Class Notes

This page is used to track the dances taught each week. If you are interested in coming to a class, we have a welcome page with all the information you need to join us. Check the Class and Event Calendar page for dates, times, and locations of upcoming classes (click on the event to see full details).

Here is a link to the Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary website, which has information on all aspects of dancing as well as a large collection of dance cribs and links to dance videos: Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary.

This video is a great introduction to or review of Scottish Country Dancing as it introduces the basics, then the various types of steps, common figures, and then shows some of the better known dances. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF-QZqMxb20&t=1181s

People may also find these videos useful for polishing up SCD figures: http://www.lowerhuttscd.org.nz/index.php/teaching-tools/.

North America did very well at the Newcastle Festival this year. Here are a few links to watch.

Tuesday, December 16, 2025, we had our last session of 2025. We danced holiday-themed dances to holiday-themed music (mostly) and celebrated together with dancing and snacks. We will return January 6th to prepare for the Midwinter Ball (both regular and new dancers).

Dances done:

Tuesday, December 9, 2025, we danced dances from both the Midwinter Ball and Madison Winter dance programs. We also danced a combined dance with the new dancer group and we got to dance Lara’s The Gales of November to music from our own fiddlers (Paula and Aileen). We got to try set and rotate for both 3 and 2 couples, a bourrel for 3 couples, and the JB Milne figure.

Dances done:

The 27th of November 32J3
Drifters 32S3 (Set)
The Westminster Reel 32R2
Dance Thirty 32S3
The Gales of November 32R3
Ian Powrie’s Farewell to Auchterarder 128J4 (Square)
J. B. Milne 32R3

Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the beginner class Noel Chávez needed to tweak dances for a limited number of dancers. She introduced the quicktime poussette geography but didn’t have time to do a dance with it. After the class the new dancers received ribbons for completing the class and joined the regular class for a shared dance. They were also invited to join a 4-week class to work on dances from the Midwinter Ball program.

Dances done:

Tuesday, December 2, 2025, we started working on dances from the Chicago Midwinter Ball, the Madison Winter dance, and the Milwaukee December dance (several overlap), plus a dance for St Andrew’s Day that we danced with the new dancer class. We worked a little on the strathspey poussette and introduced the chain progression.

Dances done:

A Wee Touch O’ Class 32J3
The Craven Strathspey 32S3
Rebecca’s Chain 32R3 (new Sue dance)
Saint Andrew’s Fair 32J3
Drifters 32S3 (Set)
Ian Powrie’s Farewell to Auchterarder 128J4 (Square)
The Wind that Shakes the Barley 32R3

Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in the beginner class Noel Chávez introduced reels of 3 on the sides, strathspey setting, and the allemande. The class also reviewed strathspey traveling and practiced both strathspey steps. The new dancers are progressing well and joined the regular class for a shared dance at the end of their class.

Dances done:

Tuesday, November 25, 2025, there was no new dancer class due to the holiday week. We did have a number of regular dancers attend and we did several dances for the season and a couple from the Madison Winter dance. We got to do rights and lefts for 3 couples from 2 different orientations and a dance with a fugue.

Dances done:

The Gravy Train 40J3
The Witch of November 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Corn Chowder 32R3
The Cranberry Tart 32J3
A Thanksgiving Feast 32S3
Coit Tower Reel 32R3
Turkey Trot 32R3

Tuesday, November 18, 2025, we celebrated two birthdays with special dances, did a couple of dances from the Edinburgh Ball, a dance potentially from the Midwinter Ball, a talk-through-only dance, and welcomed the new dancers for a combined dance. We worked on diagonal reels of 4, diagonal rights and lefts, the grand chain, and the 3-couple bourrel. We also introduced set and rotate for 3 couples.

Dances done:

Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Carrie Dean and Aileen Murphy taught the beginner class. They started with a walking dance, reviewed handing and mirror reels of 3 and danced a dance with mirror reels of 3. They did some pas de basque step practice then worked on the strathspey traveling step and did a 16-bar made up dance/exercise to practice the strathspey traveling step. At the end of the class they all joined the regular class for a combined dance.

Dances done:

A Helping Hand 32R3 (Set)
The Sparkling Loch 32R3

Tuesday, November 11, 2025, we danced a dance in celebration of Mady’s upcoming birthday, a dance in honor of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a dance in honor of Veterans’ Day, a dance for the season as a talk-through-only dance, a couple of dances from the Edinburgh Ball, and a dance with the new dancer class. We spent time on the chaperoned chained progression, the 3-couple knot, dances in promenade hold, the BSitH figure, the slip knot, and the 3-couple bourrel.

Dances done:

Autumn Leaves 32J3
Her Ice-water Mansion 32S3 (Set) (new Sue dance)
Flight of the Lancaster 40J3
Anna’s Homecoming 32R3
Best Set in the Hall 32J3
Mady’s Big Day 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Reel of the Royal Scots 32R3

Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in the beginner class Noel Chávez warmed up with a dance from last week then worked on mirror reels of 3 on the sides. She also reviewed basics as there was a new dancer who joined the class. After the beginner class, they all joined the regular class and danced a dance with the regular dancers.

Dances done:

Tuesday, November 4, 2025, we tried out some possible dances for the Midwinter Ball, worked extensively on a dance from the Ann Arbor Ball, and danced a dance in honor of Carrie’s birthday. We worked on 3-couple bourrels and the Peter White reel and reviewed set to and turn corners into closing reels, reels of 4 on the diagonal, and the QT poussette.

Dances done:

Jane’s a Bonnie Lass 32J3
The Last Leaf 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Red Rum 32J3
Jamie’s Jig 32J3
Peter White 32S3
Scorpio Season 32S3

Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in the beginner class Noel Chávez warmed up with a dance from last week then worked on pas de basque and introduced cross-cast-half figure of 8. At the end of their session they joined the regular class for a dance with a QT poussette.

Dances done:

Saturday, November 1, 2025, we had our Fall Dance. It was great fun.

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 28, 2025, we reviewed several dances from the Fall Dance this coming weekend.

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 28, 2025, we had another dancer join the beginner class. Noel Chávez worked on polishing the slip-step and emphasized rhythm in skip-change. She also introduced figures of 8 on the sides.

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, we did dances from both the Milwaukee Halloween Dance and Fall Dance programs. We also tried a dance by Yoshi to give feedback. We introduced Schiehallion reels and ladies’ chain up and down the set. Other figures reviewed were 3-couple allemande, figures of 8, both 2- and 3-couple promenade, corner-partner, and set to and turn corners into closing reels. We also taught some people how to birl.

Dances done:

Winding Walks 32JC
Ferla Mor 32R3
Portincaple Oak 32M4 (Square)
The Haggis Inspector 32J3
Ingrid 32R3 (Yoshi’s dance)
Holden My Own 32J3
Balquidder Strathspey 32S3
Merry Lads of Ayr 32R3

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, we had 3 more dancers join the beginner class. Noel Chávez reinforced skip-change steps and introduced rights and lefts and using skip-change with varying lengths, forward and back in advance and retire.

Dances done:

The Glen 32J2 (slightly modified)
Ceilidh Madness 32R3 (modified to be all skip-change)
Geordie’s Coo 32J3 (made-up dance for rights & lefts)
Turkey Trot 32R3

Tuesday, October 14, 2025, we did dances from both the Milwaukee Halloween Dance and Fall Dance programs. We also tried a dance by Yoshi to give feedback. We introduced the 3-couple bourrel and the slip knot. We also reviewed double triangles, diagonal rights and lefts, the QT poussette, the 3-couple allemande, the double figure of 8, grand chain, and half hands across.

Dances done:

The Greenbelt Jig 32J3
Miss Eleanor 32S3 (Set)
The Whistling Wind 32R3
There Be Dragons! 32J3
Wish You Were Here 32S3 (Yoshi’s dance)
Ellie’s Jig 32J3
The Deil Amang the Tailors 32R3

Tuesday, October 14, 2025, we started a new introductory dancer class. Noel Chávez and Mady Newfield talked about sets, couples, foot positions, skip-change and slip-step as well as progression. Figures covered were circles, hands across, RH and LH turns, casting off, lead down and back, and allemande.

Dances done:

Ceilidh Madness 32R3
Mr Michael Bear’s Reel 32R3 (done as a jig)
The Glen 32J2
Flowers of Texas 32R3

Tuesday, October 7, 2025, we did a couple of dances from the Ann Arbor Ball, a dance from the proposed Fall Dance, a couple of Unit 2 dances, and a dance from Book 54. We did a talk-through-only dance and learned the snake pass and rondel and reviewed grand chain and ladies’ chain.

Dances done:

Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Noel Chávez taught the class and started with a talk-through-only dance, then introduced a dance where only the ladies were told what to do and told to use no words to help their partners get through the dance. Later she taught a dance where only the men got the details. Carrie taught a dance from the proposed Fall Dance program. We danced a couple of other fun dances and ended with a classic dance or a variation of the classic dance.

Dances done:

The Machine Without Horses 32J3
The Brudenell Jig 32J2 (ladies only)
The Saint John River 32S4 (Set)
Miss Falconer’s Fancy 32S2 (men only)
Shinkansen 32R3
Millbrae Station 32S2
Widdershins 32R3
Mairi’s Wedding *or* Mairi’s Scandalous Illicit Affair 40R3

Saturday, September 27, 2025, we had an Introduction to Scottish Country Dancing Workshop. It was great fun and we had a good number of people: new dancers, dancers who’d danced with us before and wanted to try it again, and regulars (including several who joined us after last year’s new dancer classes) who came out to help partner new dancers. We did a selection of fun/easy jigs and reels (both circle dances and longwise dances) and did a couple of ‘demo’ dances to show some of what else is available.

Dances done:

The Cumberland Jig 32J4 (Set) 8X
Circassian (Big) Circle 32R Circle
Charlestown Chaser 32J4 (Set)
Arbroath 700 32R4 (Set) 8X
Burns Night 32J2 (demo dance done 3X)
The Fairy Ring 32J Circle
Virginia Reel 40R4 (Set)
Triple Happiness 32S3 (Set) (demo dance)
Circle of Cheer 32R Circle
Jig to the Music 32J3 (Set)
The Deil Amang the Tailors 32R3 (variant in the first and last 8 bars)

Tuesday, September 23, 2025, we did a Unit 2 dance, two dances potentially from the Fall Dance, a dance from Book 54, the two demo dances planned for the Introduction to SCD dance this coming Saturday, and a couple of other fun dances. We reviewed diagonal rights and lefts, the bourrel, the knot, corners pass and turn, and tandem reels. We also did a talk-through-only dance.

Dances done:

Busy Ann 32J2
Dancing in Perthshire 32S4 (Square)
Shiftin’ Bobbins 32R3
Burns Night 32J2
Triple Happiness 32S3 (Set)
Scott Meikle 32R4 (Set)
The Ruby Celebration Strathspey 32S3 (Set)
Miss Hadden’s Reel 32J3

Tuesday, September 16, 2025, we introduced set and rotate for 2 couples and danced a couple of dances with that figure in both strathspey and jig time. We did a dance from Book 54 and a dance from the Unit 2 dances (taught by Aileen), plus a classic strathspey. Other figures we covered were set and rotate for 3 couples, bourrel for 3 couples, set and link for 3 couples, and set to and turn corners into closing reels. We also tried a talk-through-only dance althought we did walk it for one couple.

Dances done:

Holland Park 32J3
Cath 32S3 (Set)
A Capital Jig 32J3
Drifters 32S3 (Set) (new Sue dance)
Dancing Forth 32R3
Duke of Perth 32R3
Gang the Same Gate 32S3

Tuesday, September 9, 2025, we introduced the bourrel for 2 couples and danced 2 dances with the bourrel. We also danced 2 dances from the Unit 2 dances (Carrie and Aileen teaching), a couple of fun dances, and a talk-through-only dance.

