The Lewisian Reel

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s set, dance down nearer hands joined for 2 steps, dance up (2 steps) and cast to 2nd place (2s step up 7-8)
9-16 1s+2M+3L dance R&L on 1st corner diagonal (RH to 1st corner to start) and end facing 4th corner
17-24 1s dance diagonal RSh reel with 4th corners, Bars 23-24: 1s ½ turn LH finishing side by side in middle facing opposite sides while corners finish reel
25-32 1s dance RH across (1L+2s and 1M+3s); 1s pass RSh to dance LH across with other couple. 213

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

1- 8 The 1st couple set, then, giving nearer hands, dance down the middle for two steps, turn in and dance up for two steps before casting off into second place on their own sides. The 2nd couple step up on bars 7-8
9-16 Giving right hands to first corners to begin, the 1st couple dance diagonal rights and lefts with the 2nd man and 3rd woman, dancing in slightly on bar 16 to end in a diagonal line facing partners' second corners
17-24 Giving right shoulders to partners' second corners to begin, the 1st couple dance a diagonal reel of four with the 2nd woman and 3rd man. On bars 23-24 the 1st couple, giving left hands, dance a half turn to end side by side in the middle of the set, the woman facing the men's side, the man facing the women's side, while the 2nd woman and 3rd man finish the reel with polite turns
25-28 The 1st woman with the 2nd couple and the 1st man with the 3rd couple dance right hands across, the first couple pass right shoulders on bar 28
29-32 The 1st man with the 2nd couple and the 1st woman with the 3rd couple dance left hands across, the 1st couple end in second place on own sides

Repeat having passed a couple

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Lewis N Derrick 2020)

Dance Information

Suggested tune: A Scots Measure.

Devised 1995, first published by the Scottish National Dance Company, Reading, Berkshire, 1997 (Ness House Collection Vol. 2)

Copyright 1995, 1997, 2020, Lewis N. Derrick.

Dance information with the kind permission of the deviser, Lewis N Derrick.

Lewisian refers to two distinct but related concepts: a geological term and a regional designation linked to the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.

In geology, Lewisian describes a type of ancient metamorphic rock known as Lewisian gneiss. These rocks are among the oldest in Europe, dating back around 3 billion years to the Precambrian era. They form the geological foundation of much of the Outer Hebrides, as well as parts of the Scottish mainland. Lewisian gneiss is characterised by its complex structure, having undergone multiple phases of high-pressure and high-temperature transformation over time. It is composed mainly of minerals such as feldspar, quartz, and mica, with variations in colour and texture depending on local conditions.

The term Lewisian can also relate to the Isle of Lewis, the largest island in the Outer Hebrides. In this context, it is sometimes used to describe people, culture, or traditions associated with the island. However, the Scottish Gaelic term Leòdhasach is more commonly used for a person from Lewis.

These two meanings are connected by the island's landscape, which is dominated by Lewisian gneiss. The hard, weather-resistant nature of this rock has shaped the terrain, contributing to the island's rugged coastline, exposed moorlands, and distinctive scenery.

Isle Of Lewis, Scotland

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