kirsten Lubach and Marco Schütz, in Vienna, on 30 June 2005. Eva Schiedrum and I were originally going to perform <<ddd:Triple Treat>> but the third person had to cancel on very short notice due to a family emergency – hence we had to rewrite that dance in a hurry to work with only two people! We performed it again on two other occasions within two months, hence the title, ›Two for Three‹ (two dancers for three audiences).«


created: 2017-11-13 00:02:52.64661+00
last_modified: 2025-07-19 16:48:03.057164+00
name: Welcome to the Strobel-Mühle
ucname: WELCOME TO THE STROBELMUHLE
devised: 2017-11-11
notes:
  The deviser explains: “For the dancers at the 7th Chemnitz SCD Weekend in November, 2017,
  which took place, for the first time, at the Strobel-Mühle, near Pockau-Lengefeld, in the remote
  mountains of Saxony. The Strobel-Mühle (Strobel Mill) is a residential training centre operated by the
  CVJM (YMCA for our Anglophone friends). I had been invited to teach the
  not-quite-beginners/intermediate class and had originally
  planned to teach <<ddd:The Byron Strathspey>> in the Saturday afternoon session, but then
  didn’t get around to explaining reels of three during the morning session, so desperate action was
  called for – hence this dance! I’m pleased to say that it was reasonably well received.”


created: 2015-10-14 16:01:45.262054+00
last_modified: 2025-07-20 09:16:01.940624+00
name: Paparangi
ucname: PAPARANGI
intensity_bars: 880/880/888/888
devised: 2014-04-09
notes:
  Devised 9 April, 2014 following our advanced dancing group of the 8th, where
  the previous dance was danced for the first time. Notes as to the origin of
  the Borders’ Poussette can be found in the notes for that dance. The Wheelie
  Chain is due to John Drewry in the Bankhead Book Vol. 3. Having messed up
  teaching “Blaven” from that book on the 8th April, particularly misinterpreting
  the instructions for this formation twice, I wrote the above since it seemed
  appropriate, and I could not get the formation out of my head. The Tuesday
  group dance at the Paparangi School Hall, hence the name. Charlotte Williams
  gave the excellent interpretation that the Wheelie Chain is rights and lefts with
  second man and first man, third lady and first woman acting in tandem. As per
  John Drewry’s instructions the Wheelie Chain should be danced in a round-ish
  fashion, rather than on a square.

  Recommended tune is “The Man from Skye” by Pipe Major Donald Macleod
  played ABAB and my preferred recording is by Muriel Johnstone on “A Skye
  Collection,” this being the lead tune for “Broadford Bay.” This not being
  available, I suggest a driving reel with strong 2 bar phrases.


created: 2006-08-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-09-03 17:52:09.798785+00
name: Murrays of Glasgow, The
ucname: MURRAYS OF GLASGOW
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8008/8888
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "to Graham and Helen Murray, Patrick and Sheila Murray and Gordon and Lilian Murray, all members of RSCDS Glasgow".


created: 2018-05-20 13:51:01.297381+00
last_modified: 2025-07-20 10:05:38.776303+00
name: Nordfjordeid
ucname: NORDFJORDEID
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/80
devised: 2017-07-07
notes:
  Notes from The Johnsonville Collection:

  Devised 7/7/2017 as a simple ceilidh style dance for our Viking themed social on 8/7/2017, with many partners coming to the social.

  Nordfjordeid is a town on one of the northerly fjords in Norway (Nordfjord), and is the birthplace of Sophus Lie. I spend a week there at a conference in the Sophus Lie Center. It is surrounded by quite high glacial hills fully equipped with lovely walks and waterfalls. It is the only place I have been where, for the week I was there, the sun did not set (yet the temperature did not exceed 7 degrees C, either).


created: 2025-07-20 15:52:25.664768+00
last_modified: 2025-07-20 15:52:25.664768+00
name: Grazioli Twins, The
ucname: GRAZIOLI TWINS
devised: 2025-07-13
notes:
  This is a combination of Murrough's dance, <<ddd:Opera et Labora>> (written for Simo Grazioli) and a modified version of Anselm's dance, <<ddd:From the Main to the Seine>> (written for Laura Grazioli). Good luck finding music for this dance.


created: 2025-07-21 17:07:15.185584+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 17:08:29.461887+00
name: Miss Demeanor's Jig
ucname: MISS DEMEANORS JIG
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/822
devised: 2025-07-01
notes:
  > This dance is dedicated to those of us who feel like we have committed high crimes when we make a mistakes while dancing.
  > Instead of a major crime, a mistake is at most is a minor misdemeanor punishable by smiles.


created: 2025-07-20 16:06:36.183828+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 18:30:21.971038+00
name: Boo
ucname: BOO
intensity_bars: 880/844/800/822
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  We adopted a 14-year-old tortoiseshell female cat named Boo. We already had a male cat named Trotter. Trotter is nearly 17 pounds and Boo is 6½ pounds. Boo now rules the house and Trotter.


created: 2025-07-20 16:03:57.285936+00
last_modified: 2025-07-20 18:16:45.785051+00
name: Odd Couple, The
ucname: ODD COUPLE
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/888
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  We tried to adopt a bonded pair of 14-year-old female cats named Coco and Boo. Coco is a calico and Boo is a tortoiseshell and Dan has always wanted a calico cat. Well, it didn’t work out. We already had a 9-year-old gentle male who wanted a friend and these 2 cats didn’t want to be friends – which would have been OK – but Coco was terrified of Trotter and we couldn’t soothe her enough to make things work. When we took them back to the shelter they asked if we’d consider adopting just Boo so we did and now we have a 6 pound cat and a 16 pound cat who make an odd couple indeed.


created: 2024-11-24 19:07:46.802902+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 03:13:39.67089+00
name: Friends Around the World
ucname: FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD
intensity_bars: 840/888/822/888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  I love Scottish Country dancing so much and it has brought me in touch with other dancers all over the world, most of whom I have never met, but who are uniformly friendly and pleasant.


created: 2025-07-20 16:10:54.004565+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 11:55:06.048571+00
name: Hotaru
ucname: HOTARU
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2025-06-01
notes:
  One evening I went outside after dark and the yard was filled with fireflies. I wanted to name this dance for them but already have several dances so themed. Then I found the Japanese name for fireflies and liked it, so I named this dance using that name.


created: 2025-07-23 08:20:37.705084+00
last_modified: 2025-07-23 08:20:37.705084+00
name: Dryburgh in the Sky
ucname: DRYBURGH IN THE SKY
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  > Written in memory of my husband Tom, who was obsessed with his
  childhood home in Dryburgh Avenue and during the last 10 years of his life
  was convinced that he still lived there with his Mum and Dad.

  NB although there is an original tune for this dance the suggested recording does not contain it.


created: 2025-07-23 08:34:56.362689+00
last_modified: 2025-07-23 08:34:56.362689+00
name: Happy Heart, A
ucname: HAPPY HEART
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  > The title is taken from the Welsh song Calon Lân, in translation:  
  >   *I don’t ask for a luxurious life,*  
  >   *The world’s gold, or its fine pearls:*  
  >   *I ask for a happy heart,*  
  >   *An honest heart, a pure heart.*  

  > The title of the song, in translation, is A Pure Heart, but it contains the words A Happy Heart.
  > My dancing has given me a happy heart for most of the time I have been doing it.


created: 2025-07-23 08:39:11.046461+00
last_modified: 2025-07-23 08:40:24.31243+00
name: Jean of Alum Scar
ucname: JEAN OF ALUM SCAR
notes:
  > This dance was devised by Jeff Middleton and is dedicated to his wife Jean who introduced him to Scottish Country Dancing.
  > The dance was first due to be performed by The Heathermix Dancers on the Ribble Valley Branch trip to Montrose in March 2020, but the trip had to be postponed until October 2021 due to the corona virus pandemic.


created: 2025-07-23 08:50:57.014008+00
last_modified: 2025-07-23 08:50:57.014008+00
name: Judy's Jig
ucname: JUDYS JIG
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  > This dance is dedicated to the highly talented Judy Grimsey in recognition of all her efforts in supporting the RSCDS Ribble Valley Branch since its formation in 1994.
  > The dance was first performed on the branch weekend trip to Edinburgh 2017.


created: 2025-07-23 08:57:27.264429+00
last_modified: 2025-07-23 08:57:27.264429+00
name: Merry-Go-Round, The
ucname: MERRYGOROUND
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  > The inspiration for this dance was a reflective look at life as Joan and John approached their 40th Wedding Anniversary in 2013.


created: 2025-07-23 09:04:32.342094+00
last_modified: 2025-07-23 09:06:21.17239+00
name: Miss Judy Grimsey's Strathspey
ucname: MISS JUDY GRIMSEYS STRATHSPEY
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated "to Judy Grimsey who suggested using the dance as a strathspey rather than a jig."

  NB although there is an original tune for this dance the suggested recording does not contain it.


created: 2025-07-23 09:19:39.58673+00
last_modified: 2025-07-23 09:19:39.58673+00
name: Otters in the Kyle
ucname: OTTERS IN THE KYLE
notes:
  > This dance was inspired by watching Otters in the Kyle of Sutherland while staying at Kyleside Belvedere in Bonar Bridge.


created: 2025-07-23 09:25:05.231145+00
last_modified: 2025-07-23 09:25:05.231145+00
name: Patience is a Virtue
ucname: PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  > Dedicated to Helen Smith who celebrated 50 years of taking classes and to recognise her amazing patience in teaching everyone of all abilities and taking them through even the most complicated dances!


created: 2025-07-11 10:38:49.80654+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:32.239903+00
name: Merry Mayhem
ucname: MERRY MAYHEM
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  For Sara Posen, a St. Catharines Branch teacher, who teaches Scottish country dancing to primary school children with the spirit ‘Merry Mayhem’, as she calls it.


created: 2025-07-23 09:31:06.571182+00
last_modified: 2025-07-23 09:31:06.571182+00
name: Ribble Valley Treasurer, The
ucname: RIBBLE VALLEY TREASURER
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  > This dance was devised to teach the reel of four and set & turn corners to the Ribble Valley Branch beginners class as I was struggling to find a suitable dance.
  > Stephen Brown commented that it was a very traditional style of dance so I decided to dedicate this dance to him in honour of the dedication he has paid to Ribble Valley Branch both as a teacher and as the Treasurer for many years.

  NB although there is an original tune for this dance the suggested recording does not contain it.


created: 2025-07-24 14:49:29.466062+00
last_modified: 2025-07-24 14:53:32.555588+00
name: New Breuberg Castle Reel, The
ucname: NEW BREUBERG CASTLE REEL
devised: 2025-07-24
notes:
  Devised for the participants in my country dance class during the Bagpipe Association of Germany's Summer School, in July 2025.


created: 2002-10-20 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-25 15:10:17.651974+00
name: M-J-P
ucname: MJP
intensity_bars: 84/48/88/88
devised: 2002-01-01
notes:
  1. The "Day of Dance" is held in the church hall at Causewayhead at the foot of the hill which has the Wallace Monument on its crest. The day was organised originally by Mary Prentice (whose initials were M.J.P.) and was continued by JAG after her death.
    
  2. This is a simple little dance which could be used as a "warm-up dance, but, as a vigorous dance, it is probably better done in three-couple sets.

  3. I always feel that a dance flows better with a left hand turn rather than a right before an allemande or a promenade.


created: 2025-07-27 11:59:48.912806+00
last_modified: 2025-07-27 11:59:48.912806+00
name: Devil's Fly, The
ucname: DEVILS FLY
notes:
  The title of the dance refers to a German proverb which roughly translates as “in dire straits, the devil will eat flies”, or, more idiomatically, “necessity is the mother of invention”. At some point Carola must have been in need of a dance like this.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-27 16:44:09.964561+00
name: Bow River, The
ucname: BOW RIVER
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  According to »Catalogue of Dances by John Drewry 1963-2002«, this dance exists in an »original« version of 1986 and a »modified« version of 1996. If anybody can clear this up for us then please get in touch.

  The instructions for the original version can be found at <<http://www.rscdsleeds.org.uk/files/Drewry/SCN_0044.jpg>> (courtesy of <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2964/|issue 2964>>). It is inscribed "for the S.C.D. Weekend in Banff, Alberta". Nothing is yet known about the modified version.


created: 2000-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-28 23:04:35.081838+00
name: Slip the Surly Bonds
ucname: SLIP THE SURLY BONDS
intensity_bars: 88 88 88 88
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  The title refers to the poem »<<http://www.physics.mcgill.ca/~dominic/summer2k/Flying/HFann.html|High Flight>>« by John Gillespie Magee Jr. (1922–1941), a WWII pilot. Strathspey management recommends that dancers join the tumbling mirth only with appropriate care.


created: 2025-01-11 11:24:36.083222+00
last_modified: 2025-07-31 23:59:51.317411+00
name: Rosedale Reel, The
ucname: ROSEDALE REEL
notes:
  The notes on the youtube video, from 2024, say "Rhys Henrickson [sic] age 12 wrote this dance and named it after the dance class he attends in Toronto each Saturday".

  Rhys has written to us clarifying that he spells his name “Henrikson” (without a “c”) , so YouTube seems to be in error.


created: 2015-08-27 18:04:52.484839+00
last_modified: 2025-09-21 23:37:23.77886+00
name: Sweet Home Alabama
ucname: SWEET HOME ALABAMA
intensity_bars: 8008/4884/8888/8448
devised: 2013-11-01
notes:
  I couldnʼt sleep while waiting to get up at 4 a.m. to fly home from Alabama. Believe it or
  not, working out this kind of thing helps me get to sleep.


created: 2025-08-01 08:41:19.844571+00
last_modified: 2025-08-01 09:20:50.824585+00
name: Plate of Delicate Ware, A
ucname: PLATE OF DELICATE WARE
intensity_bars: 880/648/844/888
devised: 2025-05-01
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. It starts “Begin with a plate of delicate ware” (Delaware). 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 first of those dances.


created: 2023-10-20 22:34:08.463794+00
last_modified: 2025-08-03 16:00:55.746541+00
name: Still Crazy After All These Years
ucname: STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS
intensity_bars: 888/886/888/888
devised: 2021-11-01
notes:
  This title is taken from a Paul Simon song and reflects my obsession with the 3-couple bourrel and figuring out how to get people into place to have it as the final figure in the dance.  
  We danced this with only 3 couples and found it works well as a 3 couple set dance if on the last 2 bars first couple casts to 3rd place and third couple turns up to 2nd place.


created: 2011-07-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-08-03 21:36:24.331902+00
name: Sunshine Sally
ucname: SUNSHINE SALLY
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8888 8088
devised: 2007-03-01
notes:
  Devised March 2007, to honour long-time dancer and Branch stalwart, Sally Freedman. The title was chosen as Sally has a collection of 'Suns' in her house. Moreover Sally always has warm welcome for new people and new ideas.


created: 2025-05-17 06:16:23.49555+00
last_modified: 2025-08-06 16:53:53.750484+00
name: Wuppertal Schwebebahn, The
ucname: WUPPERTAL SCHWEBEBAHN
intensity_bars: 8000/8222/8880/8222
devised: 2025-05-01
notes:
  The choreography was inspired by a trip on the unique Wuppertal Schwebebahn (pronounced roughly as VOOP-per-tarl SHVAY-ber-BARN).
  This is a 13 km long monorail system that mostly runs above the river Wupper.
  The little two-coach trains are suspended from A-frame supports, here represented by 1st couple dancing under a series of arches - though the line does not wind nearly as much as is illustrated in bars 7-10.
  The service is operated by Wuppertaler Stadtwerke, abbreviated as WSW, hence the W shapes of the double double triangles either side of the S shapes of the reels of three across.


created: 2025-08-08 15:23:33.318968+00
last_modified: 2025-08-10 11:15:53.608078+00
name: Escape from the Lesson Planet
ucname: ESCAPE FROM THE LESSON PLANET
intensity_bars: 888/884/880/808/888/866/822/808
devised: 2023-06-01
notes:
  > A demonstration dance, in the form of two lesson plans, to celebrate reaching the end of the RSCDS Teaching Certificate course.
  > I sometimes felt I was trying to emulate an alien creature which could do all kinds of unnatural things with hips, ankles and toes.
  > There is plenty of homework and preparation of many detailed lesson plans.
  > The lessons must follow a very prescriptive format: practising all the steps in a dance; doing a skills exercise for the main formation which is then practised thoroughly; revising a second formation and putting the whole dance together.
  > If this dance seems a bit rushed in places it is an accurate reflection of the experience!


created: 2025-08-11 20:09:21.573652+00
last_modified: 2025-08-12 22:42:58.962058+00
name: Mirror Maze, The
ucname: MIRROR MAZE
intensity_bars: 80844/88888/88888/44488
devised: 2025-07-01
notes:
  This dance with its central figure "Reel of 5 (and GO)" goes back to a 2025 April's fool. The deviser, also a teacher, sent messages to everyone of his class to prepare said but non-existing figure. And they took it very seriously! So much that he felt obliged to devise a dance with such a figure which is shown in bars 9-24.
  Crib and full written version (link) to follow soon.


created: 2025-04-05 18:47:03.577466+00
last_modified: 2025-08-26 14:55:56.397242+00
name: Growing Fonder
ucname: GROWING FONDER
intensity_bars: 811/844/888/888
devised: 2022-08-01
notes:
  > Some recent research suggests the old adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder is indeed true
  > (see <<https://www.technologyreview.com/2016/08/09/158424/data-mining-reveals-first-evidence-that-absence-really-does-make-the-heart-grow-fonder/>>).
  > In this dance all spend most of the time away from their partner before being reunited at the end


created: 2025-08-14 10:48:08.691621+00
last_modified: 2025-08-14 20:54:38.199715+00
name: Aya's Farewell To Inverness
ucname: AYAS FAREWELL TO INVERNESS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/844/888
devised: 2025-08-01
notes:
  The dance was devised for Aya Ito from Tokyo and the time she spent in Inverness where she endeared herself to all who met her and is remembered with great fondness.


created: 2025-10-09 21:44:27.628501+00
last_modified: 2025-10-22 21:16:37.982026+00
name: Mo Sassenach Bhòidheach
ucname: MO SASSENACH BHOIDHEACH
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  > This dance was written for Giulia Benetti, passionate Sassenach and Scottish country dancer.
  >
  > Suggested music: The Minister on the Loch.


created: 2025-12-25 17:15:05.501476+00
last_modified: 2025-12-25 17:30:03.656371+00
name: Emerald Anniversary Reel
ucname: EMERALD ANNIVERSARY REEL
devised: 2020-02-01
notes:
  Dance devised by Jenny Baker, February 2020, in celebration of her 55th Wedding Anniversary. (Emerald)


created: 2025-02-27 17:39:44.35143+00
last_modified: 2025-08-21 23:02:41.011185+00
name: Edith Campbell
ucname: EDITH CAMPBELL
intensity_bars: 880/800/808/888
devised: 2024-11-02
notes:
  The notes say "Edith Campbell was a great servant of Scottish Country Dancing, having taught in the Wellington region for over 60 years, and was heavily involved in all things Scottish. Recently she passed away and her grace will be greatly missed."

  In earlier versions of this dance bars 5-6 of the "Half Turn and Cast Progression" (bars 21-22 of the dance) were half right hands across. This was later revised to chase half way clockwise.


created: 2025-08-10 08:53:31.537724+00
last_modified: 2025-08-15 10:22:26.611241+00
name: Marjoram and Mint
ucname: MARJORAM AND MINT
intensity_bars: 88884/44448/44448/42442
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  > This dance was devised for the 70th birthday of Dominique, who has been dancing with the Méaudre Reel for 10 years.
  > As well as being part of the Méaudre Reel organising team, Dominique is also our ‘herb specialist’.
  > She hikes into the mountains to collect different herbs to make into herbal teas, both sweet and spicy, revitalising and relaxing.
  > Her teas are sold to help raise the funds which enable our Méaudre Reel dancers to take part in different SCD events.
  > Thank you Mino !


created: 2025-02-16 17:01:10.920794+00
last_modified: 2025-08-27 15:51:46.9057+00
name: Soulmates
ucname: SOULMATES
notes:
  Source: MiniCrib.

  Extra information supplied by Anjana Bhat:

  > After dancing with each other in the first 2 bars, 1s are constantly on the move and meet other dancers but not each other.
  > There are many passing moments when they can acknowledge each other.
  > But, when they advance towards each other on bars 25-26, they will seize the moment with a celebratory birl!


created: 2023-10-30 11:41:17.944963+00
last_modified: 2025-08-30 11:22:33.123892+00
name: MIQ Room 541
ucname: MIQ ROOM 541
devised: 2021-08-01
notes:
  The deviser explains the title "In August 2021 Damon and I had a 2-week MIQ experience in the Grand Millennium in Auckland. This dance was devised in our hotel room, our room number was 541." *[MIQ was the Managed Isolation and Quarantine system in New Zealand during the Covid pandemic].*


created: 2012-07-22 13:47:35.34076+00
last_modified: 2025-08-21 07:31:39.189862+00
name: Strathspey Decadence
ucname: STRATHSPEY DECADENCE
intensity_bars: 800/880/888/844
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Devised in honour of the Strathspey List’s 10th anniversary. In the first 16 bars of the dance 1st couple
  get into position for and then dance a reel with 2nd couple (that is the 1). The next 8 bars 1st couple
  dance anticlockwise around 2nd and 3rd couples (the way one writes a 0). Put together it makes the
  number 10.


created: 2006-10-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-09-04 16:35:19.531585+00
name: Everchanging Medley, The
ucname: EVERCHANGING MEDLEY
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  From the book:

  The dance was originally devised so that after each sequence, not only do the dancers change partners and positions, but the rhythm also changes. However the "medley" could also be danced using only two rhythms, i.e. strathspey - jig (reel) - strathspey or jig (reel) - strathspey - jig (reel). Indeed, the "medley" could be danced with only one rhythm throughout - strathspey or jig or reel. The choice is up to you, but it is advisable to inform the dancers (and band) beforehand.


created: 2025-09-06 08:43:56.752292+00
last_modified: 2025-09-06 08:43:56.752292+00
name: Lassie Leerns Ye Plait
ucname: LASSIE LEERNS YE PLAIT
devised: 2025-08-01
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/6XvgHy6hRQk|Youtube video>>. The video credits say the dance was devised "as a tribute to my wife teaching me how to plait her hair". The figures resemble the alternations of juggling three strands of hair and the final turn is the bobble.


created: 2005-08-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-09-07 19:53:57.081382+00
name: Northern Cruisers
ucname: NORTHERN CRUISERS
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  Devised after the visit of the Alaska cruise ship on August 25, 1997 when Barbara and Robert McOwen provided live music for an informal dance.


created: 1997-08-25 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-09-08 17:05:57.952207+00
name: Royal Collection, The
ucname: ROYAL COLLECTION
devised: 1993-05-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for John Moss of Cap Pele, New Brunswick".

