There will not be a red dance for the final night of dancing for 2024.
We do have supper at the end, and the door fees collected will go to the Food Bank.
Archive: Author: Chris Totton
Our Juniors
Our junior dancers have been working hard throughout the year, learning a dance for their end-of-year display.
The dance is one recently devised by Iain, their tutor for this year. The dance is Cheers Maggie.
Summer School 2024/25
Summer school is being held in Wellington this year at Scots College in Strathmore.
We have created a short video for those who are attending the school or might go to some evening events and would like to learn the Maxina Waltz. This is on the Hogmanay programme, put together by our club tutors.
Best Set in the Hall – 11 November
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
4th November
On the Quarter-deck (R)
The Lass of Richmond Hill (R)
Miss Milligan’s Strathspey (S)
Beach Dancer (J)
— A G M —
The Dundee Whaler (S)
Eileen Watt’s Reel (R)
Scott Meikle (R)
28th October
More Bees A-Dancing (R)
The Byron Strathspey (S)
Cheers Maggie (J)
The Black Leather Jig (R)
City of Belfast (S)
Chased Lovers (J)
City Lights (R)
04 November
No red dance this week as we have the AGM on Monday.
LHSCDC AGM
We have the club AGM on Monday. Below are the documents, also sent out by Elizabeth.
There will be some dancing before and after the AGM.
President’s Report 2024
LHSCDC FInancial Report 2023-24
LHSCD Accounts 2023-2024 – Google Sheets (2)
70th Annual Dance
What a fantastic way to celebrate Lower Hutt’s 70th. The band “Wild Heather” consisting of Lynne Scott, Anne-Marie Forsyth, Mary McDonald and Sharlene Penman certainly gave us music that made you want to dance. That and having a full hall of dancers made a real buzz. Having at least 20 of our past members come and share in this event made it very special. The backdrop of our club badge with a sparkling 70 was made by John Gregory and set the stage.
A big thank you to all club members who helped in setting up the hall. It is amazing what can happen in 1 hour. The hall was certainly transformed. Having such a popular programme compiled by Andrea and Chris enticed many dancers from the Wellington Region to join us and it was great to see other dancers travel from further afield – Napier, Manawatu, Whanganui and the Wairarapa.
The dance Platinum Years was a real success. Some tutors want to put it on their formal programmes next year.
21st October
Miller’s Crossing (J)
The Saint John River (S)
The Sailor (R)
City of Sterling Reel (R)
The Paisley Weavers (S)
London’s Burning (J)
The Dancing Bees (R)
Beach Dancer (J)
Chased Lovers – 28 October
1-4 1s set, cross down (no hands) to 2nd place facing out (2s step up 3-4)
5-8 1s cast down behind 3s,meet & dance up centre with 1L leading, 1M following, to face 2M (her 1st corner)
9-16 1s, in tandem, dance LSh reel of 3 on 1st corner diagonal (out of top of set to start), finishing by 1s pulling back RSh to face down, 1M leading, facing 3M
17-24 1s, in tandem, dance RSh reel of 3 on 2nd corner diagonal (out bottom of set to start), finishing with 1s facing own 1st corners
25-32 1s dance Pass+Turn with 1st corners, (pass RSh), Pass+Turn with 2nd corners, finishing passing RSh to 2nd place own sides
London’s Burning – 21 October
Each couple dance 32 bars. A New Couple starts after 16 bars (ie on bars 1, 17, 33 & 49)
1-8 1s+2s+3s dance reels of 3 on sides (1s in & down to start)
9-16 1s cross RH, cast 1 place, cross LH & cast down 1 place
17-24 (New Couple starts as at bar 1) New couple starts reels of 3 on sides (new top couple in & down to start with original 1s in 3rd place)
25-32 Original 1s+4s facing each other on sides set & change places with nearer hand (1s dancing out), set again to each other & 1s set to partner while new couple dance bars 9-32
14th October
It’s Nae Bother (J)
Rougemont Castle (S)
Cheers Maggie (J)
Ways in New Hall (R)
MacDonald of the Isles (S)
+ Big Mac (S)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
Beach Dancer (J)
7th October
Joie de Vivre (J)
