Up The Downs

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

UP THE DOWNS (R4x32) 4C set Brian Charlton Waratah Collection

1- 8 1s dance ½ Fig of 8 round 2s, turn LH to end 1L facing 2M, 1M facing 2L
9-24 1s dance the 'Spurtle'
9-12 1s dance ½ RSh reel of 4 with 2s and turn RH to face 3s (M facing L)
13-16 Repeat to end facing 4s
17-20 Repeat to end on opposite sides in 4th place. (2)(3)(4)(1)
21-24 All couples set and cross RH
25-32 All circle 8H round and back

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

Up The Downs A 32 bar Reel for 4 couples in a 4 couple set.

1 - 8 First couple dance a half figure of eight through second couple, then turn with the left hand, first lady facing second man and first man facing second lady.
9 - 20 First couple dance the spurtle with second, third and fourth couples, first couple finish in fourth place on opposite sides.
21 - 24 All four couples set and cross right hand.
25 - 32 Eight hands round and back.

Repeat from new places.

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Brian Charlton, August 2003)

Dance Information

The deviser was born in south-west Wiltshire, on the edge of the Salisbury Plain which is known locally as "The Downs", so he often went up the downs.

The Colleges Class in Newcastle holds an annual weekend at Riverwood Downs, on the Karuah River. This reel, Up The Downs, was first taught at this weekend, thus the title refers to the origin of both the deviser and the dance.

Recommended music: A suitable recording is The Clarsach (Jig for Joy).

(Dance information by the deviser, Brian Charlton)

Back to the top of this Scottish Country Dancing Instructions 'Up The Downs' page