Joan Baker

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
First Love		Joan Baker 1993		Triple Minor

Jenny Bradley

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Nottingham Lace		Jenny Bradley 2011		Square

Duncan Brown

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Tea Pottery		Duncan Brown ~2020		Square

Renée Camus (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
May Daydream		Renée Camus 2026	Choreograffiti Audrey Jaber, Shira Kammen, and Chip Prince	Circle as many as will

Skillern & Challoner

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Ridicule — A Cotillion ~ Daye		Skillern & Challoner ~1808 Anne Daye ~2017	Colin Hume	Square
The Ridicule — A Cotillion ~ Winston		Skillern & Challoner ~1808 Alan Winston ~2017	Colin Hume	Square

G.M.S. Chivers

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Gloucester - Chivers		G.M.S. Chivers 1821 George Williams 2021		Four Face Four
Sicilian		G.M.S. Chivers 1821 George Williams 2021		Triple Minor

Gary Coull

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Centenary Circle		Gary Coull ~2024		R32

John Drewry

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Mrs. Hamilton of Wishaw - Drewry		John Drewry 1967		Triple Minor

Earl of Dunmore

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Eightsome Reel		Earl of Dunmore ~1870 RSCDS 1925		Square

John Duval

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Lancers-Quadrilles		John Duval 1817 William B. De Garmo 1868		Square
Les Lanciers		John Duval 1817 William B. De Garmo 1868		Square

Andrew Gillies

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Peggy and Arnold's Strathspey		Andrew Gillies ~2000		S3×32 3C permutation: 231

Roy Goldring

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
City of Stirling Reel		Roy Goldring 2005		Triple Minor

Nathaniel Gow

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Lady Lucy Ramsay		Nathaniel Gow ~1805 RSCDS ~1977		Triple Minor

Joseph Binns Hart

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Hart's Tempẽte Dance		Joseph Binns Hart ~1819 George Williams 2024	Colin Hume	Four Face Four
Tempete Dance ~ Chivers		Joseph Binns Hart ~1819 G.M.S. Chivers ~1825		Four Face Four

Alec Hay

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Dean Bridge of Edinburgh		Alec Hay 1967		Triple Minor

Derek Haynes

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Looking for a Partner ~ Haynes		Derek Haynes ~2008		Duple Minor
MacDonald of the Isles		Derek Haynes 1991		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231
The Man Hunt		Derek Haynes ~2008		Duple Minor
Neidpath Castle		Derek Haynes 1963		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231
Paisley Weavers		Derek Haynes 2008		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231

Fried de Metz Herman (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Circle of Tradition ~ Ottawa		Fried de Metz Herman 1992 Ottawa ECD		Circle as many as will
Circle of Tradition		Fried de Metz Herman 1992		Circle as many as will
Clusterphobia		Fried de Metz Herman 1994		Duple Minor
Randolph Farewell		Fried de Metz Herman 1999	Bare Necessities	3 Couple Circle

Scott Higgs (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Watkins Ale		Scott Higgs 1995		4 Couple Longways

Colin Hume (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Beck and Call		Colin Hume 1992	Brett Larsen	6 Couple Longways permutation: 642135
Belstead House		Colin Hume 1992	A Playford Ball Bare Necessities	Custom3
Felicity		Colin Hume ~2002	Bare Necessities	4 Couple Longways permutation: 2413
The Fifth Dimension		Colin Hume 1990	The Rampions	5 Couple Longways permutation: 54132
Going at Sixty		Colin Hume 2007	Colin Hume	Custom
Helena		Colin Hume 1988	Bare Necessities	4 Couple Longways permutation: 3142
The Indian Princess		Colin Hume 1985	Dampier's Round	Circle as many as will
Miss Claire Moir		Colin Hume 2007	Colin Hume	5 Couple Longways permutation: 25134
The New Man		Colin Hume 1987	The Rampions	3 Couple Longways
Non-Stop ~ Circle		Colin Hume 1992	Colin Hume	3 Couple Circle
Non-Stop ~ USA		Colin Hume 1992	Colin Hume	3 Couple Circle
The Twist of Fate		Colin Hume 1980	Kafoozalum	Square