Friendships (S)
The Kissing Bridge (R)
London’s Burning (J)
The Laird of Milton’s Daughter (J)
Balmoral Strathspey (S)
Inchmickery(J)
Beach Dancer – 14 October
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
Inchmickery – 7 October
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
30th September
Anderson’s Rant (R)
The ‘Halfway House’, Petone (S)
The City of Stirling Reel (R)
Scott Meikle (R)
Flowers of Edinburgh (R)
The Dream Catcher (S)
The Music Makars (R)
23rd September
The Provost Wynd (R)
The Barmkin (R)
Glenoe (S)
Follow Me Home (J)
Gramachie (S)
The Rambling Pitchfork (R)
The Australian Ladies (R)
The Dream Catcher – 30 September
Part 1
- 1–8 All Circle8 and back
- 9–16 The Swirl: 1c+3c turn RH into Allemande hold facing in | dance Lsh round other C half way ; 1c+3c LHA, on [16] let go and swivel L to face side couples, BtoB with P, 1c below 3c
- 17–24 Parallel Rsh Reels4 across, finish as at start
- 25–32 All set | 1M+3W & 3M+1W NHJ dance out between side couple, cross and cast to own places, change place with P RH
Part 2
- 33–40 All set | advance to middle and form circle ; retire with cnr | set
- 41–48 1W+4M & 3W+2M R&L, starting across the set
- 49–56 1M+2W & 3M+4W R&L, starting across the set
- 57–64 All set | advance to middle and form circle ; retire with P | set
Part 3
- 65–72 The Swirl: 2c+4c turn RH into Allemande hold facing in | dance Lsh round other C half way ; 2c+4c LHA, on [72] let go and swivel L to face end couples, BtoB with P
- 73 – 80 Parallel Rsh Reels4 up/down
- 81–88 All set | 2M+4W & 4M+2W NHJ dance out between side couple, cross and cast to own places, change place with P RH
- 89–96 All Circle8 and back
16th September
The Dancing Bees (R)
The Laird of Milton’s Daughter (J)
Margaret Parker’s Strathspey (S)
Trip to Gatlinburg (J)
Togetherness (R)
City of Belfast (S)
Trip to Timber Ridge (R)
Australian Ladies – 23 September
1-8 1s cross, cast down to 3rd place & 3s+1s dance RH across.
9-16 1s lead up to top, cross, cast to 2nd place & 2s+1s dance LH across.
17-24 2s & 3s set & cross RH as 1s cross RH & cast to right; 2s+3s set on sides & change pls RH as 1s cross RH up/down centre & cast to right
25-32 3s & 2s set & cross RH as 1s cross RH & cast to right; 3s+2s set on sides & change pls RH as 1s cross RH up/down centre & cast to 2nd place
LHSCDC 70th Anniversary Dance
What a fantastic way to celebrate Lower Hutt’s 70th. The band “Wild Heather” consisting of Lynne Scott, Anne-Marie Forsyth, Mary McDonald and Sharlene Penman certainly gave us music that made you want to dance. That and having a full hall of dancers made a real buzz. Having at least 20 of our past members come and share in this event made it very special. The backdrop of our club badge with a sparkling 70 was made by John Gregory and set the stage.
A big thank you to all club members who helped in setting up the hall. It is amazing what can happen in 1 hour. The hall was certainly transformed. Having such a popular programme compiled by Andrea and Chris enticed many dancers from the Wellington Region to join us and it was great to see other dancers travel from further afield – Napier, Manawatu, Whanganui and the Wairarapa.
The dance Platinum Years was a real success. Some tutors want to put it on their formal programmes next year.
Summer School 2024/25
Summer School 2024/25 is being held in Wellington. What an opportunity to dance with people from overseas as well as around NZ. This is a very special event on our doorstep. They are encouraging JAM members to attend. Those of us who are over 20 are very welcome too.
Registrations are open for Summer School and more details are on the website: https://nzsummerschool2024.nz/
9th September
Come What May (J)
Granville Island (J)
The Dream Catcher (S)
The Music Makars (J)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
Window Shopping (S)
Scott Meikle (R)
Trip to Timber Ridge – 16 September
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
No Red Dance – 8 September
No red dance this week following our amazing 70th Annual Dance.
