THE  USE  OF  HANDS

1. The giving of hands is an essential characteristic of Scottish country dancing.

2. Hands are given primarily  as a help to other dancers, especially on a slippery floor.

3. The shape of formations is emphasized by the correct positioning of hands and arms.

4. The giving of hands adds to the social aspects of the dance.

There is no definitive rule about who gives hands to whom and how

but it is a generally accepted rule;

5. That hands are given at shoulder height with elbows down.

6. That a man gives his hand to a woman with palms upwards.

7.  That where three dancers join hands the dancer in the middle of each line extends hands

     with palms upwards to the dancers on either side.

    The middle dancer can then assist the dancers on either side to maintain the line in

     advance & retire.

8. That setting to & turning corners in reel & jig time, two hands are always

     used with pas de basque steps.

    In strathspey time , two hands are used for turning corners after having set to them

    In formations; turn corners turn partners, in grand chain, in rights & lefts the ‘shake-hand hold’

    is used

 9. That the term ‘lead’ now  indicates that the right hands are joined for leading down the middle

    or for crossing or placing of the man’s partner.

10. That the term ‘dance’  indicates that nearer hands are joined.

 (These notes are taken from the RSCDS Manual of Scottish Country Dancing /Revised edition 2005)