The Dashing White Sergeant

[creagdhubh]

I really enjoyed the post regarding The Gay Gordons, both literally with regards to the men performing, and also with respects to the actual title of the reel being performed-I think it's fantastic to see! I have been dancing reels for quite a long time now, and I can say, they are extremely delightful and fun. Even for newcomers that don't know the steps, timing, patterns, and movements (figures) that well, it's still a grand time for everyone participating nonetheless.

Every first weekend in the month of August at the annual Clan Macpherson gathering in Badenoch, Inverness-shire, Scotland (specifically including the towns of Newtonmore, Kingussie, and Laggan), the clan holds a very traditional ball at The Duke of Gordon Hotel in Kingussie. This is where the many different reels, and the music of a most splendid, local ceilidh band go all night long! Though I have many favorites, I am quite fond of theThe Dashing White Sergeant. I have posted several photos below of Macphersons performing reels at various clan functions, to include the annual gathering in traditional Macpherson homelands. I can be spotted in some of the photographs wearing my Macpherson hunting ancient tartan kilt, which began to sag quite grotesquely during some of the more ferociously danced reels, and a hair sporran. Enjoy!

[McMurdo]

Wonderful photos, it looks like a wonderful time. There is just something about Scottish Country Dancing, both a joy to watch and participate in.

[Downunder Kilt]

Great series of photos and it looks like the Macphersons really know how to put on and enjoy a gala night.

[BoldHighlander]

What a wonderful set of photos!
Thanks for sharing them Kyle

[Kiltman]

As a long time Scottish Country Dancer I'm happy to see photos anytime they appear here. Wonderful photos, I know how difficult it is to get them. Thanks.

[Schiehallion]

Yes dancing at a Scottish Ball is great and Scottish country dancing is so challenging and social at the same time as one remembers all the formations.
You look to be having a great time.
From one of the Gay Gordons London

[cessna152towser]

Excellent pics, you sure know how to enjoy yourselves.
I go to SCD classes from October through to Easter, its always the highlight of my week during the dark winter months.

[creagdhubh]

Excellent pics, you sure know how to enjoy yourselves.
I go to SCD classes from October through to Easter, its always the highlight of my week during the dark winter months.

Wonderful, keep it up!!!

[Arlen]

Looks like everyone is having a lot of fun.
Do you do SCD regularly or just ceilidh dancing at get togethers?
Either way, lots of fun and good exercise!

[creagdhubh]

Looks like everyone is having a lot of fun.
Do you do SCD regularly or just ceilidh dancing at get togethers?
Either way, lots of fun and good exercise!

I like to dance whenever possible, but I am not a member of any formal group or society of dancers if that is what you may be hinting at. I enjoy dancing at any event when the opportunity presents itself, but I would say the majority of it is done whilst in Scotland or even in London. Only a handful of people know how to dance the reels, strathspeys, etc where I live, despite the fact that I am a member of two local, formal Scottish societies. SCD and social dancing just isn't popular amongst members of the each society-they rather hire local dancers to come in a perform for them as they sit and watch (wallflowers!). I am not being disrespectful towards the aforementioned folk, many of them are dear friends, I am just stating that's how it tends to be here with Scottish societies in Saint Louis. However, lessons are offered by a very reputable SCD society in the area, so people do have the opportunity to learn if they really want to.

Cheers,