T h e   S c h o t t i s c h e

This is probably danced less than any of the other round dances in "best circles," being deemed "vulger." With children and young persons it is, however, still a favorite; and therefore we give a description of the manner in which it is danced.

The Schottische is danced in two-four time, the first and third beat in each bar being slightly marked. The slower the time is played, in moderation, the more pleasing the effect.

The gentleman takes the lady's waist and hand, as in the polka, and starts off with the design of moving in circles; he slides forward the left foot, and, as it stops, brings the right up to it smartly; slides the left forward again, and gives a spring on it, while he raises the right foot, and points it ready to start off with that, and repeat these movements. They may be continued without variation, the dancers revolving as in a waltz, if it is agreeable to the lady; but she may prefer that it should be continued as formerly danced. Then, when the first step had been performed eight times - that is, four starting with the left foot and four with the right, alternately - the second part of the figure commences.

This consists of four double hops. Take two on the left foot, half turning at the same time, then two on the right, completing the round. Repeat this; resume the first step for two bars; and so on throughout. But the Valse a Deux Temps step is now generally substituted for the hops, and indeed, when a Schottische is played, good dancers often use that step throughout it.