Classes taught in 2015/2016

The classes taught earlier can be found here:

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

2016-06-29 (Summer Party)

2016-06-22 (Ann/Felix)

first half

second half

2016-06-20 (Robert)

Monday class

2016-06-15 (AGM)

2016-06-08 (Ann/Dave)

first half

second half

2016-06-06 (Robert)

Monday class

2016-06-01 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. The Summer Assembly (R88, 4S, RSCDS XXXV 8)
    2. Invercauld's Reel (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XI 10)
    3. The Wild Geese (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXIV 3)
  • notes:
    • we had 10 couples, dancing upstairs
  • steps:
    • reviewed: slip step, skip change, setting step (R/J); Strathspey traveling and setting step
  • figures:
    • reviewed: Rights and Lefts; Turn Right Hand; Set to and turn corners both hands, followed by Left Shoulder Reel of 3

second half

2016-05-26 (Ann/Felix)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Bethankit (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS Graded 3 2)
    2. The Gentleman (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXV 5)
  • notes:
    • we had two 5-couple sets, in the upstairs hall
  • steps:
    • reviewed: skip change; setting (Pas de Basque); alternating setting and skip change; Strathspey traveling step; combination of traveling and setting (S)
  • figures:
    • reviewed: Left Shoulder Reel of 3 (J/R); Left Hands Across (J/R); Rights and Lefts (J/R); Set advancing (S); Half reel of 4 (S); Half reel of 3 (S); All Round Poussette or Diamond Poussette (S)

second half

2016-05-23 (Robert)

Monday class

2016-05-18 (Ann/Dave)

first half

  • dances:
    1. The Sailor (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXIV 4)
    2. Miss Gibson's Strathspey (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS Leaflets 18)
  • notes:
    • We had 8 couples and danced downstairs
  • steps:
    • reviewed: Skip change, setting step, alternating (R/J); traveling and setting (S)
  • figures:
    • new: The Knot (S)
    • reviewed: Right Shoulder reel of 3 across the set (R/J); Rights and Lefts (R/J); set, Turn Both Hands, Circle to the Left only (S); turn corners and partner (S); right hands across and left hands across back (S)

second half

2016-05-11 (Bexi+Felix/Ann)

first half

second half

2016-05-09 (Robert)

Monday class

2016-05-04 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. The Ambassadors' Reel (R32, 3/4L, Mayr: Vienna Book)
    2. The Gentleman (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXV 5)
  • steps:
    • reviewed: slip step (R/J); skip change (R/J); setting (R/J); moving from setting to skip change (R/J); traveling step and setting step (S)
  • figures:
    • new: half reel of 4 (S); set advancing, e.g. to pass (R/J)
    • reviewed: half figure of 8; half reels of 3; diamond poussette (S); Set to and turn corners with Both Hands (S)

second half

2016-04-27 (Ann/Felix)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Tribute to the Borders (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS Leaflets 31)
    2. The Braes of Tulliemet (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS VII 12)
  • notes:
    • three 4-couple sets; Tim, a visiting dancer from Edinburgh
  • steps:
    • reviewed: skip change and setting (R/J); traveling step (S)
    • new: direction change in setting to 4 corners in promenade hold with your partner (R/J)
  • figures:
    • reviewed: Reels of 3 (Right Shoulder and Left Shoulder); Allemande; Circle in Strathspey time; Set to and turn corners with Both Hands followed by LS reels

second half

2016-04-25 (Robert)

Monday class

2016-04-20 (Ann/Ann)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Petronella (R32, 2/4L, RSCDS I 1)
    2. The Braes of Tulliemet (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS VII 12)
  • steps:
    • skip change, setting steps (R+J)
    • moving on the setting step / travelling Pas de Basque (R+J)
    • travelling step (S)
  • figures:
    • reviewed: Petronella; Poussette; Set and Turn Corners followed by Left Shoulder Reel of 3

second half

2016-04-13 (Ann/Ann)

first half

second half

2016-04-06 (Ann/Ann)

first half

second half

2016-03-30 (Ann/Ann)

