Two more dance classes are now under our belt and numbers are very gradually increasing - it was especially good to welcome back dancers this week who had been ill/injured prior to, or during, the Christmas break - we're a tough lot - and it's just as well!
First, a call out to the Monday class who tackled 'Trip to Timber Ridge'  with it's 'double triangles', and 'corner pass & turns'. These were two completely new formations for most of the class and,  even for those who'd done them before, it's been a while since they'd tackled them.
It was an excellent class and everyone really did well to grasp such a lot in such a short time. We only covered 2 dances - but with the brains boiling over that was enough!
On Tuesday we did manage to cover most of the programme but with relatively few dancers it didn't give anyone much rest.  Next week I've included a few more familiar, or at least less challenging dances, so our more experienced dancers might get the chance to rest - if they want to of course. 
In the meantime it's BURNS NIGHT this Saturday. Let's take advantage of the cooler time of year - it's a chance to dress up and feel special; I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in their kilts & posh togs. The dress code is probably closer to 'cocktail' than 'ball gown', but wear whatever makes you feel special, it's an 'over the top' evening - after all - Burns enjoyed the high life himself for all he celebrated the lives of the workers! For those who are joining us, doors open 6.30pm and it's a prompt 7pm start - if you aren't in your seats by then you might get mown down by a manic Haggis trying to escape the wailing of the piper... just saying!​

 Okay, so it's a slow start but actually a very good one. On both Monday and today we only just managed to field a set, but nevertheless we've managed to do some excellent dancing. Monday is advertised as a 'beginner's' session but the only people who made it to the class this week were all experienced dancers - so it was a great opportunity to revise some of the more challenging formations in the Strathspey repertoire, namely, the All Round Poussette (AKA the Diamond Poussette), The Tournée and The Knot; the knot isn't very challenging to learn but isn't a very common formation so it was a new one for most of the class.
Tuesday's numbers were blighted by sickness & injuries as well as the family commitments that are more likely at this time of year, but it was lovely to welcome back a few people who had been missing from our ranks before Christmas - and we know that most of the others are due back in the near future. Having said that, having lower numbers meant we again had more time to learn new dances/formations - so we covered the 3 couple 'set & rotate' in the super dance 'Festival man' with a useful amount of thoroughness and replaced the Strathspey 'Letham Ladies' with 'Chequered Hall' to introduce, 'The Knot' to even  more people. An excellent night - we even sold more Burns Night tickets- don't forget we'll have to know final numbers fairly soon, so don't delay contacting me if you want to reserve yours. 
Roll on next week.

Well here we are in 2026, a little bit fatter, a little bit slower and a little less fit and hopefully keen to get back to dancing - to remedy all that, while having a lot of fun on the way.
It is actually hard to grasp that the Monday class restarts tomorrow (and of course the Tuesday class the day after that). Even though we had several weeks of low numbers, and even cancelled classes before Christmas, it still seems amazing that we are back already. I have plenty of ideas for this year's classes though and I know people are looking forward to them so it'll be great to get going again.
First:- don't forget our Burn's Night is less than 2 weeks away (note to self - don't panic!) so we need you to get, or at least reserve, your tickets this week please (- the cooks need time to catch the Haggis); if you aren't a Scot you might assume that this isn't the event for you, but it's a great occasion whatever your nationality - you certainly should do it at least once in your life, and don't worry you aren't expected to do anything other than eat and be quiet!
Burns' Night (we are well aware that the 'proper' date is 25th January - but you'll find there are events held practically every day for weeks before & after, and we decided to get in early) is celebrated all over the world and not just in Scotland - there are many variations on the theme - after all they've been held for 225 years and things do change. As a Scottish Group we try and keep to a more traditional format - though including the ladies in 'person' rather than just in 'mind'. And because we ladies will be there, there'll also be the opportunity to dance at the end, if people wish to do so.   
See Pete for tickets at either of the classes, or contact me to reserve your tickets - my details are on the website contact page or check out the poster. We'd appreciate your meal choices when you book, and you can find them on our Future Events page. 
Who says January is a slow month? Hah! - I look forward to seeing you soon.