Here we list and describe the basic movements and some of the more common formations.  In due course, we hope to illustrate these with animated graphics.

Turning: the most elementary manoeuvre but there are many variations, eg, left-hand, right-hand, both hands or elbow turns (holding each others right elbow in the right hand and holding left hands, used for rapid "birling".  Turning generally means a full turn back to where you started.

Crossing:  many dances start with the first couple crossing (and giving right hands as they do) to the opposite side of the set.  Usually they will then continue out and cast down (see below). 

Changing places: means doing a half turn when you and your partner change places, usually giving right hands as you do.

Casting: This means moving down or up one place (eg from first position in a longways set to second position).  

Reeling: in addition to being a dance rhythm, to reel means to dance a figure of eight pattern with two or three other dancers.  Reels can be done on the sides of, or across the set or even diagonally.

Corners: An expression often mentioned in Scottish Country dancing is 'corners' and the dancing couple are expected to 'face their first corner', or 'turn their second corner' etc.  To make life a little easier the diagram (No 2) shows who these corners are in relation to first couple.  For example, turn corner, partner, corner, partner would imply that first couple are facing their respective first corners, whom they turn by the right hand once round, then they turn their partner by the left hand until they are facing their respective second corners, whom they turn once round by the right hand, and finally they turn their partner by the left hand again.

Set and turn corners: first with first then second corner.  The turn can involve right hands or both hands.

Circling: in reel and jig time, all face the centre and start by moving to the left (usually) using slip steps;  in strathspey time, circling uses the travelling step which needs a bit of practice for the beginner.

Right hands across: three or four dancers join hands in the centre to make a wheel and dance once round. 

Grand Chain: couples face each other in a circle (eg as in a square set) and the men set off anti-clockwise, the women clockwise giving alternate hands as they pass each person (right hand to partner to start)