strathspey@strathspey.org:44780

Phill Jones

RE: Two chords - a question

March 20, 2006, 8:39 p.m. (Message 44780, in reply to message 44751)

From a musical point of view it does not make the slightest bit of
difference when you are playing it.  However, when you are forming
longwise sets in a crowded dance hall you are always relying on the 'top
man' to count the sets for you.  How often do we see this counting go
wrong?  Maybe because the man is still getting his shoes on and the
counter misses that couple out, or maybe because the couple are not
stood in position and do not get counted because they are chatting with
the couple above or below them or even a couple in the set behind them.

So, assuming the dancers have waited until they are counted to change to
the opposite side they then have to change back before being recounted
and then back again after the recount has been confirmed as correct.
Or, do you wait until everyone is happy with the counting and change
then, but the music is just about to start so that becomes just as
rushed as changing on the second chord, which in itself only seems to
become rushed by the couples who are not paying attention to where they
are in the set or the dance they are about to share with the rest of the
set.

For my monies worth, leave two chords with the second chord used to
change to the opposite side where necessary and ask the dancers to give
the dance the attention it deserves!  This also means that the whole
room will move together, which makes everything so much nicer and neater
to watch.

Phew, I'll get off my soap box now :-)