Dances done:

Tuesday, September 2, 2025, we spent time reviewing the strathspey poussette and danced a couple of dances with that figure. We also tried 3 dances from Book 54, and included dances with Inveran reels, set and link for 3 couples, diagonal rights and lefts, and set to and turn corners into closing reels. Both Carrie and Aileen taught one of the Book 54 dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, August 26, 2025, we introduced set and link for 3 couples in strathspey time and tried a couple popular more-challenging dances and Carrie taught one of the set and link dances. We continued to start with a talk-through-only dance.

Dances done:

Tuesday, August 19, 2025, we worked more on the strathspey poussette, the knot, diagonal rights and lefts, and revisited set and link for 2 couples, double triangles, and corner-partner. We also talked about thinking ahead and how many dances flow from one figure to another or one turn to the next. And we again had a talk-through-only dance to start the evening.

Dances done:

Alice’s Request 32J2
The Craven Strathspey 32S3
The Slinky 32JRS3 (Set) – done as a reel
New York Frolic 32J3
Stabbed with a Pencil 32R3 (new Sue dance – revised and retried)
The Earl of Northampton 32S2
Alan J Smith 32J3

Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Noel Chávez taught the class and worked on turning 1 3/4 in 4 bars, reviewed the strathspey poussette, the knot, and the strathspey half-poussette. She brought some new dances to try as well as some old favorites.

Dances done:

Jig to the Music 32J3 (Set) – done in 4-couple sets
Mr Diack’s Measure 32R3
The Lammermuir Hills 32S2
Fair Jenny’s Jig 32J3
Madge Wildfire’s Reel 32R3
Neidpath Castle 32S3 (Set)
The Reel of the Royal Scots 32R3

Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Carrie and Aileen each taught a dance from the Unit 2 dance list and we continued to work on the strathspey poussette and diagonal rights and lefts as well as dancing a dance from a talk-through only. We also tried a new dance from Wouter to give him feedback and did a couple of fun old friends.

Dances done:

The Oban Reel 32R2
Miss Gibson’s Strathspey 32S3
Swiss Lassie 32R3
Rodney’s Rant 32J3
Stabbed with a Pencil 32R3 (new Sue dance – will be re-tried)
Delvine Side 32S3
Emerald Grace 32J3 (new Wouter dance – a fun dance for which we gave feedback)
Up the Pond 32J3

Tuesday, July 29, 2025, we introduced the knot to the newer dancers. We continued to work on diagonal rights and lefts and danced several dances with one or the other figure that also include other recently worked-on figures.

Dances done:

Tuesday, July 22, 2025, we worked on the strathspey poussette again and introduced the corners chain figure and the tourbillon. We started with a talk-through-only dance, danced a couple of dances from the Jink & Diddle program, a couple of dances with diagonal rights and left and a couple of dances with the strathspey poussette.

Dances done:

Hello Neighbor 32J3
The Lass of Richmond Hill 32R3
One Set Short of a Hundred 32S3 (Set)
Felicity’s Frolic 32J3
Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan 32R5 (Set)
A Plate of Delicate Ware 32S3 (Set) (new Sue dance)
The Walnut Cake 32J3

Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Noel Chávez taught the class and worked on hearing the bars and transitions in music as well as understanding reels and jigs. The class started with Mady Newfield leading an exercise in hearing the bars in music. Later Noel introduced the half strathspey poussette and then the full all-round poussette. She also had the newer dancers dance a classic dance and the experienced dancers dance a more complex variation of the dance.

Dances done:

The Ferry Louper 32J3
Pluto’s Head 32R2
Miss Shaftesbury’s Fancy 32S3
Hooper’s Jig 32J3
Miss Ogilvie’s Fancy 32S3 (slightly modified for 3-couple sets)
Corn Rigs/Detasseling the Riggs of Corn 32R2
It’s Not Rocket Science 32J3

Tuesday, July 8, 2025, we danced another talk-through-only dance, a couple of dances from the Jink & Diddle program, several dances with diagonal rights & lefts, and a couple of repeat favorites.

Dances done:

Tuesday, July 1, 2025, we introduced the new dancers to the figure diagonal rights and lefts and also tried doing a dance from a talk-through only. Among the dances done were a few with diagonal rights and lefts, a couple from the Jink & Diddle dance program, repeats of a couple of dances done previously, and a dance we were invited to do from the upcoming Book 54!

Dances done:

The Brudenell Jig 32J2
A Marriage Made in Dancing 32S3
The Peterborough Reel 32R3
Boo 32J3 (new Sue dance – taught correctly this time)
Adieu Mon Ami 32S3
Kathy’s Fascinator 32J3 (Set)
The Swan and the Tay 32S3 (Set)
The Highland Rambler 40R3

Tuesday, June 24, 2025, we worked on ladies’ chain and grand chain and the timing of each, plus thinking about how figures flow from one to the other in a dance. We did two dances from the Jink and Diddle program and repeated some dances from previous classes.

Dances done:

Eliza Tells a Tale 32J3 (Set)
Orpington Caledonians 32R3
Fair Donald 32S3
Boo 32J3 (new Sue dance)
Third Time Lucky 32S3 (Set)
The Barmkin 88R4 (Square)
Mrs Stewart’s Jig 32J3
The Paisley Weavers 32S3 (Set)
The British Grenadiers 32R3

Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Noel Chávez taught the class and worked on various forms of reels of 3 including closing reels (6-bar reels on the sides). There were a couple of classic dances and a fun reel in a square set.

Dances done:

Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the new dancers joined the regular class and we did dances that included many of the figures they’d learned since they started last Fall. They did very well and we will review a couple of figures and introduce a couple more over the summer. Figures we reviewed were rights and lefts, circles, hands across, figures of 8, double figures of 8, reels of 3 and 4, ladies’ chain, grand chain, corners pass and turn, advance and retire, double triangles, and the quicktime poussette.

Dances done:

Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Mady Newfield worked on traveling step practice and Noel Chávez introduced the figure corners pass and turn in strathspey time. In the regular class we danced five dances with corners pass and turn, including one from the MSW Friday dance program. We then reviewed four other dances from the MSW dance programs. Next week we return to having only the regular class starting at 7:30 p.m. with the new dancers joining the regular class.

Dances done:

Tuesday, May 27, 2025, during the first half hour, Noel Chávez worked on turn corner, partner, corner, parther with timing in both quicktime and strathspey time. In the regular class we did 4 dances with CPCP including one from the MSW Saturday Ball program. Later we danced 2 dances from each of the MSW Friday and Saturday programs and a new Sue dance.

Dances done:

Light and Airy 32J3
Miss Gibson’s Strathspey 32S3
The Wind that Shakes the Barley 32R3
Highland Mary 32J3
Gloria’s Wee Jig 32J2
Dargie Glebe 32S3 (Set)
Kelso Races 32R3
Peaches and Gold 32S3 (Set) new Sue dance
Summer Wooing 32R3

Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during the first half hour, Aileen Murphy worked on set to corners and partner (hello-goodbye setting) in both quicktime and strathspey tempos. In the regular class Noel Chávez worked on the various aspects of good ‘handing’ – proper taking of hands, proper arm position, providing strength from the shoulder not gripping too hard, and social interaction in passing or turning. For each of the dances done, she pointed out where we could think about proper handing. Most of the dances done were ‘interesting’ ones from the Spring Dance coming up this weekend, with a couple of extra dances for fun and illustration.

Dances done:

The Shetland Shepherdess 32J3
Hello-Goodbye 32S3 (done as a jig per Foundation Formations)
Adieu Mon Ami 32S3
Back to the Fireside 32R3
Culla Bay 32S4 (Square)
Midsummer Common 32S3
Mrs McLeod 32R3

Tuesday, May 13, 2025, during the first half hour, Carrie Dean worked on set and link and controlling the turns in the figure. She covered both set and link for 2 couples in quicktime and set and link for 3 couples in strathspey time. In the regular class we danced several dances with set and link in various tempos, plus some that also had crossover mirror reels. We did one dance from the Spring Dance with set and link then a couple of dances from the MSW Friday dance program and a dance from the MSW Saturday Ball.

Dances done:

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, during the first half hour Mady Newfield worked on skip-change and strathspey traveling steps, then reviewed mirror reels of 3 in both tempos with emphasis on phrasing and knowing which way to move to start or on the ends of a reel. Then she introduced crossover mirror reels and the adjustments to timing for the pieces of the reel for the lead couple and the transition after each couple’s second time through. She had the class dance most of Maxwell’s Rant to practice this. In the regular class we danced a dance from the Spring Dance with crossover mirror reels, and a couple of the more complex dances on the Spring Dance program. We also danced a dance from the MSW Saturday Ball and two from the MSW Friday dance program.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 29, 2025, during the first half hour Noel Chávez worked on longer and regular-sized steps in jig, reel and strathspey tempos as a prep for double figures of eight. The group then danced double figures of 8 practicing the timing of the pieces of the figure. The class also worked a bit on the different ‘feel’ to jigs and reels and a little with strathspey. In the regular class we danced a reel from the MSW Saturday Ball with a double figure of 8, a strathspey with a double figure of 8, a dance from the spring dance program, and 3 more dances from the MSW dance programs.

Dances done:

3 Feisty Women 32R3 (Set)
Young Moira’s Real (& alive) 32S3
It’s Nae Bother 32J2
Toast to the Mousies 32R3
Callin’ Baton Rouge 32J3 (new Sue dance)
Susie from Penilee 32S3
Follow Me Home 32J3

Tuesday, April 22, 2025, during the first half hour Sue McKinnell reviewed rights and lefts and covered half rights and lefts then introduced the snowball grand chain (aka pickup chain). In the regular class we danced a strathspey with both figures and a reel with the snowball grand chain, both of which are on the spring dance program. We also danced another dance from the spring dance program, a dance from the MSW Friday dance program, 2 dances from the MSW Saturday Ball program, and ended with a fun reel.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 15, 2025, during the first half hour Noel Chávez worked first on reels of 3 in 6 bars on the sides crossing RH on the last 2 bars in quicktime. Then she added set to and turn corners into 6-bar reels on the sides. In the regular class we danced a strathspey with this figure followed by a reel from the Spring Dance with this figure. Then we danced a strathspey with petronella turns and ladies’ chain, a dance from the MSW Saturday Ball (and our own Spring Dance), a new Sue dance, the actual dance for a favorite tune, and a dance from the MSW Friday program. We were honored to have Caroline from Virginia join the class for the evening.

Dances done:

Naishcombe Hill 32S3
Mrs MacLeod 32R3
The Dundee Whaler 32S4 (Set)
Rory O’More 32J2
Lost in a Reel 32R3 (new Sue dance)
Flights of Fancy 32J3
Kelly’s Journey 32R3

Tuesday, April 8, 2025, during the first half hour Mady Newfield reviewed pas-de-basque and introduced Petronella turns then reviewed the QT poussette. In the regular class we danced a dance with strathspey Petronella turns as well as a half reel of 4 up and down the set, then Petronella for the Petronella turns and poussette, plus Mairi’s Wedding to review half diagonal reels of 4. We then danced 2 dances from the Iowa Ball program and a new Sue dance written in honor of George Whitehorne.

