Traditional Ceilidh Dancing at a Scottish Wedding

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A traditional Scottish wedding, held at Blair Castle in Blair Atholl in the midlands of Scotland. Not only do most of the men wear kilts, they participate in traditional Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) dances. A Gaelic word for a casual party with music, dancing and entertainment, Ceilidh is the term commonly used to refer to Scottish country dancing. Many of the intricate steps, including the do-si-do and swing-your-partner moves are reminiscent of those performed in American square dancing.

[@LightningHunterWolf]

I admit I love being Scottish and this is one reason why. We all learn these dances from a young age all the way through school years and Im grateful for that as that means when it comes to a ceilidh we all know what to do xd

[@andrewrodgers176]

apparently not

[@MHScrat]

YES :D Ceilidhs are the best! and scottish dances were the highlights of PE lessons xD

[@Petcrazy-dm7yg]

MH Scratch I know I hated them in primary but when I got older I loved it

[@mathonamoore123]

We have ceilidhs in Ireland but we generally don't dance them at weddings. Plus, we don't learn them at school and as far as I know, we don't even have a formal ceilidh dance but I may be wrong. In my experience, we call a ceilidh such when there is traditional Irish music and people just listen to the music. Maybe, our ancestors did have a traditional ceilidh dance but it seems to have died out now. We do have Irish dancing though.

[@flamingofairylights]

Reminiscent? We were doing this for hundreds of years BEFORE American square dancing.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

I'm glad you edited your comment, flamingofairy, because I delete anyone who uses the kind of vulgarity you initially used. As I have said before, I am well aware that square dancing came to America from Scotland. My use of the term reminiscent (e.g: to reminisce), in this case meant your Scottish dances reminded me of the square dances I learned as a child.

[@KrisHughes]

+Barbara Weibel Square Dancing did not come from any one culture to the US, it is an amalgamation of different European dance traditions.

[@jrtomlin1805]

A years old comment, but I feel like pointing out that Ceilidh dancing is social in a way that square dancing simply is not. :)

[@jockellis]

Kris Hughes I always thought "square dancing came from the Appalachian region which was settled by Scots who were kicked off the lairds' estates when other forms of farming proved more profitable.

[@jennifermartin9185]

We Appalachian people are the descendent of the Scots who came here so many years ago. That's why much of our culture, music and even the way we speak and words and phrases we use are still similar. Scottish, Irish and a bit of German. That is what makes up most of the Appalachian people. To be honest, we have held on to many of our ancestors customs and traditions and added a few of our own. We still haven't forgotten where we came from or who we are.

[@glasgowbrian1469]

The dances are: Dashing White Sergeant Virginia Reel (long set) Orcadian (Orkney) Strip the Willow Dashing White Sergeant Note: The Strip the Willow in Scotland is now danced in 6/8 jig time, in short sets. It used to be danced in 9/8 time, as it still is in England, as Drops of Brandy. The traditional tune is Drops of Brandy inn 9/8. The Orkney version is just one long set, with no coming back. "Stay there!", as Danny Bhoy said in his comedy sketch. And the strip the willow move, going up the set, is also found in other English ceilidh dances.

[@glasgowbrian1469]

Funny how my informative comment only gets 3 likes, but argumentative comments get over a 100. I think people just prefer arguments they can engage with. Anyway, thanks to those who liked. Always trying to help people who are interested in country or barn dancing. Have a go, wherever you are.

[@meredithhinds3668]

@@glasgowbrian1469 we used to do these dances in primary school in Sydney ( Australia) in the 1960s.

[@Catitalaratoncita]

My father was at a wedding in a Scottish castle and people were hired to dance for them a traditional Scottish dance and he said it was mind blowing, he was completely flabbergasted.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Most of these folks said they learned the dances in primary and secondary school and I’m guessing they hadn’t done them very often during the ensuing years. But they had fun and that’s all that matters.

[@louisehogg8472]

@@BarbaraWeibel you get them for the last few weeks before Christmas each year, instead of physical education (what a relief! - I hated P.E.). So you know what to do at the annual (Christmas) school party/ceilidh/dance/ball, depending on age group. I loved it at school, and went to my local Scottish Country Dance class later as an adult. Country Dancing includes all the ceilidh dances that are done in Sets rather than Couples, but usually more sedately. (Though that depends on context! Lol.) The Couples dances, also known as 'round the room', are basically the Gay Gordons, Military Two Step, Canadian Barn Dance, St Bernard's Waltz. With Pride of Erin Waltz and Highland Scottische, if you're good at it. Whereas the set dances are mainly The Dashing White Sergeant, Virginia Reel, Strip The Willow, Eightsome Reel, Mississippi Dip, and The Duke of Perth. Depending how good at dancing you are. There are hundreds more Set dances in Country Dancing. Including a slower, more elegant type, called Strathspeys. Country dancing can be just as much social fun.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

@@louisehogg8472 Hello Louise! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a detailed reply. I, too, learned what was called “square dancing” in our PE classes back in the 1960’s, though looking back, I can’t imagine why it was included in the PE curriculum. I’m quite sure those dances came from Scottish beginnings. I just loved how the Scots have embraced this history and kept it as part of their modern day culture as well.

