To Dance To

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 First lady dances a figure of eight on own side of the set, passing second lady by the left shoulder to start: first man chases his partner down behind third lady, crosses up between third couple and casts up behind second man to place.
9-16 First man dances a figure of eight on own side of the set, passing second man by the right shoulder to start: first lady chases first man down behind third man, crosses up between third couple and casts up behind second lady to place.
17-20 First and second couples dance right hands across in a wheel half way and set.
21-24 First and third couples dance left hands across in a wheel half way and set.
25-26 All three couples cross giving right hand to partner, first couple remain facing out.
27-28 First couple cast up behind third couple, third couple step down.
29-32 First couple turn with the left hand to finish facing their first corners.
33-40 Dancing couple turn first corners with the right hand, partner with the left hand; second corners with the right hand and partner with the left hand to finish facing their first corners.
41-46 First couple dance reels of three on opposite sides, passing their first corners by the left shoulder to start.
47-48 First couple cross back to own side giving right hand in passing.
27-28 First couple cast up behind third couple, whilst second and third couples set.

Recommended tune: To Dance To Editor's note to the 2023 edition Bars 27-28 have been modified to remove an additional set for the second and third couples, due to the need for the third couple to step down. The original instructions were:

(Dance crib reproduced from The Whetherly Book Of Scottish Country Dances, revised and republished by Alison Mitchell)

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