first half

  • dances:
    1. St Andrew's Fair (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS 5/1982 2)
    2. The Minister on the Loch (S32, 3/3L, Goldring: Magazine)
  • notes:
    • three visiting dancers, Ann and Richard from Doncaster, and Johanna from Germany
  • steps:
    • new: Strathspey traveling step (to change from RF and LF leading); Strathspey setting and traveling with change of foot
    • reviewed: skip change with slip step combined to practice changing from one to the other; setting step (quick time) combined with skip change
  • figures:
    • new: Strathspey Poussette; Double Figure of Eight
    • reviewed: Balance in line; Figure of Eight

second half

2016-03-16 (Ann/David)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Light and Airy (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS IV 5)
    2. Monymusk (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XI 2)
  • steps:
    • reviewed: alternating setting step for 2, skip change for 2 (preparation for: Set, cast off two places; Set, cast back); Strathspey traveling step; Strathspey setting step; Petronella turn in Strathspey time
  • figures:
    • new: Turn Corner, Partner, Corner, Partner
    • reviewed: Lead down the middle and up; Allemande for two couples; Strathspey Circle; Reel of 3

second half

2016-03-10 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Lady Dumfries (R32, 3/4L, MMM)
    2. Lady Lucy Ramsay (S32, 3/4L, MMM)
  • steps:
    • reviewed: Skip change alternating with setting steps; Strathspey traveling steps (also in a circle)
  • figures:
    • new: Set and Cross Right Hand twice; Double Triangles; Half Rights and Lefts (New Progressive Figure); Grand Chain
    • reviewed: Rights and Lefts; Half Rights and Lefts

second half

2016-02-24 (Ann/Felix)

first half

second half

2016-02-17 (Ann/Dave)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Leap Year (J24, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 1)
    2. Invercauld's Reel (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XI 10)
  • steps:
    • reviewed: Quick Time: skip change; Strathspey Time: Strathspey traveling step; strathspey setting step
  • figures:
    • new: set to partner and cast
    • reviewed: RA LA; TR TL; Lead down for 3, lead up for 3, Cast off; RL; How to find corners; Set to and turn both hands with corners, followed by LS Reels of 3 on the sidelines; Half Figure of 8

second half

2016-02-10 (Ann/Felix)

first half

second half

2016-02-03 (Ann/Ann)

first half

  • dances:
    1. The Deil amang the Tailors (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XIV 7)
    2. Largo Law (S32, 3/4L, MMM)
  • steps:
    • reviewed: Skip Change combined with Setting steps; Setting steps combined with Slip Steps; Strathspey Traveling steps
  • figures:
    • new: Set, half RA, Set, half LA; Allemande for 2 couples
    • reviewed: RA LA; Reel of 4 (Strathspey time); Circle (Strathspey time)

second half

2016-01-27 (Ann/Ann)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Linton Ploughman (J32, 2/4L, RSCDS V 6)
    2. Largo Law (S32, 3/4L, MMM)

  • notes:

  • steps:
    • new:
    • reviewed: Slip Step, Skip Change of Step, Setting steps and changing from one to the other step (Jig/Reel); Strathspey traveling step
  • figures:
    • new: Poussette; Reel of 4 (in Strathspey time); Strathspey Circle
    • reviewed: Circle, RA LA, Down the middle and up

second half

  • dances:
    1. Peggy Dewar (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXVIII 1)
    2. The Glasgow Highlanders (S32, 2/4L, RSCDS II 3)
    3. Pelorus Jack (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS XLI 1)
  • notes:
    • Ann encourages our teaching team to choose a standard dance to be danced with a recap only to train us all to have popular dances in our repertoire. (done for Pelorus Jack)
  • teaching (figures):
    • The Glasgow Highlanders progression
  • teaching (figures):
    • Glasgow Highlanders Setting Step

