There Are No Kangaroos In Austria (Basic)

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+2s set, ½ turn LH into ½ LH across, 2s+1s set. 213
9-16 1s dance Fig of 8 on sides (start up, LSh to 2s)
17-24 1s+3s set, ½ turn RH into ½ RH across, 3s+1s set
25-32 3s+1s dance RH across; 2s+3s dance LH across. 231

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

Dance Information

The phrase "There are no kangaroos in Austria" is a humorous or absurd statement frequently cited as an illustration of an irrelevant or unexpected fact. This statement falls into the category of a non sequitur, representing a remark that lacks logical coherence within its context or appears unrelated to the current subject.

The origin of this specific phrase remains somewhat unclear, but it has been employed in various comedic forms. The humour stems from the juxtaposition of the expectation that kangaroos are native to Australia and the seemingly unrelated country of Austria, despite their similar names. Austria, situated in Europe, is not a location one would anticipate finding kangaroos, adding to the whimsical nature of the statement.