Scottish Country Dancing

Overview

Scottish Country Dancing is truly the ballroom dancing of Scotland with its elegance and carefully detailed steps. Neither the spectacular Highland dancing of warriors nor the boisterous folk dance of peasants, it was enjoyed by Scots of all classes and ages. This form of folk dancing cut across social levels in Scotland, being danced from the King's court to the village green.

It has a long history over the centuries the bouncing steps and winding figures of the Highlands were combined with the circle, square and line formations of the Lowlands and other parts of Britain and Ireland. English figures and French refinement were added to produce what we know as Scottish Country Dancing. Dances were handed down from generation to generation, evolving through the years. Musicians were originally pipers, but when the bagpipes were banned in the 18th century they were replaced by fiddles. The dance was carried to the New World by Scottish settlers where it greatly influenced American square dancing.

It appeals to everyone who takes pleasure in lively, graceful movement to rousing Scottish music. Some elements reflect the nature of its origin. It is a group endeavor requiring three or four couples. It involves strong interaction within the group, and each couple in turn assumes a leading role. It is a dance for men and women, dancing together.

Most Country dances are dances of progression, usually in a longwise set of round the room formation, allowing each couple to progress up and down the dance floor until all have had the position of leading couple. There are only five steps in the traditional dances: the skip change of step (for traveling), the side step (traveling in a sideways direction), and the pas du basque (for setting) are used in reels and jigs. The other two steps appear only in Strathspey.

Country dancing is a jolly, lively, social type of dancing. Scotland's rich musical heritage provides an opportunity for self-expression in a communal setting the stately Strathspey or the sprightly reel and jig, each shows a different face of Scottish character.

Strathspey & Highland Reel

A group dance originated, according to legend, in the narrow confines of the aisles inside a country church. Parishioners, awaiting the arrival of a tardy clergyman, amused themselves and also kept warm.

Country Dancers will be "showing their stuff" throughout the day and at the Ceilidh.

There are many Florida Country Dance associations that hold regular meetings for training, practice and socialization. See some of those groups here.