2016-01-20 (Felix/David)

first half

second half

2016-01-13 (Bexi/Bexi)

first half

second half

2015-12-09 (Ann/Bexi)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Great Expectations (R/J32, 2/4L, Hunt: Let's All Dnc 1)
    2. Postie's Jig (J32, 4/4L, RSCDS 30 popular, Vol 2 18)
  • steps:
    • new: Setting Steps changing to Skip Change
    • reviewed: Skip Change in Advance and Retire; Setting Steps
  • figures (new):
    • progression: Cross by the Right Hand, Cast off one place
    • Half Rights and Lefts
    • Progression in a 4 couple set dance (Posties Jig)
  • figures (reviewed):
    • Rights and Lefts; Ladies’ Chain; Casting out; moving up or down

second half

2015-12-07 (mainly Robert plus Ilana and Heiko)

Monday class

2015-12-02 (Ann/David)

first half

second half

2015-11-25 (Felix/Felix)

first half

second half

2015-11-18 (Ann/Ann)

first half

second half

2015-11-16 (Robert)

Monday class

2015-11-11 (Felix/David)

first half

second half

2015-11-04 (Ann/Bexi)

first half

second half

2015-11-02 (Robert)

Monday class

2015-10-28 (Ann/Heiko)

first half

  • dances:
    1. Davy's Locker (R24, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 4)
    2. The Dashing White Sergeant (R32, ?RR, RSCDS III 2)
      (reviewed from last week; focused on Setting Step; reviewed LS reels; circles)
    3. Highland Schottische (S8, 1RR, Guide (ex-Collins))
      (pattern; setting step; mirror with partner)
    4. OXO Reel (R32, 6/6L, Collins Little)
      (concentrated on the pattern with review of figures: RALA, circle)

  • notes:

  • steps:
    • new: Setting step; Setting and turning Both Hands; Highland Schottische Setting
    • reviewed: slip step, skip change
  • figures:
    • new: Lead down for 3, up for 3 and cast to 2nd place (progression); 2-cpl. Promenade (non-progressive)
    • reviewed: RA LA; LSh Reels of 3; cast out; Advance/Retire

second half

2015-10-21 (Ann/Bexi)

first half

  • dances:
    1. The Oban Reel (R/S32, 2/4L, Trew: Let's All Dnc 1)
      (this time as written, with the progression: TR cast (2s step up on 3 and 4), TL, (Let’s All Dance))
    2. The Dashing White Sergeant (R32, ?RR, RSCDS III 2)
    3. Britannia Two Step (X16, 3pRR, Guide (ex-Collins))
      (this time with Progression: middle person goes forward on last 4 steps while the two outside people go back)
  • notes:
    • We had more beginners arrive this evening so once again, we were 4x 4-cpl sets.
  • teaching (steps):
    • skip change
    • slip step
    • setting in Dashing White Sergeant
  • teaching (figures):
    • TR TL
    • RL
    • figure of 8
    • step up
  • teaching (new figures):
    • Reels of 3, LSh
    • Setting and turning: intro only
    • TR cast, TL with 2s stepping up

second half

  • dances:
    1. The Shetland Shepherdess (J32, 3/4L, RSCDS Graded 3 8)
    2. Jamie Berg (S32, 3/3L, Wallace: MS)
      (Strathspey devised by Ron Wallace for James Gray’s wife, Jamie Berg: unpublished)
  • teaching (figures):
    • corners turn, and circle: turn your first corner, blend into a circle 4 hands round to left, turn corner again for 2 but going to 2nd corner; repeat with 2nd corner, this time passing LS to own side. A Ron Wallace figure: very nice; needs good timing and blending in a relaxed time

2015-10-19 (Robert)

Monday class

2015-10-14 (Ann/Felix)

first half

  • dances:

    1. Britannia Two Step (X16, 3pRR, Guide (ex-Collins))
      (Here chosen to practice the ‘HOP’ for skip change and to introduce the Pas de Basque step)
    2. See You Again (R/J32, 2RR, Carr: Let's All Dnc 1)
      (to learn RL and the Advance and Retire: also to meet lots of people!! - This dance is conceived to help with teaching: the first figure I substituted RL instead of the RA LA.)
    3. The Highland Fair (J32, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 6)
      (a repeat from the previous week: but this time with the proper figures: Cast off and back; TR TL; 1s lead down the middle FOLLOWED by 2s: NEW:2s dance up the sidelines to follow the 1s, then they lead back up to the top place (the PROGRESSION); RL - the new figure learned in See You Again)
    4. The Borrowdale Exchange (R32, 3T, Haynes: Carnforth 2)
      (a RR dance again with 3 couples in each set: in a circle)
    5. Gay Gordons (X16, 1RR, Collins SCD)
      (a Ceilidh dance: couple dance: Walking forward, ‘swivel’; walk backward; walk forward, swivel, walk backwards: pas de basque; Polka around)

  • notes:

    • we had four 4-couple sets! (Including 3 visitors from Germany and a new dancer who danced in Glasgow and now lives in Krems.)

