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Dalkeith's Strathespey
Loretta Holz
Oct. 31, 2001, 4:39 p.m. (Message 27997)
Last night I taught this dance and as we did it I felt there was an awkward part. 1-4 Ist couple sets to and circles with second woman 5-6 1st couple sets to second man In making the transition from the circle with the second woman to setting to the first man should the first couple change hands so the woman is now on the other side of her partner. We kept hands it did not seem smooth. It seems that they would then go down the center on the opposite side and return without switching sides so 1st man faces second woman, etc. for the reel. How do you do the dance? Thanks Loretta Holz
Loretta,
Dalkeith's Strath is a lovely dance and that first circle can look
awkward. All three dancers must really push round the circle so the first man
can swing to his partners right, facing second man. It's a real kilt twirler
and a challenge. What I do when teaching it is to have the first couple and
second woman anticipate the circle and flow immediately from the setting.
There should be no pause. Keeping the circle tight will also help.
Also on bars 9-16 the first couple should take care not to rush to the
top of the set into positions for a reel of four. First man should see to
getting his partner facing 2nd man. It's all a matter of good phrasing.
Excellant challenge! Happy dancing.
Bob Mc Murtry
Felton, Calif.
Loretta This is a wonderful dance. In most of our dancing we need more use of good hands and helpful arms. Usually this is directed at the men, however in bar four of this dance it very much the lady who must help the man as they come out of the first circle to face second man. The man needs good support from his partner as he dances slightly backwards (rather like a backwards polite turn) at that point. A fine old stately dance. Enjoy it Cheers Simon Scott Vancouver Last night I taught this dance and as we did it I felt there was an awkward part. 1-4 Ist couple sets to and circles with second woman 5-6 1st couple sets to second man In making the transition from the circle with the second woman to setting to the first man should the first couple change hands so the woman is now on the other side of her partner. We kept hands it did not seem smooth. It seems that they would then go down the center on the opposite side and return without switching sides so 1st man faces second woman, etc. for the reel. How do you do the dance? Thanks Loretta Holz
Loretta - We have done Dalkeith's Strathspey many times. It has been popular on the west coast for several years. No, we don't put the woman on the wrong side. First couple needs to be sure to complete the circle rapidly in order to be in the correct position to set to second man. Planning ahead and adjusting steps in the circle allows first couple to finish in place for the next setting. Do try it again! Marian Stroh Reno, NV
In a message dated 10/31/2001 10:53:12 AM Eastern Standard Time, xxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx writes: > Loretta, > Dalkeith's Strath is a lovely dance ...snip... > Also on bars 9-16 the first couple should take care not to rush to the > top of the set into positions for a reel of four. First man should see to > getting his partner facing 2nd man. Right. On bar 16, as first man, I like to lead my partner a fraction above second couple, and turn a little anti-clockwise. In this way, the first couple flow nicely into the reel of four. Chris.