We had a varied night at SoTR last night, some step practice, some polishing of formations and danced some interesting dances – Highland Fair, The Ravens’ Dance, Golden Years and The Mathematicians.
We welcomed another visitor, Gillian from the UK, so good to dance in an area which attracts lots of visitors. The dances were The Brudenel Jig, Best Set in the Hall, Drumelzier, Mary Erskine and The Reel of the Puffins.
We danced Bill Clements, Gaelforce Wind, Moment of Truth, The Wee Cooper of Fife and The Ruby Rant. We also sadly, said farewell to Gail from the UK who had danced with us for 6 months. Hopefully she will be back within 12 months to visit her family here.
Tuesday night saw the class working on more dances from Chris and Catherine’s new CD Carriages at Midnight as well as a few other class requests – Fugal Fergus, The Devil’s Elbow, Bob Campbell, The Elusive Muse, The Nurseryman and A Trip To Bavaria.
Last night we had fun with Far North Queensland, even more frustration and fun with The Reel of the Puffins (but we did get it….eventually), and My Friend Joe. Thank you Ruth for your patience and perseverance – it paid off.
"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.