# dance

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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

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

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


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

  _Ovarian Cancer Appeal for Scottish Country Dancers_

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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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

  Inscribed "for the dancers in Morland".

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


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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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

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


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

  Devised in 2008.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:34.517451+00
name: Tarry a While
ucname: TARRY A WHILE
intensity_bars: 44 44 66 88
notes:
  Adapted from D Anderson: Ball-Room Guide, Dundee.  
  Note that the Poussette has non-standard phrasing for [25-28] : 1M+2W starting on own sidelines, with Partner: ¼ turn, move | move, ¼ turn ; )


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

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


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

  Dance also found on the Chiswick video collection.


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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


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

  Devised by Glenys Kefalas, April 2015  

  Dedicated to Drew with love.


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

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

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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-06 08:40:26.902753+00
name: Haunt Of The Gnomes, The
ucname: HAUNT OF THE GNOMES
devised: 1977-01-01
notes:
  John Drewry wrote in the original description that the dance was for Robert MacKay of Edinburgh who introduced John Drewry to J. Scott Skinner's tune *The Haunt of the Gnomes* at St. Andrews in July 1977.

  Furthermore:

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

  and

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

  Here is the background -

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

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

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

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

  John Colville, May, 2003


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


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

  Other notes from *Greenburn Book 3:*

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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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


created: 2017-01-05 10:52:42.377905+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:31.834428+00
name: Orchards of Co. Armagh, The
ucname: ORCHARDS OF CO ARMAGH
intensity_bars: 868/844/808/884
notes:
  The dance was inspired by the rows of orchards in Portadown.  

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


created: 2026-08-02 17:57:40.762736+00
last_modified: 2026-08-04 08:34:49.170578+00
name: Jenny's Farewell
ucname: JENNYS FAREWELL
devised: 2007-05-24
notes:
  For Jenny Lee on her return to the United States. It was a pleasure to have her dance with the Geneva Scottish Country Dance Club. We will miss her radiant smile and her “Joie de Vivre”.


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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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

  Danced twice.


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


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


created: 1998-09-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:35.662388+00
name: Largo Law
ucname: LARGO LAW
intensity_bars: 888 800 880 800
notes:
  The MMM publication has "dance down the middle and up" for bars 9-16. However the TAC notes for MMM say this should be "lead" not "dance" down.


created: 2023-10-16 08:15:18.246821+00
last_modified: 2026-08-12 23:05:15.247744+00
name: Pavonis Mons
ucname: PAVONIS MONS
intensity_bars: 800/866/888/888
devised: 2023-09-01
notes:
  The chain progression in this dance is for 3 couples
  (from <<ddp:Boyd, Iain#44|Iain Boyd>>'s dance <<ddd:Copper Beech, The#21613>>).


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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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

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


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


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

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

  9 - 16  Travelling on the bus.

  17-20  The wheels of the bus.

  21-24  The BUS PASS.

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

  Tune:  Wells House


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


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

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


created: 2026-07-19 21:30:56.300627+00
last_modified: 2026-07-19 21:30:56.300627+00
name: Sunday in the Park
ucname: SUNDAY IN THE PARK
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  > Devised in 1995 for my friends in the Santa Barbara, California, class who, on a
  > number of occasions, had invited me to dance with them at Scottish events in the Santa Barbara area. This
  > dance was devised following a day at the Santa Barbara Irish Faire, held in a lovely local park.


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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


created: 2023-11-02 11:24:07.742996+00
last_modified: 2026-06-23 14:59:41.786462+00
name: Books and Needles
ucname: BOOKS AND NEEDLES
intensity_bars: 8000/8888/8088/0088
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  "This dance is dedicated to Susanne Grimberg finally to celebrate her 40th birthday in March 2023 which had to be postponed several times."


created: 2026-07-19 20:49:23.436373+00
last_modified: 2026-07-19 20:49:23.436373+00
name: Hail to the Chieftain
ucname: HAIL TO THE CHIEFTAIN
devised: 1997-01-01
notes:
  > Devised for Norm White of Carpinteria, California. Norm discovered
  > Scottish Country Dancing at the age of 72 and quickly became an active and enthusiastic participant in
  > Scottish Country Dance classes and activities in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara areas. At the time
  > this dance was written Norm was chieftain of the Scottish Society of Santa Barbara, California.


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


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


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


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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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


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

  The instructions explain the symbolism:

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


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

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

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


created: 2006-10-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-15 17:07:39.254409+00
name: Stalwarts, The
ucname: STALWARTS
notes:
  Dedicated to the Watford dancers who support the Thursday evening class in Croxley Green.

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

  The set has six dancers 1-6 around a circle with dancer 7 in the centre facing dancer 1.


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

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


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


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


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


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

  From the leaflet:  

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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


created: 2026-08-14 22:59:22.666076+00
last_modified: 2026-08-15 11:46:39.970676+00
name: With a Rose in My Hand
ucname: WITH A ROSE IN MY HAND
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2026-06-01
notes:
  > This is for Jane and Brian Rose.
  > Jane was my tutor for both parts of the RSCDS teaching certificate
  > and Brian organised both of the exams.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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

  <<scddb-not-identical:4420>>


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


created: 2023-11-26 12:04:36.237719+00
last_modified: 2023-12-11 17:44:53.034455+00
name: Escher's Metamorphosis
ucname: ESCHERS METAMORPHOSIS
intensity_bars: 8642/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/8888/6767/8888/8888/2468
devised: 2019-08-01
notes:
  The inspiration for this demonstration dance came while visiting an exhibition of works by M.C. Escher in Lisbon after the December 2017 Curia SCD weekend in Portugal.
  However it was nearly two years before the idea emerged from its larval stage to become a mature dance.

  My favourite Escher drawings are those that show geometrically and/or gravity defying buildings with multiple perspectives.
  But unlike those, or the eternally climbing monks, the three Metamorphosis woodcuts do at least have both a beginning and an end so are more amenable to representation in dance form.

  This dance is a pale reflection of the complexity of Escher’s drawings, but is still difficult and suitable only for a group of mathematically and/or artistically minded expert dancers with some time on their hands.
  It is loosely based on Metamorphosis II, the 2nd in the series, which has roughly 12 sections that transform from one to another.
  The succession of figures tries, in some way, to match the images with some similar transformations between them.

  Some images of the woodcut may be found at <<http://www.3quarks.com/en/Metamorphose/index.html>> or <<https://uploads7.wikiart.org/images/m-c-escher/metamorphosis-ii.jpg>>.


created: 2023-12-11 20:24:50.552137+00
last_modified: 2023-12-11 21:06:49.716509+00
name: Flying High in Straight Formation
ucname: FLYING HIGH IN STRAIGHT FORMATION
intensity_bars: 860/840/844/888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  I have loved the song *Migration* from Ray Thomas’ Album Hope, Wishes, and Dreams. I was outside one day when the sandhill cranes were flying overhead squawking and in a double V formation. It reminded me of this line from the song.


created: 2023-12-11 09:12:56.634372+00
last_modified: 2023-12-12 23:32:34.021258+00
name: Catenary
ucname: CATENARY
intensity_bars: 840/888/844/888/844
devised: 2020-09-01
notes:
  This dance includes two different chain-like figures involving three couples, neither of which is exactly the formation, originally from <<ddd:Linnea's Strathspey#11284>> by <<ddp:Wilson, Tim#2701>>, that the RSCDS (in my opinion) misnames the “three couple chain progression”.

  In mathematics, a catenary is the curve a chain forms when hanging from its end points.


created: 2023-12-09 02:11:14.319812+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 11:43:11.592834+00
name: Harrington's Cozy
ucname: HARRINGTONS COZY
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  Our neighbors brought us a huge cat cozy that is very fluffy and which our elder cat Harrington has claimed for his own and in which he spends nearly all his time sleeping.


created: 2023-12-11 09:25:11.60813+00
last_modified: 2024-12-04 11:00:37.461939+00
name: Winning Smile, A
ucname: WINNING SMILE
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8888/8008
devised: 2021-09-01
notes:
  The title for this dance was inspired by meeting a woman called Win Balgarnie on a dancing holiday.
  She was then approaching 90, but still full of energy and enthusiasm for dancing and she always seemed to be smiling.
  So this dance is dedicated to all those who increase our enjoyment by looking at, and **naturally** smiling at, other people on the dance floor.


created: 2022-06-26 12:07:47.525955+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 15:53:27.48058+00
name: Slinky, The
ucname: SLINKY
devised: 2012-10-30
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the formation 'Set and Link' to a class. 

  The formation was devised by New Zealander Alec Hay in 1966. He indicated that hands are released on completion of the setting steps. A tendency has emerged for dancers to retain hands some way into the linking movement. I discourage this practice as it risks shoulder injuries. 

  As with many of my 'formation dances', this dance may be done as a jig, reel or strathspey. 

  Named after the children's toy.


created: 2023-12-21 17:14:47.180362+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 17:14:47.180362+00
name: Little Miss Muffet
ucname: LITTLE MISS MUFFET
devised: 2012-10-31
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the Spoke to a class. It can be done as a reel or a jig. 

  A spoke might be seen in a spider's web, which brings Little Miss Muffet to mind.


created: 2023-12-22 13:13:18.075425+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 13:13:18.075425+00
name: Strathspey for Judith, A
ucname: STRATHSPEY FOR JUDITH
notes:
  Dedicatd to <<ddp:Jones, Judith#12411>>, London Branch teacher and long-standing member of the <<Surbiton & District Caledonian Society#12409>>.


created: 2023-12-22 13:24:45.785235+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 13:24:45.785235+00
name: Accordion to the Music
ucname: ACCORDION TO THE MUSIC
devised: 2018-08-01
notes:
  Incribed "for all the fabulous musicians who provide us with such wonderful music all over the world for Scottish Country Dancing."


created: 2023-12-22 13:47:27.302066+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 13:47:27.302066+00
name: McFarlanes of Mile End, The
ucname: MACFARLANES OF MILE END
notes:
  The dance is named after Grace McFarlane, the grandmother of Peter Kendrick, the deviser's husband. She was one of eleven children in what must have been a very busy household.


created: 2014-10-01 22:15:38.30429+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 18:48:22.251488+00
name: Eric's Reel
ucname: ERICS REEL
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2012-10-09
notes:
  Unfortunately the dance was published without background notes.

  The Eric in question is Eric Liddell, the runner made famous by the film
  "Chariots of Fire". The dance was written for a beginners class which
  met in the Eric Liddell Centre in Morningside, Edinburgh. It was the 9th
  October 2012, their 3rd class of the season. I was introducing them to
  setting, and I wanted a dance with plenty of practice for setting that
  contrasted with the other dance that evening (Bonnie Geordie's Wig), but
  didn't require any figures we hadn't encountered yet.

  Seonaid Lynn was musician for the class that evening, and when she heard
  I had written a new dance for the class, she decided to write a tune to
  go with it, which she also premiered that night; this is the tune which
  Graeme Munro plays on the CD to accompany the RSCDS Edinburgh Branch
  90th Anniversary book.


created: 1998-12-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 19:46:35.305233+00
name: Tune the Fiddles (DUPLICATE)
ucname: TUNE THE FIDDLES DUPLICATE
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  This is an obsolete duplicate of the dance now revised and renamed as <<ddd:Slante, Austro-Alba#18611>>.

  This entry ought to be deleted but appears in Collections.


created: 2019-09-01 14:04:46.114892+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 20:11:15.91104+00
name: Together In Kippo
ucname: TOGETHER IN KIPPO
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/808
notes:
  Source: Crib by deviser (<<https://www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com/dance-crib/together-in-kippo.html>>).


created: 2014-06-09 19:47:19.552852+00
last_modified: 2024-01-06 21:57:02.7499+00
name: Saxtead Mill, The
ucname: SAXTEAD MILL
intensity_bars: 800/880/808/844
notes:
  Chris Dix from the Anglo-Scottish Society of Ipswich writes (Jan 2024):

  This dance was devised by the late Fred Scott some years ago in Suffolk,
  UK. Unfortunately we do not know if he had a particular tune in mind for
  it. It is most probable that he used an existing recorded track, but we do
  not know which.  It has gained popularity again here, so we make the
  following suggestion of a suitable tune and recorded track which fits
  well. It is track #6 entitled "Set of Jigs" 8x32J on the CD Music for
  Scottish Dancing by Neil Barron and His Scottish Dance Band.  The first
  tune is "Jig for Jed" by Andrew Bathgate. The CD is out of print, but at
  the time of writing there are still some copies available on the web.


created: 2019-12-19 21:06:50.262753+00
last_modified: 2024-01-07 12:19:56.299905+00
name: Cockermouth Floods, The
ucname: COCKERMOUTH FLOODS
intensity_bars: 2222/8888/8888/8440/8448
notes:
  In November 2009 the gem town of Cockermouth in Cumbria was devastated by floods.
  This dance symbolises the floods rising, the rescues, the  community cooperation and the return of the town to normal.*

  The deviser originally named this "Cockermouth Floods of 2009"  but changed this to "The Cockermouth Floods" after they re-occurred in 2015.


created: 2023-12-22 13:41:19.340734+00
last_modified: 2024-10-10 08:10:44.177717+00
name: That Red Dress
ucname: THAT RED DRESS
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  Devised for a member of the <<ddp:Surbiton & District Caledonian Society#12409>> who wore a striking red dress to an event.


created: 2023-12-18 13:46:43.568507+00
last_modified: 2023-12-18 13:46:43.568507+00
name: Centenary Christmas
ucname: CENTENARY CHRISTMAS
devised: 2023-12-01
notes:
  Devised as "a Christmas Dance, with a star (1-8), globes (9-16), ribbons (17-24) and lights (last 8 bars), as in a tree".


created: 2022-11-13 18:12:20.991986+00
last_modified: 2023-12-20 00:23:03.711795+00
name: Newark's Welcome
ucname: NEWARKS WELCOME
devised: 2022-09-25
notes:
  Devised in honour of the Newark Scottish Country Dance Society which has given a very warm welcome to my wife and myself since we moved to the East Midlands in 2020.

  As with many of my 'formation dances' this dance can be done as a jig, reel or strathspey.  For teaching purposes it is sometimes useful for a class to dance it first as a strathspey and then repeat it immediately in quick time. The planned recording will have the required music (3x32S+3x32J).


created: 2023-09-12 16:04:29.532108+00
last_modified: 2024-07-24 15:28:46.67914+00
name: All Things Nice
ucname: ALL THINGS NICE
devised: 2012-10-01
notes:
  Format is couple facing couple round the room (Sicilian circle). The dance was devised to introduce the ladies' chain to a class.


created: 2001-03-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-14 09:57:38.814339+00
name: Zytglogge
ucname: ZYTGLOGGE
intensity_bars: 800 888 888 888
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  The Zytglogge is a clock tower in the centre of Berne with clockwork figures which come into life every hour.

  Advice from <<ddp:Harris, Chris#671>>: The correct pronunciation of the name, as far as can be rendered in English, is: "Tsitglocka".


created: 2023-12-13 10:01:25.694861+00
last_modified: 2023-12-15 11:28:40.314371+00
name: Valse à Martin
ucname: VALSE A MARTIN
notes:
  <<ddp:Marchand, Sophie#12404>> writes:  
  > My very first dancing teacher was <<ddp:Sheffield, Martin#17>>.
  > I remember he used to finish the evening with this waltz whenever he taught Scottish country dance workshops in and around Grenoble.
  > He always danced it with his wife Genevieve.
  > He had learnt this lovely waltz as a youngster when he joined the local Caledonian Society with his parents.
  > There appear to be no written instructions, nor is it widely known, but it would be sad if such a dance was forgotten, so I have decided to write out the steps with Martin for others to learn.