2nd September – Live Music
Maxwell’s Rant (R)
The Lass of Richmond Hill (R)
The Platinum Years (M)
The Kissing Bridge (R)
Miss Gibson’s Strathspey (S)
Ian Powrie’s Farewell to Auchterarder (J)
Pelorus Jack (J)
Neidpath Castle (S)
De’il Amang the Tailors (R)
26th August
New Year Jig (J)
Catch the Wind (R)
Culla Bay (S)
Chased Lovers (J)
Napier’s Index (J)
Land of the Heather Hills (S)
Pelorus Jack (J)
Ian Powrie’s Farewell to Auchterarder – 2 September
1-8 All circle 8H round to the left & back
9-24 Ladies dance in front of ptnr & behind next Man, into RH across, in front of Man opp own ptnr & behind next Man, into RH across & back to place
25-32 All Promenade clockwise
33-40 1s & 3s dance cl’wise behind next couple & Men dance past cpl as Ladies dance in between cpl & both turn R to face cpl, all set & turn RH
41-48 All dance parallel reels of 4
49-56 1s & 3s dance a full Fig of 8 round the standing 2s/4s
57-64 1s & 3s dance LH across, 1s & 3s dance back to places (Men round & Ladies through the standing 2s & 4s)
65-96 2s & 4s repeat 33-64
97-104 All Promenade anticlockwise
105-120 Men dance in front of ptnr & behind next Lady, into LH across, dance in front of Lady opp own partner & behind next L into LH across & back to pl
121-128 All circle 8H round to the right & back (popular variation – 8 hands all the way round to right)
19th August
Joie de Vivre (J)
Miss Gibson’s Strathspey (S)
The Kissing Bridge (R)
Ian Powrie’s Farewell to Auchterarder (J)
Neidpath Castle (S)
The Sailor (R)
Tap the Barrel (R)
Napier’s Index – 26 August
1-8 1s set & cast 1 place, turn LH 1.1/4 times to end in Bal-in-Line position between 1st corners
9-16 1s+1st corners Bal-in-Line & turn corners RH (4 bars) to Bal-in-Line again with 1st corners
17-24 1s dance reel of 3 on sides (LSh to 2nd corner) & end diagonally between 2nd corners
25-32 1s+2nd corners Bal-in-Line & turn corners RH (4 bars), Bal-in-Line again with 2nd corners
33-40 1s dance reels of 3 across (LSh to 3rd corners) & cross RH to 2nd places
12th August
The Lass of Richmond Hill (R)
Culla Bay (S)
The Kissing Bridge (R)
A Capital Jig (J)
The Byron Strathspey (S)
Toast to the Mousies (R)
The Irish Rover (R)
Merlin’s Thorn (J)
The Sailor – 19 August
- 1–8 1c cross down RH (2c up) to 2plx and BiL with cnrs ; 1c cast R into lines across | all set
- 9–16 All Reels3 across,Rsh to 1cnr, finishing (2,1x,3)
- 17–24 1c lead down (2 bars) | lead to the top ; cross and cast to (2,1,3)
- 25–32 2c+1c R&L.
Note: [3–4] is NOT in DTr position.
5 August
Maxwell’s Rant (R)
Pelorus Jack (J)
Bruce’s Men (S)
The Irish Rover (R)
Miss Gibson’s Strathspey (S)
The De’il Amang the Tailors (R)
The Chequered Court (J)
Toast to the Mousies – 12 August
1-8 1s dance in & cast 1 place (2s step up), dance down between 3s & cast up to 2nd place
9-16 2s+1L also 1M+3s dance RH across & 1s pass RSh to dance LH across with other couple, 1s end back to back in the middle (1M facing up, 1L down) facing 2s/3s (2s facing down, 3s up NHJ)
17-20 All set, 2s & 3s make arches, dance down/up to meet as 1s dance under arches. Finish 1M in 1st place, 1L in 3rd place (facing down/up) & 2s & 3s back to back in middle NHJ (2s facing up, 3s down).
