Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

The Old Rustic Bridge

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

THE OLD RUSTIC BRIDGE (R4x32) 4C set Harry Rhodes Snowdon Book 1

1- 8 1s and 4s cross RH, cast in 1 place and dance ½ Fig of 8 around 2s/3s
9-16 1s+4s dance RH across, 2s+1s also 4s+3s dance LH across
17-24 1s+4s dance R&L but turn last person full LH to change places. 2413
25-32 All dance RSh reels of 4 on sides

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


Dance Information

Rustic is an adjective that describes something characteristic of rural life, simplicity, or a lack of sophistication.

It is often associated with a rural or countryside setting, embodying a plain and unrefined aesthetic. Rustic elements typically exhibit a natural, rough-hewn, or weathered appearance, and may include materials such as wood, stone, or simple metals.

In architecture and design, a rustic style is marked by features that evoke a rural or countryside atmosphere, often incorporating natural materials and earthy tones. Rustic furniture, for example, may show the imperfections and natural textures of wood, contributing to a sense of simplicity and authenticity.

The term can also extend beyond physical attributes to describe a more general, informal, or unsophisticated quality. For instance, a rustic meal might involve traditional, hearty, or simple dishes associated with rural or farm life. In a broader sense, rustic can convey an unpretentious, down-to-earth quality that is free from elaborate or ornate embellishments.

While rustic is often used to evoke a sense of charm or nostalgia associated with simpler times or rural living, it is important to note that the term does not necessarily imply a lack of quality or craftsmanship. Instead, it shows a deliberate choice to embrace a simpler, natural, and straightforward look.

Old Rustic Bridge
Old Rustic Bridge


Image copyright Matthew Hatton under this Creative Commons Licence 2.0.

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