  The notes explain that "John Moss has a large collection of Royal Memorabilia relating to events in the life of the Royal Family from Queen Victoria onwards. He now has a special room in his home to display his collection."


created: 2025-09-09 23:12:46.938802+00
last_modified: 2025-09-10 10:48:12.776605+00
name: King George
ucname: KING GEORGE
intensity_bars: 66/66/80/88
devised: 2025-08-01
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 fourth image is described “riding on the back of the Jersey cow is King George” (Georgia). 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 fourth of those dances.


created: 2025-09-14 06:17:19.059054+00
last_modified: 2025-09-14 06:32:11.850607+00
name: Connect-the-Cut
ucname: CONNECTTHECUT
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2025-08-01
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 fifth image is described "King George has had an accident and he has a cut upon his forehead and he has a bandaid to connect the cut" (Connecticut). 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 fifth of those dances.


created: 2002-04-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-09-14 20:47:14.357096+00
name: Weaving 101
ucname: WEAVING 101
intensity_bars: 800/888/820/800
devised: 1997-03-27
notes:
  > Note: I was requested to teach cross-over mirror reels of three in one hour to a Celtic art class that had never before seen Scottish country dancing.
  > Their teacher, who had danced in the past, wanted to demonstrate how that type of reel resembled knotwork.
  > This dance was devised to familiarize the class with figures of eight and reels of three formations.
  > Following the successful completion of this dance, Maxwell's Rant was taught to one brave set who danced it eight times through; mission accomplished!


created: 2024-10-15 10:45:58.896734+00
last_modified: 2025-09-15 08:22:33.842699+00
name: Mishka's Chase
ucname: MISHKAS CHASE
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/OTdWx2mFx9Q|youtube video>> by The Red Thistles.

  The Red Thistles video refers to the dance as "Mishka’s Choice" and it was originally added to SCDDB with that name.
  But <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3993/|issue 3993>> pointed out it should be "Mishka's Chase" after the deviser's "bengal cat, Mishka, who likes to chase and be chased, but doesn’t like to be caught."

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


created: 2025-07-15 10:58:31.997382+00
last_modified: 2025-09-19 11:06:34.980603+00
name: Charlene Cherished
ucname: CHARLENE CHERISHED
notes:
  This dance is lovingly devised in memory of Charlene Lam of the Livermore Class, whose cheerful spirit and warm smile brightened every gathering.
  Like Shiftin’ Bobbins, one of her favorite dances, she brought joy and energy wherever she went.
  This dance, with its shiftin’ bobbin figure, will always remind us of her smile and the happiness she shared.


created: 2025-08-27 01:03:09.580567+00
last_modified: 2025-09-19 11:07:42.963078+00
name: Stabbed with a Pencil
ucname: STABBED WITH A PENCIL
intensity_bars: 844/844/648/844
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 second image is described "stabbed in the middle of the plate is a pencil" (Pennsylvania). 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 second of those dances.


created: 2016-07-10 22:32:08.910138+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.126876+00
name: 192 Miles Home
ucname: 192 MILES HOME
intensity_bars: 8000/8202/8020/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  This dance was written while the deviser was travelling the 192 miles from South Wales back to her home city, Brighton & Hove.


created: 2001-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-09-19 11:31:03.091595+00
name: Dumfries Doglet, The
ucname: DUMFRIES DOGLET
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8080/8000
devised: 2000-06-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote this dance for Briar Johnstone of Dumfries.

  Further notes from *Greenburn Book 3:*

  1. In May 2000 Jackie Johnstone brought his dog Briar to the Morland Dance Week. (The pronunciation of "Briar" rhymes with "deer".) Briar used to be an Afghan but he shrank in the wash. Unfortunately Jackie did not use "Brand-X" for the laundering process.<BR> Briar attended the dance classes in Morland and attracted a lot of attention from the dancers and, when they heard his sad history, they all said "Oooh Chihuahua!".
  1. _The women use four pas de basque. The men may use pas de basque but on Bars 1-2 they should really use "PAS DE CHIEN"_: i.e. they hop four times on the left foot while holding the right foot in second aerial position.<BR> Alternatively the men may place the left foot in second position for the first hop and then bring it in to third rear aerial position for the second hop and repeat this for the remaining hops.<BR> They then use pas de basque for Bars 3-4.
  1. Bars 17-24 (and 25-32) are a new form of progression which, in Briar's honour, may be called a _"Doglette"_.<BR> (Certainly NOT a "Pussette"! Briar would be horrified at the very idea!!!)


created: 2025-09-15 09:09:52.871314+00
last_modified: 2025-09-15 18:19:01.766514+00
name: 80 Years Chasing the Top
ucname: 80 YEARS CHASING THE TOP
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  "A present for <<ddp:Bolton-Maggs, Tim#523>>'s birthday".

  Note: the orientation of the set rotates a quarter anticlockwise each time.


created: 2015-11-07 02:19:59.748868+00
last_modified: 2025-09-19 14:50:30.277608+00
name: After Supper Sweeper, The
ucname: AFTER SUPPER SWEEPER
intensity_bars: 844/888/800/888
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  All the information on this dance comes from the video, which gives the description:

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

  Repeat with new top couple.


created: 2025-09-16 08:16:28.514137+00
last_modified: 2025-09-17 22:23:01.751327+00
name: Jig for Tim, A
ucname: JIG FOR TIM
devised: 2015-07-09
notes:
  Devised for <<ddp:Bolton-Maggs, Tim#523>>' 70th birthday in 2015.

  The deviser explains that Tim "invited a group of friends to celebrate the occasion later with him in Budapest,
  his favourite city, and as I was preparing to fly out to join them, two friends whom I shall call 'pests'
  texted me demanding a new dance to be performed there.
  Hence my alternative title 'The Curse of the Buda Pests'
  The figures symbolise friends meeting to have fun then going off to explore the city before dancing together in the evening."


created: 2025-09-18 22:21:21.276394+00
last_modified: 2025-09-18 22:33:16.222705+00
name: Drifters
ucname: DRIFTERS
intensity_bars: 808/888/888/888
devised: 2025-09-01
notes:
  In class the sets are always moving around the floor and one night someone mentioned it as drifting and said I should write a dance about it. This is my response. After all, what better way to illustrate drifting than changing partners in the dance. Also, my favorite doo-wop group is The Drifters, so I can honor that here as well. Plus, it offers another twist on the 3-couple bourrel, a figure I love to experiment with.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-09-19 10:26:15.191737+00
name: Green Boughs of the North
ucname: GREEN BOUGHS OF THE NORTH
devised: 1976-01-01
notes:
  "Devised by Roberta Williams and Ron Wallace to celebrate the formation of the Twin Cities Branch of the R.S.C.D.S. in 1976."


created: 2025-02-01 20:33:51.222116+00
last_modified: 2025-09-19 10:58:58.796629+00
name: Balboa Park
ucname: BALBOA PARK
notes:
  From the notes:

  > Balboa Park is located in San Diego, California.
  > It is the home of the San Diego Zoo, and it is also the home of the San Diego Scottish Country Dancers.
  > While in town for a conference I attended a class which happened to be a ball walkthrough for their annual “Institute”.
  > I noticed that the hall at Casa Del Prado in Balboa Park has a huge mirror on one side but nothing on the other.
  > This seemed to me to be unfair to one of the sexes, so I devised this dance (which flips the set around every 32 bars) especially for the San Diego SCD.
  > Now everyone can take turns examining their technique in the big mirror!


created: 2025-09-22 19:00:09.796768+00
last_modified: 2025-09-22 19:00:09.796768+00
name: Candidates, The
ucname: CANDIDATES
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  > Devised by the Washington, D.C., Unit 2/3 candidates on the occasion of their 2017 exam, in honor of their tutors, Ellie and Mel Briscoe.
  > The dance includes a figure favored by the tutors, nods to Unit 2 dances , and opportunities for flirtatious eye contact.
  > The final eight bars of dancing represent the candidates'many helping hands-tutors, fully certificated teachers, and all those who volunteered their time and energy to be student dancers.


created: 2025-09-22 19:19:52.758713+00
last_modified: 2025-09-22 19:19:52.758713+00
name: Movin' On
ucname: MOVIN ON
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this was devised in 2017, and revised in 2025, "to honor longtime Northampton Class dancers Kent ond Marion Smith as they moved to the opposite side of the country to start a new chapter in their lives. Kent also shared in the teaching responsibilities and provided a wealth of information to the class."


created: 2025-09-22 19:26:35.897754+00
last_modified: 2025-09-22 19:26:35.897754+00
name: Lovely Patricia
ucname: LOVELY PATRICIA
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  May be danced in 3 or 4 couple sets.

  Devised "in memory of Patricia Corrigan, a kind and lovely English Country dancer who left us much too soon."


created: 2025-09-22 19:42:45.738323+00
last_modified: 2025-09-22 19:45:14.175415+00
name: Far Flung Dancers
ucname: FAR FLUNG DANCERS
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  > Devised in honor of the many dancers who over 35 years have shared the joy of Scottish Country Dancing in the Northampton class.
  > Many are now dancing and teaching in other cities across the US and around the world.


created: 2025-09-28 09:09:22.691152+00
last_modified: 2025-10-31 19:01:49.024495+00
name: McTurk, The
ucname: MACTURK
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/866
notes:
  Inscribed "For Cos Ahmet".

  Danced three times in strathspey then three more in reel time.

  The central figure was inspired by the circular braiding pattern of a Turks Head Knot.


created: 2025-09-22 19:57:59.757753+00
last_modified: 2026-05-12 08:31:03.491125+00
name: Quick as a Wink
ucname: QUICK AS A WINK
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  One version of the instructions specifies a 3 couple set, another says it may be danced in a 3 or 4 couple set.


created: 2025-09-22 19:35:43.885194+00
last_modified: 2025-09-23 09:24:06.839987+00
name: Paradise City Strathspey
ucname: PARADISE CITY STRATHSPEY
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  There is a mistake in the original printed book where the suggested recording was given as <<ddrec:Trip to Tarble#10724>>. However this is a jig not a strathspey.


created: 2025-11-03 17:47:39.192626+00
last_modified: 2025-11-03 17:48:31.896718+00
name: Up to the Top
ucname: UP TO THE TOP
devised: 2025-05-01
notes:
  The last part of our drive to Méaudre was up the very steep hill from Grenoble to arrive at the plateau. It really was up to the top!


created: 2025-09-28 09:22:07.064781+00
last_modified: 2025-09-28 09:23:24.747963+00
name: Robertson Rose, The
ucname: ROBERTSON ROSE
intensity_bars: 888/844/888/888
notes:
  Inscribed "For Ashley Weller in memory of her grandmother known as Rose."

  May also be danced in a 3 couple set.


created: 2024-12-12 15:59:30.335497+00
last_modified: 2025-09-28 12:06:54.829433+00
name: Celtic Connections
ucname: CELTIC CONNECTIONS
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2021-07-01
notes:
  Devised by Anne Thorn in July 2021. The dance celebrates the Irish and Scottish ancestry of the devisor and in particular the McHale family from County Mayo.


created: 2025-09-28 20:22:17.777103+00
last_modified: 2025-09-28 20:32:38.346075+00
name: Arthur's Cheery Grin
ucname: ARTHURS CHEERY GRIN
intensity_bars: 8444/6666/8888/8888/6222/8888
devised: 2023-08-01
notes:
  For Arthur Reilly who is a regular attender of the Gay Gordons residential dance events in Cober
  Hill. He lives in Hamilton near Glasgow so we rarely see his cheery grin at other times. In this dance
  1st couple meet all those in their own gender role while the others meet those in the opposite role.


created: 2024-12-12 17:10:51.835827+00
last_modified: 2025-10-05 09:39:16.929596+00
name: Raffled Mercedes, The
ucname: RAFFLED MERCEDES
intensity_bars: 622/666/844/888
notes:
  Devised after a Helensburgh Weekend School dance where a raffle prize winner found a set of keys for a Mercedes in the bag containing her raffle prize!  
  Dedicated to Alison Robertson who won the prize and Jane Warren who donated the prize!


created: 2025-10-12 04:23:59.596766+00
last_modified: 2025-10-12 04:42:39.47126+00
name: Mass of Ice, A
ucname: MASS OF ICE
intensity_bars: 800/822/888/888
devised: 2025-08-01
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 sixth image is described "balanced on King George's head is a mass of ice" (Massachusetts). 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 sixth of those dances.


created: 2011-08-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-10-13 08:59:16.748379+00
name: Dance Lieber
ucname: DANCE LIEBER
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8008
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For Dotty Lieber, who enjoys many dance forms and who hosts an informal group of SCD dancers at her home to try new dances and revisit favorites.
  Dotty's warmth and charm are always a pleasure to meet on the dance floor.
  Her last name 'Lieber' means 'dear' and 'lover' in German."


created: 2024-12-12 17:06:49.156499+00
last_modified: 2025-10-17 07:47:11.094016+00
name: Athenaeum Jig, The
ucname: ATHENAEUM JIG
devised: 2018-04-01
notes:
  Devised by Anne Thorn in April 2018 for the 95th Anniversary of RSCDS Glasgow Branch.  

  The dance celebrates the first meeting of people interested in starting a Scottish Country Dance Society in Scotland which took place in the Athenaeum in Buchannan Street Glasgow at 5p.m. on Monday the 26th November 1923.


created: 2024-12-12 15:55:16.624966+00
last_modified: 2025-10-17 07:51:00.701914+00
name: Edinburgh Fancy, An
ucname: EDINBURGH FANCY
intensity_bars: 888/844/844/888
notes:
  Devised by Anne Thorn for the Centenary of Edinburgh Branch of the RSCDS in memory of the wonderful visits to The Edinburgh Fancy.


created: 2025-09-28 20:31:44.501523+00
last_modified: 2025-09-28 20:31:44.501523+00
name: Eppur Si Muove
ucname: EPPUR SI MUOVE
intensity_bars: 8448 8008 8448 8008 8888
devised: 2020-11-01
notes:
  > The title comes from Galileo.
  > His astronomical observations led him to advocate that the Sun was the centre of the solar system and the Earth orbited around it.
  > However the Church authorities, refusing to look through his new fangled telescope, clung to the doctrine that the Earth was the unmoving centre of the universe.
  > Galileo was forced to recant his published scientific opinions after being threatened with torture by the Inquisition.
  > Despite this he was later reported to have said about the Earth “Eppur si muove” (And yet it moves).

  > Galileo was the first to observe the moons of Jupiter, three of which are part of an “orbital resonance”.
  > Io makes four orbits and Europa two orbits for every one orbit by Ganymede.
  > This is illustrated in the figure of bars 5-8 and 21-24 though the demands of choreography require the central pair, representing Io, to defy reality and turn the opposite way from the others.
  > The reel could be taken to represent the wiggles in Saturn's rings caused by small “shepherd” moons;
  > the casting and hands across as the gravitational sling shot manoeuvres used to get observational space craft to the outer planets;
  > and the final circle as the actually rotating and not fixed galactic background.
  > Or invent your own symbolism!


created: 2013-03-14 17:48:58.045013+00
last_modified: 2025-10-03 10:54:30.81892+00
name: Chasing the Eclipse
ucname: CHASING THE ECLIPSE
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/888
devised: 2013-02-01
notes:
  Devised for Mike and Eilean Yates, formerly of Shelby North Carolina, in February, 2013. The Yates' have been a pillar of dancing in the Carolinas for decades and also been involved in the dancing at the Loch Norman Highland Games almost since the beginning. 

  Beyond dancing, Mike's passion for viewing solar eclipses have taken them all over the world. You can detect that in the Promenade Chain progression (thanks, Mary!)

  **Anselm says:** In my copy of <<ddpub:Highland Road Collection, The>>, the dance doesn't show up in the table of contents, which refers to a dance called “Christina's Round” that isn't in fact in the book.


created: 2025-05-05 20:32:49.276866+00
last_modified: 2025-10-02 10:56:01.314257+00
name: Thanks to Daniel
ucname: THANKS TO DANIEL
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888/888
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  This dance is for Daniel Capron with many thanks for starting the Gay Gordons group in London in October 2005 and for encouraging me to go along to the first class.
  This has led me to an enduring love of Scottish Country Dancing.
  My involvement in dancing, teaching, devising dances and helping to maintain the Strathspey Database (SCDDB) is ultimately all thanks to Daniel.

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

  I wrote this dance when I learned that Daniel had terminal cancer.
  He was able to see the video which was filmed soon afterwards but sadly died a few weeks later in May 2025.

  Ian Robertson subsequently composed an <<ddt:Reel for Daniel#16127|original tune>> for the dance - though the video used <<ddrec:8 x 40 Reels#5560>> from <<dda:Waverley Station: First Stop!#436>> by <<ddp:David Knight, Liz Donaldson & Ralph Gordon#2885>>.


created: 2024-12-12 17:05:58.949181+00
last_modified: 2025-09-29 09:10:30.320544+00
name: Queen of the Hebrides
ucname: QUEEN OF THE HEBRIDES
intensity_bars: 880/880/448/088
devised: 2020-04-01
notes:
  Devised by Anne Thorn in April 2020. Longing to visit Islay (Queen of the Hebrides) in May 2020 but unable to do so due to the Covid-19 lockdown.  
  Dedicated to Christine Kirkpatrick for whom Islay has a special place in her heart and for her special birthday in December 2021.


created: 2024-12-12 16:12:29.228668+00
last_modified: 2025-09-29 09:35:46.713265+00
name: Family Ties
ucname: FAMILY TIES
intensity_bars: 822/800/888/808
devised: 2022-04-01
notes:
  Devised by Anne Thorn in April 2022 after the RSCDS Helensburgh Half Day School to thank the Carolyn, David, Sarah, Louise and Stuart Oswald for their continued support of the RSCDS Helensburgh Branch over the years.


created: 2024-12-12 16:00:25.346888+00
last_modified: 2025-10-02 22:05:15.03852+00
name: Dancing on the Dock
ucname: DANCING ON THE DOCK
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/844
devised: 2021-09-01
notes:
  Devised by Anne Thorn in September 2021 for Maureen Isnor and the Scottish country dancers in Hamilton Ontario.


created: 1997-09-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-10-04 09:47:15.839482+00
name: McUffda Strathspey, The
ucname: MACUFFDA STRATHSPEY
devised: 1985-10-05
notes:
  The inscription reads:

  > In honor of the wedding of Anne-Line Jansolt and Peter Anderson, October 5, 1985
  >
  > *A Norwegian beauty with a bridal wreath on her head*  
  > *Amongst Scottish and Scandinavian tradition they wed*


created: 2024-12-12 16:57:00.823319+00
last_modified: 2025-10-04 10:20:06.858435+00
name: Lochaber Lad
ucname: LOCHABER LAD
intensity_bars: 800/800/822/888
devised: 2022-04-01
notes:
  Devised in April 2022 for Màrtainn Skene to thank him for being a fantastic class musician at the Glasgow Advanced classes.


created: 2013-08-20 22:31:19.100717+00
last_modified: 2025-10-04 11:21:32.511392+00
name: Harcourt Cross Roads
ucname: HARCOURT CROSS ROADS
notes:
  > The title of the dance comes from the crossing of 2 roads in the centre of Harcourt Park, a cottage community near Haliburton Ontario.
  > The roads represent the centre of the 7000 acre park and they intersect in a St. Andrew’s Cross fashion.
  > One of the yearly highlights for the Woodglen group is the yearly summer dance held in the Harcourt Park Community Centre, at Little Straggle Lake.
  > *Information from John Clark via <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/4011/|issue 4011>>.*


created: 2025-08-10 08:40:42.898553+00
last_modified: 2025-10-04 16:46:06.390034+00
name: Alice and Linda's 150
ucname: ALICE AND LINDAS 150
devised: 2024-08-02
notes:
  Arranged in three 10 bar phrases. Recommended music: Wee Cooper of Fife omitting the second 10 bars of the usual 40 bar arrangement.

  Dance devised "to mark the occasion of Alice Archibald and Linda Thomas, Dance Teachers from Banffshire, celebrating reaching a combined age of 150 years with a dance in Banff on August 2nd 2024."


created: 2025-08-14 11:02:14.093729+00
last_modified: 2025-10-17 07:56:06.650587+00
name: To Ribble Valley and Beyond!
ucname: TO RIBBLE VALLEY AND BEYOND
intensity_bars: 8800/8088/8888/4488
notes:
  > I devised this dance through my love of astronomy.  
  Bars 1-8 represents the Moon orbiting the Earth.  
  Bars 9-16 represents the Aurora Borealis moving in waves.  
  Bars 17-24 represents a comet and its tail.  
  Bars 25-32 represents the force of gravity on nearby objects.


created: 2025-09-22 19:55:06.520815+00
last_modified: 2025-10-17 07:57:34.493337+00
name: Lickety-Split
ucname: LICKETYSPLIT
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  May be danced in a 3 or 4 couple set.

  NB there were a couple of typos in the original printed instructions for this dance:
  - bars 13-16 are half a reel of three on own side (not diagonal)
  - bars 17-24 are a full diagonal reel of four (not half a reel).


created: 2025-10-17 08:14:09.318035+00
last_modified: 2025-10-17 08:14:09.318035+00
name: Elementary Fugue, An
ucname: ELEMENTARY FUGUE
devised: 2011-07-30
notes:
  Each couple dances a 32 bar sequence, a new couple starts from the top every 16 bars.

  Music: 80 bar (32,32,16) strathspey, such as Robertson's Rant.


created: 2025-10-17 09:41:04.462372+00
last_modified: 2025-10-17 09:41:04.462372+00
name: Here We Go Again - Earth Mover Two
ucname: HERE WE GO AGAIN EARTH MOVER TWO
devised: 2011-02-25
notes:
  Compsed in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake on 22 Febriary 2011. Danced 4 times (1st couple twice) so that no one ends where they started, just as in the earthquake.,


created: 2025-10-19 20:07:05.211805+00
last_modified: 2025-10-19 20:07:05.211805+00
name: Young Ones, The
ucname: YOUNG ONES
devised: 2010-12-01
notes:
  NB the instructions for this dance say bars 25-40 are "the first 16 bars of Posties Jig" - though actually they appear to be the middle 16.


created: 2025-10-02 15:48:04.059376+00
last_modified: 2025-10-21 19:43:07.138699+00
name: Duncan's Eighty
ucname: DUNCANS EIGHTY
intensity_bars: 727/747/888/888
devised: 2025-09-01
notes:
  Devised "at the request of the Muir of Ord SCD class, to celebrate the 80th birthday of Duncan Cromb, the class teacher, in September 2025."


created: 2025-10-28 00:11:41.603385+00
last_modified: 2025-10-28 00:11:41.603385+00
name: White Butterfly Reel, The
ucname: WHITE BUTTERFLY REEL
notes:
  In memory of Helen Lee.

