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SPRING 2010 BEGINNEṞS CLASS
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There are FORMATIONS which we use in many dances.
They are usually 8 bars (8steps).
So far we have done:
ALLEMANDE with both hands joined, M right arm over W right shoulder.
pattern is: side, across, down, down, face in, turn under, back, back.
THE KNOT :
half turn partner Rh & face down in allemande hold (see above),
1st followed by 2nd dance to left & up W side of dance,
let go Rh & pass W across Lh,
half turn to own sides
SET & LINK for two couples:
SET with nearer hands joined,
CHANGE PLACES by LH dancer dancing forward and RH CASTING back to other place.
The nearer hand can give a slight urge to help either dancer, but some people are irrittated by this!
SET & LINK FOR THREE COUPLES.
all three dancers join nearer hands and SET,
the TWO LH dancers do the same as above, only the daning forward one goes to the FAR END of their line.
The third (right hand ) dancer just cast and FOLLOWS the middle dancer to finish at the other end of the line.
A REEL OF THREE
a weaving of THREE dancers in a line, each dancer going round a figure 8 on the floor.
Practise by putting out two chairs with three people, one in between the chairs and the others facing in the other side of the chair.
Now dance round the chairs without colliding!
RIGHT HANDS ACROSS (or LEFT {but not BOTH!!)
Usually four dancers joining their right hands to form a 'star' or 'wheel'
Usually four bars (steps) one way, then four the other.
CIRCLE
Any number of dancers joining hands in a circle.
Use SLIP STEPS to the left, then right. Standard pattern is 8 one way and 8 back.
STEPS used in Scottish Country Dancing are important to help you get maximum ENJOYMENT.
They are initially of TWO sorts - TRAVELLING (around) and SETTING (on the spot)
There are TWO rythm groups having different steps
REEL (4/4 time) or JIG (6/8) (fast) and STRATHSPEY (4/4) (slow and stong)
TRAVELLING STEP JIG or REEL time and also called SKIP CHANGE OF STEP
It begins* with a HOP on the LEFT foot to propell a STEP foward with the RIGHT foot on the first beat.
Second beat brings the left foot up BEHIND the right and take weight.
Third beat is a further STEP forward with the RIGHT foot.
Finally the LEFT foot sails through to lead into the next HOP/STEP* .
* This HOP is really just before the first beat; the first beat is the STEP, so the hop PREPARES for the step.
THINK (HOP) ~step ~close ~step ~and. . EASIER to do with music than to step it out slowly.
These steps are easer to do EVENLY in reel time; jig time needs bending to the music, although jig time music will give more spring for the hop.
TRAVELLING STEP STRATHSPEY time
step on to the right foot WITH A SUBTLE BENDING OF THE LEFT supporting KNEE,
close the left foot behing the right'
step on to the right again (no bend),
gracefully bring the left through past the supporting right with a slight lift and on into the next step.
So it is "right - right - left - left - and so on" don't rush the last movement
This step is an ART FORM !
SETTING STEP JIG or REEL time
SETTING STEP: called pas-de-basque - stepping over wall introduction
hop over on to Rfoot - change weight to Lfoot - change weight to Rfoot. i.e. hop - change - weight OR count 1-2 -3
Try to keep ON THE SPOT once you have the rythm.
SETTING STEP for STRATHSPEY time
Step to right with right foor, bending left knee (as in travelling)
close left foot behind right
step again to right
bring left up behind right leg toe down in line with the leg and hop
now the left foot can step left and so on.
This step is not on-the-spot, but gracefully side to side LOOKING AT the person you are setting to.
Here is a description of some the DANCES we have done so far.
You might like to try to mentally picture the movements and remember them .
MOR HAFREN a 32 bar strathspey
1ST and 2ND set, Right hands across & face up, 1st cast while 2nd lead up;
reel of three on sides, 1st in & down to start giving hands and finish at 1st corners;
1st turn corner, partner, corner, partner;
1st 3rd The Knot
All repeat from new places
THE GOOD DANCE a 32 bar reel
1st lead down & back;
1st 2nd Allemande BUT 1st pass and face opposite side dancer on their RIGHT = !st CORNER;
turn that corner Rh, pass ROUND partner to face 2ND CORNER, turn corner, pass partner;
circle6 and back.
REPEAT from second place.
SHIFTIN BOBBINS a 32 bar reel
1st couple cross down to face opp side and set giving hands to corners, cast up & dance down;
three hands across with side dancers, dance down for 4 bars;
dance up for 4 bars, hands across on sides;
1st dance up, cast down, cross right hand up, cast down own sides;
REPEAT from second place.
LET ME KNOW WHAT I HAVE MISSED OUT so far.
Hope it helps.
peter wright