Let's write an Xmarks dance

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

It has taken me over 2 years of classes to not break out in a cold sweat at the mention of reels! I expect the above dance is much easier to do than read though, as most are.

I would very much like to see a very simple, ultra-beginner type dance that we could do at our Burns' supper next month. Unfortunately, very simple, ultra-beginner dances do not include Double Triangles! Nor are they Strathspeys, nor do they include reels, or even setting step for that matter.

So, there's the challenge. Any takers?

Be well,

[starbkjrus]

It has taken me over 2 years of classes to not break out in a cold sweat at the mention of reels! I expect the above dance is much easier to do than read though, as most are.

I would very much like to see a very simple, ultra-beginner type dance that we could do at our Burns' supper next month. Unfortunately, very simple, ultra-beginner dances do not include Double Triangles! Nor are they Strathspeys, nor do they include reels, or even setting step for that matter.

So, there's the challenge. Any takers?

Be well,

Scottish Country Tango?

[davedove]

Scottish Country Tango?

I'm sitting here trying to imagine a tango played on bagpipes. It might be fun, but it just doesn't seem right somehow. I would be willing to try it though.

I can't say too much though. I have found that many country (as in & western) music is done to a cha cha or rumba rhythm.

More power to everyone. I much prefer the partner dances as opposed to the group dances. I like keeping my arms around the lady for the whole dance.

[Andrewson]

It has taken me over 2 years of classes to not break out in a cold sweat at the mention of reels! I expect the above dance is much easier to do than read though, as most are.

I would very much like to see a very simple, ultra-beginner type dance that we could do at our Burns' supper next month. Unfortunately, very simple, ultra-beginner dances do not include Double Triangles! Nor are they Strathspeys, nor do they include reels, or even setting step for that matter.

So, there's the challenge. Any takers?

Be well,

A dance I'd use at a ceilidh where there are people who have not danced before is The Flying Scotsman. Here's the MINICRIB for it:

THE FLYING SCOTSMAN 1 (J8x32) 3C (4C Set) H Thurston 16 SCDs
1- 8 1L followed by 2L+3L cross, cast behind 1M, in front of 2M, behind 3M, cross & dance up to places
9-16 1M followed by 2M+3M repeat around Ladies
17-24 1s slip step down the middle & up to 2nd place
25-32 2s+1s+3s slip step down & back

If, for complete beginners, you want to avoid the complications of repeating from 2nd place then in 17-24 ask the 1s to slip step down and back to 4th place and form an arch. The others then cast off down the sides and lead up through the arch ready to start again.

Meets all your criteria and is usually thought to be good fun I recently taught it to class of 9 and 10 year olds and they really enjoyed all the train movements (it is named for a famous express train that used to run from London to Edinburgh). We had a ball with it.

[Kiltman]

Our instructor's husband had to go to the ER. Maybe next week we'll dance it.
PS his OK just a shoulder problem and a lot of pain.

[londonpiper]

It has taken me over 2 years of classes to not break out in a cold sweat at the mention of reels!

don't worry Oh F-H.C.A.G. As they're reels of four, just remember left in the middle and right at the ends and you won't go far wrong

I expect the above dance is much easier to do than read though, as most are.

Yes, it is easier to do, and great fun too!!

[McMurdo]

My class is over until after the holidays, of course there are many other events in the new future. I will see about bringing it to my class in the new year.

[cessna152towser]

Considering the number of local variations of dances which already exist here in Scotland I think there would be considerable resistance at my SCD class to any experimentation with yet another new dance. However if any of your experiments are adopted by any of your classes or by the forum as an official xmarks dance then I'd be delighted to have a copy to pass on to the dance teacher and we could maybe give it a go.

[Arlen]

I'm a little late on this, but I am going to have a go at writing one in the next few days.
I'm also working on one for our dance class as we're having a competition right now. (Best submitted dances get put into our tenth anniversary dance book.)

I think a wee pack of Xmarks dances would be fantastic!