  “A much beloved family friend of 60 years passed away; as the family was leaving the mortuary, a
  white butterfly landed on the hand of a granddaughter and then flew to other family members.
  In Chinese symbology, a white butterfly symbolizes the soul of a departed loved one. A white
  butterfly also means angels are watching over you and that you are being protected.”


created: 2025-09-22 08:07:07.695923+00
last_modified: 2026-05-20 16:20:30.817957+00
name: Cabin Life
ucname: CABIN LIFE
intensity_bars: 866/844/844/888
devised: 2025-09-17
notes:
  Written to celebrate the wedding of Lewis Anderson and Georgina Rolfe at Drumtochty Castle on 17th September 2025.
  Video posted on Facebook Scottish Country Dance teachers, 20 September 2025.


created: 2025-10-19 20:17:38.32752+00
last_modified: 2026-07-08 10:50:43.680287+00
name: Tan Scottish
ucname: TAN SCOTTISH
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888/888
devised: 2025-08-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Anna Bergamini from Verona. At the 2025 Munich Scottish Weekend she was displaying a thin saltire of pale skin on an otherwise very bronzed back. It later occurred to me that Anna not only Dances Scottish but also Tans Scottish which then inspired this dance and its title."

  Ewan Galloway has composed a tune for this dance (<<ddt:Anna's Reel#16291>>) but there is not yet a recording of it.


created: 2025-10-21 12:12:23.799763+00
last_modified: 2026-05-23 17:26:43.395844+00
name: Dance Dviser's Numberplate, The
ucname: DANCE DVISERS NUMBERPLATE
intensity_bars: 800/877/888/888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  > In March of 2025 for my 68th birthday my daughter Hayley and my son Bevan and daughter-in-law Natalie along with my husband gave me an amazing present.  
  >
  > It was a knew number plate for my Beautiful Blue Peugeot EV.  We always name our cars, and this car was off the shop floor, and I was able to choose the colour.  We called it Bolt, (as in bolt lightening), as it has a very fast pick up speed, and one of our favourite NZ cricket fast bowler’s last name was also Bolt.  We are not car people at all, in fact apart from a couple of company cars this is our first brand new car.  We wanted to make a difference to the planet by changing to an EV so when the time came round to upgrade the car, it was going to be an EV.  
  >
  > So, an EV with a very special number plate had to have a dance surely.  
  <<img:https://img.e-cribs.org/Dviser.jpg>>


created: 2025-03-03 11:30:28.273861+00
last_modified: 2025-10-27 17:30:35.29487+00
name: Gates of Ketterdam, The
ucname: GATES OF KETTERDAM
intensity_bars: 888/888/080/888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  >The dance is dedicated to Kaz Brekker, a character from Leigh Bardugo's books and the TV series "Shadow and Bone", as well as to Leigh Bardugo personally and Freddy Carter, who wonderfully played this role. This character's facial expressions are quite gloomy, so it is not recommended to smile during the dance. But eye contact is extremely welcome! Most important! **This character has haptophobia. Do not touch anyone during the dance! And if you wear gloves, that's great**.  
  This dance is about the fact that you can love and interact, even if all the devils have trampled on you at once.


created: 2025-11-01 17:59:58.890057+00
last_modified: 2025-11-01 17:59:58.890057+00
name: Sunset by the Sea
ucname: SUNSET BY THE SEA
notes:
  From the instructions: "This dance celebrates the devisor’s favorite summer pastime of watching sunsets by the sea. Figures represent birds flying across the sky, ocean waves, and the setting sun. Note on the 4-bar Roundabout figure: Corners are drivers at a roundabout taking the next right corner / exit by advancing for 2 bars and then petronella turning to the next corner in 2 bars."


created: 2025-11-01 22:15:17.874236+00
last_modified: 2025-11-01 22:15:17.874236+00
name: Trip to Tartu, A
ucname: TRIP TO TARTU
devised: 2025-11-01
notes:
  This variation on <<ddd:Trip to Tallinn>> avoids setting steps.

  Tartu is the second-largest city in Estonia (after Tallinn).


created: 2025-11-03 10:38:06.78527+00
last_modified: 2025-11-03 10:38:06.78527+00
name: Staircase in Styria for 3
ucname: STAIRCASE IN STYRIA FOR 3
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  Source: MiniCrib.
  This is a slightly modified version of <<ddd:Staircase in Styria>> for 3 couples.
  Although intended to be done in a 3 couple set the deviser has expressed the wish to use the 5x40 recording of music for the original.


created: 2009-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-11-03 11:43:52.615463+00
name: Atlantic - Pacific Link, The
ucname: ATLANTIC PACIFIC LINK
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8888/8080
notes:
  Iain Boyd writes in Strathspey message 63756, on 15 Feb 2013:  "The Vallin collections are not RSCDS publications so I would tend NOT to use RSCDS-speak, and assume that the reels of three are just what they are described as - 'tandem reels' without the leading dancers swapping over. Unfortunately, John Morris died last year (I think) so there is no way that we can ask him."


created: 1998-10-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-11-04 09:44:57.19333+00
name: Angus MacLeod
ucname: ANGUS MACLEOD
intensity_bars: 4884 8888 0440 12 12 12 12 6886 0880 0880 0880
devised: 1969-01-01
notes:
  Twice through only!

  The pattern represents the Black Watch cap badge design.  In some areas the custom is that inner dancers who pass to corners do not first swivel to face inwards, but, like those in the centre, swivel during the setting.

  A comment made by David Queen on the Scottish Country Dance teachers (07/2017):
  "Dad wrote the dance in 1959 and the first version started with a reel of 4 on the sides, then he changed it to the dance in movement which defines the dance." (**Note**: in Nov 2025, David Queen confirmed that his original post mentioned "1969", which was a typo and he meant 1959.)

  The notes also explain that Angus MacLeod, co-founder of the Clan MacLeod Pipe Band, was formerly Pipe Major of the Black Watch, and one of the leading pipers in the country.


created: 2013-01-29 14:27:22.694614+00
last_modified: 2025-11-05 14:14:38.683429+00
name: Visitors, The
ucname: VISITORS
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
notes:
  Written when Di Rooney, Roger Gurtner, and Maureen Haynes came to visit Salt Spring Island after attending the TAC Summer School at Shawnigan Lake in August 2007.


created: 2004-10-31 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-11-06 19:39:31.529477+00
name: Golden Fyrebird
ucname: GOLDEN FYREBIRD
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  "Dedicated to lain Boyd, who chose the title. Refers the Russian mythical firebird."

  Devised: 2003.


created: 2004-10-31 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-11-06 19:56:14.781812+00
name: McConnells' Awa'
ucname: MACCONNELLS AWA
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  Devised: 2003.

  Written "as a farewell to Doug and Gloria McConnell to honor their many years in the San Francisco Branch ."


created: 2025-07-23 08:11:06.901129+00
last_modified: 2025-11-07 09:56:53.308555+00
name: Counter, The
ucname: COUNTER
intensity_bars: 840/888/844/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated "to Sandra Lloyd Branch Chairman who likes to count a lot during a dance and also loves a circle!"

  NB although there is an original tune for this dance the suggested recording does not contain it.


created: 2025-11-08 20:37:21.565281+00
last_modified: 2025-11-08 23:15:54.342703+00
name: Five Wee Superconductors
ucname: FIVE WEE SUPERCONDUCTORS
intensity_bars: 10,0,0,0,0/10,10,10,10,10/4,4,10,4,10/8,8,10,6,10
devised: 2017-09-01
notes:
  Danced in four 10 bar phrases. NB this is a challenging dance, in particular the extended espagnole for 5 couples which is hard to make look good in quicktime.

  > The low temperature phenomenon of superconductivity is due to electrons forming pairs to navigate the metal lattice without losing energy.
  > These "Cooper Pairs" were named after Leon Cooper who first proposed this explanation, together with John Bardeen and John Schrieffer.
  > The trio were awarded the 1972 Nobel Prize in Physics.
  > This dance, which is a member of the 10 bar phrase Cooper clan, has five such pairs (or couples) hence the title.


created: 2025-11-02 19:27:40.067889+00
last_modified: 2025-11-09 13:46:41.762398+00
name: Catch Your Eye
ucname: CATCH YOUR EYE
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised by <<ddp:Wilkinson, John>> at the request of <<ddp:Anderson, Marian>>, to be danced to the tune <<ddt:To Pauline>>. The tune was composed by Marian in memory of the late Pauline Inghammer and was played as a slow air by Marian at Pauline’s funeral. The dance notes say “This dance is intended to have a great deal of eye contact throughout and first couple can flirt with each other and the others during the dance - hence the title”.


created: 2025-11-10 10:54:33.438257+00
last_modified: 2025-11-10 11:01:21.267756+00
name: Gales of November, The
ucname: GALES OF NOVEMBER
intensity_bars: 840/844/888/888
devised: 2025-11-01
notes:
  Devised "in November 2025 in memory of those who perished in the sinking of the <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Edmund_Fitzgerald|Edmund Fitzgerald>>, 50 years ago this month."


created: 2016-06-23 22:52:19.696895+00
last_modified: 2025-11-11 23:16:53.927176+00
name: Wallington Hall Medley
ucname: WALLINGTON HALL MEDLEY
notes:
  Tim Bolton-Maggs provided the following information to this dance: "Wallington Hall is a National Trust property in Northumberland. Newcastle Branch of the RSCDS used to dance to live music on the lawn beside the house on two Saturday afternoons every summer for many years. People brought picnics and spent much of the day there. During the interval there was a display by the Branch demonstration team and this dance captures the atmosphere of the occasion."


created: 2016-06-23 22:45:47.133633+00
last_modified: 2025-11-11 23:20:12.589997+00
name: Peggy McAulay's Reel
ucname: PEGGY MACAULAYS REEL
intensity_bars: 848/808/888/888
notes:
  Deviser's note: "This is one of two dances dedicated to Mrs. Margaret McAulay (known to her many friends in the Newcastle Branch of the R.S.C.D.S. as 'Aunty Peggy', in appreciation of the many years of piano accompaniment and help that she has given to members. The other dance is the Strathspey '<<ddd:Tribute to Mrs. McAulay, A#9655>>'."


created: 2025-11-11 15:20:02.631272+00
last_modified: 2025-11-11 15:20:02.631272+00
name: Lost in the Hotel
ucname: LOST IN THE HOTEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2019-03-01
notes:
  Devised 2019-2025.

  "During Iberian Weekend March 2019 in Fuengirola, people got lost in the hotel as they were distributed in different parts connected with long corridors and many of doors."


created: 2025-11-11 15:32:00.406758+00
last_modified: 2025-11-11 15:32:00.406758+00
name: Fisherman's Dancing Daughters, The
ucname: FISHERMANS DANCING DAUGHTERS
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "to my sister and best friend, Deborah Annice Millier: a woman of boundless energy, enthusiasm, and devotion to dancing, life, family, and friends, and to the memory of our Father, the fisherman. May the joy of the dance live on through all who follow."


created: 2000-09-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-11-11 23:23:11.803357+00
name: Tribute to Mrs McAulay, A
ucname: TRIBUTE TO MRS MACAULAY
intensity_bars: 888/808/808/888
notes:
  Deviser's note: "This is one of the two dances dedicated to Mrs Margaret McAulay (known to her many friends in the Newcastle Branch of the RSCDS as ‘Aunty Peggy’) in appreciation of the many years of piano accompaniment and help that she has given to members. The other dance is <<ddd:Peggy McAulay’s Reel#17059>>."


created: 2025-11-11 22:16:11.840737+00
last_modified: 2025-12-05 20:22:06.284661+00
name: Danny's Divertimento
ucname: DANNYS DIVERTIMENTO
intensity_bars: 8008/8008/8668/8888
devised: 2025-04-02
notes:
  Devised "to celebrate Danny Halford’s 80th birthday; although that milestone is a few years away, yet.
  Danny is a talented pianist and enjoys sharing his virtuosity and joy via online concerts and in person at events such as the Asilomar weekend."


created: 2025-09-28 20:39:39.661305+00
last_modified: 2025-11-13 16:59:17.793303+00
name: Side by Side with Roger
ucname: SIDE BY SIDE WITH ROGER
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/844
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  > This dance is for Roger Keeling who liked the Hand-in-hand reels in <<ddd:Kindness and Marmalade#21569>>.
  > These appear in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/formation/206/#dances|several dances>> by <<ddp:Keppie, Maggie & Duncan#2018|Duncan and Maggie Keppie>>.
  > Roger has for a long time helped run the London Highland Club and other groups in London.

  > The dance was originally called "Hand in Hand with Roger", but Roger preferred "Side by Side".


created: 2025-11-03 17:56:12.814053+00
last_modified: 2025-11-15 21:02:49.960656+00
name: Méaudre Children's Reel, The
ucname: MEAUDRE CHILDRENS REEL
devised: 2025-05-01
notes:
  Dedicated to all the children in Méaudre, who are wonderful dancers and bringing so much fun to the dance floor.


created: 2025-11-11 15:13:11.217092+00
last_modified: 2025-11-15 21:15:48.928849+00
name: Last Leaf, The
ucname: LAST LEAF
intensity_bars: 800/888/224/888
devised: 2025-10-01
notes:
  November is when I try out dances with 3-couple bourrels and this one is aptly named for the season. Plus it is also the name of a favorite song from the 60's.


created: 2010-06-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-11-16 23:34:58.341062+00
name: Anna's Homecoming
ucname: ANNAS HOMECOMING
intensity_bars: 888 800 884 888
devised: 2008-11-18
notes:
  Dedicated to the memory of Anna Laino (1983-2009).

  Anna Laino was a member of the RSCDS Twin Cities Branch. A gifted musician, Anna was also fiddler for Duck or Grouse Rapper Sword Dancers. In addition to fiddle, her repertoire of musical instruments included piano, accordion, organ, and trumpet, and she sang like an angel. She completed her Masters in Sacred Music in 2008 and was organist and choirmaster for St. David's Episcopal Church in Minnetonka, Minnesota.


created: 2025-11-16 12:01:00.403209+00
last_modified: 2025-11-17 04:28:05.790842+00
name: Spring in the Cascades
ucname: SPRING IN THE CASCADES
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/808
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  The Cascade Mountain Range, or Cascades, is a major mountain range in
  Canada and the U.S. extending from southern British Columbia through
  Washington State and Oregon to northern California. The highest peak in the
  range is Mount Rainier in Washington at 14,411 feet (4,392 m).


created: 2024-08-11 10:45:13.778399+00
last_modified: 2025-11-17 09:13:25.753987+00
name: Ghost Particles
ucname: GHOST PARTICLES
notes:
  The dance is meant to be danced 6 times through, other than our database suggests. We currently can't fix that (2025-11).

  The instructions for this dance have both Right and Left handed versions.
  The notes explain that:

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


created: 2025-11-16 23:41:40.049967+00
last_modified: 2025-11-17 10:17:33.132123+00
name: Dancing Memories
ucname: DANCING MEMORIES
intensity_bars: 888/888/822/844/888
devised: 2025-03-01
notes:
  This dance was written for the Bognor Regis Club's Day of Dance, with the theme 'Memories Through Time'.


created: 2025-11-20 09:24:32.169829+00
last_modified: 2025-11-20 10:37:36.316911+00
name: Her Ice-water Mansion
ucname: HER ICEWATER MANSION
intensity_bars: 800/888/808/888
devised: 2025-11-01
notes:
  This November marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald and I am a huge fan of Gordon Lightfoot's music, including his The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. There’s a line in the song: "Superior sings in the rooms of her ice-water mansion" from which I took the title of this dance.


created: 2025-11-11 22:12:44.013314+00
last_modified: 2025-11-21 18:24:10.827632+00
name: Lustrous Pearl
ucname: LUSTROUS PEARL
intensity_bars: 880/740/844/888
devised: 2025-03-08
notes:
  Devised "to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Star Seward and Jamie Tanner’s marriage.
  Both are keen dancers who find romance in dancing together and enjoy opportunities to twirl and play on the dance floor.
  On bar 20, 1st couple may choose to pull back right shoulders to twirl about before continuing the corners pass and turn with 2nd corners;
  rest assured that Star and Jamie will!"


created: 2023-03-07 19:57:10.263981+00
last_modified: 2025-11-24 16:49:05.676706+00
name: Axel's Farewell
ucname: AXELS FAREWELL
devised: 2022-10-01
notes:
  Choreographed for the recommended recording "Fantasia Veneziana (In La Maggiore)" by Rondò Veneziano (CD “Fantasia Veneziana”). It is danced as a reel.

  "Dedicated to Axel Röhrborn, founding member of Erlanger Tanzhaus e.V., a wonderful dancer, patient teacher and very good friend with great thanks for more than 30 years of instructing dances and dancing with us.
  The dance was created in autumn 2022 when Axel decided to retire from organizing dance events and teaching after his 84th birthday!"

  The dance "combines figures and requests which always have been leading for Axel’s selection of dances:  
  - bringing people together in circles or squares,  
  - attractive knots and unusual ways,  
  - small surprises... - you will miss the 8th bar in the refrain!  
  The recommended music is building a bridge between historic and modern dance music according to Axels favorite dance eras from late 17th century up to modern American Barn Dances and Scottish Country Dancing."

  For more details and links see <<https://erlanger-tanzhaus.de/axels-farewell/>> which includes a video at <<https://hidrive.ionos.com/lnk/pBClEEPR#file>>.


created: 1999-07-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-11-24 21:44:58.026839+00
name: Mowbray Strathspey, The
ucname: MOWBRAY STRATHSPEY
notes:
  Dedicated to Mary Ankers and Marjorie Kerr who have supported Scottish Country Dancing in the area for many years.


created: 2002-11-29 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-11-24 21:50:33.6986+00
name: Yarm Fair
ucname: YARM FAIR
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Until 1974 Yarm was part of the North Riding of Yorkshire. There is now only an amusement fair each October in the wide High Street. The present fair was granted a charter by Charles II originally for the sale of animals and produce.


created: 2025-11-24 21:40:19.676181+00
last_modified: 2025-11-25 08:45:42.396897+00
name: Bowden Moor
ucname: BOWDEN MOOR
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/888/888/888
devised: 2008-09-25
notes:
  Devised for committee and members of Melrose Age Concern.  
  First danced 25th September 2008 by members of Melrose Reel Club in The George & Abbotsford Hotel Melrose.


created: 2025-12-01 09:48:40.945133+00
last_modified: 2025-12-02 07:26:37.389948+00
name: Lost in a Reel
ucname: LOST IN A REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/822
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  I write lots of dances but often have trouble coming up with names for them. One of our dancers suggested naming a dance Lost in a Reel so I wrote this one to match the name. Thanks, Denise!


created: 2000-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-11-27 19:53:32.923126+00
name: McClure Family Burns Supper, The
ucname: MACCLURE FAMILY BURNS SUPPER
intensity_bars: 80/48/88/84
devised: 1994-06-01
notes:
  Dedicated "to Peter and Lynn McClure, returning to Winnipeg from the Twin Cities."

  The Savage Family Feast is a Strathspey version of this dance.


created: 2025-11-28 12:59:25.003533+00
last_modified: 2025-12-02 12:52:47.630415+00
name: Lost in Translation
ucname: LOST IN TRANSLATION
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/844
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to the "Billschotten" dance group in Hamburg. When I joined the group, the teaching was in German and many different figures were all called "Acht" (German for "Eight"). Some of these figures are used in this dance – which should be taught in English to avoid being "lost in translation".


created: 1997-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-06 11:43:24.896159+00
name: Flight of the Sand-Martins, The
ucname: FLIGHT OF THE SANDMARTINS
intensity_bars: 660 880 555 555 12 12 12 444
notes:
  Starts with 1st couple on the opposite sides.

  Various versions of this dance exist.  In March 2007 there was a discussion on the Strathspey List
  (messages <<sspey-thread:48324>>, <<sspey-thread:48328>>, <<sspey-thread:48344>>)
  of a variant in a 3C/4L set,  8 x 48.  In that version, on [45-48],  each couple turns to the correct side to proceed.

  In alternative versions the bars  [9-16] and [17-24] can be interchanged, then 1W starts through and down on bar 9.

  The version given in <<link:thereel/18||3>> is the 40 bar version. It is attributed to <<ddp:Bankart, Patrick#908>> and entered in the database as <<ddd:#16959>>. See discussion in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2369/|issue 2369>>. The implication of the notes in The Reel are that this 48 bar version, attributed to Jack McConachie, may be one of the later "folk" variants of the dance.


created: 2025-12-01 09:12:00.203406+00
last_modified: 2025-12-01 09:42:14.871742+00
name: Witch of November, The
ucname: WITCH OF NOVEMBER
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
devised: 2025-11-01
notes:
  This November marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald and I am a huge fan of Gordon Lightfoot's music, including his The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. There's a line in the song: " 'Twas the witch of November come stealin' " from which I took the title of this dance.


created: 2025-12-01 14:30:23.911317+00
last_modified: 2025-12-01 14:39:20.721234+00
name: Highclere Red House, The
ucname: HIGHCLERE RED HOUSE
intensity_bars: 8888/0880/0880/8448/8448
devised: 2025-09-01
notes:
  > This dance is for Laurence Abbott and <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/reuben-freemantle.html|Reuben Freemantle>>
  >  with thanks for creating and maintaining the <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/|Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary>> website.
  > This was the first SCD website I discovered, before being captured by the <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/|Strathspey Database (SCDDB)>>.
  > The Dictionary contains a wealth of useful information which is outside the scope of SCDDB.
  > Our community is very well served by having both sites.

  > In July 2025 I had the opportunity to visit the Newbury group where Reuben dances.
  > Their venue is in the village of Highclere, a long way out of town.
  > I chose to spend the day walking in the countryside before having supper at the recommended local pub.
  > This is called <<https://www.thehighclereredhouse.com/|The Highclere Red House>>, a name which prompted this variation of one of the oldest dances in the SCD repertoire.


created: 2025-11-26 03:21:30.872354+00
last_modified: 2025-12-06 12:54:24.390201+00
name: Five Score and Five
ucname: FIVE SCORE AND FIVE
intensity_bars: 80040/80080/84884/80888
devised: 2021-04-01
notes:
  Written in honor of George Whitehorne, who lived a long and interesting 105 years and who wrote many fun and interesting dances.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-07 20:16:12.689542+00
name: Misty Law
ucname: MISTY LAW
intensity_bars: 8888/8686/8888/6666
notes:
  The instructions give the tune as Kilwinning Archers, but as mentioned in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/4091/|issue 4091>> this is an alternative name for Miss Marston's Strathspey.


created: 2002-05-06 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-07 20:23:39.490541+00
name: City of Light, The
ucname: CITY OF LIGHT
notes:
  The dance is repeated once.

