The Gates Of Ketterdam

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1 1s+3s step out (up/down) while 2s pass RSh
2- 4 1s+3s (long) link up/down (in 3 steps) while 2s get around 1st corner
5 1s+3s step out (on across lines) while 2s end get around 1st corner
6- 8 1s+3s (long) link (in 3 steps) on across-line while 2s get around center to partner's places
9-16 Mirror reel (beginning 2s in-down, 1s+3s cast)
17-24 2s dance "Figure of Love" (two inverted hearts):
 2L crosses down and casts up 1 place while 2M crosses up and casts down 1 place
 2s meet in the middle (without touch) and twirl (pull back LSh)
 2L casts up (behind 3M) and crosses back to starting place, while 2M casts down (behind 1L) and crosses back to starting place
 25-28 All set in line (without hands) and pass/change RSh with partner
28-32 3M+2M and 3L+2L 1,5 gypsy turn while 1s one (or 2) (or one with a twist if desired) gypsy turn

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Irina Chekmareva (a.k.a. Ricky) and Cher Shaddin, 2025)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

The Gates Of Ketterdam - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

This character's facial expressions are quite gloomy, so it is not recommended to smile during the dance. But eye contact is extremely welcome! Most important! This character has haptophobia. Do not touch anyone during the dance! And if you wear gloves, that's great.

This dance is about the fact that you can love and interact, even if all the devils have trampled on you at once.

(Dance information by the deviser, Irina Chekmareva (a.k.a. Ricky), 2025)

Kaz Brekker, also called Dirtyhands, is a 17-year-old criminal mastermind known for taking on any job if the price is right. He holds a deep grudge against Pekka Rollins, who deceived him and his older brother Jordie when they first arrived in Ketterdam, leaving them penniless. Wealth is his primary motivation, and he is fiercely loyal to money above all else.

As a high-ranking member of the Dregs, Kaz is both a strategist and an enforcer, effectively leading his crew, the Crows. His past has left him unable to tolerate physical contact, so he always wears black leather gloves. He also walks with a pronounced limp, relying on a cane with a crow-shaped handle, which doubles as a weapon when needed. He is described as having a pale complexion, dark hair, and deep brown eyes. His mobility issues stem from a condition that causes ongoing pain, mirroring the experiences of author Leigh Bardugo, who has spoken about living with osteonecrosis.

Freddy Carter, 2021

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