[@monkeyton5]

English with scottish blood, went to Scotland for my uncles wedding and danced my heart out everyone said I was a natural. Good memories and great times.

[@sylviasmith2510]

J O-T I bet you got shoved around s lot. We have a way of directing the uninitiated 😂

[@31579946]

I don't know why I watch this and I smile :D I come from Hong Kong I love Scottish people! Sorry for the grammar! one day I will go there and dance with this music!

[@BarbaraWeibel]

And I’m sure you’ll be warmly welcomed. They kept trying to get me to participate between filming, but I have two left feet!

[@HirasolDCV]

that's lovely! i also dream of visiting scotland and learn of the traditional dances, food and music! much love from asia!!

[@louisehogg8472]

There are Scottish Country Dance groups in Hong Kong. Their formal demonstrations might look more sedate, but I bet their ceilidhs are as wild (just more practiced).

[@smidgens1]

Reminiscent of American square dancing.. Scotland's been around for hundreds of years before America even existed

[@littledikkins2]

American Square Dancing came from this type of dance. About the only thing I can see that is different is the music they dance to--and I prefer this music frankly.

[@clairegebbett8836]

exactly what I thought! but it's a great video other than that!

[@happysue21]

hahaha!!! that's what I was thinking!!!

[@mariewhite1215]

"reminiscent" means reminding one of something, so for people who know what square dancing is and not ceilidh dancing it will give them an idea

[@happysue21]

Elsie Kuiken yes that's true.. Sorry I read it wrong. The Scottish people will be proud to see that square dancing has originated from them!! (with other dances included! :-D)

[@benbellelogan]

I think square dancing is a descendant of Ceilidh dancing.

[@christianschwender675]

what about the Irish ?

[@mrjono999]

it irked me that someone wrote that too!

[@itshunni8346]

@@mrjono999 someone doesn't know what reminiscent means.

[@gypsyspirit5749]

I would agree the Scottish dance is probably older

[@laurietijerina3816]

I agree,the Scottish came to America and brought the square dance . It's obvious that the dance came from Scotland. Much appreciated!

[@TheTourmaline57]

when we were burnt out our homes and exiled to America and Canada and elsewhere we brought our unwritten treasures with us,Our storytelling,dancing,humour and work ethic.Of course it makes sense american square dance is identical.Love this thank you.

[@stayfocused6moremonths111]

i fell in love with the kingdom dance scene from tangled and this is where ive reached

[@oliviamair2059]

i learnt them dances at school! we did it every year and celebrated our culture and scottish dancing.

[@emmiebeth5451]

Scottish army!!

[@oliviamair2059]

@@emmiebeth5451 omgg hiiii 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@emmiebeth5451]

Hello 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💜

[@oliviamair2059]

@@emmiebeth5451 it's really nice meeting Scottish armys 🥺🥺

[@emmiebeth5451]

There's not many of us haha i have spoke to a few on twitter though 😊

[@rachelcookie321]

I remember learning how to do this at school as a little kid. Sadly I don’t remember the actual dances since I was so young at the time and then left Scotland. I just remember we had to partner up with a boy and line up in a two lines facing each other with the girls on one side. The actual moves we learnt have totally escaped my memory. Luckily it is pretty easy to learn the moves as they are simple.

[@louisehogg8472]

RSCDS has online tutorials I think.

[@crabsgetsmart]

i danced to this dance in scotland, all i have now are the memories

[@Browncoat1138]

Just started a Scottish dance class, and it's not quite as wild as this, but still a ton of fun. More people should go out for these sorts of things. I've done English and American country dancing, but Scottish is a different animal.

[@JRTomlinAuthor]

No American Square Dancing is reminiscent of Scottish dancing not the other way around but ceilidhs are a lot more fun.

[@jrtomlin1805]

***** Since Scottish dancing is hundreds of years older than US square dancing, not really. No insult to people who enjoy square dancing but it is very much a newcomer to dancing. Ceilidhs are great fun and I'm not aware of any such tradition associated with square dancing, sadly.

[@christianschwender675]

Irish ceilidhs are the best, by far !

[@brucecollins4729]

@@christianschwender675 ceilidhs are indiginous to scotland as are fiddle reels and strathpeys. not until the late 1800s did they reach ireland when some irish workers in london got an invite to a st andrews night . irish fiddlers would come over to scotland and learn these reel tunes and took hundreds back to ireland. many many old irish songs and new ones are actually scottish. as one honest irish historian writes, and i quote.( we owe an irrapayable debt to the scottish tradition).

[@TheyCallMeGroucho]

My wife and I visited Blair Castle a few years ago, when we were staying at Kenmore. We drove up to Pitlochry, and were told about the castle. The area is beautiful! Thank you for the upload Barbara! Larry, Taiwan

[@susannabonke8552]

Looks like they're having fun.

[@avatar1997fortboni]

I have the honour to be a guest in a Scottish wedding in Inverness and I fell in love with the dancing for the first time

[@hunnybeez7099]

What fun! The bride had to do all that dancing in her gown! From what I could see, she did quite well! Me- I would have tripped over my big flouncy dress. which was in fashion in 1986, and would've ended up doing a face-plant into the floor in front of everyone! Thanks for uploading this so those of us who have never seen a ceilidh could view an example!

