strathspey@strathspey.org:44876

Iain Boyd

Re: Two Chords - from a deviser's point of view

March 25, 2006, 2:10 a.m. (Message 44876)

Charles Upton wrote - 
   
  If we have a live band I check with the band that the dance will be
  preceded by 2 chords and that if a encore is needed, it will be
  preceded by 1 chord. If this is agreed then I don't have to make any
  statement whatsoever as this is the norm.

   
  Unfortunately, two chords for dances where 3rd and 4th couples or
  2nd and 4th couples or (occasionally) 1st and 3rd couples cross over
  before beginning is, in my mind, not the norm.
   
  It is a custom that was introduced by John Drewry and which has been
  taken up by some other devisers who have devised similar dances.
   
  When I have devised dances of this sort I have provided a diagram or
  instructions specifying the 'starting positions'.
   
  I do not like two chords for positioning purposes and do not specify
  them in the instructions for my dances and would prefer that two
  chords not be used.
   
  However, local custom will often prevail.
   
  Regards,
   
  Iain Boyd
   

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