Set Advancing
In Set advancing, the specified Scottish Country Dancers approach each other using a single, 2 bar, Pas-de-basque or Strathspey setting step unless otherwise specified; if lines of dancers are involved, they Take hands as for Set in line.When performed in a Quick tempo dance, using Pas-de-basque, the movement takes place on the first beat of each bar and should be in a forward direction.
When performed with the Strathspey setting step, the movement is a zig-zag, diagonally to the right on the right foot step and to the left on the left foot step. It is important to remember to Face the Dancer being approached, not in the Direction of the Step (as would be the case with the Strathspey travelling step).
Set advancing is often used in Strathspeys as a passing movement by the Dancing couple, (Giving left shoulders) so that they Finish Facing Corners, as for example in bars 9-10 and 13-14 of Bonnie Stronshiray. Most commonly, the Corners Stand as the Dancing couple approach but, in bars 9-10 and 13-14 of Midsummer Common, the Corners also Set.
Here are examples of those Scottish Country Dances for which we have instructions on this site and in which the term, Set advancing, 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:
Auld Friends Meet
Auld Robin Gray
Brisk Young Lad
Caller Herrin'
Dancing Around
Farewell To Scotland
Ice Cap
Kendoon Strathspey
Tullyvolan
Twelvesome Reel
Dance Video Clip Which Demonstrates Set Advancing
Set Advancing Video ClipLinks To Pages Related To 'Setting'
FiguresBalance (In Line)
Crown Triangles
Double Hello-Goodbye Setting
Double Triangles
Hello-Goodbye Poussette
Hello-Goodbye Setting
Inverted Double Triangles
Set
Set Advancing
Set Advancing And Retire
Set In Line
Set On The Side (Line)s
Set To First Corners
Set To Second Corners
Set Twice
Set Up And Down
Turn On The Spot