The reel originated around 1750 in Scotland and the Irish dance masters brought it to full development. The music is 4/4 time and it is danced at a relatively fast tempo (ONE-two-three-four). Both men and women dance the reel. For women, it is a light, rapid soft shoe dance that allows for plenty of leaping and demands an energetic performance from the dancer. Men often dance the reel in what appears to be hard shoes without the toe tap up front.

Often a feis will include a special competition in the treble reel. Here, dancers in a single line dance right and left leg. Some separate out age groups, some combine the age groups into one competition. Usually, audiences are extremely enthusiastic in their appreciation for this exciting performance.

A lively, show-stopping hard shoe dance to a reel at a speed slightly faster than a light reel.