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!
Footloose Fridays
Aug 30
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"The music will tell you what to do!"
Amazingly, this is often true, even if the steps to a dance tend to elude you sometimes. Are you lucky enough to have a resident fiddle player? If you have an accordionist, bodhran player, pianist, flute or whistle, harpist, double bass, a piper, or simply someone gracious enough to select and work the recorded audio music for your classes, then you are a fortunate dancer indeed! Devised to recognize those in charge of the music which makes dance classes extra special, this fun reel with its double figure eight and allemande ending will prove a fine finish to your musical dancing Friday nights! Thank you, musicians! 🎶 🎼 🎹 🎻 🥁 🎸 🪗 📻 🕺 💃
The Friday Night Musician
Scottish country dance bands are renowned for their lively and spirited performances that bring traditional Scottish music to life. These bands often feature a combination of fiddles, accordions, pianos, and drums, creating a rhythmic and energetic sound that drives the dance. Among the most famous is The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, known for its grand performances that celebrate Scotland's musical heritage. The Lothian Band, with its precise and dynamic playing, has been a staple in the Scottish dance scene for decades. The Robert Whitehead and the Danelaw Band are celebrated for their traditional yet innovative interpretations of classic tunes, making them a favorite at ceilidhs and festivals. Another iconic name is The Sound of Sleat, a band whose energetic style and versatility have made them popular across generations. These bands, and many others, play an essential role in preserving and promoting Scottish culture, ensuring that the joy of Scottish country dancing continues to thrive around the world.
Some of the most famous Scottish country dance bands from the last century include:
Jimmy Shand and His Band: Perhaps the most iconic of all, Jimmy Shand was a legendary accordionist whose music became synonymous with Scottish country dance. His band, formed in the 1930s, popularized traditional Scottish dance music worldwide, especially with hits like "The Bluebell Polka."
Bobby MacLeod and His Highland Dance Band: Another renowned name, Bobby MacLeod was a master of the button accordion and led one of the most popular bands in the mid-20th century. His band was known for its lively and authentic renditions of Scottish dance tunes.
The Andrew Rankine Band: Andrew Rankine was a celebrated accordionist who led his band through many successful years, particularly during the 1950s and 60s. His music was characterized by a strong, steady rhythm perfect for dancing.
Jim MacLeod and His Band: Jim MacLeod’s band was one of the leading Scottish dance bands from the 1960s through the 1980s. They were regular performers on BBC Radio Scotland and even had a long-running residency at the Dunblane Hydro.
Ian Powrie and His Band: Ian Powrie was a fiddler who led a highly respected dance band, known for its smooth and polished sound. His band was particularly popular in the 1960s and 70s, both in Scotland and abroad.
The Craigievar Band: Known for their crisp playing and energetic style, The Craigievar Band was a staple of the Scottish dance circuit in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly popular for their performances at ceilidhs and balls.
To hear the famous Bluebell Polka by Jimmy Shand, click the tribute statue of Jimmy Shand in Auchtermuchty!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
