Parallel Reels Of Three

The Figure occurs in bars 9-16 of the Scottish Country Dance New Year Jig, where it is Started by the 1st Man Giving right shoulder to the 2nd Man and the 1st Lady Giving right shoulder to the 2nd Lady; the diagram shows the first ²⁄₃ of the 3rd bar, by which time the Dancers should all be evenly spaced. Since this is an 8-bar Reel with all having Started from Original Places in the Sidelines, 1st couple have Travelled a normal ¼ of the Reel, 2nd couple somewhat less and 3rd couple a great deal less; note that, in order to Finish in Original Places, 2nd couple will have to speed up in the last bar of the full Figure and 3rd couple especially so.

As is clear from the diagram, it is not possible to Take Nearer hands at any time in Parallel reels of three; Partners are always separated by the distance apart of the axes of the Reels (i.e., width of The set when the Reels are on the Sidelines of a Longwise set).

Parallel Reels Of Three

These Parallel reels of 3 on the Sides show the movements in ¹/₁₂ of the full Figure, all having Started from Original Places in the Sidelines. In 6-bar Reels of 3, it is the arrow heads which show the end of the 2^nd bar; in 8-bar Reels of 3, it is the Dancers' Positions.

Parallel reels of three Across The set occur in bars 17-24 of Catch the Wind.

Dance Video Clip Which Demonstrates Parallel Reels Of Three

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