Classes taught in 2013/2014

More specific information on steps, formations and dances can be found at:


2014-06-18 (Ann/Felix - from the planning)

first half

advanced half


2014-06-11 (Ann)


2014-06-04 (Ann/Felix?)

first half

advanced half


2014-05-28 (Felix)

  • dances:
    • no information

2014-05-24 (Saturday preparation class, Felix?)

  • dances:
    • no information

2014-05-21 (Ann/Felix)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Hooper's Jig (J32, 3/4L, MMM)
      (JUST the final 8 bars to clear up the progression when many things happen at once. We walked this through for each couple. We had danced it on 14.5.2014)
    2. J. B. Milne (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS 30 popular, Vol 2 38)
      (we walked this through for each couple as it is a ‘meanwhile’ dance. The beginners managed it very well in the final dancing of it.)
    3. The Gentleman (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXV 5)
      (only one walkthrough and a reminder of the diamond poussette: then after a recap, we danced it in two-4-cpl sets)

advanced half

  • dances:
    • no information

2014-05-14 (Ann)

  • dances:
    1. The Wild Geese (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXIV 3)
      (think of geese exchanging out to preserve their energy)
    2. Hooper's Jig (J32, 3/4L, MMM)
    3. Sugar Candie (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXVI 9)
  • advanced dance:
    1. Anna Holden's Strathspey (S32, 2/4L, RSCDS XLII 2)
  • notes:
    • we had sometimes two 4-cpl sets, usually 2 3-cpl sets; we ended with a 7-cpl set! 16 people
  • teaching (steps):
    • skip change: with casting
    • setting: set advancing; set on the spot (balance in line)
    • Strathspey travelling step
  • teaching (figures):
    • RL
    • 6-bar reels of 3
    • RA LA
    • Corner/partner
    • Cross and cast: up/back
  • teaching (new figures):
    • Set in Strathspey time, followed by Petronella in Tandem

2014-05-10 (Saturday preparation class, Bexi)


2014-05-07 (Ann)

  • dances:
    1. John of Bon Accord (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXIII 5)
    2. Argyll Strathspey (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXV 3)
      (review from two weeks ago: Tournee)
    3. Tribute to the Borders (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS Leaflets 31)
    4. St Andrew's Fair (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS 5/1982 2)
      (RECAP only: in two 3-cpl sets)
  • advanced dance:
    1. Gang the Same Gate (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXVI 4)
      (Set and Link for 3)
  • notes:
    • We had two 4-cpl sets for the first half (two dances) and two 3-cpl sets for the final 3 dances.
  • teaching (steps):
    • Skip change: singly and with a partner in promenade hold and also in allemande hold: to feel the rhythm of your partner and to learn to guide your partner while dancing.
    • Skip change/setting: alternately: 2-bar phrases: to prepare for John of Bon Accord
    • Strathspey: traveling step
  • teaching (figures reviewed):
    • Half reels of 3: for John of Bon Accord and Tribute to the Borders
    • RL
    • Allemande
    • Tournee
  • teaching (figures new):
    • Half reels of 3: alternating RS;LS;RS;LS: for beginners
    • Set and link for 3: for advanced only

2014-04-30 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. EH3 7AF (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS XL 6)
    2. Miss Gibson's Strathspey (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS Leaflets 18)
    3. Quarries' Jig (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXVI 3)
  • notes:
    • with two 4-cpl sets: 16 people for the first half
  • teaching (steps):
    • skip change
    • setting and moving between the two
    • strathspey traveling
    • Strathspey setting and moving between the two
  • teaching (figures):
    • RA LA
    • corner/partner
    • Promenade
  • teaching (new figures):
    • The Knot
    • Promenade with cast

advanced half

  • dances:
    1. Da Rain Dancin' (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS 30 popular, Vol 2 30)
      (1/4 Hello-Goodby, 3/4 Turn)
    2. Jean Martin of Aberdeen (S32, 3/3L, Johnstone: Magazine)
      (Bourrel)
    3. Catch the Wind (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XLV 5)
      (repeated to fill the remaining time)
  • notes:
    • we had 15 dancers (incl. teacher), thus using a 7-couple set (Da Rain Dancin’) or two 3-couple sets (after some people left early) in the advanced half!
  • teaching (figures):
    • 1/4 Hello-Goodby, 3/4 Turn, 1/4 Hello-Goodby, 3/4 Turn (for Da Rain Dancin’)
    • Bourrel for two couples (for Jean Martin of Aberdeen) walking, counted through and danced to music from both positions

