Duke Of Hamilton's Reel

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1M+2L and 1L+2M turn RH 1½ times end on sides with 1s in 2nd place opposite sides, 1s+2s turn LH 1s end on own sides in centre facing up
9-16 1s dance up, set, cast down 1 place and turn 2H to face 1st corners
17-24 1s set to and turn 1st corner; set to and turn 2nd corner ending in 2nd place opposite sides
25-32 2s+1s+3s advance and retire; 1s turn 2H 1½ times to 2nd place own side

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Duke Of Hamilton's Reel - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society attributes the dance to Caledonian Country Dances, published about 1754. At that time the title was held by James Hamilton, 6th Duke of Hamilton, but no evidence has been found that the dance was named specifically in his honour.

A reel tune entitled Duke of Hamilton's Reel was printed by Robert Bremner in A Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances in 1757, although it has not been established whether the dance and tune share the same origin.