[@kt032]

i miss this so much! ceilidhs are awesome and unbeleivably fun! SCOTLAND IS AWESOME

[@ga6860]

Just another part of what I thought was my culture (American) that was just based off Scots-Irish American immigrants, thanks for sharing. This is so fascinating to me!! 🖤🖤

[@BarbaraWeibel]

So glad you enjoyed it G!

[@jrtomlin1805]

Ceilidh dance steps are not 'reminiscent of American Square dance'. It is the other way around.

[@gracecadet3244]

Thank you lol, I came to the comments just to find this.

[@cbutler1968]

I totally agree, it’s the Scots who brought it to America and there it developed into its own style. Love them all!

[@yugandali]

Danny Bhoy brought me here. Yup, looks like a lot of the people aren't quite sure what they should be doing.

[@evilazulan]

Same 😂

[@ToudaHell]

It looks less like a fight though.

[@louisehogg8472]

@@ToudaHell that's just because a wedding reception is invited guests only. A ceilidh is usually too many for the size of hall!

[@BarbaraWeibel]

I hear what you are saying, but nowhere in the video or in the paragraph below it do I say or even imply that Scottish Ceilidh dancing comes from or has its roots in American square dancing. I simply said it reminded me of our square dancing. It was one of those cultural epiphany moments, when I realized that the dances I learned as a child probably came from the British Isles.

[@sylviasmith2510]

Barbara Weibel it’s not called Scottish ceilidh dancing. It’s called Scottish Country Dancing Ceilidh is a get together with singing and dancing every one does a turn

[@TheWrensHouse]

It’s a mind field when your inventing a culture

[@Tish1023]

I believe the two dances are the dashing White Sargent and then Strip the Willow

[@freyajohnstone7262]

nah the second one is the Virginia reel, then they do strip the willow after it :)

[@dinakadii]

it looks like a dance that we used to dance in the primary 100 % love and respect from Algeria

[@scottyw7783]

Holy moly, I’m in this. That’s a blast from the past.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Are you really!!! I was visiting my friends Dorothy and Russell and the wedding hosts graciously invited me to come along AND they were very happy to allow me to video it. I had such fun. What a great bunch of people. Did you notice how many people have viewed this video? It’s my most popular one!

[@scottyw7783]

@@BarbaraWeibel 2011 at Blair Atholl castle if I’m not mistaken. Seems an eternity ago now, was a great day! I saw the views, 1M+ people have seen my questionable dance moves. Good to know! 😬 glad you had fun!

[@roxyhart3247]

How can u not have fun the Scott's sure know how to party. Had so much fun at the Scottish wedding I went to in early 2000s

[@AnalisaWong]

Watching this video makes me miss doing ceilidh dancing so much!!

[@bridgettecampbell1018]

The best party I ever attended was in Brighton Sussex where there was Scottish dancing I admit my memory of it is somewhat blurred.

[@ursulapainter5787]

Some cultures who know how to have fun also know what it is to suffer.

[@jamesasherbaconrasher1764]

Ursula Painter most countries have suffered at the hands of England... the Scots and Irish more than most. We still dance like crazy people however.

[@roaming8829]

The true sufferers at these gatherings are the sheep, it's a sheep shaggers convention

[@geordie114]

@@jamesasherbaconrasher1764 "most countries have suffered at the hands of England... the Scots and Irish more than most" Yaaawwwn

[@MoriKitsune]

This made me smile a lot just watching and listening :) It looks so fun to dance like this, especially at such a happy event as a wedding!

[@buzzapple]

A lovely little informational video about Ceilidh dancing at weddings. Thank you for posting, we will be sharing it with friends and family in preparation for our Spanish / Scottish wedding! x

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Thank you for your kind comment buzzapple. Glad you enjoyed it, and congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

[@jrtomlin1805]

To clarify a ceilidh means the party itself. It's a social event at which there is Scottish folk music and singing, traditional dancing, and storytelling.

[@MediaFilter]

Makes me wish I were a Scot!

[@donnah574]

I see where we got square dancing from 😉

[@fivenaumans]

Seeing this video, I think "I wish I could've been there". I don't see much of this in the US. I've got to travel to Scotland sometime.

[@JeanLatzGriffin]

Looks like lots of fun. The senior center in town has classes. Think I'll try it!

[@glasgowbrian1469]

Dances continue to evolve in whatever country settlers move to. I would say American Contra is closest to English and Scottish ceilidh/country dancing. Formal Scottish Country Dancing is strictly defined, but popular Scottish ceilidh dancing is informal and you can wear whatever shoes you like. Most Scots know the popular dances and callers are there just to remind those who are unsure at the start of the dance.

