1-8 1s cross RH & cast 1 place, lead down LH crossing below 3s & cast up to 2nd place own side
9-16 2s & 3s petronella turn into middle & set, 1s petronella turn into middle (1L between 2s & 1M between 3s) & all set
17-24 2L+1L & 1M+3M (both couples dancing in tandem) dance an Alternating Tandem reel of 4 with 2M & 3L up/down (2M & 3L do not pass LSh at end of reel) & end Men face down, Ladies up
25-32 All chase clockwise 1/2 way to own sides & turn RH. 3 1 2
Come What May (R)
Haste to the Wedding (J)
Orchards of Co. Armagh (S)
The Black Leather Jig (R)
The Captain (R)
Davy Nick Nack (R)
MacDonald of the Isles (S)
Scott Meikle (R)
1-8 2s dance full diagonal Reels of 4 with 1st corners, passing by the LSh to face 2nd corners
9-16 2s dance full diagonal Reel of 4 with 2nd corners to end in original places
17-24 All dance Snowball Grand Chain for 3 cples to end 3 (2) 1:
1s cross RH & change places LH on side with 2s
1s change places RH with 3s while 2s cross over RH
1s cross LH while 2s & 3s change places LH. 3 (2) 1
25-32 3s+2s (top 2 couples) dance 1/2 R&L, 3s dance 1/2 Fig of 8 round end couples (3M up & 3L down) to end in 2nd place own side 2 3 1
Andrew and Gordon’s Jig (J)
The Flowering Heather (S)
Sleepwalking (R)
Gang the Same Gate (S)
Violynne (R)
Swiss Lassie (R)
Just As I Was in the Morning (J)
1-8 1s dance in & cast to 3rd place, 2s+1s turn partners RH 1.1/4 times to form a line up & down middle of set (Men facing down Ladies up)
9-16 2s+1s dance reel of 4 up & down middle of set ending with 2M facing Ladies side & 1L facing Men’s side
17-24 2s+1s chase round clockwise 1/2 way, 1s+3s+2s Adv+Ret
25-32 3s+2s (bottom 2 couples) 1/2 turn partners RH, dance RH across 1/2 way, 1s+2s (top 2 couples) 1/2 turn partners RH & dance RH across 1/2 way
New Year Jig (J)
Dancing Butterflies (R)
Mr Graham W. Donald (S)
The Blackwater Reel (R)
The Flowering Heather (S)
Beach Dancer (J)
Toast to the Mousies (R)
And no, it’s not an April Fools’ joke!
Due to the Teachers Workshop it has been decided we won’t be dancing on Monday 1st April.
A reminder that subs are now due. Payment by the end of March is much appreciated, and that date is coming up rather quickly.
No red dance this week – and no, it’s not just an April Fool’s joke!
1-8 1s set & cross RH, 1s set to 2s on sides & change places LH
9-16 2s+1s dance Ladies’ Chain
17-24 1M followed by 1L casts behind 3L & 1M crosses to own side then casts up to 2nd place as 1L dances up middle to 2nd pl. (4 bars), 2s+1s turn LH on sides
25-32 1s dance reels of 3 on sides giving RSh to 3s
Anderson’s Rant (R)
The Captain’s House (R)
Swirling Snow (S)
Farewell to Balfour Road (J)
Dancing Butterflies (R)
Prince Rupert’s Fancy (S)
Inchmickery (J)
The Irish Rover (R)
1-8 1s+2s circle 4H round to left, 1s dance in & cast to 3rd place
9-16 1s dance RH across (1L with 3s & 1M with 4s), pass RSh & dance LH across with other couple 2 3 1 4 5
17-24 1L+2M (at top) also 1M+5L (at bottom) turn RH, 1s pass RSh & 1L+5M (at bottom) also 1M+2L (at top) turn LH (1s end 3rd place own side)
25-32 1s dance in & cast to 5th place, 5s+1s circle 4H round to right. 2 3 4 5 1
The Green Belt Jig (J)
Fair Donald (S)
Ferla Mor (R)
Bruce’s Men (S)
The Captain’s House (R)
Mrs MacPherson of Inveran (R)
Granville Market (J)
The Borrowdale Exchange (R)
St Andrew’s Fair (J)
The Auld Grey Cat (R)
Seann Truibhas Willichan (S)
The Cranberry Tart (J)
The Kissing Bridge (R)
The Silver Grey (S)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
Welcome back to the dancing season. What a great turn out on Monday. It was so good to see you all there. A big thank you to all who contributed to the supper. Very much enjoyed at the end of the evening.
Our first Red Dance is up for Monday 11th.
1-8 1s dance Inveran Reels with 2s+3s
9-16 1s turn RH 1.1/2 times moving down to 2nd place opp sides (2s step up); 1s cast up behind 2s & cross down to 2nd place own side
17-24 2s+1s+3s dance Grand Chain
25-32 2s+1s+3s circle 6H round & back
Summer Dancing is a great way to ease back into dancing after the Christmas period.
It is in the law school grounds, Lambton Quay/Stout St, Wellington.
Dancing is on the last 2 Tuesdays in January (23/01, 30/01) and first 2 Tuesdays in February (06/02, 13/02), starting at 7pm.
All welcome, the dances are typically well-known favourites for everyone.
That’s the end of dancing for 2023. See you next year!
Thanks to everyone who made dancing this year so enjoyable, and we hope to see you again next year.
As a reminder, we have Summer Dancing in the last two Tuesdays in January and first two Tuesdays in February.
Dancing starts again in March.
