Talking About Curves

Patricia Ruggiero

Message 53011 · 9 Jul 2008 07:41:14 · Fixed-width font · Whole thread

Campbell wrote:
> Gypsy etc means nothing to me. Pat says that new SCDs are
> incorporating them. Are they called something different in
> SCD?

The term "gypsy" is not used in SCD; rather, the track of the figure is
described. Usually the instructions say something like: "dance around your
partner by the right shoulder."

> Can you give me an example of SCD dances containing
these figures?

"Gypsy Weaver," by Denise Peet, begins thus:
Bars 1-2: First cpl and third cpl dance R shoulder 3/4 of the way around
partners to finish in a line of four up and down the center of the dance.
Bars 3-6: First cpl and third cpl dance a half reel of four up and down the
center of the dance.
Bars 7-8: First and third cpl dance R shoulder 3/4 of the way around partner
to finish on own sides, order 3-2-1.

That "dance R shoulder 3/4" is a 3/4 gypsy.

"Oh My America," by Betty Lee Barnes. Square set. Midway through the dance
there are two gypsies, described as dancing left shoulder around your corner
(4 bars), then right shoulder around your partner (4 bars). (Opinion here:
The dance opens with partners turning R hand for 4 bars, then corners
turning L hand for 4 bars. I find the hand turns much more satisfying than
the later "handless" turns.)

There is at least one modern dance where 1st cpl does something with 1st
corners, ending still facing them; then 1st cpl pulls back R shoulder to
dance around each other and end facing 2nd corners. Some people dance simply
and cheerfully backwards around each other; others see it as a "back gypsy"
and make something quite sultry out of it. I'm sorry I can't remember the
name of this dance; perhaps someone else can supply it.

> And on a broader note, does anyone think that we are heading towards BCD
(British Country Dancing)?

No.

I can't speak for the entire U.S., but where I dance in the mid-Atlantic
(east coast) area, SCD, ECD, and contra are distinct styles with their own,
*very distinctive*, cultures and adherents. There is very little crossover.

> Or will SCD always be different, going its own way and not absorbing or
being absorbed?

That's my fervent hope.

Happy handing to you,
Pat
Charlottesville, Virginia
USA