strathspey@strathspey.org:44464

simon scott

Dance Cards and the floor

March 3, 2006, 9:51 p.m. (Message 44464)

I don't think "dance cards" should be thought of as a purely SCD custom.
I believe I'm right that they were a custom from across Europe (later
taken abroad with many other social customs of course) and used at a
time when it would not have been the done thing for a lady to ask a
gentleman to dance. Instead she would have a "dance card" on a ribbon at
her wrist on which interested gentlemen might sign their name for a
dance on the evening program. A delightful custom I think, albeit
perhaps no longer fitting our more liberal ways.  I don't believe they
were carried my men, who presumable had to have a good memory for the
number of dances he had booked, and with whom. I suspect that he did not
choose as many different partners as some do today.

In "taking the floor" I also think that some things have changed. I am
not (obviously by what I see written) nearly as convinced as some of you
that the floor must be cleared between each dance. I believe that one
can engage in conversation and be "socially active", which is part of
the evening, while remaining on the danceable part of the floor, without
it appearing improper. This seems also to be custom, something that
we've all heard, including myself, but not been given any really valid
reason for. From a very quick glance through the Manual index I didn't
see anything that addressed the matter. (Did I miss a page or paragraph)

I certainly don't think that George Meikle, or any other band leader
should feel under the slightest pressure to start the next dance, before
his time, just because he sees sets forming. The MC, together with the
band, should surely set the pace of the evening. Actually "demanding"
that the formed sets be cleared seems a little heavy to me. When the
floor fills and I am MC, rather than complaining I prefer to say "I see
you are all ready for this next wonderful dance 'The Reel of
..whatever). Also, there are very often practical reasons of space etc
and those mentioned by Sylvia Miskoe when clearing the floor is not the
preferred thing to do.

I must admit that I do tend to say "If you are ready and keen to dance,
then show it! !"

Simon
Vancouver