  1-4: In Allemande Hold, all dance with partner 4 advancing waltz steps, starting Left Foot  
  5-8: Still in Allemande hold, all dance:  
  . Step on Left Foot (1 bar), Point Right Foot to the Right (1 bar)  
  . Step Right Foot to the Left in front of left foot (1 bar), Point Left Foot to the left (1 bar)  
  9-12: Still in Allemande hold, all dance backwards with partner 4 Waltz Steps, starting with Left foot  
  13-16: Still in Allemande hold, all dance :  
  . One step advancing on Left Foot (1 bar)  
  . Point Right Foot to the right (1 bar)  
  . Step Right Foot to the left (1 bar)  
  . Quarter turn pulling back RSH to end both feet joined (1 bar)  
  17-24: Still in Allemande hold but Lady with back to partner, 2 slow slip steps to the left (2 bars), then to the right (2 bars).
  Then the Man has his partner turn waltzing under his arm, having her advancing and turning slowly, while man waltzes advancing following his partner.  
  25-32: In ballroom hold, 8 bars of normal waltz

  Dance notes:
  On bar 20, change of foot for the lady, to start right foot to waltz.


created: 2023-12-21 16:43:19.090963+00
last_modified: 2024-05-25 07:16:24.005456+00
name: Super Slinky
ucname: SUPER SLINKY
intensity_bars: 802/888/888/888
devised: 2021-01-31
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the formation 'Set and Link for 3 Couples' to a class. It may be done as a strathspey, jig or reel.


created: 2017-05-13 18:59:37.689447+00
last_modified: 2023-12-20 21:57:41.451521+00
name: Grand Old Duke, The
ucname: GRAND OLD DUKE
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/888
devised: 2012-10-31
notes:
  Devised to introduce the Grand Chain to a class. It can be danced as a reel, jig or strathspey. 

  On bar 8, 1s finish in the middle at the top, both facing the women's side.


created: 2023-12-20 23:14:40.713415+00
last_modified: 2023-12-20 23:14:40.713415+00
name: Over the Hills
ucname: OVER THE HILLS
devised: 2022-01-31
notes:
  This dance was devised to introduce the 3-couple knot to a class. It can be danced as a jig, reel or strathspey. It sometimes helps with learning for a dance to be done first in strathspey time and then in quicktime. The planned recording for the dance is 32x3 strathspey followed by 32x3 reel.


created: 2023-12-20 23:36:58.017401+00
last_modified: 2023-12-20 23:41:07.72433+00
name: Slugs and Snails
ucname: SLUGS AND SNAILS
devised: 2013-07-30
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the formation Men's Chain. It can be done as a strathspey, jig or reel. With the planned recording, 1st couple do the dance once through as a strathspey and then repeat it as a jig.


created: 2023-11-26 12:59:09.991563+00
last_modified: 2023-12-21 11:36:08.223223+00
name: Sue's Strathspey
ucname: SUES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 888/880/888/888
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  My birthday is in November and since I believe I 'invented' the 3-couple bourrel and I really like the figure I started writing dances with it each November. I have never named a dance for myself, so this is that dance.


created: 2023-12-20 22:12:45.03293+00
last_modified: 2025-08-15 21:23:32.366561+00
name: Piper's Son, The
ucname: PIPERS SON
intensity_bars: 80/08/88/88
devised: 2021-01-31
notes:
  The dance was devised to introduce the 2-couple knot to a class. It may be danced as a jig, reel or strathspey.


created: 2018-05-16 17:40:11.362599+00
last_modified: 2025-08-26 17:08:05.277756+00
name: Jig for Gina, A
ucname: JIG FOR GINA
intensity_bars: 8000/8440/4804/4848
notes:
  This dance was written for Gina Barney, a very memorable character who was a highly regarded figure in the lift and safety industry. She transitioned to become Gina late in life, hence the progression in this dance with all ending on opposite sides.

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

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


created: 2022-03-21 17:08:01.679134+00
last_modified: 2023-12-22 20:36:45.903114+00
name: Tight Little Island
ucname: TIGHT LITTLE ISLAND
notes:
  Instructions received from Duncan Keppie by email:  

  TIGHT LITTLE ISLAND 32 bar Strathspey, Couple facing couple around the room. Keppie unpublished.  
  1-8 REEL OF 4: each person dances a reel of four around the room & back (staying on the inner or
  outer circle) starting by passing opposite by the right shoulder (Bar 1), the next person around
  the room by the left shoulder (Bar 2), & the next person around the room by the right shoulder
  (Bar 3), pull right shoulder to come back (Bar 4), & continue the reel back to original place;  
  9-16 WHEELS: right hands across & back with left hands across (end facing partner)  
  17-24 LADIES CHAIN ending with both hands joined & angled slightly so men can pass each other on Bar 25;  
  25-32 ANCIENT POUSSETTE: 1st & 2nd couples dance anticlockwise 1 1/2 times around each
  other on a diamond pattern finishing with 1/2 turn to end facing next couple around the circle;
  i.e. dance out to side with 1/4 turn clockwise at end (Bar 25), dance to opposite place with 1/4
  turn clockwise at end (Bar 26), dance out to side with 1/4 turn clockwise at end (Bar 27), dance
  to original place with a 1/4 turn clockwise at end (Bar 28), repeat Bars 25-26 & turn 1/2
  clockwise to end facing next couple around the circle (N.B. the strathspey setting step is used
  throughout).  
  REPEAT AS REQUIRED


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-27 15:39:52.108685+00
name: Click Mill, The
ucname: CLICK MILL
notes:
  Click Mill, Orkney, which has a horizontal wheel, is the only water-mill designed to a Norse pattern still working today.


created: 2016-10-30 11:51:10.894953+00
last_modified: 2023-12-23 12:26:25.830505+00
name: Cilla's Jig
ucname: CILLAS JIG
intensity_bars: 880/808/804/888
devised: 2016-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to Cilla Strain of Minnigaff, Newton Stewart for her outstanding work with Wigtownshire Primary Schools, ‘Days of Dance’ and competitions.


created: 2023-12-17 18:25:15.517693+00
last_modified: 2023-12-23 21:43:41.38263+00
name: Thelma's Strathspey
ucname: THELMAS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8484/8484/4848/4848/8888/8888
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Devised in recognition of Thelma Bell’s contribution to the Demonstration Team of Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance Society.


created: 2023-12-22 13:03:59.683799+00
last_modified: 2023-12-24 10:11:51.299364+00
name: Conundrum, The
ucname: CONUNDRUM
devised: 2017-02-01
notes:
  The progression after the first time through is 31245, but then on alternate repeats the dancing couple (3rd couple) cast to alternate ends. After five times the set ends in order 54321.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-24 15:32:32.263612+00
name: Bonnie Wee Glen
ucname: BONNIE WEE GLEN
notes:
  Attributed to Hugh Thurston, but in <<link:thethistle/39|issue 39 of The Thistle|4>> it is given as "by John Geddes".


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-25 17:32:01.633135+00
name: Bucksburn Reel, The
ucname: BUCKSBURN REEL
notes:
  This dance is unusual in that all four couples are involved in the poussette when 1st couple start from the top, but only two couples dance the poussette on the even repeats.


created: 1998-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-27 18:11:20.739466+00
name: Three Reel Four
ucname: THREE REEL FOUR
notes:
  This was originally entered in SCDDB as "3 Reel 4" but the published version in <<ddpub:Gaelic College SCD Book 1#353>> gives the title as "Three Reel Four". That is now used as the main title with "3 Reel 4" kept as a spelling alias.


created: 2023-12-30 09:58:20.988027+00
last_modified: 2024-01-01 07:59:26.41469+00
name: Haud Yer Wheesht!
ucname: HAUD YER WHEESHT
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/888
devised: 2023-06-01
notes:
  Devised in June 2023 at the request of Helen Bain for her Cove and Kilcreggan Scottish country dance class.


created: 1997-09-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-28 12:06:41.252777+00
name: Don't Fall Over
ucname: DONT FALL OVER
notes:
  The deviser writes: "There are several reasons for this particular name. The first is I did fall over in the very first dance one evening in full view of everyone, and it hurt, so I don't want anyone else to do the same! Secondly, I wanted to name a dance after Mr. Chater, my teacher, but he wasn't very keen on this idea, so I had to call it something else. --When I danced this dance with a team, the verdict was, 'a quick thinking dance', so it is really for slightly more competent dancers".


created: 2002-02-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2023-12-28 12:33:19.109526+00
name: Duke of Edinburgh's Welcome to Shetland, The
ucname: DUKE OF EDINBURGHS WELCOME TO SHETLAND
notes:
  The printed dance sheet states: "This is a Shetland square dance for four couples. (...) The music is of a slow reel rhythm and because of the Duke of Edinburgh's connection with the Royal Navy, it has a hornpipe lilt. To a Scottish Country Dancer the Shetland steps are danced low on the balls of the feet, the setting step similar to the Strathspey step but slightly faster."


created: 2023-12-27 22:04:47.662928+00
last_modified: 2023-12-30 11:39:39.371568+00
name: Union Square
ucname: UNION SQUARE
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/8000/8888/8888
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  This dance is devised by Brenda Porter in honour of Jim Osmond and Judi Henderson, dancing friends whose wedding is being celebrated on August 3, 1996.


created: 1997-09-18 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-06 15:10:54.365611+00
name: Palnackie
ucname: PALNACKIE
devised: 1996-01-01
notes:
  The dance notes explain that "Palnackie is a village in Galloway. An idyllic day drive around the coast was rounded off with an excellent meal which was cooked especially for us."


created: 2023-11-03 21:16:32.261241+00
last_modified: 2025-06-14 21:00:31.244769+00
name: Broadsword, The
ucname: BROADSWORD
intensity_bars: 44/88/88/84
devised: 2020-11-30
notes:
  Experienced dancers will notice the resemblance between this dance and The Clansman (RSCDS Book 32), the original dance with a Targe. The main change is to the first 8 bars, which I hope dancers will find more straightforward.  

  A broadsword was traditionally used by a Highlander along with a targe.


created: 2024-01-08 14:16:13.501234+00
last_modified: 2024-01-08 15:14:29.967333+00
name: Crabs Walk Sideways
ucname: CRABS WALK SIDEWAYS
intensity_bars: 80800/08088/08088/88888
devised: 2023-12-01
notes:
  When I mentioned that The Sunday Class CD had several tracks of non-8 times repeats, Mady asked me to write a dance for the 5 times through jig. I came up with this dance but struggled for a title. Then Tommy Smothers died and I named the dance in honor of him and for one of my favorite bits he and Dick did.


created: 2010-11-10 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-09 11:17:04.864724+00
name: Vienna Conspiracy, The
ucname: VIENNA CONSPIRACY
devised: 1998-01-01
notes:
  The first time through is lead by 1st man, the second time through in lead by 1st lady with figures reversed.

  Though being a three couple dance only couples 1 and 2 are actually dancing. The standing 3rd couple represent the passive observers of the conspiracy.


created: 1997-09-13 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-11 11:30:41.922951+00
name: Salute To The Tournee
ucname: SALUTE TO THE TOURNEE
notes:
  This dance was in the Boston Branch demonstration team's repertory for 1978-1979.

  The notes also say "it goes very well to the tunes for Prince of Wales (RSCDS Book 18)."


created: 2023-06-20 19:49:04.838686+00
last_modified: 2024-01-14 17:56:25.997244+00
name: Trip to St Andrews
ucname: TRIP TO ST ANDREWS
intensity_bars: 800/844/822/888/888
notes:
  Notes from the deviser: This dance was inspired by a return journey from the Scottish University Scottish Country Dance Festival (SUSCDF) held in Edinburgh in academic year 2021-22. The dance features “Hello-Goodbye Setting” which is a favourite figure of two Celtic Soc dancers, now teachers, Thomas Rintoul and Lucy Phillips, and who decided the group would have a spontaneous trip to a supermarket on the way back to St Andrews – needless to say everyone was still in kilts and ball dresses – though people have probably seen weirder in supermarkets!


created: 2024-01-14 13:25:23.448261+00
last_modified: 2024-01-16 08:27:43.65534+00
name: Jim and Margaret's Jig
ucname: JIM AND MARGARETS JIG
intensity_bars: 800/888/822/888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Devised "to celebrate the many years that Jim and Margaret Cranmer gave to the Anglo Scottish Society of Ipswich.  Jim and Margaret were guests of honour at the Society's diamond jubilee dance in July 2023 where this dance was enjoyed for the the first time.  The birling was written into the dance because Jim and Margaret loved to birl."


created: 2024-01-14 20:42:19.29696+00
last_modified: 2024-01-14 22:52:37.675247+00
name: Doon the Burn Davey Lad
ucname: DOON THE BURN DAVEY LAD
notes:
  Start as for <<ddd:Tempête, La#3562>>: 1c with 2c on their L, facing 3c with 4c on their R, each M has W on the R.


created: 2023-12-05 10:40:08.880674+00
last_modified: 2024-01-18 15:50:14.449138+00
name: View from Buda, The
ucname: VIEW FROM BUDA
intensity_bars: 666/888/888/880
devised: 2023-09-01
notes:
  This dance was inspired by my second visit to Budapest for their SCD Weekend in September 2023. Once again I climbed the hill on the Buda side of the Danube which gives a good view over the city. 

  The first 8 bars represent the zigzag paths up the hill. The arches are the bridges with boats passing beneath them and the turning third couple are the island in the river. Among the dances taught by our teacher, Antoine Rousseau, were <<ddd:Rose Garden, The #8576>> and <<ddd:Dance for Susi, A#15706>>. The former has the "kissing gate" figure in bars 21-24 here and the latter includes the Rose progression. Bars 17-20 are a reminder of strathspey step practice. The dance is very busy which reflects an intense weekend. The top and bottom keep swapping: just imagine walking from the hotel to the gymnasium, and back, and back...


created: 2013-01-05 11:12:01.557714+00
last_modified: 2024-01-20 13:14:01.967618+00
name: It's About Time
ucname: ITS ABOUT TIME
intensity_bars: 880 880 811 844
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  From the dance description: "Celebrating the marriage of Maria Adams to Ed Ward, September 2004. They quietly went off to Scotland and were married at Urquhart Castle. After 13 years of dating…… ‘it’s about time!’ was everyone’s response.”


created: 2000-12-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-22 04:22:29.261767+00
name: Diamond for Rose and Tom, A
ucname: DIAMOND FOR ROSE AND TOM
intensity_bars: 840/888/800/888
devised: 1993-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Ruth Taylor to commemorate the 60th wedding anniversary of Rose and Tom Houston on 2nd January 1993.  
  The figures are:  
  bars 1-4 the number six, 5-8 a wee kiss, 9-16 the number zero, 17-24 a diamond, 25-32 the journey
  through life together.


created: 2023-10-27 09:53:37.829262+00
last_modified: 2025-11-11 08:04:07.133727+00
name: 2121Au
ucname: 2121AU
intensity_bars: 800/877/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  A dance written for the 50th anniversary of the Epping Scottish Country Dance Club.

  The title 2121Au refers to Epping NSW (postcode 2121) and gold (chemical symbol Au).
  The deviser prefers that the name has no space between digits and letters.

  The formations of the dance, particularly bars 9-16, reflect the shapes of the Epping club logo.


created: 2000-12-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-24 17:52:33.401156+00
name: Hand in Glove
ucname: HAND IN GLOVE
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/8222
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Ruth Taylor (with help from Bob and Cathie Taylor) to celebrate the wedding of Virginia and Don Glover,May 10,1991.  
  The figures are:
  * bars 1-6 flirtation,
  * 7-8 encouragement,
  * 9-12 chase,
  * 13-16 meeting mutual friends,
  * 17-24 and again,
  * 25-26 the wedding and a horseshoe for luck,
  * 27-32 the reception line.


created: 2022-06-19 08:46:48.650933+00
last_modified: 2024-01-29 22:52:06.380814+00
name: Kelburn's Farewell
ucname: KELBURNS FAREWELL
devised: 2022-04-01
notes:
  The deviser has adjusted the dance to "begin by 1C crossing and retaining right hand on bars 1-2. The rest of the dance remains the same." See  <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3216/>> of 6 August 2023.

  Kelburn’s Farewell was on the programme for the Kelburn Scottish Country Dancing Club’s tea dance on June 19, 2022.  

  The dance was devised by the club’s tutor, Chris Totton, and its name reflects the fact that the club is closing down after 63 years of existence.  

  The dance was held in St Michael’s church hall in Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand. Live music was by Aileen Logie, Hilary Ferral and Jason Morris.  

