Scotched-In

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s lead down and lead back up, crossing to end in centre BtoB 2nd place (2s step up 3-4) ready for...
9-16 2s+1s+3s dance Double Triangles. 1s end facing 2nd corners. 2(1)3
17-24 All dance reels of 3 on sides,1s passing 2nd corner LSh to start (1M up, 1L down). At end of reel 1s cross diagonally to 2nd place own side
25-32 2s+1s+3s circle 6H round to left; pull back LSh and chase anticlockwise back to own side

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

1-8 The 1st Couple lead down the middle and up, 1st man crosses his partner over to opposite side ready to dance… (2s step up on bars 3+4)
9-16 The 1st Couple dance Double Triangles finishing in second place on opposite sides facing out ready to dance…
17-24 The 1st Couple dance reels of threes on the side giving left shoulder to 2nd corner to begin, crossing up/down on the diagonal to end in 2nd place on your own side.
25-32 The 2nd+1st+3rd couples Circle 6 Hands round to the left on bar 28 cross right foot over the left and face counterclockwise and chase back to place

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Kathryn Lecocq, 2024)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Scotched-In - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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Dance Information

My niece lives in Newfoundland and when we went for the 1st time we got Screetched in. When I came home I had a Burns night and decided to Scotch guests in. They had to kiss the haggis, eat some haggis (I used haggis crisps), drink some scotch and recite a poem which a friend devised and then we danced Scotched-In.

Music: 8x32 Reel on All Set CD, David Cunningham Scottish Dance Band.

(Dance information by the deviser, Kathryn Lecocq, 2024)

Newfoundland Screech is a rum sold in Newfoundland, Canada, with 40% alcohol by volume. The term screech is a colloquial term that has been used to describe almost any cheap, high alcohol spirit, including moonshine.

Newfoundland Screech is used in a ceremony known as the "screech-in". The "screech-in" is a ceremony performed on non-Newfoundlanders (known to Newfoundlanders as a "come from away" or "mainlander") involving a shot of screech, a short recitation, and the kissing of a cod. It is often performed either in homes or more commonly in town pubs.

The screech-in ceremony follows a general process that can vary from one pub or community to another. Typically, it commences with the ceremony leader introducing themselves and inviting attendees to embrace the identity of a Newfoundlander. A resounding "Yes b'y!" is the expected enthusiastic reply.

Participants then take turns introducing themselves and sharing their origins, often punctuated with light-hearted banter from the ceremony leader, playfully teasing accents or hometowns.

Holding their Screech shots, participants are queried with phrases like "Are ye a screecher?" or "Is you a Newfoundlander?" They are then instructed on the appropriate response: "Indeed I is, me ol' cock! And long may yer big jib draw!" This translates to "Yes, I am, my old friend, and may your sails always catch wind."

A codfish, or any other sufficiently unsightly fish chosen to replace the cod, is presented at lip level to each participant. Participants then plant a kiss on the fish. Typically, frozen fish is utilized, especially in screech-ins on George St., although on occasion, a fresher specimen may be used if accessible.

Following the completion of the screech-in, some pubs may additionally confer certificates upon those who have officially embraced the honorary Newfie status.

Newfoundland Screech

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