strathspey@strathspey.org:27942

SMiskoe

Re: Loch Leven Castle

Oct. 20, 2001, 6:24 p.m. (Message 27942, in reply to message 27921)

Loch Leven Castle does indeed have a great tune.  There are lots of great 
tunes out there but they are tied with less than stellar dances.  Conversely, 
there are lots of nice dances but the tune is a dog.  One of the SCD styles 
is that each tune has its own tune but then after one repetition you may go 
onto another tune.  English dance style has one tune for each dance but you 
never change.  Contra dance style has what ever tune the band wants for that 
dance at that moment.  There are plus and minus for each style.  I am going 
to stick my neck out and say that sometimes one should be able to deviate 
from tradition/style and at least try a different tune, just to see if it 
works.  There are tunes that are a perfect match for a dance but there are 
lots of generic tunes that are totally good in most situations.  Why flog a 
dance that isn't much fun just to dance to a special tune?  Try a nicer dance.
Cheers,
sylvia Miskoe, Concord, NH USA