  The deviser asked <<ddp:Logie, Aileen#12425>> to write the lead tune for the dance. Aileen writes: “I wrote a tune that night  - a tune which has happy bits and sad bits, reflecting all the good years of the Kelburn club and their decision to close. A few days later, Chris sent me the dance and mentioned that he liked Vale of Atholl on the Heather Hills CD. My jig happened to go pretty well with these tunes, and so the set was made quite easily. I just needed to change the tunes to an ABBA configuration to fit with Chris's dance. (Vale of Atholl is a well known pipe band based in Pitlochry, Scotland - it wins lots of trophies globally. The tunes are in the style of pipe jigs).”  

  Aileen’s lead tune is also called <<ddt:Kelburn's Farewell#15648>>.


created: 2018-07-17 16:12:46.476136+00
last_modified: 2024-01-30 12:40:40.115682+00
name: Tigger Dance for Linda, A
ucname: TIGGER DANCE FOR LINDA
intensity_bars: 84844/88808/88888/88888
notes:
  For Linda Garside from Rachel Robson and Neil Wignall, with many thanks for helping with our wedding decorations.


created: 2000-12-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-25 09:04:43.472622+00
name: Essex Scottish, The
ucname: ESSEX SCOTTISH
intensity_bars: 4848/8888/8888/8848
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  Devised by John Trew in 1991, after seeing the Demonstration Team of the RSCDS Windsor Branch perform at a civic function in that city, and presented to the Windsor Branch in appreciation.


created: 1999-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-01-25 18:19:09.71297+00
name: Allemande Joy
ucname: ALLEMANDE JOY
devised: 1997-10-01
notes:
  The dance notes say this is 'Inscribed to Jim Kuemmerle, who makes atrocious puns. After doing his first dance with an allemande Jim remarked that, “It needs some work but when I master the formation I’ll be filled with allemande joy.” Of course I took it as a challenge but that only encourages him!'


created: 2024-01-19 21:28:21.430035+00
last_modified: 2024-01-26 09:11:40.220995+00
name: Meadow Place
ucname: MEADOW PLACE
intensity_bars: 80/88/88/88
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised for Jamie Berg Gray’s 40th birthday, celebrated with a small group of friends in a flat on Meadow Place in Edinburgh.  Designed so that it could be danced in a relatively small space, like the living room of the flat.


created: 2024-01-03 15:27:05.091777+00
last_modified: 2024-02-07 09:49:11.269211+00
name: Vivarais Forever
ucname: VIVARAIS FOREVER
intensity_bars: 840/824/880/880
notes:
  "But why would I be the only family member who doesn’t devise any dance? Yes, I can too—
  When I started Scottish dance, it was after a challenge: my future wife had just told me that she would never force me to wear the kilt or dance but in return, I had the formal prohibition to prevent her from dancing Scottish…. Finally, the kilt is not so bad!" Lionel said.


created: 2024-02-01 10:09:27.093984+00
last_modified: 2024-02-01 10:09:27.093984+00
name: Blackadder Strathspey, The
ucname: BLACKADDER STRATHSPEY
notes:
  The youtube video comments say "Blackadder Water is a river in Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders."


created: 2005-04-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 19:26:29.224473+00
name: St. Machar Jig, The
ucname: SAINT MACHAR JIG
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  The table of contents for <<ddpub:New Dances by John Drewry 2004#1785>> has the title as "The St. Machar Jig" though it was originally entered in SCDDB as "The Saint Machar Jig" which is kept as a spelling alias.


created: 2011-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-06 23:18:58.395366+00
name: Linge River Dance, The
ucname: LINGE RIVER DANCE
devised: 2007-01-01
notes:
  The White Heather SCD Group (disbanded around 2022) was located in Geldermalsen, which lies on the small river De Linge.   The teacher was Wil van den Berg, and in Dutch  "Berg" means "Mountain".  Hence the name of the dance and the book.


created: 2012-09-02 20:19:13.720012+00
last_modified: 2024-03-07 02:06:14.87932+00
name: Return from Fulda
ucname: RETURN FROM FULDA
intensity_bars: 8888 2222 8888 8444 8888
devised: 2005-08-25
notes:
  Our group of Scottish Country Dancers was enjoying a week of dancing and cultural visits, organised by Jim Cook of London at Kuckucksnest (Vollmerz, Germany).  The dance symbolizes the return from a day trip to Fulda on August 24, 2005.  The 16:09 return train was cancelled due to the discovery of a WW2 bomb near the line.  After the normal day [1-8] we waited in the train for ¾ hour [9-16], walked to the buses [17-24] which took us by many twists and turns to Schlüchtern and on to Vollmertz [25-32] where we were glad to be home [33-40].

  The dance may be suitable for a children's class.

  Here is the report in the local newspaper

  Bei Flieden: 20-Zentner-Fliegerbombe gefunden

  Bei Baggerarbeiten an der Neubaustrecke der A 66, zwischen Schlüchtern Nord und Neuhof, in Höhe der Ortslage Flieden-Schweben wurde eine 20-Zentner-Fliegerbombe (Splitterbombe amerikanischer Herkunft mit einem 1000 m Sprengradius) aus dem 2. Weltkrieg aufgefunden.

  Der Fundort der Bombe befand sich in ca. 170 Meter Entfernung zum Bahnhof Flieden und ca. 350 Metern zur Bundesstraße 27. Der Auffindeort wurde in einem Umkreis von zunächst etwa 300 Metern durch Kräfte der Polizeistation Fulda, dem Polizeiposten Neuhof und der Bundespolizei abgesperrt.

  Kräfte der Bundespolizei räumten den Bahnhof Flieden für die Dauer der Entschärfungsmaßnahmen und sperrten ihn ab. Der Bahnverkehr auf der Strecke Fulda - Frankfurt wurde ab 16.10 Uhr in beide Richtungen eingestellt - ein Buspendelverkehr durch die Deutsche Bahn AG eingerichtet.

  Ein in ca. 200 Metern entfernt liegender Bauernhof wurde ebenfalls vorsorglich geräumt. Das dort lebende Ehepaar verließ seinen Hof für die Dauer der Entschärfung. Nachdem die Sprengwirkung der Bombe durch den Experten des Kampfmittelräumdienstes ermittelt war, erweiterte die Polizei den Absperrradius auf 1000 Meter in beide Richtungen der Baustelle. Dabei war von Bedeutung, dass die Bombe zuvor so gedreht worden war, dass die Sprengwirkung in Hauptrichtung entlang der Autobahntrasse verlaufen wäre, um die Gefährdung der Einwohner Fliedens so gering wie möglich zu halten.

  Der Kampfmittelräumdienst meldete um 19.31 Uhr: Bombe vor Ort entschärft ! Einige Meter vom Auffindeort abgesetzt sprengte der Experte kontrolliert den Zünder, der Bombenkörper wurde anschließend mit einem Speziallastwagen abtransportiert. Die Absperrmaßnahmen und die Streckensperrung konnten gegen 19.35 Uhr aufgehoben werden.

  Nach Angaben des Notfallmanagers der Deutschen Bahn AG um 20.40 Uhr, kam es bei 69 Zügen zu insgesamt 2300 Minuten Verspätung. Dazu müssen noch etwa 1000 Mnuten Verspätung im Güterverkehr der Bahn gezählt werden. Insgesamt mussten 23 Umleitungen im Bahnverkehr eingerichtet werden. Des weiteren kam zu neun Teilausfällen und  zwei Ganzausfällen. (fdi/ms)

  Erschienen am: 24.08.2005 


  From:
  http://www.fuldainfo.de/page/include.php?path=content/articles.php&contentid=1469&PHPKITSID=2fa0b61065be0d9f495ee44a701a0c07


created: 2015-02-04 07:03:05.700907+00
last_modified: 2025-02-22 21:46:25.571733+00
name: Maggieknockater Revisited
ucname: MAGGIEKNOCKATER REVISITED
devised: 2015-02-03
notes:
  For Ulrike Köppler, whose Internet domain name is “maggieknockater.de”.

  This dance is obviously inspired by <<ddp:Drewry, John>>'s <<ddd:The Bees of Maggieknockater>>.
  The dancing couples' movements during bars 9–25 are identical to those in that dance.


created: 2015-02-18 16:49:00.21985+00
last_modified: 2025-07-19 16:12:12.785885+00
name: Nevskiy Prospekt
ucname: NEVSKIY PROSPEKT
devised: 2015-02-18
notes:
  Written for my teaching trip to St Petersburg, February 2015.

  Nevskiy Prospekt is the main thoroughfare of central St Petersburg. The St P dancers put us up in a nice hotel right off Nevskiy Prospekt, which was quite convenient not just for the class venue but also many of the sights of this fascinating city.


created: 1997-08-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-07 17:09:05.00568+00
name: Silver Fern Reel, The
ucname: SILVER FERN REEL
devised: 1990-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "For the members of the New Zealand Branch to mark the 150th Anniversary (in 1990)
  of the first formal British Settlement in New Zealand."

  The notes also say that "the SILVER FERN is widely used as a symbol of New Zealand both in New Zealand and by sporting and cultural groups travelling overseas."


created: 1997-09-11 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-07 18:00:22.576637+00
name: Petticoat Tails
ucname: PETTICOAT TAILS
notes:
  Inscribed "For Jessie and Michael Collins of Newbury, with happy memories of their marvellous dance parties - especially the food!"

  The notes also say that "Shortbread Petticoat Tails were a favourite delicacy of Mary Queen of Scots, and the words are thought to be a corruption of the French, petit gatelles."


created: 1997-09-17 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-04 18:10:48.252031+00
name: Winterlude Reel, The
ucname: WINTERLUDE REEL
notes:
  From the notes: "Winterlude is the Ottawa winter carnival, held mainly on the frozen Rideau Canal, which forms a six-mile skating rink."


created: 2024-02-08 00:10:03.817672+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:00:05.395236+00
name: Kessel Run, The
ucname: KESSEL RUN
devised: 2024-02-08
notes:
  Written for the FSCDC e.V./Central Germany Branch teachers' workshop, February 2024.

  The Kessel Run is what Han Solo famously managed “in 12 parsecs” in *Star Wars*. This dance owes a debt of gratitude to Ed Abdill's <<ddd:Starlight>>, and it lets you do something in space that usually takes a lot longer, with lots of panache, tight turns, and narrow escapes. The dance's main objective is to combine double triangles and hello-goodbye setting, which do not frequently occur in the same dance.


created: 1997-12-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-05 23:01:10.668942+00
name: O' Flower of Scotland
ucname: O FLOWER OF SCOTLAND
devised: 1995-11-20
notes:
  Originally SCDDB had the title as "O! Flower of Scotland" but the instructions have "O' Flower of Scotland". The former is added as a spelling alias.


created: 2025-08-30 12:26:02.213169+00
last_modified: 2025-09-01 12:18:36.707011+00
name: 1948, the very best year, after 46.
ucname: 1948 THE VERY BEST YEAR AFTER 46
intensity_bars: 8888/6004/8008/8888
devised: 2018-08-18
notes:
  “Composed for the 4 persons in the Dancetide team who this year now are 70 years. Bente Anne Hanne and Bjarne”.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-06 13:57:41.605443+00
name: George Square of Edinburgh
ucname: GEORGE SQUARE OF EDINBURGH
notes:
  The following text, contributed by a SCDDB user, gives more details than the text describing the dance.  I am searching for more information.  Eric

  A)  
  1-8 All dance 8 bar right shoulder reels of 3 on own sides of square  
  9-24 Wheels - All dance 3 hands across, R.H., then men move one place to the right - ladies change hands and all dance L.H. across - man leaves this wheel and dance on one place - ladies change hands and all dance R.H. across - Men leave this wheel and dance on one place - Ladies again change hands and all dance L.H. across  
  25-32 All dance a left shoulder reel on own side of the square. (lady on the left has a change of direction to start this reel.) 

  B)  
  1-8 Man, with R.H. lady face to the right, in promenade hold, while L.H. lady faces opposite direction - All dance half Grand Chain, couples dancing out and singles dancing in i.e. passing left shoulder to start. At half-way point dance R.H. across (man and his two ladies)  
  9-16 Men keep dancing in same direction, but changing to L.H. lady in promenade hold, while R.H. lady dances chain movement back to own place and dance 3-hands across L.H. on own sides of the square  
  17-24 All right hand ladies dance Ladies' Chain across and back, forming R.H. wheel in centre and turning opposite man, left hand etc  
  25-32 All left hand ladies repeat above formation : but dancing into centre to give L.H. across and turning opposite man, right hand.  

  C)  
  1-8 Sides 1 and 3 - turn opposite person by right hand (4 bars), set to each other (2 bars) and cast back to places by the right (2 bars)  
  9-16 Sides 2 and 4 repeat above sequence  
  17-24 All ladies advance (2), and join hands in circle, then retire (2) Advance again (2) joining hands in circle and set (2) (underlined section) WHILE Men set (2), Advance (2) and turn by the right and dance out to place (2) and start dancing round the outside of the square anti-clockwise  
  25-32 Men continue dancing round the outside and finish facing own ladies WHILE ladies circle left with 12 slip steps and cast into own places on last 2 bars.


created: 2024-02-07 23:01:18.465967+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:03:58.778875+00
name: February Fancy, A
ucname: FEBRUARY FANCY
devised: 2024-02-07
notes:
  Written for the FSCDC e.V./Central Germany Branch teachers' workshop, February 2024. The patron saint of SCD teachers will hopefully forgive us for pinching bars 17–24 of her dance.


created: 2024-02-07 08:37:36.333536+00
last_modified: 2024-02-10 23:00:39.408342+00
name: Spelthorne's 50
ucname: SPELTHORNES 50
intensity_bars: 8008/8448/8888/8888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised by Andrew Nolan, originally of Spelthorne to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Borough of Spelthorne. The snake pass movement in bars 21-24 makes the S of Spelthorne (or a 5 which when followed by the circle which makes up the 50).


created: 2024-02-07 22:24:21.816305+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:06:51.345515+00
name: Frankfurt Lasses
ucname: FRANKFURT LASSES
devised: 2024-02-07
notes:
  Devised for the FSCDC e.V./Central Germany Branch Teachers' Workshop, February 2024. There are very few dances in the repertoire which combine a ladies' chain and allemande.


created: 2002-02-26 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:21:46.154836+00
name: Jack's Delight
ucname: JACKS DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 8888 8282 2828 8888 8888 8888 8888 8888
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Dance writtten for the Dec. 1995 birthday of Jack Campbell, the Frankfurt club's teacher. Bars 9-24 are based on 'Glayva'.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-09 09:51:37.113113+00
name: Marischal College
ucname: MARISCHAL COLLEGE
devised: 1967-01-01
notes:
  Devised: 1967.
  Inscribed "To Mrs. Maurice Cramb. of Aberdeen".

  This dance was first published in "The Rondel Book" in 1967.


created: 2002-05-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-09 15:11:29.175004+00
name: Salute to Ayr Branch
ucname: SALUTE TO AYR BRANCH
intensity_bars: 844/844/888/880
notes:
  Devised "to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Ayr Branch. The reels, setting and casting denote the 8 and 3 of 1983."


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-09 15:38:34.202649+00
name: Newcastleton Weavers
ucname: NEWCASTLETON WEAVERS
notes:
  Inscribed "For Barry Priddey of Sutton Coldfield RSCDS."

  The notes also explain that: "The village of Newcastleton, in Liddlesdale, was built in 1793 by the Duke of Buccleuch, to house a colony of handloom weavers."


created: 2002-07-24 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-14 01:12:51.231094+00
name: Chalmers Hall
ucname: CHALMERS HALL
intensity_bars: 888/808/888/888
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  For the 20th Anniversary of the Linlithgow Scottish Country Dance Club. The club meets every Friday night in the Chalmers Hall.,


created: 2018-10-13 22:32:08.674123+00
last_modified: 2024-02-11 19:38:33.392281+00
name: Barbara White's Diamond Strathspey
ucname: BARBARA WHITES DIAMOND STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/804
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  Found on the RSCDS Cheshire website, 2018-10-14

  This dance was presented to Barbara White at the 25th Anniversary Ball of RSCDS Cheshire Branch on 10th January 2009. Its purpose is to honour Barbara and thank her for her service to the RSCDS and to the Cheshire Branch. She is a founder member of the Cheshire Branch and has been an RSCDS member for over sixty years.

