Reeling
Reeling
Without a doubt I love Scottish reeling and everything about it. It is about being together and dancing together and includes all ages – no one is allowed to sit out. The word reel comes from the word to whirl or spin, the Old English word was hrēol, a device for winding whilst the old English word for a dance was “hoppian” “to spring, leap; to dance or to limp” – the description makes me laugh as it is so delightfully appropriate.
The colloquial word for a reeling party is Ceilidh which comes from Gaelic for "visit" or "gathering," and such evenings originally encompassed stories, songs, and poetry. Conventionally, Scottish reeling is a form of traditional country dance. If you know what you are doing, the dances are marked by circular and gliding steps, usually set to 4/4 time music. There is only one step to learn but even that can flummox people. This involves "setting" with a partner by stepping from side to side and moving apart and back together. Looking at the dances from above, each one follows a series of patterns or formations, and every one seems to have a history.
Some of them are danced only rarely at Scottish balls. The Skye Ball committee in particular takes great pleasure in pulling out one obscure dance each year to keep its members on their toes. Others such as the Dashing White Sergeant, Hamilton House, the Eightsome Reel and Reel of the 51st Division are the backbone of every reeling party up and down the country.
Whilst at St Andrews University, I was quite involved in the Reeling Club which was popular in that it provided both teaching and a social event within the same night. As a further “bribe”, my flatmate Smiles and I would welcome any friends who came to reeling for supper afterwards. Happy not to cook or to wonder what they could do on a cold Monday evening in Scotland, we had a fairly good attendance rate. By the end of the first term, we were adept enough to attempt the dances in most of the local venues which was such fun. A large drink to fortify the spirits was of course “de rigueur.”
The big question for those who haven’t reeled before is what to wear. Supposedly, only true Scotsmen are allowed to wear the traditional kilt although plenty of descendants claiming even an iota of Scottish blood also enjoy wearing their family’s tartan, the knee-high wool socks and a Sporran which is the pouch worn over the kilt. Otherwise, black tie is perfect.
If Scottish, ladies wear a tartan sash over one shoulder but the main thing to stress for my girlfriends is to wear longer rather than shorter dresses to avoid any unnecessary exposure. Formal Scottish meetings still insist on long dresses, and you will not be allowed in if you do not comply whilst some of the grandest evenings like The Caledonian Ball still invite ladies to wear their tiaras. Comfortable shoes are vital, and stilettos are not helpful either for the floor or anyone else’s foot. Curiously enough, one tip is to avoid wearing bracelets as they will catch someone’s arms or snap off in a fast turn.
We have just celebrated Burns Nights here at Highclere. Some friends are quite good at reeling but to others it was an entirely new experience and only attempted after a large cocktail and finding there was nowhere to hide. Despite this, having started nobody wanted to stop.
In June, we are going to hold our first summer dance at Highclere and whilst we will have a great band, cocktails, supper and dance floor, I think I cannot resist introducing a couple of reels at various points through the evening just to make sure everyone hits the dancefloor. I am so looking forward to bringing people together
30 Comments
Lady C, you are so very sweet! I wish I could be at your summer dance in June. Though I have never danced the reel, I would be the next one on the dance floor after you!
You are very kind
Lovely the pictures of reeling and did you and lord Carnarvon have a wonderful weekend and lam fan of Downton Abbey and highcelere castle
The weekend was wonderful, Thank you
Love that bit of history and recency!
Thank you, you are very kind
Lady Carnarvon,
Your night of Glamour and Glitz will probably be remembered by your guests for a LONG time! I wish we could be there! I learned some reeling in middle school - alas, have not had an opportunity since, but still remember the laughter and fun.
Have a lovely winter day!
Martha
We will not over do it - but it is fun and an ice breaker!
What fun! When I was in (US) junior high school, age around 14, one adventurous physical education teacher led us in a number of folk dances. I don't recall a reel being one of them, but I would have enjoyed it very much.