2014-04-26 (Saturday preparation class, Bexi+Felix)


2014-04-21 (Ann)


2014-04-09 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Postie's Jig (J32, 4/4L, RSCDS 30 popular, Vol 2 18)
    2. The Gentleman (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXV 5)
  • notes:
    • We had 4 3-cpl sets for teaching and 1x4 cpl and 1x5 cpl for dancing the Gentleman
  • teaching (steps):
    • Foot positions: reviewed each time
    • Slip step
    • Skip change: long steps, short steps
    • Setting step: changing from setting to skip change
    • Strathspey traveling and setting
  • teaching (figures):
    • half 8
    • half reels of 3, RS
    • diamond poussette
  • teaching (new figures):
    • half LR
    • half reels of 4

advanced half


2014-04-02 (Ann)

  • dances:
    1. The Gates of Edinburgh (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XV 5)
      (cross-over reels; setting across and setting on the sidelines)
    2. Monymusk (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XI 2)
      (setting across, setting on the side, circle followed by RS 6-bar reels of 3 on sides)
    3. The Reel of the Royal Scots (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS Leaflets 27)
      (DT position, following figure, TR for corners, pass RS; circle - note: in the TR, the corners dace for 4 bars)
  • advanced dance:
    1. Quarries' Jig (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXVI 3)
      (meanwhile figure: set in 2 corners; XR, XL on first man’s diagonal; move clockwise to new position)
  • notes:
    • There were 21 people: mostly two 4-cpl sets, we also used 7 cpl set.
  • teaching (steps):
    • Slip step: another way of closing besides ‘Step together’: a gentle hop with both feet together to keep the appearance of the slip step, then a hop to start back in the other direction as usual.
    • Skip change: closing in third and really feeling the feet touch; used LONG steps as well as SHORT steps.
    • Setting: closing in third in front, and how to incorporate the extension in 4th position into the preparation for the setting step as well as to end it.
    • Strathspey: closing in third in front for traveling: the DOWN as preparation for the step; LONG steps
    • Strathspey: setting steps: same thing but sideways
  • teaching (figures):
    • Reels of 3 on opposite sides followed by Reels of 3 on own sides.: Cross-over reels or ‘Gates of Edinburgh Reels’
    • Mirror reels as they are in the Gates of Edinburgh
    • circle followed by RS reels of 3 for 6 bars, on the sidelines
    • Setting in lines across followed by setting in lines of 3 on the sidelines: in both reel time and strathspey

2014-03-29 (Saturday preparation class, Heiko)


2014-03-26 (Ann/Felix)

first half

  • dances:
    1. The Machine without Horses (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS XII 12)
      (focus was on the ‘following’ figure: 1s followed by 2s, lead down, cast around 3s, lead up, cast to 2nd place; focus also on: Be READY: S, cast, RA with 3s; S, cast up, LA with 2s)
    2. Lady Dumfries (R32, 3/4L, MMM)
      (to review DT, SXR; SXR: but 1s pass RS into place for DT)
    3. Figure Rondel only
      (The Rondel proved to be quite tricky due to the crossing and curving round; the old manuel says: nearer hands held; the Strathspey server suggest: 1s RH for first Crossing; Ladies LH for second crossing. I used the RH and LH variation. This helped to remember to cross with Lady in front or 1st couple in front. Discussion anyone? I feel that it is neater with just holding nearer hands and to remember to give 1s or 1st lady priority when crossing.)
  • notes:
    • about 18 dancers (one 4-cpl and one 5-cpl set)
  • teaching (steps):
    • Foot positions for both skip change and strathspey
    • Setting: I suggested that they exaggerate the knee coming up in order to avoid a two-beat and to have more focus on ‘DOWN’ for the start.
    • Counting: 8 bars, casting, 8 bars, casting back: to get the two ways of casting: one for men and the other for women.
    • Setting for 2, casting in skip change and counting to 8; repeat: preparation for dance: Machine Without Horses
    • Strathspey traveling and setting: review
  • teaching (figures):
    • RL
    • RA LA
    • DT
    • SX
    • New: The Rondel: for Strathspey time; ONLY did the figure from different positions