Dances done:

Wisp of Thistle 32S3
Petronella 32R2
Mairi’s Wedding 40R3
Postie’s Jig 32J4 (Set)
Five Score and Five 32R5 (Set) (new Sue dance)
Something in the Air 32S2

Tuesday, April 1, 2025, during the first half-hour Mady Newfield reviewed slip-step and skip-change with the transition from one to the other, then did a quick review of QT setting, and strathspey traveling and setting steps. Sue McKinnell reviewed reels of 4 then taught half reels of 4, concentrating on half reels of 4 on the diagonal and explaining the official RSCDS half reel of 4 on the diagonal with 1st corners then 2nd corners (passing left shoulders) then showing half reels of 4 passing RS (cloverleaf reels) as that is how they are danced most of the time. In the regular class we danced 3 dances with half reels of 4 on the diagonal (a jig passing RS, a strathspey passing LS, and Mairi’s Wedding). After that we danced 3 dances from the Twin Cities or Iowa Balls.

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 25, 2025, we returned to having a single half-hour prior to the regular class. Mady Newfield worked on strathspey traveling and setting steps. Sue McKinnell introduced reels of 4, both up and down the set, and diagonally. In the regular class we danced one dance with reels of 4 up and down the set, one with balance-in-line up and down the set, and one with diagonal reels of 4 with both sets of corners. After the break, we reviewed 4 of the more challenging dances from the Madison Ball per request.

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 2 of the newest dancers attended the early half hour along with several of the new dancers. Carrie Dean did an exercise in skip-change then taught the allemande. For the second half hour she taught pas-de-basque in place and transitioning to skip-change. Sue McKinnell taught the balance-in-line figure and reviewed reels of 3. In the regular class we danced 3 dances covering the figures reviewed in the first hour and 2 dances from each of the Twin Cities and Iowa Ball programs plus a new Sue dance. We walked through the snake pass figure and found a new, fun reel ending with a circle.

Dances done:

Springtime 32J2
Well-Balanced 32J3 (new Sue dance)
The Reel of the 51st Division 32R3
Seann Truibhas Willichan 32S2
Kilt Swing 32R3
Unsquare Dance 32M4 (Square) (new Sue dance)
Mrs Stewart’s Jig 32J3
The Lords of the Wind 32R3

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, we started a half hour earlier to accommodate 3 new dancers who wanted to learn SCD. Noel Chávez taught both early sections and our new dancers from the Fall came early to assist. The first half hour covered SCD basics: set structure, bow & curtsy, foot positions, skip-change, stepping up and down, casting off, lead down and up, RH and LH turns 2- and 4-bar, RH and LH across, slip step, and circles. The second half hour introduced half hands across – in particular, set, half RH across, set, half LH across. In the regular class we danced a dance with basic figures for the newest dancers who stayed and danced a couple of dances with set, half hands across. Then we worked on the allemande and did two dances from the Iowa Ball and one from the Twin Cities Ball. We were very happy to have John, a dancer from Virginia, join us for a second week. We have one more session of an extra half hour next week and are very pleased with our new dancers as they join the regular class each week.

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Noel Chávez taught the new dancer section. They covered the promenade, both 2-couple and 3-couple. The combined class did dances with the promenade, QT poussette, and double triangles. The regular class did one dance from the Madison Ball, three from the proposed MSW dance programs, and one other dance. They covered the strathspey poussette and the tourbillon.

Dances done:

The Dardagny Reel 32R2
Leith Country Dance 32J2
Auchindrain 32R3
One Set short of a Hundred 32S3 (Set)
Airyhall Delight 32J3
Unsquare Dance 32SR4 (Square) (new Sue dance – still being vetted)
Midsummer Moon 32S2
A-Ward Winning Reel 32R3

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Mady Newfield taught the new dancer section. They covered QT traveling and setting, including turning while setting. They worked on the geography of the QT poussette and practiced down-the-middle and back into poussette. They also learned the mantra “out from the center, quarter turn, up or down, quarter turn, into the center, half way round, fall back, fall back” for the poussette geography and timing. The combined class did dances with the QT poussette and reviewed turn corners from 2 weeks ago. The regular class did several dances from the Madison Ball program and reviewed corners pass and turn, grand chain, set and rotate for 3 couples, and diagonal rights and lefts.

Dances done:

Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Mady Newfield and Noel Chávez taught both sections of class. In the first half hour they covered skip-change then moved into pas-de-basque, adding in moving while setting and moving and turning while setting, working up to learning double triangles. The regular class did several dances from the Madison Ball and reviewed ladies’ chain from last week then worked through double triangles and interacting with corners, Schiehallion reels, men’s chain, set to and turn corners, corners pass and turn, and hello-goodbye setting.

Dances done:

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, we started a combined class. The new dancers start at 7:00 p.m. for learning a new figure and reviewing some footwork or other technique, then they dance with the regular class for about 45 minutes, reviewing the figure they learned. This week started with the new dancers reviewing ladies’ chain and corners and turning corners RH and BH. The combined class did dances with ladies’ chain and several dances from the Madison Ball.

Dances done (early class – Noel Chávez):

Kendall’s Hornpipe (variant) 32J3
Granville Market 32S2

Dances done (combined class):

Beach Dancer 32J3
Delvine Side 32S3
Dancing in the Streets 32S2
Sunday Shenanigans 32R/J3 (Carrie’s dance – write up to follow)
Bob Campbell 32S3
A Perfect Silhouette 32J3 (new Sue dance)
Rest and Be Thankful 32R3

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, after a great Midwinter Ball, we danced several dances from the Madison Ball and a few other fun dances. And we got to try out Carrie’s new dance and will bring it back next week to do it again. No new dancer class this week as we are sorting out how we go forward; but there will be something for them next week.

Dances done:

Bonny Blue Bride 32J3
Foggy River Reel 40R3
The Braes of Breadalbane 32S3
Gaelforce Wind 32J3
Tennessee Polite 32H3 (new Sue dance)
The Lammermuir Hills 32S2
Joie de Vivre 32J3
Sunday Shenanigans 32R/J3 (Carrie’s dance – write up to follow)
The Montgomeries’ Rant 32R3

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, we were pleased to have two dancers who’d danced with us before but not recently show up and sign up for the Midwinter Ball! We did one dance from the Madison Ball then spent the rest of the evening doing requests from the Midwinter Ball program including one dance we did with the basics class.

Dances done:

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Noel Chávez took the basic dancers through many of the new dancer friendly dances from the Midwinter Ball. They also worked on strathspey traveling, setting and transitioning from one to the other and practiced dancing from a brief rather than a walk through.

Dances done:

Tuesday, January 21, 2025, we danced some of the more ‘interesting’ dances from the Midwinter Ball and Winter School. We also danced one dance with the new dancers.

Dances done:

Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Noel Chávez and Mady Newfield worked on Midwinter Ball dances with the new dancers. They covered Ball ettiquette, how to read a crib, and the use of counting off sticks. They also tried dancing a dance from a briefing only.

Dances done:

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, we reviewed the remaining Midwinter Ball dances and tried one of the Winter School dances, plus a couple of other fun dances.

Dances done:

Bev’s Delight 32J3
First Love 32S3
Catch the Wind 32R3
The Barmkin 88R4 (Square)
Beach Dancer 32J3
Chicago Sapphire 32S3
Trotter Likes Belly Rubs 32R3 (new Sue dance)
The Scallywag 40J3
Flowers of Edinburgh 32R3

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Mady Newfield and Noel Chávez continued to work with the new dancers to prepare for the Midwinter Ball. They covered skip change and pas-de-basque in setting and casting off, grand chain, mirror reels on the sides, and reels of 3 across the set. At the end of the class, the new dancers joined the regular class to dance a Midwinter Ball dance together.

Dances done:

Catch the Wind 32R3
First Love 32S3

Tuesday, January 7, 2025, we worked on dances from the Midwinter Ball. We walked through the reel transitions in Lady June Gordon, the pick-up chain, double triangles, the strathspey poussette, diagonal rights and lefts, alternating tandem reels, and the quicktime poussette.

Dances done:

Lady June Gordon 32J3
Sandy O’er the Lea 32S2
City of Stirling Reel 32R3
The Starry Eyed Lassie 32J3
The Minister on the Loch 32S3 (Set)
The Great Horned Owl 32H3 (new Sue dance)
Pelorus Jack 32J3
The Kissing Bridge 32R3

Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Noel Chávez worked with the basics class on the easier dances from the Midwinter Ball program.

Dances done:

Beach Dancer 32J3
The Barmkin 88R4 (Square)

Tuesday, December 17, 2024, we danced the last time for 2024 and celebrated the season with themed-dances and music. People brought snacks and we all had great fun. We also had a new dancer show up who has danced before but not recently. Welcome, Jeff!

Dances done:

The Dancing Bells 32J3
Here Comes Santa Claus 32R3
Gifts 32S3 (Set)
Happy Christmas 32J3
Festival of Lights 32R3
Deep and Crisp and Even 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Fruitcake 32J3
Snowdrops 32S3 (Set)
A Christmas Ceilidh 40R3

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, we started working on dances from the upcoming Midwinter Ball, including some that are also on the Milwaukee December dance and the Madison January dance. We also danced a dance with the basics class which completed their 8-week session this week.

Dances done:

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the basics class and worked on skip-change and phrasing to the music, moving pas-de-basque as a prelude to learning the quicktime poussette, strathspey setting and the concept of corners. This was the last scheduled class of the Fall. We will have 3 sessions in January to prepare the basics dancers for the Midwinter Ball and are planning to have a second set of basics classes after the Midwinter Ball.

Dances done:

Pint o’ Ale Is Fain 32J3
Flowers of Edinburgh 32R3
The March Hare 32R3 (as a strathspey)

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, we danced dances from the Twin Cities Fàilte Ball, The Milwaukee December dance, and the Madison winter ball, plus a dance for Naughty Cat Day, a dance for St Andrews Day, a new dance from Carrie, and a new dance from Sue. And we danced a combined dance with the new dancer class. We worked on seeing how figures flow from one to the other in a dance.

Dances done:

Ecclefechan Feline 32J3
The Provost Wynd 32R3
Macdonald of the Isles 32S3 (Set)
The Royal Deeside Railway 32R3
Saint Andrews Fair 32J3
Missing Lightfoot 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Carrie’s new dance 32J3
Mairi’s Wedding 40R3

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the basics class and worked on the allemande, the strathspey traveling step, and parallel reels of 3 on the sides.

Dances done:

Tuesday, November 26, 2024, we celebrated Thanksgiving by dancing several themed dances plus dances that encourage thinking about how figures flow from one to the other.

Dances done:

Tuesday, November 19, 2024, we danced 3 dances from the Dance Around the World list, a couple more November birthday dances with 3-couple bourrels, and a few other fun dances. We worked on how figures flow from one to the other.

Dances done:

The Glen 32J2
The Swan and the Tay 32S3 (Set)
Dancing in the Street 32R4 (Set)
The Laird of Milton’s Daughter 32J3
(I Can’t) Let It Go 40S3 (new Sue dance)
Salute to Ann Arbor 32R3
73 Is the Perfect Number 32S3
The Montgomeries’ Rant 32R3

Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the basics class and worked on skip-change, pas-de-basque, and strathspey traveling step, transitioning from pas-de-basque into skip-change and back, grand chain in a longways set, and the allemande.

Dances done:

First Love 32S3 (Set) as a jig
The White Cockade 32R3
Lady Auckland’s Reel 32S2

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, we tried Wouter Joubert’s newest dance, danced a dance celebrating Barry’s birthday and another celebrating Scorpio birthdays, a dance from the Ann Arbor program, and few other fun dances. We worked on how in many dances figures flow from one to the other and how to think about that while dancing and worked on the 3-couple bourrel. We also danced a dance with the basics class.