[@onlinemusiclessonsadamphil4677]

Glasgow Brian re as well we have a tradition of step dancing in Scotland too where the arms aren’t so locked into the sides like the Irish ☘️

[@Wiromax3]

Here because of Danny Bhoy's bit on "description of a Scottish Ceilidh dance". lol

[@missk159]

Hahahahah same

[@adamvaughan123]

The link to that very video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z57Wpmufhrlmodk

[@adrianen4644]

Oh my gosh I had that Barbie!!! I used to pretend she and the Irish festival dancing Barbie were best friends. My mom was a collector and she bought me duplicates of those ones since I liked them so much so that I could have one to play with and the other could stay pretty in it’s box.

[@elizabethschmidt4030]

Square dancing!!! So that is where that came from. I know this. We learned to square dance in elementary.

[@charlotteisabella6023]

its not square dancing

[@SigandGibbs]

@@charlotteisabella6023 she didn't say it was

[@perksofbeingaloser]

And we learn to ceilidh dance at primary school!

[@hannahmckay1479]

Makes me pretty damn proud to be Scottish!!

[@GuitarCollectionUK]

Reminds me of my childhood in Scotland. Thanks!!

[@grenierguy4652]

Québec inherited the irish and scottish musical folkore. Squares dances called "sets carrés". There is a caller (câleur) shouting his "orders". It could be in french or in english according the caller. Here some french commands with an approximate translation in english. "Saluez votre compagnie" Salute your partner. "À la main gauche, à la main droite": To the left hand, to the right hand. (To swing arm-in-arm) "Promenez-vous": Take a walk (in circle) Changez de bord vous vous êtes trompés: Change the side, you are mistaken. Tout le monde balance et tout le monde danse. Everybody swings and everybody dances. Québécois composed a lot of reels with their own accords. I'm not an expert on that subjet. Maple sugar reel; le reel du sirop d'érable etc.

[@louisehogg8472]

Also, since Scottish Country Dancing has been influenced by French (and German) dancing for centuries, some figures have french names anyway. Pousette, Allemande, Promenade, Pas-de-Bas (or Pas-De-Basque).

[@billgemmell2661]

“Some steps are reminiscent of American square dancing!! “ thank goodness for that. For a while there I thought we Scots might have invented our own dancing, say a few thousand years before America was thought of.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Drummel Finn rem·i·nis·cent adjective tending to remind one of something. "the sights were reminiscent of my childhood" Nowhere do I say or even imply that America invented it

[@billrobson8467]

That is so like the fun of our Wedding just a few years ago ( well seems like) twas but 44years sure would puff us out now!

[@zoewierzbicki9834]

Bill Robson yes!

[@penezashereeann266]

Ah wait I just imagined myself dancing this with Oliver Wood for 4 minutes.👁️👄👁️

[@Alyssa-gw7tb]

sameee😭

[@madisonferguson4563]

The bride and groom going down the line reminds me very much of the Virginia Reel.

[@Sylkenwolf]

I'd love to see Blair castle! Beautiful wedding

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Considering your last name, you definitely SHOULD see it! Thanks for your comment.

[@Sylkenwolf]

@@BarbaraWeibel ❤❤❤Thank you

[@FBDBmusic]

To avoid geographical confusion, Scotland is basically divided into four parts, the Southern Uplands, the Central Lowlands, the Central Highlands and the Northern Highlands. If you said to someone from Blair Atholl that they were from the midlands of Scotland, you might have to leave town pronto! Blair Atholl is most definitely in the Central Highlands. Indeed it is in the Cairngorm National Park.

[@alex29443]

ps. everyone gets roaring drunk.

[@jamiesmith2314]

Scottish ceilidh dancing is reminiscent of American Line Dancing?😂 That made me chuckle!

[@brownjatt21]

That just means it reminds her of American line dance not that it came first.

[@perksofbeingaloser]

@@brownjatt21 well she should have said ‘reminds me of’ instead of insinuating the American dance came first. I hate Americans trying to claim everything as their own when they have no history.

[@whiterose-kb9lk]

​@@perksofbeingaloserAmericans all came from somewhere. Surprised you don't know that.

[@KingdomTeejay]

I'm trying to do this tonight in Glasgow! #wishmeluck 👍🏻

[@BarbaraWeibel]

+Timothy James Bundalian Good luck! But you really don't need it - they told me no one really knows all the steps and it's all about having fun. Enjoy!

[@iainwmacintosh]

Barbara Weibel dam right! They try to get you to know every dance off by heart in school but most of the time everyone has fun not knowing what to do half the time

[@Joanne217]

Going around in circles with my granddaughter trying to remember the name of the famous second dance.. Damn, I should remember 😐☺️

[@Isaac-ec6rw]

Not sure if youre still looking as its been four months, but im pretty sure its the virginia reel? Not 100% sure though sorry

[@louisehogg8472]

@@Isaac-ec6rw yep.

[@louisehogg8472]

Dances were The Dashing White Sergeant, The Virginia Reel, (Orcadian) Strip The Willow, and back to The Dashing White Sergeant again.

[@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe]

Definitely the other way round Cellidh Dancing is where Square dancing Originated

[@garybesem]

In South Africa people of "mixed descent" danced the square at formal dances up to the late 1970s. The music and dance routines were passed on when people of "mixed" origin worked at social functions hosted by the British Colonials.

