Chasing A Rainbow

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

Strathspey
1- 8 1s+2s and 3s+4s face in diagonally, set and circle 4H ½ round; 1s and 4s drop hands, 1M dances down Ladies' side, 4L up Men's side to form large circle. All dance 8H ½ round. 3412
9-10 Dancers in top 3 Ladies' places cross diagonally RH with dancers in bottom 3 Men's places
11-12 Dancers in top 3 Men's places cross diagonally LH with dancers in bottom 3 Ladies' places. End 4 Men at top, 4 Ladies at bottom
13-16 4M followed by 3M also 1L followed by 2L dance anticlockwise round to own sides. All now in original places.

Jig
1- 8 1s set, ½ turn RH; 1M followed by 1L cast 3 places to 4th place own sides while 2s+3s+4s set, turn partner RH moving up 1 place and all couples set
9-16 2s+3s+4s+1s dance reels of 4 on sides. 2341

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

Dance Information

A rainbow is a naturally fleeting phenomenon that cannot be touched or reached, so the phrase symbolises an effort directed toward a goal that is impossible to achieve or unlikely ever to bring satisfaction.

In literature and everyday speech, it is often used to describe situations where people pursue dreams, ambitions, or ideals that exist more in imagination than in reality. For example, someone investing time or money in an unrealistic venture, or longing for a perfect life that cannot exist, might be said to be "chasing a rainbow".

The idea originates from the natural illusion of the rainbow itself, which appears to have a physical end but always moves further away as one approaches. Over time, the phrase has come to represent hope mixed with futility - the human tendency to strive for something that cannot truly be captured.

Chasing A Rainbow

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