Dances done:

Granville Market 32J3
The Sparkling Loch 32R3 (Set)
Barry’s Birthday Bourrel 32S3
The Garden City Jig 32J3
A Golden Milestone 32M4 (Set) (Wouter’s new dance)
Scorpio Season 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Reel of the Royal Scots 32R3

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the basics class and worked on quicktime setting, mirror reels of 3, and strathspey traveling.

Dances done:

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, we reviewed 6 dances from the Fall Dance program, tried 2 dances from the Ann Arbor program, and tried a potential dance for the Midwinter Ball. (The Basics class did not meet this week.)

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 29, 2024, we danced some Halloween/Fall-themed dances and repeated an interesting dance brought to us by Mats. We also danced a dance with the basics class after their class ended.

Dances done:

The Hobgoblin 32J2 (from the Ann Arbor program)
Squirrel in a Pumpkin 32S3
Driving to Milwaukee 32R/J3
Widdershins 32J3
Slytherin House 32S3
Copenhagen’s Delight 32R3
The Witch’s Stone 32J3
Ferla Mor 32R3

Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Mady Newfield and Mats Melin taught the basics class. They introduced pas-de-basque and practiced it in a circle, reviewed slip-step and skip change, reviewed rights and lefts, reviewed figures of 8, and introduced reels of 3.

Dances done:

The Fairy Ring 32J/R Circle
The Dashing White Sergeant 32R Circle (3 facing 3)
Driving to Milwaukee 32R/J3 (written by Suzie, Mady, and Mats)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024, we did 5 dances from the Milwaukee Halloween Ball, 2 dances from the Fall Dance, and a fun starter dance. We reviewed the allemande for 3 couples, the quicktime poussette, corner set and chain, half turn and twirl (turn & spurn), and double triangles. We started the evening by dancing a dance with the Basics class, having them dance with experienced dancers as partners.

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the basics class and reviewed what had already been covered in the first 2 classes, added in figures of 8 and cross and cast off. They practiced shortening quicktime traveling steps in advance and retire and back to back.

Dances done:

Fish and Chips 32J4 (Set)
Katie’s Dance 32R3 (done with parallel figures of 8 and repeated to help retain the figures)

Tuesday, October 15, 2024, we did a couple of dances from the Milwaukee Ball program, did a dance from the Fall dance program as a demo for the Basics class, worked extensively on an ‘interesting’ dance, and danced a couple more fun dances. We worked on timing in Shiftin’ Bobbins, and reviewed the knot and the chained progression for 3 couples.

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the basics class and reviewed basic geography with an emphasis on progression, foot positions, skip change and slip step, hands round, RH/LH turns, RH/LH across, casting off, and leading down/up.

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, we danced 2 dances from the Fall Dance, 3 dances from the Milwaukee Ball program, and 1 dance from the Ann Arbor dance program, plus a couple of other fun dances. We covered corner-partner, double figures of 8, the strathspey poussette, and the tourbillon.

Dances done:

As the Worm Turns 32J3
Toast to the Mousies 32R3
The Dillsburg Jig 32J3
Tom McLeod’s Strathspey 32S3
Sunshine and Sweetie’s Jig 32J3
Pilgrim, Chapter 33 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Maids of Currie 32R3
One Set Short of a Hundred 32S3 (Set)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the basics class and covered basic geography, foot positions, skip change and slip step, hands round, RH/LH turns, RH/LH across, casting off, and leading down/up.

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, we worked on proposed Fall Dance dances, started working on Milwaukee Halloween Ball dances, and danced a few other fun/classic dances. We reviewed double triangles, the quicktime poussette, the bourrel, hello-goodbye setting, corners pass and turn, and 6- vs 8-bar reels.

Dances done:

Ann Arbor 32J3
M(medley)S(strathspey)R(reel) 16S16R3 (new Sue dance)
Pint O’ Ale Is Fain 32J3
Kilt Swing 32R3
Delvine Side 32S3
The Galloping Carousel 32J4 (Set)
Triple Happiness 32S3 (Set)
The Highland Rambler 40R3
The Montgomeries’ Rant 32R3

Tuesday, September 24, 2024, we danced a few potential Fall Dance dances and a mixture of easier and more complex dances. We walked ladies’ chain, double triangles, the 3-couple bourrel, grand chain, corner-partner, and variations of figures of 8.

Dances done:

Gloria’s Wee Jig 32J2
Lady Dumfries 32R3
It Came with a Pool 32S3 (Set) (new Sue dance)
Mrs Stewart’s Jig 32J3
Torf’s Watching! 32S3
Shiftin’ Bobbins 32R3
Jubilee Jig 32J3
The Selkirk Settlers 40R3 (Set)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the class. We worked on 2-bar turns by the right and left and transitioning from quicktime setting to quicktime traveling and vice-versa. Ken Chau brought and taught a dance in honor/memory of Frances Gillan and Sue McKinnell taught a dance in honor of Paula taking first place with her competition piece.

Dances done:

Paisley Mondays 32R3
Sugar Candie 32S3
Berwick Johnnie 32J3
Tribute to Ms Frances Gillan 32R4 (Set)
The Swan and the Tay 32S3 (Set)
Argyll’s Farewell to Stirling 40R4 (Set)
M(medley)S(strathspey)R(reel) 16S16R3 (new Sue dance)
Maxwell’s Rant 32R3

Saturday, September 14, 2024, we had our Introduction to Scottish Country Dancing Workshop. It was great fun and we had a good number of people: new dancers, dancers who’d danced with us before and wanted to try it again, and regulars who came out to help partner new dancers. We did a selection of fun/easy jigs and reels (both circle dances and longwise dances) and did a couple of ‘demo’ dances to show some of what else is available.

Dances done:

The Cumberland Jig 32J4 (Set) 8X
Circassian (Big) Circle 32R Circle
Charlestown Chaser 32J4 (Set)
Arbroath 700 32R4 (Set) 8X
Burns Night 32J2 (demo dance done 3X)
The Fairy Ring 32J Circle
Virginia Reel 40R4 (Set)
Triple Happiness 32S3 (Set) (demo dance)
Circle of Cheer 32R Circle
The Deil Amang the Tailors 32R3 (variant in the first 8 bars)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024, we tried some potential demo dances for the Introductory Dance event this coming Saturday, a possible dance for the Fall Dance, and a few other fun dances. We worked on the figure known as the ‘Best Set in the Hall’ figure.

Dances done:

The Young Lady of Threadneedle Street 32J3
A Box of Chocolates 32R3 (Set)
Seann Truibhas Willichan 32S2
The Wild Geese 32J3
Toast to the Mousies 32R3
A Study in Blue 40S3 (new Sue dance)
Catch the Wind 32R3

Tuesday, September 3, 2024, we welcomed Carrie back for the night, danced some interesting dances, and were treated to Paula playing her competition fiddle piece. A fun night. We also worked on strathspey traveling and setting and set to and turn corners in strathspey time.

Dances done:

Up the Pond 32J3
Hearth and Harp 32S3
City of Stirling Reel 32R3
Pelorus Jack 32J3
The Walled Garden 32S2
The Hills of Tennessee 32J4 (Set) (new Sue dance) – done first in strathspey time, then in jig time
Mairi’s Wedding 40R3

Tuesday, August 27, 2024, we danced a mixture of easy dances and more ‘interesting’ dances. We included a couple of dances in memory of Malcolm Brown. We reviewed quicktime traveling and setting, allemande for 3 couples, set and link, petronella turns, and the bourrel.

Dances done:

Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the class. We worked extensively on quicktime traveling step, starting with galloping and progressing to regular traveling step. We also worked on slip-step in circles, turning by the right and left both in 4 bars and in 2 bars. And we started working on Sugar Candie by doing the last 16 bars: turn corner-partner into 6-bar reels on the sides with first couple crossing on the last 2 bars.

Dances done:

Tuesday, August 13, 2024, we danced some basic dances interspersed with some more interesting dances. We reviewed the basic figures from last week and added the allemande.

Dances done:

Alaina’s Bus Stop Jig 32J2
Debbie the Hungarian Lady 32R2
The Beaten Path 32S2
Ames to Please 32J2
City of Stirling Reel 32R3
Gramachie 32S3
The Hills of Tennessee 32J4 (Set) (new Sue dance done as a strathspey – will retry as a jig)
At the Town’s End 32R2
The Selkirk Settlers 40R3 (Set) – done 8 times through tweaked to work as a regular progression

Tuesday, August 6, 2024, we were a small but feisty group and had a new dancer join us, so we danced some basic dances and a couple of fun favorites. We reviewed circles, hands across, casting off, turns by RH and LH, figures of 8, rights and lefts, double triangles, corner-partner, and advance and retire.

Dances done:

The Glen 32J2
Catch As Catch Can 32R4 (Set)
The Oban Reel 32R2 (danced as a strathspey)
Alan J Smith 32J3
Are You Sleeping? 32R2
Gang the Same Gate 32S3
The Buckie Jig 32J2
The Selkirk Settlers 40R3 (Set) (done 8 times through)

Tuesday, July 30, 2024, we welcomed Alison and Ross from New Zealand. We did 3 dances from the TAC Ball and a few other fun dances. We walked the snake pass, petronella triangles, the snowball grand chain, and set and rotate.

Dances done:

Tuesday, July 24, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the class. We did some practice of moving from setting to traveling in strathspey time, quicktime setting with turning in pas-de-basque, the 3-couple promenade, and half figures of 8.

Dances done:

The Falkirk Lass 32S3 (danced as a jig in walking tempo)
Within a Mile O’ Edinburgh Toon 32S3
The Gates of Edinburgh 32R3
Ruthven’s Fancy 32J3
Muse Cottage 32S3 (Set)
Mrs MacLeod 32R3

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, we danced 5 more dances from the Jink & Diddle dance program, a Strathspey with Schiehallion reels, and a couple of other fun dances. We walked through ladies’ chain, the espagnole, the tourbillon, and Schiehallion reels.

Dances done:

1st February 32J2
Orpington Caledonians 32R3
The Trembling String 32S2
It’s All Right 32J3
Joie de Vivre 32J3
Dove’s Eye 32S4 (Square) (new Sue dance)
Fisherman’s Reel 32R5 (Square)
The Kissing Bridge 32R3

Tuesday, July 9, 2024, we started working on Schiehallion reels and did a few beginner dances and one dance from Delaware Valley Gold. We walked through parallel reels of 4, half diagonal reels of 4, set and rotate, and Schiehallion reels. Here’s a marvelous video of the Glasgow SCD group dancing Schiehallion reels.

Dances done:

Pint O’ Ale Is Fain 32J3
Anna’s Wedding Cake 32S3 (Set)
Ann Arbor 32J3
Madame de Staël 32R4 (Square)
Arlette’s Fancy 32J3 (Set)
Before the Storm 32R3
Emerging Gold 32J3 (new Sue dance)
Allemande To Go 32R3

Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the class did 4 dances from the Jink & Diddle Scottish Fiddlers dance program and a couple of ceilidh dances. They did some step practice and worked on the promenade, espagnole, and tourbillon.

Dances done:

Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the class. We had a large class (3 sets!) including a few beginners, so we worked on quicktime and strathspey traveling and setting steps and some basic figures. We also revisited The St Nicholas Boat and after class tried a new dance for cicadas.

Dances done:

Tuesday, June 18, 2024, we had a new dancer who found us at the Highland Games, plus returning dancers who’d not been there for a bit. It was a lively group and we mixed easier dances with a couple of interesting new dances from Book 53 and Delaware Valley Gold. We practiced quicktime traveling and setting steps, hands across, turning by the right and left in 4 and 2 bars, rights and lefts, and figures of 8.

Dances done:

Tuesday, June 11, 2024, we had a new dancer, a returning newer dancer, and had fun with dances not from upcoming programs.