  • teaching (reviewed steps):

    • Slip Step
    • Skip Change BOTH concentrating on the HOP to start (Using Britannia-Two-Step to help)

  • teaching (reviewed figures):

    • TR TL: hands and counting
    • Circle: hands and step practice
    • RA (no LA this time) Borrowdale Exchange
    • Lead down and up: RH, 1s followed by 2s with 2s leading back up
    • Cast off and back
    • Progression: 2-cpl dance in a 4-cpl set

  • teaching (new figures):

    • Rights and Lefts: RL: this is a ‘box-like’ figure or also like a ‘grand chain’ for 4 people: 2 beats or steps per hand: Cross RH with Partner(2 steps), exchange LH on the side with someone else (2 steps); cross RH with your partner again, across the set (2 steps); exchange LH on the sidelines with the other person: this time with a POLITE TURN: ie don’t turn your back on the person but rather turn and acknowledge them as you turn back to your place.
    • Advance and Retire: skip change forward for 2 steps, starting with a HOP; HOP again to go backwards for two skip change of step: also closing in 3rd position in FRONT: we shall do this more times in other dances, now that I have introduced it.
    • Pas de Basque: again an introduction to this step whereby you stay on the spot and dance to the music: we shall learn more details another time: we did this in: Britannia 2-Step and The Gay Gordons
    • Promenade Hold: RH in RH; LH in LH, with the RH over top: this allows the man to guide his lady around the room. This we did in: The Borrowdale Exchange: a Round the Room (RR) dance

second half

2015-10-07 (Ann/David)

first half

  • dances:
    1. The Haymakers (J48, 4/4L, RSCDS II 11)
    2. The Highland Fair (J32, 2/4L, RSCDS Graded 6)
      (the final figure has been changed by me for the present time: RA LA - originally it is RL, which will be explained another time)
    3. The Oban Reel (R/S32, 2/4L, Trew: Let's All Dnc 1)
      (for the figure of 8 for 1s and 2s (see above); AGAIN: I have adjusted the final two figures for the time being: for bars 17- 24: 1s lead down the middle, then back up to 2nd place (2s moving up); bars 25-32: circle 4 hands round and back)
    4. The Bramble Circle (R/J32, 1C, Vandegrift: Let's All Dnc 1)
      (with the Promenade hold to dance for the last 8 bars, as the final figure)
  • teaching (steps):
    • skip change: with the HOP to start, and closing in third position in front, with a hop in order to change to the Left Foot leading
    • slip step: for circles: with a HOP to start: to the Left at first: going from 2nd position, closing in 1st, etc.; HANDS at SHOULD height and a firm hold to help your neighbour on the ‘round’, especially on a slippery floor.
    • Step UP or DOWN: to move up the set or down the set, as need be: using the foot for the direction in which you are going: step IN; cross the other foot OVER; step BACK in line of the set; TOGETHER, ie close in 1st position. This is done in TIME to the MUSIC.
    • Bow and Curtsey: this is to acknowledge your partner, both before starting to dance and at the end of the dance.
  • teaching (reviewed figures):
    • Circle: Hands at should height; slip step: to the LEFT: 6 steps then Step Close for 7 and 8: same back to the Right.
    • RA LA: the star: Right Hands Across; Left Hands Across: taking hands diagonally opposite: 4 steps with the RH; 4 steps back to place with the LH.
    • TR TL: Turn with the RH; Turn with the LH: finger grip; 4 skip change of step with the RH, out to place; 4 skip change of step with the LH, back to place.
    • Lead Down the middle and back to the top: RH in RH, 4 skip change of step DOWN, and 4 skip change of step BACK
  • teaching (new figures):

    • Cast OUT and cast BACK to place: turning AWAY from the set to move OUT then to return: again turning AWAY from the set to dance back up to place.