  The instructions suggest the tune as Kilwinning Archers, but as mentioned in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/4091/|issue 4091>> this is an alternative name for Miss Marston's Strathspey.


created: 2025-12-01 09:53:56.810508+00
last_modified: 2026-01-19 16:28:25.700805+00
name: Unsquare Dance
ucname: UNSQUARE DANCE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2024-05-01
notes:
  I have a favorite CD called Unsquare Dance and when the idea for this dance came to me, I decided to name it for that. It was originally a strathspey, but when we danced it the first time, we thought it might work better as a medley and it does.


created: 2016-01-18 15:22:44.509509+00
last_modified: 2025-12-01 15:38:14.627593+00
name: Fisherman Ginger's Reel
ucname: FISHERMAN GINGERS REEL
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2001-10-01
notes:
  Devisers’ Notes: 

  Bars 9-24: In the rotating reel (as a corner dancer) be sure after passing right shoulder to first woman or man that you keep RIGHT to dance the rotation. First couple also need to be generous with their phrasing and allow the corner dancers to have the space to complete the rotation, there is plenty of time for first couple to complete their part of this formation. 

  Bars 25-32: If this is proving a mission with your group, the alternative is to dance 6 hands round and back. 

  Again with this dance as with Dave Macfarlane's Reel after the second time through the original 1st couple stay in third place and move down on 3-4 of the second repeat. Shown on the You Tube Clip. 

  This dance was devised to celebrate the 40th birthday of Brian (Ginger) Richards. Brian's three great passions are Jenny Richards (his wife), Scottish country Dancing and Fishing (not necessarily in that order!). Jenny asked us to devise this dance and put in movements that Brian loves. 

  The movements in this dance represent the collection of the boat (1-8), the throwing out of the first line (9-12), a tiddler escaping (13-16, where the corners return safely home), and then the big catch (28) which is hauled aboard (29-32). 

  The formations we have used were obvious to us. When you have seen Brian's enthusiasm and the way he has introduced these movements into other dances, they are logical choices.


created: 2025-08-10 08:44:16.576403+00
last_modified: 2025-12-03 16:31:48.553177+00
name: Libberton's Wynd
ucname: LIBBERTONS WYND
intensity_bars: 66866/88008/08880/48488
devised: 2025-04-01
notes:
  Libberton's Wynd was an old street in Edinburgh which was demolished when the George IV Bridge was built in the 1830s.
  A vestige of it was recently discovered behind the National Library of Scotland
  as reported in this BBC news article: <<https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly2l119zlpo>>.


created: 2025-02-16 10:58:48.814059+00
last_modified: 2025-12-04 18:57:32.404181+00
name: Son of a Motherless Goat
ucname: SON OF A MOTHERLESS GOAT
devised: 2024-09-01
notes:
  The title Son of a Motherless Goat was inspired by a scene from the comedy movie ¡Three Amigos! when they insult El Guapo’s men during what they believe to be a matinee performance.


created: 2025-11-25 09:02:11.845775+00
last_modified: 2025-12-06 12:50:10.56349+00
name: Double Rainbow
ucname: DOUBLE RAINBOW
intensity_bars: 888/404/888/888
devised: 2025-11-01
notes:
  Rainbows are made up of 7 colors, so a double rainbow is 7 and 7 or 77 which is my age at this November birthday. Also the dance has a contra chase which provides the image of a double rainbow.


created: 2025-12-05 18:45:12.002633+00
last_modified: 2025-12-17 12:11:17.422831+00
name: Penny Brig
ucname: PENNY BRIG
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8008
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  >The word strathspey comprises ‘strath’ a valley and ‘spey’ the Scottish river. The Victoria Bridge is a
  footbridge built to replace a ferry crossing and this dance commemorates its 120th Anniversary. The
  suspension bridge was constructed in 1902 over the River Spey, which runs through the Balmoral Estate
  in the Cairngorms, from a £500 donation given following a drowning from the ferry, by Aberlour distillery
  owner, James Fleming who sadly, never saw it built, as he died in 1895. The toll was one penny. The first
  two formations in the dance depict both the catenary and the river below.

  >This strathspey is additionally dedicated to the memory of the Dulwich dancer, Penelope (Penny) Anne
  Seddon (1948-2024) who sadly left this world on 9 June.


created: 2005-04-14 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-05 04:31:01.372312+00
name: Dance Program, The
ucname: DANCE PROGRAM
intensity_bars: 880/880/800/808
devised: 2004-03-01
notes:
  This dance was written in frustration as I searched for appropriate dances for a ball program. Most strathspeys with a poussette are for two couples and I couldn’t find a dance with the combinations of figures I wanted, so I wrote one that combines some of my favorite strathspey figures.


created: 2002-02-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:29.527225+00
name: New Virginia Reel, The
ucname: NEW VIRGINIA REEL
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8080 0808 4444 8888 4444 8888 8080 8080 0808 0808 4444 4444 8888 8888
notes:
  Dedicated to Genie Callander Sharp, founder of the Northern Virginia Branch.


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

  Fig 1.  17-32  Slip in a curve so that start and finish are centred

  Fig 3.  1-8  Dancing couples need to "cheat" here and meet to start going round the side couples


created: 2016-05-27 22:04:52.133025+00
last_modified: 2025-12-06 11:28:48.409151+00
name: Flight of the Sand-Martins, The
ucname: FLIGHT OF THE SANDMARTINS
notes:
  May also be danced as a Jig.

  First published in <<link:thereel/18||3>>, May 1954.

  This appears to be a duplicate (or variant) of <<ddd:#2223>> (#2223) - a 48 bar version of the dance which is attributed to <<ddp:McConachie, Jack#251>>. See discussion in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2369/|issue 2369>> and the <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/2223/#extrainfo|extra info notes>> in dance #2333.


created: 1997-09-16 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-08 22:46:01.732931+00
name: Trip to the Altar
ucname: TRIP TO THE ALTAR
notes:
  The deviser has advised us that this dance was never intended for publication and wishes it to be withdrawn.

  However it did appear in original versions of Napier's Index so this entry is left here to avoid it being added again in future.


created: 2017-04-30 10:10:16.773989+00
last_modified: 2025-12-09 15:23:04.849727+00
name: Jig for Umbrellas and Gumboots, A
ucname: JIG FOR UMBRELLAS AND GUMBOOTS
devised: 1980-01-01
notes:
  All dancers wear Wellington boots and carry an umbrella.
  Devised for Berkhamsted SRC as a ceilidh turn at a club evening in the 1980s.

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


created: 2005-03-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-11 11:28:48.138941+00
name: Gunsgreen House
ucname: GUNSGREEN HOUSE
notes:
  The notes say this was devised for the Golden Jubilee of the [Duns and District] Branch - which was in 2003.


created: 2022-09-27 10:28:39.796442+00
last_modified: 2025-12-13 09:53:13.533503+00
name: Our Compliments to John Renton
ucname: OUR COMPLIMENTS TO JOHN RENTON
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/800
devised: 2022-08-01
notes:
  John Renton, musician, band leader, composer and good egg living in Inveraray, reaches the milestone of
  eighty years on 27 September 2022. This dance appreciates his friendship and acknowledges his great
  contribution to RSCDS and SCD in general through his love of Scottish music.


created: 2025-11-24 10:37:57.360892+00
last_modified: 2025-12-11 21:22:47.758225+00
name: Whirlwind in Montreal, A
ucname: WHIRLWIND IN MONTREAL
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/808/828
devised: 2025-07-01
notes:
  >Devised by Wouter Joubert, July 2025, in honour of Holly Boyd of Montreal. The French name
  of the first formation, tourbillon, translate to whirlwind and in fact all the formations contain
  swirling patterns - hence the title.

  >In the four half reels of bars 9-24 1st couple dance anticlockwise round the set.  
  The dancers who start on the first diagonal (2nd man and 3rd woman) also dance anticlockwise
  round the set and they never pass 1st man or 1st woman to begin any of the reels.  
  On the other hand the dancers who start on the second diagonal (2nd woman and 3rd man)
  dance clockwise round the set and they begin each of the half reels by alternatively passing 1st
  man or 1st woman:
  >- 1st and 2nd women as well as 1st and 3rd men pass each other by the right shoulder to
  begin both half reels on the sides.
  >- 1st woman and 3rd man as well as 1st man and 2nd woman pass each other by the left
  shoulder to begin both half reels across the set.


created: 2005-04-27 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-13 08:48:16.553402+00
name: Our Friend Robert
ucname: OUR FRIEND ROBERT
intensity_bars: 822/888/844/866
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  From the dance description:  
  This dance was devised for Stephen’s good friend Robert Bateson to celebrate his 70th birthday on 9 January 2004 as a thank you to him for many years of friendship. The dance includes figures particularly liked by Robert.


created: 2012-11-07 14:30:47.784627+00
last_modified: 2025-12-13 08:51:44.268656+00
name: Fleur de Lyon, La
ucname: FLEUR DE LYON
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/880
devised: 2007-04-01
notes:
  This dance was a present to Maguy from her friends Stephen, Nicole and Ken. Maguy was given it on 7 April 2007 along with a recording of her tune. Maguy was very touched by this. The dance’s name describes Maguy well as she always wore bright colours, turquoise being her favourite.
  The dance was devised to celebrate her love of life and SCD. Maguy loved slow airs and her favourite figures were the poussette all round, the bourell and tandem reels and these figures form the basis of this dance.
  Stephen danced this dance with Maguy in Lyon on 25 May 2007. Maguy took SCD to heaven in July 2007.


created: 2017-04-30 09:59:55.839953+00
last_modified: 2025-12-13 09:09:17.093994+00
name: St Andrews - Heezing the Bana
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS HEEZING THE BANA
intensity_bars: 855/844/844/844
devised: 2011-11-30
notes:
  Devised for 30th November 2011 to celebrate St Andrew's Day with patterns that trace the outline of the flag of Scotland. (To heeze is to hoist).

  Originally named Heezing the Bana, this dance was revised and renamed in 2025.


created: 2025-12-14 10:33:24.605947+00
last_modified: 2025-12-14 10:33:24.605947+00
name: Dancing Close
ucname: DANCING CLOSE
intensity_bars: 888/844/844/844
devised: 2016-09-01
notes:
  > Devised for Lowry Close of Alexandria, Virgnia in September 2016 by Sandy Gallamore.
  > Lowry was a great dance partner, always bringing his smile and joy to the dance floor.
  > After a long struggle with cancer, Lowry died in February 2016, but his love of dancing will always be remembered on the dance floor.


created: 2025-12-14 10:13:06.387163+00
last_modified: 2025-12-14 10:25:25.041434+00
name: Surprise of its own Unfolding, The
ucname: SURPRISE OF ITS OWN UNFOLDING
intensity_bars: 4444/8888/4444/6666/8888
devised: 2022-07-01
notes:
  The title was inspired by the four line poem "Fluent" by John O'Donahue. This is published in his book "Conamara Blues: Poems" but has been widely shared on the internet. See for example <<https://communalactsofbeauty.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/fluent_odonohue.pdf>>.

  This dance was first tested as a reel (using The Midnight Ferry by Colin Dewar and his band). That proved to be a rushing torrent so it is now changed to be a more languidly flowing strathspey.


created: 2025-12-23 11:28:28.297542+00
last_modified: 2025-12-24 16:13:56.865412+00
name: Knitwork
ucname: KNITWORK
intensity_bars: 8228/4884/8888/8668
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  Dance is repeated from opposite sides with set inverted.  This represents the action in knitting of reaching the end of a row, turning the work over and starting again on the other side.  
  The formations in the dance reflect the movements and stitches of knitting and the cast off at the end is also the last action in knitting.


created: 2025-12-14 23:21:16.153782+00
last_modified: 2025-12-17 03:08:07.577579+00
name: Burnsian Jim
ucname: BURNSIAN JIM
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/888
devised: 2025-12-01
notes:
  On 13 December 2025 Jim Henderson is ninety years young. This dance has been devised as a thank you to Jim for his lifetime of commitment to SCD and to accompany a tune composed for Jim and given as a gift by Karl some years earlier. Jim is the Honorary President of The Burns Club of London. Also, read about Jim’s appreciation of Robert Burns on p9 of The Reel 308, June 2019.


created: 2025-12-05 17:52:05.095369+00
last_modified: 2025-12-17 08:21:15.659877+00
name: Bill's Friend, Stephen
ucname: BILLS FRIEND STEPHEN
intensity_bars: 800/866/800/844
devised: 2025-12-01
notes:
  >The Bill in question, is of course Bill Forbes, St Johns SCD Club teacher and late uncle to Alistair,
  band leader and accordionist, who composed the tune for this dance. The tune came first, when it
  was gifted to Stephen by Alistair in 2024, as a friendship thank you. Stephen has known Bill since
  1977 when they were together at St Andrews Summer School taking their Full Teacher’s Certificate
  under the ever watchful, but kindly, eye of Jean Milligan. So, this dance is dedicated to my long
  friendship with my friend Bill (1921-2016). The reader is invited to see both Reel 286 p8, 2013 and
  Reel 297 p8, 2016 to learn more of Alistair, Bill and The Craigievar Scottish Dance Band


created: 2024-06-24 21:39:34.52135+00
last_modified: 2025-12-17 08:25:39.098668+00
name: Remembering George
ucname: REMEMBERING GEORGE
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/888
devised: 2024-06-01
notes:
  The late George Valentine Bateson (1934-2022) and his three brothers plus others including George's wife Alison founded the Berkhamsted Strathspey and Reel Club in 1952. This dance was first danced in Alison's garden in Aldbury in 2024.  

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

  Bars 13-16 1C set to 2nd corner and finish in 2nd place opposite side.  
  Bars 17-24 3C & 2C dance right and left halfway whilst 1C turns right once round.


created: 2022-07-04 16:07:06.301887+00
last_modified: 2025-12-17 08:28:46.475154+00
name: Cinderella
ucname: CINDERELLA
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  The original deviser of this dance (found c.2010) is unknown. This modified version of the instructions was provided by Stephen Webb.

  Suitable recorded music:  
  *The 19th Hole* by Ian Munro recorded on CD *Double Take* - Track 5


created: 2025-11-10 17:33:23.136812+00
last_modified: 2025-12-17 12:15:53.255268+00
name: D'ya Ken
ucname: DYA KEN
intensity_bars: 811/822/888/888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  >**Teaching Notes.**  
  On bars 1 & 2, 2nd couple step in and up and  
  on bars 9,11 & 13 turning using elbow grip is recommended as an alternative.  
  On bars 21 & 22, 2nd and 3rd couples pas de basque to passed dancer and quarter turn to pas de basque to next dancer.  
  At the end of bar 24 having crossed, 2nd and 3rd couples then face in ready for double triangle positions up and down.
  On bars 27 & 28 and 31 & 32 1st couple should make eye contact.  
  At the end of bar 32, 1st couple continue dancing out and at the end of the second time through 1st couple continue to cast to the bottom of the set as 4th couple step in and up.  
  As skip-change-of-step predominates, the dance should be danced with a seamless flow from one figure to the next.


created: 2022-01-13 09:56:10.101839+00
last_modified: 2025-12-17 12:36:40.426655+00
name: Platinum Jubilee, The
ucname: PLATINUM JUBILEE
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/800
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  > In the year 2022, The Late, HM The Queen, then Patron of the RSCDS, celebrated her Platinum Jubilee. And for the Berkhamsted Strathspey & Reel Club it was its Platinum year too. Coming in threes, Jeremy and Anne Newton, past presidents (1983-1985 & 2021-2023 respectively), also shared in the celebrations with their 70th birthdays in May. This dance, with the depiction of threes in the patterns, commemorates that remarkable year.  
  > The music was gifted to Stephen and especially composed by John Renton in May 2022 for this dance.  

  > _Teaching notes_:  
  Bars 1-2 1st couple dancing down to meet use long steps to reach the bottom of the set.  
  Bars 7-8 1st couple curve into second place to flow into six hands round halfway.  
  Bars 13-16 2nd and 3rd couples change direction on bar 13 to dance left hands across.  
  Similarly,  
  Bars 21-24 2nd and 3rd couples change direction on bar 21 to dance right hands across.  
  Bar 32 1st couple quarter turn about to face in ie the short way.  
  For information, progression order: 1/2/3, 2/3/1, 3/2/1, 1/2/3.  

  > Information about the tunes is given in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2799/|issue 2799>>.


created: 2014-09-03 14:26:20.786744+00
last_modified: 2025-12-25 17:32:09.564111+00
name: Almo Rant, The
ucname: ALMO RANT
intensity_bars: 8888/8080/0808/8888/8888/8888
devised: 1957-01-01
notes:
  Written by Gill Russell and Rita Marlow on the occasion of the golden wedding of Alister and Molly Reid.  This was in 1957 in Surrey, UK. The dance name is thus derived from their combined names.

  The reel is 2 x 48.


created: 2026-01-09 16:37:08.308416+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 16:37:48.932315+00
name: Saints and Serpents
ucname: SAINTS AND SERPENTS
notes:
  > St. Patrick is credited with ridding Ireland of snakes.
  > The 1st couple track figure on sides is path of slithering snakes.
  > Double triangles make a St. Andrew’s Cross – very saintly.
  > The Snake Pass is self explanatory.


created: 2025-12-27 15:35:30.861178+00
last_modified: 2026-02-05 22:56:57.9375+00
name: Golden Dogwood, The
ucname: GOLDEN DOGWOOD
devised: 2024-05-12
notes:
  Notes: This dance was written in honor of the Atlanta Branch’s 50th Anniversary. The formations echo the patterns found in the dogwood blossom, depicted in the Branch’s logo and seen across the city in early spring.


created: 2017-01-22 15:45:48.264461+00
last_modified: 2025-12-28 23:18:23.684438+00
name: Lady Catherine Brodie's Reel
ucname: LADY CATHERINE BRODIES REEL
intensity_bars: 880/808/800/888
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to the deviser's wife, Catherine Boddie Linz.

  The original version of the instructions have "lead up" in bars 21-22 but the deviser has clarified that the intention is "dance up" with nearer hands.


created: 2026-01-27 13:39:59.784851+00
last_modified: 2026-02-07 11:41:27.905894+00
name: Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty
ucname: HERE KITTY KITTY KITTY
intensity_bars: 8004/8888/8888/8888
notes:
  From the notes: "Dedicated to the late 'Trouble Mathewes'.
  The dance contains lots of running around in search of the ever present snake or chipmunk to bring home and present as a 'Gift' to his owners."


created: 2026-03-07 12:59:07.034701+00
last_modified: 2026-03-07 12:59:07.034701+00
name: St Mary's Summer Fair
ucname: SAINT MARYS SUMMER FAIR
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2010-07-01
notes:
  This dance was performed by the children of St Mary's Primary School in Finchley, London at the summer fair held in the grounds of St Mary's in July 2010.


created: 2025-12-17 15:14:13.896035+00
last_modified: 2025-12-18 11:31:52.904975+00
name: Amarguillos, Los
ucname: AMARGUILLOS
intensity_bars: 4444/6666/4444/8888
notes:
  >  Four Dancers purchased eight "Amarguillos" cakes from the nuns at Monasterio Jesus, María Y José in Medina-Sidonia, Cádiz.
  > The Agustinas Recoletas convent is a closed order and all transactions occur via a 'turnstile' in a wall.
  > The group walked to a nearby hotel where they enjoyed four cakes with coffee.
  > The group proceeded back home. Unfortunately, the box of the remaining four cakes was left behind at the table.
  > When Ali returned to the hotel in search of the four cakes, the desk staff handed the box to her, but with only two cakes remaining.
  > Later that afternoon, the two cakes were cut in half and enjoyed with another coffee!
  >
  > Bars  
  > 1-4 eight 'nun' cakes appear in the turnstile  
  > 5-8 cash payment into the turnstile  
  > 9-12 walking to the hotel  
  > 13-16 four cakes eaten with morning coffee  
  > 17-20 four cakes left behind at hotel  
  > 21-22 return to hotel but, sadly, only two cakes remain  
  > 23-24 two remaining cakes sliced into four pieces  
  > 25-32 everyone enjoying their morsel of cake


created: 2025-12-19 17:36:49.844207+00
last_modified: 2025-12-20 12:12:08.115401+00
name: Rothbury Ramble, The
ucname: ROTHBURY RAMBLE
intensity_bars: 8080/0808/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Alison Austin for the weekend trip to Rothbury in Northumberland by
  the Dunfermline branch and friends in April 2026


created: 2016-01-27 16:31:06.133923+00
last_modified: 2025-12-21 11:24:23.32586+00
name: Dance to Say Thank You, A
ucname: DANCE TO SAY THANK YOU
intensity_bars: 8220/8880/8220/8080/8022/8088/8022/8008
notes:
  Note : the strathspey part is danced with 2nd and 3rd couples and the reel part with 3rd and 4th couples, 1st couple having finished in 2nd place at the end of the Diamond Poussette.

  This dance is dedicated to <<ddp:Avril and David Quarrie#3342>>, two amazing dancers, teachers, and people. It has been written to thank them for their unwavering support to so many young dancers (including myself) whom they’ve encouraged to keep dancing and improving, as well as making them discover a real passion.
  This dance may also be used by anyone to say thank you to anyone else because, sometimes, we just don’t say it enough.  
  *(from the webpage/book)*


created: 2025-12-21 16:34:18.000197+00
last_modified: 2025-12-21 16:34:47.022634+00
name: Convivial Kate
ucname: CONVIVIAL KATE
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Kate Bould, a much appreciated teacher at Sheffield, on the occasion of her 50th birthday.


created: 2025-04-15 02:18:25.257676+00
last_modified: 2025-12-23 14:48:10.801599+00
name: Jane Rattray's Jig
ucname: JANE RATTRAYS JIG
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Jane Rattray was a much loved dancer in Perthshire who sadly passed away suddenly early in 2024. The dance incorporates some of her favourite formations.


created: 2025-12-21 22:27:50.499564+00
last_modified: 2025-12-21 22:32:31.103401+00
name: Pour Elle
ucname: POUR ELLE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8008
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  Devised for my wife, Pamela, on the occasion of our golden wedding anniversary. ("Pour Elle" in French means "For Her", and "L" in Roman numerals means 50)


created: 2014-07-16 14:50:15.023752+00
last_modified: 2025-12-22 22:50:51.386047+00
name: Whangarei Scottish, The
ucname: WHANGAREI SCOTTISH
intensity_bars: 800/666/888/888
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For the Whangarei Scottish Country Dance Club in gratitude for many years of fun and
  friendship. Whangarei Club members like to organise social events such as group
  bookings to theatres and breakfasts for birthdays."