Dances done:

The Young Lady of Threadneedle Street 32J3
The Glen 32J2
Katherine Hamilton 32S3
The St Nicholas Boat 48J3
trial Sue dance 32S3
The Flowers of Edinburgh 32R3

Tuesday, June 4, 2024, we finished dancing the remaining more interesting, lesser-known, or not-done-recently dances from the Midwest Scottish Weekend. We also danced The Reel of the 51st Division in honor of the anniversary of the evacuation of Dunkirk and a couple of other lovely dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, May 28, 2024, we danced several of the more interesting, lesser-known, or not-done-recently dances from the Midwest Scottish Weekend, We also danced several other fun dances. We reviewed strathspey traveling step, quicktime setting step, and corners pass and turn.

Dances done:

90th Birthday 32J3
The Blue Mess Jacket 32S4 (Set)
The Music Makars 32R3
The Craven Jig 32J4 (Set)
Chased Lovers 32J3
The Purrfect Profile 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Cobblestones 32R3
Gifts 32S3 (Set)

Tuesday, May 21, 2024, we worked on dances from the Midwest Scottish Weekend. We reviewed allemande, corner/partner, corners pass and turn, set to and turn corners into reels on the side, corner chain, set and rotate, the bourrel, the Quarrangle, the strathspey poussette, and double figures of 8. We also welcomed back Rachel & Michael!

Dances done:

Tuesday, May 14, 2024, we did 2 dances from the MSW Friday dance program and 3 other fun dances. We worked on strathspey traveling and setting steps and worked extensively on quicktime setting with emphasis on turning while setting and the quicktime poussette, double triangles, and hello-goodbye setting.

Dances done:

The Third Grey Cat 32J3
Lammermuir Hills 32S2
The Hyperactive Reel 32R3
Aileen’s Jig 32J3
Everybody’s Going to Paris 32R3 (new Sue dance)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024, we did 3 dances from the MSW Saturday Ball, a dance with a Highland Schottische poussette, and another fun dance. We did some strathspey traveling and setting step practice and worked extensively on the Highland Schottische poussette.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the class did 5 dances from the Spring Dance, one dance from the MSW Friday Dance program, and a dance in honor of Martin Mulligan who sadly died recently. The class did traveling step practice, both quicktime and strathspey, and revisited Highland Schottische setting.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the class. The class did one dance from the Spring Dance, one dance from the MSW Friday dance program, and one dance from the Unit 2 dances. The class worked on teamwork in a dance with a challenging final figure, strathspey travelling step, transition from strathspey poussette to promenade, and highland schottische setting step.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 16, 2024, the class danced 6 dances from The Spring Dance, revisited a unit 2 dance, and revisited Glasgow Highlanders. They also worked on quicktime setting with movement getting ready for hello-goodbye setting.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the class revisited a classic dance, an eclipse dance and reviewed a couple of Unit 2 dances, plus did a lovely dance Mats wrote for Aileen’s birthday.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the class did a dance from the Spring Dance, a dance for the eclipse, and a couple of other fun dances. They did a thorough review of Glasgow Highlander setting and progression plus some quicktime setting practice. Very pleased to have Mats back!

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 25, 2024, we danced a couple of dances from the Spring Dance, a couple of dances from the MSW Saturday Ball, and one from the MSW Friday dance program plus a couple of fun dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 19, 2024, we took requests from people planning to attend the Madison Ball and did 3 dances from that program. We also did 2 dances from the MSW Friday dance program, 1 dance from the MSW Saturday Ball, and a few other fun dances. We worked on timing and keeping the set in place and in line.

Dances done:

The Tabby Cat 32J3
The Water of Leith 32S4 (Set)
Orpington Caledonians 32R3
Bill Clement MBE 32J3
Another Trip Around the Sun 40S4 (Set)
On the Fly 32R3
The Stars Around Us 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Sleepwalking 32R3
Davy Nick Nack 32H3

Tuesday, March 12, 2024, we did 2 dances from the Madison Ball, 2 dances from the proposed MSW Friday dance program, 1 dance from the proposed MSW Saturday Ball program, and a couple of other fun dances. We also revisited quicktime setting and timing in crossover mirror reels and walked through 3-couple rights and lefts.

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the class concentrated on Madison Ball dances but also included one potential dance from the MSW Ball program and reviewed quicktime setting.

Dances done:

Tuesday, February 27, 2024, was quite a night. Despite severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings we had 5 dancers so we danced a variety of 5-person dances and had fun doing so.

Dances done:

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, we worked on dances from the Madison Ball and returned to working on dances with allemandes and knots, plus a few other fun dances. We also tried a proposed dance for the Midwest Scottish Weekend Saturday Ball.

Dances done:

For the New Ones 32R2
The Express 40J3
Dagmar’s Fancy 32S3 (Set)
Best Set in the Hall 32J3
Toast to the Mousies 32R3
The Earl of Northampton 32S2
Long Pond Reel 32R3
Another Trip Around the Sun 40S4 (Set) 2X

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Noel Chávez taught the class. She worked on handing in turns and emphasized that there are no ‘wings’ in SCD. She also worked on the grand chain, handing in circles, and timing for the allemande.

Dances done:

For the New Ones 32R2 (new Sue dance)
Joie de Vivre 32J3
Good Hearted Glasgow 32J3
Land o’ Cakes 32S3
Northern Harmony 32J3 (we did the version in the Boston 50th dance book which does not have the meanwhile figure)
Fair Jenny’s Jig 32J3
Lass o’ Loudon 32S3

Tuesday, February 6, 2024, we were pleased to welcome back a couple of dancers we’d not seen in quite a while. We had a large enthusiastic group and we worked on a few dances from the Madison Ball, a potential dance for the Midwest Scottish Weekend Saturday Ball, and a couple of other fun dances. We worked our way through the Best Set in the Hall signature figure and learned the strathspey spurtle.

Dances done:

90th Birthday 32J3
Bonnie Stronshiray 32S3
Lobsters Walk Straight 32R3 (new Sue dance)
The Blue Mess Jacket 32S4 (Set)
Best Set in the Hall 32J3
The Flowers of Edinburgh 32R3
Lucy’s Fancy 32R3

Tuesday, January 30, 2024, we reviewed New Year’s Ball dances to be ready for the Ball on Saturday. We were visited by a family of 4 who luckily have done SCD before and fit in to our dancing. Next week we will return to Madison Ball dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 we worked on dances from the New Year’s Ball and the Madison Ball and continued to work on linking figures so dances flow.

Dances done:

Kendall’s Hornpipe 32J2
The Royal Deeside Railway 32R3
Rights to Business 32S3
The Capital Pianist 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Currie Mountain 32R3
The Compleat Gardener 32J3
The Mason’s Apron 32R3

Tuesday, January 16, 2024, we had a hardy group of dancers who braved the severe cold to dance. We looked at the allemande and the knot and worked on planning ahead – linking figures so the dance flows. We revisited Sue’s dance and did one dance from the Madison Ball and one dance from the New Year’s Ball. Since we postponed the New Year’s Ball we will be doing dances from both it and the Madison Ball in the next couple of weeks.

Dances done:

Fire and Ice 32J2
Lammermuir Hills 32S2
Andrew’s Dance 32R3
Crabs Walk Sideways 32J5 (Set) (Sue’s dance)
An Autumn Posy 32S2
The Highland Rambler 40R3
Blue Bonnets 32J2

Tuesday, January 2, 2024, we returned to dancing and did a dance for the New Year and several dances from the New Year’s Ball program.

Dances done:

New Year Jig 32J3
Snowdrops 32S3 (Set)
Bratach Bana 32R3
The Last of the Lairds 32J3
Crabs Walk Sideways 32J5 (Set) (new Sue dance – will be brought back)
Sylvia Full of Grace 32S3 (Set)
Arthur’s Seat 32R3

Tuesday, December 12, 2023, we had a fun evening of holiday-themed dances and music. People brought snacks and we got to wish each other a happy holidays. This was our last class of the season. We will return to dancing on January 2nd, 2024.

Dances done:

Tuesday, December 5, 2023, we danced the last 2 dances from the New Years Ball we’d not yet done. We also did some fun and/or classic dances. Next week we will celebrate the season with holiday-themed dances.

Dances done:

The Brudenell Jig 32J3
The Royal Deeside Railway 32R3
The November Figure 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Alan J Smith 32J3
Gang the Same Gate 32S3
Trip to Timber Ridge 32R3

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, we danced 3 dances from the New Years Ball, a couple of Thanksgiving-themed dances left over from last week, and a couple of fun dances.

Dances done:

Hello Neighbor 32J3
The Sauchie Haugh 32S2
Pumpkin Pie 32J3
The Flower Lady 32S3 (Set)
Blue Bonnets 32J2
A Thanksgiving Feast 32S3 (new Sue dance – revised from reel to strathspey)
The Reel of the Royal Scots 32R3

Tuesday, November 21, 2023, we danced 3 dances from the New Years Ball, a couple of Thanksgiving-themed dances, and a fun classic. We worked quite a bit on rights and lefts for 3 couples and learned that a bubbly-jock is a male turkey according to the Scots.

Dances done:

Tuesday, November 14, 2023, we danced a couple of dances to celebrate November birthdays, a couple of dances from the New Years Ball, and a few fun dances that didn’t make the New Years Ball program. We also continued to work on the dance of the month(s).

Dances done:

Ecclefechan Feline 32J3
Barry’s Birthday Bourrel 32S3
Ramadan-ce 32R3
Rachel’s Birthday 32J3
75 Is Just a Number 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Bratach Bana 32R3 D0M
Angels with Whiskers 32S3
The Montgomeries’ Rant 32R3

Tuesday, November 7, 2023, we danced a couple of dances from the New Years Ball, the last dance we’d not done from the Milwaukee dance program, a dance we’d not done for Halloween, and returned to the dance of the month (which we’ll continue to work on this month) which is now on the New Years Ball.

Dances done:

Pint O’ Ale Is Fain 32J3
Hooty Hollow 32R3
Sue’s Strathspey 32S3 (new Sue dance)
MacDonald of Keppoch 2X32S/2X32R4 (Square)
The Last of the Lairds 32J3
Bratach Bana 32R3 DoM

Tuesday, October 31, 2023, being actually Halloween, we had a small but fun group of dancers and danced a number of interesting Halloween-themed dances, one dance from the Fall Dance, and a new Mats dance.

Dances done:

The Witch’s Stone 32J3
The Ghost Dance 32S4 (Set)
The Eye of Horus 32J3
A’Dannsadh An Aghaidh An t-Sruith 32S3 (new Mats dance)
Ferla Mor 32R3
The Old Spedling Castle’s Ghost’s Dance 32J4 (Set) (or 32J3 if no ghosts)
The Devil’s Quandary 40S3
Hallowe’en Jig 32J3

Tuesday, October 24, 2023, we explored a number of dances possibly for the New Year’s Ball 2024, did another Mats dance, and went back to working on the dance of the month.

Dances done:

Kendall’s Hornpipe 32J2
Sylvia Full of Grace 32S3 (Set)
The Drummer and the Dancer 32R3 (Set) (Mats’ dance)
The Compleat Gardener 32J3
Snowdrops 32S3 (Set)
Bratach Bana 32R3 DoM
Go Left, Young Man 32J3 (new Sue dance)
Arthur’s Seat 32R3

Tuesday, October 17, 2023, we had several original Branch dancers join us for class. We were privileged to have Avril and David Quarrie each teach a dance. It was a fun night with a lot of dancers there. We did a couple of dances from the Fall Dance program and one of the remaining dances from the Milwaukee dance program.

