The following dances are frequently danced in Beijing and we thought you might like to share some of the histotry behing these society favourites. For those who want to brush up on the dance steps, please follow this link to our sister society, the Java St Andrews Society who have produced a wonderful directory of dance steps within their own website.
Dashing White Sergeant
The origins of this most famous of all Scottish dances are not Scottish at all. Its original title was ‘la Danse Florence’. The tune was composed by the English Sir Henry Rowley Bishop and the dance was influenced by Scotch reels and Swedish country dancing.
Eightsome Reel
The reel is the oldest form of dance in Scotland but the Eightsome Reel was developed and recorded in its current form at the end of the 19th century.
Foursome Reel
Gay Gordons
The name ‘Gay Gordons’ is the nickname of the Gordon Highlanders, a former British Army infantry regiment. This regiment was raised by the Duke of Gordon. This couple dance was first recorded in 1907.