John Young

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Margery Cree		John Young 1721 George Williams 2025	Colin Hume	3 Couple Longways
Pretty Polly ~ RSCDS		John Young 1710 RSCDS 1977		Triple Minor
The Virgin's Frolick ~ Bentley		John Young 1718 Bernard Bentley 1977		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231

Johnson

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Chelmsford Assembly		Johnson ~1752 Bernard Bentley 1968		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231
Le Débauché		Johnson ~1752 Charles Bolton 1989		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231
Lord Anson for ever		Johnson ~1750 Bernard Bentley 1968		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231
One More Dance and Then ...		Johnson 1752 Charles Bolton 1986		3 Couple Longways permutation: 312

Cara King

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Whirlpool		Cara King 2024		5 Couple Circle

Nathaniel Kynaston

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Mrs. Hill's Delight		Nathaniel Kynaston 1710 RSCDS 1977		Triple Minor

Jill Lawrence

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Bishops Hey		Jill Lawrence 1979	Colin Hume	5 Couple Longways permutation: 23451

Frans Ligtmans

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Mrs. Stewart's Jig		Frans Ligtmans 1986		Triple Minor

Johann Nicolaus Liller

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Tempête ~ Liller		Johann Nicolaus Liller 1842 George Williams 2024		Four Face Four

Bob Lilley

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Beginners' Nightmare		Bob Lilley 1987		4 Couple Longways
Whitecross Hall		Bob Lilley 2000		3 Couple Longways permutation: 312

John & William Neal

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Rossmore ~ 3 Couple		John & William Neal 1726 Rich Jackson & George Fogg 1990		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231
Rossmore		John & William Neal 1726 Rich Jackson & George Fogg 1990		Triple Minor

Stella Phillips

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Hedwig's Reel		Stella Phillips 2010		Triple Minor

Henry Playford (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Mock Match - Playford		Henry Playford 1698 Charles Bolton 1988		3 Couple Longways permutation: 312

John Playford (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
À la Mode de France ~ Barraclough		John Playford 1651 Michael Barraclogh ~1995		4 Couple Longways
Nonesuch ~ Barraclough		John Playford 1651 Michael Barraclogh ~1995		4 Couple Longways

Marjorie Heffer & William Porter

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The French Ambassador - Maggot Pie		Marjorie Heffer & William Porter 1932		3 Couple Longways

Robb Quint

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
El Camino Real		Robb Quint ~2016		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231
The Royal Road		Robb Quint ~2016		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231

Gary Roodman (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Birthday Branle		Gary Roodman 2008	Doug Creighton, Erica Morse, Gene Murrow and Peter Barnes	3 Couple Longways permutation: 312
Merry Boyce and Girls		Gary Roodman 1999		4 Couple Longways permutation: 2413
Top of the Deck		Gary Roodman 1992	Kate Barnes, and Mary Lea	4 Couple Longways permutation: 2341
Upon the Morning Breeze		Gary Roodman 1992		4 Couple Longways permutation: 3142
Waiting on the Corner		Gary Roodman 1992		4 Couple Longways Becket permutation: 4123

Melissa Running (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Webmaster		Melissa Running 2018		Triple Minor

Ted Sannella

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Ted's Tempest		Ted Sannella ~1983		Tempest

Pat Shaw (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The American Husband		Pat Shaw 1977	Colin Hume	Triple Minor
As I Roved Out One Morning		Pat Shaw 1974		3 Couple Circle
Bare Necessities		Pat Shaw 1974		3 Couple Circle

Pat Shaw (mod)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Bare Necessities ~ Page		Pat Shaw (mod) 1974		3 Couple Circle

Pat Shaw (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Heidenröslein		Pat Shaw 1967		Square
Her Man		Pat Shaw 1977	Colin Hume	Triple Minor
The Pride of Newcastle		Pat Shaw 1963	Bare Necessities	3 Couple Circle
La Ronde de l'Amour		Pat Shaw 1956		Square

Victor Skowronski (website)

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Would You		Victor Skowronski 2010		3 Couple Longways

Kimberley Smith

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Merifest Central Square		Kimberley Smith 1985	Masquerade	Custom

W. Smyth

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Eightsome Reel		W. Smyth 1830		Square
Reel of Eight		W. Smyth 1830		Square

