Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

2-Couple Square Set

In Scottish Country Dancing, the 2 couple square set is a rare form of Circular set which, logically, is not properly a Square set in the sense that we normally understand (i.e., with 4 Couples, or other Partner groups, disposed on the sides of a square). It is exceptionally rare in its own right though Round the room set dances with Couples as the Partner group share that format.

As in all Circular sets for Couples, the 2 couple square set is formed by the Dancers being evenly spaced in a circle with the Ladies Standing on the right of their Partners. The Top couple is that nearest The music. The 2nd couple, at the Bottom, Faces them, Man to Opposite Lady, i.e., much as 1st and 3rd couples in a 4 couple square set but with no Side Couples and separated by only the same distance as that between Partners.

Carisbrooke Castle, is an example with no Progression, the dance being performed once through with both Couples having an equal part.

Scotch Mixer is an example with that form of Progression in which The set breaks up toward the end of each Repeat; then The sets reform for the next Repeat from any pairs of Couples who happen to be adjacent. Note that this particular dance is also Progressive by Couple in that the Dancers exchange Partners immediately before The set breaks up, too.


See Alternative Dance Selections for lists of those dances in rarer formats of The set, such as this, for which a crib or a crib diagram is available on this site.

Links To Pages Related To 'Circular Sets'

Types Of Sets

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