The Quiet Achiever
(A 16 bar strathspey, 16 bar reel medley for 3 couples in a 4-couple set)
Music Description

Strathspey
1 - 4 1st couple set and cast off one place; 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4.

5 - 8 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance half reels of three on own sides of
the set. 1st and 3rd men pass by the right and 1st and 3rd women
pass by the left to begin.
1st couple pass left shoulders to finish facing first corners.

9 - 12 1st couple dance a half diagonal reel of four with first corners
passing by the right to begin. 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
passing by the right to begin. They finish in second place on
opposite sides.

Reel
1 - 2 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples, taking hands, set in line.

3 - 6 1st woman and 2nd couple and 1st man and 3rd couple dance half
reels of three across the set. 1st woman and 2nd woman and 1st
man and 3rd man pass by the right to begin.

7 - 8 1st couple dance a petronella turn to finish back-to-back facing own
sides.

9 - 16 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance double triangles.

Repeat, having passed a couple.


Music: Isabel Muir’s Strathspey and Andy Muir’s Reel, used in “Mrs Muriel
Skinner Medley” recorded by Glendaruel SDB on ‘Donside Records Presents’.

This dance was devised as a tribute to the effort, enthusiasm and dedication of my husband
Angus to the cause of Scottish Country Dancing in Australia’s Northern Territory.
Almost single handedly during the first six years from 1986, against many difficulties and
starting with only one other experienced dancer and no other RSCDS dancers or contacts, he
founded a class, recruited learners, established an incorporated affiliated group of the RSCDS,
taught myself to Teachers Certificate level and two others to Prelim Pass level, and devised
the management procedures and constitution to lead the group, by the beginning of 1992, to
full RSCDS branch status with three regular weekly classes. Virtually every Scottish
Country Dancer in Darwin has been taught from scratch in his classes.

Puka Henry, March 1994