Thompson

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Goose and Gridiron		Thompson 1768 Tom Cook 1975 Playford Assembly	Dave Bartley, Ruthie Dornfeld and Terry Wergeland	3 Couple Longways permutation: 231
Prince Edward's Jig		Thompson 1757 Charles Bolton 1989		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231

Hugh A Thurston

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Schiehallion		Hugh A Thurston 1971		Square

Ruth Unger

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Wizard's Walk		Ruth Unger 1993		Duple Minor

Marilyn Watson

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
A Diamond for Belfast		Marilyn Watson 2006		3 Couple Longways permutation: 231

George Williams

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Hey is for Humpbacks — Jacqui's version		George Williams 2019 Jacqui Grennan		Four Face Four
Promenheyde		George Williams 2019 Jacqui Grennan		Four Face Four

Thomas Wilson

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
Another Reel of Six ~ Wilson#2		Thomas Wilson 1820 George Williams 2025		3 Couple Longways
The Bath Waltz		Thomas Wilson 1816 Colin Hume 2023	Colin Hume	3 Couple Longways permutation: 312
Lady Mary Douglas		Thomas Wilson 1816 George Williams 2024		Triple Minor
Miss Mary Douglas ~ RSCDS		Thomas Wilson 1816 RSCDS 1935		Triple Minor
A Man's a Man for a' That ~ RSCDS		Thomas Wilson 1816 RSCDS 1981		Triple Minor
Miss Mary Douglas ~ RSCDS		Thomas Wilson 1816 RSCDS 1935		Triple Minor
The Prussian Waltz		Thomas Wilson 1816 Colin Hume 2023	Colin Hume	3 Couple Longways permutation: 312
Todlen Hame ~ RSCDS		Thomas Wilson 1816 RSCDS 1951		Triple Minor
Todlen Hame ~ Williams		Thomas Wilson 1816 George Williams 2024		Triple Minor

Mrs. Douglas Winchester

Dance Title	Type	Deviser (or Editor/Publisher), Date, Interpreter	Music Performers	Formation
The Robertson Rant		Mrs. Douglas Winchester 1949		Square

Number of dances	Number of versions	Number with music
92	92	26

Warning: The figures for each dance is generated programmatically by regular expression matching and may be in error. Also, for old dances, they reflect the figures used by the interpreter which may not match those of the deviser.

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Grand Chain

Also known as: Grand Right and Left, Right and Left 6, 1st. 2d. & 3d. Cu: Right and Left, Chain Figure of six.

An online definition may be found here.

Bars: 8.

A "grand" chain is a chain that involves everybody in the set (A chain here means right and left). It is most often applied to square sets, and minor set with 3 couples in them.

In a square set you face your partner, pull-by with the right hand, face the next person, pull-by with the left hand, and so on until you get back to your original position. At 2 bars per change, this takes 16 bars to return home (8 bars to end diametrically opposed but still with partner for a half chain)

In a three couple set, the top (or bottom) couple face their partners, and everyone else their neighbors then pull-by right with the person you face, and left with the next, and so on until you get home. This is normally allotted 8 bars, but it takes 6 changes. In Scottish Country Dance the first two changes take 1 bar each and the third takes 2, then the 4th and 5th changes take 1 bar each, and the last takes 2.

History

John & William Neal call for a grand chain in their dance Rossmore published in 1726 when they say: 1st. 2d. & 3d. cu: right and left. They make it clear that the right and left applies to all three couples.

In 1752, John Johnson uses Right and Left 6 in Lord Anson for Ever.

The first use of the term "grand chain" I can find is in Cent Contredanses en Rond by d'Aubat de St. Flour, published ~1757: La grande Chaine contient 16. mes. & la grand demi-chaine 8. mes. This is a book of cotillions, so this figure is for a square set.

Thomas Wilson in his Complete System of English Country Dancing, 1815 gives a diagram and description of a three couple grand chain, though he calls it a "chain figure of 6". He reserves the term "grand chain" for quadrilles, see his other book The Quadrille and Cotillion Panoramma, 1822.

See Also

• Right and Left
• Three Couple Rights and Lefts

This website is copyright © 2021-2026 by George W. Williams V
My work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Most of the dances have more restrictive licensing, see my notes on copyright, the individual dance pages should mention when some rights are waived.