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 3 four couple sets enjoy the energetic and challenging dances – The Duke of Atholl’s Reel, Gang the Same Gate, The Bonnie Tree, Catch the Wind and Flowers of Edinburgh. Thanks to Robert for teaching the class and to everyone for what was an enjoyable evening.
Thanks to Bill for stepping in and taking the class last night when our rostered teacher fell ill. Looking towards the Sydney Ball and SoTR Social we danced A Capital Jig, Bob Campbell, The Clansman and Sleepy Maggie.
Thanks to Ruth for a great programme last night consisting of The Reverend John MacFarlane, The Highlandman’s Umbrella, The Dancer’s Friend (a great 3C strathspey), The Dipper In The Dales, Macdonald of the Isles 5C aka Big Mac, Mrs Cholmondeley’s Reel and Loch Torridon.
Another fun Tuesday taught by Ruth – Collichur, Betty’s Wedding, Macdonald of the Isles (the three couple and then the even better five couple version that will on the SoTR Social in May), Mrs MacLeod and the SoTR favourite Flowers Of Edinburgh.
"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.