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Dance The Menzies' Rant 4309

Also known as “Reel Duine na Marachan” (translation).

Reel · 32 bars · 2 couples (1x) · Longwise - 4

Devised by
Castle Menzies (18C) (1749)
Intensity
44 88 84 88 = 81% (1 turn), 56% (whole dance)
Formations
Steps
  • Pas-de-Basque, Skip-Change, Slip-Step
Published in
Recommended Music
Extra Info
The Gaelic version of the title is no longer officially used by the RSCDS.

The dance description in older editions …

The Gaelic version of the title is no longer officially used by the RSCDS.

The dance description in older editions of Book 7 has several errors, one is making a BH turn 1 1/2 on [21–24] instead of once only. Use a new edition or the Pocket Books. Eric.

The Menzies Rant

(or “Reel Duine na Marachan”)

The early Menzies were real estate tycoons. Sir Alexander Menzies, an early supporter of Robert Bruce, held charters to the lands of Weem and Aberfeldy in Perthshire from the Celtic Strabogie Earl of Atholl. Bruce rewarded the Menzies with the baronies of Glendochart in Perthshire and Durisdeer in Dumfries-shire, where they also had the barony of Enoch. By the time that Bruce died in 1329, Sir Robert Menzies held lands in Perthshire that stretched from Aberfeldy to Rannoch and almost to the very banks of Loch Lomond.

Originally, the actual body of the Clan Menzies – Am Meinnearach – were Gaelic-speaking Celts, the indigenous population of the Highland baronies bestowed upon the Menzies chiefs naturally staying on the land. The family name of the chiefs was Norman, Mesnieres, which was anglicised to Manners. The family moved north from England into Lowland Scotland and in 1249 when Alexander III succeeded to the throne the seven-year old boy king’s Great Chamberlain was Sir Robert de Meygners, the pronounciation of which was an early step to the modern Menzies.

The stronghold of the Menzies chiefs was the old Place of Weem which was changed by charter from James IV in 1510 to Castle Menzies. The castle with its “Z” shape was not begun until 1571.

So numerous were the members of the Clan Menzies that they were to be found on both sides of the political and military actions of the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of them were Jacobites, especially Menzies of Culdares, Pitfodels and Shian, and they were either out in the Risings of 1715 and 1745 or they gave support to the cause.

The Menzies' Rant 2/4L · R32

On 2nd chord, 1c change sides (to 1x,2). In top or bottom place couples change sides on [31–32] of the next turn. This dance can be done round the room.

1–
1M+2W 1½ RH turn to change places on the side ; 1W+2M turn 1¾ LH to face each other across, and 1M steps in to face 2W for
9–
1c+2c Reel4 across (to line across)
17–
1M+2W set and turn RH ¾ while{4} 1W+2M set and turn LH ¾ (to 2,1x) ; 1c turn BH (2,1x)
25–
2c+1c ½ circle4 L [{4}, slow!] ; 2c+1c ½ R&L (2,1x)
The Menzies' Rant 2/4L · R32

1s start on opp sides

1-8
1M turns 2L RH 1.1/2 times on side, 1L turns2M LH 1.3/4 times on side (1s end BtoB in centre facing 2s)
9-16
2s+1s dance reel of 4 across
17-24
1M+2L set & 3/4 turn RH while 1L+2M set & 3/4 turn LH (1s end in 2nd place opposite sides), 1s turn 2H
25-32
2s+1s circle 4H round to left 1/2 way then 1/2 R&L

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Added on: 2018-02-14 (Tim Hoffmann)
Quality: Demonstration quality

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Danced twice in a 2 couple set. Since …

Added on: 2020-04-04 (Murrough Landon)
Quality: Good

NameDateOwnerLast changed
Darmstadt_2016_11_07 2016-11-07 OnYourToes Darmstadt Nov. 1, 2016, 8:47 p.m.
RSCDS Book 7 Ward Fleri April 19, 2021, 12:41 a.m.
Chiswick - 27 January 2019 2019-01-27 James Wilson Jan. 28, 2019, 1:25 p.m.
Chiswick- 27th jan 19 2019-01-27 Evelyn Wilson Jan. 26, 2019, 12:44 p.m.
Chiswick - 27 January 2019 (orig) 2019-01-27 James Wilson Jan. 28, 2019, 1:36 p.m.
November Course 2016 KKN - Dances taught by Antoine 2016-11-17 Martina Mueller-Franz Nov. 21, 2016, 3:56 p.m.
2016-11-16 Kukucksnest November course list of dances 2016-11-20 antoine rousseau Nov. 20, 2016, 12:48 p.m.
Chiswick - 3 February 2019 Burns Night Dance 2019-02-03 James Wilson Jan. 12, 2019, 12:21 p.m.
190203 Chiswick Burns Night 2019 2019-02-03 Evelyn Wilson Dec. 17, 2018, 1:30 p.m.

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