Dances done:

Lady June Gordon 32J3
David’s Strathspey 32S3 (Set)
Targaid ma tha 32R2 (new Sue dance)
It’s All Right 32J3
Broadway 32S3 (Set)
The Purple Heather Jig (40J4 (Set)
Dream Angus 32S3
The Deil Amang the Tailors 32R3

Tuesday, October 10, 2023, we did 3 dances from the Fall Dance, one of the remaining dances from the Milwaukee dance program, and worked on the dance of the month. And, Mats taught us one of his dances!

Dances done:

Pelorus Jack 32J3
Barbara’s Strathspey 32S3
Gairie Burn 48R3 (Set) (Mats’s dance)
Urlaub in Münster 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Bratach Bana 32R3 DoM
Fair Jenny’s Jig 32J3
Catch the Wind 32R3

Tuesday, October 3, 2023, we started working on a new dance of the month, worked on one of the more ‘interesting’ dances from the Milwaukee dance program, did another targe dance, and did a couple of dances from the Fall Dance program. We were pleased to have 2 full sets which included a visiting dancer from Ireland – welcome Mats!

Dances done:

Autumn Leaves 32J3
Triple Happiness 32S3 (Set)
Bratach Bana 32R3 DoM
Caldercruix 32J3
A Gift of Song 32S3 (Set) (new Sue dance)
The Converys of Clonskeagh 32R2
Alan J Smith 32J3
Anderson’s Rant 32R3

Tuesday, September 26, 2023, we finished working on the dance of the month and did another dance with a targe. We did 3 more dances from the Milwaukee dance program and the one dance from the Fall dance program we’d not done recently.

Dances done:

The Fairy Ring 32J Circle
Frances’s Fancy 40S3 (Set)
Lord MacLay’s Reel 40R4 (Set)
MacDonald of the Isles 32S3 (Set)
The Pines of Pitlochry 48J3 DoM
The Falls of Divach 32R3 (new Sue dance)
Dancing Dolphins 32J3
Jenny Dang the Weaver 32R2

Tuesday, September 19, 2023, we continued to work on the dance of the month and included another dance with a similar figure. We did 3 more dances from the Milwaukee dance program and a few more fun dances.

Dances done:

Saint Andrew’s Fair 32J3
Ha! Ha! The Wooin’ O’ It 32R2
A Lovely Hall 32S3
The Pines of Pitlochry 48J3 DoM
Angels with Whiskers 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Saltire Society Reel 32R3 (figure similar to DoM figure)
Bruce’s Men 32S3 (Set)
Desperation 32R3

Tuesday, September 12, 2023, we tried a new dance of the month, a dance from the Milwaukee program, a couple of dances from the Fall Dance, and several other fun dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, September 5, 2023, we danced a couple of dances from the Milwaukee program and a couple of 5-couple dances since we had 10 dancers. We also did a dance with a targe (per request) and a few other fun dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, August 29, 2023, we did the August dance of the month for the last time. We did another dance with tandem swapping reels and one with a 3-couple bourrel plus a few other fun dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, August 22, 2023, we continued to work on the dance of the month and tandem reels with lead changes. We did the very first dance with a 3-couple bourrel and a new dance with a progressive grand chain.

Dances done:

Tuesday, August 15, 2023, we returned to the dance of the month and tandem reels with lead changes. We continued exploring the 3-couple bourrel and the progressive grand chain and added the targe.

Dances done:

Collie Law 32J2
The Inn Strathspey 32S3 (Set)
The Clansman 32R2
The Flight of the Falcon 32J3
Eileen Watt’s Reel 32R3 (Set) – dance of the month
Beverly Court 32S3 (new Sue dance – actually not danced as written so will be retried)
The Eye of Horus 32J3 (back by request)
30 Years to Life 32S3 (Set)
The Sailor 32H3

Tuesday, August 8, 2023, we had two new dancers join us (welcome Paula and Hamish!) so we concentrated on some basics such as turns by the right and left, hands across, rights and lefts, and casting off. We also worked on the 3-couple bourrel and a new (to us) figure: the progressive grand chain.

Dances done:

The Glen 32J2
Catch As Catch Can 32S4 (Set)
Endrick Water 32S3 (Set)
Holland Park 32J3
The Oban Reel 32R2
The Lucky Strathspey 32S3 (Set)
Double Exposure 32R3 (new Sue dance)

Tuesday, August 1, 2023, we started a new month with a new dance of the month. We reviewed the 3-couple bourrel, petronella turns, tandem reels with lead changes, set and link for 3 couples, and reels of 3 across the set.

Dances done:

Marian’s Jig 32J3
Miss Eleanor 32S3 (Set)
Petronella 32R2
Pelorus Jack 32J3
Eileen Watt’s Reel 32R3 (Set)
The Eye of Horus 32J3 (new Sue dance)
Catch the Wind 32R3

Tuesday, July 25, 2023 we danced more dances with the espagnole, both 2-couple and 3-couple versions and danced a few old favorites.

Dances done:

Tuesday, July 18, 2023, we continued to work on the espagnole and the dance of the month.

Dances done:

After a two-week hiatus for woodfire smoke and the Fourth of July holiday, we returned to dancing with a new dance of the month and to explore the espagnole.

Dances done:

Ecclefechan Feline 32J3
First Love 32S3
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (new Sue dance) 32R3
Glayva 32J2
City of Wisteria (dance of the month) 32S3 (Set)
Slow Simmer 32J3
The Irish Rover 32R3

Tuesday, June 20, 2023, we revisited Wouter Joubert’s new dance (slightly revised) and tried a few more dances.

Dances done:

Snapdragon 32J2
Helga’s Hufflepuffs (dance of the month) 32R3
Hearth and Harp 32S3
Fyrefly Jig 32J3
Meerkat Cross(ing) 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The First Rain of Spring 32J3 (Set)
Catch As Catch Can 32R4 (Set)

Tuesday, June 13, 2023, we enjoyed a visit from Joan Baker who used to teach dancing in California. She danced a gentle strathspey and taught a fun dance she wrote. We had a new dancer, Emily, who is not new to SCD, but new to us and we hope will continue to join us. We also got to try out Wouter Joubert’s new dance accompanied by his recording of his own music. We danced a few other fun dances and decided we will return to having a dance of the month and Wouter’s will be the one for June.

Dances done:

90th Birthday 32J3
Bruce’s Men 32S3 (Set)
A Box of Chocolates 32R3 (Set) (Joan Baker’s dance)
Up the Pond 32J3
Helga’s Hufflepuffs (dance of the month) 32R3 (Wouter Joubert’s new dance)
Trip to Gatlinburg 32J3
Sugar Candie 32S3
Turkey Trot 32R3

Tuesday, June 6, 2023, we finished preparing for the Midwest Scottish Weekend. We talked about Ball Etiquette and worked on 3 of the more challenging dances. We also did a few fun dances.

Dances done:

Gloria’s Wee Jig 32J2
The Westminster Reel 32R2
The Celebration Strathspey 32S3
Gothenburg’s Welcome 32J3
Soft Winds and Roses 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Angus MacKinnon’s Hornpipe 32H3

Tuesday, May 30, 2023, Noel Chávez taught the class and worked on the spoke and the spurtle. Many thanks to Toni & Barry Robinson for managing the administrative details since neither Mady nor Sue could attend.

Dances done:

Ruthven’s Fancy 32J3
Neil M Grant 32J3
Kingussie Flower 40R2
The Golden Wedding Strathspey 40S4 (Set)
Laura’s Ceilidh 32J3
Lass O’ Loudon 32S3
The Piper and the Penguin 88R4 (Square)
Chris Ronald’s Strathspey 32S3

Tuesday, May 23, 2023, we danced the few remaining dances from the MSW programs we’d not yet covered and a few fun other dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, May 16, 2023, we danced 6 dances from the MSW dance programs, a very interesting Drewry dance, and a new Sue dance.

Dances done:

Tuesday, May 9, 2023, we danced 3 dances from the MSW dance programs, 1 dance from the Spring Dance, 2 dances for the coronation, and a couple of other dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023, we danced 5 dances from the MSW Saturday Ball, a dance for Star Wars day, and a dance in honor/memory of Gordon Lightfoot.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 25th, 2023, we started working on dances from the Midwest Scottish Weekend. We also did a dance for Penguin Day and a couple of other fun dances.

Dances done:

Crabbit Shona 32J2
A Carpet of Bluebells 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Westminster Reel 32R2
The Nurseryman 32J3
Tinkling Jade 32S3
The Piper and the Penguin 88R4 (Square)
Birkenside 32S2
Da Rain Dancin’ 32R3

Tuesday, April 18, 2023, we did the last dance from the Spring Dance, repeated a dance from last week we had issues with in 3-couple sets, did a couple of gypsy-themed dances, and a few more fun dances. Next week we’ll start on Midwest Scottish Weekend dances.

Dances done:

The Coanwood Stuarts 32J4 (Set)
Dancing on Water 32R3
Gypsy Glen 32S3 (Set)
Les Remparts de Séville 32J3
A Sea of Daffodils 32R3 (Set) (new Sue dance)
Gypsy Weaver 32S3
The Peat Road 32R3

Tuesday, April 11, 2023, we worked on some figures we’ve been working on the last few weeks, did one dance for Scrabble Day, and did a few other interesting dances. We reviewed set and link for 3 couples, rights and lefts for 3 couples, and the quicktime bourrel.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 4, 2023, we had a small but feisty group. We worked on one dance from the Spring Dance, a dance for Dandelion Day (April 5th), and a few other fun dances. We reviewed corner-partner, diagonal rights and lefts, double figures of 8, set and link, and the rondel.

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 28, 2023, we worked on several dances from the Spring Dance program. We spent time on ladies’ chain and the Quarries’ Jig figure.

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 21, 2023, we spent significant time on rights and lefts for 3 couples. We also worked on corners pass and turn and diagonal rights and lefts and did a dance for Puppet Day.

Dances done:

Come What May 32J2
The Golden Age Strathspey 32S3
The Professor’s Wife 32J3
The Brook 32J3
Flying High in Straight Formation 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Puppeteer 32R3

Tuesday, March 14, 2023, we did the last remaining Madison Ball dance. We spent time working on strathspey traveling and setting steps. Also we did a fun requested dance and a couple of dances related to Kumihimo (one I’d written a few years ago and one sent to me by someone who found my dance and had a friend who’d written one for Kumihimo as well).

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 7, 2023, we worked on dances with corners pass and turn and reels of 3 across the set. We worked on 2 more Madison Ball dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, February 28th, 2023, we worked mostly on Madison Ball dances. We worked on double crossover mirror reels, hello-goodbye setting, double figures of 8, and corner-partner.

Dances done:

Tuesday, February 21st, 2023, Noel Chávez taught the class and worked on the 3-couple promenade in both strathspey and quicktime and corner-partner-corner-partner. She also introduced us to some interesting older dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, February 14th, 2023, we worked on grand chain, corners pass and turn, and the strathspey travel step. We danced a couple of dances from the Madison Ball program, a couple of Valentine-themed dances, and a couple of fun dances.

Dances done:

The Brook 32J3
First Love 32S3
Chased Lovers 32J3
Flight of the Hawk 32S4 (set) (new Sue dance)
The Chequered Court 32J3
J. B. Milne 32R3

Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, we had a new dancer and covered some of the basic figures in class and did dances with those figures plus a few fun dances. We were privileged to have an unpublished Kent Smith dance to try; the link for the dance takes you to a page with the dance write-up and a link to download a PDF of the dance.

