Miss Thompson's Reel

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 2 First and third couples cross over to second and fourth place on opposite side to face out, second and fourth couples step up.
3- 4 All join hands on the sides and balance in line.
5- 6 First and third couples turn their first corners once round with the right hand.
7- 8 All join hands on the sides and balance in line.
9-10 First and third couples turn their second corners three quarters with the left hand.
11-12 First and third couples turn partner three quarters with the right hand to finish in second and fourth places on own side facing out.
13-16 First and third men cast up one place and dance into the centre of the set to face down, at the same time first and third lady cast off one place on the ladies' side and dance into the centre of the set to face up, first lady and third man passing left shoulder.
17-24 First and third couples pass partner by the right shoulder to commence a reel of four up and down the set.
25-26 First and third couples turn partner one and a quarter times with the right hand to finish in second and fourth places on the opposite side facing out.
27-28 First and third couples cast off one place, fourth and fifth couples step up.
29-32 First and third couples dance a half figure of eight round the couple above them to finish in third and fifth places on own side.

Repeat with new top couple and original first couple (new in third place). Recommended tune: Miss Thompson's Reel

(Dance crib reproduced from The Whetherly Book of Scottish Country Dances, revised and republished by Alison Mitchell)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Miss Thompson's Reel - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Back to the top of this Scottish Country Dancing Instructions 'Miss Thompson's Reel' page