Reels Of Three Across

Just as for Reels of three on the sides, Reels of three across can occasionally be Mirror reels of three or Parallel reels of three with the axes aligned Across the set. However, much more commonly, the symmetry involves Diagonal reflection with two reflections, one parallel to, and one at right angles to, these axes; at any time, one Middle dancer is proceeding towards the Men's Side and the other towards the Ladies' Side. The exact form of the Figure is defined by how it is to be Started, usually with the Dancing man and Lady each Giving right or left shoulder to the same Corner (in the relative sense, for example, each to his/her First corner).

One of the many examples is in bars 9-16 of Castle Varrich, where it is Started by the 1st Lady and the 1st Man Giving left shoulder to their Partner's First corner; the diagram shows the Positions in this example at the end of bar 20, i.e., halfway through the Reel by which time the even spacing is well established. Diagonal covering is appropriate for this form, not Mirror covering.

Reels Of Three Across

Reels of 3 across showing ¹/₁₂ of the full Figure; arrow heads show the Positions at the end of the 4^th bar (of an 8-bar reel).

Reels Of Three Across - Full Size

Here are examples of those Scottish Country Dances for which we have instructions on this site and in which the term, Reels of three across, either appears explicitly or is implied; note that for a common term these will be a small selection; for a rare term, these may be all that exist:

Braes Of Busby
Catch The Wind
Flight To Melbourne
Garden City Jig
Indian River Strathspey
Lochalsh Reel
Milltimber Jig
Rakes Of Auld Reekie
Reel Of Five
Salute To Summer

Dance Video Clip Which Demonstrates Reels Of Three Across

Reels Of Three Across Video Clip

Links To Pages Related To 'Reel(s) Of Three'

Figures

Reel(s) Of Three

Alternating Tandem Reel Of Three
Crossover Reels
Diagonal Reel Of Three
Gates Of Edinburgh Reels
Half Reel Of Three
Hand-In-Hand Reel Of Three
Mirror Reels Of Three
Parallel Reels Of Three
Promenade Reel Of Three
Reels Of Three Across
Reels Of Three On The Sides
Reflection Reels Of Three
Tandem Reel Of Three

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