advanced half


2014-03-19 (Ann)

  • dances:
    1. Frog in the Middle (J32, 3/4L, MMM)
      (for DT as well as setting across the dance, moving to sidelines and setting again)
    2. Invercauld's Reel (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XI 10)
      (to review: STB with corners followed by 6-bar reel/3 on sidelines; Has a different way to get into position, 1s on opposite sides)
    3. Lord Macdonald's Reel (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS VI 9)
      (to use STB with corners followed by 6-bar reel/3 on sidelines in QUICK time; more usual direction to get into position)
    4. The Ambassadors' Reel (R32, 3/4L, Mayr: Vienna Book)
      (to review from Social evening on 15.3.14: to learn the ‘flow’ of the final two figures: TR, pass RS, TR, pass RS, into a Circle)
  • advanced dance:
    1. The Wee Cooper O' Fife (J40, 2/4L, Foss: Song Tunes)
      (each figure has an additional ‘twist’ to the end, thus adding 2 more bars to the each figure)
  • notes:
    • There were 14 people, making one 3-cpl and one 4-cpl set, for the advanced dance, we had one 4-cpl set
    • As we are nearing the end of the year, the dances are becoming more complicated in order to teach as many figures to the beginners as possible. I am also preparing the dances for the Whitsun Weekend so that some of the beginners may be able to join in the social dance evenings.
  • teaching: foot positions for
    • skip change, slip step: with a HOP as the upbeat for the actual dance step
    • setting: with a mention of the DOWN movement ON the beat to start the pas de basque to better enable them to change from skip change to setting and back again
    • skip change moving easily to slip step: skip change to LEFT in a circle, changing feet as easily as possible into slip step (as in St. Andrew’s Fair) then slip step to RIGHT, changing to skip change
    • strathspey traveling and setting
  • teaching (new figures):
    • Double Triangles
  • teaching (reviewed figures):
    • Set, Turn Both Hands, 6-bar LS reel of 3
    • Hands: how to help move around in a Turn using Both Hands

2014-03-12 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Border Meeting (J32, 2RR, Goldring: Goldring Graded 1)
      (ladies’ chain)
    2. The Minister on the Loch (S32, 3/3L, Goldring: Magazine)
      (diamond poussette/ double fig. 8)
    3. Flowers of Edinburgh (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS I 6)
      (poussette)
    4. Tribute to the Borders (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS Leaflets 31)
      (half reels of 3; setting with a partner to four corners; Allemande for 3 cpl)
  • notes:
    • There were 19 people, making two 4-cpl sets, and later, one 3-cpl and one 4-cpl.
  • teaching (steps):
    • skip change: using long steps and short steps; advance and retire
    • setting in quick time: setting: foot positions then setting and skip change, alternating
    • strathspey: traveling and setting
  • teaching (figures):
    • casting off: turn outwards from the set
    • ladies’ chain
    • diamond poussette in strathspey time
    • poussette in quick time
    • double figure of 8, around standing 2s
    • reels of 3 to review HALF reels of 3

advanced half


2014-03-05 (Ann)

