Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

The Bellstane

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

THE BELLSTANE (R8x32) 3C (4C set) Heather Knox

1- 8 1s and 3s petronella turn into middle and set, 1s+3s dance ½ RSh reel of 4 up/down middle
9-16 1s and 3s change places with partners RH, 3M+1L change places LH and 1L+3M+2s dance LH across while 1M+3L chase clockwise ½ way
17-24 1s and 3s petronella turn to own sides and set, 1s cast 1 place and turn LH into...
25-32 1s dance reels of 3 across (1L with 2s and 1M with 3s) ending in 2nd places (NB 2nd time - 1s dance between 3s to 4th place)

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

Dance Information

This reel, The Bellstane, was devised by Heather Knox to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Queensferry Scottish Country Dance Club in 1994.

The Bellstane (Or Bell Stane) is the name given to a square of buildings just off Queensferry High Street, due north of The Loan (on the way to Harbour Lane).

The Bellstane was originally a stone sunk in to the ground with a ring in it where a hand bell was rung to announce the opening of travelling fairs, auctions, sales and the annual Ferry Fair.

Entrance to The Bellstane
The Bellstane Entrance, 2012
(Just To The Left Of Queen's Spice)
Published in The Bellstane by Heather Knox, published in the West Lothian 60 Book (for dances devised by members of West Lothian branch to celebrate their 60th Anniversary).
Image copyright kim traynor under this Creative Commons Licence 2.0.

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