New Year Jig (J)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
Minister on the Loch (S)
The Laird of Milton’s Daughter (J)
Scott Meikle (R)
Miss Gibson’s Strathspey (S)
Mr William Brown’s Reel (R)
The Halfway House (S)
De’il Amang the Tailors (R)
It is the club’s final night on Monday.
Come join us for a fun night of dancing to finish off the year.
We have live music and supper.
Final night for the year. No red dance this week.
Round the Room Warm-Up (R)
Maxwell’s Rant (R)
The Edinburgh Toy Shop (J)
Up In The Air (S)
The Hereford Silver Jubilee (R)
Drumelzier (S)
Links With St Petersburg (J)
Hooper’s Jig (J)
1-8 1s & 2s Set+Link ending NHJ in the middle facing, 1s & 2s Set+link with partners to opposite sides.
9-16 1s followed by 2s dance down for 3 bars & change places with Lady dancing under Mans arm, 2s+1s dance up to 1st & 2nd places
17-24 2M+1M turn LH as 2L+1L turn RH, 1M+3M turn RH as 1L+3L turn LH & 1s end facing 1st corners
25-32 1s dance ‘Hello-Goodbye’ setting & petronella turn to 2nd place own sides
All Mixed Up (R)
Anderson’s Rant (R)
Lady Irvine’s Jig (J)
Drumelzier (S)
Pelorus Jack (J)
— AGM —
Scott Meikle (R)
A Capital Jig (J)
On the Quarter-Deck (R)
Miss Gibson’s Strathspey (S)
Merlin’s Thorn (J)
Castle of Mey (R)
Oriel Strathspey (S)
The Montgomeries’ Rant (R)
No red dance this week as it is the club’s AGM. There will still be some dancing before the meeting.
Next week (6th November) is the club’s Annual General Meeting. There will be some dancing before the meeting starts at around 8:45pm. Included below are the minutes from last year’s AGM, this year’s Agenda, President’s Report and Financial Report.
Our annual dance is coming up fast with only a few weeks to go. Below is a video of the dance Balmaha, taught and danced correctly.
Joie de Vivre (J)
A Gift from Heaven (S)
The Highland Rambler (J)
Castle of Mey (R)
Mildred Clancey’s Strathspey (S)
Trip to Timber Ridge (R)
The Sailor (R)
1-8 1s cross RH & cast down to 2nd place (2s step up), cross LH & 1L casts up while 1M casts down
9-16 1s dance reels of 3 across, 1L with 2s (RSh to 2M) & 1M with 3s (RSh to 3L)
17-24 1s NHJ (Lady on Mans left) set to 2L & turn inwards to set to 3M, set to 3L & turn inward & set to 2M. End facing own 2nd corner (1L pull back LSh to face down)
25-32 2s+1s+3s dance reels of 3 on opposite sides 1s giving RSh to 2nd corner, 1s cross RH to 2nd place own sides
Miller’s Crossing (J)
Rovin’ Robin (R)
The Robson Strathspey (S)
The Five Row Reel (R)
Andrew’s Dance (R)
Mr William Brown’s Dance (R)
The Machine Without Horses (J)
1-8 1s turn RH, cast (2s step up) then 1L+2s & 1M+3s dance RH across. 1s end facing 1st corners
9-16 1s dance Corner Pass+Turn with 1st corners, pass RSh & repeat with 2nd corners. 1s pull back RSh to end BtoB in centre facing opp sides
17-24 2s+1s+3s dance Double Triangles. Bars 23-24 1s petronella turn to 2nd place own sides
25-32 2s+1s+3s circle 6H round and back
Bohemian Reflections (R)
The Findlay’s Jig (J)
John McAlpin (S)
The Reverend John MacFarlane (R)
Marian’s Reel (R)
Greenmantle (S)
The Music Makars (R)
Mole’s Frolic (J)
1-8 1s+2s+3s dance reflection reels on own sides (1s in & down to start)
9-16 1s turn RH into 2nd place (2s up), dance out & cast round 3s & turn LH into 2nd place own sides
17-24 2s+1s dance 1/2 R&L & dance DoSiDo with partner
25-32 1s+2s turn partners RH 1.1/2 times to own sides, turn on sides LH 1.1/2 times
1-8 1s turn RH, cast 1 place & turn partner LH to Bal-in-Line position with 1st corners
9-16 1s Bal-in-Line with 1st corners then face 1st corners & set, 1s turn to right again & Bal-in-Line with corners then turn ptnr RH to face 2nd crnrs
17-24 1s Bal-in-Line with 2nd corners then face 2nd corners & set, 1s turn to left again & Bal-in-Line with corners then turn prtnr LH to end 1L facing 2s, 1M facing 3s
25-32 1s dance RH across (1L with 2s & 1M with 3s), 1s change places passing RSh & dance LH across with other couple. 2 1 3
Anderson’s Rant (R)
Mary Erskine (R)
The Byron Strathspey (S)
Under a Shady Tree (R)
The Last of the Lairds (J)
Monadh Liath (S)
Mairi’s Wedding (R)
1-8 1s turn RH & cast to 2nd place (2s step up); 1s turn LH to face 1st corners
9-16 1s dance 1/2 diagonal reel of 4 with 1st corners, 1s dance 1/2 diagonal reel with 2nd corners
17-24 1s dance 1/2 diagonal reel with 3rd corner (pstns), 1/2 diagonal reel with 4th corner (pstns)
25-32 1s dance reel of 3 across (Lady with 2s, Man with 3s – LSh to 1st corner)
33-40 2s+1s+3s circle 6H round & back
The Borrowdale Exchange (R)
St Andrew’s Fair (J)
Oxtail Soup (S)
French Vanilla (R)
Gary Morris (J)
Violynne (R)
City of Belfast (S)
Flowers of Edinburgh (R)
The Provost Wynd (R)
Fair Donald (S)
The Barmkin (R)
Around and About (J)
The Silver Grey (S)
Swiss Lassie (R)
A Capital Jig (J)
Orpington Caledonians (R)
Taste @ Sawtell (R)
The Wild Geese (J)
The Shore of Solway (S)
Around and About (J)
Swashbuckling Iain (J)
Merlin’s Thorn (J)
Miss Nidra Aitken (S)
Granville Market (J)
1-8 1s dance 1/2 Fig of 8 round 2s, 1L+2M turn RH 1.1/4 times while 1M+2L turn LH 1.1/4 times & 1s end BtoB facing opposite sides.