21-24 All set, 2s & 3s making arches dance to ends & cast into reel while 1s dance under arch passing LSh and finish between end couple facing 1st crnr
25-32 2s+1L also 1M+3s dance LSh reels across (2s+3s make loops into the reel) to end 2 1 3. All set
Note: after 2nd time through 1s may repeat bars 1-4 to get to 4th place
RSCDS Fees
RSCDS Fees are due at the end of August. RSCDS Membership entitles you to the following:
- A $100 discount to attend Summer School and reduced door charges to many events;
- The annual NZ Scottish Country Dancer magazine;
- RSCDS magazine The Scottish Country Dancer;
- The Kiwi News published by the NZ Branch, 3 times a year;
The fees for 2024/25 are:
- Full Adult Annual Fee $113
- Full Adult Email Fee $97
- Adult Joint Fee per person $90
- Adult Joint Email Fee per person $82
- Young Adult (18-24) $80
- Young Adult (18-24) Email Fee $64
- Half Year Adult (New Member Only) $56
LHSCD 70th Anniversary Dance
Our club’s 70th Anniversary Dance is in 5 weeks time which is really exciting. Hopefully you already have Saturday 7th September marked on your calendar. Andrea and Chris have been teaching us the dances and over the next few weeks we will be having the opportunity to dance them again. On Monday 2nd September we will have band members for our dance providing the music that night. Remember to inform ex club members of our special dance.
We will be asking club members to provide 2 plates of food for supper on our formal night. There will be a sheet at the club over the next few weeks where you can indicate what you would like to bring. This ensures we get a good balance of savoury and sweet.
Summer School 2024/25
Summer School 2024/25 is being held in Wellington. What an opportunity to dance with people from overseas as well as around NZ. This is a very special event on our doorstep. They are encouraging JAM members to attend. Those of us who are over 20 are very welcome too. Registrations are open for Summer School and more details are on the website: https://nzsummerschool2024.nz/
Early bird registrations close at the end of the month. You can now apply for scholarships.
29th July
New Year Jig (J)
The Lass of Richmond Hill (R)
The Platinum Years (M)
Chased Lovers (J)
The Flowering Heather (S)
Pelorus Jack (J)
Midnight Oil (J)
The Chequered Court – 5 August
1-8 1s cross RH, cast 1 place (2s step up), 1s dance 1/2 Figs of 8 (Man round 2s & Lady round 3s) & end facing 1st corners
9-16 1s dance Pass+Turn with 1st corners & 1s twirl round in centre to face 4th crnrs, 1s dance Pass+Turn with 4th crnrs & twirl round to BtoB facing own sides
17-24 1s dance 6 bars of Double Triangles & end with Petronella turn to 1L between 2s facing 2L & 1M between 3s facing 3M
25-32 1s dance reel of 3 across giving RSh to 4th corners (6 bars) & 1s cross RH to own sides
22nd July
Allemande To Go (R)
Maxwell’s Rant (R)
Culla Bay (S)
The Chequered Court (J)
Glayva (J)
Minister on the Loch (S)
The First Rain of Spring (J)
Midnight Oil – 29 July
1-8 1s & 3s lead down & 3/4 turn RH to L facing down & M up, retaining hold of RH set & L turns under ptnrs Rt arm to dance up (Men follow prtnr)
9-16 1s & 3s dance RH across with 2L/4L, 1s & 3s dance LH across with 4M/5M to end facing 1st corners
17-24 1s also 3s dance Pass+Turn with 1st corners & pass RSh to face 2nd corners, dance Pass+Turn with 2nd corners & into centre facing partner (L facing down M up)
25-32 1s+3s dance reel of 4 up & down centre of dance & end in centre holding partners nearer hand (1s face Ladies side & 3s face Men’s side)
33-40 1s also 3s dance out sides & cast, dance in to meet ptnr (1M & 3L pass LSh) to dance out other side & cast back to middle (1M & 3L pass RSh & face each other)
41-48 1L also 3M set twice while 1M+3L turn RH, 1s & 3s turn partner LH & cast down 1 place on own sides. End 2 4 1 5 3
15th July
Crabbit Shona (J)
12 Coates Crescent (S)
Cadgers in the Canongate (R)
The Winding Road (S)
Allemande To Go (R)
Joie de Vivre (J)
The Cranberry Tart (J)
The First Rain of Spring – 22 July
