strathspey@strathspey.org:44467

George Meikle

RE: Dance Cards and the floor

March 3, 2006, 11:13 p.m. (Message 44467, in reply to message 44464)

Simon Scott wrote:-

> 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. 

Whilst I agree that things have changed in SCD'ing, I do not necessarily
agree that it is an improvement. I was referring to those dances I play at
where some dancers DO NOT leave the floor at all and often just stand there
in the same area they have just danced in. At best they may swap partners
within that same set of dancers whilst waiting for the band to strike up
again. I am sorry, but I do not see anything "socially (attr)active" in
that? I thought dancing was supposed to be a social event? I have no problem
with people interacting on the dance floor between dances, but feel that it
is quite bad mannered to actually line up before the dance has been
announced, as well as being discourteous to the majority of other dancers
who follow the normal dance etiquette. I often find that whilst MC's fully
agree with my concerns they frequently admit to being too frightened to say
anything to stop it happening.

George Meikle
Lothian Scottish Dance Band