9-16 1s+2s dance reel of 4 across in 2nd place. 2s end in 1st places while 1s pass LSh to face 1st corners.
17-24 1s set to 1st corner & 2nd corner ending (turning to right) between corners, all set & 1s cross RH.
25-32 1s+3s dance Espagnole.
1-8 1s+2s Set & Rotate & end 1s facing up, 2s down:
Set, rotate singly & dance on 1 place clockwise, change places RH on sides & dance on 1 place to own sides (1s in 2nd place facing up)
9-16 1s dance reels of 3 on own sides (RSh to 2s)
17-24 1s set & turn 3/4 RH to face own sides, 1s dance LH across (1L with 2s, 1M with 3s) to end 2nd place opposite sides
25-32 1s set & turn 3/4 RH to face opposite sides, 1s dance LH across (1M with 2s, 1L with 3s) ending 2nd place own sides
1-8 1s+2s dance Espagnole
9-16 2s+1s+3s set advancing to RSh/RSh with partner, all dancing to R chase back to own sides, 2s & 3s cross RH whilst 1s turn RH to face 3rd corner positions
17-24 1s dance 1/2 diagonal reel of 4, pass RSh to face 4th corner position, dance 1/2 diagonal reel of 4, finishing 2nd place own sides
25-32 1s+3s dance Bourrel to finish 2 3 1
Jubilee Jig (J)
Morison’s Bush (R)
Glengrant (S)
Inchmickery (J)
The Tushker (R)
Miss Nidra Aitken (S)
The Irish Rover (R)
1-8 1s dance down below 3s & cast up to 2nd place own sides, 1L dances RH across with 2s while 1M dances RH across with 3s
9-16 1s dance 1/2 diagonal reel of 4 with 1st corners, 1/2 reel with 2nd corners & 1/2 turn LH in centre to face 1st corners
17-24 1s dance reels of 3 across giving LSh to 1st corners ending in 2nd place own sides
25-32 1s dance Diag R&L (1M crossing down & 1L crossing up to start)
The Maxina (W)
New Year Jig (J)
Lammermuir Hills (S)
The Laird of Milton’s Daughter (R)
Eileen Watt’s Reel (R)
Butterscotch and Honey (S)
Maxwell’s Rant (R)
The Sailor (R)
Jean Martin of Aberdeen (S)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
St Bernard’s Waltz (W)
Crom Allt (R)
De’il Amang the Tailors (R)
Bouquets (S)
MIQ Room 541 (R)
The Laird of Milton’s Daughter (R)
The Flowers of Edinburgh (R)
The Robertson Rant (S)
Scott Meikle (R)
No red dance this week – we have live music leading up to our annual dance.
The Maxina (W)
New Year Jig (J)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
Balmaha (S)
The Bees of Maggieknockater (J)
The Sailor (R)
The Halfway House (S)
Best Set in the Hall (J)
1-8 All circle 8H round & back
9-16 All Ladies dance RH across 1/2 way & turn opposite Man LH, all Ladies dance 1/2 RH across & turn partner LH
17-24 1s+3s dance reel of 4 (Ladies start by passing LSh as Men set)
25-32 All set (HS) to corners, turn 2H twice33-402s+4s dance reel of 4 (Ladies start by passing LSh as Men set)
41-48 All set (HS) to corners, turn 2H twice49-56All Ladies circle left to face partners (Ladies BtoB), set to & turn partners 2H
57-64 All Men circle right to face partners (Men BtoB), set to & turn partners 2H
65-72 All dance Grand Chain
73-80 All take allemande hold & dance anticlockwise once round set, bringing Ladies into centre for bow/curtsey
1-8 1s set & 1L followed by partner casts below 3s. 1L crosses & casts up to face her 1st corner while 1M dances up the middle to face 1st corner
9-12 1s set to 1st corners & dance RSh round each other into 3rd corner (pstn) while 1st corners dance in & turn right about to face their original position
13-16 1s+1st crnr person set & 1st crnr persons dance RSh round each other into diag opp crnrs while 1s dance in & pivot to right to face 2nd crnrs
17-24 1s repeat bars 9-16 with 2nd corners & end passing RSh to 2nd place opposite sides. (3)(1)(2)
25-32 3s+1s+2s chase clockwise 1/2 way & turn partners RH
Maxwell’s Rant (R)
Lammermuir Hills (S)
All For Mary (R)
Eileen Watt’s Reel (R)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
Butterscotch and Honey (S)
John Cass (J)
St Bernard’s Waltz (W)
The Maxina (W)
Maxwell’s Rant (R)
Jean Martin of Aberdeen (S)
Major Ian Stewart (J)
The Luckenbooth Brooch (J)
Lammermuir Hills (S)
The Hunting Horn (J)
The Black Craig of Dee (R)
1-8 1s lead down (2s+3s step up 3-4), lead up to 3rd place & turn RH to face 3M with 1L following 1M
