The Virginia reel is a folk dance that dates from the 17th century. Though the reel may have its origins in Scottish country dance and the Highland reel, and perhaps have an even earlier origin from an Irish dance called the Rinnce Fada, it is generally considered to be an English country dance. The dance was most popular in America from 1830–1890. The Virginia reel was a popular dance, and in each area there would be slight differences. This has given rise to a large number of dances called the Virginia reel. All of the versions have certain similarities, such as the reel figure. Today, Virginia Reel is one of the traditional dances danced in Finland by upper secondary school students in their prom Vanhojen tanssit. The dance Described below is one version of the Virginia reel. The dancers usually line up in two lines of 5-8 couples, partners facing each other. Traditionally men would line up on one side, and women on the other, but that is not necessary. The lines have a head and a foot, with the head couple being the nearest the band or music source and the foot couple at the other end of the line. This formation is the same for any version of the Virginia reel. Head lady and foot gentleman forward and back. The head lady and the foot man advance toward each other four steps and retire four steps backward into place. Forward again with both hands round. The head lady and foot man advance, join both hands straight across and make one complete turn, then return to places. The head man and foot lady do the same. Do-si-do (pronounced dough-see-dough) The head lady and foot man advance, pass each other right shoulder to right shoulder while crossing their arms, and without turning, go around each other back-to-back and retire backwards to places. The head man and foot lady do the same. It is then repeated by left shoulder (also called a see saw). Head couple gallops four times through the aisle and back. The head couple join both hands and chasse (side slip and close) down inside of the lines four steps and return to the head position. Right arm to partner and reel. (Right to centre, left to the side.) The head couple link right arms and turn around once and a half. (This leaves the lady facing the