[@brownjatt21]

Reminiscent just means "reminds" her of American square dancing. It doesn't imply that it came first. Scrolling through the comments it's funny how many people cannot understand that sentence and are freaking out.

[@ChristianJiang]

Lol i got the KZbin ad where they google “what is ceilidh” (the wagwan one)

[@jrtomlin1805]

I do want to point out that Atholl is in the Highlands not the 'midlands' just as a matter of accuracy. Doesn't change that a ceilidh is great fun.

[@jamiemacarthur2420]

Jr Tomlin blair atholl.

[@MHScrat]

...isn't there a scottish tune called the atholl highlander or something...???

[@michaelcummingsherrera1232]

@@MHScrat kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGalmmCJg8yhabM Si!

[@michaelcummingsherrera1232]

@@MHScrat kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGalmmCJg8yhabM

[@louisehogg8472]

For those arguing that Scottish Country Dancing and Scottish Ceilidh Dances are two very distinct things. Here's an example of Scottish Country Dancing (practiced and done pretty correctly), being done in an exuberant style, at a Common Riding Ball. Immediately afterwards, those watching will begin ceilidh dancing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4S4dKSorNhqqrcsi=qZk2qcE-4QQsbEvK

[@KennethColeman426]

*I love this Video Traditional Ceilidh Dancing is so Great. The Scottish people really know how to have fun. I going to take my Sweet loving Lass to Scotland one day & we will dance with the Scottish People. Me & my Beautiful Lass will Eat, Drink & be Scottish for a while YAY! Thank you **Barbara Weibel** for posting this Lovely Video. I am now & forever a Scottish Melon YAY! ha ha(;)*

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Hi Kenneth: Glad you enjoyed my video. Hope you visit Scotland and get to wear a kilt and do the traditional dances! They're lots of fun.

[@KennethColeman426]

marco stet When we get Rich marco we will travel to Scotland & the rest of the World too. Dude we are going to have fun(;)

[@KennethColeman426]

marco stet You got that right marco The Wolf Pack will Party till the day we die Buddy(;)

[@KennethColeman426]

I made a Deal with dw drums yesterday. They make the Best Drums in the Universe & I want a Custom Set with My your's & Reigna K.M Profile Pictures on them & maybe some others that are on G+. I have to buy them though & they will be very expensive. Business is Business you know. If I were dw drums I would give the custom Drum kit to me for free & build a ad campaign around the whole process, for what is a set of Drums to a Big Company like dw drums . It would not even cost them that much. Just think of the attention both Businesses would get. The Melon & my account on G+ is a Business, Though it is small now & has not made a Profit yet. It will if we keep making Friends with Businesses & with our brothers & Sisters on G+. Our friends will help us Succeed & we will in turn help them marco. I don't really care about the Money. I just want to see if I can Build something Great before I die, but I am no Fool, for money makes the World go round & I intend make it Spin a Hell of a lot Faster with the Money we get Buddy, you just watch & see. I know what I want can be done. I live in AMERICA the Land of Dreams anything is Possible here, if you have the Balls to go for it. Reigna K.M is in College studying Business, Music, Video Production & she is a very good writer. We are in love & she will help me in anyway I Desire & I desire to be RICH!. *I WILL HAVE WHAT I WANT FROM THIS WORLD, OR DIE TRYING TO GET IT marco.* There is no other way for me. GOOGLE G+ is my Destiny. This I know & there is no Doubt in my whole being of that fact. But if I should fail, which I is not an Option for me, because I will not take NO for an answer. no, can't, & you will fail have no meaning to me. For there is always a way to WIN, if one does not give up too Quickly my friend. I will never quit till we have the life we want & can help some of our Bothers & sisters on G+ do the same. We are a Universal Family now marco & that is a great & Powerful thing to be part of. Let's look at it this way, If I should fail(;) me fail Bull Shit! But just for the sake of argument, as they say. I should fail. Well Sir *I WIN* because I have met the love of my life Reigna K.M I have you & many others as friends. Dude That is a WIN, WIN deal there Buddy. & Hell we can always learn from our Mistakes & start over. I LOVE what I am doing on G+ & it will pay off soon. Later dude I have Work to do 459 Forever(:)

[@KennethColeman426]

marco stet Yes that's right marco. But it will be soon time before I get them(;)

[@Scratcher1960]

Its the other way around. American square dancing finds its rots in Scottish dancing. Big Scottish influence in the Appalachians where there was traditional family gatherings for fiddle and dance

[@johnsmith-bx4rn]

+ Ivory Enchantress the Irish also had a big influence on Appalachian bluegrass

[@tessab8038]

in australia we learn strip the willow ceilidh as a part of P.E. lots of fun!

[@BarbaraWeibel]

And I'm probably showing my age, but in elementary school the U.S. we learned square dancing in P.E., which of course, derived from Scottish dances like the Ceilidh.

[@djaked]

It's unbelievable how much this influenced American Western culture.

[@roxyhart3247]

Reminiscent of American square dancing um I'm sorry but pretty sure this came first

[@BarbaraWeibel]

As I have said dozens of times in these comments, the word reminiscent is defined as “reminding a person of something.” NOWHERE in this video do I even imply that American Square Dancing came first. Of course it didn’t.

