Another interesting and enjoyable Tuesday under Ruth’s leadership. We warmed up with Good Hearted Glasgow, C’est Si Bon, Far North Queensland, Scott Meikle, The Immigrant Lass and The Gentleman.
Welcoming Ruth who will be taking the classes for the next two months we danced Lassies of Dunce, Tribute to Miss Milligan, Castles in the Air, Back to the Fireside and Well Done Jack.
Our first class back for the year saw the hall filled with 18 dancers eager to start the New Year off with some dancing. Jan took the class through Over the Rainbow, Lady Home’s Jig, Kildonan Sands, The Calanais Stones and Granville Market.
Looking towards the Epping Social on Saturday night Cathryn took the class through The Linton Ploughman, Miss Milligan’s Strathspey, The Duke of Atholl’s Reel, John of Bon Accord, Farewell to Helensburgh and The Reel of the Royal Scots.
"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.