Over The Hill (Tavener)

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

Over the Hill (R4x32) 4C (4C set) 32 bar Reel for 4 Couples in a 4 Couple Set, devised by Janet Tavener, 2011, Published in From North Cape to the Bluff.

1- 8 1st couple cross passing right hands and cast down as 2nd couple step up
1st couple cross passing left hands and cast down again as 3rd couple step up, finishing with 2nd and 3rd couples facing down. 2314
9-16 Mirror reels of three on the sides with 1st couple and 4th couple dancing in tandem, including a lead change at the end of the reel, starting in and dancing up. 2314
17-24 1st couple cross passing right hands and cast down as 4th couple step up
1st couple dance ½ figure of eight up around 4th couple. 2341
25-32 All take hands in a circle of eight and dance round to the left and back. 2341

(WEECRIB)

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Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Over The Hill (Tavener) Keith Rose's Diagram

Over The Hill (Tavener) - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Over The Hill (Tavener) - YouTube Scottish Country Dancing Instruction Video

Dance Information

Also see the dance Over The Hill (Drewry) by John Drewry.
Also see the dance Over The Hill (Haynes) by Derek Haynes.

This dance was devised to celebrate the 50th birthday of the RSCDS Nelson/Marlborough region, New Zealand, in May 2011. Nelson Scottish Country Dance Club is one of the oldest clubs in New Zealand.

Dancers from the Nelson Marlborough region refer to travelling between Nelson and Blenheim (or Blenheim to Nelson) as going 'over the hill'.

The first formation symbolises the winding road over the Whangamoas, the second is inspired by Pelorus Jack, the third represents a fish hook, and the fourth symbolises the sun.

The expression 'over the hill' refers to someone who is considered past their prime or peak, often in relation to age.

It suggests that the person has passed the high point of their life or career and is now in a period of decline. Originally, it compared life to climbing a hill: reaching the top symbolised one's best years, and going 'over the hill' indicated moving beyond that peak, often implying old age or diminished abilities.

It's sometimes used humorously or lightheartedly.

Sun, rising over the hill with lone tree.

Sun Rise Over The Hill

Image copyright (cropped) Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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