Virginia reel

noun

1. an American country dance in which the partners start by facing each other in two lines.

Virginia reel

noun

1. an American country dance
2. music written for or in the manner of this dance

Word History and Origins

Origin of Virginia reel¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

The 2019 lineup will include workshops where attendees can learn how to braid rawhide, make rope halters, dance the two-step and the Virginia reel, decorate leather, roast meat on a spit.

From New York Times

“He danced the Virginia reel with Miss Lillian at her debutante ball.”

From New York Times

He added a long, narrow wing on the house especially for dancing the Virginia reel, with a vaulted ceiling for good acoustics.

From Washington Post

The tough-girl country song “Daddy Lessons” occasions a little shuffling and a hint of the Virginia reel.

From New York Times

The dance form does admittedly have some unfortunate associations to overcome, and not just because of the Virginia reels that many of us were forced to perform in gym class.

From Washington Post