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Military Schottische

(Military Schottisch/sh, Pas de Quatre,
Dancing in the Barn, Barn Dance,
Kentucky Jubilee, Star Schottische,
L'Américaine, Schottische Militaire)

{1880s - Present}



Introduction

The Military Schottische is a late 19th century modification of the mid-century Schottische.

Instead of dancing the first part in closed position into and out of the room, the first part is danced in open position along LOD.

This version of the Schottische is still popular to this day, and now includes many creative variations.


The Dance

The Position

First Half: Side by side facing LOD, in half closed position [AD88, MG90, ES92, GW98, MW99, AD00, WL03, AN03, FN14] or holding inside hands [RC88, ES92, JL94, EB95, PD95a, PD95b, JL95, HS95, PA98, JS98, TL99, AW02, AN03, PW04]. Perhaps with Lead's left hand on hip, Follow's right hand holding dress [JL94, EB95, PD95a, JL95, WL03].

           

Second Half: Waltz position [RC88, AD88, MG90, JL94, JL95, HS95, JS98, AD00, AW02, WL03, PW04].


The Steps


Variations

Several sources provide variations that can be added to the dance:

Despite the existence of these variations, one source notes that "the original figure is the only one ever danced in society" [ES92].


The Music

Schottische music, usually specified at 76 bpm [AD88, MG90, AD00, WL03].

The dance's various nicknames (Pas de Quatre, Dancing in the Barn, Barn Dance, Kentucky Jubilee) come from songs that it was popularly danced to at the time.


Sources


© 2015, 2018 Nick Enge


For more dance descriptions, see our three books on dancing:
The Book of Mixers: 100 Easy-Teach Dances for Getting Acquainted (2022) by Richard Powers and Nick & Melissa Enge,
Cross-Step Waltz: A Dancer's Guide (2019) by Richard Powers and Nick & Melissa Enge, and
Waltzing: A Manual for Dancing and Living (2013) by Richard Powers and Nick Enge.

For full-length teaching videos, visit: University of Dance.

For help crafting a life you love, visit: Project Quartz.


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