Scottish Dancing

Written material on Scottish dancing dates back to the 1700s. Over time, particular styles have evolved and many geographical areas of Scotland have their own unique dance variations. It is commonly accepted that the Reel is the only truly indigenous dance to Scotland. This was a dance for three or more people where steps were danced on the spot alternating with everyone doing usually the same travelling step around in a circle or in a figure of eight. Partly due to their location, The Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland all danced their own reels late into the 1800s before the introduction of more modern dances. Shetland has particularly invested in keeping their traditional Reels alive and many are danced today. Start tapping your toe to the sound of the pipes or fiddle and you are on the way to Scottish dancing.

For ease of description, Scottish traditional dance can broadly be described as four different styles, with certain techniques, moves, footwork, patterns common to all. Dances of the same name, for example Reel of Tulloch, can be performed in a different style, changing the feel and the look of the dance. Whether it’s ceilidh dancing, highland dancing, scottish-country dancing or step-dance Scottish music on the pipes, fiddle, accordion and Gaelic song joins and celebrates it all.