  The original 2009 version of the dance was updated in preparation for publication in the forthcoming Cheshire 40th Anniversary Book. Bars 17-24 were changed to have all ending on the sides and bars 25-32 were changed to have all setting on the sides and end with all turning both hands. See <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3453/|issue 3453>> for details.


created: 2024-02-14 12:48:58.788955+00
last_modified: 2024-02-20 13:08:54.643441+00
name: Lobsters Walk Straight
ucname: LOBSTERS WALK STRAIGHT
intensity_bars: 840/880/844/822
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  After the passing of Tom Smothers, I named a dance <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/dance/21787/|*Crabs Walk Sideways*>> in his honor and for a favorite bit he and his brother did. It was only logical that I write a companion dance *Lobsters Walk Straight* to go with it.


created: 2002-03-02 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-13 11:35:49.989549+00
name: Misty Isle, The
ucname: MISTY ISLE
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  The notes say "This dance was devised at the request of The Clan MacLeod Dancers of Beverly Hills, California, USA."


created: 2010-08-07 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:32.959782+00
name: Capital Jig, A
ucname: CAPITAL JIG
intensity_bars: 880 888 844 844
notes:
  The notes say this is "Dedicated to the Harrisburg Scottish Country Dancers. Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania."


created: 2024-02-14 12:39:13.035912+00
last_modified: 2024-02-14 12:46:08.446957+00
name: For the New Ones
ucname: FOR THE NEW ONES
devised: 2024-02-01
notes:
  This dance is an attempt to capture some of the basic figures new dancers should know and put them in one dance.


created: 2016-06-07 14:03:00.267803+00
last_modified: 2025-12-15 15:35:39.074515+00
name: Bampton Strathspey, The
ucname: BAMPTON STRATHSPEY
notes:
  Devised to honor Judy Reynolds Shaw and Roger Shaw for their wonderful companionship and love of Scottish Country Dancing. The title comes from the cabin that Judy and Roger inhabited annually at the Scottish Sessions at Pinewoods Camp.


created: 2005-04-19 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 19:24:04.960129+00
name: St. Machar Reel, The
ucname: SAINT MACHAR REEL
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  The table of contents for <<ddpub:New Dances by John Drewry 2004#1785>> has the title as "The St. Machar Reel" though it was originally entered in SCDDB as "The Saint Machar Reel" which is kept as a spelling alias.


created: 2024-02-16 22:21:21.831694+00
last_modified: 2025-11-05 12:18:41.770157+00
name: Drawing Together
ucname: DRAWING TOGETHER
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  For Keith and Helen Rose on their 50th wedding anniversary. Apart from any other connotations, the title refers to their teamwork in producing thousands of diagrams of Scottish Country Dances. Keith draws them and Helen checks every single one.

  There is a 3x32 recording by <<ddp:Robertson, Ian#1631>> of the music for this dance available via <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/recording/>>.


created: 2001-05-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:35:12.995707+00
name: Mrs Hume's Strathspey
ucname: MRS HUMES STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 808 810 880 888
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  Dedicated to the members of the First Fortnight Teacher's Certificate Class, RSCDS Summer School 2000, St. Andrews. The 'Surge' progression, in particular, is for Ralph Stoddard (and his tea-cup) and Blaine Peet. Having been written for candidates, the dance is probably most fun in a fairly large set.


created: 2024-02-17 22:50:48.483823+00
last_modified: 2024-02-17 22:51:41.406718+00
name: October Celebration
ucname: OCTOBER CELEBRATION
notes:
  For Ute Hoppmann-Lacour, on the occasion of her birthday in October 2010. Ute was really into
  display dancing in those days, so this dance has more of a “display” than a “social” feel.


created: 2024-02-18 22:38:32.084655+00
last_modified: 2024-02-20 13:10:18.753805+00
name: Armadale House
ucname: ARMADALE HOUSE
intensity_bars: 880/800/888/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Before my first Summer School in 2019, I spent 12 days volunteering in a guesthouse on the North Coast 500 (Scotland). The guesthouse is called Armadale House. The dance pictures proper bed making, Henry the hoover, sheeps, rolling sea and wind, and happiness.


created: 2013-08-01 19:54:42.670991+00
last_modified: 2024-02-21 23:25:44.889958+00
name: Bees They are A'Drummin', The
ucname: BEES THEY ARE ADRUMMIN
intensity_bars: 804/888/844/888
devised: 2013-01-01
notes:
  This  dance is for  Chris  Rea  to  mark  his 10  years’ service as Secretary, Treasurer  and  committee  member  of Peterborough & District RSCDS Branch. Chris is a keen beekeeper and one-time drummer with the Peterborough Pipe Band. 

  Recommended recordings: Mr Watson’s Favourite (RSCDS Book of Graded SCDs  - David Cunningham & his Band) or The Mason’s Apron (Scottish Dance Vol.12 - Marian Anderson’s Scottish Dance Band)


created: 2016-09-19 00:12:56.745519+00
last_modified: 2025-02-22 21:48:32.640482+00
name: Rosalind's Fancy
ucname: ROSALINDS FANCY
devised: 2016-09-19
notes:
  Dedicated to the memory of Rosalind Elsie Franklin (1920–1958), chemist and X-ray crystallographer, who among many other accomplishments contributed significantly to the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA. Having died of ovarian cancer at age 37, Franklin was ineligible to share the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins in 1962, since Nobel Prizes are not given posthumously.


created: 2024-01-25 00:44:44.246047+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 15:39:53.415691+00
name: São Jorge Whale-Watchers, The
ucname: SAO JORGE WHALEWATCHERS
devised: 2024-01-25
notes:
  “This dance is a reminder of an utterly dismal afternoon out on the
  Atlantic, in a small boat, in the pouring rain near the Azorean
  island of São Jorge (soft J). I don't recall ever being as
  completely soaked through as on that day. We did get to see some
  Risso's dolphins (Pelorus Jack's European relations), which we
  were told are very rarely encountered in the area, so that made up
  for all the hardships, to a degree. Use hornpipe music”


created: 2025-06-10 12:51:47.34871+00
last_modified: 2025-06-12 15:04:51.0893+00
name: Elegant Lady
ucname: ELEGANT LADY
intensity_bars: 800/844/868/888
devised: 2025-01-01
notes:
  "Dance was written to mark the ‘special’ birthday of Anne MacDonald, who had just completed 8 years as Chairperson of the Cheshire Branch."


created: 2010-11-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-07-21 16:51:25.17331+00
name: (Other) Hungarian Bride, The
ucname: OTHER HUNGARIAN BRIDE
devised: 2010-10-04
notes:
  This dance started its existence as “The Hungarian Bride” until I found out that there was another, vastly more popular, dance by Eric Finley which is also called <<ddd:The Hungarian Bride@Finley>>” – although it was written for a completely different person!

  Anyway, *this* Hungarian bride is Anett Morgül, and she married Clemens Mannert in October, 2010. Anett used to be a regular at the Frankfurt SCD Club.


created: 1997-11-27 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-01 16:37:57.06978+00
name: I Shall Return!
ucname: I SHALL RETURN
devised: 1991-04-01
notes:
  For a branch member "Ted" who had a hip operation. The dance represents his slower and faster movement before and after the operation.


created: 2024-02-27 22:50:36.439299+00
last_modified: 2024-03-01 19:58:13.453464+00
name: Beth's Wedding
ucname: BETHS WEDDING
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/808
devised: 2023-09-27
notes:
  Devised on the occasion of the Wedding of Beth, member of the Strasbourg Scottish country dancing group, to Étienne.


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-01 20:44:25.337988+00
name: Golden Wedding, A
ucname: GOLDEN WEDDING
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/4444/8222
notes:
  The notes say that "Peg and Bob Brown were married in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, in 1941, and they renewed their vows there in 1991 in a meaningful ceremony."


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-01 23:01:59.803459+00
name: Coulin and Clair
ucname: COULIN AND CLAIR
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8888/4884
notes:
  Coulin and Clair are two beautiful lochs to be seen when walking the Coulin Pass between Glen Carron and Glen Torridon.


created: 2002-02-12 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-02-29 21:57:26.419224+00
name: Strathspey for Jane, A
ucname: STRATHSPEY FOR JANE
devised: 2001-01-01
notes:
  "Inscribed to Jane Rattray."

  Further information from Sue James: "Jane Rattray was a Perth and Perthshire teacher and dancer and who died suddenly in January 2024 at the untimely age of 66."

  Sue adds that "The dance is being danced again in Jane's memory including at the Ericht Club Dance on 16th February 2024 where Marian Anderson wrote and played a new tune 'A Strathspey for Jane'."

  There is also an earlier tune for the dance composed by Alan Morrison.


created: 1997-11-24 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-02 10:10:21.916562+00
name: Inverugie Castle
ucname: INVERUGIE CASTLE
notes:
  The notes say this is dedicated to Bob Ritchie who for many years teased Leicester teachers about a dance bearing this name. The figures relate to his description of the area :-  
  Bars 1 - 8 portray the River Ugie,  
  9 - 16 depict the two castles, Inverugie and Ravenscraig,  
  17 - 24 represent the communal Fish House originally used by both castles and  
  25 - 32 life in the two castles.

  When the dance was being devised Bob was not very well but on his recovery he was 'raring to go' hence the reason why the women dance the first figure in strathspey time and the men dance it in jig time.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-02 10:21:22.073145+00
name: Rigmarie
ucname: RIGMARIE
intensity_bars: 8008/8668/8228/8668
notes:
  According to the notes "A Rigmarie was a coin minted during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, getting its name from the inscription 'Reg. Maria'."


created: 2013-01-22 00:10:16.613791+00
last_modified: 2024-07-21 09:49:44.421757+00
name: Just for the Fun of It
ucname: JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT
intensity_bars: 800 844 880 888
notes:
  The progression after one repeat is (2,1,3) but then the top & bottom of the set are inverted after each repeat, so 3rd couple start the 2nd repeat.

  This dance was later revised as <<ddd:Upsy Daisy#21902>>.


created: 2015-01-09 14:21:51.428322+00
last_modified: 2024-03-04 22:28:37.520308+00
name: Guy's Seven Berry Jelly
ucname: GUYS SEVEN BERRY JELLY
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/888
devised: 2009-05-31
notes:
  Inscribed "For Guy Lock whose chosen figure was half diagonal reels of four. The title relates to the jar of home made Seven Berry Jelly he gave me at Christmas which was great with our Turkey dinner!"


created: 2023-12-09 19:26:52.753005+00
last_modified: 2024-03-06 11:03:06.710888+00
name: Hands Off!
ucname: HANDS OFF
intensity_bars: 800/866/888/888
devised: 2021-11-01
notes:
  This is a ‘socially-distanced’ dance devised to celebrate the Centenary of Inverness Music & Performance Festival in 2022.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-26 16:30:10.033623+00
name: Gowans
ucname: GOWANS
intensity_bars: 7777/8888/8008/8888
notes:
  Gowan is Scots for a daisy (or other white/yellow wild flower). See <<https://www.scotslanguage.com/articles/view/id/5215>>.

  The dance notes identify successive formations in the dance with steps in making a daisy chain: head, stalk, threading and the complete chain.


created: 2024-02-28 12:07:31.312175+00
last_modified: 2024-06-05 07:22:06.979463+00
name: Pancake Dance, The
ucname: PANCAKE DANCE
devised: 2024-02-01
notes:
  A dance for "pancake day" (Shrove Tuesday). The symbolism is:  
  Bars 1-16 represent mixing the pancake batter.  
  Bars 17-24 are flipping the pancake.  
  Bars 25-32 are putting the pancake on the plate!


created: 2023-01-25 13:00:14.508358+00
last_modified: 2024-03-07 09:31:30.819243+00
name: Faerie Pools, The
ucname: FAERIE POOLS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/288/844/888
notes:
  The deviser, Les Lambert, was inspired by the whirlpools and waterfalls in Glen Brittle,
  Skye, whilst on holiday with his granddaughter and wife, Carolyn.


created: 2023-01-25 14:34:22.011768+00
last_modified: 2024-03-07 09:45:22.007857+00
name: Athenaeum, The
ucname: ATHENAEUM
intensity_bars: 800/800/888/888
notes:
  The Athenaeum in Glasgow was the venue for the first meeting of the Scottish Country Dance
  Society on 26 November, 1923.

  The building, in 179 Buchanan Street (near the Glasgow Queen Street railway station) still stands and now houses the <<https://www.visitscotland.com/de-de/info/food-drink/hard-rock-cafe-glasgow-p875191|Hard Rock Café>>. On 26 November 2023, a commemorative plaque was unveiled to underscore the importance of the building to the <<https://rscds.org|RSCDS>>.


created: 2024-03-03 16:37:25.273313+00
last_modified: 2024-03-07 10:33:01.438429+00
name: See You in Brittany
ucname: SEE YOU IN BRITTANY
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The Méaudre Reel , a Scottish Country Dance association based in the Vercors in France, regularly organises trips for its dancers combining dance and tourism in different regions of France, or even Europe. They have been to brittany several times, particularly to Port Louis. In August 2024 they were invited by the local SCD club to visit during the Lorient Interceltic Festival. This dance is dedicated to this region and its inhabitants, especially those who invited the Méaudre Reel dancers.


created: 2016-06-26 14:55:19.28783+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 02:16:28.633131+00
name: Who's Afraid of Yellow and Gold?
ucname: WHOS AFRAID OF YELLOW AND GOLD
devised: 1996-02-01
notes:
  In the original book "The Rowan Tree Dancers", bars 25-32 of the full description is incomplete due to a misprint.  

  A local website "https://nvs-dance.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Whos_afraid_of_Yellow_and_Gold.pdf" publishes the full description,

  1 – 8 2C & 3C ladies’ chain.

  9 – 12 2C & 3C left hands across

  13 – 16 2C & 3C right hands across finishing in promenade hold (2C facing up and 3C down).

  17 – 20 1L, 2C, 3C and 4L ½ a R-shoulder reel of four (2C and 3C pass left shoulder)

  21 – 24 1M, 2C, 3C and 4M ½ a R-shoulder reel of four (2C face 3C in the centre).

  25 – 28 2C & 3C set and half right hands across

  29 – 32 2C arching, dance to top place, while 3C dance to the bottom (bar 31 – 32: 4C and 1C step to the centre) [2413].


created: 1997-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-08 17:41:49.722488+00
name: Reel for Catherine and Thomas, A
ucname: REEL FOR CATHERINE AND THOMAS
intensity_bars: 80800/82842/88880/80800/80888
devised: 1974-04-27
notes:
  Devised for Catherine Neill and Thomas Graham, and danced by members of the Boston Branch on the occasion of their marriage on April 27th 1974.

  The instructions give the music as "None So Pretty". This has been interpreted here as a recording for that 40 bar dance (whose recommended tune is Johnnie in Nether Mains) rather than the tune None So Pretty.


created: 2024-01-30 23:58:59.486704+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 16:14:40.732276+00
name: Winter Meeting, A
ucname: WINTER MEETING
intensity_bars: 848/888/888/844
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised for the SCD group in Lueneburg. Trying to learn the dance ‘<<ddd:Summer Meeting, A#13766>>’ by Irene Townshend wasn’t going well, and one of the recurring excuses was: “Well, it’s just not possible to learn a dance called Summer Meeting in the middle of January!”
  Immediately, the idea for ‘A Winter Meeting’ was born – so no more excuses! The dance is meant to follow the same pattern as ‘A Summer Meeting’ (turn, reel, Bourrel, Poussette) with a few alterations to include the 3rd couple in more of the figures.


created: 2024-03-08 16:43:01.352256+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 15:48:35.755448+00
name: Dance Through the Decades, A
ucname: DANCE THROUGH THE DECADES
intensity_bars: 800/880/620/888/888/804/888/808/668/080
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Devised for the RSCDS Virtual Festival 2023. While looking at the ten dances featured on the official “Dances through the Decades” list, the idea arose of combining all ten of them into one dance. The first 8 bars are taken from ‘Flowers of Edinburgh’, the next 8 bars from ‘Rakes of Glasgow’ and so on. Slight modifications were added only where necessary to continue the flow of the dance.

