June 13, 2006, 1:20 a.m. (Message 45529)
> > It's only recently I've realised that the RSCDS don't seems to advocate > the closer hold any more... When did this change slip in? > Jan I think this change occurred in the 80's, Jan. Thinking back, I have a gut feeling that the late Tom Steele was the last person to teach it that way but even he seemed to drop it later on. (Memories of Easthampstead Park!! ) I feel the change came in as the music got that little bit slower and it was easier to travel a more open track at higher speed than to risk shoulder damage. The sets seemed to get bigger at the same time as it was easier to stretch out at the slower speed so the changes of direction were less dramatic. Now I suppose someone will tell me my memory is going!! And another thing - my memory seems to be going!! :))