Broken River Reel

 

Devised by John van der Touw, published in the Dookie Bookie

 

32 bar reel for three couples in a four couple set

This dance is named after the Broken River, which flows just south of Dookie. The Dookie Agricultural College, established in 1886, was the venue for the 30th Australian Winter School hosted by the Melbourne and District Branch Inc.

1 - 4 1st couple cross giving right hand and cast off one place. 2nd couple step up on bars 3 and 4.

5 - 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples turn by the right hand. 1st couple finish facing out in second place.

9 - 12 Starting from the sidelines, 1st couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with first corners. 1st couple pass right shoulder in the middle to face second corners.

13 - 16 1st couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with second corners. All are now on opposite sides in order 3, 1, 2.

17 - 20 All three couples set and link for three on the sides.

21 - 24 All three couples set and link for three across the dance.

25 - 28 All three couples dance six hands round to the left (six slip steps), using bar 28 to cross right foot over left to pivot.

29 - 32 All three couples dance six hands round to the right (eight slip steps) to own sides.

Notes: At the end of the half diagonal reels, which finish on the sidelines with top couple in second place on the opposite sides, the top couple should take care not to arrive there too early.
In the six hand round, there are fewer slip steps to the left than for the return. Avoid overshooting on the return by taking slightly larger steps going out than coming back, and by not rushing the pivot turn.

Recommended music

Bobby Brown medley: Heather Hill, Susan C. MacLean, Jackie Coleman & Spootiskerry

(“Scottish Country Dancing” CD: Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent)

Get fit, have fun

The Waverley Scottish Society