Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

Rachael Rae

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

RACHAEL RAE (R8x24) 3C (4C set) J Lowe RSCDS Book 3

1- 8 1s+2s dance RH across and LH back ending with 1M between 2L+3L facing out and 1L between 2M+3M also facing out
9-16 2s+1s+3s Balance-in-Line on sides twice, 1s turn while 2s step down and in to centre for Poussette
17-24 1s+2s dance Poussette. 213

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


Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams


Dance Instruction Videos

Rachael Rae - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction Video

Dance Information

This dance, Rachael Rae, is a Scottish Country Dance published by W. Smyth in about 1830. It was interpreted by the RSCDS in Book 3, in 1926.

Smyth writes:

Four hands across and back again, -
down the middle and up again, -
Ladies out side and back again, -
and pousette, -

The Lowes, in 1831 write:

Four hands across;
down the middle;
up again;
lead out to the sides, three and three in line, (The Lady between the two
Gentlemen, and the Gentleman between the two Ladies); back again,
and pousette with the top couple.

Both publishers spell the dance "Rachel Rae".

(Dance information copyright, reproduced here with the kind permission of George Williams)

The recommended tune is "Rachel Rae" composed by John Lowe and published in Allan's Reels, Strathspeys and General Dance Music.



Additional search terms: Rachel, Ray.

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