9-16 1s, 3M+2M, 4L+5L all in tandem, dance alternating tandem reel on diagonal (1s pass 3M+2M RSh). 1s end facing 4M, 1L following 1M
17-24 1s, 4M+5M, 2L+3L all in tandem, repeat 9-16 (1s pass 4M+5M LSh) 1s end in middle, 3rd place facing down NHJ (1L on Left of 1M)
25-32 1s dance down between 4s, cast behind 5s (4s+5s step up 27-28), 1s pivot turn (R elbow grip) & finish in 5th place 2 3 4 5 1
The Green Belt Jig (J)
The Kissing Bridge (R)
Minister on the Loch (S)
Pelorus Jack (J)
The Cranberry Tart (J)
Shores of Solway (S)
Fireworks Reel (R)
The Duke of Atholl’s Reel (J)
1-8 1s cast 1 place, cross RH, cast below 3s & dance up middle to 2nd place BtoB in centre facing opp sides for Double Triangles
9-16 1s dance Double Triangles & end facing 2nd corners
17-24 1s dance diagonal reels of 4 with 2nd corners, pass partner LSh to face 1st corner
s25-32 1s dance reels of 4 with 1st corners, pass partner LSh to end in 2nd place facing out to start next sequence
St Bernard’s Waltz (W)
Cabbages and Kings (J)
Scott Meikle (R)
The Robertson Rant (S)
The Fireworks Reel (R)
The Laird of Milton’s Daughter (J)
The Cranberry Tart (J)
Pelorus Jack (J)
1-8 1s cross RH & cast 1 place, 1s dance 1/2 figures of 8 (1L round 2s, 1M round 3s) & end facing 1st corners
9-12 1s set moving out between corners (as in Hello-Goodbye setting) & 1s turn LH to face 1st corners
13-16 1s dance 1/2 diagonal reel of 4 with 1st corners & end facing 2nd corners
17-24 1s repeat bars 9-16 with 2nd corners & end 2nd place opposite sides (3)(1)(2)
25-32 1s dance 1/2 reel of 3 on opposite sides (1M in & down, 1L in & up), 1s dance 1/2 reel of 3 across (1M with 2s & 1L with 3s)
The Green Belt Jig (J)
St Andrew’s Fair (J)
Balmaha (S)
Best Set in the Hall (R)
Firth of Lorne (S)
Scott Meikle (R)
1-8 1M sets & casts 1 place, sets & petronella turns between 3s facing up while 1L stands for 2 bars then sets, casts 1 place & sets
9-16 1M sets in line with 3s & all 3 Adv+Ret then 1M advances to partner while 1L petronella turns between 2s & sets in line with 2s then all 3 Adv+Ret, 1L pulling back RSh (bar 16) to face 2L
17-24 1L followed by partner dances tandem reel of 3 across with 2s (RSh to 2L) to end in 2nd place own sides
25-32 1s dance RSh reels of 3 on sides giving RSh to 3s. 2 1 3
1-8 1s cross RH & cast to 2nd place, 1s dance 1/2 Fig of 8 round 2s
9-16 1s+3s dance RH across, LH back
17-24 1L followed by 3L dance Tandem reel of 3 across with 2s (LSh to 2M) & 1s end 3rd pl while 3M followed by 1M dance reel of 3 with 4s (LSh to 4L) & 3s end in 2nd pl 2 3 1 4
25-32 1s+4s dance 1/2 R&L, turn partners RH 1.1/2 times 2 3 4 1
New Year Jig (J)
Den O’ Mains (J)
Neidpath Castle (S)
Tiptoe Jig (J)
Jeanette’s Hornpipe (R)
Balmaha (S)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
1-8 1s+2s set, circle 4H round to left, turn 2H into prom hold facing up
9-16 1s+2s dance Allemande 1s end turning LH once round to face 1st corners (note this is correct, however not shown in video)
17-20 1s dance RSh round 1st corner position & end facing 2nd corners as corners 1/2 turn & twirl to dance out to opposite corners
21-24 1s repeat with 2nd corners
25-32 1s dance RH across (M with 3s at top, L with 2s), 1s followed by 3s/2s dance clockwise 1/2 way to own sides
The Provost Wynd (R)
The Kissing Bridge (R)
City of Belfast (S)
At the End of the Rainbow (R)
Den O’ Mains (J)
Beach Dancer (J)
Hooper’s Jig(J)
Anderson’s Rant (R)
Lonely Sunday (J)
Chasing the Eclipse (S)
The Lady in Pink (J)
The Kissing Bridge (R)
The Sailor (R)
Miss Eleanor (S)
1-8 1s set & cross RH, 1s set to 2s on sides & change places LH
9-16 2s+1s dance Ladies’ Chain
17-24 1M followed by 1L casts behind 3L & 1M crosses to own side then casts up to 2nd place as 1L dances up middle to 2nd pl. (4 bars), 2s+1s turn LH on sides
25-32 1s dance reels of 3 on sides giving RSh to 3s
Come What May (J)
Ecclefechan Feline (J)
Anna Holden’s Strathspey (S)
The Piper and the Penguin (R) (Sq.)
The Paisley Weavers (S)
Mrs Stewart’s Jig (J)
Seton’s Ceilidh Band (J)
Trip to Gatlinburg (J)
1-8 1s cross down RH to face out between 2s & 3s giving hands to each corner & set, 1s cast round 1st corner to form lines of 3 across with 2s/3s & 2s+1s+3s set.