  Originally the suggested tune was <<ddt:Timour the Tartan#1721>> (as on <<https://eddywest.nz/whgscot.html>>) but this was later revised to <<ddt:Reel of the Gordon Highlanders, The#3613>> (information from <<ddp:Bullivant, Fiona#56>>, tutor of the Whangarei club).


created: 2025-12-22 17:47:44.128019+00
last_modified: 2025-12-22 17:47:44.128019+00
name: Secretary Bird
ucname: SECRETARY BIRD
intensity_bars: 822/888/888/888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for Norma Hutchinson, who has been the indispensible and indefatigable secretary of Sheffield RSCDS Branch for forty (yes, 40!) years, on the occasion of her 80th Birthday.


created: 2025-12-23 05:24:52.850995+00
last_modified: 2025-12-23 05:50:45.21384+00
name: John Allen Reel, The
ucname: JOHN ALLEN REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  Dance was devised as a thank you to John who assisted in organising for many a year Mervyn Short’s week and weekend dancing holidays.  It represents the coming together of people from “a’ the airts”, their friendship and joyful participation in the holidays.


created: 2025-12-21 16:55:39.117866+00
last_modified: 2025-12-23 14:39:29.602814+00
name: Delightful as Ever
ucname: DELIGHTFUL AS EVER
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/2882/8888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Devised for Debbie Crossley, teacher at Sheffield RSCDS Branch and Rotherham Scottish Country Dancers, on the occasion of her 50th birthday.


created: 2015-08-27 16:35:14.806979+00
last_modified: 2026-01-01 07:38:04.482286+00
name: All the Right Moves
ucname: ALL THE RIGHT MOVES
devised: 2014-08-01
notes:
  This dance was devised using several different figures taught in Marjorie McLauglinʼs class at TAC 2014. The name celebrates the whole week which was well organized and in a marvelous location. We enjoyed it very much.


created: 2026-01-06 09:24:36.311991+00
last_modified: 2026-01-06 09:24:36.311991+00
name: Mills of Knapp, The
ucname: MILLS OF KNAPP
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/HdP-ZOFuwqE|youtube video>>.

  Devised "for Jo and Ali Reid, from Knapp, Perthshire, on the occasion of their marriage."


created: 2026-01-07 14:18:14.759935+00
last_modified: 2026-01-07 14:18:14.759935+00
name: Perfect Ten, A
ucname: PERFECT TEN
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Devised "in 2016 for the group in Buenos Aires who were celebrating 10 years of Scottish Country Dancing. The dance requires 10 perfect dancers."


created: 2026-01-07 14:23:05.102432+00
last_modified: 2026-01-07 14:23:05.102432+00
name: AC/DC
ucname: AC/DC
notes:
  > NOTE: The term AC/DC refers to an electrical system compatible with both alternating & direct current. The dance, first alternating, then kicked up a notch, as Emeril would say, with the double Right’s & Left’s and BAM, you have more power.


created: 2026-01-07 14:28:55.120344+00
last_modified: 2026-01-07 14:28:55.120344+00
name: Amaya's Amor
ucname: AMAYAS AMOR
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  > Commissioned by Pedro Amaya for his wife Marcela for a special Birthday (2021).
  > The dance represents their meeting and courtship (Flirty beginning), wedding (Rondel), life’s twists (Reel) and finally their mutual love of Scottish dancing and Argentine Tango (Espagnole).
  > The Rondel and Espagnole are two of Marcela’s favorite figures and the music composed by Dave Wiesler adds a Tango flavor to the strathspey.
  > The surname “Amaya” comes from the Basque mountain area of northern Spain and means “High place.”


created: 2026-01-07 14:51:22.259516+00
last_modified: 2026-01-07 14:51:22.259516+00
name: Blue Angels
ucname: BLUE ANGELS
notes:
  > Note: I wanted to write a 2 couple dance similar in style and tempo to “Blue Bonnets” so I could call it “Blue Angels” and use the same music.
  > The Blue Angels are the world famous demonstration team of Navy pilots who fly the F-18 (the Hornet) which has the capacity of flying almost twice the speed of sound.
  > They are based at the Pensacola Air Station.


created: 2026-01-07 17:06:38.730391+00
last_modified: 2026-01-07 17:06:38.730391+00
name: Drafting
ucname: DRAFTING
notes:
  > This dance is dedicated to Gregor Trinkaus-Randall for his love of Cycling. 
  > “Drafting” is an aerodynamic technique used in bike racing. 
  > The idea is that the first rider, moving at high speeds, moves the air out of the way, thus creating a void or vacuum, so that the second rider, riding very close behind, has less wind resistance and can thus conserve energy.


created: 2026-01-07 17:12:19.714085+00
last_modified: 2026-01-07 17:12:19.714085+00
name: Fair Susie's Strathspey
ucname: FAIR SUSIES STRATHSPEY
notes:
  > Note: This dance completes the trio of “FAIR” dances with Turn Corner/Partner/Corner/Partner - starting with the left hand.
  > Fair Jenny’s Jig  
  > Fair Ronnie’s Reel  
  > Fair Susie’s Strathspey - The title is a tribute to Susie Mayer.  
  > The Progressive Advance & Retire is from a dance by Russ King called “The Printing Master.”


created: 2026-01-07 17:51:58.74625+00
last_modified: 2026-01-07 17:51:58.74625+00
name: Flight of the First Raven
ucname: FLIGHT OF THE FIRST RAVEN
notes:
  > This dance was devised to be called gender neutrally, with the inspiration of first raven/lady being a baby bird flying for the first time, guided by their parent, first lark/man.


created: 2026-01-07 23:26:08.615991+00
last_modified: 2026-01-07 23:26:08.615991+00
name: Kerry Collins
ucname: KERRY COLLINS
devised: 2025-12-07
notes:
  > Inspired by 8 bars of The White Stag of Arran, whilst recovering from the first knee replacement.
  > Kerry Collins is my sister.


created: 2026-01-08 14:27:44.842743+00
last_modified: 2026-01-08 14:27:44.842743+00
name: Champagne Ladies of Schiehallion, The
ucname: CHAMPAGNE LADIES OF SCHIEHALLION
notes:
  > The Tourbillon represents the twisting of the cork to open bottle of champagne.
  > The Bubble Up figure was devised by Michael Bentley and represents the champagne bubbles.
  > This dance is dedicated to my roommates Betty Allen and Chris Gallagher, in celebration of our 20 years in Schiehallion cabin at Pinewoods Camp.
  > The three of us are sometimes called “The Champagne Ladies of Schiehallion” – because of the champagne parties on our porch.


created: 2026-01-08 14:58:44.810436+00
last_modified: 2026-01-08 14:58:44.810436+00
name: Happy Hanukkah
ucname: HAPPY HANUKKAH
notes:
  > Along with lighting candles on the menorah, spinning the “Dreidel” is a traditional game played during the holiday.
  > Although not the correct number, the setting in line,  advance & retire represent the candles in a menorah. 
  > The Petronella Double Triangles represent the spinning of the dreidel.


created: 2016-09-19 23:32:38.291191+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 11:04:39.108287+00
name: Brays of McGregor, The
ucname: BRAYS OF MACGREGOR
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/484
devised: 2015-08-01
notes:
  This dance is devised to highlight the work of the Eseltjierus Donkey Sanctuary just outside McGregor. (The sanctuary provides a permanent refuge for abused, neglected and elderly donkeys where they are given the opportunity to live out their lives with respect and dignity, in a protective and natural environment.)


created: 2011-12-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 11:09:55.324037+00
name: Four Double Six Six Four Jig
ucname: FOUR DOUBLE SIX SIX FOUR JIG
devised: 2008-07-01
notes:
  Devised by Heather McBurnie and Andrew Hodgson (andrew [at] hodgson.za.net), Cape Town, July 2008 in honour of Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 90th birthday. First danced on Saturday 18th July 2009, the inaugural Mandela day. You can learn more about Mandela day by visiting http://mandeladay.com

  Suitable CD recording: Peggy's Wedding, Twelve Modern Scottish Country Dances from Book 22 by David Cunningham and his Scottish Dance Band.

  Bars 25-40 of the text in Forty Years On have been revised since the dance was originally published on the Eight by Thirty Two website.


created: 2017-10-12 11:46:18.950343+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 11:14:35.307647+00
name: Lion's Head
ucname: LIONS HEAD
intensity_bars: 88888/44448/88888/80044/04840
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  The name of the dance refers to both the mountain Lion's Head which along with Table Mountain welcomes visitors to Cape Town, as well as the crest of the Clan Macgregor which is also the Lion's Head. This dance was devised for Dame Judith Macgregor, British High Commissioner to South Africa, to celebrate her first visit to the Cape Town Caledonian Society for our Burn's Night Supper. We were later to learn that both Judith and her husband John are enthusiastic Scottish Country dancers who would regularly join us on the dance floor. This dance turned out not be the first one devised in their honour — Susi Mayr had devised "The Ambassador's Reel" for them when John was the ambassador to Austria.	
  	
  Christof, who is now 15 years old, composed five reel tunes for this project on request and initially they were just named one, two, three, four and five. This was the fifth tune and when it was linked to this dance, retaining "Five" as the title seemed quite apt.


created: 2026-01-09 14:51:40.789712+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 14:51:40.789712+00
name: Here's to You & Here's to Me
ucname: HERES TO YOU AND HERES TO ME
notes:
  > A TOAST  
  > “Here’s to you and here’s to me  
  > And may we never disagree.  
  > But if we do, the heck/hell with you -  
  > And here’s to me.”


created: 2026-01-09 15:03:23.744871+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 15:03:23.744871+00
name: Hogmanay: First Footing
ucname: HOGMANAY FIRST FOOTING
notes:
  > The practice of “first footing” is part of the Hogmanay celebration.
  > Traditionally, the first foot should be a tall dark-haired man entering the house on the last day of the year, at the stroke of midnight.
  > The origin of this custom is thought to be connected to the Viking invasion of the British Isles.
  > The arrival of a blond stranger at the door was cause for fear and alarm – so a dark-haired man, bearing gifts, became a sign of good luck for the coming year.


created: 2026-01-09 15:25:42.370535+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 15:25:42.370535+00
name: Molly McGuire
ucname: MOLLY MACGUIRE
notes:
  > McGuire’s Restaurant, Pensacola Florida is not only known for its food but also for its 1.3 million dollars in one dollar bills hanging from the ceiling and walls.
  > Owner’s wife is Molly.


created: 2026-01-09 15:35:05.996012+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 15:35:05.996012+00
name: Newbitz House, The
ucname: NEWBITZ HOUSE
notes:
  > This dance is dedicated to Lois New and Cecil Lubitz (who passed away March 2021) for opening their home for Scottish dance.


created: 2026-01-09 15:51:55.732656+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 15:51:55.732656+00
name: Pensacola Appeal
ucname: PENSACOLA APPEAL
notes:
  > The appeal of a vacation in Pensacola is - there is so much to do.
  > As is typical of any resort town - the tourist (i.e. 1c) flit around from activity to activity, never stopping to think, and it is the local shopkeepers and restaurant owners (i.e. 2c & 3c) who are doing all the work to make sure everything runs smoothly.


created: 2026-01-09 15:55:27.947024+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 15:55:27.947024+00
name: Pensacola Light House
ucname: PENSACOLA LIGHT HOUSE
notes:
  > The Double Triangles & the Inverted Double Triangles represent the light in the light house blinking on and off warning ships away from danger.
  > The wheels represent the 177 steps spiraling round and round to get to the top of the light house.


created: 2026-01-09 16:03:16.417071+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 16:03:16.417071+00
name: Pilgrim's Progress
ucname: PILGRIMS PROGRESS
notes:
  > For this dance, I envisioned travelers on a mission, knowing exactly where they want to go – but getting lost for a period of time (12 Bars).
  > Just when they think there is no hope, they find their path again and end up where they want to be.


created: 2026-01-09 16:43:20.919943+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 16:43:20.919943+00
name: Seville Quarter
ucname: SEVILLE QUARTER
notes:
  > The Seville Quarter is a restored area in downtown Pensacola with a lot of restaurants, bars and  places to go dancing.
  > I used the Espagnole figure  because Seville is in Spain and “Espagnole” sounds very Spanish.
  > I used the right’s and left’s for three  couples because it has a rectangular shape and represents a down town area or Quarter - like the French Quarter in New Orleans.


created: 2026-01-09 17:22:58.015285+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 17:22:58.015285+00
name: Trip To Buenos Aires
ucname: TRIP TO BUENOS AIRES
notes:
  > 3c & 4c start on opposite sides because Buenos Aires is in the southern hemisphere. 
  > Everything south of the equator is opposite, upside down or backwards to us – very confusing to say the least. And - just getting there on an airplane is a hassle to begin with.


created: 2026-01-09 17:46:02.134234+00
last_modified: 2026-01-09 17:46:02.134234+00
name: Walk on the Pier
ucname: WALK ON THE PIER
notes:
  > The Pensacola pier extends out over the water for 1, 471 feet and is located on Casino Beach.
  > While many like to fish off the pier, others enjoy a romantic walk out over the water, hand in hand, watching the sun set.


created: 2020-06-04 21:32:32.855476+00
last_modified: 2026-01-10 11:02:49.880312+00
name: Here We Go
ucname: HERE WE GO
notes:
  > To go “a wassailing” is the same thing as saying “a hunting we will go.”
  > Beggars and children of old England  would go door to door singing cheerful Christmas songs in the hopes of getting rewarded with a warm, spicy ale from the wassail bowl.

  NB the original publication of this dance in <<ddpub:8 Dances devised by Holly V Sherman#1548>> mistakenly has this dance as a strathspey. The deviser confirms it is supposed to be a reel.


created: 2018-10-06 19:54:20.989315+00
last_modified: 2026-01-10 13:18:19.8618+00
name: Ullswater Way
ucname: ULLSWATER WAY
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8888/8008/8888
devised: 2018-07-06
notes:
  Ullswater is a lovely lake in the Lakes District, we visited after "Downey Day of Dance 2018". The "Way" is a walk around the lake, of which we did the part to Howtown from Glenridding. The recommended tune is "Barley Cakes" which is traditional, the lead tune for "Barley Bree" from Book 13, and I would recommend either the recording by The Carfuffle Ceilidh Band, or either of the society recordings for book 13 (Neil Barron and Bobby Crowe) would be excellent.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-10 15:08:24.785323+00
name: Kelpie's Haugh
ucname: KELPIES HAUGH
notes:
  > Kelpie's Haugh, near the ruined Finavon Castle, was the site of a combat between
  Lord Lindsay and Lord Ogilvy which resulted in a feud that lasted for generations.


created: 2012-08-15 22:54:34.582187+00
last_modified: 2026-01-10 19:25:41.237208+00
name: Stranfasket Hill
ucname: STRANFASKET HILL
devised: 2011-11-22
notes:
  Devised 22/11/2011. This was inspired by working through Hugh Foss's fugues
  this year, particularly the fugues in the Glendarroch leaflets. Foss's idea of
  taking a theme (here clearly back to back) and working the whole dance around
  it was really interesting to our group. Thanks to the group, especially John
  Homes and Tom Cole, for suggestions which made the last 4 bars reasonable.
  This particular dance was inspired by Stroangassel. Stroangassel is a hill in
  Scotland with a fairy ring. Stranfasket Hill is very close to Strongassel. Hence
  the title. I would recommend a steady 4 by 48 jig with strong 2 bar phrases.


created: 2024-10-19 21:32:23.907764+00
last_modified: 2026-01-12 18:10:38.827296+00
name: Belfast Welcome, A
ucname: BELFAST WELCOME
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The notes say "This dance was devised for the Belfast RSCDS Weekend School as a thank you for
  the wonderful welcome that we have received from Belfast Branch".

  The instructions were included in a Belfast Branch newsletter which is available after a few clicks from <<https://rscdsbelfast.org/downloads/download/2-newsletter/20-dancing-matters-issue-10-june-2024>> (unfortunately direct link to the download file does not work).


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 10:55:56.214651+00
name: Celtic Brooch, The
ucname: CELTIC BROOCH
devised: 1964-01-01
notes:
  This is a demonstration dance written by Hugh Foss for 3 couples arranged in a triangular shape. According to the instructions *the women stand about six yards from each other, at the comers of a triangle. The men stand about a yard inside the triangle. All face partners.*
  *[For those not familiar with Imperial units, a yard is slightly less than a meter].*

  Hugh Foss describes three different sets (of elementary, intermediate and advanced level). Every set comprises six figures of 32 bars each. 

  In addition Hugh Foss describes 57 varieties and other possible setting for demonstrations.

  Since the publication contains so many variations with different figures for different levels of dancers, it is not very sensible to try to add all of these to the database entry of the dance.


created: 2002-06-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-17 12:47:22.908255+00
name: Ronda, La
ucname: RONDA
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  From the dance notes:

  > When we were in Quito in Equador, we went to a restaurant called "La Ronda".
  > There was an excellent floor show there as well as excellent food.
  > The dancers were all young, athletic and trained at the ballet school in Quito. 
  > This dance is an attempt to translate some of the movements of the Equadorian dances into a form suitable for Scottish dancers.
  > This dance is for demonstration purposes only, it needs a wide set and is not suitable for "social" dancing.


created: 2026-01-16 13:20:37.600919+00
last_modified: 2026-01-19 12:08:14.440265+00
name: Leaping into 70
ucname: LEAPING INTO 70
intensity_bars: 88000/88800/88888/88888
devised: 2024-05-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for our friend and Fish Hoek dancer Bridget Cameron on the occasion of her milestone 70th birthday in the leap year 2024".

  This is a canon with a new top couple starting every 16 bars.


created: 2000-01-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-19 17:36:44.886672+00
name: St. Boniface
ucname: SAINT BONIFACE
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for the dancers in Winnipeg".

  The notes also explain that "St. Boniface is the name of the area of Winnipeg to the east of the Red River and north of the confluence with the Assiniboine. Many of the streets there have French names."


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-19 18:08:03.459581+00
name: Glen Devon
ucname: GLEN DEVON
devised: 1983-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Simon Scott of Vancouver".

  Glen Devon is in the Ochil Hills to the south of Gleneagles in Scotland.


created: 2026-01-25 18:26:37.540004+00
last_modified: 2026-01-25 20:06:01.253845+00
name: Model Couple, The
ucname: MODEL COUPLE
intensity_bars: 880/877/877/888
devised: 2023-12-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Hamish Todd and <<ddp:Ip, Alan#11634>>, who have been told that they were considered as role models because of their long and stable relationship. Hamish and Alan have also been long term members of the Gay Gordons group in London."


created: 2026-01-27 11:57:29.169839+00
last_modified: 2026-02-15 11:08:30.142602+00
name: My Shell
ucname: MY SHELL
intensity_bars: 8448/8008/8008/8008
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  > During the Covid pandemic while classes were suspended, Dr Michelle Parker turned 40.
  > This dance was written when dancing resumed in celebration of this milestone.


created: 2018-04-02 20:21:43.597652+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.509062+00
name: Farewell to Balfour Road
ucname: FAREWELL TO BALFOUR ROAD
intensity_bars: 8888/8084/8400 (1st couple)
devised: 2015-12-01
notes:
  Written for the Brighton and Hove Scottish Country Dance Club when they moved from Balfour School on Balfour Road to Moulsecoomb Hall. The deviser notes that the principle is that dancers move from dancing in the top part of the set to the bottom part, with an overlap from one couple to the next, as in <<ddd:Dundee City Police Jig>> by <</dd/person/270/|John W Mitchell>>.  

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


created: 2019-06-06 23:38:10.979883+00
last_modified: 2026-07-06 08:40:05.562286+00
name: Wee Lassie fae Gourock, The
ucname: WEE LASSIE FAE GOUROCK
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/6666
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to my very good friend, compatriot and dance adventure travelling companion, <<ddp:Fogg, Stella#3439>>.

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

  Descriptions of the "Double Slide Poussette" and "Co-Orbital Reels of Four" figures used in this dance can be found in <<https://dances.e-cribs.org/A_World's_End_Book_of_13_SCD_-_Vol1.pdf>> on page 28 page 31 respectively.

