The basic 4-bar Figure, which by analogy with Petronella is here called Quarter schiehallion reel, is a Progression anticlockwise one Place in the Square set. Thus the full Figure involves four repetitions of the Quarter schiehallion reel; Half schiehallion reel involves two repetitions.
In Scottish Country Dancing Half schiehallion reel also exists as a Ladies' schiehallion reel. This differentiation is chosen, by analogy with Ladies' chain and Men's chain, to recognize that the Ladies rather than the Men take the principal part; they are followed by their Partners rather than following their Partners as in the standard Schiehallion reel. The term Reverse Schiehallion reel, which implies Travelling in the reverse Direction, is an acceptable synonym.
Diagrams for the first 4 bars of the full form of the Schiehallion reel are reproduced here but, for the full description, see the Quarter schiehallion reel page.
Schiehallion Reel: Bars 1-2.
Bars 1-2 of Schiehallion reel in a square set; 1st couple's paths shown emboldened, the ladies' broken; arrow heads show the positions of the equally spaced dancers at the end of bar 2.
Schiehallion Reel: Bars 3-4.
Bars 3-4 of Schiehallion reel in a square set; 1st couple's paths shown emboldened, the ladies' broken; arrow heads show the positions of the equally spaced dancers at the end of bar 4.
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