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!
Sunflower Season by Janelle Penner
Western Monarch Day
Feb 5
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"A flutter, a twist, a dance in the sky,
Drifting on breezes that whisper and sigh.
Zigzag and loop, then a sudden ascent,
A journey of wonder, so wild and unbent.
It waltzes through meadows on shimmering wings,
Pausing on petals as sunshine it brings.
A flicker, a glide, then lost in the blue,
Following paths only butterflies knew."
Butterflies have inspired poets, artists, authors, and Scottish Country Dance devisors! Several days are devoted to butterfly watching including today, marking the peak of overwintering Western Monarchs in coastal California. When they are active, butterflies have a unique way of flying. Most butterflies do not fly in a straight line. Instead, they take a zigzagging, fluttering path, which is influenced by their large, flexible wings, which generate lift with a figure-eight motion . Emulate the fluttery path of your favourite butterfly with this 32 bar jig which includes weaving and crossing patterns, and a butterfly-like double triangle which should impress dancers and aspiringcaterpillars alike! 🦋 🦋 🦋 🌺 🌺 🌺
The Butterfly Flutter
The flight of butterflies is a marvel of nature, a delicate dance of color and grace that fills the air with a sense of wonder. Unlike birds or bees, which have a more direct and forceful flight pattern, butterflies move in an almost whimsical, erratic way, fluttering and gliding with seemingly unpredictable turns. This distinctive movement is not just for show—it serves a vital purpose. Their irregular flight pattern helps them evade predators, making it harder for birds and other insect-eaters to predict their path.
Butterflies rely on their large, paper-thin wings to stay aloft, using a combination of flapping and gliding to conserve energy. Unlike many insects, which beat their wings rapidly, butterflies flap them at a slower, more deliberate pace. Recent studies have revealed that their wings operate somewhat independently, creating efficient lift even when flapping at different angles. This unique adaptation allows them to travel great distances, as seen in the extraordinary migration of the monarch butterfly, which journeys thousands of miles from North America to the forests of central Mexico.
Beyond their practical function, the flight of butterflies carries symbolic and poetic significance across cultures. They are often seen as messengers of transformation, fleeting beauty, and the soul’s journey. Watching a butterfly drift effortlessly through a garden or meadow evokes a sense of peace and freedom, reminding us of nature’s delicate balance and the unseen forces that guide even the most fragile of creatures through the air.
For more about the Monarch butterfly, click the monarch!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