9-16 1s (turning to right) dance RSh reels of 3 across & 1s end passing LSh to 2nd place on opposite sides.
17-24 1s lead down for 2 bars & lead up, cross at the top & cast to 2nd place on own sides.
25-32 2s+1s dance R&L.
Note: [3–4] is NOT in DTr position.
1-8 1s cross RH & cast 1 place (2 step up), dance down between 3s (3s step up) & cast down behind 4s to 4th place (4s step up)
9-16 1s dance reflection reels of 3 on opposite sides (1s in/up, 4s out/down)
17-24 1s cross RH & cast up 1 place, lead up between 3s & cast up behind 2s to 1st place own sides
25-32 1s dance reflection reels of 3 on own sides (1s in down, 2s out/up)
33-40 1s cross RH & cast down 1 place (2 step up) 1s give RH to partner & LH to 1st corners, Bal-in-Line & turn partner RH to give LH to 2nd corners
41-48 Bal-in-Line & 1s dance out & cast down behind 3s, meet & lead up to top crossing to 1st place own sides (2s step down)
49-60 1L+2L & 1M+2M change places RH on sides & 2s+1s cross over LH, repeat with 3s & 4s until reaching the bottom of the set
61-64 All turn partners RH 1.1/2 times
The Royal Deeside Railway (R)
Balmoral Strathspey (S)
The Grand Old Duke (J)
Jubilee Jig (J)
Mist O’er the Loch (S)
Princess Margaret’s Jig (J)
Castle of Mey (R)
EH3 7AF (J)
12 Coates Crescent (S)
The Kissing Bridge (R)
The Cranberry Tart (J)
Fair Donald (S)
Australian Ladies (R)
Fire Hose Reel (R)
Society Piper (R)
1-8 Inveran Reels – 1s cross down to dance 1/2 reel of 3 on opp side; 1s cross up to dance 1/2 reel on own sides (2s out/up, 3s in/up), 2s face out
9-16 1s+2s dance double Figs of 8 (1s start crossing down, 2s dancing up)
17-24 1s lead down the middle & back up, 1s end in middle of the set facing each other both hands joined, 2s step in ready for
25-32 1s+2s dance Poussette
The Green Belt Jig (J)
Butterscotch and Honey (S)
Eileen Watt’s Reel (R)
Gang the Same Gate (S)
Fiddler’s Joy (R)
The Luckenbooth Brooch (J)
Granville Market (J)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
1-8 1s cross RH, cast down to 3rd place (2c step up) & 3s+1s dance RH across.
9-16 1s lead up to top, cross, cast to 2nd place (3c step down on 11-12) & 2s+1s dance LH across.
17-32 2c+3c (“corners”) set and change place RH four times following the track of R&L (3M&2W make polite turns) while{16} 1c cross (across or up/dn) RH and cast R round the corner four times.
1-8 1s in prom hold (Lady on Man’s left) dance reel of 3 with 2s (RSh to 2M) & end facing 3M
9-16 1s dance reel with 3s (RSh to 3M) ending with 1s dancing into centre facing Men’s side
17-24 1M casts up & 1L down into centre & dance out Ladies’ side, 1M cast up & 1L down to end 1M between 2s facing down & 1L+3s face up as 2s+3s dance R&L
25-32 2s+1s+3s set twice, 1s turn RH 1.3/4 times to 2nd places
The Auld Grey Cat (R)
The Rakes of Glasgow (S)
A Capital Jig (J)
The Cashmere Shawl (S)
The Shetland Shepherdess (J)
Pelorus Jack (J)
12 Coates Crescent (S)
De’il Amang the Tailors (R)
1-8 1s cross RH & cast 1 place (2s step up 3-4), 1s dance RH across with 3s. 1s end with Man facing his 1st corner with his partner behind him
9-16 1s dance Alternating Tandem 1/2 reel of 3 with 1st corners to face Man’s 2nd corner, 1s dance Alternating Tandem 1/2 reel of 3 with 2nd corners
17-24 1s dance Alternating Tandem 1/2 reels of 3 with Ladies’ 1st corner (pstn),1s dance Alternating Tandem 1/2 reel with Ladies’ 2nd corner (pstn)
25-32 1M followed by partner dance into LH across with 2s, 1s retain LH & 1/2 turn to own sides & 2s+1s+3s set
Friday Night Reel (R)
Allemande To Go (R)
The Robertson Rant (S)
Three Feisty Women – Double Trouble (R)
The Rakes of Glasgow (S)
The Irish Rover (R)
The Silver Grey (S)
Craigellachie Lasses (J)
1-8 1s dance down below 3s & cast up to 2nd place own sides, 1L dances RH across with 2s while 1M dances RH across with 3s
9-16 1s dance 1/2 diagonal reel of 4 with 1st corners, 1/2 reel with 2nd corners & 1/2 turn LH in centre to face 1st corners
17-24 1s dance reels of 3 across giving LSh to 1st corners ending in 2nd place own sides
25-32 1s dance Diag R&L (1M crossing down & 1L crossing up to start)
Dame Margaret’s Jig (J)
Ways in New Hall (R)
Love to Lois (S)
Laird of Milton’s Daughter (R)
The Old Man of Hoy (R)
Three Feisty Women (R)
Butterscotch and Honey (S)
All An Duin (R)
1–8 1s+2s dance double Fig of 8 (1s crossing down to start)
9–16 1s dance reflection reels on own sides (dance between 2s to start)
17–24 1L followed by partner dance down the middle, 1M followed by partner dance up & out behind 2s to original places
25–32 1s+2s change places on sides (dance between 2s) & 1s+3s turn 1.1/2 times (with other hand).
