Let's write an Xmarks dance

[Andrewson]

It has taken me over 2 years of classes to not break out in a cold sweat at the mention of reels! I expect the above dance is much easier to do than read though, as most are.

I would very much like to see a very simple, ultra-beginner type dance that we could do at our Burns' supper next month. Unfortunately, very simple, ultra-beginner dances do not include Double Triangles! Nor are they Strathspeys, nor do they include reels, or even setting step for that matter.

So, there's the challenge. Any takers?

Be well,

A dance I'd use at a ceilidh where there are people who have not danced before is The Flying Scotsman. Here's the MINICRIB for it:

THE FLYING SCOTSMAN 1 (J8x32) 3C (4C Set) H Thurston 16 SCDs
1- 8 1L followed by 2L+3L cross, cast behind 1M, in front of 2M, behind 3M, cross & dance up to places
9-16 1M followed by 2M+3M repeat around Ladies
17-24 1s slip step down the middle & up to 2nd place
25-32 2s+1s+3s slip step down & back

If, for complete beginners, you want to avoid the complications of repeating from 2nd place then in 17-24 ask the 1s to slip step down and back to 4th place and form an arch. The others then cast off down the sides and lead up through the arch ready to start again.

Meets all your criteria and is usually thought to be good fun I recently taught it to class of 9 and 10 year olds and they really enjoyed all the train movements (it is named for a famous express train that used to run from London to Edinburgh). We had a ball with it.

[Kiltman]

Our instructor's husband had to go to the ER. Maybe next week we'll dance it.
PS his OK just a shoulder problem and a lot of pain.

[londonpiper]

It has taken me over 2 years of classes to not break out in a cold sweat at the mention of reels!

don't worry Oh F-H.C.A.G. As they're reels of four, just remember left in the middle and right at the ends and you won't go far wrong

I expect the above dance is much easier to do than read though, as most are.

Yes, it is easier to do, and great fun too!!