Sept. 13, 2012, 10:41 p.m. (Message 63106)
Does anyone happen to know definitively for which of two historic Mary Erskines Roy Goldring's dance (R 32, Fifteen Social Dances #8) Mary Erskine is named? A. Lady Mary Erskine Countess Marischal, born c. 1597 (the subject of George Jamesone's 1626 portrait of Mary Erskine in the National Galleries of Scotland) ~ or ~ B. Mary Erskine (1629-1708), born and raised in Edinburgh, Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist (after being twice widowed) who founded a school for girls which was eventually renamed for her as benefactress and still exists as the Mary Erskine School in the Ravelston area of Edinburgh. Robb Quint Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
Sept. 13, 2012, 10:49 p.m. (Message 63107, in reply to message 63106)
Hi Robb, Most likely the answer is B. Roy Goldring explains that the dance was written "to celebrate the tercentenary of Mary Erskine School" in 1994. That would mean it was founded in 1694, which fits with the dates you mention. Roy chose a super tune to go with the dance: Shuter's Hornpipe. Cheers, Chris, New York.