Virginia reel (dance)

The Virginia reel is a folk dance that dates from the 17th century. Though the reel may have its origins in Scottish country dance and the Highland reel, and perhaps have an even earlier origin from an Irish dance called the Rinnce Fada, it is generally considered to be an English country dance. The dance was most popular in America from 1830–1890.
The Virginia reel was a popular dance, and in each area there would be slight differences. This has given rise to a large number of dances called the Virginia reel. All of the versions have certain similarities, such as the reel figure.
Today, Virginia Reel is one of the traditional dances danced in Finland by upper secondary school students in their prom Vanhojentanssit.
The dance.
Described below is one version of the Virginia reel.
The dancers usually line up in two lines of 5-8 couples, partners facing each other. Traditionally men would line up on one side, and women on the other, but that is not necessary. The lines have a head and a foot, with the head couple being the nearest the band or music source and the foot couple at the other end of the line. This formation is the same for any version of the Virginia reel.
Variations.
As said above, there are many variations. One of the most common is this:
When the head couple reach the foot of the set, they stop, join both hands to form an arch while the couples behind them join hands and go under the arch and up the center toward the head position. This leaves the original head couple at the foot and the second couple now becomes the head couple.
Another variation involves all couples (including the head and foot) participating in the advance and retire, the two-hand turn and the do-si-so with their own partners.
Step.
The step is a bounce to the step when you sashey down the alley and when you reel.
Calls.
The following calls are given by the leader for beginners, or where there are several sets, so that the different sets do the figures at the same time.
Music.
Music consists of lively old time reel music such as "Durang's Hornpipe" or "Old Zip Coon" aka. "Turkey in the Straw". Students at the University of Virginia dance the reel to 'The Rattlin' Bog' or 'Scotland the Brave' with variations on the chorus at the annual Colonnade and Restoration Balls.