3 Couple Repeat In 3 Couple Set

The Full set requires three Couples and the dance usually consists of three Repeats, each involving all three Couples. At the end of the first Repeat, the more common Progression leaves the 1st Couple in 3rd place with the 2nd couple in 1st place; the alternative Progression with the 3rd couple Finishing in 1st place and the 1st couple in 2nd place is also possible. This standard form of the dance continues with the 2nd and 3rd couples becoming the 1st couple of the Active set and dancing one Repeat each, in turn; it Finishes with all the dancers in their Original Places.

In this format, unlike the 3 couple repeat in 4 couple set format, the 1st couple of the Active set have no rest after their performance and so must be ready immediately to perform as a Supporting couple in the next Repeat. Equally, at the end of the first and second Repeats, the Couple now in 1st place must be ready to perform immediately as the 1st couple of the new Active set.

In a few dances, for example The Earl of Erroll's Reel, there is no simple Repeat structure; the whole dance is treated as a single entity Finishing with all the dancers in their Original Places though there are some repetitive sequences embedded within it.

The répertoire of popular Reels and Jigs in this 3 Couple repeat in 3 couple set format is quite limited, as is depressingly obvious to anyone who has attempted to prepare a Scottish Dancing demonstration programme using only three Couples, whether for reasons of space or numbers available. However, the 3 couple repeat in 4 couple set format contains many familiar dances which can be adapted to the 3 Couple repeat in 3 couple set format by changing the Progression to 231 rather than 213. Similarly, some dances, mainly Ceilidh dances, with the 4 Couple repeat in 4 couple set format can easily be adapted for three Couples.

Links To Pages Related To 'Longwise Sets'