  Recommended music: "<<ddrec:Bleu Ribbon, The#6828>>“ by <<ddp:Jim Lindsay and his Band#10659>> (shortened version).
  Only 6 repeats are needed.


created: 2024-03-08 16:52:05.150061+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 15:50:29.009984+00
name: Duncan's Tri-Oomph
ucname: DUNCANS TRIOOMPH
intensity_bars: 8448/8448/8800/8888
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  Devised for <<ddp:Brown, Duncan#854>> during the Summer Course at the Kuckucksnest in 2023 with lots of swoosh and extra oomph!


created: 2024-01-30 23:11:30.065633+00
last_modified: 2024-04-01 16:01:43.961157+00
name: Wolf in the Wetsuit, The
ucname: WOLF IN THE WETSUIT
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Devised for Wolfgang Kutsche on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Since he is a big fan of water sports such as sailing, kayaking and surfing, chances are that if he’s not wearing a kilt, he’ll be in a wetsuit instead!
  Originally a 3C/3C dance but would also work 8x through as a 3C/4C dance with the same progression depending on people’s energy levels.


created: 2024-05-03 22:47:40.670276+00
last_modified: 2024-05-03 22:47:40.670276+00
name: Dilemma, The
ucname: DILEMMA
notes:
  The individual young people named as devising this dance are: Amber Bradburn, Claire Walker, Sarah V. walker, Elysia Ward.


created: 2020-04-15 19:29:51.28865+00
last_modified: 2024-03-10 00:25:06.565435+00
name: Famiglia Graziani, La
ucname: FAMIGLIA GRAZIANI
intensity_bars: 88/88
devised: 2020-04-10
notes:
  It may be danced just twice in a two couple set or as usual in a three or four couple set as preferred. It is a busy dance so a three couple set is probably ideal.

  During the Corona virus lockdown the Graziani family in Bologna have been making one video per day of a two couple RSCDS dance published on their <<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyojdYqjbxETi1C5mFptXtg/videos|youtube channel>>. It has been lovely to watch this series so this dance is offered as a thank-you. And also in case they run out of RSCDS dances to try!

  There is a 6x32 recording by <<ddp:Galloway, Ewan#11858>> of the music for this dance available via <<https://my.strathspey.org/u/murrough/recording/>>.


created: 2022-06-07 20:24:56.797783+00
last_modified: 2024-03-10 11:13:13.693888+00
name: Cheerful Celebrations
ucname: CHEERFUL CELEBRATIONS
intensity_bars: 800/844/822/888
devised: 2020-01-01
notes:
  Music composed by Hiroko Kokai.

  Although this dance was briefly circulated in "Clara 20th & Saltire 10th Anniversary", it was never intended for publication.


created: 1998-11-14 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-10 15:15:53.57392+00
name: Summer in Assynt
ucname: SUMMER IN ASSYNT
intensity_bars: 880/888/880/888
devised: 1973-01-01
notes:
  Note that the original description of this dance stipulates a type of chain progression that differs subtly from the one in common usage (the back of the book has notes and pictures for two different styles of chain progression, for strathspey time and quick-time dances). This seems to be widely underappreciated and the description of the chain progression in the RSCDS *Manual* (sec. 6.7.10, p. 108) does not take this into account.


created: 2024-03-10 13:04:44.404521+00
last_modified: 2024-03-11 13:35:20.330246+00
name: Celtic Bride, The
ucname: CELTIC BRIDE
intensity_bars: 888/888/888/888
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  The dance was written to celebrate Valeria Corradin and Gabriele Fabris' wedding in 2014. Valeria is our teacher and together with Gabriele the founder of Scotia Shores, the scd group based in Marostica, that in 2010 co-founded the Northern Italy Branch.


created: 2002-12-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-12 13:38:14.360617+00
name: Festival Jig
ucname: FESTIVAL JIG
devised: 2000-11-01
notes:
  The notes say this was "devised for the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of the Builth Wells Scottish Country Dance Group."


created: 2002-12-05 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-12 14:23:43.693944+00
name: Timothy's Battered Fiddle
ucname: TIMOTHYS BATTERED FIDDLE
devised: 2001-03-01
notes:
  The notes say this "dance is dedicated to Timothy Sennett who accused me of beating the S*** out of his fiddle at one of Vicky's (in)famous parties."


created: 2024-01-30 23:52:46.783971+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 16:10:43.63565+00
name: Sorting Hat, The
ucname: SORTING HAT
intensity_bars: 88888/88888/88888/88088/88888
devised: 2023-11-01
notes:
  Devised during a long distance phone call between two Harry Potter fans. The third couple act as the sorting hat that is passed by the other dancers who are then sorted into four lines / “houses”.


created: 2002-08-26 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-13 18:06:11.844942+00
name: Highland Welcome in Switzerland, A
ucname: HIGHLAND WELCOME IN SWITZERLAND
devised: 1995-01-01
notes:
  Devised in January 1995 for Minnie Bänninger. The notes add that "Minnie always provides a fine
  Highland welcome for visitors - including malt whisky."


created: 2024-03-14 10:58:08.487477+00
last_modified: 2024-03-14 11:05:58.096859+00
name: Corocora
ucname: COROCORA
intensity_bars: 4884/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2023-04-01
notes:
  The Corocora, or Scarlet Ibis, is a bird native to the Caribbean and parts of South America including Venezuela. This dance is for Carlos de Faria who is originally from Venezuela. Some of his artwork has featured the Corocora (in its less colourful juvenile phase).


created: 2024-03-14 11:13:24.828902+00
last_modified: 2024-03-14 11:13:24.828902+00
name: Haggis, The
ucname: HAGGIS
devised: 2004-01-01
notes:
  "Written for Scottish Country Dance Society of Berlin Burns Night, January 2004. It describes the preparation of a Haggis."


created: 2022-03-25 09:39:56.186384+00
last_modified: 2024-03-20 10:26:04.077949+00
name: Paulette in Boots
ucname: PAULETTE IN BOOTS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  Two versions of the instructions have been circulated, one with half figure of eight up between 2nd couple in bars 5-8. The deviser has confirmed that the correct version is with the half figure of eight down between 3rd couple.


created: 2024-03-14 11:08:22.740344+00
last_modified: 2024-03-14 11:23:55.686702+00
name: Whreel of Life
ucname: WHREEL OF LIFE
devised: 2008-06-14
notes:
  Inscribed "For my 50th birthday, 25 Sept. 2009".

  Danced twice: "First round for women – second round for men".


created: 2013-05-28 21:59:50.323355+00
last_modified: 2024-03-14 21:25:23.785992+00
name: Dust Devils
ucname: DUST DEVILS
intensity_bars: 8040/8040/0808/8888
devised: 2006-02-18
notes:
  The notes say "This dance portrays the Southwest dust devils building up speed and sweeping up everything in their path."


created: 2024-03-14 09:47:48.297861+00
last_modified: 2024-03-15 13:40:40.960914+00
name: Heart of Glass
ucname: HEART OF GLASS
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/844
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  Back in the late 1970s I went to a bar with friends from work to play pinball and other bar games. *Heart of Glass* was playing on the jukebox and for some reason it really resonated with me (still does) – no clue why as it is definitely not any genre of music I generally listen to; maybe the interrupted back beat.


created: 2002-04-30 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-19 17:43:32.670988+00
name: Nighean Donn
ucname: NIGHEAN DONN
intensity_bars: 18281/48884/77877/63636
devised: 1988-01-01
notes:
  The notes say that "The dance, then untitled, was first performed at the 21st birthday party of Gwendoline Margaret Watson. The title (pronounced nee'n down and translated as The Brown Haired Lass) Is in honour not only of Gwendy but of brown haired lassies everywhere."


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:34.210717+00
name: Watson's Reel
ucname: WATSONS REEL
intensity_bars: 88/80/88
notes:
  Meryl Thomson reports in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3484/|issue 3484>> that:

  The earliest known source for Watson's Reel is a silk dance fan from 1797. Other graded dances on the same fan are: Davy's Locker, Galloway House, Leap Year, Wedderburn's Reel (although hard to read).

  For more information about this and other dance fans, see the <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3484/|original issue>>.


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:34.353417+00
name: Mrs Cholmondeley's Reel
ucname: MRS CHOLMONDELEYS REEL
intensity_bars: 800 080 800 880
notes:
  Meryl Thomson reports in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3483/|issue 3483>> that "The source for this appears to be William Campbell's 9th Book (c. 1794). He has a dance of the same name with figures very similar although they have been slightly adapted."

  Campbell's 9th book is not yet added to SCDDB.


created: 2023-11-29 23:34:10.768032+00
last_modified: 2024-03-21 10:58:14.87927+00
name: Ardnahoe
ucname: ARDNAHOE
intensity_bars: 880/808/844/888
devised: 2019-02-01
notes:
  Ardnahoe is the newest of the Inner Hebridean Isle of Islay's many whisky distilleries, which is located along the Sound of Islay just north of Port Askaig. It takes its name from its geographic location, literally meaning height (**ard**) of the hollow (**hoe**), which is, though close to sea level, a spot of high ground (on which was built the distillery) separating a small freshwater loch from the saltwater sound. The lower location of the loch itself and the immediate land around it can be taken to be the hollow. It is from this small freshwater loch that the distillery draws its water.  
  <<img:https://img.e-cribs.org/Ardnahoe.jpg|Ardnahoe distillery>>


created: 1997-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-21 22:47:18.07529+00
name: Braid Bonnet, The
ucname: BRAID BONNET
notes:
  The notes say that "A braid bonnet is an old Scots cap, made of woollen material, but having no seams or lining."


created: 2024-03-23 15:06:32.854578+00
last_modified: 2024-03-23 15:22:10.110398+00
name: Stars Around Us, The
ucname: STARS AROUND US
intensity_bars: 800/888/648/888
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  I was reading about some amazing new pictures of the universe that are showing us, so I named this dance for my sense of amazement at what is out there.


created: 2006-03-23 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-23 17:40:30.919424+00
name: Tartan Tree, The
ucname: TARTAN TREE
intensity_bars: 800/884/844/866
notes:
  The notes say this was devised "To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the RSCDS Hamilton (Ont) Branch in 1994, we funded a commemorative tree in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton in memory of one of our founders, Dr. Bob Smith. A new planting of beech trees was being created in the gardens, and we chose a tri-colour beech because it reminded us of multi· coloured tartan."


created: 2024-03-24 11:23:31.927003+00
last_modified: 2024-03-24 11:25:33.325188+00
name: Fiona's Wish
ucname: FIONAS WISH
notes:
  The source for this dance is the DancieMaetion video <<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muwumfHZ0vU>>.

  This appears to be a 4 couple jig version of the 3 couple strathspey <<ddd:Fiona's Strathspey#8354>> published as dance #5 in <<ddpub:Stepping Out Part 1 - Basic SCDs for beginners#298>>.

  The version of this book available to the SCDDB editors has the strathspey. That given to DancieMaetion has the jig. It is not clear which is intended as the revised version.


created: 1997-12-28 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-24 11:27:30.477201+00
name: Fiona's Strathspey
ucname: FIONAS STRATHSPEY
intensity_bars: 880/800/800/800
notes:
  Some versions of the publication have a jig version of this dance called <<ddd:Fiona's Wish#21926>>.


created: 2024-03-25 00:41:24.678783+00
last_modified: 2024-03-25 01:11:47.570432+00
name: Capital Pianist, The
ucname: CAPITAL PIANIST
intensity_bars: 880/844/808/802
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  In 2012 I won the privilege of having Liz write a tune for a dance I wrote. I love the tune, but was never totally satisfied with the dance for which it was written. I wrote this dance in hopes it is a better choice for the tune. The title reflects that Liz was born in Washington, D.C. and is her suggestion for a title.


created: 1998-12-13 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-10 15:55:10.125853+00
name: Margaret's Waltz
ucname: MARGARETS WALTZ
notes:
  Information from <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3507/|issue 3507>>:

  Patrick Noel Shuldham-Shaw (1917-1977) composed both dance and music for Margaret Grant on her retirement in 1959 as EFDSS representative in Devon.
  First performed at Country Dance Party broadcast from Clyst St George 25 March 1959.

  There is a recording of this music on the CD called Walpole Cottage played by The Assembly Players in 2002 ref. APCD0202.


created: 2002-05-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-25 11:38:55.710589+00
name: Legacy of Pearl's, A
ucname: LEGACY OF PEARLS
intensity_bars: 8484/8888/8888/8080
notes:
  This dance was devised in memory of Pearl Holmberg, a founder member and benefactor of the RSCDS Vancouver Branch.  
  Pearl's bequest has enabled the Vancouver Branch to sponsor a teachers' and musicians' workshop in her name, and has enhanced our music and dancing in many other ways.


created: 2013-01-29 14:18:33.601314+00
last_modified: 2024-04-15 19:02:14.594177+00
name: Hammock Jig, The
ucname: HAMMOCK JIG
intensity_bars: 888/888/800/844
notes:
  In the summer of 2007, club members or friends often hosted dance parties in their gardens. One such evening I had planned to teach a dance with cross over mirror reels but most people were enjoying the sun, lounging in hammocks, enjoying the food and wine. I persuaded three couples away from the food and wine and came up with the Hammock Jig.


created: 2002-03-11 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-25 13:53:14.746624+00
name: Duke of Gordon's Welcome to Aberdeen, The
ucname: DUKE OF GORDONS WELCOME TO ABERDEEN
notes:
  This dance is too involved to be placed on a Ball programme; it is essentially a demonstration dance.  However MiniCrib has now provided a crib for it.

  The dance has five figures:  
  Fig. 1: 64 bars  
  Fig. 2: 32 bars  
  Fig. 3: 32 bars  
  Fig. 4: 16 bars  
  Fig. 5: 32 bars  

  This dance was collected by Mrs MacNab but from a Mr Graham Forbes of Hamilton, Ontario who was taught it by his Grandfather in Scotland.


created: 2005-06-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-31 09:10:22.854616+00
name: Mount Seymour Strathspey
ucname: MOUNT SEYMOUR STRATHSPEY
notes:
  This dance was written for all the dancers who live at the foot of Mount Seymour in North Vancouver, and
  especially for Mike Paul who wrote the tune.


created: 1998-07-08 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-27 10:24:52.326869+00
name: Follow the Fiddler
ucname: FOLLOW THE FIDDLER
intensity_bars: 8800/8880/8220/8008
notes:
  The notes say that "The figures of this dance represent a Shetland wedding where the procession to the Church was always led by a fiddler. Bars 25-32 represent the Bride's Reel, in which the bridesmaid takes the place of the bride halfway through, to keep her safe from the fairies who might abduct her."

  The recommended music is "A good Shetland reel".


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-27 19:11:16.590853+00
name: It'll Be Alright on The Night
ucname: ITLL BE ALRIGHT ON THE NIGHT
notes:
  Note:  The positions after once through are (3,1x,2x).

  2nd and lst couples repeat from new positions but men dance ladies' figures and vice versa. For bars 29-32, second time through, 1st, 2nd and 4th couples dance haH Reel of Three giving nearer hands to partners as they meet.  

  If danced as an encore once each couple, 2nd couple start on opposite sides in 2nd place and dance bars 1-28 from second time through then bars 29-32 from first time through.


created: 2002-04-01 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-30 11:52:05.873443+00
name: Key Lime Pie
ucname: KEY LIME PIE
devised: 1999-07-13
notes:
  This dance recalls a lunch between Pinewoods sessions, when 10 people were seated at a long table, five on each side. The first four bars depict the hesitation about whether to order a dessert, the next 12 bars the consultations among the participants about what to order, and the final 16 bars represent the decision of several people sitting diagonally opposite each other to share key lime pies!

  Warning from the author: This is a challenging dance!


created: 2024-04-15 02:18:37.068027+00
last_modified: 2024-04-15 02:37:27.064988+00
name: Turra Market
ucname: TURRA MARKET
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/888
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  At last year's Midwest Scottish Weekend the musicians were playing a familiar tune that turned out to be The Barnyards of Delgaty - a name I didn't recognize although I knew I knew it from somewhere where it was sung. Later I realized it was the second tune from my favorite track for Bratach Bana. The suggested track is the only track in my collection of SCD music that contains this tune and is not a track for Bratach Bana; it has a nice collection of fun tunes.


created: 2024-04-17 08:03:28.750059+00
last_modified: 2024-04-17 08:04:41.206897+00
name: Oh, Claire
ucname: OH CLAIRE
devised: 2024-04-01
notes:
  In memory of Claire Hunter, a delightful member of the San Francisco class for many years. 
  Her smile and her dancing always brightened the room.


created: 1999-05-09 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-17 10:17:07.97545+00
name: Scotsman's Choice, The
ucname: SCOTSMANS CHOICE
devised: 1994-02-01
notes:
  The notes say this was "devised by Teri Sanders (age 12), February 1994 (with a little help from MMV on the 3-person poussette)."