  • dances:
    1. Tribute to the Borders (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS Leaflets 31)
      (to learn RS HALF reels of 3; to learn the 3-cpl allemande; setting and moving to face different positions with partner)
    2. Largo Law (S32, 3/4L, MMM)
      (to consolidate reels of 4; circle)
    3. The Reel of the 51st Division (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XIII 10)
      (to learn balance in line - different from balance with partner as in St. Andrew’s Fair)
  • advanced dance:
    1. The Montgomeries' Rant (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS X 1)
      (to compare 8-bar reels across the dance, 6-bar reels on the side, cross to own side; setting to different positions as a pair - positions different from Tribute to the Borders)
  • teaching:
    • Steps: reviewed skip change, slip step, setting step in quick time; strathspey traveling; reminded them of what Bexi had done: MOVE!
    • Hands: promenade hold for moving as a unit in pairs
  • teaching (new figures):
    • Half reel of 3
    • 3 couple allemande
    • Setting as a unit of 2 and moving to face different positions
    • Balance in line
    • Set and Turn corners
  • teaching (reviewed figures):
    • reviewed: RS reels of 3;
    • reels of 4 in strathspey time; reinforced what Felix had done: RS on ends; LS in the middle
    • circle in strathspey time: hands ready

2014-02-26 (Felix)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Sugar Candie (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXVI 9)
    2. The Haggis Thrash (R32, 2/4L, Drewry: Greenburn 2)
  • notes:
    • about 2 full sets in the beginners’ half
  • teaching:
    • Double Fig of 8
    • Reel of four across, starting from the center
    • Strathspey Traveling Step (Listen to the music and continue your step, even when the brain is occupied elsewhere: Travel free around the room for 4 bars, find somebody for (a) advance and retire (b) turn right © turn left and (d) turn both hands.)

advanced half


2014-02-22 (Saturday preparation class, Bexi)


2014-02-19 (Bexi)


2014-02-12 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Captain Macdonald's Fancy (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS VII 9)
    2. The Minister on the Loch (S32, 3/3L, Goldring: Magazine)
  • notes:
    • There were three 3couple sets (18 people) or one 4couple and a 5couple in the beginners class
  • review (Steps):
    • Foot positions: good turn out, closing in 3rd, straight leg when leading for the skip change; HOP in anticipation of the first beat in both skip change and slip step; mentioned rising onto toes in preparation for the skip change in a set as well as in the warm-up circle
    • skip change,
    • setting, preparation for the ‘extension’ as an upbeat for the DOWN of the setting step; mentioned this as preparation for setting
    • going from skip change to setting: Hop for skip change; extension for setting; etc.
    • slip step: hop and CLOSING in 1st each time.
  • review (Strathspey):
    • traveling step: straight leg to lead but with DOWN as preparation for the step when one rises up on the first beat, slight lift to bring foot through; knee to the side on the pull-through rather than in front.
    • setting step: same but sideways: DOWN to begin; closing low with foot behind the calf of the leg. (Question: for men, it seems to me that they can close a little higher up the calf than the ladies but I did not mention it this time. I also said a slight lift/hop, not as big as starting on the skip change)
    • changing from traveling to setting
    • repeating feet: RF, RF; LF, LF, as needed after the diamond poussette: practised in a circle
  • teaching (new):
    • RA LA with 3 bars to each followed by cast off to 2nd place
    • Double figure of 8: 1s casting while 3s cross up and cast: around the standing 2s
    • TR 1 1/2; TL 1 1/2: as part of progression on the sidelines
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • Corner/Partner/corner/partner: taught again as there were some people who did not come last week; danced in a new dance; hands and arms: tension to help each other around.
    • all-round poussette/diamond poussette: practised again as some people were not there last week: ‘outside feet’ to begin the figure from the sidelines; arms at shoulder height and slightly out in a diamond shape, and with a tension to guide/help each other around; slight pull with the RH of each to make sure they do the 1/4 turn in the right direction; mentioned briefly the need to change feet for starting with the RF when continuing into another figure
    • RA LA with 4 beats to each