1-8 1s dance down, cast up round 3s, meet, dance up to 1st place facing out. 1s+2s 1/2 turn (Men LH, Ladies RH)
9-16 2s+1s dance double Figs 8 (1s cross up, 2s cast to start)
17-20 1s+3s 3/4 turn RH into line up/down in middle facing partner & set
21-28 1s+3s dance 1/2 Celtic Reel:
21-22 1s+3s pass partner RSh
23-24 1M+3L dance clockwise while 1L+3M dance 3/4 round each other LSh to face partners in line across
25-26 1s+3s pass partner RSh
27-28 1L+3M dance clockwise while 1M+3L dance 3/4 round each other LSh to face partners in line up/down
29-32 3s+1s 3/4 turn partners RH to sidelines & 2s+3s+1s set
The Cranberry Tart – 15 July
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
8th July
Come What May (J)
An Autumn Posy (S)
Ian Powrie’s Farewell to Auchterarder (J)
Bruce’s Men (S)
The Provost Wynd (R)
Scotland’s Gardens (R)
The Fireworks Reel (R)
The Fireworks Reel – 8 July
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)
1st July
The Auld Grey Cat (R)
The Dancing Bees (R)
MacDonald of Keppoch (M)
A Capital Jig (J)
Come What May (R)
Flowers of Edinburgh | Wind on the Heath (R)
The Mercat Cross (S)
De’il Amang the Tailors (R)
24th June – Mid-Winter Theme
Ecclefechan Feline (J)
Dancing Butterflies (R)
12 Coates Crescent (S)
Pelorus Jack (J)
Toast to the Mousies (R)
Neidpath Castle (S)
The Black Leather Jig (J)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
The Mercat Cross (S) – 01 July
(This dance may be walked through quickly on Monday)
1-4 1C+3C set, petronella turn into line up/down.
5-8 1C+3C 1/2 reels of 4.
9-12 1M+2C+3W LHA while 1W+3M chase clw to change places.
13-20 Repeat bars 5-12 (1/2 reel of 4, LHA or chase halfway).
21-24 1C+3C 1&1/4 turn RH, 1C finishing NHJ & 3C in original place. 2C step in & face up.
24-32 1C+2C Rondel, but on 29-32 3C set advancing, make arch and dance to 2nd place as 1C dance to 3rd place.
Mid-Winter Theme Night
We have a Mid-Winter theme night with live music played by the Cranberry Tarts.
There is still a Red Dance so make sure to check it out.
Everyone is invited to join us afterward for some supper and mulled wine.
The Black Leather Jig – 24 June
1-8 1s set, turn RH, cast 1 place & 3/4 turn LH to face 3rd corner
9-16 1s dance LSh reels of 3 across the set (M with 2s & L with 3s) & 1s turn LH to face 1st corner
17-24 1s dance LSh reels of 3 across the set (L with 2s & M with 3s) & 1s pass RSh to end facing 1st corner
25-32 1s set to 1st corner ending 2nd pl opp side, 1s 3/4 turn RH to face 2nd crnr, set to 2nd crnr ending b’tw’n 2s/3s facing prtnr & 3/4 turn to 2nd pl own side
17th June
New Year Jig (J)
New Abbey (S)
Spiffin’ (J)
Orpington Caledonians (R)
Ecclefechan Feline (J)
Return to Paisley (S)
The Aviator (J)
Society Piper (R)
10th June
The Jubilee Jig (J)
Loch Assynt (J)
Athens of the North (S)
Corners of Edinburgh (R)
New Abbey (S)
Rye Twist (R)
The Aviator – 17 June
1-8 1s lead down, on bar 4 1M crosses partner in front & 1L followed by 1M cast up behind 4M & 3M & across into 2nd place facing 3L (2s step up 3-4)
9-16 1s (1L leading) dance 1/2 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 1/2 alternating tandem reel with 2nd corners; 1L continues reel with corners passing 2L LSh while 1M+3L turn LH. 1s end in 2nd place opp sides, 1L facing out
25-32 1s dance up, round 2s by RSh (1L behind 2M, 1M in front 2L) & 1M followed by 1L cast 1 place, across set to end in 2nd place own side (6 bars). All 3 couples set
1-4 1M+2s dance 1/2 reel of 3 across (1M+2L pass LSh). 1M finishes between 2s facing down
5-8 1M+3s dance 1/2 reel of 3 across (1M+3M pass RSh), 1M finishes between 3s facing down while 1L+2s dance 1/2 reel of 3 across (1L+2L pass RSh). 2L finishes between 2s facing down. 2s finish in 1st place
9-12 1M+4s, 1L+3s repeat bars 5-8 (1M+4L, 1L+3M pass LSh). 3s finish in 2nd place
13-16 1M+5s, 1L+4s repeat bars 5-8 (1M+5M, 1L+4L pass RSH). 4s finish in 3rd place
17-20 1M dances out of end, casts round 5L place, crossing to 4M place while 1L+5s dance 1/2 reel of 3 across (1L+5M pass LSH). 1L finishes in 4L place, 5s in 5th place
21-24 1s+5s dance 1/2 LH across, cross LH with partner