  The title refers to a man who can't decide which of two women to invite to a ball.


created: 2005-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 04:08:58.307526+00
name: Kathleen and Walter McAdam
ucname: KATHLEEN AND WALTER MACADAM
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  Jennifer Kelly writes:    
  Notes for teachers on the dances in the Anniversary Suite.   
  As I devised these dances I had a particular teaching point in mind for each of them.  

  These teaching notes can be found at 
  http://rscds-sf.org/resources/dances/Anniversay%20Suite%20Notes.pdf


created: 2006-11-01 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-03-28 10:48:15.643099+00
name: Ladies of Schiehallion, The
ucname: LADIES OF SCHIEHALLION
devised: 2005-01-01
notes:
  The dance tells a story:
  Part one of the story is in strathspey  because the party hasn’t gotten going yet and it denotes the personality of one of the roommates. The Set and Rotate figure represents the opening of a champagne bottle – so only the top 2 couples dance – representing the cork.  After the cork pops, the champagne bubbles up and spills out and down the sides of the bottle. This bubble up figure was devised by Michael Bentley. The constant flowing movement in the reel of four represents the pouring of the champagne and in the last figure of strathspey - the people are setting in little groups talking - but decide to circulate to see who else is at the party – then the couples decide to split up and get the party going.

  Part two of the story is in quick time to represent the personality of the other roommate – and because the party is now in full swing.  Dancing the Schiehallion reels is always fun and lively - just like a party.  Then it’s time to settle down – take a breather – look for a place to rest for awhile.  While the top 2 couples rest (and think about opening another bottle of champagne in strathspey time) – the bottom 2 couples have found a little champagne left in the old bottle and decide to finish it off - with the Slip Knot – danced up as the bottle empties. Don’t worry – the Schiehallion ladies would never have just one bottle of champagne – in fact they have four – so all 4 couples have a chance to open a bottle, dance, and have a “Reel” good time.


created: 2009-11-17 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-04 08:02:14.338332+00
name: Forget Me Knot
ucname: FORGET ME KNOT
intensity_bars: 800 866 866 806
devised: 1999-06-01
notes:
  Brian Youngman devised "Forget Me Knot" for his wife Barbara Youngman, who is a dance teacher in North Carolina.   The full description can be found at the URL.

  From a Strathspey messages of 11 jan 2011:  
  'Forget Me Knot' was written for me for our 30th Anniversary in 1999. I commissioned Dave Wiesler to write the tune for it to present to Brian at the Silver Thistle Ball in 2003 which landed on our 34th Anniversary. The name of the tune for the dance is 'Our Someday'.      Barbara Youngman


created: 2024-04-03 21:33:32.137482+00
last_modified: 2024-04-04 11:17:00.891922+00
name: Trip to Vestal, A
ucname: TRIP TO VESTAL
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  Although 3rd and 4th couple start crossed over (1,2,3x,4x), one turn of the dances ends with those in 2nd and 4th places crossed over (3,1x,4,2x). So the genders gradually change during the dance. Those crossing in the Ladies (RH) Chain are 1W & 4W in some repeats, 1M & 4M in others.


created: 2025-08-30 22:20:12.321773+00
last_modified: 2025-09-19 11:08:22.532445+00
name: Jersey Cow, A
ucname: JERSEY COW
intensity_bars: 804/844/888/844
devised: 2025-07-01
notes:
  Years ago when I was in high school a good friend told me about a class his uncle was taking in how to use visualization to help remember a list. Then he told me about the one his uncle used to remember the original 13 colonies in the order in which they joined the union. The third image is described "balanced on the pencil is a Jersey cow" (New Jersey). It’s now 60+ years later and I still remember the whole sequence, so I decided to use the phrases as titles for some dances; this is the third of those dances.


created: 1997-09-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-07 09:25:19.032671+00
name: Hugh's Welcome
ucname: HUGHS WELCOME
notes:
  The New Zealand "Scottish Country Dancer" published this dance noting that "Dr Thurston's visit  has occasioned several new compositions. At Wallaceville's ceilidh on June 25 a new dance was done in his honour."

  The dance notes add that it was "composed by Marion Cunningham for the Eighth Ceilidh of Wallaceville Scottish Country Dance Club, in honour of the visit of Dr Hugh Thurston. The theme of the dance is the passing round the ballroom of the visitor, who is welcomed by every couple in turn."

  The date is not known, but in <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3503/|issue 3503>> Joy Tracey writes that "it was on the Taradale Juniors Dance programme in July 1986".


created: 1997-09-05 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-07 11:12:37.092985+00
name: Jip's Jig
ucname: JIPS JIG
intensity_bars: 888/800/888/888
notes:
  The deviser writes that "Jip is a young Collie pup. being trained as a sheep-dog on the farm where I live. Most of the time he spends rounding up anything in sight such as sheep, Iambs, cats, dogs, and even people!"


created: 2024-04-07 21:14:22.070304+00
last_modified: 2024-04-07 23:15:07.250196+00
name: Rainbow Laces
ucname: RAINBOW LACES
intensity_bars: 888/888/880/800/888
devised: 2023-12-01
notes:
  David Taylor writes that this was "devised to celebrate The Rainbow Laces campaign of the English Premier League football which was started in 2013. Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces Campaign is an annual event in support of the LGBTQ+ community and the support of increasing diversity in sports across the world. The campaign was started in 2013 and has been promoted by the biggest sports in the world from Men’s and Women’s association football to wheelchair rugby."


created: 2023-03-19 23:44:52.152646+00
last_modified: 2025-07-02 18:11:06.803147+00
name: Longborough Lanterns
ucname: LONGBOROUGH LANTERNS
intensity_bars: 800/880/800/822
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  A string of multicolored lanterns was once a familiar sight outside the Longborough cabins above the main path at Pinewoods Camp during Scottish Sessions.

  From <<https://my.strathspey.org/dd/issue/3497/|issue 3497>>: Bruce Herbold of Oakland, CA, notes that this can easily be modified into a 5-couple dance by having 1s and 3s begin and then progress to 3rd and 5th places, respectively, on the dance-around of the last two bars. Original 3s must be alert to stepping up.


created: 2009-11-16 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-21 21:50:18.16708+00
name: Away Tae Moray
ucname: AWAY TAE MORAY
intensity_bars: 844/888/888/888
devised: 2008-07-01
notes:
  The dance "Away Tae Moray" was composed in July 2008 for the chairman of the RSCDS Inverness and District Branch.  It was included in their 2009 "Diamond Jubilee Collection" under the name "The Telford Hornpipe".  The deviser republished the dance in her own "The Corberry Collection" using the original name, which she prefers.


created: 2024-04-21 11:13:03.595705+00
last_modified: 2024-04-21 11:15:45.9306+00
name: Ben Rinnes Reel, The
ucname: BEN RINNES REEL
notes:
  Demonstration dance for 3 couples. Ben Rinnes is a mountain about 6 km from Dufftown.

  A note on the Dufftown  Dance Club website (https://www.dufftowndanceclub.com/) says it was "Devised by Miss Catherine Sweeney teacher at the Catholic School, Mount Street in early 1950s. Miss Sweeney taught Scottish country dancing and pianist was Annie Esplin. Andy McCormack also played for Miss Sweeney's class."


created: 2023-10-30 11:47:09.072862+00
last_modified: 2024-06-27 09:52:41.971357+00
name: Indicate Through Momentum
ucname: INDICATE THROUGH MOMENTUM
intensity_bars: 8000/8880/8002/8008
devised: 2007-09-01
notes:
  From the dance notes:
  *Dance was devised after meeting Vanessa Holt, a kind dancer who transported us from Maitland after a ball to Sydney in September 2017.*

  *When traveling back from Maitland, Vanessa was showing us some of the sights around Sydney and she used the phrase, (referring to the traffic), “Indicate through Momentum” which I thought was a great title for a dance and is essential in this dance for first couple to maintain continuous flow through all 4 formations, just like the traffic around Sydney.*


created: 2023-12-07 00:11:21.660216+00
last_modified: 2025-12-25 17:56:09.392691+00
name: Bonnie Gill Shaw
ucname: BONNIE GILL SHAW
intensity_bars: 848/668/668/888
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  Inscribed "In memory of Gillian Torbet Shaw (1956 - 2022)."

  Note 1:  1c and 2c step in for the half Poussette on bar 1. 2c does not finish the Poussette but dropping hands on bar 4 and passing right shoulder to own side, as 1c continues another half Poussette with 3c.

  Note 2:  In a message to the SCDDB editors on 19 April 2024, the deviser modified the dance as follows:
  In my original instructions, in bars 1 - 4, while 1s and 2s do the modified poussette, 3s set and turn right hand to end in the first corner diagonal. Having danced it a few times, people have suggested that it worked better if the 3s turn 2 hands instead of just with the right hand. It feels more natural as they flow into a half poussette with 1s and the formation is more cohesive.  I agree with them and so I'd like to include this alternative.

  The video added in 2024 shows the improved version.


created: 2024-05-03 22:52:52.670118+00
last_modified: 2024-05-03 22:58:26.753976+00
name: Double Chase, The
ucname: DOUBLE CHASE
notes:
  The individual young people named as devising this dance are: Elizabeth Brady, Charlotte Evans, Elle Hutton, Rachel Reynolds, Grace Turner, Sarah Walker.


created: 1999-05-10 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-05-05 18:15:40.320709+00
name: Ross of Mull, The
ucname: ROSS OF MULL
notes:
  Inscribed to the 1990 "Castle Hoppers."

  Bars 1-8: The intertwining falls of Mull as they drop from the cliff top.  
  Bars 9-16: The curvy nature of the falls as they are diverted in their downward fall by jutting rocks in the cliff face.  
  Bars 17-24: The long ribbons of water falling into the sea and the backsplash they create.  
  Bars 25-32 The swirling of the sea as it crashes against the cliff face.


created: 2019-01-02 12:00:42.920475+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:47:00.620351+00
name: Together For Forty Years
ucname: TOGETHER FOR FORTY YEARS
intensity_bars: 600/888/844/880
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  For Tom and Kathy Allen on the occasion of their 40th anniversary. Kathy gave me the gist of the dance—must have a flirtatious opening and a poussette.I hope the rest weds their appreciation of tradition with a nod to sociable and uncomplicated interactions. They’ve always been interested in getting new dancers on the floor,building community, and keeping things grounded in good humor.


created: 2024-04-21 12:05:47.597216+00
last_modified: 2024-10-19 07:45:55.972284+00
name: Happy Easter With Anouk
ucname: HAPPY EASTER WITH ANOUK
intensity_bars: 88/88/88/88
devised: 2024-03-01
notes:
  Anouk, a lively little girl, was Sophie Marchand’s pupil for 3 years at the primary school in Méaudre. They also share a birthday which they celebrated every year in early April. After leaving school to attend college, Anouk was the only one to come back and continue Scottish country dancing. At the end of March 2024, she gave Sophie a piece of paper saying “ I have written a dance but it has no title”. In early April 2024, their birthdays coincided with Easter so the title of the dance was obvious : Happy Easter with Anouk!


created: 1997-04-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-26 11:50:02.630617+00
name: Mountain Magic
ucname: MOUNTAIN MAGIC
intensity_bars: 808/888/888/880
devised: 1995-05-01
notes:
  Inscribed "to the mountains of New Zealand".

  Drewry further reports that:
  > On Sunday 14th May, 1995, I climbed Mount Ruapehu (a volcano and the highest peak in the North Island of New Zealand) with Helen Lyons, Marcel Horvath, Olive Cammidge and Terry Pye. Helen and Marcel were the leaders because they knew the mountain well. It was a day of pure magic with blue skies and sunshine.  
  > When we returned, we learned that New Zealand had won the final race in the America's Cup in their boat "Black Magic".  
  > The title of this dance reflects this doubly eventful day and also the fascination which mountains have always had for me.  
  > In the following week, I experienced more mountain magic with Dorothy Wilson on the west side of Mount Cook at the Franz Josef Glacier, and then, two days later, with John and Marie Martin on the east side at the Hermitage, again in perfect weather.


created: 2024-04-27 10:53:26.155619+00
last_modified: 2024-04-27 10:59:46.987497+00
name: Daisy and Rebecca
ucname: DAISY AND REBECCA
devised: 2011-06-01
notes:
  The standard Rights and Lefts for Three Couples has a narrow and challenging track for the dancers passing up and down the centre as they give left hands.  This modification to the formation makes that track safer and more danceable.

  I have called this dance ‘Daisy and Rebecca’ because on each repetition two ladies (2nd and 3rd) are left out of the rights and lefts figure.  This is compensated by the fact that ladies have much more fun than men in Ladies’ Chains. ‘Two Ladies’ may also be seen as a reference to the two Ladies’ Chains. Daisy and Rebecca are the names of my two grand-daughters.


created: 2006-10-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-28 09:24:34.065885+00
name: Preparation Reel
ucname: PREPARATION REEL
intensity_bars: 804/800/880/888
notes:
  Written at Scottish Weekend 1999 to teach the reels for <<ddd:Cranberry Tart|Cranberry Tart>>, a dance by Terry Glasspool in the book Seven Year Itch.


created: 2024-04-28 20:05:31.221903+00
last_modified: 2024-12-29 04:57:41.593614+00
name: Eyes and Hands
ucname: EYES AND HANDS
intensity_bars: 822/866/888/822
devised: 2022-04-01
notes:
  The dance was devised for a special class at the Spring School 2022 to show how eyes and hands can be used in different formations and movements in one dance.


created: 1997-09-03 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-04-29 13:01:16.794587+00
name: Gushet Neuk
ucname: GUSHET NEUK
intensity_bars: 660/730/888/888
devised: 1968-11-01
notes:
  Devised in November 1968 for all members of an Australian Club. The original name was "Let's all go walkabout" by which it is probably known in Australia. The present name is that of the tune composed by Jimmy Reith of Aberdeen.


created: 2019-12-13 13:01:31.417119+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:32:43.606356+00
name: Still and Always
ucname: STILL AND ALWAYS
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/880
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  For Tom and Margaret Ward on the occasion of their anniversary. Although 2019 isn’t a 0 or 5 year anniversary, Margaret was moved to request a dance that honored their strong and loving marriage. Tom and Margaret share their respect and kindness with all on the dance floor. The dance, as yet unnamed, was presented at the Jean Patrick Memorial Dance on August 31, 2019. On the following morning, Tom shared the dance title above.


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


created: 2017-10-27 23:25:14.106037+00
last_modified: 2026-08-18 11:39:39.88164+00
name: Mentors, The
ucname: MENTORS
intensity_bars: 4444/4444/8080/8080/0808/0808/8888/8888/8888/8888
devised: 2015-05-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for David and Avril Quarrie, two wonderful teachers and mentors who always know how to help dancers learn and improve, and how to make them feel they belong.


created: 2024-04-28 20:16:04.858377+00
last_modified: 2024-12-29 05:02:07.636107+00
name: Kurai Reel
ucname: KURAI REEL
devised: 2022-08-01
notes:
  The dance was devised during a game-contest where each couple in the team invented their own 8 bars. The event was held in Ufa at the summer dancing weekend early August in 2022. By their joint decision,
  the team dedicated the dance to hospitable Bashkiria and named it after one of the symbols of the republic – the flower of Kurai.


created: 2019-02-28 19:13:21.23996+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:23:28.209252+00
name: Of Quakes and Quaichs
ucname: OF QUAKES AND QUAICHS
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2019-01-01
notes:
  For Donna Weidenfeller and Harry Andrews in celebration of their wedding. Donna is from Wisconsin originally but has been living in San Francisco, California for most of her adult life. Harry is from Edinburgh. They met several years ago in the San Francisco Scottish dance class and began a friendship that has grown deeper over time.  

