Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

Auld Lang Syne (Wilson)

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

AULD LANG SYNE (S8x32) 3C (4C set) Thomas Wilson RSCDS Book 27

1- 8 1s+2s cross RH and set, 1s lead down and dance out between 2s and 3s on opposite side, cast down and lead up to 2nd place in centre of dance
9-16 2s+1s dance "inverse" Allemande (1s dancing down to start)
17-24 1s+2s cross RH, set and dance ½ Poussette, 1s end facing 1st corners
25-32 1s turn 1st corner RH, partner LH, 2nd corner RH and partner LH

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)


Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams


Dance Instruction Videos

Auld Lang Syne (Wilson) - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction Video

Dance Information

Also see the dance Auld Lang Syne (Sherman) by Holly V Sherman.

Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish Country Dance published by Wilson in 1816 and interpreted in RSCDS Book 27 in 1975.

Wilson spells the title "Auld Langsyne" with no space.

(Dance information copyright, reproduced here with the kind permission of George Williams)


The title of this dance, Auld Lang Syne, comes from the Auld Lang Syne Poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song.

It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight and often to round off an evenings Scottish country dancing.

Auld Lang Syne (literally "old long since") is thought to be the second most commonly sung song in the whole world regardless of country, race or religion, after Happy Birthday.

Often just the first verse, chorus, last verse and chorus is sung, as follows.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Auld Lang Syne Song - Information Video

Auld Lang Syne
"Illustration To Robert Burns' Poem Auld Lang Syne By J.M. Wright And Edward Scriven" John Rogers (c. 1808-1888), engraving, c. 1841


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Text from this original Auld Lang Syne article on Wikipedia.
Image from (cropped) John Masey Wright, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

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