25-32 All couples set, cross RH with partners, all set, cross RH with partners 2 3 4 5 1
Hint: Each supporting couple dances a full reel of 3 across.
3rd June
Allt An Duin (R)
The Caterpillar (R)
The Platinum Years (M)
The Charming Frenchman (J)
Loch Assynt (J)
Royal Deeside (S)
The Castle of Mey (R)
27th May
It’s All Right (J)
The Laird of Milton’s Daughter (J)
Chasing the Eclipse (S)
Chased Lovers (J)
Sleepwalking (R)
The Caterpillar (R)
Neidpath Castle (S)
Scott Meikle (R)
Castle of Mey – 3 May
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
20th May
Joie de Vivre (J)
The Provost Wynd (R)
In Traditional Mode (S)
Corners of Edinburgh (R)
The Laird of Milton’s Daughter (J)
The Silver Grey (S)
Farewell to Balfour Road (J)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
Sleepwalking – 27 May
1-8 1s cross RH, cast to 2nd place (2s step up), turn LH & cast down to 3rd place (3s step up)
9-16 1s dance reflection reels on opposite sides (1s in/up, 3s out/down, 2s in/down to start)
17-24 1s dance up to top, cast to 2nd place while 3s continue reel to 3rd place; 1s dance 1/2 Fig of 8 round 3s
25-32 1s turn 1st corner RH, pass RSh, turn 2nd corner RH & pass RSh to 2nd place own sides (corners turn for 4 bars)
13th May
Ecclefechan Feline (J)
On the Quarter-Deck (R)
The Platinum Years (M – S+R)
Mr Iain Stuart Robertson (R)
The Provost Wynd (R)
Lamb Skinnet (J)
Swirling Snow (S)
Farewell to Balfour Road – 20 May
1-8 1s+2s circle 4H round & back
9-16 1s+2s Set+Link; 1s+3s Set+Link
17-24 2s start while 1s+4s+5s dance mirror reels of 3 on sides (1s in/down, 5s in/up to start)
25-32 1s set, cross down RH to 4th place (4s step up); 1s set, cross down LH to 5th place (5s step up)
New top couple start every 16 bars. Repeat until 1s back in 1st place, they stand for 16 bars while 5s continue bars 17-32 ending back in 5th place
6th May
Black Donald (J)
Lonely Sunday (J)
The Gardener’s Fantasia (S)
Chased Lovers (J)
White Heather Jig (J)
Barbara White’s Diamond Strathspey (S)
29th April
Crabbit Shona (R)
The Barmkin (R)
The Falkirk Lass (S)
Caberfei (R)
Mrs Macleod (R)
The Paisley Weavers (S)
The Black Leather Jig (R)
Trip to Bavaria (R)
Swirling Snow – 13 May
1-8 1s cross RH & cast 1 place, 1s dance down between 3s & cast to 2nd place opposite sides
9-16 All 1/2 turn & twirl to change places, all turn RH into allemande hold (2s & 3s face down, 1s face up)
17-24 All dance Circulating Allemande:
1s dance normal Allemande ending in 2nd place while 2s+3s Allemande (down) & up to 3rd/1st places. (3)1(2)
25-32 1s dance 1/2 Fig of 8 up between 3s, all turn 2H 1.1/2 times to own sides to end 3 1 2
White Heather Jig – 6 May
1-8 1s turn RH & cast to 2nd place, turn 1.1/2 LH to end between 2s facing opposite sides
9-16 1s+2s dance Reel of 4 across, 1s pass RSh to face 1st corners
17-24 1s turn corner, partner, corner, partner, to end between 3s facing opposite sides
25-32 1s+3s dance Reel of 4 across, 1s end in middle between 3s & 4s33-401s turn LH, cast to 4th place
22nd April
The Greenbelt Jig (J)
Friendships (S)
The Tipsy Vicar (R)
The Falkirk Lass (S)
A Trip to Glasgow (J)
Eileen Watt’s Reel (R)
St Andrew’s Fair (J)
Black Leather Jig – 29 April
1-8 1s set, turn RH, cast 1 place & 3/4 turn LH to face 3rd corner
9-16 1s dance LSh reels of 3 across the set (M with 2s & L with 3s) & 1s turn LH to face 1st corner
17-24 1s dance LSh reels of 3 across the set (L with 2s & M with 3s) & 1s pass RSh to end facing 1st corner
25-32 1s set to 1st corner ending 2nd pl opp side, 1s 3/4 turn RH to face 2nd crnr, set to 2nd crnr ending b’tw’n 2s/3s facing prtnr & 3/4 turn to 2nd pl own side
Eileen Watt’s Reel – 22 April
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
15th April
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)
MacDonald of the Isles – 15 April
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
Last weekend the Teacher workshop was a great success.
