Red Squirrel Reel

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s set, dance down, cast round 3s into 2nd place own sides and set (2s step up 5-6)
9-16 1s ½ turn RH, pull back RSh to face 1st corner (twirl). 1s dance ½ reel of 4 with 1st corners. Finish 1L at top between 2L+3L, 1M between 2M+3M and 1s set
17-24 Repeat bars 9-16 with 2nd corners with 1s finishing in 2nd place opposite sides and 1s set
25-32 1s petronella turn and set, dance ½ reels of 3 across (Man at top, Lady at bottom) RSh to person on R to start
33-40 1s petronella turn to 2nd place own side, set, dance ½ reels of 3 on sides, RSh to person on right to start

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

1-2 First couple set
3-6 First couple dance down and cast round the third couple into second place own sides. Second couple step up on bars 5 and 6
7-8 First couple set
9-10 First couple dance half a right hand turn, face each other and pull right shoulder back to face first corner (half turn and twirl). (If this makes some dancers feel dizzy, omit the twirl and turn right hand to first corners)
11-14 First couple dance half a reel with first corners and finish first lady facing down, between second and third ladies, and first man between second and third man facing up
15-16 First couple set
17-18 First couple dance half a right hand turn, face each other and pull right shoulder back to face second corner (half turn and twirl). (If this makes some dancers feel dizzy, omit the twirl and turn right hand to second corners)
19-22 First couple dance half a reel with second corners, finishing second place opposite sides
23-24 First couple set
25-28 First couple petronella and set (lady between second couple - in third couples place and man between third couple in second couples place)
29-32 First couple dance half a reel across giving right shoulder to the person on their right
33-36 First couple petronella to second place own side and set
37-40 First couple dance half a reel on the sides giving right shoulder to the person on their right

Repeat having passed a couple

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Sue Petyt, 2004)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Red Squirrel Reel - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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Dance Information

Its distinguishing features include reddish-brown fur, a white underbelly, and, notably, ear tufts during specific seasons. The red squirrel is adapted to arboreal habitats and is commonly found in coniferous and deciduous forests.

With a diet mainly consisting of nuts, seeds, berries, and fungi, red squirrels exhibit proficiency in tree climbing and contribute to forest ecology through seed dispersal. Although typically solitary, they display social behaviors, particularly during the breeding season.

Conservation efforts have been implemented to address population declines, often attributed to factors such as habitat loss and competition with the non-native grey squirrel. The spread of squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to red squirrels but not harmful to grey squirrels, poses a significant threat. Monitoring and conservation initiatives aim to mitigate these challenges and sustain red squirrel populations in their native habitats.

Red Squirrel

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