We are flying out this weekend from Illinois to upstate New York to a book retreat focused on the Outlander series. Simultaneously, the resort (Mohonk Mountain House) is hosting a Scottish-themed weekend, with dancers, Ceilidh performances and classes in Scottish history, art, and music. Such a delight to read your blog this morning featuring the Scottish reel. Do I dare have the courage to try it?
Thank you for your always informative and inspiring articles, and it is a dream one day to visit your lovely Highclere!
What a fun idea!
Such a lovely tradition and I am happy that you and Lord Carnarvon are keeping the dances going for all generations to enjoy! Thank you for sharing!
How do you pronounce "ceilidh" for us Americans? Looks like it was a wonderful event!!
it is pronounced Kay-lee
Wonderful description of all the ins and outs of Scottish reeling!
Looks like alot of fun,. I think I'll try it, thank you.
This is delightful! Having been born and raised in Nova Scotia - New Scotland - and having 100% Scottish bloodlines, and Presbyterian to boot, I loved your article. And yes, I have danced the Eightsome Reel, plus many other dances! Scottish Country Dancing lessons were very popular in my home town, and I loved them! My late father absolutely loved wearing his Henderson tartan kilt with all the trappings, on any and all occasions. Thanks for the memories!
it is all so smart!
My husband and I visited Highclere with a Viking group last July and my , what a lovely home you have! Since we couldn’t take any photos inside, I was thrilled to see a book in your gift shop that had all the rooms in it. That gorgeous red bedroom! I love red and that shade was particularly beautiful. So guess what is sitting on my coffee table! Thank you! Linda De Jong
Hello from Canada Lady Carnarvon, thank you for sharing this special occasion in Bobby Burns honour. My father was born in Aberdeen and we always celebrated when he was alive, I took Highland dancing as a child, my father alway made sure he knew our heritage, God bless you
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for this Monday's blog, and for sharing the brief description of Reeling.
From the pictures provided, (and the posting on Instagram), it appears as if everyone had a good time.
Until next time, keep calm and reel on.
Perpetua Crawford
What a wonderful read this morning. ScottishCeilidhs were popular here for many years and we braved an attempt at joining in. What wonderful fun they are. Celebrating Burns Night at Highclere will be fabulous. Everyone will have such a lovely evening I wish we were living in the UK as it would be lovely to see. So looking forward to seeing your blog and photographs in June.
What a timely and delightful subject.
Just contemplating joining a 10 week course for Scottish dancing here on the Queensland Sunshine Coast.
How can I not, now haha!
I think you should !!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Your blog on Scottish reels was just what I needed on this dark, cold day in Oregon. I've been feeling overwhelmed by the killings in Minneapolis where my cousin lives and the general pall we're living under here in the U.S. I began to wonder where I could find something bright and beautiful to cheer me up--and there was your blog. I doubt you can know the full extent your positive energy and generosity of spirit have on people you don't even know.
Thank you. Bless you.
It’s not about being “pure” or not. It’s about reflecting on experiences, boundaries, and how you’ve shown up so far. Kind of like reeling, but in question form: slightly exposing, unexpectedly bonding, and weirdly enlightening.
What a delightful, informative article—immediately brings to mind Anna from Downton Abbey reeling for Mr Bates and the proud smile he gave when he saw her dance. Remarkable how one simple word like reeling can take your mind to such a wonderful memory. I look forward to my second visit is May to Highclere, once was not nearly enough.
What fun! I can't imagine a more joyous occasion than a gathering of friends, music and dancing. I hope you find more occasions to dance!
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Looking at Instagram and reading this makes me feel like we are there, thank you for the intoxicating start to my week! My husband, son and I were the "entertainment" at a lovely place, The Cove Inn, with pipes, drum, address to the haggis and my Poosie Nancy. I conscripted our party of 16 to learn the 8-some reel and the joy was infectious. I can certainly see your event was full of smiles and laughter too!
It is such a lovely time of year