[@Kornel1989able]

I like folks which keep their tradition:))

[@jamiemacarthur2420]

going to be dancing this tomorrow lol after about 20 beers.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Ha ha - good luck and have fun!

[@lemurlover7975]

Skip To My Lou from Meet Me In St. Louis brought me here. :)

[@HeatherCowper]

I love Scottish dancing - my husband and I once took lessons after we went to a Scottish wedding and felt very foolish being the only persons there who couldn't do the steps

[@lauramccloskey72]

Origins of American Square dancing

[@dsindc]

That's amazing! At about 1:10 the dance is almost identical to the Virginia Reel.

[@AngelStickman]

This also reminds me of contra and ECD. Such fun.

[@lindamoses5932]

This is probably where American Square Dancing came from.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Yes, it is undoubtedly where our American Square Dancing came from.

[@glasgowbrian1469]

Regarding American Square - it's unique to North America in the way it is performed. Square dance/Ceilidh sets are common in Scottish, English and Irish dances - and the set formation originally evolved from French Quadrilles. American square dance is different in that people don't know the dance in advance, and a caller has to guide them continuously all the way through. Compared to European dances, it seems a bit flat footed to me. The Scots and English like to bounce and skip around in reels and jigs, and the Irish like their old time step dancing on the spot in Céilis. All cultures like twirling around, and there's nothing faster than a good Scottish Birl. Mind you, some Irish holds are very close and would also allow very fast turning.

[@jrtomlin1805]

I think that Scottish remains closer to the French roots of Ceilidh dancing than English or Irish. I assume (with no proof) that at least some of the roots of American square dancing came from Scottish immigrants who brought their steps and love of dance with them. But most American cities also have Scottish dancing organisations.

[@glasgowbrian1469]

@@jrtomlin1805 Yes, historically, Scotland was closer to France than England, and even formed an alliance against the English - called the Entente Cordialle. Regarding Scottish dancing worldwide and in American cities, that's because of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, established in about 1922, who formalised the dancing. They introduced rules, soft shoes, ghillies, and an almost balletic style. They even insist a Pas de bas (pronounced "Pa-de-ba" by plebs like me) setting step is called and pronounced by the full French name of Pas de Basque. There is a divide between young and old, but they deserve credit for making it popular worldwide.

[@jrtomlin1805]

@@glasgowbrian1469 The alliance with France is called the Auld Alliance. It was formed as an attempt to curb English aggression and expansion. But I hardly think Scottish Country Dancing is popular 'because' of the RSCDS. It is popular because there are Scottish immigrants all over the world. The RSCDS did formalise the rules.

[@jrtomlin1805]

@@glasgowbrian1469 A lighter view on the topic: Danny Bhoy's hilarious description of a Scottish Ceilidh dance 😜 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z57Wpmufhrlmodk via @KZbin

[@louisehogg8472]

@@glasgowbrian1469 After learning the basics among the hordes at school, with a few extra tips from Mum, I learnt with New Scotland Country Dancing Society at Edinburgh University. They're part of the RSCDS, but teach Ceilidh class, as well as beginners, intermediate and advanced Country Dancing, and Highland and Scottish Step (recently revived from historical dances like the Scots Measure). They were great, because I learnt many rarer Ceilidh dances, AND was taught the steps and figures properly. Which makes whole dances much easier. As well as the Country Dances themselves. They have crazy ceilidhs as well as a formal Ball and compete in Festivals with a display team. I wasn't good enough or fit enough for that!

[@francesbfraser2081]

I agree that your appraisal is very patronizing.and like any opinion based on a sample of one, is erroneous. The Midlands is an area in England. The mid section of Scotland from the Cheviots to the Grampians is the Central Lowlands. Men wear kilts to weddings and dance, applies at many weddings in the the US or Canada. A Ceilidh, an evening of music and/or dancing is Gaelic.and country dancing from the Lowlands a recent non essential addition.

[@patsmith5635]

Where do you think American square dancing came from?

[@rerejones9095]

People from the old country came to America before it was America after it became America and threw tradition. That’s how it came here.

[@savtapatricia]

a ceilidh is not a dance but an informal social gathering at which there is Scottish or Irish folk music and singing and folk dancing and story telling

[@louisehogg8472]

Depends. It has two definitions. One is the traditional Highland or Irish style evening of songs, music and stories, like you say. And the other is an evening mainly or entirely comprised of Scottish Country and round-the-room dancing, in an informal style. What was previously known as 'gaun tae the Jiggin' or a Barn Dance.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

My dear RobyM89: From Webster's Dictionary: Reminiscent - awakening memories of something similar. I'm from the U.S. I am aware that many of our folk dances and tunes, especially those sung in the deep Appalachians, had their roots in Scottish music and dance. However, before visiting Scotland I'd never before seen Ceilidh dancing. Therefore, my comment is entirely appropriate. The Ceilidh dancing reminded me of square dancing I learned as a little girl, which is MY cultural frame of reference.

[@nancywindnagle2609]

No doubt the Virginia Reel was also born from this dance.

