The Virginia reel was a popular dance, and in each area there would be slight differences.
One of the most common is this: When the head couple reach the foot of the set, they stop, join both hands to form an arch while the couples behind them join hands and go under the arch and up the center toward the head position.
Another variation involves all couples (including the head and foot) participating in the advance and retire, the two-hand turn and the do-si-so with their own partners.
Students at the University of Virginia dance the reel to 'The Rattlin' Bog' or 'Scotland the Brave' with variations on the chorus at the annual Colonnade and Restoration Balls.
When done with four couples, the record usually used for the song was MacGregor #7345, labeled Virginia Reel (Haste to the Wedding).