strathspey@strathspey.org:44711

Iain Boyd

Re: Official variations/DANCE: Skye Barbecue

March 15, 2006, 12:10 a.m. (Message 44711, in reply to message 44675)

Dear Ian,
   
  Firstly, let me say that I am surprised that your original dance has
  first couple turning with right hands and dancing a clockwise chase
  each time while second and third couples give right hands then left
  hands.
   
  If I had been devising this dance I would have chosen one of the
  following alternatives -
   
         First couple turn right and chase clockwise both times
         while
         second and third couples give right hands both times
   
  OR
   
         First couple turn right and chase clockwise then turn left and chase 
         counter clockwise
         while
         second and third couples give right hands then left hands.
   
  In my opinion, you should abandon the current unbalanced version and
  adopt one of the two alternatives I have described above as the
  official version rather than providing an alternative official
  version.
   
  In the meantime, a few observations.
   
  I suspect that most dancers will prefer the original movements for
  second and third couples - ie. right then left - as they are
  different.
   
  A number of experienced dancers I know will dislike the original
  movement for first couple - ie. turn right and chase clockwise both
  times - because it is unbalanced compared with second and third
  couples movements and because it does not change direction.
   
  There are several local dancers who will prefer your original
  version for first couple as they have only one speed and not having
  to change direction between the two eight bar phrases will appeal to
  them.
   
  As you have you have not specified the phrasing for first couple, it
  should be comparatively easy for them to turn right (2 or 3) bars
  and chase clockwise (6 or 5 bars) THEN change direction and turn
  left and chase counter clockwise. I do not imagine it being a very
  abrupt change of direction.
   
  I might be able to try out the different versions for you later in the week. 
   
  Regards,
   
  Iain Boyd
  
 

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