We had 68 registered for the weekend coming from all around NZ and Australia. Graham Donald led the workshop, tutored the Friday night class and was the MC for the dance. It was great to see some of you were able to be at the Friday night class and the Saturday dance. Wasn’t it wonderful to see a full hall of dancers.
A big thank you to Alison, Angelica and Alastair, Debbie, Janice, Judith, June and Maria for giving of your time to serve the morning teas, lunch and afternoon teas. It was a special time for tutors to get together and extend their learning. Lots of learning and chatter took place.
It was great to have local musicians play over the weekend.
8th April
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)
Swiss Lassie – 8 April
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
25th March
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)
No Dancing on Monday
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.
Annual Subscriptions
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 – 1 April
No red dance this week – and no, it’s not just an April Fool’s joke!
Beach Dancer – 25 March
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
18th March
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)
Inchmickery – 18 March
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
11th March
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)
4th March 2024
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 Dancing 2024
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.
Mrs MacPherson of Inveran – 11 March
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
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.
A Year End
That’s the end of dancing for 2023. See you next year!
A Year End
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.
20th November – Final Night
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)
Final Night 2023
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.
20 November
Final night for the year. No red dance this week.
13th November
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)
Links With St Petersburg – 13 November
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
6th November – AGM
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)
30th October
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)
6 November
No red dance this week as it is the club’s AGM. There will still be some dancing before the meeting.
69th LHSCDC AGM 2023
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.
2023 Annual Dance
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.
23rd October
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)
The Montgomeries’ Rant – 30 October
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
16th October
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)
Trip to Timber Ridge – 20 October
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
9th October
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)
Mr William Brown’s Reel – 16 October
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
The Music Makars – 9 October
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
2nd October
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)
Mairi’s Wedding – 2 October
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
25th September
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)
18th September
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)
11th September
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)
City of Belfast – 25 September
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.
A Capital Jig – 18 September
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
Miss Nidra Aitken – 11 September
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
4th September
Jubilee Jig (J)
Morison’s Bush (R)
Glengrant (S)
Inchmickery (J)
The Tushker (R)
Miss Nidra Aitken (S)
The Irish Rover (R)
The Irish Rover (R) – 04 September
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)
28th August
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)
21st August
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)
28 August
No red dance this week – we have live music leading up to our annual dance.
