Reel of the 51st Division

Etienne Ozorak

Message 13062 · 11 Sep 1998 05:37:12 · Fixed-width font · Whole thread

Hi,

It warms my heart to hear of my old regiment...as I was piper with the
CHofO during the 70s. For a while, I did teach some of the soldiers some
Highland Dancing, but it didn't work quite well...the boots, I guess...

Salut,
Etienne Ozorak

On Thu, 10 Sep 1998, Chris Collin wrote:

> Eric T. Ferguson wrote:
>
> > ==================== CONTRIBUTION by JOHN STURROCK ======================
> > From: xxxxxxxx@xxx.xxxxx.xx.xx
> >
> > I noted the Jakarta mail on _Strathspey_ with a good deal of interest, and
> > would like to help you with more information regarding variations in the
> > performance of The Reel of the 51st Division. ...... but maybe "Military
> > Setting" - the setting step used by the Scottish Regiments - is beyond the
> > powers of description of the most gifted Boswell. Its something you HAVE
> > to see. I have never seen any written description of it which could be
> > passed on, nor have I ever seen it taught. It is something that is handed
> > down by word of mouth/imitation.
>
> A few years ago, a local museum put on a Scottish Day. Amongst other
> events was a demonstration by some officers of the Cameron Highlanders,
> an Ottawa Militia regiment. Their team consisted of 7 men and 1 woman,
> in uniform, complete with kilts and the usual issue drill boots. They
> did not do Reel of the 51st (as I recall), but there were a lot of
> "military" steps, caused by wearing the boots! They were very
> enthusiastic, if in a style that RSCDS purists would shudder at. I've
> always thought that fun was the most important part of the dance
> anyway.
>
> Chris Collin, Gloucester, Ontario, Canada
>
>
> --
> Chris Collin <xxxxxx@xxxxxxxx.xxx>
>
>