advanced half

  • dances:
    1. Forbes Rant (J32, 3/4L, Dix: Reel Friends 1)
    2. Culla Bay (S32, 4S, RSCDS XLI 2)
    3. The Wild Geese (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXIV 3)
    4. Catch the Wind (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XLV 5)
  • notes:
    • for the last dance, the recording by the Music Makars (CD: Catch the Wind) should be avoided.
    • the first two dances were to remember Ann Dix who died Nov 1st, 2013, one day before being awarded the Scroll of Honor at the AGM of the RSCDS.
    • the last three dances are from the preliminary Whidsun Weekend
    • we had two 3couple sets in the beginning, we repeated Culla Bay such that all 11 dancers left could dances, and had a 4couple set for the last two dances

2014-02-05 (Ann)

  • dances:
    1. Light and Airy (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS IV 5)
      (for Corner/Partner figure)
    2. The Walled Garden (S32, 2/4L, Goldring: Goldring Graded 1)
      (for All-round Poussette)
    3. The Peat Inn (R32, 4/4L, Goldring: Goldring Graded 1)
      (taught as a Strathspey: for figures: Half Petronella and Half RL - following a suggestion by Robert Finan that this dance could be used as a Medley: we did it as a reel in Nov. 2013)
    4. St Andrew's Fair (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS 5/1982 2)
      (review and quickly done)
  • advanced dance:
    1. The Bees of Maggieknockater (J32, 4/4L, RSCDS 30 popular, Vol 2 4)
      (danced twice so that more people could experience this one)
  • notes:
    • 20 people present: two 3couple sets; one 4couple set
  • teaching (new):
    • Corner/Partner/Corner/Partner in Jig time
    • Strathspey: traveling step with feet change: e.g. lead with RF, RF, LF, LF, RF, RF, LF, LF
    • All-round Poussette: correct feet to begin this figure as well as the geography of the figure; Half Petronella turn; Half RL (all in S time)
    • Dance etiquette: standing in 1st position when not dancing; eye contact during petronella turns; covering during setting in petronella turns as well as TR at end of The Peat Inn
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • Steps and foot positions for: traveling steps in J,R and S.
    • Setting steps with foot positions for: quick time and S.
    • TR and TL: four counts per hand with a repeat: TR TL TR TL
    • Figures: Figure 8, Allemande; Petronella, RL

2014-01-29

  • Burns’ Dance

2014-01-22 (Ann/Felix)

first half

advanced half


2014-01-15 (Ann)

  • dances:
    1. Border Meeting (J32, 2RR, Goldring: Goldring Graded 1)
      (Ladies’ Chain, tune used: James Gray set of jigs 8x32: TOO LONG for a round the room!! Need another one 6 x 32!)
    2. Delvine Side (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS II 9)
      (has turn corners with both hands, pass RS)
    3. St Andrew's Fair (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS 5/1982 2)
    4. Scotland (J32, 2/4L, RSCDS XXXI 6)
      (repeat from before Xmas)
  • advanced dance:
    1. The Peat Inn (R32, 4/4L, Goldring: Goldring Graded 1)
      (tune used: The Mairrit Man’s Favourite)
  • teaching (new):
    • strathspey setting step
    • strathspey setting step change to traveling step
    • Turn both hands for Strathspey turn
    • Balance in line: in St. Andrew’s Fair
    • Ladies’ Chain
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • Foot positions
    • skip change,
    • slip step,
    • setting step
    • changing from skip change to slip step to the left; slip step to R and change to skip change (for St. Andrew’s Fair)
    • changing from setting to skip change and back
    • strathspey traveling step
    • RL
    • corners
    • Back to back (DoSiDo)

2014-01-08 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. The Dashing White Sergeant (R32, ?RR, RSCDS III 2)
    2. Mrs MacLeod (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS VI 11)
    3. Mrs Stewart Sinton's Reel (J32, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 12)
  • teaching (new):
    • Corners: how to find their first and second corners in a set Set and Turn Corners followed by LS Reel of three: 6-bar with Cross R to own sides

