The schottische is a partnered country dance, that apparently originated in Bohemia[. It was popular in Victorian era ballrooms as a part of the Bohemian folk-dance craze and left its traces in folk music of countries such as Argentina (“chotis” and “chamamé”), Finland (“jenkka”), France, Italy, Norway (“Reinlender”), Portugal and Brazil (xote, Chotiça), Spain (chotis) and Sweden and Denmark (“schottis”) and the United States, among other nations. The schottische is considered by the Oxford Companion to Music to be a kind of slower polka, with continental (European) origin.
In Madrid, the chotis, chotís or schotís is considered the most typical dance of the city since the 19th century and it is danced in all the traditional festivals. Some of the tunes, as “Madrid, Madrid, Madrid“, by the Mexican composer Agustín Lara become very well known in all Spain. (From Wikipedia).
Next 15 May is the feast of San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid.
A Crime is Afoot 
José Ignacio – Thanks for sharing this; it’s beautiful music! And I didn’t know that about the chotis, either. That’s really interesting.
I’m glad you like it Margot. I didn’t know the story behind the chotis, either. It’s nice to have Wikipedia handy.
José Ignacio – Yes, indeed. Wikipedia can be really useful. I sometimes wish my students wouldn’t consider it the only scholarly source of information they need, though *sigh* 😉
Margot it’s a good source for trivial questions, but your point is well taken.
Jose Ignacio: The schottische has been a part of rural Saskatchewan dances since the province was settled a century ago. In Saskatchewan it is customary to have two couples participating in the dance.
Bill, thanks for the information. Small world.