14th August
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)
The Robertson Rant – 21 August
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
Best Set in the Hall (J) – 14 August
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
7th August
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)
31st July
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)
John Cass – 07 August
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
24th July – Mid-Winter Christmas
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)
The Hunting Horn – 31 July
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
17th July
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)
The Fireworks Reel – 24 July
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)
10th July – Family Night
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)
The Cranberry Tart – 17 July
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
Scott Meikle – 10 July
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
3rd July
New Year Jig (J)
Den O’ Mains (J)
Neidpath Castle (S)
Tiptoe Jig (J)
Jeanette’s Hornpipe (R)
Balmaha (S)
Shiftin’ Bobbins (R)
Balmaha – 3 July
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
26th June
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)
19th June
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)
Beach Dancer – 26 June
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
12th June
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)
The Sailor – 19 June
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.
Seton’s Ceilidh Band – 12 June
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
5th June – King’s Birthday Theme
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)
29th May
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)
The Castle of Mey (R) – 5 June
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
22nd May
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)
The Australian Ladies (R) – 29 May
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.
The Luckenbooth Brooch (J) – 22 May
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
15th May
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)
Pelorus Jack (J) – 15 May
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
8th May
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)
The Irish Rover (R) – 08 May
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)
1st May
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)
Three Feisty Women (R) – 01 May
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).
24th April
The Lady Wynd (J)
Seann Truibhas Willichan (S)
Granville Bridge (R)
Baldyquash (R)
Three Feisty Women (R)
Miss Eleanor (S)
Aileen’s Reel (R)
Miss Eleanor (S) – 24 April
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
17th April – Family Night
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)
10th April
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)
Jean Martin of Aberdeen (S) – 10 April
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
3rd April
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)
Scott Meikle (R) – 03 April
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
27th March
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)
20th March
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)
Ferla Mor (R) – 27 March
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
13th March
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)
Beginners 2023
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.
6th March 2023
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)
03 October – Family, Friends & Grandchildren Night
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)
26 September – Royal Theme Night
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)
Purple Heather Jig – 17 October
PURPLE HEATHER JIG (J4x40) 4C set John Bowie Dickson Dunedin Dances Book 5
3rd and 4th couples start on opposite sides
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
This is a busy dance and requires that you are an independent dancer and able to maintain the pace throughout the dance.
The Fireworks Reel (03 October)
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
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
June 28 – The Countess of Dunmore’s Reel
(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
June 7th
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)
Luckenbooth Brooch (J8x32)
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
November 9th
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)
The Aviator – November 2nd
(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
November 2nd
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 **
August 17th
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)
March 9th
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
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
March 2nd
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)
2 March 2020 – The Bees of Maggieknocater
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
The Beginners’ Class 2019
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.
- - "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 ..... Continue Reading
- - "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 ..... Continue Reading
- - "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 ..... Continue Reading
- - "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 ..... Continue Reading
A word about dancing etiquette
Points of etiquette that should be observed:
- Form sets after the MC has announced the dance.
- Take your place in the sets at the end of the line as it is formed.
- The top couple in each row are responsible for counting off the sets. Give the line a few seconds to settle down before starting to count. It saves time in the end!
- Count down the middle in a reasonably loud voice so that dancers can hear clearly.
- Having taken a place in the set, stay until the dance has finished.
- Try and dance with different partners and make new friends.
- Helping a NEW DANCER does not mean pushing and pulling. If a dancer needs help, leave it to their partner or one other experienced dancer in the set. Seven people talking all at once can be CONFUSING! Often all that is needed is an indication by hand and the dancer can follow where to go.
Dancing is about FUN, FRIENDS and FITNESS. Enjoy
October 28th
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)
Beginners Blog
“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”
Beginners Blog
“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!”
Beginners Blog
“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….”
Beginners Blog
“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?”
LHSCDC 60th Anniversary Book
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.
MAy 14th – The Luckenbooth Brooch
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