The Lady Wynd (J)
Seann Truibhas Willichan (S)
Granville Bridge (R)
Baldyquash (R)
Three Feisty Women (R)
Miss Eleanor (S)
Aileen’s Reel (R)
1–8 1s+2s+3s dance Mirror (Reflection) reels of 3 on sides (1s in/down to start)
9–16 1s set, cast (2s step up) & turn RH. 1L casts to 3rd place, 1M casts up to 1st place (2M steps down & 3L steps up)
17–24 All dance 3 couple Bourrel:
17–20 1M+3L also 2M+1L set advcg & 3/4 turn 2H to line up/down middle then pull back RSh turning to face own partners as 3M & 2L chase anticl’wise to face them
21–24 All set & turn 2H to own sides. 3 1 2
25–32 3s+1s+2s circle 6H round & back
Kingston Flyer (R)
Welcome to the Dance (RR)
Across Kinness Burn (R)
Minister on the Loch (S)
Jaunty Jeanne (R)
The Dancing Bees (R)
Friendships (S)
The Kissing Bridge (R)
On the Quarter-Deck (R)
Crom Allt (R)
The Garry Strathspey (S)
Follow Me Home (J)
Reel of the 51st Division (R)
Jean Martin of Aberdeen (S)
The Duke of Atholl’s Reel (J)
1-8 1s turn RH & cast 1 pl, all circle 6H round 3/4 way to left & end in lines of 3 across (Ladies face down & Men up)
9-16 All set & change places with partner RH, all circle 6H round 3/4 way to left & end in middle facing up. 3 1 2
17-24 All dance Allemande. 2 1 3
25-32 1s+3s (bottom 2 couples) dance the Bourrel to end 2 3 1 :1M+3L set advg, 3/4 turn 2H & twirl to end BtoB (up/down middle L facing up & M down) while 1L+3M chase anticl’wise 1/2 way to face prtnr1s+3s set to partners & turn 2H to own sides having changed places
Andrew and Gordon’s Jig (J)
The Paisley Weavers (S)
Liquid Assets (J)
Wells House (S)
Crom Allt (R)
St Andrew’s Fair (J)
Scott Meikle (R)
1-8 1s cross RH & cast to 2nd place, 1s dance 1/2 Fig of 8 round 2s
9-16 1s+3s dance RH across, LH back
17-24 1L followed by 3L dance Tandem reel of 3 across with 2s (LSh to 2M) & 1s end 3rd pl while 3M followed by 1M dance reel of 3 with 4s (LSh to 4L) & 3s end in 2nd pl 2 3 1 4
25-32 1s+4s dance 1/2 R&L, turn partners RH 1.1/2 times 2 3 4 1
Allemande To Go (R)
New Year Jig (J)
Balmaha (S)
Mr William Brown’s Reel (R)
The Paisley Weavers (S)
Ferla Mor (R)
Lady Catherine Bruce’s Reel (J)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
Nineteenth of December (J)
The Lords of the Wind (R)
Ferla Mor (R)
Minister on the Loch (S)
Trip to Gretna Green (J)
The Lammermuir Hills (S)
The Reel of the Royal Scots (R)
1-8 1s set, 1/2 turn RH to 2nd place opposite sides (2s step up), set & turn RH to end 1L facing her 1st corner with partner following
9-16 1s dance RSh Tandem diagonal reel of 3 with 1st corners end facing 3M
17-24 Repeat with 2nd corners 1s end by turning LH bars 23-24 to face own 1st corners
25-32 1s turn 1st corners RH (corners dance 4 bars), pass RSh to turn 2nd corners RH & cross RSh to place own side
All Mixed Up (R)
Anderson’s Rant (R)
Jubilee Jig (J)
The Bonnie Tree (S)
The Edinburgh Toy Shop (J)
Beach Dancer (J)
Bruce’s Men (S)
Catch the Wind (R)
Our latest beginners group is off to a great start this year, with at least one set each week. Here are some of our beginners thoroughly enjoying themselves, along with tutors Chris and Elizabeth.
