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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!
Feb 20
Petronella Day
Petronella
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Petronella, dressed in yellow,
Went upstairs to kiss a fella.
Made a mistake and kissed a snake!
How many doctors did it take?
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8!"
~ Jumprope rhyme, Petronella version
Feeling energetic? Channeling your dancing youth? Can you still "petronella" with the best of them? Good on you! This most of iconic of reels is known for the energy required and its namesake tune.
The term "Petronella" holds significant importance in traditional Scottish music and dance, particularly within Scottish country dancing and New England contra dance traditions. The dance known as "Petronella" was devised by Nathaniel Gow around 1820 and was included in the first book published by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) in 1924. The accompanying tune, also titled "Petronella," was first published in 1817 in Nathaniel Gow's Complete Repository, Part Fourth. This dance and tune were introduced to New England contra dance scenes, where "Petronella" has remained a staple for over a century. P & P! Petronella and Poussette! Woo hoo! ❤️ 💙 ❤️ 😃 💠 💠 💠 🎻
Petronella
The term "Petronella" carries multiple meanings across different areas. As a given name, it originates from the Latin Petronia, the feminine form of Petronius, and is found in Dutch, Swedish, and Hungarian traditions. Historically, Saint Petronilla was an early Christian martyr, traditionally considered the daughter or spiritual daughter of Saint Peter, with her chapel serving as a royal burial site in France.
Additionally, in botany, "Petronella" is a Brugmansia cultivar known for its large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers.
And of course, in Scottish Country Dance, the "Petronella" dance involves a distinctive movement where dancers perform a quarter-turn spin, known as the "Petronella turn," progressing around the set. This movement has been integral to the dance since its inception and continues to be a defining feature in both Scottish and New England dance traditions.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
