strathspey@strathspey.org:44034

Chris1Ronald

Eccles Rant - No Answers?

Feb. 2, 2006, 4:53 a.m. (Message 44034)

Dear Strathspey list,
 
I've not received even one reply - on or off list - to my queries  (below) 
about this dance.  I think this may be a first for the strathspey  list, which 
usually delivers an almost instantaneous reply on  just about anything.  Does 
it mean that no-one has done this dance for  a long time, if ever?   I assume 
it must have been somewhat popular at  some time, for it can be found in the 
Wee Green Book.  Or would that be a  rash assumption? 
 
I'm going to try the dance anyway... and I'm quite expecting  to find out why 
no-one has done it for a long time! 
 
Chris, New York. 
 

"I've  been reading the instructions for Eccles' Rant in the 18th Century   
Book, and am planning to teach it soon.  I wonder if there's anyone  out  
there who 
knows the dance and could answer a few  questions.

1. Would you face out on bar 8 (ready to cast), or  would  you complete the 
Petronella turn, and then begin to cast on  bar 9? 
2. The instructions specify that second couple move up on bars 11  to  12.  
But, if the aim is to be helpful to first couple, they  should rather  step 
up on 
bars 9 to 10 while first couple are casting  to second place.   Any comments 
on that?
3. As first couple,  would you retain nearer hands on bar 16, ready for  the 
circle with  the second couple.  (It would seem a bit unnatural  to break 
hands  
only to rejoin a moment later.)
4. Can anyone comment on the origin of  the name, which is also the name of  
the lead tune, besides the fact  that Eccles is a town near Manchester, best  
known for its Eccles  cakes."