strathspey@strathspey.org:29270

marjoriem

Re: Strathspey Setting

Jan. 25, 2002, 1:58 a.m. (Message 29270, in reply to message 29257)

Martin said:
> I don't know what is usual, but, if I am standing to the right of someone
> that is due to set, I get ready to move out of his way, to my right, or
> backwards if there's no room to the right.  I feel it is the standing
> dancer's duty not to hinder the dancing dancer's movements.

One of the practices I find pleasant in English Country dancing is that
dancers standing in the line of the set move forwards, backwards and
sideways for those who are dancing around them or who can be helped by a
shorter path to their destination. It can be done gracefully, musically, and
unobtrusively (or with a bit of panache) depending on the dance and the
music and it always seems to add to the sociability of the dance.

On the other hand, when standing out in top place, I've also been known to
join the hand of the woman to my left and set with her rather than be a
hindrance to her strathspey setting step. Maybe I wouldn't do it in an exam,
but in the appropriate social situation it seems more enjoyable than
standing still.

Marjorie McLaughlin
San Diego, CA