strathspey@strathspey.org:11667

briscoe

Re: Dancing to pipes

April 16, 1998, 6:10 p.m. (Message 11667, in reply to message 11663)

Many years ago, an accomplished piper (Bill MacLeish, son of the late
Archibald MacLeish) came to our small group in Woods Hole, Massachusetts,
and asked if he could play for our dancing.  The teacher (Barbara Little) 
wisely said, "Sure, we'd be delighted, but you have to dance with us for a
year first, so you know what you are playing for."  Those of you who know
Barbara or Bill are probably surprised she said this, and that he agreed!

It really worked out well.  He danced with us, starting with the basics,
and ultimately played for us.  One demonstration we inadvertently left out
a closing circle in something, so he left it out of the music.  We never
knew until he told us afterwards.

Perhaps because of this early training, I have little trouble dancing to
pipes.  In fact, my feet hurt less afterwards because they don't spend
much time touching the floor....

- Mel Briscoe, Virginia, USA