June 9, 2006, 5:59 p.m. (Message 45488, in reply to message 45484)
Sophie, this is an excellent explanation. I have been doing some more research since I posted and noted that it is in particularly American Contra and Australian Bush dance tradition that will utilize the thumb turn while both English and Scottish Country traditions utilize the hand shake hold. I think since our vintage class attempts dances from other traditions such as Scottish, English and French, they should utilize the correct traditions that originate from those dance styles. I think your point is well taken regarding the use of a thumb hold in a march type of dance, such as the "Lancer's Quadrille", as being inconsequential but in reels and jigs it is a matter of safety. Tom