A Midsummer Strathspey / A Midsummer Reel

Two distinct dances with the same instructions.

32 bar strathspey / reel for 3 couples in a 3 couple longwise set

by Tim Harrison (2003)


Bars     Directions
1-4   1st couple turn partner with right hand, cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 & 4.
5-6   1st woman dance right hands across halfway with 2nd couple. 1st man dance right hands across halfway with 3rd couple. At end, 2nd and 3rd couples have crossed to opposite sides, 1st woman is above 2nd couple and 1st man is below 3rd couple.
7-8   1st woman dance down between 2nd couple. 1st man dance up between 3rd couple. 1st couple turn partner with right hand to face out opposite side of the set in 2nd place.
9-16   2nd , 1st , and 3rd couples dance reels of three on the side of the set. 1st woman give right shoulder to 2nd woman in 1st man position. 1st man give right shoulder to 3rd man in 3rd woman position. 1st couple finish in the middle of the set in 2nd position. Face out opposite side of the dance.
17-24 2nd , 1st , and 3rd couples dance reels of three across the set. 1st woman give right shoulder to 2nd woman in 1st man position. 1st man give right shoulder to 3rd man in 3rd woman position. On bars 23-24, 1st couple dance into the center of the set and turn halfway with left hand.
25-26 1st woman dance right hands across halfway with 3rd couple. 1st man dance right hands across halfway with 2nd couple.
27-28 1st woman dance up between 3rd couple. 1st man dance down between 2nd couple. 1st couple turn partner with right hand to face out own side of the set in 2nd position.
29-32 1st couple cast off one place, turn partner with right hand once round. 3rd couple step up on bars 29 & 30. Couple order is 231.

Repeat 2 more times.


Recommended tune: Any good strathspey or reel.


Note: The feel of this dance is considerably different when danced as a strathspey versus a reel.