A rainy summer Tuesday saw the first class for 2016 enjoy The Loch Ness Monster, Happy Returns, MacDonald of the Isles, Joie de Vivre, Crossing the Tay, Granville Market and The Blackwater Reel.
St. Patrick’s Day saw several visitors from the UK and Canberra join us in dancing Rivendell, St Patrick’s Jig (very appropriate on St Patrick’s Day) and the Reel of the Royal Scots.
We had an interesting and enjoyable night with Domino 5, The Silver Grey, Christine M. Phillips, Well Kent, Morrison’s Measure and It’s not Rocket Science. Thank you Jan for a great class.
We enjoyed a range of dances last night – Fun in the Sun, Short and Very Sweet, Greenmantle, The Riders of Rohan and The Laird of Milton’s Daughter. Thank you to Jan for a varied and enjoyable evening.
A balmy night saw the class dancing Spiffin’, Melanie’s Reel, A Dancer’s Dream, Going Dutch and Hanna’s Pride. Thank you Cathryn for the last 2 months for you very enjoyable and infectious teaching.
"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.