The Aurora Second Book of Scottish Country Dances was published in February 2009. All twelve dances were devised by Aurora members, and many were submitted as entries in our dance-writing competition held in May 2008. The full list includes:-
O’er the Hills – a 96 bar jig for 4 couples in a square set, and the winning entry in our competition, composed by Miriam Weibye.
There’s Nae Enough Bodies – a 32 bar reel for 2 couples in a 4 couple longwise set, and a very useful addition to the repertoire of two-couple dances for those occasion when there’s “nae enough bodies”.
The Bermuda Triangle – a 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a triangular set. Some people say it’s destined to disappear without trace. Why not try it out for yourself and reach your own conclusions?
Aroon Aboot Midnight – a 64S/64R medley for 4 couples in a square set devised by Erika Nilsson, after observing the behaviour of Aberdonian party-goers late at night. The dance includes an innovative figure which we have named Viking Reels.
François’ Frolic – a 32 bar reel for 4 couples in a longwise set dedicated to François Fournier, who can’t resist joining in the dancing even when it’s his turn to stand out!
The First Try – a 32 bar Strathspey for 3 couples in a longwise set. This was Jennifer Kleine-Albers’ first attempt at writing a dance, and we’re looking forward to more!
Poohsticks – a 48 bar jig for 4 couples in a longwise set, devised by Gillian Mackintosh. Gillian usually hosts the Aurora after-ball party, when we traditionally go to a local bridge and play poohsticks!
The Blue Lights of Pizza Express – a 32 bar Strathspey for 4 couples in a square set. When friends asked asked for directions to a restaurant during the Inter-Varsity Folk Dance Festival, Kirsten Ferguson directed them to the “blue lights of Pizza Express” and decided it would make a great dance title.
Well Mixed – an 88 bar reel for 4 couples in a square set, another composition by Ewen Rennie, whose dance “The Pudding Mixer” published in our 10th Anniversary Book, has proved very popular.
Wavre Adieu à La Saltarelle – a 48 bar jig for 4 couples in a longwise set. Anna Smail and Gillian Mackintosh devised this dance to celebrate the visit of La Saltarelle de Wavre to Aberdeen in 2006.
United in Harmony – a 32 bar Strathspey for 4 couples in a longwise set, devised to celebrate the wedding of two Aurora members who are both talented singers.
Top Gear Reel – a 48 bar reel for 4 couples in a longwise set. Toby Stanway, who devised the dance, is a keen devotee of the “Top Gear” TV programme and chose the movements to represent the track used for testing cars.
Copies of the Aurora Second Book of Scottish Country Dances are now available for purchase at only £4. Please return to the “shop” page to order a copy.