The Borrowdale Exchange (R)
Maxwell’s Rant (R)
The Lass of Richmond Hill (R)
The Bonnie Tree (S)
Miss Johnston of Ardrossan (R)
The Silver Grey (S)
De’il Amang the Tailors (R)
Stick With Me (J)
Pawling Porch (R)
St Martin’s Strathspey (S)
Queen’s Jig (J)
Her Majesty’s Crown (S)
Border Meeting (J)
Fireworks Reel (R)
The Dancing Bees (R)
The Royal Deeside Railway (R)
Balmoral Castle (S)
Queen Elizabeth II (R)
The Queen City Salute (M)
Lady Home’s Jig (J)
The Royal Yacht Britannia (R)
The Reel of the Royal Scots (R)
1- 8 1st and 4th couples turn RH, cast in 1 place (as 2nd & 3rd couples step up/down) and turn LH 1½ times to end between 2s/3s (Man facing Lady)
9-16 1st +2nd couples also 4th +3rd couples dance a Right Shoulder reel of 4 across
17-24 1st and 4th couples turn corners Right Hand, dance Left Hands across ½ way to face other corner, turn corners Right Hand and turn partner Left Hand to end between 2s/3s (Man facing Lady again)
25-32 4th +2nd couples also 1st +3rd couples dance Right Shoulder reels of 4 across
33-40 1st and 4th couples giving Right Hand dance out ends, cross, cast and turn partners RH
THE FIREWORKS REEL
(R8x32) 3C (4C set) Anselm Lingnau My Strathspey Dances
1- 8 1st C cross right hand, cast 1 place and dance ½ figures of 8 (Lady up, Man down) and end facing 1st corners
9-12 1st C dance 2 bars of Hello-Goodbye setting, then turn left hand to face 1st corners again
13-16 1st C dance ½ diagonal reel of 4 with 1st corners to face 2nd corners
17-24 1st C repeat bars 9-16 with 2nd corners and end in 2nd place opposite sides, in order (3)(1)(2)
25-32 1st C dance ½ reel of 3 on opposite sides (1M in and down, 1L in and up), 1st C dance ½ reel of 3 across (1M up with 2s and 1L down with 3s)
Knights’ Heys
(R8x32) 3C (4C set) 7 Year Itch
1-8 1s set, cast 1 place, cross RH & cast into their 1st corner (pstn) as 1st corners dance in & loop round to face 1st corner (pstns)
9-16 Original 1st corners dance reels of 3 on sides passing 1st corner (pstns) RSh
17-24 1L & 2L also 1M & 3M pass LSh to dance reels of 3 across (original 1st corner persons dance to their corners to enter reel), original corners end in their corners as 1s loop round to face their 1st corners
25-32 1s turn 1st corner RH, pass RSh, turn 2nd corner RH & pass RSh to 2nd place own side
(R8x32) 3C (4C set) D MacCuish 49/13
1-8
Íií1s set, dance down below 3s, cast up to 2nd place & set advancing to face 1st corners (2s step up 3-4)
9-16
1s turn 1st corners RH, pass RSh, turn 2nd corners RH, pass RSh to 2nd place own side facing out (corners dance 4 bars)
17-24
Promenade (Chaperoned) Chain progression:
17-18 1M casts up, 1L casts down as 2s+3s turn 3/4 RH into line up/down set
19-22 1M+2L & 1L+3M, in prom hold dance clockwise to opp end of line as 2M+3L (in middle) turn 1.1/2 LH
23-24 1s dance clockwise to 2nd place own side as 3s+2s turn partners 3/4 RH to own sides. All face clockwise 3 1 2
25-32
3s+1s+2s dance clockwise 1/2 round set. All set, cross RH to own sides. 2 1 3
Dancing Bees (R)
Shores of Solway (S)
The Brook (J)
The Rose of the North (S)
Luckenbooth Brooch (J)
Orpington Caledonian (R)
The Reel of the 51st Division (R)
1-8
1s in prom hold (Lady on Man’s left) dance reel of 3 with 2s (RSh to 2M) & end facing 3M
9-16
1s dance reel with 3s (RSh to 3M) ending with 1s dancing across to Men’s side
17-24
1M casts up & 1L dn into centre & dance out Ladies side, 1M cast up & 1L dn to end 1M b’tw’n 2s facing dn & 1L+3s face up as 2s+3s dance R&L
25-32
2s+1s+3s set twice, 1s turn RH 1.3/4 times to 2nd places
The Francis Reel (RR)
Lady Catherine Bruce’s Reel (J)
Beach Dancer (J)
St Bernard’s Waltz (W)
Mairi’s Wedding (R)
The Aviator (J)
MacDonald of the Isles (S)
Gay Gordons (RR)
Irish Rover (R)
(J8x32) 3C (4C set) Carola Fischer-Tress RSCDS Book 52
1- 8 1C lead down, on bar 4 1M crosses partner in front and 1L followed by 1M cast up behind 4M and 3M and across into 2nd place facing 3L (2s step up 3-4)
9-16 1s (1L leading) dance ½ alternating tandem reel with 1st corners; 1M continues reel with corners passing 3L LSh while 1L+3M turn LH to face 2L
17-24 1s (1M leading) dance ½ alternating tandem reel with 2nd corners; 1L continues reel with corners passing 2L LSh while 1M+3L turn LH. 1s end in 2nd place opposite sides, 1L facing out
25-32 1s dance up, round 2s by RSh (1L behind 2M, 1M in front 2L) and 1M followed by 1L cast 1 place, across set to end in 2nd place own side (6 bars). All 3 couples set
The Bramble Circle (RR)
New Year Jig (J)
The Wind on the Heath (R)
Neidpath Castle (S)
The Abbotsford Lassies (R)
The Longfield Reel (R)
** AGM **
Collie Law (J)
Miss Milligan’s Strathspey (S)
Broadford Bay (R)
St Andrew’s Castle (R)
The Wind on the Heath (Red Dance) (R)
City of Belfast (S)
Four-Bar Phrasing (J)
Kaitoke Wedding (S)
An English Lass (J)
The Irish Rover (R)
Diane’s Dilemma (R)
The Lass of Inverness (S)
Red Dance – The Luckenbooth Brooch
The Summer Assembly (R)
THE LUCKENBOOTH BROOCH (J8x32) 3C (4C set) John Bowie Dickson Glendarroch Sh 28
1- 8 1C in prom hold (Lady on Man’s left) dance reel of 3 with 2C (RSh to 2M) and end facing 3M. 2C finish in top place.
