Caledonian Ball

**JSFMACLJR** · 15th February 10, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

Thanks- you need a bigger ballroom for reeling, don't you?

Not really, actually. I'm sure there are those among us who have danced reels in their living rooms. It's quite common before the great balls for house party groups to go over the reels in the privacy of their homes or barns. These gatherings can end up being more fun than the big event!

Here's a fun lttle clip of a small Hogmanay party dancing The Dashing White Sergeant...in their living room:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGfyalWY3LM

**Phil** · 15th February 10, 09:41 AM

Interesting variation on the pas de basque with the involuntary arm movements in that eightsome reel.

**longhuntr74** · 15th February 10, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

Not really, actually. I'm sure there are those among us who have danced reels in their living rooms. It's quite common before the great balls for house party groups to go over the reels in the privacy of their homes or barns. These gatherings can end up being more fun than the big event!

Here's a fun lttle clip of a small Hogmanay party dancing The Dashing White Sergeant...in their living room:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGfyalWY3LM

Reminds me of a square-dance. Nice to see a young face in the crowd. This is unfortunately a dying part of society!

**Bing** · 15th February 10, 12:39 PM

From the related videos in the sidebar, this one is funny.

Caledonian Ball 2008.

It's described as

Hugh Beattie single-handedly destroys the Duke Of Perth. Some of the girls cried.

And the reason for Hugh's alleged transgression? The comment from the person who uploaded the video:

Inside poor Hugh's stomach were 2 pints, 5 glasses of wine and several whiskies fighting for possession

It's a wonder he could dance at all.

**HarborSpringsPiper** · 15th February 10, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

2. No fly plaids (except on the drummers)

Sorry the quality isn't better, but it is a fun clip nonetheless!

Both the pipers and drummers are wearing the same plaids. I suspect they are both wearing drummer's plaids, not fly plaids, but it is hard to tell for sure. Either way your point is well taken that none of the non-performers are wearing plaids.

Neat clip. Thanks for sharing.

**Arlen** · 16th February 10, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

Not really, actually. I'm sure there are those among us who have danced reels in their living rooms. It's quite common before the great balls for house party groups to go over the reels in the privacy of their homes or barns. These gatherings can end up being more fun than the big event!

Here's a fun lttle clip of a small Hogmanay party dancing The Dashing White Sergeant...in their living room:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGfyalWY3LM

As an addition to the lovely video, I can attest to this sort of thing.

My demo group has practiced in garages, dining rooms, living rooms and even my kitchen! So long as you can adjust the length of your steps you're just fine.

And I will echo what has been said, it is often a lot of fun!

**Schiehallion** · 16th February 10, 11:10 AM

A big Ballroom indeed you do.
However if you have seen the Ceilidh Club at Cecil Sharp House in London ... they cram 'em in! An H&S nightmare!

**macwilkin** · 16th February 10, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Schiehallion

A big Ballroom indeed you do.
However if you have seen the Ceilidh Club at Cecil Sharp House in London ... they cram 'em in! An H&S nightmare!

As in:

http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/sharp.htm

Wow! That would be something to see!

Of course, nothing will beat the description of the "one hundred and twenty-eighthsome" reel danced by "Highlanders, Fusiliers, Arabs, Military Police and three German POWS" in George MacDonald Frasers' The General Danced at Dawn.

T.

**MacLowlife** · 16th February 10, 02:35 PM

I just noticed a LOT of room in the ballroom, which is contrary to my slight experience. Most dances I have been to (kilted or otherwise) are crowded on the (smallish) dance floor- even for couples dancing. Either the Grosvenor House had a big room, or the party wasn't as populous as I would expect. Still, it was great fun to see- as were the house dancers...

**JSFMACLJR** · 16th February 10, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

I just noticed a LOT of room in the ballroom, which is contrary to my slight experience. Most dances I have been to (kilted or otherwise) are crowded on the (smallish) dance floor- even for couples dancing. Either the Grosvenor House had a big room, or the party wasn't as populous as I would expect. Still, it was great fun to see- as were the house dancers...

What is shown were the Set Reels, danced by "the chosen." The Set Reels are danced to the pipes; the "normal" reels and dances are danced to the music of a band.