Scottish reel

The Scottish reel is a lively Celtic folk dance that originated in Scotland. It is a type of country dance where dancers perform traveling steps interspersed with stationary "setting" steps. Reels are typically danced by sets of two or more couples, accompanied by music in quick 2/4 or 4/4 time with a prominent 16th-note rhythm.1

While mentioned as early as the 16th century, reels largely disappeared in the 17th century due to Presbyterian influence, only to re-emerge in the Scottish Lowlands after 1700. The Irish reel, known as the cor, features more intricate movements and can be performed solo or in sets. Reels are also found, though less commonly, in England and Wales, and as the ril in Denmark. Popular examples include "Mairi's Wedding" and "The Duke of Perth". It's important to note that the strathspey, a slower Scottish dance, was once synonymous with the reel but evolved into a distinct, slower form of dance.12