9-16 1C dance reel with 3C (RSh to 3M) ending with 1C in the middle in 2nd place facing the Men’s side
17-24 1C dance out between 2&3M and 1M casts up and 1L down & meet in the centre facing Ladies’ side, 1C dance out the side & cast 1M up and 1L down to end 1M between 2C facing down and 1L+3C face up as 2s+3s dance R&L
25-32 All 3 couples set twice, 1C turn RH 1¾ times & stay in the middle in promenade hold ready to start again
Maxwell’s Rant (R)
The Silver Tassie (S)
Purple Heather Jig (J)
Swiss Lassie (R)
Four-Bar Phrasing (J)
The Bees of Maggieknockater (J) Red Dance
Minister on the Loch (S)
THE BEES OF MAGGIEKNOCKATER (J4x32) 4C set John Drewry Canadian Book
1- 8 1C cross RH and cast 1 place, 1C dance RH across with 3C and end 1M+3L also 1L+3M in prom hold facing out to pass corner person RSh
9-24 All dance 4x½ Reels of 3 on sides (to right to start, then left, right and left) with 1+3Cs changing partners in centre at end of each ½ Reel to progress Men clockwise and Ladies anticlockwise. End in centre 1C facing down and 3C facing up. Supporting couples dance 2 full reels of 3 on own sides.
25-32 1C dance between 3C turning 3C with nearer hand 1½ times, crossing over to own sides and dance between 4C to turn 4C 1½ times finishing at the bottom (Men RH and Ladies LH) 2341
We have been running a beginners’ class since 4th February and it has been a great success. We have had thirty two people through the doors and twenty of them have become regulars. Check out the Gallery under About the Club for photos of one of our classes.
The group certainly seem to be enjoying themselves and we have had some great comments from some of them.
Dancing is about FUN, FRIENDS and FITNESS. Enjoy
Leo’s Map (J)
Wedderburn’s Reel (R)
The Dream Catcher (S)
In Balance (R)
Dalkeith’s Strathspey (S)
The Inimitable Derek (R)
Lamb Skinnet (J)
“Monday 4th February 7:30pm, I walked into the hall for a beginners course for SCD, feeling some trepidation and excitement.
Eight weeks on and I love my Monday nights with a great bunch of fun (and funny) students, and fabulous teachers who are filled with the two “P’s” – Passion and Patience. To teach us lot they require both of those, and they share them with abundance.
The 1 1/2 hr weekly sessions fly by and with my brain sometimes in a whirl I so appreciate the follow up emails we receive each week. These include UTube clips that show the steps that we have learnt and quite often the entire dance that these steps belong to so we have an appreciation of where we’re headed. Being able to slow the UTube clips down to half speed is great (by clicking on the Settings “wheel” bottom right of the screen and clicking Speed – Normal and then clicking on the speed option you prefer), enabling me to follow the steps more closely. Some weeks I get it and some weeks I don’t, but we are all in the same boat and share some laughs!
I look forward to joining the SCD club at the end of our course to carry on with the fun, dancing, learning and making new friends.
Slàinte Mhath”
“A lot of credit has to go to Damon and Gaye and all the helpers who are long time dancers. I love trying and I will never give up and I love thinking I might be making at least some progress. I look at the experienced dancers and I think, “I bet they love dancing and I bet they feel as good as they look, which is very, very good. They just seem to float effortlessly a few millimeters above the floor, the music carrying them so gracefully.
What I love about the classwork is that it is so light-hearted. Damon never makes it sound all serious, nor does he ever make it seem like it is hard work, even though it kind of is, in a way. And it doesn’t seem to really matter if you mess up. The music, the movement, the fun of meeting new people who are also having fun makes for a special night. It is like entering a new world. There is a new language and a new way to move your feet and legs and hands. And to think so many people have done this for so long and enjoyed it! For them it is not new at all. Where have I been all this time? It is all a bit mysterious in a wonderful way to me. I guess we will all get there and we will all love it even more as we hone our skills through lots of practice. I can’t wait!”
“Last year my husband & I were lucky enough to be in a pub in Harris, Scotland when a cèilidh started. The participants were so full of life and having so much fun, it was a joy to watch. The experienced dancers were very encouraging and asked us to join in on a couple of the easier dances. We had an absolute blast.
When we heard that there was a Scottish Country Dancing group in Lower Hutt who were taking on some newbies, we jumped at the chance to give it a go with the hope of learning something new and to have fun. We haven’t been disappointed. The group is a mixture of ages and stages, all learning together, and with good humoured Damon and his band of supportive experienced dancers, we are kept on track.
At the end of a session I come away with endorphins flowing and face cheeks hurting from all the laughing. The great thing is we are all in the same situation and are all learning as we go, adding a few more steps or moves each week. Sometimes it works out well and sometimes it doesn’t however it doesn’t matter, we are still using muscles (body & brain!) we didn’t know existed and having lots of fun.
It’s got to be good for you….”
“What a night it was last night! So many new things to try. So much to get into our heads all at once. So much fun trying! I am so glad to have the You Tubes and the notes that Damon sends along as this helps to consolidate in my mind what I was meant to be learning. The legs and feet have not consolidated so well yet, but I have to believe that will come in time.
What is it about the music, the movement, the people, the smiles, the laughter, my intermittent successful formations and steps that seems to lift me up and make me forget my worries and concerns? It is like a golden happyland on Monday night. Is it something to do with us all working together at the same thing at the same time, like singing in harmony? We each play a different part, but it is the same dance. We all need each other to make it beautiful. Could it be that we don’t just need each other, but we actually appreciate each other as we dance along? I think there is an element which escapes words or description. Shall we just call it magic for lack of a better word?”
In celebration of Lower Hutt SCD Club’s 60th anniversary, a selection of dances devised by members of the club was made and published. Music for these dances are played by local and well-known bands, including The Monday Knights, Mishnish and Glenfiddle.