[@louisehogg8472]

True that the Virginia Reel (2nd dance on this video), like the Mississippi Dip, probably came back the other way FROM America! As the doh-say-doh figure isn't native to Scottish Country Dancing.

[@mammylena28]

@PrAnG2000 hi love, this is probably too late but it might still help! The dance at the very beginning (where they swing eachother and dance in circles) is the Dashing White Sergent - ma favourite one btw! The next one is the Virginia Reel. The one after that where everyone is spinnin eachother left right and centre is Strip The Willow (a really good one) and then the last one is the Dashing White Sergant again. Hope a helped! xx

[@khall6644]

wish I knew this dance it would make sense

[@Shauna0829]

It's wonderful to see an actual wedding with ceilidh dancing on KZbin. My only misgiving is that the fiddler and guitarist are playing the tunes so exceedingly fast that the dancers can barely execute the travel steps safely. I held my breath wondering if the bride would survive in that floor-dusting gown. Ceilidh dancing is lots of fun, and I think all of these dancers would have looked splendid on the floor if they had been given practical tempi. -- This is not to criticize the musicians' technique or style; they're quite good players. But those are really dangerous tempi. The "Strip the Willow" tunes were played so fast that the old-fashioned "running step" would have been safer, without the jig-travel step-skip-step. -- Just the $.02 of a seasoned SCD and ceilidh dance musician here.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Hi Shauna! How wonderful to hear from someone who is a true ceilidh dance musician. Thank you for your comment and insights.

[@louisehogg8472]

Agree in part. Too many bands think fast = exciting. That's my gripe with the Irish style. Shand could get 'lift' without making it a race. (As can his grandson.) Saying that, I can definitely do travelling step quicker than I can neatly 'run'. But that's maybe my wonky left foot. And a balanced birl, with a proper elbow hold with other hands grasped above, can be VERY fast - if you remember to stay square on to each other.

[@Truccosenzinganno]

Such a great social thing this dance: thanks Scotland :-)

[@larenro2310]

Some American square dancing moves come from the Scottish ceilidh. (Sorry. I had to say that. :P )

[@Sean-br2fe]

The same dance when Jack and Rose did in TITANIC?

[@anantkashid1316]

Amazing!!

[@PrAnG2000]

If it's not called céilidh what is the actual dance called please? I'm supposed to be trying this out in two weeks. Looks fun.

[@twangismythang]

Oh, that looks exhausting!

[@BarbaraWeibel]

I thought so too. That's why I focused on taking videos LOL

[@jrtomlin1805]

@@BarbaraWeibel It is fairly tiring. Great fun though. This group is not nearly as enthusiastic and shouty as I would say is the norm.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

@@jrtomlin1805 Oh my gosh, I can't imagine it being MORE enthusiastic and shouty!

[@TheLoggerm8]

Lol...."steps are reminiscent of American square dance" 😄😅😄😅 I think we were here first!! Your country music is rooted in Scottish/Irish tradition, as is your square dance. Hilarious!! Scotland is hundreds of years old..America is two!!

[@antonioperezchulvi2954]

Can you help me what song plays at the beginning of the video? this is a ceilidhs type dance or Scottish Country Dancing

[@froggystyle642]

It's called "Dashing White Sargeant", it's usually one of the first ceilidh dances at a wedding in Scotland, since its one of the easier ones.

[@aytonkirk]

@@froggystyle642 dashing white sargent is the hardest yin

[@louisehogg8472]

The Dashing White Sergeant is BOTH a ceilidh dance AND a Scottish Country Dance! As all the dances done in Sets (all 3 in this video) are Scottish Country Dances. Whereas Ceilidhs also include 'round the room' dances, done in Couples, which are not Scottish Country Dances but are still danced to Scottish music.

[@diti5369]

@@froggystyle642thanks

[@dundeedolphin]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I think Roby made his point rather inelegantly. However, if you're referring to your Square Dancing, there is no "probably" about it. :-)

[@rosstaylor8635]

People, this was a wedding where i would imagine most of the guests have only danced to this music a handful of times in their lives, maybe not since school, most had probably by that time had consumed a fair amount of alcohol so give them a break...i have been to a few weddings like this and i can assure you that everyone is inclusive (dragged up to dance)..most people end up with bruised toes but who cares...at the end of the evening every able person gets up for the last song.."loch lomond"...check it out on youtube...p.s stop bickering xxxx

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Ross, that's exactly right and describes the wedding perfectly. Very few knew all the steps, but all had great fun.

[@adamvaughan123]

Danny Bhoy said it's like a giant beat down. Here's the link if you wanna check out the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z57Wpmufhrlmodk This actually looks quite pleasant

[@jrtomlin1805]

Danny Bhoy's description of encountering a group dancing Dashing White Sargent in a pub and the dangers of doing so is hilarious.

[@louisehogg8472]

@@jrtomlin1805 and accurate! When the Research Group from work (at a university), went to the Burns Supper, but most of us just had tickets for the ceilidh not the Supper beforehand, it was like that. The foreign students (most of the Group, it was pre-Brexit) were surprised at the turnout of kilts. But then very startled when ceilidh dancing broke loose. Lol.

