Caledonian Reel Footwork Pattern for Set Dancers
Men's Pattern Only !!!
 
  

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 MEN !!!
Ladies need to be on their own special  page  here
  
1) Men only, First Lesson :   "AND A ONE"

  

and - is a quick right heel lift up & thump back down ( right toe stays on the floor)
a - is a quick tap of the floor with the left heel
one - is a whole left 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) Men 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 right heel
two - is a whole right foot step down
     

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


   
 

3) Here's the full Caledonian Reel Footwork Pattern
 Men only, "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 :
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 !!!

Are you Ready for Ireland - Caledonian Audio Sample 1.2Mb
       

check out this busy Irish dance floor video of a Caledonian & practice along!
unfortunately this video has the footwork audio dubbed 
       

Finally!  Ger's posted a fantastic demo of a  half set (only 2 couples) and 
its a combination of the Caledonian 3rd and 4th figure
 and the battering's great  - so enjoy !