strathspey@strathspey.org:28017

ron.mackey

Re: Lead up - which hand?

Nov. 1, 2001, 11:04 p.m. (Message 28017, in reply to message 28008)

> The reason why LHJ is more appropriate in this instance is because it makes the
> action of the lady crossing in front of her partner so much more comfortable.
> 
> Another occasion where I will try to give left hands (where right is specified)
> is in a dance where the last 2 bars have the first couple crossing over from 2nd
> place on the opposite sides to 2nd place on their own side. After 2nd time
> through, if the 3rd couple are immediately involved (and it otherwise fits) I
> will offer left hand to my partner and cross moving down to 4th place.
> 
> Same applies for "once and to the bottom" where there is even more pressure to
> get out of the way quickly.

	Hi,  Alan 
		I think this discussion has been going on for ever.  One suspects 
that the origins lie with O.B.L.  Miss M  and stems from the time 
when children were rapped over the knuckles with a cane for 
attempting to write with the LEFT hand !! Horrors !!
	This enforced use of the right hand was still prevalent when I 
started school (no chuckles at the back, please!!) and the Head 
teacher of our infants school was advised by the school Doctor not to 
insist.  I know because I was the subject under discussion.
	The habit of always leading one's lady on the right side unless on 
an opposite pavement was just good etiquette and still is in many 
circles, and there was a fair amount of suspicion of those using the 
'sinister' hand.	
	In the occasions raised by Alan I will offer my partner left hand 
without any qualms especially if dancing in one of the modern 'Jumbo' 
sized sets - and one of the main reasons is that, on certain occasions,
to offer my partner right hand is basically inelegant not to say 
impractical !


Cheers,  Ron   :)

 < 0   Ron Mackey,(Purveyor of Pat's Party Pieces)
  'O>  Mottingham, 
  /#\  London. UK.
   l>
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