Caledonian Reel Footwork Pattern for Set Dancers
Ladies footwork only !!!
   
Gents please proceed to this page before we confuse you !!
 
 
 
 

Here's a simple breakdown of the Footwork Pattern Maldon & Ronan taught for the Caledonian Reel Set Dance.   This is danced to a reel, so that's a 4/4 timing pattern   I've broken it down into 3 lessons - practice each individual lesson until the onscreen graphic is painfully slow and this is 2nd nature to you . When you can easily  say and dance the pattern without looking at this screen then feel free to jump ahead and learn the next part.
ALL FOOT WORK SHOWN IS FOR LADIES !!!
Men should be looking at this page so they don't get confused as they use the opposite foot.
   
1) Ladies only First Lesson :   "AND A ONE"
   
and - is a quick left heel lift up & thump back down ( left toe stays on the floor)
a - is a quick tap of the floor with the right heel
one - is a whole right foot step down

       

practice  "and a one"    "and a one"     "and a one"    
 until you are very comfortable with this before you jump on and learn more of the pattern
     
 
    

2) Ladies Only Interim Lesson:  AND A ONE, AND A ONE THEN TWO"
    

starts off the same pattern  "and a one" as you learned above but now we add to it
then - is a quick  tap of the floor with the left heel
two - is a whole left foot step down
     

  practice :  "and a one, and a one then two"    
 until you are very comfortable with this before you jump to the final step
   


   

3) Here's the full Caledonian Reel Footwork Pattern, Ladies Only
"AND A ONE, AND A ONE THEN TWO, AND A ONE THEN TWO"
  


 

 Say it out loud if that helps:    "and a one, and a one then two, and a one then two"
  

Repeat that entire sequence over n over until this footwork pattern is 2nd nature to you. Don't be afraid to loosen up and let those hips sway back n forth a little bit - its not meant to be done stiff / upright /in the exact same spot. I've done the best I can with simple graphics. Its up to you to sway those hips and let the feet fly in a natural fashion.
      

Initially you may sound like this:
 Learners Caledonian 
Audio Sample 147Kb		 Gradually build up a little speed to this:
Almost ready 
Caledonian sample 190Kb

This footwork pattern repeats over n over for the entire Caledonian set dance. Its stepped off during swings, dance at homes, house around, etc .  Practice at home to get it up to speed & have fun.    If you think you are ready for the big leagues, try dancing the  Caledonian along with these dancers at the Ennis Trad Fest  -  yes indeedy its the same pattern & then some !!!