Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

The Ratcatcher's Reel

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

THE RATCATCHER'S REEL (R8x32) 3C (4C set) David G Queen Queen Collection Vol 1

1- 8 1L+2L set and link while 1M+2M Reverse set and link and 2s+1s+3s dance ½ reels of 3 on own sides (1s in and down to start) 312
9-16 3L+1L set and link while 3M+1M Reverse set and link and 1s+3s+2s dance ½ reels of 3 on sides (3s in and down to start) 231
17-24 3s+1s ½ turn (Men RH, Ladies LH), 2s+1s ½ turn (Men LH, Ladies RH), 1s+2s dance ½ double Fig of 8 (1s cast, 2s cross up to start). (1)(2)3
25-32 1s+2s turn RH into Allemande hold facing up (as in The Knot) and dance Allemande

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


Dance Notes

25-32 The 2 bar turn into allemande hold is similar to an inverted knot, then the allemande continues from bar 3 with the 1st couple turning to face down on the men's side as in a normal allemande.

(Dance notes by the deviser)


Dance Instruction Videos

The Ratcatcher's Reel - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction Video

Dance Information

This dance, The Ratcatcher's Reel, was devised for David Rye, also known as The Ratcatcher.

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