The dance tells a story:
Part one of the story is in strathspey because the party hasn’t gotten going yet and it denotes the personality of one of the roommates. The Set and Rotate figure represents the opening of a champagne bottle – so only the top 2 couples dance – representing the cork. After the cork pops, the champagne bubbles up and spills out and down the sides of the bottle. This bubble up figure was devised by Michael Bentley. The constant flowing movement in the reel of four represents the pouring of the champagne and in the last figure of strathspey - the people are setting in little groups talking - but decide to circulate to see who else is at the party – then the couples decide to split up and get the party going.
Part two of the story is in quick time to represent the personality of the other roommate – and because the party is now in full swing. Dancing the Schiehallion reels is always fun and lively - just like a party. Then it’s time to settle down – take a breather – look for a place to rest for awhile. While the top 2 couples rest (and think about opening another bottle of champagne in strathspey time) – the bottom 2 couples have found a little champagne left in the old bottle and decide to finish it off - with the Slip Knot – danced up as the bottle empties. Don’t worry – the Schiehallion ladies would never have just one bottle of champagne – in fact they have four – so all 4 couples have a chance to open a bottle, dance, and have a “Reel” good time.