Thanks to all the brave people who came out on a cold winter’s night to enjoy Jeanette’s teaching of The Blue Loch, Muirland Willie, Bedrule, A Dedicated Dancer, Tribute To The Borders and A Trip to Bavaria.
Last night saw a number of visitors from New Zealand, interstate, and around the corner enjoy Jeanette’s teaching of The Comeback Jig, Mairi’s Wedding, Lord Brownlow’s Strathspey and The Gates of Edinburgh.
Last night saw three sets enjoy Jeanette’s teaching of There and Back Again, Orwell Lodge Strathspey, Miss Hadden’s Reel, Katoomba Mist, Pinewoods Reel and John Of Bon Accord.
A cold and windy Tuesday saw dancers brave the elements to enjoy a night of dancing – Hooper’s Jig, The Gates of Edinburgh, 1314 (celebrating the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn), Scott Meikle and A Trip To Bavaria.
Last night saw the class enjoying the challenges of The Dandelion, Curry and Spice (from the new RSCDS Sydney Book), Welcome To Ayr, Frae A’ The Airts and Lamb Skinnett.
"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.