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

  A freely downloadable recording of music for this dance is available via <<https://fiddletreemusic.com/johnturner/scdrecordings.html>>.


created: 2002-09-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-25 20:35:56.883395+00
name: Whistler Jig, The
ucname: WHISTLER JIG
intensity_bars: 62 88 75 88
devised: 1997-04-17
notes:
  Written for 3 couple sets but can be danced in normal 4 couple sets

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

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


created: 2026-01-22 10:03:32.640695+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 11:44:20.90001+00
name: Stapled Together
ucname: STAPLED TOGETHER
intensity_bars: 844/844/800/888
devised: 2026-01-01
notes:
  I was playing around with ways to get people set up for diagonal rights and lefts and this dance happened. The figure in bars 17-24 resembles a pair of staples to me, thus the name.


created: 2025-12-27 11:10:36.210737+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 12:58:15.292685+00
name: ATL 50
ucname: ATL 50
intensity_bars: 888/800/464/822/880
notes:
  > Ode to Sports:  
  > 1-8 Represents Football  
  > 9-16 Represents Golf— women is the golfer, man is the caddy  
  > 17-24 The wave that is done by fans in the stands at various sport venues.  
  > 25-32 Represents Basketball  
  > 33-40 Represents Baseball  

  Written " in honor of the Atlanta Branch's 50th Anniversary."


created: 2025-12-27 11:23:14.494872+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 13:00:53.421726+00
name: Atlanta Traffic
ucname: ATLANTA TRAFFIC
devised: 2025-07-03
notes:
  > Notes: This dance is built around the difficulty Atlantans have in traveling the highways of their city. Each section represents a portion of a daily route.  
  > Bars 1 - 8, Start the car, take the clover leaf, and zipper merge into traffic.  
  > Bars 9 - 12, Weave in and out on I-75.  
  > Bars 13 - 16, Traffic Jam! Cars stop and reroute.  
  > Bars 17 - 20, Weave in and out on I-85.  
  > Bars 21 - 24, Traffic Jam! Cars stop and reroute.  
  > Bars 25 - 28, Take I-20, and then zipper merge on to I-285.  
  > Bars 29 - 32, Take I-285 around Atlanta  
  > If imagining the set as Atlanta from a bird’s eye view, the first corner diagonal represents I-75, the second corner diagonal represents I-85, with I-20 crossing horizontally towards the middle. I-285 circles the city.


created: 2026-01-27 13:07:03.790376+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 13:07:03.790376+00
name: Horticulturist, The
ucname: HORTICULTURIST
devised: 2025-05-04
notes:
  Notes: "This jig was devised by Lewis Tumlin, RSCDS Atlanta Branch, Marietta and Etowah classes.
  Lewis has a B.S. in Horticulture from the University of Georgia and loves gardening almost as much as he loves Scottish Country dancing."


created: 2022-01-27 10:03:00.635335+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 13:31:23.901662+00
name: Dr Ligon of Marietta
ucname: DR LIGON OF MARIETTA
intensity_bars: 820/888/888/888/800
devised: 2021-01-01
notes:
  From the notes in the Atlanta 50th anniversary book:
  "This dance was devised by Holly Boyd, commissioned by Susan Tumlin. The dance honors Dr. Walt
  Ligon, long-time teacher and mentor for the Marietta, GA class, who still attends the class and
  usually teaches at least one dance every evening. At 95, Walt is living proof that Scottish Country
  Dance can keep you young at heart!"


created: 2022-11-30 23:30:24.536611+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 14:22:20.296706+00
name: Stone Mountain Strathspey
ucname: STONE MOUNTAIN STRATHSPEY
notes:
  There is a once through video at <<https://rscds-atlanta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Video.mov>>.


created: 2026-01-27 15:09:06.5125+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 15:09:06.5125+00
name: Ghosts of Dancers Past
ucname: GHOSTS OF DANCERS PAST
notes:
  The notes explain the "Misty Knot" figure of bars 17-24:
  > All couples will be changing places or progressing one place in two bar phrases, passing those they face by right shoulder.
  > This is meant to represent the “spirits passing through”.
  > This figure moves quickly, causing “the mists to swirl” with the movement of the couples as they exchange places.


created: 2026-01-27 15:21:16.418807+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 15:22:22.811438+00
name: Mount Pinatubo
ucname: MOUNT PINATUBO
notes:
  From the notes:
  "Mount Pinatubo was a volcano that erupted in the Philippines in 1991. The effects were felt
  worldwide. Though devastating at the time, today Mount Pinatubo has new lakes, rivers, and
  canyons. Plant and animal life are returning to the once ash-covered lands."


created: 2026-01-27 15:29:03.437844+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 15:29:03.437844+00
name: Magic Green Ghillies
ucname: MAGIC GREEN GHILLIES
notes:
  The notes say the deviser was "inspired by the magic green ghillies worn by her and her classmates that never fail to fly across the dance floor."


created: 2026-01-27 14:26:17.579944+00
last_modified: 2026-01-28 05:47:34.058608+00
name: Fairy-Tale House, A
ucname: FAIRYTALE HOUSE
intensity_bars: 888/808/888/008
devised: 2026-01-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired by a Christmas card I received from my friend Tristan Gerrie, from Canada. The card depicted a beautiful house, straight out of a fairy tale or a Christmas movie. He explained to me that this watercolour painting was actually a representation of his house. How lucky ! This dance is therefore
  dedicated to my friend Tristan, in memory of all the wonderful moments we spent together in St Andrews while preparing our Unit 5!


created: 2026-01-27 13:35:54.305649+00
last_modified: 2026-02-06 13:11:01.033941+00
name: Friends: The Moth, The Bat, and the Pine Tree
ucname: FRIENDS THE MOTH THE BAT AND THE PINE TREE
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/688
devised: 2025-03-01
notes:
  From the notes :
  "A moth and a bat set out one night and meet at the top of a pine tree under a full moon. They are delighted
  to see each other. As they swirl through the air, other 'critters' emerge to join in the game."


created: 2026-01-27 14:33:24.153979+00
last_modified: 2026-02-06 17:19:35.959148+00
name: Ingrid
ucname: INGRID
intensity_bars: 880/840/888/800
notes:
  Devised "with memories of Ms. Ingrid Kendall of the Loch Michigan Scottish Dancers (now the Chicago Branch RSCDS) who was an enthusiastic and fun dance partner.
  Her expressions when dancing were contagious and kept us smiling all the way to the end of the dance."


created: 2026-01-27 14:56:29.731639+00
last_modified: 2026-02-09 15:38:51.615796+00
name: Smile Says It All, A
ucname: SMILE SAYS IT ALL
intensity_bars: 866/862/888/822/888
devised: 2025-07-03
notes:
  From the notes:
  "This dance was devised with the idea that dancers must stop and acknowledge everyone else in the
  dance at least once, if not twice. A perfect opportunity for a smile to let your fellow dancers know how
  much you enjoy dancing with them!"

  Dedicated to the “friendly faces of all the dancers in the Atlanta Branch, whose constant
  smiles made me feel special and welcome as a new dancer. Their smiles bring joy every week!”


created: 2026-01-27 15:03:11.047037+00
last_modified: 2026-02-09 16:28:55.737103+00
name: Lofted Debris
ucname: LOFTED DEBRIS
intensity_bars: 840/408/888/888/880
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  From the notes:
  > The 2025 Atlanta Branch Spring Workshop was a memorable event due to the arrival of inclement weather.
  > Activities were moved earlier to ensure dancers could return to the safety of their homes and hotel rooms.
  > A few dancers were relaxing after the event, when tornado sirens rang.
  > They had to move to the basement to take cover and ride out the storm.
  > During the power outages, the dancers watched the weatherman on a cellphone.
  > Every few minutes the weatherman would say “watch out for lofted debris!”.
  > The urgency of that evening, combined with the high spirits and laughter made for the
  > memorable experience that inspired the formations of the dance.


created: 2026-01-27 13:13:25.818779+00
last_modified: 2026-02-12 12:50:06.145184+00
name: Wish You Were Here
ucname: WISH YOU WERE HERE
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/888
notes:
  Devised “with memories of Ms. Ingrid Kendall of Loch Michigan Scottish Dancers
  (now the Chicago branch) who was an enthusiastic and elegant dancer. 
  She took care of new dancers, like me, with an open and warm heart every time I came to the class."


created: 2026-01-27 15:47:00.186823+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 15:47:00.186823+00
name: Sylvia, Priestess of Atlanta
ucname: SYLVIA PRIESTESS OF ATLANTA
devised: 2024-12-08
notes:
  Dedicated "to Sylvia Priest, who has selflessly served the Atlanta Branch for decades.
  Her organizational skills, knowledge of the Branch history, and strong leadership keep the Branch informed and successful.
  This dance starts with the first woman in front, or in charge, and she never loses the lead.
  At the Marietta class, Sylvia is the first to arrive and the last to leave welcoming all and saying farewell as is reflected in the last eight bars.
  Sylvia is a very busy woman and has little time to rest as is reflected in the 1st couple being active for all 32 bars."


created: 2026-01-27 14:46:15.301862+00
last_modified: 2026-01-27 17:56:32.638281+00
name: St. James' Courtyard
ucname: SAINT JAMES COURTYARD
devised: 2025-05-01
notes:
  From the notes:
  "This dance commemorates St. James Episcopal Church in Marietta, Georgia, which was founded in
  1842 by Col. Stephen Harriman Long during the construction of the railroad through the town.
  The Atlanta Branch Marietta Class meets on Thursday nights in the fellowship hall of this fascinating
  historic landmark for an evening of dance. After class, members often gather in its charming
  courtyard to chat, share news (and the occasional bit of gossip), and build connections with fellow dancers."


created: 2003-02-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-01-30 10:45:54.13062+00
name: Mrs Litten's Reel
ucname: MRS LITTENS REEL
intensity_bars: 80/88/84/88
devised: 1975-01-01
notes:
  Mrs Litten was caretaker at Potten End Village Hall, where the Berkhamsted Strathspey & Reel Club has danced for many years: Mrs Litten was caretaker from July 1957 until her retirement in March 1975. This
  dance was dedicated to her as a reminder of the happy association that the club enjoyed with her over those years. On her retirement this dance was presented in a frame to Mrs Litten by the Children’s Class, who then
  danced it for her. The club ran a Children’s Class for many years in 1960s & 70s under the instruction of Colin Garrett, Rosemary Crawford and Stephen Webb.


created: 2026-01-31 11:25:29.210728+00
last_modified: 2026-01-31 11:25:29.210728+00
name: Terry's 8x10
ucname: TERRYS 8X10
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Terry McBurnie, the worlds best mother-in-law, on the occasion of her 80th birthday."


created: 2015-02-22 22:54:04.246691+00
last_modified: 2026-01-31 21:03:38.023363+00
name: Stephen's Web
ucname: STEPHENS WEB
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  This strathspey was devised by Wendy Carse for Stephen Webb on the occasion of his 70th birthday ball on 16 January 2015 (actual birthday 19 January). It was demonstrated in Allum Hall at his Big Birthday Ball
  by Peter Dixon/ Wendy, Matthew Goulden/ Iris Ronayne and Ian & Yem Gray to the named tune and played then by the composer, Ian Robertson.


created: 1997-09-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-01 22:07:22.074254+00
name: Tell Na' Me O' Wind And Rain
ucname: TELL NA ME O WIND AND RAIN
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this was devised for the 1976-1977 NZ summer school to contain a zigzag figure. This figure is somewhat similar to the 3 couple "<<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/formation/227/|rights and left chain>>" found, for example, in <<ddd:Cashmere Shawl, The#1060>>.


created: 2026-01-25 18:25:43.239895+00
last_modified: 2026-02-02 11:31:08.001648+00
name: LIGO and Virgo
ucname: LIGO AND VIRGO
intensity_bars: 84448/84448/82428/84448
devised: 2019-09-01
notes:
  > <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LIGO|LIGO>> and <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgo_interferometer|Virgo>> are gravitational wave detectors.
  > This dance is a five couple adaptation of the dance <<ddd:Gravitational Waves#19665>> with two L-shape detectors working together.
  > No more Nobel prizes though: the two dancing couples just finish their stint on the experiment with teapots and hand over to the next shift.


created: 2026-02-05 09:09:25.255672+00
last_modified: 2026-02-05 09:31:54.11827+00
name: Devil's Sinister Elbow, The
ucname: DEVILS SINISTER ELBOW
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Devised "for the Atlanta Branch RSCDS Halloween Dance in 1995. It was inspired by <<ddd:Devil's Elbow, The#1634>> by <<ddp:Stephenson, J Trevor#372>>".


created: 2026-02-06 12:46:10.387956+00
last_modified: 2026-02-06 12:46:10.387956+00
name: Just Four Gill
ucname: JUST FOUR GILL
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Gill Gordon on the occasion of her 60th birthday.
  When introducing herself, she was known to comment that our class did not have Four
  Jacks and a Gill (like the South African Folk rock ensemble), but Four Gills and a Jack.
  (The four Gills who at that time danced in Fish Hoek were Gill Gordon, Gill Loubser,
  Jill Wilkinson and Gill Thompson)".


created: 2026-01-27 13:49:16.64693+00
last_modified: 2026-02-06 15:23:13.80529+00
name: Marietta Square Reel
ucname: MARIETTA SQUARE REEL
intensity_bars: 4444/7777/8888/8888/7777/8888
devised: 2025-03-01
notes:
  From the notes:
  "Marietta Square, anchored by Glover Park at its center, serves as the historic heart of Marietta,
  Georgia. The park, donated by Mayor John Glover in 1848 after the Cobb County courthouse
  burned down, has long been the city’s central gathering place. Today, it hosts festivals, markets,
  and community events throughout the year, all framed by colorful seasonal landscaping and the
  charm of its Victorian setting. The RSCDS Atlanta Branch Marietta class is held at St. James
  Episcopal Church near Marietta Square and draws on the positive energy and vibrancy of the surrounding community."


created: 2001-06-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-07 10:23:44.756142+00
name: St Margaret Queen of Scotland
ucname: SAINT MARGARET QUEEN OF SCOTLAND
intensity_bars: 8004/8440/8888/8888
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Dorothy Leurs, Edinburgh, in 1993 for the St. Margaret's Chapel Guild at Edinburgh Castle
  to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the death of St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland 1058 - 1093.
  *[Although the instructions give those dates, other sources suggest she was born around 1045].*

  The figures of the dance represent the King (Malcolm Canmore) presenting his Queen to the people,
  crossing the River Forth at Queensferry (named after Margaret), taking the relics to St. Andrews and the cross of St. Andrew.

  Note: The title uses "St" and not "Saint".


created: 2026-02-01 08:26:52.129219+00
last_modified: 2026-02-17 17:42:01.009737+00
name: Seventy Years
ucname: SEVENTY YEARS
intensity_bars: 8888880/8686866/8686866/8282822
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  The dance was devised to celebrate Stephen Webb's 70th birthday. Stephen is an enthusiastic ambassador for Scottish Dancing in his home club at Berkhamsted, and in many other places. He was among four intrepid friends who introduced my wife Bar and myself to SCD 35 years ago.


created: 1997-08-31 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-07 14:21:10.597838+00
name: City of Roses Strathspey
ucname: CITY OF ROSES STRATHSPEY
notes:
  > Portland is known as the City of Roses and boasts one of the largest Rose Test Gardens in the world at Hashlngton Park and five city rose gardens.
  > Portland hosts a two week long Rose Festival, including the second largest floral parade in the world.
  > The dance deplcts the varlous stages of growth, eventually blooming into a fully opened flower.


created: 2026-02-08 13:28:17.665816+00
last_modified: 2026-02-08 13:28:17.665816+00
name: Better by Half
ucname: BETTER BY HALF
devised: 2026-02-08
notes:
  Devised to validate the hypothesis that when teaching strathspey poussette, it is better to teach the strathspey half poussette first.


created: 1998-04-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-09 12:12:14.615339+00
name: Frances Mary's Strathspey
ucname: FRANCES MARYS STRATHSPEY
devised: 1994-11-01
notes:
  Inscribed "In memory of Frances Mary Gordon."

  The notes also say:
  "Until her untimely death in July 1994, Frances Gordon was the Honorary Archivist for the RSCDS.
  She was also, at various times, Chairman, Branch Representative, and a teacher for the Aberdeen Branch.
  She is sorely missed by her many friends."


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-09 12:23:16.062974+00
name: In Paradise
ucname: IN PARADISE
devised: 1995-07-01
notes:
  Inscribed "to Australia".

  The notes from the book explain the title:
  "When I was in Melbourne, Don and Mamie Chitts took me to see the Cardinia Reservoir
  and then to have lunch in the  Dandenongs at a place called Paradise."


created: 1998-10-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-09 13:41:30.908763+00
name: Riverwood (Ups and) Downs
ucname: RIVERWOOD UPS AND DOWNS
devised: 1990-11-01
notes:
  Dedicated "to all those people who enjoy their annual week-end
  at Rlverwood Downs on the Karuah River. Devised In November 1990."


created: 1997-08-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-09 16:11:39.222407+00
name: Wedding In Balquhidder, A
ucname: WEDDING IN BALQUHIDDER
devised: 1991-11-01
notes:
  See <<ddd:Balquidder Strathspey#377>> for information about Balquhidder.

  Inscribed "for the Wedding of Marjorie Easton to Richard McLaughlin in San Diego, California, in January 1992".

  The notes explain that:

  > The "Balquidder Strathspey" is one of Marjorie's favourite'dances and I was asked to use the same tune and to include a "quotation" from that dance in this one.
  > I have used the spelling "Balquhidder" which is that used by the Ordnance Survey - "quh" should be pronounced as "wh" and not "qu".


created: 1997-08-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-09 16:17:10.744049+00
name: Whiteshell Park
ucname: WHITESHELL PARK
devised: 1992-02-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for the Dance Weekend in Winnipeg 14-15th March 1992".

  > Whiteshell Park lies to the east of Winnipeg on the border between Manitoba and Ontario.


created: 1998-01-04 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-10 09:58:23.641308+00
name: Unco Guid, The
ucname: UNCO GUID
notes:
  > There are some in all religious bodies who are exceedingly narrow in their outlook and behaviour, and yet like to pry into other people's affairs.
  > They belong to an association call "THE UNCO GUID."
  > To quote the words of Rabbie Bums:
  >
  > "O ye wha are sae guid yoursel,  
  > Sae pious and sae holy,  
  > Ye've nought to do but mark and tell  
  > Your neebour's fau'ts and folly!"


created: 1997-09-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-10 11:49:04.718432+00
name: Johan's and Robert's Visit to Hunter Valley
ucname: JOHANS AND ROBERTS VISIT TO HUNTER VALLEY
devised: 1991-07-01
notes:
  > Devised in July 1991 at the time of Johan Maclean's and Robert Mackay's visit to Newcastle
  > where they conducted a number of special classes for the Hunter Valley Branch.
  > This dance is dedicated to them in appreciation.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-10 15:35:39.548206+00
name: Mrs Tayler Of Hunter Valley
ucname: MRS TAYLER OF HUNTER VALLEY
devised: 1990-11-01
notes:
  "Dedicated to Mrs Nancy Tayler, Hon. Secretary of Hunter Valley Branch from 1984 to 1990.
  Devised in November 1990."


created: 2012-07-06 08:22:27.447576+00
last_modified: 2026-02-11 23:39:51.018528+00
name: Ken McFarland's Jig
ucname: KEN MACFARLANDS JIG
intensity_bars: 8000/0008/8088/8888
notes:
  Ken McFarland arranges and leads excursions for dancers in many places throughout the world. He brings
  along top flight musicians and other guests such as John Drewry. I got to know John trudging through the ruins of Greek architecture in Turkey, exploring the beaches and caldera on Hawaii, and other places such as dining in a Swiss type chalet on a mountain lake in Ecuador or climbing a peak in the Andes to do a Scottish dance at the top. This dance is inscribed to Ken who as teacher and traveler is well known throughout the Scottish Dance community.


created: 2015-02-05 13:33:27.392407+00
last_modified: 2026-02-11 23:46:08.012875+00
name: I R I S - "The Four-Letter-Dance"
ucname: I R I S THE FOURLETTERDANCE
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Rita Reil in 2012 to celebrate a special birthday of Iris Müller from the Pfaffenhofen dance group, who often takes part in Munich dance events. Daniela Kneidl, another member of the Pfaffenhofen group, came up with the name.


created: 2015-07-26 10:17:26.294238+00
last_modified: 2026-02-11 23:48:26.935985+00
name: Inspiration
ucname: INSPIRATION
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  Devised for Peter Meier and Sylvia Nyffeler  

  I had given up dancing and teaching completely because of a foot problem. When Peter joined the Zurich Scottish Country Dance Club as a beginner, he wanted help with his technique, so Sylvia got a little group together in her home and asked me to teach them. I am grateful, this has certainly prevented me from retiring and also keeps my brain active.


created: 2026-02-12 18:35:38.16556+00
last_modified: 2026-02-12 18:41:38.099827+00
name: Reel of Nine
ucname: REEL OF NINE
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/U1jr4VjSU4A|youtube video>>.

  The video comments quote the original description as coming from David Anderson's The New, Enlarged, and Complete Ball-Room Guide (Dundee, Scotland). Reconstruction: Susan de Guardiola.


created: 2025-11-03 10:30:35.607552+00
last_modified: 2026-02-16 11:02:04.915825+00
name: Springle-Ring, The
ucname: SPRINGLERING
intensity_bars: 8800/8888/8000/8888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  The title comes from a dance mentioned in The Lord of the Rings and the dance notes report a conversation (not in the original book!) the deviser imagines he may have overheard:

  >  I became aware of a difference of opinion as to how this should be executed at Frodo’s birthday party on 22nd September 1401 (SR), when I overheard a rather heated discussion going on between Bilbo and Master Everard Took & Miss Meliot Brandybuck after their performance of the dance at Bilbo’s 111th birthday party.
  > Bilbo was saying that it was his birthday party and that he should have been consulted when Master Everard and Miss Meliot wanted to perform a variation of a traditional Hobbit dance at his party i.e. their circle went all the way round to the left for eight bars and became rather riotous, instead of the more traditional sedate round and back.
  > Master Everard and Miss Meliot said that it was more “fun” the way they did it. “Fun!’ snorted Bilbo. “Round and back is traditional!”
  >
  > That is why the version above is a compromise between Bilbo’s sedate traditional version, and Master Everard and Miss Meliot’s more riotous “Fun” version.
  >
  > You have the choice of doing:
  >
  >    The “Fun” version of Master Everard and Miss Meliot  
  >    The traditional version that Bilbo preferred  
  >    The compromise above


created: 2026-02-20 21:29:55.203666+00
last_modified: 2026-02-20 21:32:53.392045+00
name: Time's Up Lady Lucy
ucname: TIMES UP LADY LUCY
devised: 2019-05-01
notes:
  The notes say that
  "This dance is an adaptation of <<ddd:Lady Lucy Ramsay#3616>> from RSCDS Miss Milligan's Miscellany Volume 2. 
  It was devised for the <<https://bstk.hu/ball2019/|Budapest Scottish Dance Weekend>> in May 2019."


created: 2016-05-27 21:37:11.224371+00
last_modified: 2026-02-18 15:35:26.178899+00
name: Let's Ask Avril !
ucname: LETS ASK AVRIL
intensity_bars: 880/822/488/888
devised: 2015-05-01
notes:
  *From the <<ddpub:Dances for Avril and David Quarrie#1302|book>>:*

  > On the occasion of Avril and David's departure from Geneva, in 2015.  
  > We love you and wish you all the best in Germany!

  Note: The dance contains so-called "push me pull you reels", devised by <<ddp:Glasspool, Terry#2677>> where the dancing couple dances Figures of Eight around their corners, while the corners dance Back to Back twice. 
  Jessica included the figure in this dance because she knows <<ddp:Quarrie, Avril>> likes it, having taught it to Jessica at the 2014 Spring Fling in Lyon.

  Additional note: there were some typos in the original printed version of bars 17-24 (swapping 2s and 3s). The diagram and crib show the half reels and turns with the correct couples.


created: 2025-03-24 10:09:54.555495+00
last_modified: 2026-02-20 18:07:59.857148+00
name: Dundee Centenary Strathspey
ucname: DUNDEE CENTENARY STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 844/800/888/888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  Dundee Branch celebrates it’s Centenary Year in 2025, being founded on the 9th February 1925, being the third oldest branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.  As part of this celebration the branch held a competition to devise a suitable dance, and the members voted this as the winner.  

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

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


created: 2026-02-23 10:22:32.704373+00
last_modified: 2026-02-23 10:23:38.311792+00
name: Fundamental Owl, The
ucname: FUNDAMENTAL OWL
devised: 2026-01-01
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/juMLKh1LyZw|youtube video>>.

  2nd couple are the dancing couple. Couples dance in the order 2,3,3,4,4,1,1,2.


created: 2003-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-02-28 10:13:37.401766+00
name: January Jig
ucname: JANUARY JIG
intensity_bars: 860/806/888/844
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  "This dance was devised in January 2001 to celebrate the new year and the genuine start of the new Millennium"


created: 2026-02-25 22:35:02.297404+00
last_modified: 2026-02-27 17:27:54.700176+00
name: Séné Penguins, The
ucname: SENE PENGUINS
devised: 2026-01-01
notes:
  Devised in 2026 by Laure Gardelle for the SCD group Alba Bihan of Séné (Brittany, France) in memory of the DAA Intermediate (Dancing Achievement Award) taken and passed by 7 of them – in memory of the work we did together on arms in hands round and back, on posture and looks in lead down/lead up, in memory of allemandes that became promenades, and of the ‘snails’ in ‘Bea’s Delight’.


created: 2011-08-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-03-02 10:30:28.124445+00
name: Age of Aquarius
ucname: AGE OF AQUARIUS
intensity_bars: 888/844/888/800
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  "A birthday present for my wife, <<ddp:Cobb, Patti#11321>>. Thanks to <<ddp:Glasspool, Terry#2677>> for the setting formation in bars 9-16, which is modified from his dance <<ddd:Gypsy Dreams>>.

