WELCOME TO An Entertainment Site for Scottish Country Dancers - Enjoy the curated selection of theme-related dances for celebrations and holidays, or find a dance associated with a special calendar day, or EVEN your own birthday!
Highland Wedding at Blair Atholl, by David Allan (1786)
Twiddle Day
Nov 27
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Twiddle-dee-dee!"
Do you know a unabashed twiddler who never misses a chance to put in that extra special move or turn in a dance? Have you ever seen it confound the set? It's all part of the fun! The word "twiddle" has its origins in Middle English, deriving from the verb "twidelen," which meant to turn or twist something lightly. The word evolved through the influence of other similar terms, like "twist" and "twiddle-dee," incorporating a sense of fidgety or playful motion. By the 17th century, "twiddle" came to be associated with light, purposeless fiddling or playing with objects. The playful and casual nature of the word made it versatile, applicable to both physical movements (e.g., twiddling one's thumbs) and more figurative contexts (e.g., twiddling with ideas)! This reel is perfect for the twiddle-inclined as it includes setting and turning the lady under in a twisting turn, and even a birl at the end! Twiddle away twiddlers and fiddlers! ๐บ ๐ ๐ป ๐ ๐ ๐
Fiddles and Twiddles
Twiddlers aside, Scottish fiddling is a rich and dynamic tradition that plays a central role in the country's cultural heritage. The fiddle, a close cousin of the violin, became a cornerstone of Scottish music in the 17th century and has remained a beloved instrument ever since. Its versatility and expressive capabilities allow it to convey the vibrant energy of reels, the rhythmic complexity of strathspeys, and the soulful lyricism of airs, making it indispensable in both social and formal settings.
Scottish fiddlers often learn their craft through a combination of oral tradition and formal instruction, with many beginning their musical journey in local music schools, family gatherings, or community ceilidhs. This tradition has been passed down through generations, preserving the unique techniques and styles associated with different regions. For example, the Shetland Islands are known for their lively, intricate bowing patterns, while the Northeast of Scotland emphasizes powerful, driving rhythms. These regional styles reflect the landscapes and histories of their origins, providing a musical map of Scotlandโs diverse heritage.
Key figures in Scottish fiddling, such as Niel Gow, James Scott Skinner, and Aly Bain, have left a lasting impact on the tradition. Niel Gow, an 18th-century fiddler and composer, popularized the strathspey and was a favored musician at Highland balls. James Scott Skinner, known as "The Strathspey King," elevated the art form with his virtuosic playing and compositions, many of which are still performed today. In the modern era, fiddlers like Aly Bain and contemporary ensembles such as Blazinโ Fiddles have brought Scottish fiddling to international audiences, blending traditional techniques with innovative approaches.
For more on Scottish fiddlers, click one of the historical reference books!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
