Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

Strathspeys

In Scottish Country Dancing Strathspeys have different steps from the Quick tempo dances and are performed at about half the speed (around 32 bars per minute) thus giving much more opportunity for graceful dancing.

Note that the Strathspey tempo in Scottish Country Dancing is much slower than the Strathspey in Highland and Ladies' Step Dancing though the dotted rhythm is the same in the traditional tunes. Slow Airs are often used to provide an alternative rhythm at the same tempo.


Here are examples of those Scottish Country Dances for which we have instructions on this site and in which the term, Strathspeys, either appears explicitly or is implied; note that for a common term these will be a small selection; for a rare term, these may be all that exist:

Argyll Strathspey
Byron Strathspey
Dream Catcher
Drumelzier
Farewell To The Highlands (Davis)
Flower O' The Quern (Drewry)
Gang The Same Gate
Glasgow Lasses
Minister On The Loch
Neidpath Castle


Further examples of Scottish Country Dances which are listed as Strathspeys may be found in these Alternative Dance Selections -
2 Couple Strathspeys
3 Couple Strathspeys
5 Couple Strathspeys
6 Couple Strathspeys

Dance Video Clip Which Demonstrates Strathspeys

Strathspeys Video Clip

Links To Pages Related To 'Types Of Dance'

Types Of Dance

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