    • ladies’ chain

  • teaching (reviewed):
    • Steps: skip change, slip step, setting step
    • Allemande,
    • Down the middle and up,
    • Set and Turn followed by Reels of 3: from Dashing White Sergeant
    • RA,LA: HANDS!

advanced half


2013-12-18

Christmas Party


2013-12-11 (Ann/Felix?)

first half

advanced half


2013-12-04 (Tess)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Joe MacDiarmid's Jig (J32, 4/4L, RSCDS 5/1982 3)
    2. The Belfast Hornpipe (R32, 3/3L, Clindinning: )
      (Studied: unusual turning positions)
    3. The Double Sixsome (R64, 6/6L, Brandon: )
      (Studied: 3-couple allemande)
  • teaching (new):
    • Having 6 couples and a dance with easy basic figures I decided to go for it! Completed with no problems, thanks to good basic training.
      Anybody wishing for a copy please contact me.
      Eventual additions for a good demo. dance: highland steps at end.

advanced half

  • dances:
    1. Village Reel (S32, 2/4L, RSCDS XX 4)
      (for Strathpey poussette - see below)
    2. Prince Charles of Edinburgh (R160, 4S, RSCDS XXXIX 9)
      (Completed: Fig. 1. - to be continued.
      This is a typical quadrille form; there are no difficult figures but it is fast and requires unusual changes of direction.)
  • notes:
    • As requested by some advanced dancers, we went through in detail the basic geography of the Strathspey poussette. 3-4 beginner dancers participated (there was no attempt to teach the Strathspey step) but they managed very well. (I’ll be checking the footwork for the Strathpey poussette later.)

2013-11-27 (Ann)

  • dances:
    1. The Kingston Jig (J32, 4/4L, Goldring: Goldring Graded 1)
      (for warm-up)
    2. Collie Law (J32, 2/4L, Goldring: Goldring Graded 1)
      (for Allemande; fig. 8; RALA)
    3. Petronella (R32, 2/4L, RSCDS I 1)
      (for the figure and Poussette)
    4. Bonnie Geordie's Wig (R32, 2/4L, MMM)
      (for review of S2 RA; S2 LA; progression; RL)
  • advanced dance:
    1. John of Bon Accord (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXIII 5)
      (review of the four half-reels of 3)
  • teaching (new):
    • Petronella: demonstrated and then did Petronella turn slowly in the whole group; then in the dance: geography and then the step
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • foot positions
    • Slip step
    • Skip change: long steps, short steps, Adv./ret.
    • Setting step: for on the spot; for moving as in Poussette;
    • Allemande
    • RA+LA
    • Fig of 8
    • RL
    • Poussette

2013-11-20 (Ann/Felix)

first half

advanced half


2013-11-13 (Ann)

  • dances:
    1. The Dashing White Sergeant (R32, ?RR, RSCDS III 2)
      (to review ST LF reels of 3; Adv/Retire)
    2. Clydeside Lassies (R32, 2/4L, MMM)
      (to incorporate the Poussette into a dance; to review RL)
    3. The Eightsome Reel (R464, 4S, RSCDS II 12)
      (to learn about positions in a square set; to learn from the Ceilidh; also used the same sequence as Dashing W.S: ST LS reels; new: Grand Chain)
    4. Flowers of Edinburgh (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS I 6)
      (Extra: a request for Budapest course: beginners could also dance this one: ALMOST a 2 cpl set; also with Poussette)
  • advanced dance:
    1. The Black Mountain Reel (R32, 5/5L, RSCDS 30 popular, Vol 2 26)
  • teaching (new):
    • Grand Chain
    • Square Set
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • foot positions
    • slip step
    • skip change: Adv./Retire
    • Setting
    • Setting and turning: pas de basque step
    • Poussette
    • RL