[@paikeakehlani5392]

Of course in Scotland we have a dance that can be turned into a brutal murder weapon if you miss one step. My brother once spun me around so violently then let go of me and I slammed into a wall and got concussion haha

[@louisehogg8472]

The worst for that is actually an English Country Dance that we've fairly recently imported and sometimes include in ceilidhs (due to its violence?), the Cumberland Square Eight. Let go during the 'basket' only if you want an injury.

[@peter11612]

PE lessons in Ireland are the same :) Its hard to not enjoy a Ceilidh

[@StrathendrickPiper]

Cheers for the info

[@johnjarou2357]

some pretty Scottish girls there.

[@sirenlucy932]

This is sooo cute 🥰

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Thanks Lucy, I thought so too!

[@abiezercoppe8886]

Strange that no-one mentions the one thing in the world that is most similar to this music and dancing (well, two things if you include the Irish). English Country Dancing and what is now styled as English Ceilidh. It's not surprising really since the dancing here is Scottish Country Dancing, a close sibling to English Country Dancing and Irish Country Dancing. You will see all the moves here, along with the music here in English Country Dancing and modern English Ceilidh (which despite the name is not an importation of "ceilidhs" but simply an importation of the word). American square dancing was derived from European quadrilles (square sets with 4 couples), which became very popular in the 19th century and which were in their turn influenced by Country Dancing. A well known quadrille in England and Scotland is La Russe. btw. for our American cousins (not all of whom make this mistake). English Country Dancing is *not* what you do at your faux "Jane Austen ball" or "Colonial ball". That is a modern, anachronistic, invention. Looking to the past and seeing what you would have liked. All the evidence shows that Country Dance from it's beginnings in the 16th century or so was a fun, irreverent and *danced* as much as it is today.

[@SuperDiscovery95]

English don't do ceilidh (it's a Scottish/Irish word) they do ball room dancing.

[@abiezercoppe8886]

james pegrum Pardon? We just do ballroom dancing?!?!?!?!? How do you think what is now called Scottish ceilidh came from? What do you think it is or was? In reality the modern Scottish use of "ceilidh" is a change from its slightly older use where it simply meant a party of songs, music and story-telling that might include some dancing. What is now called "ceilidh dancing" is a direct descendant of 17th and 18th century country dancing, both in its Scottish and English variations. In fact, there was a massive interplay between the country dancing in Scotland and that in England, Wales and Ireland (well, there still is). Many Scottish "ceilidh dances" came from England as did many of the tunes( and vice versa). I wasn't something that developed in isolation as a purely Scottish past-time with no relationship to others. So, if the Scottish can redefine the word ceilidh to apply to the dances that came from the country dancing tradition, a tradition that includes many dances of English origin or influence, then the English can borrow the word for our varient of the same tradition.

[@jrtomlin1805]

Abiezer Coppe The word still means the party itself although it is also applied to dances that are mainly done at such parties, although the more 'correct' phrase for the dances is Scottish Country Dancing.

[@abiezercoppe8886]

***** Yes, I have no doubt that it does ... but it is also used by many, many people, events, festivals and organisations for dance events and the dancing itself. Whether that is strictly "correct" or not is debatable (words develop in their meanings), but for many the word "ceilidh" does seem to be a more palatable term for our shared social folk dance traditions. You are of course correct. What they are doing in Scotland is Country Dancing. Not exactly the country dancing of 300 years or more ago, but the current point of an ongoing tradition. A tradition that has very close links to those in England, Ireland and Wales.

[@JBFlytography]

Blair Atholl isn’t in the “Midlands” of Scotland. The country doesn’t end at the Central Belt or Edinburgh & Glasgow.. Blair Atholl is the Highlands of Scotland

[@louisehogg8472]

Perthshire.

[@JBFlytography]

@@louisehogg8472 must be great being so perfect. 😉

[@nanmaguire5196]

Hi. Can the video author contact me and let me know where you got my wedding video please? We’ve not authorised anyone to film or publish or use it. Thanks.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

Hello Nan. I was at your wedding. I am a dear friend of Dorothy and Ricky Steedman (Ricky just recently passed away). I asked and was given permission to video your wedding. In fact, everyone was delighted that I was documenting it, and I also asked it it would be OK if I put it on KZbin.

[@nanmaguire5196]

Thanks for letting us know Barbara. We didn’t know at all this video was made or published. But obviously you are a friend of Dorothy and Ricky so no issue to publish it. Do you mind sending us a copy of the video please? Thanks.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

@@nanmaguire5196 I'd be delighted. The file size is about 53 MB so it won't go through email. I can send it via Dropbox or maybe Google Docs? Or anything that works for you. Just let me know your preference.

[@nanmaguire5196]

@@BarbaraWeibel Dropbox works. Can I message you privately with my email address please? I will message you in Instagram message. Thanks

[@BarbaraWeibel]

@@nanmaguire5196 Yes of course. On Instagram my user name is holeinthedonut

[@tiredoftheignorance]

Bowie, Carson, Boone, Dallas, Jackson, Texas. like Dixie was largely of Scottish origin.