strathspey@strathspey.org:27999

Simon Scott

RE: Dalkeith's Strathespey

Oct. 31, 2001, 4:51 p.m. (Message 27999, in reply to message 27997)

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