Dances done:

The Glen 32J2
The Sauchie Haugh 32S2
The Oban Reel 32R2
The Dancing Gymnast 32J3 (unpublished Kent Smith dance)
Ariel’s Mama 32S4 (set) (new Sue dance)
Airyhall Delight 32J3
Ferla Mor or The Big Grey Man 32R3

Tuesday, January 31st, 2023, we kept working on Madison dances. We did an exercise in turns in both strathspey and quicktime, emphasizing that there is no backing up from these turns. We also tried a simple dance with Schiehallion reels for fun.

Dances done:

For fun, here is a link to a demo-level performance of Schiehallion.

Tuesday, January 24th, 2023, we continued to work on Madison dances and diagonal reels of four. We also worked on half diagonal reels of 4.

Dances done:

Tuesday, January 17th, 2023, we started working on Madison Ball dances. We also worked on reels of 4, both up and down the set and diagonally.

Dances done:

Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, we spent the evening reviewing NY Ball dances. We had a good time and are looking forward to Saturday’s Ball.

Dances done:

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, we reviewed some of the NY Ball dances not done recently. We discussed corners and walked through double triangles, the knot, and set and link.

Dances done:

Tuesday, December 13, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. This was our final meeting of the year with holiday-themed dances. The plan had to be tweaked a bit due to people testing positive for covid and being caught up in preparing for travel or visitors, so the class was smaller than expected. But we had fun and got through several of the planned dances. We will re-start classes January 3rd.

Dances done:

Tuesday, December 6, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We danced the last 3 dances from the NY Ball program and dances that centered on the figures we’d been working on: ladies’ chain, figures of 8, rights and lefts, and reels of 3 on the sides. We also walked through and danced the strathspey poussette.

Dances done:

Kendall’s Hornpipe 32J2
Dancing in the Streets 32R2
Gentle Lady 40S3 (set)
Major Ian Stewart 32J3
The Highlandman Kissed His Mother 32R3
Amberley 32S3 (set)
Thanksgiving Kindness 32J3 (new Sue dance)
Rakes of Glasgow 32S3
The Reel of the 51st Division 32R3

Tuesday, November 29, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We did dances that included the figures we’d been working on (reels of 3 on the sides, hands across, figures of 8, and allemande) and added in a review of ladies’ chain. We also did 3 dances from the NY Ball program.

Dances done:

Gloria’s Wee Jig 32J2
Shiftin’ Bobbins 32R3
Families Together 32S3 (new Sue dance)
James Gray 32J4 (set)
The Auld Grey Cat 32R3
The Dundee Whaler 32S4 (set)
Beach Dancer 32J3

Tuesday, November 15, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We celebrated a couple of birthdays and did one dance from the NY Ball program. We introduced allemande and reels of 3 on the sides and did dances with those figures. Note: we will NOT be dancing on Tuesday the 22nd; we will return to dancing on the 29th. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Dances done:

Collie Law 32J2
The Ballater Reel 32R2
Barry’s Birthday Bourrel 32S3
Pint O’ Ale Is Fain 32J3 (done with reels of 3 on the sides)
Susan Scott of San Raphael 32R3
The 18th of November 32S3
The Machine Without Horses 32J3

Tuesday, November 8, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We worked more on rights and lefts and figures of eight and introduced the promenade by walking it and emphasizing timing. We also reviewed strathspey traveling and setting steps.

Dances done:

Pint O’ Ale Is Fain 32J3 (done with figures of 8 not reels)
Turkey Trot 32R3
The Hidden Valley 32S2
Promen-all 32J2 (specially written teaching dance)
Squirrel in a Pumpkin 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Selkirk Settlers 40R3 (set)
Cherrybank Gardens 32S3 (set)

Tuesday, November 1, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We continued to work on basic figures (rights and lefts, turning people in 4 bars, and casting) and added in turning people in 2 bars and figures of 8. We danced the last dance from the Fall Dance and two dances from the NY Ball program.

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 25, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We had a new dancer (yeah!) and spent time going over turning partners by the right and left in 4 bars, right and left hands across, leading down and back, casting off, and rights and lefts. We did a few dances incorporating those figures as well as a dance from the Fall dance program.

Dances done:

The Glen 32J2
Nessie’s Reel 32R3
Stormontfield 16S+16R3
Hooper’s Jig 32J3
Golden Glow 32S3 (new Sue dance)

Tuesday, October 18, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We finished dances from the Milwaukee Halloween dance program and did a couple from the Fall dance and the proposed NY Ball program.

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 11, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We had a small group, but managed to do dances from both the Milwaukee Halloween dance and the Fall dance program. We also danced a couple of dances from the proposed NY Ball program.

Dances done:

Cutty Sark 32J3
The Wind on the Heath 32R3
The Orchards of County Armagh 32S3 (set)
Trading Spaces 32J3 (new Sue dance)
Sugar Candie 32S3
The Cranberry Tart 32J3
MacDonald of the Isles 32S3 (set)
Beeswing 32R3
The Reel of the Royal Scots 32R3

Tuesday, October 4, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We concentrated on mastering some of the more ‘interesting’ dances from the Milwaukee Halloween dance and the Fall dance program.

Dances done:

Alan’s Romp 32J3
Slytherin House 32S3
The Whistling Wind 32R3
The Express 40J3
A Creative Soul 32R3 (new Sue dance)
Hooked on Bells 32J4 (set)

Tuesday, September 27th, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We reviewed rights and lefts: making the changes a bit curved and not holding on too long or pulling hands down. We also reviewed the timing in dancing down for 3, up for 3, and casting off 1 place. We danced several dances from the Milwaukee Halloween dance and one from the Fall dance program.

Dances done:

Tuesday, September 20th, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We reviewed handing – graceful bends in arms when turning and not pulling hands down when passing. We danced a few dances from the Milwaukee Halloween program and the Fall Dance program.

Dances done:

Thunderbird 5 32R5 (5-person dance)
Mrs Stewart’s Jig 32J3
Torf’s Watching! 32S3
The Spring Fling Reel 40R3
Alan’s Romp 32J3 (need to re-do this one as we didn’t get through it)
The Long Goodbye 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Madame de Staël 32R4 (square)
Wilma of Oban 32S3
Shiftin’ Bobbins 32R3

Tuesday, September 13th, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We danced a dance in honor of Her Majesty. We also did a few more dances from the Milwaukee Halloween program and the Fall Dance program.

Dances done:

Up the Pond 32J3
Send Her Victorious 32S3 (set)
Aileen’s Reel 32R3
City of Belfast 32S3 (set)
Eileen Watt’s Reel 32R3 (set)
Missing Judee 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Australian Ladies 32R3

Tuesday, September 6th, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. The plan was to start working through dances from the Milwaukee Halloween Dance and our own Fall Dance but because of several people being away for various reasons, we had a small class and pivoted to other dances.

Dances done:

Granville Market 32J3 (Milwaukee dance)
Loch Effect 32J5 (5-person dance – back by request)
Still Crazy After All These Years 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Alan’s Romp 32J3
Folksy Fivesome 32R5 (5-person dance)
Dragonflies 32S5 (5-person dance)
The Ghost and Mary Jo 32J5 (5-person dance)
The Nightingale Floor 32R5 (5-person dance)
Polka Dot Polka 32R5 (5-person dance)

Tuesday, August 30th, 2002, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. This class focused on covering, i.e. timing. We discussed covering for several figures in several dances. We started the class with only 5 dancers so got to try another 5-person dance.

Dances done:

Domino Five 32R5 (5-person dance)
Beach Dancer 32J3
Debbie the Hungarian Lady 32R2
The Earl of Northampton 32S2
Cargill’s Leap 32J3
Chain-Chain-Chain 32R3 (new Sue dance)
The Indian River Strathspey 32S3 (triangle)
Culla Bar 32S4 (square)
Baldyquash 32R3

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. This class focused on ladies’ chain and all but one dance had a ladies’ chain figure.

Dances done:

Tuesday, August 16th, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. This class focused on anticipation and all the dances have areas where dancers need to be ready for the next part of the dance.

Dances done:

Tuesday, August 9th, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. Once again we started with 5 people and once again danced a 5-person dance as more people arrived. This class focused on figures of 8 and nearly every dance had a figure of 8 figure (one couple dancing solo, 2 couples dancing both from next to each other and when separated by a couple acting as posts). We also reviewed the timing and positioning for the quicktime poussette and the rondel.

Dances done:

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We started with only 5 people so we did a 5-person dance and a few more people arrived. We reviewed timing in the knot (both 2-couple and 3-couple) and handing in rights and lefts for 3 couples.

Dances done:

Loch Effect 5J32 (5-person set dance)
Miss Allie Anderson 32J3
Beeswing 32R3
The Morning After 32S2
Cheeky Chipmunk 32J3 (new Sue dance)
A Stroller in Hades 32R3
Moulin Brae 32S3 (set)
Airyhall Delight 32J3
The Blethering Ghillie 32S3
The Peat Road 32R3

Tuesday, July 26th, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. Noel Chávez taught the class and concentrated on advance and retire, back to back, and petronella in tandem.

Dances done:

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. As a farewell to Carrie, we danced a program of dances all written by Chicago-affiliated devisors. We reviewed rights and lefts for 3 couples again, but this time danced *across* the set and we reviewed the bourrel for 3 couples.

Dances done:

Tuesday, July 12, 2002, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We reviewed the knot, double triangles, inveran reels, and rights and lefts for 3 couples and danced dances incorporating those figures.

Dances done:

Tuesday, July 5, 2002, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We danced a couple of dances for the Queen’s Jubilee, a dance for midsummer (a bit late), and a few fun dances. We reviewed the strathspey poussette from all positions, including both sides of the set.

Dances done:

Tuesday, June 28, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We re-tried our top 3 trial dances to pick an favorite prior to sending our results to HQ. We also did a couple of simpler dances with basic figures for our new dancer Marnie (who didn’t need this as she is very quick to catch on).

Dances done:

The Buckie Jig 32J2
The Ballater Reel 32R2
Tinkling Jade 32S3 (new Sue dance)
trial strathspey
trial strathspey
trial reel

Tuesday, June 21, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We tried some of the dances from the Midwest Scottish Weekend and a couple of lovely strathspeys not done at the weekend.

Dances done:

The Lady Wynd 32J3
A Taste of Home 32R3
Virtual Happiness 32S3 (Set)
Rachel’s Bakery 32J3
High Maintenance 32R3 (Set) (new Sue dance)
Memories from Lyon 32S3 (Set) – note on the same page as A Taste of Home
35 Years and Counting 32J3

Tuesday, June 14, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We finished trying the trial dances for Book 53 and plan to revisit the top vote getters to pick our overall favorite on the 30th. We were pleased to have visitors (Atia and Judy) from Cincinnati join us on their way home from the Midwest Scottish Weekend.

Dances done:

Hooper’s Jig 32J3
trial reel
trial strathspey
trial jig
trial reel
trial strathspey

Tuesday, June 7, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We taught the remaining not-taught dance from the MSW and covered a few of the challenging ones we’d not danced recently.

Dances done:

Tuesday, May 31, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. Noel Chávez taught the class and concentrated on handing and timing in turns and crossings. We covered 4- and 2-bar turns in strathspey time and in rights and lefts. We also covered strathspey traveling and setting steps then used our knowledge in set to and turn corners in both strathspey and quicktime. We then worked on corner-partner in both tempos.

Dances done:

Tuesday, May 24, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We mostly worked to try out dances submitted for Book 53 and added a couple of other dances for fun.

Dances done:

Le Papillon 32J3
trial reel
trial strathspey
trial jig
trial strathspey
Golden Splendor 32J3 (new Sue dance)
The Highlandman Kissed His Mother 32R3

Tuesday, May 17, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We did one dance from the MSW Friday dance program and one dance from the MSW Ball. We also started working on trial dances for possible inclusion in Book 53.