  I wrote this for Patti in 2003 when we both revelled in strong, demanding strathspeys.  Now, I suspect we would dance the final track with simply passing right shoulders. I encourage others to dance it as their bodies suggest."


created: 1998-07-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-03-02 00:42:30.567341+00
name: Maid of the Mist, The
ucname: MAID OF THE MIST
intensity_bars: 8884/84884/88888/80888
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for the weekend at Niagara in October, 1977.


created: 2026-02-26 21:25:54.33829+00
last_modified: 2026-07-01 20:29:58.741626+00
name: Roxie's Moxie
ucname: ROXIES MOXIE
devised: 2026-01-01
notes:
  "Named for my 2 year old granddaughter, Roxie who IS full of moxie!"

  This dance was originally named "Roxy's Moxie" but has been corrected to "Roxie".


created: 2026-03-02 16:38:50.212047+00
last_modified: 2026-03-02 16:38:50.212047+00
name: Mid-term Joy
ucname: MIDTERM JOY
devised: 2026-01-01
notes:
  "I devised this dance for the fun of a class midway as a review through their Scottish Country Dance - Basics class."


created: 2026-03-04 08:29:11.016085+00
last_modified: 2026-03-04 09:17:54.758237+00
name: Deal amang the Tylers, The
ucname: DEAL AMANG THE TYLERS
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/888/888
devised: 2026-02-01
notes:
  > This dance was written for <<ddp:Campbell Tyler#3772>> on the occasion of his 80th birthday in February 2026.
  > There are echoes in the dance name and some of the formations to the dance ‘De’il amang the tailors’
  > which has been one of Campbell’s favourite dances to end an evening programme of lively dancing.
  >
  > The reel in bars 9-16 dances /depicts the pattern of eighty - the numerals the 8 – the reel of four in the
  > middle and the zero with those exiting the reel and dancing around the outside.
  >
  > When teaching Campbell spends a good deal of time explaining and introducing 2 and 3 couple
  > progressions. Although this dance is written as a 3-couple dance it is also designed to be adjustable to a 3-
  > couple dance in a 4-couple set. To accommodate this the Poussette in bars 29-32 is simply adjusted from a
  > 3-couple poussette to a 2-couple Poussette (or even an Allepousse where 1st couple dances a 2C Allemande
  > while 2nd couple dances as 2C Poussette.)
  >
  > Don’t forget the circle to finish bars 33-40, a nod to the final flourish in “<<ddd:Jaywalking#17769>>”.


created: 2026-03-05 19:47:08.819765+00
last_modified: 2026-03-05 20:21:30.980264+00
name: Seppuku Sweet Apology
ucname: SEPPUKU SWEET APOLOGY
devised: 2026-03-03
notes:
  This dance is dedicated to Aya Ito. During her stay at my home in 2025, we managed to watch „Shogun“ and to discuss Japanese bussiness apology rules in great detail. This dance is about Seppuku (better known as „Harakiri“ outside of Japan) and the Seppuku Sweet, with first couple representing the knife; the first eight bars symbolise how the slit is set; the second eight bars - well, those are about how the knife affects the intestines; the Grand Chain applies the jam to the sweet and the last eight bars wrap it all up and put the sweets in the box.


created: 2025-05-28 14:26:48.17608+00
last_modified: 2026-03-08 13:38:56.716176+00
name: Shine Bright, Little Diamond
ucname: SHINE BRIGHT LITTLE DIAMOND
intensity_bars: 86/88/88/88
devised: 2025-05-13
notes:
  The author notes: "This dance is dedicated to Christin Pfisterer. She was a member of the Heidelberg Scottish Dance Group (“SchloBDancers“) from the early 1990s on. Her character was shining bright, loving, caring, and we lost a good friend to cancer on May 1, 2025. Her light will always accompany us, like a diamond in the sky."


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:29.6051+00
name: Prince Charles of Edinburgh
ucname: PRINCE CHARLES OF EDINBURGH
devised: 1949-01-01
notes:
  The following corrections were included on a loose sheet "Notes on Dances by Bob Grant June 1996", when Book 39 was first sold in the Summer School bookshop:

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

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

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

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


created: 2026-02-26 21:20:04.484667+00
last_modified: 2026-03-11 23:02:51.512302+00
name: Northern Rockhopper, The
ucname: NORTHERN ROCKHOPPER
intensity_bars: 84004/88888/88848/84488
devised: 2026-01-01
notes:
  A somewhat fugal dance as a huge thank-you to <<ddp:Lingnau, Anselm#228>> on his 60th birthday.
  Anselm is the software guru behind the strathspey database (<<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/>>) which,
  out of the goodness of his heart, he provides for free as a wonderful service to the Scottish Country Dance community.

  The last eight bars loosely symbolise the anniversary: the digit six is suggested by the right hands across
  figures extending along the sidelines and curving into the final circle which represents zero.

  Anselm uses a <<https://0.gravatar.com/avatar/9b608e8eb88b1203ea6073af2e7c158f265623dc78c4c377689f5222a89da42a?size=512|photo of a Northern Rockhopper penguin>>
  as his personal profile image or avatar.

  A recording, by <<ddp:Smith, Keith#3436>> and <<ddp:Latour, Anne-Laure#11775>>, of the music for this dance can be downloaded (for a small fee)
  from <<https://keithbuchanansmith.bandcamp.com/track/beware-the-reels-of-march-5x32-bar-reel>>.


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:29.541787+00
name: Cape Town Wedding
ucname: CAPE TOWN WEDDING
intensity_bars: 802 880 888 880
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Tom Kerr choreographed this dance for his own and Christine Dawson's wedding celebration.

  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  Reel across is between 1st and 2nd positions
  - 21-24  Use first setting step to advance into the circle.  Pull right shoulders back quickly and tightly


  _Notes from the book 'Book of Tom's Dances':_  
  *"The dance was devised in 1995 to celebrate my wedding to Christine Dawson in Cape Town. lt is symbolic in that the dancers crossd own without giving hands as they do not know each other.  
  Turning the 3rd couple represents meeting other people; then they meet as they turn in the middle only to take right hands as they do not know each other well at that stage. As they lead up they get to know each other better represented by taking promenade hold for the reel across. After the petronella turn all join hands to form a circle representing the ring. The dance finishes with the Knot which represents the Wedding."*

  _Some additional information_ from the "<<http://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/16244/|Fare Thee Well>>" instructions in the 'Book of Tom's Dances':  
  Unfortunately the marriage did not last, hence Tom Kerr devided the dance "<<http://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/16244/|Fare Thee Well>>" as a sequel to "Cape Town Wedding". It contains the formation "Untie the Knot" to symbolize the divorce.


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:29.564073+00
name: Immigrant Lass, The
ucname: IMMIGRANT LASS
intensity_bars: 8844 8484 8080 8008
notes:
  The following corrections were included on a loose sheet "Notes on Dances by Bob Grant June 1996", when Book 39 was first sold in the Summer School bookshop:

  5-8  Right hands across need to be 'driven' round

  9-16  1/2 rights and lefts have polite turns at end

  31-32  1st couple don't 'cast' up into 4th place although it feels more natural and I'm sure it will be done !


created: 2002-01-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:29.576832+00
name: Moulin Rouge, Le
ucname: MOULIN ROUGE
notes:
  The following corrections were included on a loose sheet "Notes on Dances by Bob Grant June 1996", when Book 39 was first sold in the Summer School bookshop:

  1-8  Men must come out of the 4 hands round quickly to get round partners in time

  17-24  At the end the men are back to back in the middle

  53-56  Women keep turning so that they actually face anticlockwise

  See also the "notes for dances" in the Manual (2005), and the partially disagreeing TACnotes


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:29.58574+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: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:29.671986+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: 1997-12-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:34.640194+00
name: Waratah Weaver, The
ucname: WARATAH WEAVER
intensity_bars: 8000/0008/8888/8000
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  The original publication (in <<ddpub:Look, We're Dancing#345>>) says it can be danced in a 3C, 4C or 5C set.
  Though the version in the <<ddpub:Second Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances, A#1084|2nd Graded book>> only mentions a 4C set.
  The dance intensity is given for the 4C version.

  Another existing variation is 8x32 for 3C in a 4C set with the three couples all dancing reels instead of solo figures of 8.

  The notes say it was devised "for everyone to dance but especially for new dancers" and also that "the waratah (Telopea speciosissima) is the floral symbol of New South Wales and the name of a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales."


created: 2026-03-11 14:30:06.866372+00
last_modified: 2026-03-11 22:37:09.772436+00
name: King and Queen of Diamonds, The
ucname: KING AND QUEEN OF DIAMONDS
devised: 2025-07-01
notes:
  Source: <<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/king-and-queen-of-diamonds.html>>. This dance can be viewed as 4x32 dance with variations in the 4 repeats or as a 128 bar set dance.


created: 2026-03-12 21:54:53.483532+00
last_modified: 2026-03-13 05:43:37.68887+00
name: On the Cusp
ucname: ON THE CUSP
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8282/8888
devised: 2026-03-01
notes:
  Inscribed "<<ddp:Joubert, Wouter#3179|Wouter>> asked me to write a dance to go with his tribute tune for <<ddp:Lingnau, Anselm#228>>’s 60th birthday.
  I do not know Anselm personally but everyone who teaches Scottish Country dancing knows of him. Happy Birthday Anselm".


created: 2025-04-07 08:20:51.28679+00
last_modified: 2026-03-13 11:03:03.08854+00
name: Hearach, The
ucname: HEARACH
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/686/888
devised: 2025-03-03
notes:
  A Hearach is a person from the Isle of Harris – Na Hearadh in Gaelic. So a Hearach is from Na Hearadh. The plural of Hearach is Hearaich. Isle of Harris is a place of stunning natural beauty. It has a rugged coastline, wild landscapes and Hebridean spirit in the form of its own gin!  

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


created: 2026-03-15 10:06:16.974432+00
last_modified: 2026-03-15 10:06:16.974432+00
name: Celtic Anniversary Reel, The
ucname: CELTIC ANNIVERSARY REEL
devised: 2026-01-01
notes:
  > This dance was written for the Celtic Society’s 230th Anniversary celebrations in 2026.
  > It incorporates the figure the ‘Celtic Reel’ from which the dance gets its name (despite not being in quicktime).
  > In order to not make it too long, it is suggested to do this dance in a 3c set (6x S32).


created: 2023-05-28 09:04:07.034909+00
last_modified: 2026-03-15 20:13:09.55804+00
name: D for Damon
ucname: D FOR DAMON
intensity_bars: 880/888/880/808
notes:
  This dance includes an 8 bar figure the deviser calls "D's in Tandem". There is a short video demonstrating just that figure at <<https://youtu.be/tLA9LGLEB0c>>.


created: 2011-08-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-03-17 18:09:30.942342+00
name: Blagdon Hall
ucname: BLAGDON HALL
intensity_bars: 8000/8484/8000/8080/8484/8888
devised: 2000-05-01
notes:
  Dedication from the dance instructions:

  > This dance was devised for Lord and Lady Ridley.
  > The dance was a small thank you for their support of Scottish Country Dancing.
  > The [Newcastle] branch regularly danced at functions organised by Lady and Lord Ridley
  > at Blagdon Hall in aid of various charities, in particular the Red Cross.
  > While the weather could not always be relied on, the welcome to the demonstration team
  > by Lady and Lord Ridley was always very warm and visits to Blagdon Hall were always
  > one of the most enjoyable events of the year.


created: 2005-02-20 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-03-18 09:13:28.646924+00
name: It's All Right
ucname: ITS ALL RIGHT
intensity_bars: 800/822/822/888
devised: 2001-06-01
notes:
  The notes say "This dance was devised in June, 2001, so that Dale could dance with a broken left wrist."


created: 2006-12-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-03-20 09:17:43.162628+00
name: Charade
ucname: CHARADE
intensity_bars: 888/808/440/888
devised: 2005-09-01
notes:
  In the movie Charade you don’t know until the very end what is going on. I patterned this dance to be slightly unorthodox to reflect that.


created: 2017-01-22 21:31:09.718063+00
last_modified: 2026-03-20 10:29:26.625232+00
name: Sprezzatura
ucname: SPREZZATURA
notes:
  "Devised by Betty Lee Barnes for Susan and Lewis Tumlin. Sprezzatura means doing something with
  effortless grace and nonchalance. We wish..."


created: 2017-01-22 21:33:41.531431+00
last_modified: 2026-03-20 10:54:33.087161+00
name: Swans of Atlanta, The
ucname: SWANS OF ATLANTA
devised: 2016-02-01
notes:
  "Dedicated to the Atlanta Branch Weekend organizing committees—past, present and future—
  who, like swans, appear calm and serene on top and paddle like hell underneath to keep it all
  going!"


created: 2026-03-22 09:00:48.043805+00
last_modified: 2026-03-22 09:02:26.723323+00
name: Distillery Tour, The
ucname: DISTILLERY TOUR
intensity_bars: 8000/8080/8448/8888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  > In this dance the Dancing Couple go on a Distillery Tour:
  > through the Mash room (cross & cast), past the fermentation (1/2 fig eight),
  > wend their way round the copper stills (poussette), and separate out the usable alcohol (set & link),
  > by which time they’re in the tasting room so “Slainte/Cheers!” (RH Across) before everyone circles home … and back.
  > This dance is a love letter to Single Malt, inspired by our *several* distillery tours when we travelled in Scotland, winter 2024/25.


created: 2017-01-22 15:40:56.005966+00
last_modified: 2026-03-23 09:33:57.171704+00
name: Georgia On My Mind
ucname: GEORGIA ON MY MIND
devised: 2013-11-07
notes:
  Devised by Susan Tumlin, November 7, 2013.  
  The first eight bars represent the state capitol with its beautiful gold dome.  
  The second eight bars represent the Golden Isle coastline ofGeorgia by using the last eight- bar figure from Sea Tangle ofSkye.  
  The third eight bars represent The University ofGeorgia, the oldest public university in the United States, where the Branch’s Athens Class meets.  
  The last eight bars represent the square in Marietta which is visited weekly after the Tuesday night class meets.


created: 2026-03-11 17:15:12.115097+00
last_modified: 2026-03-23 09:49:22.545663+00
name: Watt Way Next
ucname: WATT WAY NEXT
notes:
  Source: <<https://youtu.be/-v_ITL6lsqM|youtube video>>.

  Although essentially a 2 couple dance, all 4 couples join in the circle at the end.


created: 2026-03-17 10:08:19.890011+00
last_modified: 2026-05-15 22:37:30.720424+00
name: Friends Across the Border
ucname: FRIENDS ACROSS THE BORDER
notes:
  Source: Ottawa 60th anniversary ball dance list <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/list/62030/>> and <<https://youtu.be/9WgQJ5raL6o|youtube video>>. Now published in the Ottawa 60th anniversary book.


created: 2026-03-24 10:13:20.53181+00
last_modified: 2026-03-24 10:13:20.53181+00
name: Knot Garden, The
ucname: KNOT GARDEN
intensity_bars: 000088/888888/888888/888888
devised: 2023-09-01
notes:
  > This name of this dance, suggested by Tim Eyres, not only refers to the knot figure but also to the symmetric geometrical
  > patterns in the remainder of the dance as well as the enclosing square shape of the set. These features are typical of a
  > knot garden, a formal garden of herbs and aromatics plants interwoven to resemble knotted rope, where repetition,
  > control and exacting symmetry are essential.
  > 
  > Notes: While this dance has six couples, there are only three separate roles, namely ‘head’, ‘side’ and ‘middle’ couples,
  > and thus the dance only requires three repetitions to return to original places, having danced each role once.
  >
  >  For an optional additional challenge, the dance may be repeated in reel time a further three times through to create a medley.


created: 2026-03-24 10:18:26.807106+00
last_modified: 2026-03-24 10:18:26.807106+00
name: Merrymakers Reel, The
ucname: MERRYMAKERS REEL
notes:
  > This dance is highly symmetrical and presents rotating double triangles in such a context where the second half of the
  > figure is identical to the first half, only being rotated 90° anticlockwise so that the double triangles position is up and
  > down the set (as is found in crown triangles). No dancers require a change of direction so the dance flows from one
  > figure into the next and into the final circle round and back, making this an ideal dance for the end of the evening.
  > 
  > Note: The figure rotating double triangles is a novel take on double triangles with the pleasing feature that 1st couple
  > reacquaint with the same dancers halfway through, having reappeared as if by magic following their petronella
  > turns which, in this variant, retain their original nature of being a three-quarter turn to the right for each


created: 2026-03-17 10:13:13.799315+00
last_modified: 2026-05-15 21:44:53.701815+00
name: Juniper Island Square
ucname: JUNIPER ISLAND SQUARE
notes:
  Original source: Ottawa 60th anniversary ball dance list <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/list/62030/>> and <<https://youtu.be/gEIh1CeElW4|youtube video>>. Now in Ottawa 60th anniversary book.


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:29.763615+00
name: Connie's Jig
ucname: CONNIES JIG
intensity_bars: 800 880 808 888 888 888
notes:
  "Written in fond memory of Connie Grainger, past president of the Hereford Branch."

  <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/2718/|Additional information>> from the deviser:

  Connie was a traditionalist and disliked the many new dance sequences which complicated her final years' dancing pleasure as she could *[not?]* get her head around many of them. This dance uses no 'new' sequences. Moreover, when she had to stop dancing through ill-health, she still got pleasure from watching, and laughing when mistakes were made; one unusual move in the dance provides many opportunities for such laughter.


created: 2001-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:29.816313+00
name: S-Locomotion
ucname: SLOCOMOTION
intensity_bars: 6666/6666/8488/8888
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  In the  "Scottish Country Dancer" No 21 October 2015 under 'Letters to the editors' , p.28 you find the following interesting letter about the pronunciation of 'S-Locomotion'.

  Dear Editor,

  At the recent AGM we were invited to dance the strathspey from book 41, which was incorrectly announced as "Ess-Locomotion".  The deviser, the late Ken Jones of Sheffield Branch wrote this dance in honour of our Branch President, Paul Bond.  Ken knew that Paul had a passionate interest in steam engines  and assumed, wrongly as it happens, that these were the type which hauled trains, hence "Locomotion".  However, he realized that by preceding this word with the letter "S", he could point out that Paul, always a stirrer, but now getting elderly, caused, wherever he went, a "slow commotion"!

  Joyce and Hugh Porteous, Sheffield Branch


created: 2004-08-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.171969+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: 2003-10-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.181867+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: 2003-10-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.208793+00
name: Double Eighty
ucname: DOUBLE EIGHTY
intensity_bars: 8888 6666 8008 8888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this dance is "to celebrate the eightieth birthdays, in 2003, of John Drewry and Jackie Johnstone in recognition of their contribution to Scottish Country Dancing."


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.217104+00
name: Alan J Smith
ucname: ALAN J SMITH
intensity_bars: 804/888/822/888
notes:
  Note: the NHJ on bar 8 was added later by Andrew, see <<sspey:53343|Strathspey message 53343>> of 2008-08-08, see also <<sspey:53353|53353>>.


created: 2026-03-17 10:16:44.60497+00
last_modified: 2026-03-25 00:24:23.190551+00
name: Killiecrankie Leap, The
ucname: KILLIECRANKIE LEAP
intensity_bars: 844/888/844/844
devised: 2013-11-01
notes:
  > During one of the Jacobite uprisings a single combatant from one company of soldiers, who were
  > overwhelmed by larger opposing forces, managed to escape fatal pursuit with an astonishing 5 metre
  > leap across a gorge above the river Garry at Killiecrankie, just north of Pitlochry. The pursuers turned
  > away from making the same mad jump and failed to find a safer crossing upstream or downstream.
  >
  > The figures in the dance loosely try to represent aspects of this encounter with an initial chase, short
  > engagement (teapots), running away (snake pass), various leaps with the opponents turning away
  > (hello-goodbye), running up and down the banks of the river with the escapee safely on the other side
  > (half reels) and finally getting home free to repeat the whole unpleasant adventure from 2nd place.
  >
  > The four left footed leaps in eight bars of hello-goodbye setting by the average dancer probably add up
  > to less distance than that of the single leap of the escaping soldier!


created: 2018-09-09 21:41:00.930615+00
last_modified: 2026-03-25 10:46:16.316063+00
name: Wookiee Walk, The
ucname: WOOKIEE WALK
intensity_bars: 888/644/888/888
devised: 2014-04-01
notes:
  This dance is one of two written especially for a Star Wars themed dance night.

  Although the Star Wars character was a "Wookiee" with double E, the deviser originally used "Wookie" with one E in her title which is therefore the spelling used in the database.

  Subsequently the deviser's web page was updated so now the official name and alias are swapped.


created: 1997-06-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-03-28 17:49:33.924091+00
name: Border Wizard, The
ucname: BORDER WIZARD
intensity_bars: 8888888/8080800/8686866/8686866
notes:
  > Michael Scott, "The Border Wzard", (c1175 - c1234) had an international reputation as a scholar and magician.
  > According to legend, he set a demon to work, commanding hin to split the Eildon Hill in three,
  > to dam the River Tweed, and to spin ropes from sand.


created: 2018-09-12 19:59:27.163397+00
last_modified: 2026-03-25 13:06:45.763078+00
name: Quilter's Quest, The
ucname: QUILTERS QUEST
intensity_bars: 888/888/088/844
devised: 2014-03-01
notes:
  This dance is for Susan Jensen to celebrate a very special birthday this March. Susan is a very creative quilter; she designs her own quilt patterns and makes up the quilts. She likes the set and link figure, but it confounds her at times.


created: 2022-05-16 15:41:50.640822+00
last_modified: 2026-03-25 17:39:47.362222+00
name: Silver Arrow, The
ucname: SILVER ARROW
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  "Commemorating James Graham, Marquess of Montrose (1612–1650), who won the Silver Arrow archery medal while a student at St Andrews University."


created: 2002-03-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-03-27 18:29:38.239899+00
name: Bothwell Brig
ucname: BOTHWELL BRIG
intensity_bars: 862 844 844 844 888
notes:
  According to the TAC "Index of John Drewry's Dance"s:

  Rinty's Rant was reworked and renamed to Bothwell Brig. Thus, Bothwell Brig replaced Rinty's Rant.

  The dance was devised in the 1970ies, but the actual year is unknown.

