![]() We are a tad Haggis-ed out, but both the Burns' celebrations we attended were really excellent. Food, company, tributes and all. However by the end of the evenings we missed having our regular dancers around because, despite the enthusiasm of a few of the guests, we didn't get much dancing done at either event ... too much food and not enough time! So it was great to get back to the classes and pay our own little tribute to the Bard by getting to grips with the Burns' Bicentenary Strathspey. Initially, on Monday with 10 dancers joining in the class they surpassed all expectations and managed to climb The Staircase in Styria - a 5 couple dance with simple enough formations but enough speed and changes of direction to discombobulate most beginners. Having worked off a bit of steam they were glad of a slightly slower pace and they tackled all the complexities of the B B Strathspey - Set & Link, Reels of Four and Ladies Chain along with the new idea - to most of them - of commencing a dance on the opposite side of the set. Extremely well done to all of you. It was a tough act to follow but as usual Tuesday turned out to be equally enjoyable, especially since we welcomed back so many lovely ladies from their extended absences. With my own trip to Winter School looming I am shamelessly including dances that I don't know and that are included on the Winter School Social programmes - teaching them is a great way to learn them myself. It's introduced us to some excellent dances and music - currently we are enjoying getting to know Welcome to Ayr and Craigleith, and although Da Rain Dancin' was just a bit too frantic for some it was a lot of fun trying it out, and Miss Catherine Allan got a thumbs up even though there was something strange happening with the music I used - note to self - must investigate that before next week.
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In the last couple of weeks we've had both unexpectedly large classes and surprisingly small classes. It demonstrates yet again that, in Paphos at least, you can never predict how many will come to a class - but also that, independent of the numbers we always have a good time!
Both the previous two Monday 'beginner's' session welcomed visitors and former dancers back to class, as well as the regulars, and we had enough people to get 2 sets onto the floor at both sessions; which is really excellent and very encouraging for the future. The Tuesday class however fluctuated between a really impressive turn out last week, to only just enough for a set this week - though admittedly it was a 5 couple set! It was a great night though - even more party like than normal. Everyone had to work really hard but it was great fun. This Saturday it is Burns Night - unfortunately we decided to cancel the Group's Burns' Supper however there are lots of other celebrations going on around town. We are managing to attend two and we've had invitations to several more. Although we can't personally manage to attend the Phoenix Club's Burns Night, due to other commitments, we know lots of the group are going to it and no doubt we'll have plenty of hairy haggis tales to tell when we all meet again next week. Enjoy, and don't forget the words of Auld Lang Syne :- (making a large circle with hands joined) Should auld acquaintance be forgot ; And never brought to min' Should auld acquaintance be forgot ; And auld lang syne? Chorus For auld lang syne, my dear; For auld lang syne We'll tak a cup o'kindness yet, For auld lang syne (crossing hands in front and re-joining hands at the start of the 2nd verse) And there's a hand, my trusty fiere; And gie's a hand o' thine; And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught; For auld lang syne. Chorus For auld lang syne, my dear; For auld lang syne We'll tak a cup o'kindness yet, For auld lang syne And so off we go again. We had a great turn out for both our first classes despite the Monday class falling on a bank holiday and both classes missing some vital players. It was lovely as always to be meeting up again after the holiday, and really nice to see some new faces as well as regulars and returnees. As always after a break, however short, it took a while to get our brains up to speed - especially mine - but all the dances were enjoyed and everyone left, as usual, with smiles on their faces and the intention of returning - even if that might not be for a few weeks - though hopefully it'll be sooner and I'll see you all next week.
Well here we are, at the beginning of another year. 2025 already. As usual the last year seems to have galloped past and like a beginner dancing Postie's Jig, we've somehow ended up at the right place in the end but while most of it was great fun, a lot of it was confusing and occasionally painful!.
Truly it's been a difficult, or at the very least, a different, year for many, but the classes have always been full of fun and friendship giving us all a lift when people could get to them and something to really look forward to when they couldn't. Our various events have been challenging to organise and this looks to continue as venues have inevitably had to increase their prices as their own costs have risen, however it's emphasised how brilliant the Phoenix Club has been as a base for the group - it truly lives up to it's slogan as the friendliest club in Paphos and the more we can support it the better, they certainly have supported us over the last year. Hopefully everyone has enjoyed their festive season and are looking forward to the restart of both the dance classes next week. Monday, 6th Jan is the first afternoon session, 2 pm until 4 pm, as usual. It's advertised as a 'beginner's and improver's' session but everyone is welcome whatever their dancing expertise - don't forget to bring something to drink, and don't worry if you think you've forgotten everything; I treat everyone gently on the first weeks back, it's amazing what a couple of weeks off does to us. It's a good time to start too, of course, so hopefully we'll have a few new people in the class - drag along those friends who keep on saying it sounds a lot of fun, but have never gotten around to joining us. The 'social' and dancing session restarts on Tuesday, 7th Jan, 6pm - 8 pm with bar service available as usual. Don't be scared of coming to this instead, if you can't make a day class - beginners can enjoy the evening too. You get a lot of help from the more experienced dancers so it can end up less challenging than the Monday class - in fact many people enjoy coming to both. See you soon Jx |
MeOriginated in Manchester, England: Worked almost 20 yrs in the United Arab Emirates: Lives in Cyprus. Teaches Scottish Country Dancing (RSCDS qualified 2015) -just the average life! Also loves Photography & Photoshop, Gardening, Music, Sewing, Design, Reading, computers, God, my husband & my cats (not necessarily in that order). Hates - crowds, hypocrisy, 'Reality' TV, corrupt politicians, cruelty and greed of any kind. Archives
January 2025
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