Just about everyone has heard of a jig before, but many people are not aware that a jig is a form of Scottish dance. Here are some things about the jig that you may not know, including an anecdote of how it became to be such a common part of popular culture.

Originating as a Scottish folk dance, jigs are usually characterized by their use of compound meters. For instance, a double jig is usually transcribed with a 6/8 tempo, while a slip jig is usually transcribed with a meter of 9/8. The Scottish jig comes in several different types, with the double jig being among the most popular. One very popular Irish jig is the seemingly timeless Irish Washerwoman.

Just about all jigs are built on a foundation of two eight-bar parts, with each part being repeated at least once. As is true with just about all Scottish music, it is not unusual to string two or more jigs into one continuous play and dance. Dancing a jig is a task that requires a lot of energy and a great deal of enthusiasm. The fast pace of the jig makes it a particularly energetic and happy dance, which allowed it to find its way into American slang vernacular with a great deal of ease.

During modern times, many people have used the phrase “dance a jig” when something wonderful has happened in their lives and they wish to express the sense of euphoria they are feeling at the time. Today, even people who have never seen a jig danced nor have any idea of the origins of the phrase understand clearly that to dance a jig means to be very happy with a course of events.

It is important to note that jigs can be danced individually or as part of a two-person unit. If the jig is danced by a team, the task will require a great deal of coordination between the two partners, as the quick pace of the music and the dance can lead to some interesting twists and turns.

As one of the most exciting and enjoyable of all popular dance moves, the jig leaves a long legacy in the dancing that is found with country and western music, bluegrass and even some of the rock and roll dances of the Fifties and Sixties heyday of that art form. There is no doubt that the jig will continue to influence all sorts of dancing for many years to come.