Up The Downs

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

Up The Downs A 32 bar Reel for 4 couples in a 4 couple set.
1 - 8 First couple dance a half figure of eight through second couple, then turn with the left hand, first lady facing second man and first man facing second lady.
9 - 20 First couple dance the spurtle with second, third and fourth couples, first couple finish in fourth place on opposite sides.
21 - 24 All four couples set and cross right hand.
25 - 32 Eight hands round and back.
Repeat from new places.

(Dance crib compiled by the devisor, Brian Charlton in August 2003.)

Dance Information

The devisor was born in south-west Wiltshire, on the edge of the Salisbury Plain which is known locally as "the Downs", so he often went up the downs.

The Colleges Class in Newcastle holds an annual weekend at Riverwood Downs, on the Karuah River. This dance was first taught at this weekend, thus the title refers to the origin of both the devisor and the dance.

Music: A suitable recording is 'The Clarsach' (Jig for Joy)

(Dance Information by the devisor, Brian Charlton.)

Back to the top of this Scottish Country Dancing Instructions 'Up The Downs' page