Welcoming back one of our dancers who is living in NZ we danced Campbell’s Frolic, The Royal City, Wisp of Thistle, The Nursery Man and The Swiss Lassie. Thank you Ruth for an enjoyable night.
Thanks to Ruth for teaching last night – another full hall with 3 sets. Dances were The Old Man Of Storr, Mrs Ward’s Fancy, Mrs Stewart’s Jig, Round Reel Of Eight, Napier’s Index and Good Hearted Glasgow.
Afternoon rain storms were not enough to keep away three sets of dancers eager for Ruth’s first night of teaching for the next two months. Dances were Kelso Races, The Bramble Bush, Minister on the Loch, Julian’s Jig and Lady Holmes’ Jig.
Scots on The Rocks is a not for profit organisation dedicated to promoting Scottish Country Dancing in Sydney, Australia.
"A late 1990s BBC documentary exploring the question of 'what makes people happy' concluded that the activity generating the greatest degree of happiness in its participants was Scottish country dancing. The aerobic demands of this type of dancing are considerable, and enthusiasts of all ages tend to be physically fit. So here is a hobby that is officially more fun than sex and also better exercise. What's more, you are not only allowed to change partners - it would be impolite not to." (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A315929)
"Let us take another example: Scottish country dancing. This is very social, it involves use and development of skills, and is relaxing in the sense that tensions can be discharged. It is in addition a complete world of its own, with special costumes and rituals, and it includes the arousal of a great deal of joy, partly through the music."
Argyle, M., The Psychology of Happiness (London, 1987).
An article from Men's Health (Australia - Jan 03) magazine explored this further - Have A Fling by Sean Thomas.