LIsted below are all the “named” step dances we have records for. Many emanate from mainland Scotland and the Western Isles, but some, such as the Sailors’ Hornpipe are more ubiquitous.
In some cases all we have is the bare name and perhaps the names of associated performers, but for many we have virtually complete histories and notations. Where dances were particularly popular theit may have been collected in more than one version.
Aberdonian Lassie
A solo step dance from the island of Barra in the Hebrides. Notations available. Performed to the jig Merrily Danced the Quaker’s Wife.
Blue Bonnets
One of the particularly popular dance tunes in Scotland, several choreographies collected from oral tradition exist, emanating from different dancing masters. The majority of versions can be traced back to Euan MacLachlan of South Uist although another emanated from the Forfar dancing master, James Neill. Notations available.