Historical items of interest

The Scottish Dance of Tarcento, Italy

International Discussion on Scottish Dancing 1979

Miscellaneous items

The Scottish Dance of Tarcento, Italy

1. This dance is preserved only in Tarcento, Italy where the tradition is that it was brought back from Scotland by craftsmen from Italy who worked in Scotland (probably in the 18th century). The following information is available in the Library:

1. Manuscript music for the dance. To obtain this online click link above.

2. Various letters in Italian from the director of the Tarcento dance group, detailing the history, costume, steps etc. of the dance.

3. A typewritten description of the dance constructed by Robert Donald as a result of a visit to Tarcento where the dance was demonstrated by the Tarcento group. To obtain this online click link above.

International Discussion on Scottish Dancing 1979

This was arranged and funded by Scottish Dance Archives and held in the George Hotel, Edinburgh in June 1979. This was attended by invited representatives of the Scottish Dance Community from the main centres in the world.

It contains general material ranging from those taking part, the briefing material sent out before the meeting, some of the invited speakers' talks as given etc.

Geneva Park Book by Bob Campbell - Dance Books presented to Hugh Foss
File of manuscript Highland Dances compiled by Mary Donald - instructions
Notes for his Teacher's Class by Dick Goss - instructions
Computerized information from Dick Goss
Highland Fling + Sketch by Francis Peacoock from sketches relative to the history and theory but more especially to the practice of dancing 1805 (A Dancing Master in Aberdeen)
File of Dances related to place names and map by George Swirles - Index
Roll Back the Carpet (contained in separate issues of "The Reel" by Hugh Foss - historical
Reconstructed Old Dances (typed copy of dances contained in a MS at the Bodleian Library entitled: Collection of the newest country dances performed in Scotland: written at Edinburgh by Da. Young. WM. by Hugh Foss - instructions
The Moon Dance by Hugh Foss - Notebook with Hugh's working out for this. There are several versions; one was later published in "The Rose Collection".
Waverley Fugues by Hugh Foss - Hugh's copy
Handwritten note for inexperienced pianists by Hugh Foss. Contained in a set of miscellaneous papers by Hugh Foss.
Notebook with Hugh Foss' jottings while devising dances. Contained in a set of miscellaneous papers by Hugh Foss.
Typewritten information on the history of Scottish Dancing by Hugh Foss. Contained in a set of miscellaneous papers by Hugh Foss.
The Reel (London) 1954-1971 Hugh Foss's set.
The Scottish Dancer (Montreal) Hugh Foss's set.
New Zealand Scottish Country Dancer (1955-1971, 1983) Hugh Foss's set.
The Thistle (1961 - 1973) Hugh Foss's set.
The Crier Hugh Foss's set.
12 New Scottish Dances by Hugh Thurston - Dance Books presented to Hugh Foss.
16 Scottish Country Dances 1945-1967 by Hugh Thurston - Dance Books presented to Hugh Foss.
Katherine's Book by Iain Boyd - Dance Books presented to Hugh Foss.
Grampian Collection by Jack McConachie - Dance Books presented to Hugh Foss.
Scottish Country Dances of the 18th Century by Jack McConachie - Dance Books presented to Hugh Foss.
Rondel Book by John Drewry - Dance Books presented to Hugh Foss.
Bon Accord Book by John Drewry - Dance Books presented to Hugh Foss.
Peerie Collection by John Duigenan - Dance Books presented to Hugh Foss.
File of various Indices by Keith Napier, Richard Goss, TAC Wyche Index.
Information on unpublished dances by M E Thomas.
Concise and Easy Method of Learning the Figuring - Part of Country Dances by Way of Characters; to which is Prefaced the Figure of the Minuet. (photocopy) Nicholas Dukes (1752)
Ron Gonnella Fiddle Music - Dance Books presented to Hugh Foss.
Scottish Dance Archives Complete set of all publications, 190 dances, 6 sheets of highland dance steps and highland dances, 7 set dances plus discussion sheets etc.
Poem about Hugh Foss' Dance Class - The Crier, December 1968.
TAC Talk (Canada) 1976 - 1984 various historical
TAC Notes 1979 by Teachers' Association of Canada (TAC)
St Nicholas Book (proposed contents) - instructions
Boston Index - Hugh's copy, updated in his own hand.
Exercises in Dance Technique - instructions
Hebridean Weaving Lilt - Mouth Music
Floor'er (The) - Music
Technique Sheets for Teachers No.1 - instructions
Wee Cooper of Fife (The) - Music
4 printed leaflets of dances collected in the Borders - Contained in a set of miscellaneous papers by Hugh Foss.
Grapevine versions of 90 dances assembled by Hugh Foss, with annotations and information - Contained in a set of miscellaneous papers by Hugh Foss.