2013-11-06 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Jane's Jig (J32, 2/4L, Hoffmann: Let's All Dance Too)
      (reviewed from Felix’s lesson on first night: to review Adv/Retire; TR 1 1/2; Circle)
    2. Strip the Willow (j40, 4/4L, RSCDS I 7)
      (for the VIS Ceilidh: learned the geography, then walked it for two couples, then danced with music for all. Used running steps. Focused on: LH for other people, RH for partner; partner keeping the step going while waiting for the other person to turn.)
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • Steps and figures reviewed: Since there were some who came back after a few weeks’ absence, and two newcomers, I went over some basic things again, which helps to keep them in mind, anyway!
    • foot positions: for slip step, skip change, setting, standing in a set
    • Steps: slip step (CIRCLE), skip change: Forward and Backward: Advance/Retire; setting on the spot
    • Figures: TR once round; TR 1 1/2 times; RL
  • teaching (new):
    • Setting: forward and backward: foot positions: with moving on the extension, beating in 3rd IN FRONT, whether going forward or backward.
    • POUSSETTE: using the setting step for moving; we learned the geography of the progression; we did it ‘walking’, ‘dancing’ without music; dancing with the music: once through from each new position in 2-cpl sets: NOT YET incorporated into a dance.
    • Running step: for Strip the Willow

advanced half

  • dances:
    1. John of Bon Accord (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXIII 5)
      (Figures: half reels of three across, repeated 4 times, progressing down the set.)
    2. Seven to Seven (S32, 3/3L, Turi: Reel Goulash)
      (Figures: Cog wheel, Source: The book is online at http://www.bstk.hu/book/)
  • notes:
    • Cog wheel is: 1-2: top 2 cpls half RA, while bottom cpl XL; 3-4: top cpl XR, while bottom 2 cpls half LA; 5-6: top 2 cpls half RA, while bottom cpl XL; 7-8: top cpl XR, while bottom 2 cpls half LA.
    • It might be good to repeat the John-of-Bon-Accord reels in the context of phrasing.
    • A third planned dance was skipped for the repetition of Seven-to-seven.

2013-10-30 (Ann/Ann)

  • dances:
    1. The Dhoon (J32, 4/4L, RSCDS Children 1)
      (to review: slip step followed by skip change, TR, TL, casting, circle - review from Felix’s first evening)
    2. Great Expectations (R/J32, 2/4L, Hunt: Let's All Dnc 1)
      (to incorporate adv/retire, XR cast, half figure 8, circle - review from Felix’s first evening)
    3. The Dashing White Sergeant (R32, ?RR, RSCDS III 2)
      (to teach STB followed by reels of 3, also for the Ceilidh)
    4. Scotland (J32, 2/4L, RSCDS XXXI 6)
      (to teach Back to back (using Adv./Retire steps), SXL (on the sides))
    5. Highland Schottische (S8, 1RR, Guide (ex-Collins))
      (to review steps/dance from last week: a request by some of the beginners; for the Ceilidh)
  • advanced dance:
    1. West's Hornpipe (R32, 4/4L, RSCDS 5/1965 3)
      (for advanced dancers: reels on opposite sides/own sides: danced twice: before the break; again towards the end of the evening)
  • teaching (new):
    • skip change: Advance/Retire
    • setting steps: set with Turn Both hands afterwards
    • Reels of 3: LS
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • positions, slip step, skip change, pas de basque, circle, TR TL, XR, half figure of 8
  • notes:
    • No. of sets: one 4-cpl; two 3-cpl = 20 dancers

2013-10-23 (Ann/Tess)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Lamb Skinnet (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS XIV 12)
    2. Highland Schottische (S8, 1RR, Guide (ex-Collins))
      (for VIS Ceilidh)
  • advanced dance:
    1. The Dance Illustrator (S32, 4/4L, Porter: MS)
      (for Rechberg)
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • skip change: foot positions, start with a HOP
    • pas de basque: foot positions, start with ‘DOWN’, keep three-beats then extend foot
    • Practice changing between setting and skip change
    • Casting
    • RL
  • teaching (new):
    • Half figure of 8
    • Set and Cast
    • Lead up, Set and Cast
    • Highland Schottische steps
  • notes:
    • Sets: four 3-cpl sets for teaching; three 4-cpl sets for dancing (24 people) for first half

advanced half


2013-10-16 (Ann/Ann)