  The instructions say it is "for Nancy Rintoul of Bellshill". Also that Bothwell Bridge, on the Clyde, is famous as the scene of an encounter between Monmouth and the Covenanters in 1679.


created: 2025-11-16 16:39:04.006676+00
last_modified: 2026-03-27 19:19:31.774112+00
name: Helen's Awa' Tae Scotland
ucname: HELENS AWA TAE SCOTLAND
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  "Devised by Roberta Williams in 2007 in honor of branch member Helen Bruce, who was moving back to Scotland for her retirement."


created: 2026-03-27 13:06:58.154583+00
last_modified: 2026-03-28 09:04:20.68466+00
name: Corners Excursion
ucname: CORNERS EXCURSION
intensity_bars: 800/880/844/888
devised: 2026-01-01
notes:
  > Devised to teach newer dancers to identify and dance with their corners.
  > Music: Suggest a fun reel, such as Cruit Mo Cridh, Les Jouers de Bon Accord (Music for Scottish Country
  > Dancing), or Black Leather Jig 8x32R, Thistle House (Thistle House).


created: 2025-10-16 05:52:10.213636+00
last_modified: 2026-03-29 11:59:01.628789+00
name: Doyenne of the Day School, The
ucname: DOYENNE OF THE DAY SCHOOL
intensity_bars: 800/664/888/822
devised: 2025-10-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Margaret Catchick who organised the London Branch Day School for many years. She has also been involved in several other local groups such as Wembley, Berkhamsted and Lucy Clark."


created: 2025-02-01 15:35:26.052256+00
last_modified: 2026-03-30 21:45:05.30504+00
name: Trip to Murrayfield, A
ucname: TRIP TO MURRAYFIELD
intensity_bars: 880/888/800/888
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  After teaching Prestonfield Silver, which was written for Caroline, and was inspired by the thought of a three-couple set and rotate, I wondered what a true 3-couple set and rotate would be like, and this seemed the obvious conclusion. Prestonfield Silver and this dance were taught on consecutive weeks at the RSCDS Edinburgh Branch Advanced class in Murrayfield Parish Church Hall.
  For Caroline Brockbank, who likes a good set and rotate.


created: 2018-08-29 20:30:47.769956+00
last_modified: 2026-03-31 22:30:26.231738+00
name: Wyches of Cheshire, The
ucname: WYCHES OF CHESHIRE
intensity_bars: 777/888/666/888
notes:
  This dance has been devised by Liz Bruynooghe for three Societies in Cheshire - Northwich Scots' Society, Nantwich and District Scottish Society and RSCDS Cheshire Branch - who have come together to organise a Ball.  Our first combined Ball will be held on Sat 30 March 2019 and this dance will feature on it.  

  The 'Wyches' refer to three Cheshire Market Towns - Northwich, Nantwich and Middlewich.  These towns are also famous for salt - there are salt mines in Cheshire!  (Sadly it is not refined salt, such as Aigues Mortes.  Cheshire salt is used for spreading on the roads in winter.)


created: 2016-09-03 20:11:08.809991+00
last_modified: 2026-07-03 08:25:44.11483+00
name: Jolly Stewart's No-Setting Jig
ucname: JOLLY STEWARTS NOSETTING JIG
notes:
  Bill Stewart is a long-time dancer and a piper for the Jacksonville Pipes and Drums who sometimes teaches dance class. He loves to move and dislikes setting steps.


created: 2014-03-27 23:32:42.756932+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.647667+00
name: Newburgh Jig
ucname: NEWBURGH JIG
intensity_bars: 888/800/822/844
notes:
  For Netta Berry, who teaches the Newburgh Church Scottish Country Dance Class, on her 70th birthday.


created: 2013-07-31 15:07:28.111851+00
last_modified: 2026-03-31 22:32:06.972836+00
name: Mr David W Mitchell
ucname: MR DAVID W MITCHELL
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/862
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised by David Horsman in January 2012 to celebrate the life of Dave Mitchell, past treasurer at RSCDS Cheshire Branch and President and webmaster of Northwich and District Scots’ Society,  who died suddenly on 20th December 2011.  The back-to-back formation is denoted by the letter D in Pilling notation, hence “D” for “David” to start the dance.

  NB the first version of this dance had 2nd couple enter the reels in bars 5-12 right shoulder to 1st corners. The deviser later changed this to left shoulders as published in the Cheshire 40th anniversary book.


created: 2026-03-17 10:18:58.030903+00
last_modified: 2026-04-06 19:55:35.872641+00
name: Migratory Duet, The
ucname: MIGRATORY DUET
intensity_bars: 880/888/844/888
devised: 2025-12-01
notes:
  This is for Mike and Judith Hanson who, in their retirement, now split their time between Britain (also poetically known as Albion) and New Zealand (whose Maori name is Aotearoa) to enjoy the warmer parts of the year in each country. See <<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aotearoa>> for the pronunciation.

  Judith is fond of more elegant strathspeys so I hoped the three couple "Rainbow Poussette" would appeal as much to her as it does to me.
  This lovely figure was adapted from <<ddd:Skyte Neuk#6144>> by the <<ddp:Tanzbaeren#12509>>
  for their <<https://youtu.be/3thnj3OSfYo|2025 Virtual Festival entry>> entitled "Return of the Rainbow".
  However this can be challenging so the basic version is for just two couples to dance the standard all round poussette.


created: 2002-10-15 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.262976+00
name: Napier's Index
ucname: NAPIERS INDEX
intensity_bars: 800 844 888 844 888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  ##>>
  This dance is dedicated to Keith Napier of Australia who, for many years, has maintained a computerised index of Scottish Country Dances. This index was one of the original building blocks of Alan Paterson’s Dance Data which is now incorporated in the Strathspey website.
  ##<<


created: 2006-12-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.328506+00
name: Barbara's Strathspey
ucname: BARBARAS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800 844 888 888
devised: 2006-04-01
notes:
  Deviser states in the original publication: *This dance was written for Barbara Cool, the leader of our Branch demo team. Suggested music is Lady Lucy Ramsay from Gang on the Same Gate by Green Ginger.* 
  When this dance was later published in Book 46, it got its own tune.


created: 2005-05-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.360191+00
name: Best Set in the Hall
ucname: BEST SET IN THE HALL
intensity_bars: 800 844 844 888
devised: 2003-01-01
notes:
  To: Auckland Region President, Campbell MacKay, Nov. 2003.

  The characteristic formation of this dance, called "Set to corner and cast away" in SCDDB terminology though often referred to as "Best Set in the Hall formation" or as "Peter White formation", was first introduced by Alec Hay in 1976 in his dance <<ddd:Peter White>> in Strathspey time.
  The formation next occurred in Ron Wallace's dance <<ddd:Aberdeen Hunt>>, another Strathspey.

  Seemingly, the formation experienced a lift-off after it was included in this dance, <<ddd:Best Set in the Hall>>, in Jig time in 2003 by Helen Greenwood and published in RSCDS Book 46.

  Now there are many dances of all types (Strathspeys, Jigs, Reels and even a Medley) featuring this formation.


created: 2003-05-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.474997+00
name: Linnea's Strathspey
ucname: LINNEAS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800 822 888 888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  Devised for Linnea Johnson on the occasion of her birthday. A dear friend, beautiful dancer and delightful partner, she has also been the manager of the San Fransisco class for many years.  This dance pays homage to two of her favourite dances: Sugar Candie and General Stuart’s Reel. A huge thank you to Tom Winter for his suggestion to have 1st couple active during the chain progression. What a nice change. (Source: The notes in the original publication 'Dunsmuir Dances')

  The chain progression for 3 couples was named 'Promenade Chain Progression' (and 'Chaperoned Chain Progression') in the description.


created: 2003-09-22 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.490203+00
name: Flight to Melbourne
ucname: FLIGHT TO MELBOURNE
intensity_bars: 8080 8888 8888 8888
notes:
  There is nothing particularly noteworthy about the name of the dance.  The Leicester-Branch deviser Shirley Campbell spent many years in Australia and simply wrote the dance on the long flight back to Melbourne for a return visit.


created: 2013-07-03 22:18:25.94564+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.52769+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: 2001-11-20 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.539083+00
name: One o'Clock Canon, The
ucname: ONE OCLOCK CANON
intensity_bars: 8000 8440 8888 8240 = 70 // 8088 4488 8888 8826 = 104 // 8808 8800 8888 8404 = 88
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Requires music which plays 5×32.

  Ian Brockbank <<sspey:64356|points out>> with reference to the description published in RSCDS Book 47:

  > I've had several queries asking me if the last 2 bars of The One O'Clock
  > Canon have changed.  For bars 63-64, Book 47 says 
  >
  > "1st couple cast off one place while the couple in fourth place dance up to
  > third place."
  >
  > This is a misprint.  Only on bars 159-160 do they dance up to third place.
  > On all other times through (63-64, 95-96 and 127-128) they dance up to
  > second place, allowing the previous first couple (half way through their
  > dance) to cast into third place.


created: 2011-12-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.634066+00
name: Mentor, The
ucname: MENTOR
intensity_bars: 4444 8888 6666 8888 4444 8888 6666 8888 8888 8080 0808 8888
devised: 2007-10-01
notes:
  Devised by Brian Charlton (briangcharlton [at] gmail.com), October, 2007. This dance was written to honour Margaret Sim on the occasion of her being presented with a well-deserved RSCDS Branch Award at the Branch Closing Social on 8th December 2007. Margaret has been a mentor for dancers, teachers, clubs and the Branch over many years.

  The formations (many!) still need to be added.

  Music: suitable recorded music is "Singing Sands" on Reflections of Dalriada.


created: 2025-10-16 06:06:06.62922+00
last_modified: 2026-04-01 14:18:14.579616+00
name: Auckland - City of Sails
ucname: AUCKLAND CITY OF SAILS
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  This dance was first published in <<ddpub:Dance Devisers Days 2010#1889>> but subsequently bars 9-16 were changed and it was republished in <<ddpub:Dance Devisers Days 2017#1906>>.


created: 2026-04-03 07:12:46.107701+00
last_modified: 2026-04-03 14:03:00.093724+00
name: Burnt Island Cloud Factory
ucname: BURNT ISLAND CLOUD FACTORY
devised: 2025-07-01
notes:
  > If you ever wondered where all the clouds in the sky come from Barb Anglin assures us all that there is
  > a cloud factory on Burnt Island just south of Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron.


created: 2018-10-06 10:20:32.282359+00
last_modified: 2026-04-04 13:29:59.000118+00
name: Midwestern Links
ucname: MIDWESTERN LINKS
intensity_bars: 840/888/888/844
devised: 2006-06-01
notes:
  Three Midwestern branches work together to put on the Midwest Scottish Weekend (Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee).


created: 2026-03-08 20:37:24.150423+00
last_modified: 2026-04-05 06:26:26.011691+00
name: Tricenarians
ucname: TRICENARIANS
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8448/8888
devised: 2026-03-01
notes:
  Devised by Alison Austin for Bethany Warburton and Kai Hugtenburg's joint 30th
  birthday party in March 2026. A tricenarian is a person between 30 and 39 years
  of age.


created: 2002-11-21 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:29.049853+00
name: John of Bon Accord
ucname: JOHN OF BON ACCORD
intensity_bars: 840/804/800/888
notes:
  Dedicated to <<ddp:Drewry, John>>.

  **Five-couple version** (after <<ddp:Cowan, Heather>>):  
  Dance bars 1–16 as usual with 1st and 3rd couples starting (4th man and woman dance in two half reels each). On bars 17–20, 1st and 3rd couples (in third and fifth places, respectively) turn RH in four bars, and on 21–24, 3rd  couple dance a half figure of eight while 4th and 1st couples dance half a double figure of eight. Bars 25–32 are as in the original (with everyone dancing). Works for seven couples, too.


created: 2026-04-02 09:55:12.492383+00
last_modified: 2026-04-02 09:55:12.492383+00
name: Pourquoi? Pourquoi Pas?
ucname: POURQUOI POURQUOI PAS
devised: 2017-07-01
notes:
  NB the instructions for bars 9-16 say "tandem reel of four" but it appears to be a tandem reel of three.


created: 2026-04-09 21:32:56.846061+00
last_modified: 2026-04-09 21:32:56.846061+00
name: Stella Est Stella
ucname: STELLA EST STELLA
devised: 2018-04-01
notes:
  NB The printed instructions have "32 bar reel or strathspey" but give 40 bars of choreography and suggest 4x40 music.


created: 2006-12-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.696597+00
name: Rye Twist
ucname: RYE TWIST
intensity_bars: 68400/80484/80008/88888
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  The figure in bars 1-20 is taken from the dance Coming Through the Rye. I liked the figure and wanted to use it in my own dance.


created: 2013-02-04 00:58:42.573561+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.72983+00
name: Sunshine and Sweetie's Jig
ucname: SUNSHINE AND SWEETIES JIG
intensity_bars: 880 844 844 844
devised: 2012-02-01
notes:
  To celebrate the arrival, in December 2011,  of two Chinese pandas on long term loan to Edinburgh Zoo.

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


created: 2014-03-27 23:48:32.501044+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.800817+00
name: Festival Man, The
ucname: FESTIVAL MAN
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
notes:
  Inscribed "For John Cass who founded the Newcastle Festival of Scottish Country Dancing and has convened it for 30 years".


created: 2009-12-15 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.820859+00
name: Fireworks Reel, The
ucname: FIREWORKS REEL
intensity_bars: 800/822/822/888
devised: 2009-08-24
notes:
  This dance was originally written with the Reel of Seven recording in mind, so use that if you have it. The RSCDS recording is pretty dull by comparison. – Anselm


created: 2005-04-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.851346+00
name: Lady in Red
ucname: LADY IN RED
intensity_bars: 88888 08080 88888 84884
notes:
  Dedicated to Leslie Dawes of Gleneagles Scottish Country Dance Club, West Vancouver and
  Vancouver Branch.

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

  Malcolm Brown writes on the Strathspey List:

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

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

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


created: 2015-07-31 14:00:15.410892+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.911393+00
name: Orpington Caledonians
ucname: ORPINGTON CALEDONIANS
intensity_bars: 802/808/840/888
devised: 1987-01-01
notes:
  The dance was written in 1987 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Orpington and District Caledonian Society.


created: 2015-07-31 14:06:07.921762+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.940101+00
name: First Rain of Spring, The
ucname: FIRST RAIN OF SPRING
intensity_bars: 820/880/808/828
notes:
  Those who live in the drier parts of the world, especially in areas of predominantly summer rainfall, will appreciate the joy of those first spring showers after three or four months of "drought".


created: 2015-07-31 14:08:56.336503+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:30.967823+00
name: Ruby Rant, The
ucname: RUBY RANT
intensity_bars: 880/866/866/844
devised: 2015-01-01
notes:
  To mark the 40th Australian Winter School in 2015, hosted by Queensland Branch.

  On [1-8] we have a modified formation "Set and Rotate": set, cast clw half round, cross with P.


created: 2015-07-31 14:25:36.181695+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.016918+00
name: Library of Birmingham, The
ucname: LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2013-09-03
notes:
  A new public library for Birmingham, the largest in Europe, was opened by Malala Yousafzai on 3rd September 2013. The Dutch architect, Francine Houben, designed a building whose exterior is extensively covered with black and silver circles.

  Note: The rose progresion was devised by Downey, New Zealand, who specifies that the figure should be danced in as round a shape as possible


created: 2015-07-31 14:36:26.317703+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.056685+00
name: Countess of Dunmore's Reel, The
ucname: COUNTESS OF DUNMORES REEL
intensity_bars: 800/844/888/888
devised: 2012-10-01
notes:
  In the mid 19th century, the Earl of Dunmore owned the whole of the Island of Harris. After the passing of the 1872 Education (Scotland) Act, Catherine, Countess Dowager of Dunmore, gave lands in favour of the School Board of the Parish of Harris for the building of schools. These included Finsbay School, which was attended by members of the deviser's family.


created: 2026-04-09 21:50:22.815753+00
last_modified: 2026-04-09 21:50:22.815753+00
name: Land of the Long White Cloud, The
ucname: LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  This is an adaptation of <<ddd:Aotearoa - The Land of the Long White Cloud#23584>> by the same deviser.


created: 2022-01-09 19:17:14.567358+00
last_modified: 2026-04-12 21:58:36.875353+00
name: Miss Lawson's Reel
ucname: MISS LAWSONS REEL
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  "For Jennifer"

  In the book the recommended tune is given as "Jennifer Lawson's Reel" (no composer mentioned). The Irvine Valley SCD band recorded a track <<ddrec:Miss Lawson's Reel>> which includes a tune entered there just as "Jennifer's Reel" by Barbara A. Ramsay. Edwin Werner says: "I do confirm that Jennifer’s Reel is the original tune. It is the one provided by Nan Lawson herself and ‘handed over’ to Derek Hamilton and his one-piece band Irvine Valley. [..]"


created: 2015-05-01 23:06:59.733336+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.078207+00
name: Spring Fling Reel, The
ucname: SPRING FLING REEL
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844/888
devised: 2014-09-01
notes:
  Spring Fling 2015 was held over the weekend of April 17th to the 19th in Hounslow, London.

  On the last day of Spring Fling a dance competition was held to choose a dance for the upcoming Book 50. In total, 46 dances from around the world were submitted and trialled, with 7 finalists chosen to be voted on by Spring Fling attendees.

  The winning dance, shown here, was the culmination of many hours of devising, dancing and deliberation. It was danced by Spring Fling attendees who, after a long weekend of dancing, with a lot of energy spent (and sleep lost), were up for one more dance!


created: 2016-07-11 16:01:06.717458+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.142114+00
name: Doonhamer Delight, The
ucname: DOONHAMER DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2014-11-01
notes:
  The title celebrates the deviser’s home town, Dumfries, where locals are referred to as Doonhamers.


created: 2016-07-11 19:16:02.482006+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.17663+00
name: Wandering Wallaby, The
ucname: WANDERING WALLABY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2014-11-01
notes:
  The wallaby is a pest which eats the native vegetation where the deviser lives in rural New Zealand. It was introduced to the town as a present for a lady who lived there years ago.


created: 2016-07-11 19:23:56.248182+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.216979+00
name: Trip to Applecross, A
ucname: TRIP TO APPLECROSS
intensity_bars: 80/88/88/84
devised: 2013-10-01
notes:
  This dance was written on the way back from a trip to the Applecross peninsula in Scotland. The first eight bars recall the deviser wandering up and down, waiting, while her partner photographed the beautiful landscape.


created: 2017-07-16 11:50:46.275348+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.296756+00
name: Save the Children
ucname: SAVE THE CHILDREN
intensity_bars: 880/844/844/888
devised: 2015-09-01
notes:
  This dance was devised to inspire young dancers to give demonstrations in villages and towns to raise money for children's charities.


created: 2015-10-25 12:58:52.526584+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.308683+00
name: Fair Enough
ucname: FAIR ENOUGH
intensity_bars: 8888/0880/8008/8888
devised: 2014-07-01
notes:
  “Devised for a performance at the Clark County Fair in Vancouver, Washington, USA.”

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

  DEVISED:2014-07


created: 2017-07-16 12:02:35.379167+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.320746+00
name: Summer on the Beach
ucname: SUMMER ON THE BEACH
devised: 2012-06-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for Laura in my children's class in Ghent, Belgium. She was nine years old at the time and, although a very enthusiastic dancer, was looking forward to her summer holiday at the seaside.

  - bars 1–8 represent the parasols being set up on the beach;
  - bars 9–16 represent the children jumping over the waves that roll onto the beach;
  - bars 17–24 represent the children diving into the water and swimming back to the shore; and
  - bars 25–32 represent the children playing with their kites.


created: 2017-07-16 12:21:23.268319+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.369721+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: 2022-07-07 10:29:43.517604+00
last_modified: 2026-04-16 17:45:33.86331+00
name: Missing Friends
ucname: MISSING FRIENDS
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/844
devised: 2021-08-01
notes:
  First found in dance list <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/list/34802/>> but now published.

  Inspired by Marian Anderson's tune, composed during Covid, "Missing Friends".  Bars 1-20 represent keeping apart during Covid; Bars 21-32 represent normal social contact post Covid.


created: 2002-03-03 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-04-14 10:44:35.468344+00
name: Chrysanthemum
ucname: CHRYSANTHEMUM
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 1986-01-01
notes:
  This dance was presented to the Tokyo Scottish Bluebell Club, when a large number of dancers, mainly from Canada, visited Japan. The chrysanthemum is the emblem of the Japanese Imperial Family and is truly a flower that symbolises Japan. For this reason, the dance was created with the chrysanthemum as its theme. It is not only beautiful in its figures, but the music and the dance itself are enjoyable and accessible to everyone. Since then, this dance, 'Chrysanthemum', has become a favourite at the Tokyo Scottish Bluebell Club.


created: 2001-10-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-04-14 15:40:21.922312+00
name: Knottah ('nother dance)
ucname: KNOTTAH NOTHER DANCE
intensity_bars: 8888 8888 8228 8008 8888
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  Published on <<sspey-thread:25854|Strathspey>> 29 April 2001 by Norman Dahl at the deviser's request. »we think that the »Linked double half figure of 8« may be a new formation«.

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

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


created: 2024-02-04 22:06:12.710671+00
last_modified: 2026-04-14 22:08:51.59398+00
name: Barcelona
ucname: BARCELONA
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated by the deviser and composer to "their good friends in Barcelona, who invited them to their first weekend school to teach and pipe."


created: 2026-04-14 15:34:43.526166+00
last_modified: 2026-04-17 08:48:16.939394+00
name: Moore's Fly Past
ucname: MOORES FLY PAST
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  When Harvey and Laura Moore celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Catherine Bennett devised this dance as a tribute to all they have done for both SCD and the greater community (Salt Lake City area) at large.


created: 2026-04-15 20:28:09.546591+00
last_modified: 2026-05-19 05:40:27.908427+00
name: Beanstalk, The
ucname: BEANSTALK
intensity_bars: 880/808/888/484
devised: 2023-08-01
notes:
  > This dance is for RSCDS Saitama Branch 25th Anniversary. They have made me very welcome many times and I wish them every success for the next 25 years and beyond. The dance title refers to the Beanstalk object (Silver Monument) in Omiya station, the busiest railway station in Saitama prefecture,
  reflecting the busy nature of the dance. Thoughts might also turn to the beanstalk which grew to be very big in the story “Jack and the Beanstalk”.


created: 2022-03-07 18:48:07.110095+00
last_modified: 2026-04-16 17:11:28.225171+00
name: Kawagoe Matsuri Strathspey
ucname: KAWAGOE MATSURI STRATHSPEY
devised: 2018-11-01
notes:
  "In honour of the Alba Scottish Country Dance Groups in Japan, taught by Masako Nomura and who made me so welcome."

  Many 8 metre tall floats are pulled through Kawagoe city during the annual Matsuri.


created: 2026-04-15 20:45:48.861464+00
last_modified: 2026-04-23 14:19:57.051354+00
name: Toki No Kane
ucname: TOKI NO KANE
notes:
  For Nerima Alba and Kiyose Alba SCD groups' 25th Anniversary.  The dance title is the famous 400 year old bell at Kawagoe which tells the time with its beautiful sound 4 times a day.


