A Scottish country dance (SCD) or "reel" is a form of social dance involving groups of mixed couples of dancers tracing progressive patterns according to a predetermined choreography. Country dancing is often considered a type of folk dancing although this is not strictly true because it also has its roots in the courtly dances of the Renaissance. When it first became popular around the 18th century, it filled the niche that is occupied today by ballroom dances such as the waltz or tango, as a fairly refined form of entertainment. Related dance forms include English country dancing and contra dancing. The connection to styles like ceilidh dancing, "Old Time" dancing, Irish set dancing, or square dance is more tenuous. Also, Scottish country dancing should not be confused with Scottish highland dance, which (today) is closer to a sport rather than a social pastime, mainly being danced in competition and displays. There is a certain amount of cross-over in that there are Scottish...