Austin Silver

32 bar strathspey for 5 couples in a longwise set

by Tim Harrison (2000)


Bars     Directions
1-8   1st and 3rd couples turn partner with right hand, cast off one place, turn partner with both hands 3/4 times, advance setting to partner (women face down, men face up) to finish back-to-back with partner in the center of the set. 2nd and 4th couples step up on bars 3 & 4.
9-16   1st man with 2nd couple, 1st woman and 3rd man with 4th couple, 3rd woman with 5th couple, circle hands round to the left and back. 1st and 3rd couples finish in the center of the set, face opposite side of set.
17-24   1st and 3rd couples dance reel of four.
25-32   1st and 3rd couples turn partner with both hands 3/4 times, cast off one place (4th and 5th couples step up), turn partner with left hand. All five couples set on bars 31 & 32.

Recommended tune: Half a Ton by Muriel Johnstone

Alternate tune: The Braes of Breadalbane (esp. by Cairngorms. Half a Ton is the 2nd tune)


Note: This dance was written to celebrate the 25th Annual St. Andrews Ball of the Austin Scottish Country Dance Society.