Rush Hour Reel

48-bar reel for 3 couples in a 3-couple longwise set

BarsFigures
1-41M, followed by 2M and 3M, chase clockwise halfway around the set while 1W, followed by 2W and 3W, chase counterclockwise halfway around the set. All pass the oncoming dancers by the right shoulder (women to the inside, men to the outside) as they cross the top of the set.
5-8All set twice, taking hands on the sidelines.
9-12Repeat bars 1-4, continuing to chase in the same direction. All pass the oncoming dancers by the right shoulder (women to the inside, men to the outside) as they cross the bottom of the set.
13-16All dance back-to-back with partner.
17-32All dance mirror reels of 3 on opposite sides and own sides, i.e. crossover reels, with all couples crossing over to the other side of the set after dancing through 1st place (as in “Last of the Lairds,” RSCDS Book 22).
33-401C lead down for 3 bars, turn RH for 2 bars, and lead up for 3 bars.
41-48All dance a 3-couple poussette.

Suggested Music: “The Rush Hour Reel” by Sherry Wohlers Ladig (published with the dance in New Friends) or “The Bus Stop Reel” by Anita Anderson.

Devised by Eric Dam in 1998 as he drove home after work. There is the initial stop and go traffic, the merging on to the freeway, the chaos of lane switching, and finally a stretch of empty space to accelerate in, followed by the realization that you forgot to stop at the store, and then the fun of trying to park at the mall. Published by the RSCDS Twin Cities Branch in New Friends.