Let's write an Xmarks dance

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

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,

[starbkjrus]

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,

Scottish Country Tango?

[davedove]

Scottish Country Tango?

I'm sitting here trying to imagine a tango played on bagpipes. It might be fun, but it just doesn't seem right somehow. I would be willing to try it though.

I can't say too much though. I have found that many country (as in & western) music is done to a cha cha or rumba rhythm.

More power to everyone. I much prefer the partner dances as opposed to the group dances. I like keeping my arms around the lady for the whole dance.

[Panache]

More power to everyone. I much prefer the partner dances as opposed to the group dances. I like keeping my arms around the lady for the whole dance.

Dave,

You are missing out. With the right Scottish country dance one can flirt with up to 5 different people per dance.

Cheers

Jamie

[MartinGrenoble]

Only five?

Martin

[Panache]

Only five?

Martin

Martin,

I didn't want to intimidate Dave

Cheers

Jamie

[davedove]

Dave,

You are missing out. With the right Scottish country dance one can flirt with up to 5 different people per dance.

Cheers

Jamie

Oh you married men and your limited flirting, one cannot properly flirt in such a limited time. That's why there are multiple dances, so you can give your undivided flirting attention to one person for the length of a song, then move on.

Seriously though, I have no problem with group dances and will dance them at times; they're just not my preference.

[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!!