The Two-Step in Scottish Dance Tradition

This is a fast ballroom dance of American origin. It became popular in the 1890’s and spread to Europe about 1900 and remained popular until replaced by the one-step and foxtrot shortly before World War 1. The term “two-step” was often used for the foxtrot in Europe during the 1910’s.

At ceilidh dances in the Highlands today the Military and Boston two-steps are some of the most popular dances and are mostly danced to modern two-step tunes.

More information on the dances and examples of tunes to illustrate them can be found in “Traditional Scottish Fiddling” by Christine Martin and in the “Ceilidh Collection for Fiddlers” series of four books.