Kindred Spirits
Scottish Country Dance Instruction
KINDRED SPIRITS (R4x32) (4C set) Marie Boehmer Cameo Book 22 and To Be A Wind1- 4 1M casts off one place and dances into the middle between 1st and 2nd place (2M steps up 1-2), 1M sets to 1L+2L (who join hands and set)
5- 8 1M+1L+2L dance RH across. 1M ends in 2nd place own side facing out and 1L in 1st place own side facing out
9-12 1L+1M cast one place and dance into the middle (2L steps up 9-10), 1L sets to 2M+3M while 1M set to 3L+4L
13-16 1L+2M+3M also 1M+3L+4L RH across. 1L ends in 2nd place own side facing out. 1M ends in 3rd place own side
17-20 1L casts down one place and into the middle to face 1M+4M (3rd/4th place), 1L sets to 1M+4M
21-24 1L+1M+4M dance RH across. 1L ends in 3rd place own side. 2314
25-32 All 4 couples turn partner RH, 2s face 3s, 1s face 4s on sides; 2s+3s turn LH and 1s+4s slow turn LH ½ way to change places. 2341
(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)
Keith Rose's Crib Diagram
Dance Information
When the creator of the dance, who was living in Canada at the time, met Masako (Marchan) Okada Naitoh from Japan for the first time after exchanging letters over a long period, they were both struck by an unexpected coincidence. Each of them happened to be wearing a caftan that looked remarkably like the other's.This chance similarity in clothing led to a moment of shared laughter and recognition. Despite coming from different countries and cultures, they realised they had much in common and felt a natural connection, describing themselves as kindred spirits.
A kindred spirit is someone who shares similar values, interests, or outlooks on life.
The term is often used to describe a person with whom one feels an immediate and deep connection, based on mutual understanding and compatibility. This bond does not depend on background or circumstance, but rather on an instinctive sense of familiarity or likeness.
The word kindred comes from Old English roots meaning family or related by birth, but in this context, it refers more broadly to shared nature or temperament. When paired with spirit, the phrase suggests a closeness of soul or inner character. People often use it to describe friendships or relationships where both individuals feel aligned in thought and feeling, even if they have just met.
The phrase is common in literature and conversation, often used to express the rare but powerful sense of being truly understood by another person.
The phrase 'kindred spirits' is so well known that it has inspired the titles of numerous works of art, pieces of music, books, and television programmes.
Kindred Spirits
Rectangular Caftan Dress By Issey Miyake, Japan, 1984
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