strathspey@strathspey.org:53256

Rod Downey

Re: The RSCDS dance publication process (was: Tunes for "Hornpipes Suitable for Catch the Wind" on the "More Memories.....)

July 30, 2008, 1:13 p.m. (Message 53256, in reply to message 53253)

Hi all,


This is a very complex issue in many ways. To suggest that
the RSCDS does its thing and the devisor does their thing is rather 
disingenuous. Here the RSCDS is generic as a term
in reference to this topic. the same occurs with local branch
books, etc. When one 
submits a dance 
to another forum, especially some 
influential group of peers, it is not like
publishing for yourself. For yourself, you can write dances
suggest music and either people like them or they don't but it hardly
matters in the sense that almost all dances die of natural causes.

When you devise a dance and it is sent to some group which is seen
as infuential; first if the dance is accepted then you have a much greater
chance of this dance being danced often. Presumably people 
submitting hope their dances will
be danced and appreciated; they are your babies.
Second, if people don't love them then they are not liking your babies.
Third, you have a much greater 
chance of it being rejected, which is pretty demoralizing. Nobody likes
being said no to. So if you have the dance accepted and the group
choose music different than what you wish, then there is  a significant
dilemma. what should you do? These choices are difficult.
It is not an even power relationship unless you are very
determined.

I find them very hard and especially when sometimes particular music is
in mind when dances are written. Often what happens is that
you go with the flow and whereas locally the music you want is the one
that will be used, but elsewhere other tunes will be used.

Even when it comes down to some negotiation, it is like negotiating
with the bank; they have the money and you don't.


It was once said ``Why are academic arguments so passionate''
Answer ''Because the stakes are so low''

By they way, this does not reflect any activity I have had with the
RSCDS and I have no knowledge of them re this. But to suggest that
being ``annointed'' by the RSCDS has no influence on some dance being 
danced often is silly, and that as a consequence that group
should be very careful with making sure it is completely correct is
a corollary.


best

rod