Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

Valentine Special

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

Valentine Special
Maggie and Duncan Keppie Haliburton School Of Arts SCD Book 7:
3x32 Bar Strathspey
3-couple dance in 3-couple set

  1-4   ALL SET AND CROSS right hand with partner

  5-8   1ST AND 3RD COUPLES PETRONELLA INTO MIDDLE AND SET TO PARTNER;

  9-16 REEL OF 4: 1st and 2nd couples dance a reel of 4;

17-24 1ST AND 2ND COUPLES TURN ¾ RIGHT as 2ND COUPLE CROSSES, THEN ALL CIRCLE HALFWAY: 1st and 2nd couple turn partner ¾ with right hands AS 2nd couple crosses by the right hand, then all circle halfway clockwise (6 bars);

25-32 1ST AND 2ND COUPLES LOOP DOWN, THEN 1ST AND 3RD COUPLES LOOP UP: 1st and 2nd couples join nearer hands to dance between 3rd couple and cast up own side (2nd couple ends in the top place), then 1st and 3rd couples dance up between 2nd couple and cast down own side - ending order 2, 3, 1.

Repeat twice.

(Dance crib compiled by the devisers, Maggie and Duncan Keppie)


Dance Information

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly known as Valentine's Day is observed on February 14 each year in many countries around the world.
Since the 15th century the day has been used by lovers to express their affection for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards.

Valentine Card Image
Valentine - Around 1850


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