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Scottish Country
Dance
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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. |
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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 replaces by fiddles. |
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The dance was carried to the
New World by Scottish settlers where it greatly
influenced American square dancing. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Country dancing
is jolly, lively, social type of dancing.
Scotland’s rich musical heritage provides and
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. |
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