Once Upon A Time

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+2s dance RH across (4bars) finish facing on the sides. 1s+2s+3s dance ½ RSh reel of 3 on sides. 321
9-16 2s+1s dance LH across (4bars) finish facing on the sides. 3s+2s+1s dance ½ LSh reel of 3 on sides, 1s+2s finish facing on the sides
17-24 1L+2L and 1M+2M turn RH with polite turn. 1s+2s turn LH and finish in the middle for
25-32 1s+2s dance Poussette

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Information

This expression serves as a narrative device, signaling the start of a fictional or fantastical story. It is deeply rooted in the oral storytelling traditions that have been passed down through generations and across cultures.

The origins of the phrase can be traced back to ancient oral traditions and early literary works. People use it in many cultures around the world, showing that the way stories are told is similar everywhere. Saying "Once Upon a Time" means taking a step away from what's happening now and entering a made-up world where the events in the story happen.

This introductory phrase is notably associated with the fairy tale genre, a literary form characterized by magical elements, fantastical settings, and moral lessons. The phrase has become a hallmark of these narratives, setting the stage for the audience's engagement with imaginative and often moralistic tales. "Once Upon a Time" encapsulates the essence of storytelling, inviting listeners or readers to suspend disbelief and enter the realm of the fantastical.

Over time, the expression has transcended its literary origins and permeated popular culture. It has been adapted and referenced in various forms of media, from literature and film to television and theatre.

Once Upon A Time
"Fairy Tales" Jessie Willcox, (1863-1935), Proof Print, c. 1861-1897

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