Dancing Bear

Notes

“The Dancing Bear” is a modern classic of the New England tradition, composed by the influential Bob McQuillen. Known for its haunting E-minor melody and driving, rhythmic pulse, the tune captures a unique “old-world” atmosphere. Its intuitive finger patterns and engaging “B” part make it a staple for session players and a fantastic piece for developing strong, rhythmic bowing on the fiddle.

“The Dancing Bear” is a contemporary folk masterpiece that has become so ubiquitous in sessions that many musicians are surprised to learn it isn’t hundreds of years old.

The Story Behind the Tune

The tune was composed in the late 1970s by Bob McQuillen (1923–2012), a legendary New England musician and prolific composer from Peterborough, New Hampshire. Bob was a cornerstone of the contra dance world and wrote thousands of tunes, many of which he named after friends and fellow musicians.

“The Dancing Bear” is arguably his most famous creation. Its minor-key, “Eastern European” feel gives it a mysterious, circus-like quality that perfectly matches its title, evoking the image of a large, graceful bear performing in a village square.

Musical Characteristics

• Rhythm & Key: It is a reel in 4/4 time, played in the key of E Minor.

• Structure: The tune has a very distinct “walking” bass-line feel in the “A” part, while the “B” part climbs higher, creating a sense of momentum and energy.

• Style: While it is a New England contra tune by birth, its minor tonality and rhythmic drive have made it a favorite in Irish, Scottish, and even French-Canadian circles. It is often paired in sets with other “moody” minor reels.