Dances done:

Gloria’s Wee Jig 32J2
Clutha 48R4 (square)
The Duchess Tree 32S3
trial jig
Circle of Life 32S3 (new Sue dance)
All For Mary 32R3

Tuesday, May 10, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We reviewed ladies chain and grand chain and did several dances including those figures. We danced dances from the MSW dance programs and the Boston weekend programs as well as a couple of favorites.

Dances done:

Mrs Stewart’s Jig 32J3
Bratach Bana 32R3
The Dundee Whaler 32S4 (set)
The Express 40R3
The White City 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Falls of Rogie 32R3
Blue Bonnets 32J2

Tuesday, May 3, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. Noel Chávez taught the class and provided an intensive review of quicktime traveling step with an emphasis on getting the hops in the correct places and making the carry-through smooth and continuous. She also reviewed grand chain.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 26, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We spent time working on reels of 3 and reels of 4, both right-shoulder and left-shoulder and walked from all positions. We then danced dances incorporating those reels. We also spent time reviewing the strathspey poussette. We danced a couple of dances from the Boston program and one from the MSW Friday dance program.

Dances done:

The Isle 32J3
Currie Mountain 32R3
Dream Angus 32S3
Just a Little Jig 32J3 (new Sue dance)
Da Rain Dancin’ 32R3
The Gentleman 32S3

Tuesday, April 19th, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We spent time on strathspey traveling and setting steps and emphasized adjusting your steps and timing for covering different distances in dances. We also reviewed the rondel. We did some dances from the MSW Ball and the Boston dance weekend.

Dances done:

The Ayr Promenade (var in the last 8 bars to make a 3 couple dance) 32J3
Fair Donald 32S3
The Australian Ladies 32R3
The Flight of the Falcon 32J3
The Three Sisters 32S3
Anderson’s Rant 32R3
Trotter at Play 32J3 (new Sue dance)
Bob Campbell 32S3

Tuesday, April 12th, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We’d billed this as a ‘bring a friend’ night, so had prepared some introductory dances to start with, but we didn’t actually have any new dancers. There were quite a few friends we’d not seen in a bit, so we had a nice crowd and tweaked the program to match. We started with some simpler dances and a ceilidh dance, then did a couple of dances from the MSW Ball, Blue Sky, Yellow Sun in honor of Ukraine, an old friend, and a tartan-themed dance in honor of Tartan Day last week.

Dances done:

Tuesday, April 5th, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. Mady Newfield taught the class and reviewed quicktime skip change and corners pass and turn both the regular figure and the modified figure in Drewry’s dance. We did a couple of dances in honor of Tartan Day and 3 dances from the MSW Ball.

Dances done:

Tartan Plaidie 32S2 also done as 32J2
Happy Tartan 32R3
The Lantern of the North 32J3
The Hazel Tree 32J3
Oompah, Oompah, Shove It Up Your Joompah! 32R2

Tuesday, March 29, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. Noel Chávez taught the class and reviewed all the quicktime steps: traveling, slip step, and pas-de-basque, both stationary and traveling. She also covered the quicktime poussette and reviewed rights and lefts in strathspey time, both with 2 bars per change and 1 bar per change. We had a new dancer who picked up SCD very quickly – welcome, Carrie!

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 22, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We were pleased to welcome a visitor – welcome, Benjamin! We reviewed strathspey setting and hello-goodbye setting in both strathspey time and quicktime. We also reviewed ladies’ chain up and down the set and the tournée. We did a dance to celebrate cherry blossom time, 2 dances from the MSW ball and 1 dance from the MSW Friday dance program.

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 15, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We reviewed the timing for a 3-couple promenade and did some dances in celebration of St Patrick’s Day. We did Regina Freinbichler’s dance in her memory and one dance from the Midwest Scottish Weekend Friday Dance Program.

Dances done:

Tuesday, March 8, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We reviewed the 2- and 3-couple allemande in both strathspey and reel time. We also danced a dance in honor of International Women’s Day and a dance in honor of Wind in the Willows day. We incorporated 2 dances from the upcoming Midwest Scottish Weekend Ball program into the class as well.

Dances done:

Pint o’ Ale Is Fain 32J3
Sandy O’er the Lea 32S2
5 Feisty Women and Michael 32R3 (set – danced 2X)
Major Ian Stewart 32J3
The Byron Strathspey 32S3 (set)
The German Figure 32R3 (new Sue dance)
Toad of Toad Hall 32R3

Tuesday, March 1, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We reviewed pas-de-basque, both in place and traveling and reviewed the set to partner and corner (hello-goodbye) figure. We also reviewed strathspey setting advancing and turning two hands back to place. We included two dances from the Midwest Scottish Weekend Friday Dance Program and one dance from the postponed Madison Ball.

Dances done:

Tuesday, February 22, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We found one kind-of Presidents’ Day/George Washington’s Birthday-themed dance to try. We also tried out Wouter Joubert’s dance and music written to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Anniversary. We covered the quicktime setting step (pas-de-basque) and reviewed the form of the quicktime poussette. We drew on the Madison Ball program (which sadly has been pushed to next year) and the Midwest Scottish Weekend Ball program for a couple of other dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, February 15, 2022. we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We danced a few Valentines Day-themed dances, one dance from the proposed Madison Ball program, and a dance left over from the Burns night celebration a couple of weeks ago. We talked about timing in dances and used a simple-seeming dance to illustrate how hard a ‘simple’ dance can be with complex timing.

Dances done:

Granville Market 32J3
When Hearts Meet 32R3
The Braes of Breadalbane 32S3
Two Hearts Entwined 32R3 (new Sue dance)
Asilomar Romantic 32S3
Linton Ploughman 32J3
The Valentine 32S3
Joie de Vivre 32J3
The Deil Amang the Tailors 32R3

Tuesday, February 8, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. This week we tried 5 strathspeys to select one to send to HQ for consideration for Book 53.

Dances done:

Hello Neighbor 32J3
Shiftin’ Bobbins 32R3
73 Is the Perfect Number 32S3 (Sue dance)
A Hame in the East 32S3 (Mady dance)
23 / 7 32S3 (Sue dance)
Stormontfield 16S+16R (Mady dance)
The 18th of November 32S3 (Sue dance)

Tuesday, February 2, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. Noel Chávez taught the class and reviewed strathspey setting, the half strathspey poussette, and interesting reels.

Dances done:

Tuesday, January 25, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. This week we tried 5 reels to see if the Branch should send any to HQ for Book 53. The rest of the evening we danced Burns-themed dances for Robbie Burns.

Dances done:

Cutty Sark 32J3
The Lea Rig 32S2
Tunes of Glory 48R3 (Sue dance)
The Winding Path 32R3 (Mady dance)
Corinne’s Caper 32H3 (Sue dance)
Hooty Hollow 32R3 (Mady dance)
Super Blue Blood Moon 32R4 (set) (Sue dance)
Burns Night 32J2

Tuesday, January 18, 2022, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We tried 5 jigs to see if the Branch should send one to HQ for consideration for Book 53. The rest of the evening we danced snow-themed dances for Snowman Day.

Dances done:

Snowdrops in the Glen 32R3
Snow Flurries 32S3 (set)
Grandpa Squeezebox 32J3 (Sue dance)
Remembering Ingrid 32J3 (Mady dance)
Carefree Highway 32J3 (Sue dance)
Flying Geese 32J3 (set) (Mady dance)
Four Daughters 32J4 (set) (Sue dance)
Snowdrops 32S3 (set)
Snowball Fight 32R3

Tuesday, January 11, 2022, we returned to dancing at Dance Spot of DuPage. We celebrated the arrival of the New Year with a few ‘new’-themed dances.

Dances done:

Ways in New Hall 32R3
New Year’s Eve or Off We Go 32J3
Time to Dance Again 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Fay’s New Reel 32R3
The Minister on the Loch 32S3 (set)
The Newmain Jig 32J2
Border Lassies 32J3
The New River Reel 32R3

Tuesday, December 14, 2021, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We celebrated our last class of the year with holiday-themed dances and some Christmas/Holiday music.

Dances done:

The Dancing Bells 32J3
The Punch Bowl 32R3
Gifts 32S3 (set)
Mistletoe and Holly 32J3
Merry & Bright 32S3 (new Sue dance)
The Candy Cane Reel 32R3
Victoria Plums 32S4 (set)
New Year Jig 32J3
A Christmas Ceilidh 40R3

Tuesday, December 7, 2021, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. Noel Chávez taught the class and reviewed strathspey setting, turning 1.5 in four bars, and the geography of the quicktime poussette.

Dances done:

Saturday, December 4, 2021, we had our Fall Dance at Batavia Academy of Dance. The program included dances we’d tried in class and some old favorites. All dances were reviewed in class this Fall. The crib is available here Fall Dance_2021.

The program was:

Tuesday, November 30, 2021, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We celebrated St Andrew’s Day with some dances and reviewed one dance from the Fall Dance program. We reviewed timing in grand chain and ladies’ chain.

Dances done:

* from the Fall Dance program

Tuesday, November 23, 2021, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We completed working on the dances for the Fall Dance (coming up December 4th) and worked a little more on timing and anticipation. We also tried the dance Between Yews and Willows to highlight the devastating effects of and warning signs for ovarian cancer.

Dances done:

The Machine Without Horses 32J3
The Royal Deeside Railway 32R3*
Between Yews and Willows 32S3 (set)
Pelorus Jack 32J3*
Barry’s Birthday Bourrel 32S3 (new Sue dance)
Lady Susan Stewart’s Reel 32R3*
Sugar Candie 32S3

* from the Fall Dance program

Tuesday, November 16, 2021, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. Because the class was a small class of reasonably experienced dancers, we modified the plan on-the-fly to incorporate several 3-couple-set dances. We talked a bit about timing and anticipation.

Dances done:

Up the Pond 32J3
The Flower Lady 32S3 (set)*
The Weird Sisters 32R3 (triangle)
Broadway 32S3 (set)
The First Rain of Spring 32J3 (set)
MacDonald of the Isles 32S3 (set)
73 Is the Perfect Number 32S3 (new Sue dance)

* from the Fall Dance program

Tuesday, November 9, 2021, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We worked on various forms of reels: mirror reels where the first couple starts as the middle couple in the reel, crossover mirror reels, Inveran reels, and mirror reels where the first couple starts from middle but go in opposite directions. We continued to work on dances from the Fall dance and revisited Ramadan-ce.

Dances done:

* from the Fall Dance program

Tuesday, November 2, 2021, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We were privileged to have visitors from Cincinnati join us – great to see and dance with Atia and Judy! We reviewed mirror reels of 3 on the sides with an emphasis on the order of passing people in the reels and reviewed timing in poussette right round and the quicktime poussette. We also started working on dances from the upcoming Fall Dance. (See the Special Events page for details.)

Dances done:

* from the Fall Dance program

Tuesday, October 26, 2021, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We celebrated the upcoming Halloween holiday with a program of all Halloween-inspired dances.

Dances done:

Tuesday, October 19, 2021, we danced at Dance Spot of DuPage. We finished going over the dances from the Milwaukee Halloween Dance Program. We reviewed set and rotate and chain progression for 2 couples and revisited a couple of dances from last week which had presented challenges.

Dances done:

Well Done Jack 32J3
Anna’s Wedding Cake 32S3 (set)
Challenge Accepted 32R2*
An Autumn Posy 32S2
The Irish Rover 32R3
Albany 32J3 (new Sue dance as revised)
The Flower Lady 32S3 (set)
Mrs MacLeod 32R3