Favorite RSCD Dance

**The F-H.C.A.G.** · 29th April 08, 07:29 PM

I am still a newcomer to SCD, but I have finally reached a point in our weekly class where I am beginning to recognize certain dances. I've noticed that our teachers no longer "baby" us and we are beginning to get a grasp on the basics.

For the last several weeks, Jamie has been ill and I've been going alone and staying through the entire class. We have been practicing "Let the Hackles Rise". As a veterinarian, I had a slightly different vision of the meaning of this title than intended. Nevertheless, I adore this dance! I was thrilled that my beloved was able to make it to this week's class and join us in practice. Being that this was my third repetition, and his first, it was amusing.

Another favorite of mine I will post next week (I've forgotten the name, but it's a jig that involves a lot of "meanwhile figures" and is danced to a tune that I am convinced is the theme to "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang").

So, let us know-what's your favorite dance?

Be well,

**McMurdo** · 29th April 08, 07:43 PM

"The reel of the 51st" I think it's called, I have not been able to dance the last few weeks due to migraine headaches, but I do like this one although it is a challenge.

**Panache** · 29th April 08, 09:09 PM

For me "Gang the same Gate" , "Waverly", and one I just learned last night "The Rose Garden" are my favorites.

All them are Strathspeys. As one of the founding members of The Strathspey Appreciation Society of the Western Hemisphere* I would be delighted for an evening's dance program that featured nothing but strathyspeys.

The stately stride, the graceful movements, the just-right tempo make them all a treat.

Cheers

Jamie

* Sadly there is just Hamish and me so far, but we are looking for more members!

**McMurdo** · 29th April 08, 10:07 PM

One thing I wish I could get down is the Strathspey step, as of yet I have not been able to master the step.

**The F-H.C.A.G.** · 30th April 08, 01:16 PM

Strathspey step was a real challenge for me as well, but Jamie took to it like a duck to water. His Pas de Bas is still a work in progress though!

Be well,

**Kiltman** · 30th April 08, 02:19 PM

I guess it still has to be "Follow Me Home".

**Kiltedmusiclover** · 30th April 08, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by The F-H.C.A.G.

................... We have been practicing "Let the Hackles Rise".
As a veterinarian, I had a slightly different vision of the meaning of this title than intended. .............

That struck me as quite funny.

Glad to hear Jamie is feeling better and back to himself.

**Arlen** · 30th April 08, 03:22 PM

Other than 'Diane and Arlen tie the knot' I think my favourites are The St. Bernards Waltz, The Dashing-White-Sargent and, while I am not remotely skilled enough for it yet, The Iona Cross.

I guess it's just more to aim for!

**Arlen** · 30th April 08, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

One thing I wish I could get down is the Strathspey step, as of yet I have not been able to master the step.

Join a Tai Chi class!
I did recently and the Tai Chi step is very similar to the Strathspey traveling step. Doing it so slowly with other movements at Tai Chi really helped me to perfect it as far as dancing.
The only difference is that in Tai Chi it's heel first.

**Andrewson** · 30th April 08, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

For me "Gang the same Gate" , "Waverly", and one I just learned last night "The Rose Garden" are my favorites.

All them are Strathspeys.

We danced "Gang the same Gate" last night and I have to agree that it is a lovely dance. I especially like the movement from setting advancing to your partner, turning corner into the half reel of four with the other corner.

There certainly are some lovely strathspeys. Particular favourites of mine include "The Dream Catcher" (great music), "The Minister on the Loch", "Culla Bay", "Belle of Bon Accord" and "Cherrybank Gardens". We recently tried a new one (well new to us over on this side of the Atlantic) devised by Tim Wilson of the Dunsmuir Dancers & San Francisco Branch in 2001 and called "Linnea's Strathspey" that has a very attractive "chaperoned" chain progression in it. We really enjoyed it. I'm sure it is well known in your part of the world. Maybe you should ask to try it in your group.

I don't know that I have a single favourite dance - there are too many I enjoy - but "Bratach Bana", "The Piper and the Penguin", "Inchmickery", "Bees of Maggieknockater" would have to be included.

I don't know the "Rose Garden" (I note it was devised by Kathy Wendell in San Francisco. Don't think we've tried it over here.) I certainly know a jig called "Waverley" but haven't come across a strathspey called "Waverly".

Glad to hear you are all enjoying your SCD!