WELCOME TO An Entertainment Site for Scottish Country Dancers - Enjoy the 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!
Highland Dance - Jig
Jigs in January
Jan 3
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Her feet take flight, a lively spree,
She jigs to the tune with wild, fierce glee!"
If you are the Jan for which this jig was devised, how wonderful! Or if you share one of the Jan-like names (or know a dancing friend who does), consider this one of a special set of alliterative dances to share with a smile. The name Jan or Janet is considered a diminutive of Jane, which originates from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." It became popular in English-speaking countries and evolved into several variations and related names over time such as: Jane, Jan, Janie, Janine, Janelle, Janna, Janessa, Giovanna, Joan, Jean, Juana, Johanna, and Siobhán! And Janet-derive nicknames sometimes include, Netty, Jessie, and Jennie! And of course, there are the compound names such as Mary-Jane, and Jan-Marie! To all jig-dancing Jans this January, Happy Dancing! 😀 ❤️ 💃
Jiggin' Jan
The Scottish Jig
The Scottish jig is a lively dance form that holds a prominent place in Scottish traditional music. Its origins trace back to the Renaissance period, where it evolved alongside other European dance styles. The term "jig" is derived from the Middle English word gigge, meaning a rapid or spirited movement, which itself may have been influenced by Old French and Italian words for fiddle or dance.
Origins and Early Development
Jigs began to appear in Scotland in the late medieval period, likely influenced by Irish jigs and other European dances. By the 16th and 17th centuries, the jig had become a staple of both courtly and rural festivities. Early Scottish jigs were often accompanied by fiddles, small pipes, or harp, with the melodies characterized by their light, bouncy rhythms.
Forms of the Scottish Jig
Scottish jigs typically fall into two categories:
Single Jig: Played in 6/8 time, featuring straightforward rhythms and simpler melodic patterns.
Double Jig: Also in 6/8 time but with more complex melodic ornamentation, adding a vibrant, intricate quality.
Distinct from Irish jigs, Scottish jigs often feature syncopation and dotted rhythms, emphasizing a characteristic "Scots snap." Popular examples include The Deil Among the Tailors and Muckin' o' Geordie's Byre.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
