strathspey@strathspey.org:47272

Karin Ingram

RE: A Dance Called America

Dec. 4, 2006, 1:48 p.m. (Message 47272, in reply to message 47263)

I've just phoned Rory Macdonald of Runrig, who wrote "Dance called America"
and he confirmed what I already knew, that the idea for the song came from
the written description of the dance to be found in Johnson and Boswell's
account of their trip to the Hebrides in 1773.  A further description of the
dance (but no actual steps) can be found in Fletts' book on page 155:
"We made out five country squares without sitting down: and then we
performed with much alacrity a dance which I suppose the emigration from
Skye has occasioned.  They call it 'America'.  A brisk reel is played.  The
first couple begin, and each sets to one - then each to another - then as
they set to the next couple, the second and third couples are setting; and
so it goes on till all are set a-going, setting and wheeling round each
other, while each is making the tour of all in the dance.  It shows how
emigration catches till all are set afloat...'
As Rory says, the dance as seen would have been performed by the "toffs" in
Armadale.  He's interested to know if anyone ever finds the actual steps -
but advises you strongly never to attempt to dance it amongst the common
people of the Hebrides!
Best wishes,
Karin Ingram
(Editor "Dance On!")
Scottish Borders