strathspey@strathspey.org:44494

simon scott

RE: Taking to the floor (I'm with Simon!)

March 5, 2006, 10:29 p.m. (Message 44494, in reply to message 44477)

When I first danced, in Britain, with my parents some fifty years ago we
went to village halls, or often to stately houses where there was
country dancing. As I remember, it was a social evening of dancing when
a dance would be announced, danced and then we would continue to
socialize until another one was announced.  As a result, yes, we would
leave the floor to talk to friends etc, but not because anyone said we
should. It just happened that way. I think there was more time between
dances and whether there was a pre-published program I can't remember.
As I assume such gatherings were common then, or maybe now, may I also
assume that certain customs of "etiquette" have grow from these types of
occasions in the passed.  Were they times when the circumstances of the
evening may have been somewhat different.

Now, and very much in contrast, I go to classes to learn, or to teach,
dances for coming parties, balls and events. I am part of the RSCDS,
which I knew nothing of at first. We have standards, we have structure,
technique and goals for learning new dances etc, all of which I love
with a passion, but originally knew nothing of at all.  I just danced
because that's what we did.

As a result, when attending an event now, I find an excitement and
anticipation far different than before. I feel that we now tend to go to
a dance "to dance the program". We've learned the steps and the dances
so now we are off to the spend the evening doing them. This is not a
criticism, I love it.

However, to me this seems to encourage us, and I most certainly include
myself, to want to get up on the floor and be ready to dance.  Why not !
I would prefer to see sets formed, in an orderly fashion, albeit to some
prematurely, than to see couples, hand in hand, hovering at the edge of
the floor awaiting the first word of the MC. 

I certainly sympathize with the comments made musician but I don't think
that the enthusiasm of the dancers should, in any way, alter the pace of
the evening. That should be in the hands of the MC and the band.

Just my feeling.

I notice that the majority of the contributors to this subject are from
the North American continent, are there any in Britain who share my
memories or ideas.
Thank you Alex for your Manual reference.
 
Simon
Vancouver