Joppa Rocks - RSCDS Edinburgh Centenary Collection

“Joppa Rocks” is a 32 bar Reel for two couples in a four-couple longwise set from a collection of Scottish country dances to celebrate the Centenary of the Edinburgh Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in 2024. The deviser, Alex Gray, has been involved with the Edinburgh Branch and the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society for many decades. A Past Chairman of the RSCDS, Alex was also deeply involved with the South Wales Branch during his time living in Cardiff. Alex was born in Joppa, and often played on the rocks as a child. The original tune, Joppa Rocks, was composed by Alex’s son, James Gray. The music was recorded by Tim Macdonald (fiddle) and Peter Shand (piano) and is from the RSCDS Edinburgh Centenary recording. Special thanks to everyone who has assisted with this project. The dances have all been filmed in the magnificent Merchants Hall showcasing the elegant neo-classical architecture of Edinburgh’s New Town. The late Queen Elizabeth II was patron of both The Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh and the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and her portrait is seen in each video. Filmed and edited by Channel 7A. © RSCDS Edinburgh