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


created: 2018-10-24 19:05:56.417006+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:25:26.099462+00
name: Pilot's Delight
ucname: PILOTS DELIGHT
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/844
devised: 2017-05-27
notes:
  The dance and tune are the result of Pat Gregory’s successful bid at the 2016 Asilomar Weekend Auction. In addition to Scottish Country dancing, Pat’s an active member of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots.


created: 2000-02-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:44:10.881773+00
name: Merrill Gathering, The
ucname: MERRILL GATHERING
intensity_bars: 811 888 840 848 800
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  This dance was devised for the 31st annual Asilomar Weekend Workshop of the San Francisco Branch of the RSCDS. It is dedicated to all those who gathered in Merrill Hall on Sunday October 31, 1999, where Fiona taught the dance.


created: 2014-11-05 11:14:28.272016+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:14:57.925178+00
name: Margaret Mitchell's Rant
ucname: MARGARET MITCHELLS RANT
intensity_bars: 8008/8888/8448/8008
devised: 2011-01-01
notes:
  Tune: A free-spirited jig with some swing 

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

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


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


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


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


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


created: 2014-08-18 14:17:44.658472+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:31:39.002077+00
name: State of Grace
ucname: STATE OF GRACE
intensity_bars: 880/800/822/888
devised: 2012-02-07
notes:
  Written in memory of Polly Paterson who passed away on January 29, 2012. Polly was a loyal and enthusiastic member of the Berkeley class. She attended dances all over and served on the branch board. Her enjoyment of SCD was reflected in her ready smile and the encouragement she shared with all in her set. I’ve borrowed 8 bars from Adieu Mon Ami as a tribute to a friend and dancer who is sorely missed.


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

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


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


created: 2017-05-27 16:06:54.967305+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:29:34.152982+00
name: Something Blue
ucname: SOMETHING BLUE
intensity_bars: 880/833/877/822
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  Written for Kim Jorgensen & Kathy Wendell's nuptials.

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

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


created: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-21 03:30:50.735497+00
name: Stargazers
ucname: STARGAZERS
devised: 2009-07-04
notes:
  This dance was presented to Jane Turton and Michael Gregg on the occasion of  their wedding on July 4, 2009. One can easily see the stars in their eyes when they look at one another. On top of  that, Michael is an astronomer by profession.


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

   Bars 

   1-8    Wagon wheels. 

   9-20   Forming wagon trains and crossing the plains. 

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


created: 2011-12-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 20:44:36.165952+00
name: Basic Knitting
ucname: BASIC KNITTING
devised: 2007-10-01
notes:
  Traditionally, every San Francisco Class Solstice Party program includes a dance devised by or for a class member.
  Michael Iachini started dancing last year (2006-2007).


created: 2011-12-08 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:04:08.881785+00
name: Granville Bridge
ucname: GRANVILLE BRIDGE
intensity_bars: 800/844/844/844
devised: 2008-05-13
notes:
  This dance was inspired by a visit to Vancouver, and the experience of walking from downtown Vancouver to Granville Island. The Granville Bridge appears on maps to go to the island, but in fact goes OVER the island. To walk to the island from downtown, it is necessary to walk past the island to the far shore before doubling back (represented by the first eight bars). The middle sixteen bars represent the bridge itself, and the last eight bars represent the hustle and bustle of the Granville Public Market.


created: 2006-10-30 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:08:26.874041+00
name: Langdon Knot, The
ucname: LANGDON KNOT
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/880
devised: 2006-01-01
notes:
  For Susie Langdon Kass on the occasion of her significant birthday. Susie's husband Sid commissioned the tune by Muriel Johnstone. Susie was my fIrst teacher (as she was for many dancers in the Bay Area) and is a tireless and enthusiastic promoter of Scottish Country Dancing. She is well known for teaching "The Langdon Knot" to any (and all) who have yet to learn this very secure way of tying shoelaces. The fIgure in bars 9-16 reminds me of tying a knot and is evocative of the central fIgure in John McAlpin, one of Susie's favorite dances. A Ramsay herself, another of Susie's favorites is Lady Lucy Ramsay, which is the source for the last 8 bars. (Tim Wilson)


created: 2009-08-02 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-20 21:12:20.561992+00
name: Magic of Merrill, The
ucname: MAGIC OF MERRILL
intensity_bars: 873 888 844 888
notes:
  Lead tune: I recommend the Cape Breton version of “Return from India,” as in Jerry Holland's (first) Collection of Fiddle Tunes. Be warned that early editions of this collection have a repeat mark at the end of bar 8 that you should ignore; the first eight bars are A, the remaining four bars repeated are B, and you make 32 bars by playing ABAB. Note also that Jerry or his Cape Breton colleagues have altered the tune significantly from the older version that is found on page 8 of Kerr’s First Collection of Merry Melodies, including swapping the A and B parts.


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


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


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


created: 2024-05-12 16:36:15.869768+00
last_modified: 2025-01-31 17:45:17.217727+00
name: Snowstorm
ucname: SNOWSTORM
intensity_bars: 800/888/888/888/888
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The title, and the triangular set shape, come from the six pointed structure of snowflakes and the whirlwind meaning of the tourbillon style figure in bars 9-16.


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

  Bars

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

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

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

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

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

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

  29-32 All dance back-to-back.

  Repeat, having passed a couple.


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

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

  Alice and Malcolm’s Golden Wedding

  8x32 Strathspey

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

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

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

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

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

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

  17-20 	1M and 3L turn BH

  21-24 	1L and 3M turn BH

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

  Repeat, having passed a couple.


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


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


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

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

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


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

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


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

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

  (Original description added at author's request.)


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


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


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


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

  Reel time: working life  
  Strathspey time: time to rest


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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


created: 2013-03-16 13:37:12.293304+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:33.116678+00
name: Swan and the Tay, The
ucname: SWAN AND THE TAY
intensity_bars: 800/888/844/888
devised: 2010-01-01
notes:
  The Perth & Perthshire Branch Newsletter "The Highland Gateway" for January 2011 has the following text:

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

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


created: 2026-07-20 09:13:53.188093+00
last_modified: 2026-07-25 21:18:44.60278+00
name: Upsie-Downsie House, The
ucname: UPSIEDOWNSIE HOUSE
devised: 2014-01-01
notes:
  > One day, just before moving from her home of many years to a
  > senior residence in Santa Barbara, California, my friend, teacher and mentor Mary Brandon told me that
  > her dream had always been to live in an “upsie–downsie” (two-story) house but never had.
  > This dance is for Mary.


created: 2023-01-05 12:36:44.115021+00
last_modified: 2026-08-02 21:07:03.829349+00
name: Two Jeans, The
ucname: TWO JEANS
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  > Dedicated to my cousin, Alistair Ingram of Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, in memory of our mothers.
  > His was Jean Gerrie before marriage and mine was Jean Gerrie after marriage.
  > The two Jeans only met in person once very late in their lives but corresponded for years.
  > Both passed away in 2009.


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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


created: 1998-09-29 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2026-07-05 11:06:25.361138+00
name: Jessie's Hornpipe
ucname: JESSIES HORNPIPE
intensity_bars: 800 800 880 880
notes:
  Suggestion from Eric Ferguson: Variant: on [1-8] mirror Figs8, 1c starting inwards (flows better on bar 9).


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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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

  The Los Angeles Branch is situated on Santa Monica Bay.


created: 2026-07-19 21:34:39.279332+00
last_modified: 2026-07-19 21:34:39.279332+00
name: Sunset at Estes Cove
ucname: SUNSET AT ESTES COVE
devised: 1999-07-01
notes:
  > Before joining my husband’s family in New Brunswick,
  > Canada, for a family reunion, I visited Patti and Clive Tillotson, formerly of the Orange County Branch,
  > who had recently moved to Harpswell, Maine. Following dinner on my first night with them, we drove to
  > the shore to watch the sun set over the water.


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

  Different versions of this dance exist.

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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


created: 2024-07-22 21:22:11.330512+00
last_modified: 2025-07-19 15:44:26.461942+00
name: From the Main to the Seine
ucname: FROM THE MAIN TO THE SEINE
devised: 2024-07-13
notes:
  For Laura Grazioli, who danced with great enthusiasm and panache in the Frankfurt SCD Club
  while she was obtaining her Ph.D. degree in theoretical chemistry from the University of Mainz,
  and subsequently moved to Paris for post-doctoral work (and hopefully more dancing!).

  See also <<ddd:Opera et Labora>>.


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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

  Devised 2018, revised 2024


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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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

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


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


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


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

  Bars 9-16 are different on each repeat.


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


created: 2023-01-05 12:39:59.603696+00
last_modified: 2026-08-02 22:26:05.404713+00
name: Wedding at Morningside
ucname: WEDDING AT MORNINGSIDE
devised: 2018-01-01
notes:
  > To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our daughter’s wedding which took place in our
  > church, Morningside-High Park Presbyterian in Toronto.


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


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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


created: 2024-08-05 20:30:01.387126+00
last_modified: 2025-04-11 21:03:12.878489+00
name: Controlled Abandon
ucname: CONTROLLED ABANDON
devised: 2024-01-01
notes:
  The title comes from a phrase often used by Miss Jean Milligan, one of the two founders of the RSCDS. Within this dance there is a play on words as 1st man and 4th woman ‘abandon’ their partners in a controlled manner to follow a new leader in the consecutive half diagonal reels of four, only to find their partners again later in the reels.


created: 2025-05-01 10:07:31.115484+00
last_modified: 2025-05-15 11:57:07.362756+00
name: Queen's Marys, The
ucname: QUEENS MARYS
devised: 1991-10-01
notes:
  Revised 23 September 2006.

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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


created: 2024-08-18 21:43:46.174343+00
last_modified: 2025-01-18 23:36:15.817358+00
name: Creative Soul, A
ucname: CREATIVE SOUL
intensity_bars: 800/888/448/888
devised: 2022-03-01
notes:
  I wrote this dance thinking about my Mom and all she did in her life. She loved to paint in watercolor and other forms of painting and was quite good at it. She also knit, crocheted, spun, did bobbin lace, and was a classically trained pianist.


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

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


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


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


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


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


created: 2024-08-18 21:50:22.103647+00
last_modified: 2025-01-19 14:09:18.565699+00
name: Little Fox Face
ucname: LITTLE FOX FACE
intensity_bars: 800/866/866/800
devised: 2022-06-01
notes:
  In 2008 we adopted 4 cats from the local shelter ages 2 years, 1.5 years, 1 year, and 6 months. Sadly we lost the oldest in 2019, but we had the other three until this summer when we lost the next two. One of those was Edwin, who was medium hair, white with brown tabby blotches, and always on the move so he stayed thinner than the others. He also had a cute face that reminded me of a fox’s face. I wrote this dance when we still had him but knew his time was limited. We lost him 2 months later at age 16.


created: 2024-08-18 21:40:39.441837+00
last_modified: 2025-01-18 14:18:09.411398+00
name: Missing Judee
ucname: MISSING JUDEE
intensity_bars: 800/880/880/800
devised: 2022-02-01
notes:
  Judee cut my hair for 40 years and died suddenly with no warning. I miss her; we always had wonderful conversations.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


created: 2002-07-21 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-12-27 10:53:14.080269+00
name: River Rock Reel
ucname: RIVER ROCK REEL
intensity_bars: 884/888/800/880
devised: 2000-01-01
notes:
  The San Lorenzo River runs near my home, on its way to join Monterey Bay. Over the millennia, it has carved designs in the huge river rocks.


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

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


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


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


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

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


created: 2025-08-23 10:46:36.983203+00
last_modified: 2025-12-18 18:31:41.270493+00
name: Lowell Court
ucname: LOWELL COURT
devised: 2025-06-23
notes:
  We discovered the central figure of this dance in a modern English Country Dance: The Pleasure Vest. 

  The dance is dedicated to, and named by, Debbie Saunders of the RSCDS New Jersey Branch, with thanks for her extraordinary help when we tutored RSCDS Teacher Candidate classes. The final trial of the dance took place in Debbie’s home, in Lowell Court, Mahwah, New Jersey in June 2025.


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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

  Devised for Robert Baird.

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


created: 2024-07-25 23:22:12.06168+00
last_modified: 2025-04-16 21:22:14.126286+00
name: Parson's Pleasure
ucname: PARSONS PLEASURE
intensity_bars: 8888/8008/8448/8008
devised: 2017-01-01
notes:
  Parson’s Pleasure is a pleasant area along the banks of the river Cherwell on the edge of University Parks. It used to be a male bathing area frequented by university dons until its closure in 1991. The area features a set of rollers that allows punts to be transported between the two levels of the river on either side of Mesopotamia Walk.


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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


created: 2019-01-29 12:07:19.593904+00
last_modified: 2026-01-10 18:02:43.557433+00
name: Twelve 1314
ucname: TWELVE 1314
notes:
  An adaptation of John Drewry's <<ddd:1314>> for six couples (12 people) in a hexagonal set.

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


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

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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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

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


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


created: 2020-03-09 15:52:04.528594+00
last_modified: 2024-12-14 17:07:12.516896+00
name: Charming Molly
ucname: CHARMING MOLLY
devised: 2019-08-01
notes:
  Charming Molly was the name of the ship that Elizabeth Woodbury’s paternal grandmother's family were on from Dorchester (Boston) to Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, in May 1760.


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

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


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


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


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


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


created: 2025-09-01 10:27:55.755838+00
last_modified: 2025-09-01 10:40:00.583835+00
name: Freewheeling
ucname: FREEWHEELING
intensity_bars: 80800/88888/86846/86846
devised: 2025-03-01
notes:
  "For Erwin Hearst who is a keen cyclist. The dance contains the Spoke figure in the top and bottom halves of the set."


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


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

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


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

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


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

  The notes explain that:

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


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


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


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


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


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

  The youtube notes explain the dance:

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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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


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


created: 2024-12-19 23:16:28.08934+00
last_modified: 2026-02-12 19:43:43.255545+00
name: Reel for Liz, A
ucname: REEL FOR LIZ
intensity_bars: 8000/4444/4444/0088
notes:
  Devised by Stuart Ross for Liz Bruynooghe to celebrate her special birthday in 2009.  Liz has served as Secretary and Chairperson of the Branch and is a past President of Nantwich & District Scottish Society.


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

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


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

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

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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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


created: 2025-09-01 10:34:23.859906+00
last_modified: 2025-09-01 10:39:28.039369+00
name: GG XX
ucname: GG XX
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/8000/8888
devised: 2024-07-01
notes:
  Devised "to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the London Gay Gordons group which was founded in October 2005 by Daniel Capron and John Tyler. The two right hands across at the top and bottom represent XX which is 20 in Roman numerals. The combined path of 1st couple in bars 17-24 is supposed to look like the figure 2 and the final circle is the 0 for 20 years of happy dancing."


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


  Bars		Description

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

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

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

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


  Repeat having passed a couple.


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


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


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

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


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

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

  17-20  1s take large steps.

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

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


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

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

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


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

  The notes explain that:

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


created: 2004-03-07 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-10-13 22:21:54.3433+00
name: Golden Knot, The
ucname: GOLDEN KNOT
devised: 2002-11-01
notes:
  Inscribed "for Jonathan and Mary Ross of Inverness".

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


created: 2019-01-08 15:22:23.50439+00
last_modified: 2024-11-03 18:58:10.551083+00
name: Flowering Heather, The
ucname: FLOWERING HEATHER
intensity_bars: 880/770/888/800
devised: 2016-10-01
notes:
  When teaching a Diamond Poussette to first year dancers, it is hard to find a dance that doesn’t have multiple foot changes to deal with. This is one of the more challenging formations for new dancers and, try as I might, the only dances that I could find that came close were “The Lammermuir Hills” and “The Walled Garden” (by that magic devisor Roy Goldring), but these two also had foot changes.  This straightforward dance was devised especially for our new dancers at the Lower Hutt Club to practice an all-round strathspey Poussette without having to deal with a foot change at all.  

  Devised in October 2016, which is spring in New Zealand.  The end of the dancing season is approaching and our New Dancers are starting to try more difficult formations.  Earlier in the year, Damon and I had a trip to the UK and found ourselves in the Lammermuir Hills in Scotland walking through some “Flowering Heather” which was very beautiful.  A day to remember - so this dance is also a reminder of that very day.


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

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

  DEVISED: 2018-03


created: 2024-11-05 18:01:35.617547+00
last_modified: 2025-04-16 17:16:45.000935+00
name: Eels of Parramatta
ucname: EELS OF PARRAMATTA
intensity_bars: 800/888/800/808
notes:
  The dance was posted to an SCD Teachers group answering a request for dances with mirroring Figure of 8 on the sides followed by Reel of Three on the sides.

