Scottish traditions I grew up with that Americans find surprising

At school dances, we don't dance to modern music. Instead, we have traditional Scottish dancing, known as ceilidhs.

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A ceilidh is a gathering which involves dancing to traditional folk music, either in partners or in groups to set choreographed routines, all of which have their own names. For example, one of the most popular routines is called the "Gay Gordons."

Growing up, our school threw a ceilidh every year before Christmas. For the full month of December, every gym class was dedicated to learning and practicing the different routines. 

When I studied in the US, it had been years since I had been to a ceilidh — and yet, I still remembered every move of the "Gay Gordons" and (unsuccessfully) attempted to teach it to my roommates.