Gay Gordons
Probably one of the most popular of all Scottish Country Dances. Contrary to popular opinion it isn't Scottish! It's an Old Time Dance and the story goes that it started in Continental Europe in the 1800s, although there are many theories. It's thought that the Gordons in the name are The Gordon Highlanders who were well-known for their bright attire. Local variations are common and some people start with both partners on the outside foot. Our version of the dance shows both the man and the woman beginning on the right foot.
Formation
Couple behind couple all facing anticlockwise, men on the inside of the circle. The Gay Gordons hold - join left hands in front, join right hands behind the
women's shoulders.
The Music
The Steps
For a bit of fun see the Animated Gay Gordons (Real Player required) from the BBC Celtic Roots web site.
| Bars | Movement |
|---|---|
| Walk 4 steps forwards (anticlockwise), then pivot and walk 4 steps backwards (but in same direction). |
| Repeat going the other way round. |
| Proceed anticlockwise again with man holding up woman's left hand as she twirls under it, up to 4 times if she's nimble. |
| Take ballroom hold and either gallop sideways or do polka turns, progressing round the circle. |
Many thanks to Ian Brockbank of the excellent Scottishdance.net Ceilidh resource upon whose dance instructions these are based. Licenced under a
Creative Commons License.
