Schottische

The schottische is a partnered social dance that originated in Central Europe in the early to mid-19th century and spread to wider European and North American ballroom repertoires. Its name, meaning “Scottish” in German, reflects an early association with Scotland or Scottish-inspired tunes, though its exact origin is uncertain. It is typically grouped with other 19th-century dances such as the waltz, polka, and galop.

The music used for the schottische is usually in 2/4 or 6/8 time and performed at a moderate tempo. The rhythm is distinctive, with a lively, slightly syncopated feel that supports a sequence of light, stepped figures. The dance is commonly described as lively and graceful, suitable for a ballroom or social setting.

In couples’ dancing, the schottische is often performed in a closed hold with figures that include forward and side steps, a chasse or turning movement, and occasional promenades or pivots. The basic pattern typically involves a quick step sequence followed by a longer step, producing a characteristic push-pull motion in time with the music. Dancers may progress through a short routine of figures or integrate it into a longer set of dances.

Historically, the schottische gained popularity in the 1830s and 1840s and was widely taught in dance manuals and ballrooms across Europe and North America. It remained a standard component of social dance repertoires into the late 19th and early 20th centuries and persists today in traditional, revival, and folk dance contexts. Variants exist in regional practice, reflecting local timing and styling while preserving the core rhythm and social sense of the dance.