A Wee Dram Before Tea
Scottish Country Dance Instruction
A Wee Dram Before Tea - 32S3 Linda Mae Dennis1- 8 1st and 2nd couples set, cross over giving right hands, set, and turn halfway with right hands to face up in promenade hold.
9-16 1st and 2nd couples Allemande.
17-24 1st couple dance mirror figures of eight on own sides. They dance in and up round 2nd couple to begin, and take hands briefly when they meet.
25-32 All three couples circle six hands round and back.
Repeat having passed a couple.
(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Linda Mae Dennis)
Dance Notes
For more advanced dancers, reels of three may be substituted in bars 17-24.(Dance notes by the deviser, Linda Mae Dennis)
Dance Instruction Videos
A Wee Dram Before Tea - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction VideoDance Information
When we travelled through Scotland, my husband and I began a tradition of enjoying our new surroundings each day by having 'a wee dram before tea'. It was very relaxing - like this dance.Tune: Any good strathspey
(Dance information by the deviser, Linda Mae Dennis)
The phrase "a wee dram before tea" refers to the tradition of enjoying a small measure of whisky before the evening meal, which is often called "tea" in many parts of Scotland and the UK.
The word "wee" means small in Scottish dialect, while "dram" is a traditional term for a serving of whisky, though it does not indicate an exact amount.
Having a dram before tea is a longstanding custom in Scotland, particularly among those who appreciate whisky as part of daily life. It is often seen as a way to unwind after a day's work and to enjoy a moment of relaxation before sitting down to eat. Some believe that a dram can help stimulate the appetite, much like an aperitif in other cultures.
The choice of whisky for a pre-tea dram depends on personal preference. A lighter, smoother whisky may be favoured by some, while others might prefer a more robust or peated variety. The timing also allows for whisky to be savoured without interference from the stronger flavours of food, making it easier to appreciate its complexity.
While whisky is more commonly associated with after-dinner drinking, a wee dram before tea remains a popular choice for many who enjoy Scotland's national drink. It is a simple yet meaningful tradition that reflects the country's deep-rooted whisky heritage and appreciation for sharing good spirits in good company.
A 'Wee Dram' To Flavour The Haggis At A Burns Supper
Image copyright Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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