Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

Hedwig's Reel

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

HEDWIG'S REEL (R8x32) 3C (4C set) Stella Phillips 2nd Book Graded SCDs

1- 8 1s dance Figs of 8 on own sides (RSh to 2s)
9-16 1s turn RH and cast 1 place, 1s turn LH into 2nd place facing down
17-24 2s+1s+3s dance Grand Chain
25-32 2s+1s+3s advance and retire, 2s+1s+3s turn RH

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


Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams


Dance Instruction Videos

Hedwig's Reel - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction Video

Dance Information

The primary goal of this dance was to facilitate the teaching and practice of a three-couple grand chain in an accessible manner.
Hedwig is a traditional Germanic name that was historically used for noble and royal women. It gained additional popularity through its association with Saint Hedwig of Silesia, a medieval Polish duchess and religious figure.

Hedwig is also a genus of birds, and it includes the long-eared owl (Asio otus), a species found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Long-eared owls are known for their distinctive tufted "ears" and are nocturnal birds of prey.

J.K. Rowling was undoubtedly aware of all of this when she named Harry Potter's pet snowy owl Hedwig, given as a birthday present by Rubeus Hagrid.

The owl serves as Harry's companion and messenger throughout the series, playing a symbolic role in the story.

Hedwig
Hedwig


Dance information licensed under this Creative Commons Licence 3.0.
Text from this original Harry Potter Hedwig article on Wikipedia.
Image copyright David Syzdek (Snowy Owls (4 of 22)) Creative Commons Licence 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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