strathspey@strathspey.org:27953

Doug Mills

Re: Loch Leven Castle

Oct. 22, 2001, 10:32 p.m. (Message 27953, in reply to message 27921)

M Sheffield wrote:

> This is what I call a flawed dance, with unsatisfactory transitions and
> nothing particular to recommend it.
> Why does anyone in the RSCDS bother to teach it, when there are so many
> other interesting choreographies to be tried?

Not all dances are created perfect (except, and I know Martin will agree, maybe
Red House), but I put Loch Levan Castle in the "challanging" category.

LLC is not some frightening 224 bar memory test, nor is it a "follow your nose"
type dance, but just because it requires a bit of thought and technique does
not make it a bad dance.  Most of us really enjoy Cadgers even though the man
has an awkward entry to the 2nd reel, no matter which shoulder he pulls back,
so difficult changes of direction need not diminish a dances popularity.

Perhaps you wouldn't put it LLC a Social program, but I have taught it to
Advanced classes and they generally enjoy the challange of overcoming it's
foibles.

Anyway, the music is great, especially if you can get the old Tim Wright (I
think) recording.

Cheers

Doug Mills
Christchurch NZ