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reel, genre of social folk dance, Celtic in origin. It is a variety of country dance in which the dancers perform traveling figures alternating with “setting” steps danced in one place. Reels may be for sets of two or more couples. The music is in quick 2/4 or 4/4 time and usually has an insistent 16th-note motion.

Scottish reels are mentioned as early as the 16th century. Except in the Scottish Highlands, they disappeared under the influence of the Presbyterian church in the 17th century; they reappeared in the Scottish Lowlands after 1700. The Irish reel, or cor, is distinguished by more complex figurations and styling and may be either a solo or a set dance to reel music. Reels are danced, less commonly, in England and Wales and, as the ril, in Denmark. Popular reels include the Irish Sixteenhand Reel and the Scottish reels Mairi’s Wedding and the Duke of Perth.

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highland fling
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Highland fling, engraving, 1867
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Highland fling, engraving, 1867
Highland fling, engraving, 1867

highland fling

Scottish dance
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highland fling, national dance of Scotland. A vigorous dance requiring delicate balance and precision, it was probably originally a victory dance for a solo male dancer, performed after battle. It is performed in 4/4 time and consists of a series of intricate steps performed on one spot. Especially characteristic is a light step in which the dancer hops on one foot while moving the other foot in front of and in back of the calf. The dance is regularly performed in competition at the Highland Games held throughout Scotland.

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