  • dances:
    1. Davy's Locker (R24, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 4)
      (to learn the PROM and review RA LA / down, up, cast)
    2. Bonnie Geordie's Wig (R32, 2/4L, MMM)
      (to learn: Setting 2x, skip change / lead down, cross, cast up, cross, cast down / review: RL)
    3. Lady Catherine Bruce's Reel (J32, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 7)
      (to learn: Allemande; to review: figure of 8)
    4. Britannia Two Step (X16, 3pRR, Guide (ex-Collins))
      (to review and repeat with progression: middle person going to next group of 3)
    5. Canadian Barn Dance (X16, 1RR, Durrands: Guide (ex-Collins))
      (to learn the sequence for the VIS Ceilidh)
  • advanced dance:
    1. The Deil amang the Tailors (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XIV 7)
      (to show the Allemande and similar figures from dances above: setting, half RA/half LA)
  • teaching (new):
    • PROMENADE
    • ALLEMANDE
    • pas de basque steps: foot position: 4th (extension), 3rd, to close in front
    • pas de basque going into skip change: to use extension for leading into skip change
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • foot positions: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
    • HOP for skip change and slip step
    • lead down, back up and cast
    • RA LA
    • figure of 8
    • RL
    • COUNTING

2013-10-09 (Ann/Felix)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Galloway House (R32, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 5)
      (to review RL, new progressive figure: TR cast TL)
    2. Lady Catherine Bruce's Reel (J32, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 7)
      (to review lead down and up, circle; NEW: TR across the set, TL 1 1/2 times on sidelines (progression); Fig. of 8)
    3. Britannia Two Step (X16, 3pRR, Guide (ex-Collins))
      (for fun; to help with skip change (HOP), introduce setting step with low profile)
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • Foot positions
    • HOP for skip change and slip steap
    • RL
    • cast off/back
  • teaching (new):
    • Figure of 8
    • TR cast TL
    • TR across the dance, TL 1 1/2 on sidelines

advanced half


2013-10-02 (Ann/Ann)

  • dances:
    1. Cumberland Reel (J32, 4/4L, RSCDS I 11)
      (counting the 6 bars to bottom of the set before leading up for 6)
    2. The Honeymoon (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS Graded 8)
      (New progressive figure: XR cast, XL cast, lead up to 2nd place)
    3. The Highland Fair (J32, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 6)
      (RL new figure)
    4. Welcome to the Dance (J32, 2RR, Vandegrift: Let's All Dnc 1)
      (RR in 2-cpl sets, lengthwise in the room as had an odd number of couples)
    5. The Birks of Invermay (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XVI 2) (intermediate/advanced dance)
  • teaching (new):
    • RL: reviewed Highland Fair with RL instead of RA LA
    • Cross R and cast down, cross L and cast down, lead up to 2nd place (new progressive figure)
  • teaching (reviewed):
    • foot positions for standing, skip change, slip step, moving up and down
    • counting the beats in a phrase for a figure
    • HOP for starting both skip change and slip step
    • circle
    • RA LA
    • TR TL
    • lead down the middle, lead up and cast off
    • lead down/up: 1s leading down, 2s leading up to top (progression)
    • progression in a set

2013-09-25 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Leap Year (J24, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 1)
    2. The Highland Fair (J32, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 6)
    3. The Dunedin Festival Dance (R32, 3T, Haynes: Dunedin 4)
  • teaching:
    • Foot positions: 1st to 3rd for skip change; 1st to 2nd for slip step
    • Bow and curtsey
    • Step up and down
    • progression within a 2-cpl dance
    • HOP for both slip step and skip change
    • HANDS for circle, RA LA, TR TL
    • casting off and back
    • lead down, up and cast (Progression)
    • lead down: 1s with 2s following, 2s leading back up to top (Progression)

advanced half


2013-09-18 (first class, Felix)