    • Figure of 8 in a set: for 1st couple around 2nd couple: 1st lady crosses in Front of 1st man to dance DOWN to the opposite side of the set, then UP around the 2nd man, Cross back DOWN around the 2nd lady, then back to place: thinking 2 Steps per change of place to make a total of 8. 1st man does likewise: DOWN to the opposite side of the set, UP around 2nd lady, Cross DOWN again to his own side, and UP around 2nd man back to place.
      We did this for both 1st couple around the 2s and for 2nd couple crossing UP to start, around the 1st. (The Oban Reel)

    • Promenade Hold: RH in RH and LH in LH: RHs in front, so that the man is able to guide his lady around.

Second half

2015-10-05 (Robert)

Monday class

  • dances and notes:
    1. Duke of Perth (R32, 3/4L, RSCDS I 8)
      • remember to take your time with 4 bars for the left hand turn
      • in the set and turn corners, move a little into the turn rather than remain static for the setting
    2. The Peat Fire Flame (R40, 3/4L, Drewry: Bon Accord)
      • timing for the first 8 bars is 2 - 4 - 2
      • the lefthand to second corner threw some people off
      • for “25-32 1s set to 3rd corners & dance round one another clockwise to 4th corners” we set the whole time like double triangles
    3. The Gentleman (S32, 3/4L, RSCDS XXXV 5)
      • first couple do not advance on the first setting step - it is out to the side
    4. The Whiteadder Jig (J32, 3/4L, Johnstone: Whiteadder)
      • unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to dance it a second time, and the first time was pretty sloppy!
  • notes:
    • There were about 10 dancers.

2015-09-30 (Ann/Felix) - 1st class

first half

  • dances:
    1. Welcome (R32, 1C, Watson: Stepping Out 1) (a mixer used by Janet Johnston in Budapest - Tune used: The Ravelston Rant)
      • Lady on Man’s right: Step used: Walking step (but can be done with skip change and slip-step)
      • Bars 1-8: Circle 8 steps to the Left; 8 steps back to the Right
      • Bars 9-16: Lady: dances a figure of 8 around her partner and the man to her right
      • Bars 17-24: Man: dances a figure of 8 around his partner and the lady to his left
      • Bars 25-28: Lady: advances for 4 steps into the center of the circle; retire 4 steps back to her place
      • Bars 29-32: The PROGRESSION: Man: advances 4 steps towards the center of the circle: retires for 4 steps BACK on the DIAGONAL to the RIGHT to find a new partner (1 position anti-clockwise).
    2. Virginia Reel (R40, 4/4L, Guide (ex-Collins))
    3. Welcome to the Dance (J32, 2RR, Vandegrift: Let's All Dnc 1)
    4. Cumberland Reel (J32, 4/4L, RSCDS I 11)
  • teaching (steps):
    • Slip step: for circles or slip down the middle and back up: 1st position to 2nd position, repeat as you move to the left then back right in a circle.
    • Skip change of step: starting with a hop, with Right Foot leading, with a little hop in the middle to change to Left Foot leading; repeat.
  • teaching (figures):
    • Circle to left, back to right: slip step, count 7, step together; back to the right
    • Turn Right Hand, Turn Left Hand: 4 skip change for turning RH; 4 skip change for turning LH
    • Right Hands Across, Left Hands Across: a ‘star’ formation: take R hands with the person diagonally opposite you for support for 4 skip change of step; L hands for 4 skip change of step back to place
    • Advance and Retire: two skip change of step forward, two skip change of step backward
    • Dance down the middle and back: Taking partner’s Right Hand, 4 skip change of step down the set, between the lines, and 4 skip change of step back up to the top of the set
    • Cast off, with others following: dancing couple, the 1’s, dance outwards from the set, with the other ladies following the 1st lady, the other men following the 1st man. This was to help with the Progression in a set, to get the 1st couple to a different position in order to have a new top couple.
  • remarks: In total we had 24 or 3x4-couple sets plus a few people watching.

second half