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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


created: 2024-11-07 10:08:42.58041+00
last_modified: 2025-09-14 09:07:59.044741+00
name: Double Culla Bay
ucname: DOUBLE CULLA BAY
notes:
  Version of <<ddd:Culla Bay#1473>> for eight couples, two couples on each side of a large square. The progression and repetitions are as for Culla Bay.


created: 2024-12-19 23:00:19.144494+00
last_modified: 2025-09-17 21:59:27.084243+00
name: Default Position, The
ucname: DEFAULT POSITION
intensity_bars: 880/888/888/888
devised: 2023-03-01
notes:
  The 'default position' is a term coined by the Chairman of the RSCDS, William Williamson, to describe a dancer ready for action: alert, good posture, arms placed loosely at the sides of the body and, most importantly, feet in first position.


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

  Drewry specifies: »The dance may be danced as a Strathspey only, or it may be repeated in Reel tempo to make a Medley.« or in the wording of *Greenburn Book 3:* »Strathspey - 3 couples - 64 bars OR Medley [Strathspey + Reel] - 64+64 bars«

  Further notes by John Drewry from the *Greenburn Book 3:*

  - _about the setup:_  
    The dance is triangular in shape and the couples stand at the apices of an equilateral triangle.  
    For the women, comers are the men standing on their right and contra comers are the other men. For the men, comers are the women standing on their left and contra corners are the other women.  
  The dance may be danced as a Strathspey only, or it may be repeated in Reel Tempo to make a Medley.
  - _about the name:_
     There is already a dance called The Round Reel of Eight (Book 27 No.7). This gave me the idea for the title of this dance.  
     In English Country Dances a "Hey" or "Hay" is the equivalent of a "Reel" in Scottish Country Dances.  
  ROUNDHAY is a district of Leeds with a famous park.
  - The _Triangular Reel of Six_ is slightly like a triangular Schiehallion Reel, but the phrasing is different.  
  The phrasing in this dance is:- dance in, pass left shoulders, dance out and curve round into place using four equal steps (similar to the phrasing in a foursome reel).  
  In a Schiehallion Reel the phrasing for the men is:- two long steps to travel to the next woman's place and two short steps to cast to the man's place, whereas for the women it is:- two short steps to cast to the man's place and then two tong steps to travel to the next woman's place. I hope I am not being too pedantic in thinking in this way about the reels.


created: 2024-11-12 20:29:46.989319+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 20:29:46.989319+00
name: Dave McGregor of St Andrews
ucname: DAVE MACGREGOR OF ST ANDREWS
notes:
  "Commemorating Dave McGregor (1932–2023), St Andrews musician and leader of the Andronaires band in Fife for over forty years".


created: 2024-11-12 20:36:10.584719+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 20:36:10.584719+00
name: Here's Tae Us!
ucname: HERES TAE US
notes:
  ‘Here’s tae us, and a’ whose like us!’ To commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the RSCDS in 2023.


created: 2024-11-12 21:18:55.605414+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 21:20:00.110003+00
name: St Andrews by the Northern Sea
ucname: SAINT ANDREWS BY THE NORTHERN SEA
devised: 2023-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this is:
  > Commemorating Andrew Lang (1844–1912) the writer, journalist, critic, poet and folklorist  
  > *‘St Andrews by the Northern Sea,*  
  > *A haunted town it is to me!’*  
  > (Almae Matres, Andrew Lang, on the ‘little city, grey and sere’ the cathedral in which now holds his dust).


created: 2024-11-12 21:45:27.655604+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 21:45:27.655604+00
name: Pedro de Luna's Strathspey
ucname: PEDRO DE LUNAS STRATHSPEY
notes:
  The notes say this is:
  > Commemorating Pedro de Luna (1342–1423), Antipope Benedict XIII, who issued the papal bulls founding St Andrews University in 1413.


created: 2024-11-12 21:50:55.82633+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 21:50:55.82633+00
name: Rough Wooing, The
ucname: ROUGH WOOING
notes:
  The notes say the title is:
  > An ironic name for the Eight Years’ War (1543–1551), the last major conflict between Scotland and England before the Union of the Crowns in 1603.


created: 2024-11-12 21:29:42.156794+00
last_modified: 2024-11-12 22:01:16.563752+00
name: Cardinal, The
ucname: CARDINAL
devised: 1989-01-01
notes:
  The note says this is:
  > Commemorating Cardinal David Beaton (1494–1546), Archbishop of St Andrews and the last Scottish cardinal prior to the Reformation.


created: 2024-11-12 23:43:48.344935+00
last_modified: 2024-11-13 23:36:57.088039+00
name: Pershore Plums
ucname: PERSHORE PLUMS
intensity_bars: 880/800/822/888
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  Devised for the Pershore Scottish Country Dancing Club to celebrate them learning the Espagnole so well


created: 2024-11-12 21:12:55.594948+00
last_modified: 2024-11-13 18:18:13.116979+00
name: Henry Ogilvie's Jig
ucname: HENRY OGILVIES JIG
devised: 1991-01-01
notes:
  The notes say this dance is:
  > Commemorating Henry Ogilvie, a Master of Arts of the University of Paris and a priest of the diocese of St Andrews, who, in 1413, in the name of King James I, delivered a request to Pope Benedict XIII in Aragon asking for formal confirmation of the founding of a national university in Scotland. His return journey with the papal bulls took more than five months, and he finally arrived in St Andrews on 3 February 1414 to scenes of general rejoicing.


created: 2011-08-04 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2025-01-24 23:34:56.104462+00
name: Gude Ale Keeps The Heart Aboon
ucname: GUDE ALE KEEPS THE HEART ABOON
devised: 2009-01-01
notes:
  The notes quote the Burns poem which gives the dance its title:

  *Chorus - O gude ale comes and gude ale goes;*  
  *Gude ale gars me sell my hose,*  
  *Sell my hose, and pawn my shoon—*  
  *Gude ale keeps my heart aboon!*  
  *– Robert Burns, 1795*


created: 2024-11-03 01:27:07.247713+00
last_modified: 2024-11-13 23:47:05.939228+00
name: Joppa Rocks
ucname: JOPPA ROCKS
notes:
  Joppa rocks are at the east end of Portobello beach. Joppa was a small fishing village next to the rocks and had a salt pan which captured sea water which was evaporated using coal from the coal seam in the rocks to create sea salt.  

  Alex was born in Joppa and often played on the rocks as a child. James when visiting his grannie would often walk along Portobello Promenade (Party Prom) to Joppa rocks. When Alex danced with the Edinburgh Branch demonstration group in the early 1960s another member of the team, Agnes Lofthouse, also lived in Joppa.  

  The alternative tunes, "Coal Seams and Salt Pans" and "Party Prom", were both composed for this dance and indicate local landmarks in Edinburgh.


created: 2024-11-19 17:35:02.094999+00
last_modified: 2024-12-20 21:34:53.48174+00
name: Reels 4 Your Corners
ucname: REELS 4 YOUR CORNERS
intensity_bars: 800/844/800/844/800
devised: 2024-11-01
notes:
  Devised "for newer dancers to learn Reels of 4 and reviewing corners."

  Music: Suggest using “At Long Last 8x40J (Merrily Danced the Quaker’s Wife)” from Caroline Mccaskey & Andy Imbrie on the CD “Salute to San Diego.”


created: 2023-01-05 12:43:32.977485+00
last_modified: 2026-08-03 13:00:04.396845+00
name: Delightful Deviser, The
ucname: DELIGHTFUL DEVISER
intensity_bars: 888/888/642/844
devised: 2022-01-01
notes:
  > For Blair, to celebrate and commemorate the publishing of his collection of dances.
  > Blair’s classes are always full of laughter and happiness, and he has drawn great delight
  > from devising this collection of dances to share with dancers around the world.


created: 2024-11-19 17:30:17.1958+00
last_modified: 2024-12-14 14:12:13.802511+00
name: Loving Loraine
ucname: LOVING LORAINE
intensity_bars: 880/804/844/808
notes:
  Devised "in honor of Loraine’s 70th birthday. 'Loving' (in the title) is used as both a verb and an adjective."

  Music: A good aire (or perhaps a song) Strathspey, with a recording using some lead piano. Suggest “The Silver Thistle Ball” by Mara Shea & Dave Weisler on Heather Hills recording (leads by both piano (Loraine) & fiddle (Terry). Another option using piano as the lead might be “Allan Gillie” by Muriel Johnstone & Ronnie Currie on Dancing Fingers #1 recording.


created: 2024-10-19 10:01:53.570331+00
last_modified: 2024-11-17 22:14:55.056617+00
name: Kitten Chaos Club
ucname: KITTEN CHAOS CLUB
intensity_bars: 880/820/844/844
devised: 2024-09-25
notes:
  Introducing the most likely new figure "Corners Pass and Hands Across".
  This dance is dedicated to Marjorie and Richard McLaughlin, if not to their two cats Alice and Dinah (represented by first couple) who they adopted in 2024 and who seem to be all over the place, even in online meetings.


created: 2024-11-18 08:35:02.670793+00
last_modified: 2024-11-18 09:21:04.09077+00
name: Scorpio Season
ucname: SCORPIO SEASON
intensity_bars: 800/444/444/888
devised: 2024-10-01
notes:
  Every year around October/November I start thinking about different ways to get couples set up for a 3-couple bourrel and often write a couple of dances. This is one of them for 2024. When I presented it in class and mentioned I do this because my birthday is in November, a newer dancer mentioned her birthday was also in November and suggested naming it for both of us.


created: 2018-10-29 11:00:37.056575+00
last_modified: 2024-11-18 09:42:08.015291+00
name: Bienvenue à Lyon Branch
ucname: BIENVENUE A LYON BRANCH
notes:
  Although mostly for 2 couples, and described as a 2 couple dance, the last 8 bars involves all 4 couples. So it is entered as a 4 couple dance in the database.

  Note: the instructions for the "interlocking helix" in bars 25-32 are missing an essential cast back to place in bars 27-28.


created: 2024-11-15 10:13:40.698833+00
last_modified: 2024-11-18 14:21:14.921191+00
name: Rambling Jig
ucname: RAMBLING JIG
intensity_bars: 80/88/88/88
devised: 1993-12-01
notes:
  The notes say this was:
  > Inspired by the wonderful dancing and music at the dance weekends first held at the Buffalo Gap camp in West Virginia, then at Canadensis in Pennsylvania, and then at Ramble Woods in Maryland, hence the name "Rambling Jig."


created: 2001-09-12 22:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-11-19 13:07:50.259438+00
name: One Fine Day
ucname: ONE FINE DAY
intensity_bars: 80800/84884/84884/82842
devised: 1999-01-01
notes:
  In *Greenburn Book 3* John Drewry adds some notes:

  * The dance is a conversion of "Thomas Glover's Reel" into a 5 couple dance.
  * Thomas Glover went to Japan and settled in Nagasaki, where he married a Japanese wife. The opera "Madame Butterfly" was thought to be inspired by the story of Thomas although he did not abandon his wife as Pinkerton did.
  * "One Fine Day" is a celebrated aria from the opera.


created: 2017-06-22 17:02:51.599459+00
last_modified: 2024-11-20 11:44:53.664742+00
name: Mustard Seed, The
ucname: MUSTARD SEED
intensity_bars: 800/822/822/888/888
devised: 2009-10-01
notes:
  Inscribed "From the small beginnings of Scottish Country Dance Clubs in Brisbane grew the Queensland Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Thanks to Jim and Phyllis South, Scroll recipients, for their contribution."


created: 2017-04-30 09:56:46.205677+00
last_modified: 2025-12-17 02:47:19.131106+00
name: Miss Lilian Ross' Socks
ucname: MISS LILIAN ROSS SOCKS
devised: 2012-01-01
notes:
  This dance links a favourite pair of white socks knitted for the deviser by Miss Lilian Ross in 1975 and the 90th Annversary of the RSCDS - ninety is depicted in the first 8 bars of the dance.


created: 2001-11-25 23:00:00+00
last_modified: 2024-11-22 13:17:53.223287+00
name: Old Spedling Castle's Ghost's Dance, The
ucname: OLD SPEDLING CASTLES GHOSTS DANCE
devised: 2000-05-01
notes:
  The Old Spedling Castle´s Ghost´s Dance is a dance where the 'standing' bottom man or top lady takes the part of the ghost to enter the dance. Thus, it is somehow a dance for 3 couples and a ghost in a 4 couple longwise set.

  It was first tried at a dance workshop in 2000 led by Jim Rae at the Kuckucksnest (=cuckoo's nest) in Schl&uuml;chtern, Germany. After a few more changes it was then published in his "A Dancing Tour Volume 2" in 2004.

  The recording of the tune by Green Ginger named "<<http://my.strathspey.org/dd/recording/4971/|The Old Spedling Castle's Ghost's Dance>>" (also mentioned by Jim Rae in "A Dancing Tour Volume 2") is only four times through. Thus, this recording might not be well suitable, if one wants to perform the dance the full eight times through in one go.

  Although the name of the dance has "Spedling" (with a G) the notes refer to "Spedlins Tower" (without a G).


created: 2024-11-24 18:57:27.830205+00
last_modified: 2025-02-04 01:34:15.454134+00
name: Double Knot
ucname: DOUBLE KNOT
intensity_bars: 800/880/880/888
devised: 2020-03-01
notes:
  In class, we were reviewing the knot and ended up doing it twice in a row. It seemed interesting so I wrote this dance (and another) with 2 knots in a row.


created: 2024-11-24 19:26:35.460827+00
last_modified: 2025-07-24 07:36:48.736992+00
name: Targaid ma tha
ucname: TARGAID MA THA
intensity_bars: 84/88/88/84
devised: 2023-10-01
notes:
  We'd been dancing dances with the targe figure in class when a visiting dancer, Mats Melin, suggested I write a dance with a targe named Taj/Targe Mahal. He later suggested I use the current title, which is Gaelic pronounced roughly targe ma 'ha and means "a targe in that case."


created: 2024-11-24 19:33:00.265346+00
last_modified: 2025-07-24 01:34:28.246826+00
name: Purrfect Profile, The
ucname: PURRFECT PROFILE
intensity_bars: 800/822/844/888
devised: 2023-10-01
notes:
  I saw an image of the side profile of a cat in silhouette and thought 'what a perfect profile' which was the original title of this dance, but members of the class suggested the spelling change.


created: 2024-11-24 19:18:08.399143+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 21:54:34.726794+00
name: Go Left, Young Man
ucname: GO LEFT YOUNG MAN
devised: 2023-06-01
notes:
  "I have a bad hip and knee on the right side and most dances are right-oriented, so I wrote this dance to work the left side more. The title is a play on Horace Greeley’s exhortation to 'Go west, young man.' Note, it is very important that the corners dance out to place on bar 24 to be ready (and out of the way) for the diagonal rights and lefts."


created: 2024-11-24 19:13:45.117672+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 21:55:19.477939+00
name: Meerkat Cross(ing)
ucname: MEERKAT CROSSING
intensity_bars: 800/888/444/888
devised: 2023-05-01
notes:
  "In his daily newsletter, <<ddp:Quint, Robb#3690>> discussed various Merkat Cross dances then mentioned it was unfortunate there was no Meerkat dance. This is my attempt at one."


created: 2024-11-24 21:31:21.297481+00
last_modified: 2025-08-06 19:12:18.670756+00
name: Visiting My Puddles
ucname: VISITING MY PUDDLES
intensity_bars: 8888/8888/6666/8888
devised: 2024-10-01
notes:
  > "Are you visiting your puddles again?" was the phrase my mother, Claudine Landon, used to enjoy
  teasing me with about my regular holidays in the English Lake District. I never thought of this as a
  possible name for a dance while she was alive, but now she is gone it brings back happy memories.


created: 2024-11-24 19:55:19.214427+00
last_modified: 2024-11-24 21:58:43.446835+00
name: Chicago Sapphire
ucname: CHICAGO SAPPHIRE
intensity_bars: 880/844/888/822
devised: 2024-02-01
notes:
  "In early 2024 when we decided to make the 2025 Chicago Ball a 45th Anniversary (Sapphire) celebration, I wrote this and another dance in honor of that event."


