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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!
Jul 13
No More Mundane Mondays
Paisley Mondays
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Should I wear paisley with tartan today?
Or keep them apart, in a more subtle way?
Your partners may whisper, "Oh my, what a sight!"
But dare what you wear, and dance through the night!"
~ Dancer's Dilemma
Need to brighten up your Monday dance class? Why not liven things up with a bold fashion choice?
Fashion experts generally recommend avoiding combinations such as Houndstooth and Hawaiian, Leopard and Lace, Zebra and Zigzags, Camouflage and Checks. But who listens to the experts nowadays, anyway?
What about Tartan and Paisley? Would you dare? Or have you already dared?
Paisley Mondays is a 32-bar jig for three couples in a four-couple set devised by Nan Lawson. Originally written for the Glasgow Branch's Monday evening classes, the dance takes its name from the historic town of Paisley in Renfrewshire, just southwest of Glasgow.
The town of Paisley is renowned throughout the textile world for the iconic Paisley pattern—the distinctive teardrop-shaped motif that became synonymous with the town during the nineteenth century. Although the design originated centuries earlier in Persia (modern-day Iran), where it represented a stylized cypress tree or floral spray symbolizing life and resilience, it traveled west through the luxurious Kashmiri shawl trade. During the Industrial Revolution, Paisley's skilled textile weavers mastered the art of reproducing these intricate designs on woven and printed fabrics.
The pattern reached the height of its popularity during the Victorian era, when elegant Paisley shawls became a must-have fashion accessory throughout Europe and North America. Nearly a century later, it enjoyed a spectacular revival during the 1960s and early 1970, perfectly complementing the psychedelic style of the era!
If your Monday needs livening up, wear whatever captures your fancy and dazzle your set partners! My eyes! My eyes! 🕺 💃 🧡 💜 💚 ❤️ 👀 👀 👀 😄
Paisley Mondays
Paisley has carved a significant niche in the fashion world, evolving from its ancient roots to become a versatile and enduring pattern. Initially popularized in the West during the 18th and 19th centuries, paisley was synonymous with luxury and sophistication, adorning the opulent Kashmir shawls that were coveted by European aristocracy. As the Industrial Revolution made it possible to produce these intricate designs more affordably, the pattern spread beyond high society, infiltrating various fashion spheres.
In the 1960s, paisley experienced a resurgence as part of the psychedelic movement, with designers embracing its bold, swirling motifs to reflect the era's vibrant and experimental spirit. Iconic figures like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix donned paisley attire, cementing its association with countercultural trends. In contemporary fashion, paisley continues to be a staple, appearing on everything from high-end designer collections to casual wear. Its versatility allows it to be reimagined in countless ways, whether through the rich, colorful fabrics of bohemian styles or the sleek, monochromatic interpretations seen on modern runways. The pattern's ability to transcend time and trends is a testament to its unique blend of tradition and innovation, making it a beloved choice for fashion designers and enthusiasts alike.
For a look a classic 1960s Paisley fashion, click below!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
