strathspey@strathspey.org:45705

Peter Price

Re: dolphin reels revisited

July 1, 2006, 1:02 a.m. (Message 45705, in reply to message 45704)

The difference is based on the specific directions in the 3rd footnote
and the last line of the directions to bars 1-8.

quote:
1-8     first couple, cross with the right hand and cast off one place.
          (Second couple step up on bars 3 & 4.) First couple turn each
          other with the left hand 1-1/4 times. First couple finish facing the
          lady's side, the man has his partner on his right.***
end quote

quote
***Note: First couple should begin the reel parallel with the side of the
set AND REMAIN PARALLEL  with the set throughout the reel. This will
require good covering. First couple must be aware of their partner
especially on the turns. First couple cover with each other NOT JUST
FOLLOW each other. Where the instructions say follow also read cover.
End quote
(my emphasis added)

The important points-
-first couple finish side by side (bar 8)
-the COUPLE stays parallel with the side of the set (axis of the reel)
therefore they are not in tandem but are dancing their own individual
tracks.
-whenever the couple crosses the axis of the reel (at the ends AND in
the middle) they are side by side i.e. not in tandem.

See my opening email that restarted the dolphin reel "thing" for a
fuller breakdown.

Peter Price
New Haven, CT
USA