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Enjoy this curated selection of theme-related dances for celebrations and holidays, or find a dance associated with a special calendar day, or EVEN your own birthday!
Sep 9
Teddy Bear Day
Jack's Teddy Bears
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn out the lights,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, say “good night”.
~ Traditional Jump Rope Rhyme
Jack’s Teddy-Bears is a 32-bar jig for 3 couples in a a four couple set, clearly dedicated to Jack, a proud owner of several teddy bears. The dance begins with a double figure of eight—rather like tying a great big bow around a favourite bear! View the dance details and crib.
Did you have a teddy bear when you were little? Perhaps you had more than one, just like Jack. If so, you are in good company! The teddy bear was famously named after President Theodore Roosevelt following a 1902 hunting trip during which he refused to shoot a bear that had been captured and restrained. Since then, the teddy bear has become a universal symbol of comfort and companionship.
Teddy bears are also wonderfully suited to full Highland dress. They can be outfitted in the tartan of your choice and accessorized with jabots, bagpipes, sporrans, and all the trimmings to match your finest kit.
So, as you dance this sprightly jig, imagine that opening double figure of eight tying an enormous bow around your favourite teddy bear. Better still, bring your own well-dressed bear to class for Teddy Bear Day—he is sure to catch the glad eye and attract a whole bevy of admirers! 🕺 💃 🤎 🤎 🤎 🎀 🧸 🧸 🧸
Jack's Teddy Bears
Initially a US specific holiday, this day is increasingly celebrated by bear lovers across the world. Teddy bears are named after US President Theodore"Teddy" Roosevelt. The name came about during a 1902 hunting expedition in Mississippi after Roosevelt declined to shoot a black bear.
The incident was illustrated in a newspaper cartoon entitled "Drawing the Line" - which also referred to the political situation at the time. An enterprising New York toymaker used this story as an opportunity and brought out a cute stuffed bear named"Teddy's Bear." Simultaneously and independently, the Steiff firm in Germany also produced a stuffed bear.
Early teddy bears were made to look like real bears, with extended snouts and beady eyes. Today, there are teddy bears representing different species of bear, such as polar bears and grizzly bears, as well as pandas.
On April Fools' Day 1972, issue 90 of The Veterinary Record published a paper on the diseases of Brunus edwardii detailing common afflictions of teddy bears.
Today you can choose from bears of all kinds including dressed bears! There are bears in all possible styles of Scottish dress and choices of tartan - piper bears, highlander bears, historic bears ... .
There are even Outlander Bears representing the main characters in the romantic novel clad in authentic Outlander tartan!
For information about Teddy Bear Museums throughout the world, click the Claire and Jamie Outlander Bears!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
