We will all be familiar with the strange feeling of being away for a short but intensely different break and then returning to a 'normal' life that feels anything but normal for the first few days. It's also strange that despite not adding to these blethers for nearly 3 weeks. (You poor deprived things ;-)) the Tuesday dance session 2 weeks ago was excellent enough to stick in my mind despite all that I've done since; we had great fun with 'The Staircase in Styria' and I got the chance to join in with 'Christmas at the Heath' as well as dancing 'The Dream Catcher'.
​Last week, while I was away, I left Pete with a programme of easy or very familiar dances as it's always enjoyable (both for dancer and teacher) to have a relaxing night of familiar stuff from time to time.... but hee, hee, hee.... I'm back... and though I enjoy going back to the simple stuff too, if you don't stretch yourself occasionally you loose the ability to stretch at all! ( And I've just had a good stretch so I think you should too!).
Winter School was FAB -U-LUS!! Although I attended by myself this year I would really like to take a group to it next year, not because I need the company, but because it is such a great experience that would be wonderful to share. As far as the dance classes are concerned the teaching is so good and the pace non-demanding (compared to the sessions here) so that most of our regular dancers could cope easily with a little preparation. Pitlochry and The Atholl Palace Hotel itself are lovely places and an experience in themselves - the classes for all levels are based both in the town and at the hotel so over the week you get a chance to try both.
All the evening dances are based at the hotel (except for the final night Ball at Blair Castle) and the policy was to make them accessible to every level of dancer - during the week we danced Postie's Jig; Culla Bay; Cherrybank Gardens; Mairi's Wedding and Highland Rambler amongst many more that we are familiar with - even though I was amongst many other 'singles' no-one was ever without a partner, because being sociable is what this type of dancing is all about - I danced every dance my feet would allow! The pleasure to be had from dancing with, literally, 100 or more other people, to the music of amazing musicians is something that cannot be replicated here in Cyprus - as is the fascination of meeting people from all over the world with a common interest. It's very hard to convey the joy of it all roll on next year... 
But then having said all that... it's good to be back!
​I hope to see you tonight. Jx

It's already that time of year... while we are busy welcoming back more of our spring 'Swallows' we start to say more goodbyes to Winter visitors... In this instance 2 of our regulars are planning a more prolonged departure than usual, like all our regular dancers they will be very much missed but we are sure to see them again whenever they are visiting. The night started early with a little mini meet of the committee but it was constructive enough to over fairly quickly and it was followed by a really good night of dancing. The super 7 couple Christmas at the Heath wasn't attempted because the break was later than usual and numbers dropped quite quickly but we'll give it another try next week because it's well worth keeping in the repertoire but needs revision fairly often. Other dances that were particularly enjoyed were Dream Catcher and Trip to Bavaria - both of which were very well done, even by newcomers to the dances.
On a formal note we are to be rechristened as the P3A St Andrew Group. There will be a bit of revision of the website, including the domain name since it is conveniently due for renewal and of course logos etc will be slightly revised - this will of course happen gradually since it takes a bit of time to get everything sorted - especially since I am heading to Scotland at the end of next week for the RSCDS Winter School - but don't worry Tuesday sessions will continue (though the Monday class may have to be postponed for a couple of weeks). This week both Monday and Tuesday will be on as normal, hopefully the dreadful weather that is expected over the weekend will be over by then- I hope to see you there.

This is a very belated blether because the amount of work both the committee and I have had to do 'behind the scenes' during this last week has eaten up all my free time and more, however it culminated in an excellent 'AGM' despite unexpected changes in the agenda and the fact that strictly speaking it wasn't an AGM but just a meeting of friends with a common interest in things Scottish.
After the euphoria of a truly excellent Burns' Night the week started with a certain amount of confusion and concern because of new laws which impact the legal existence of the Society. Our chairman, amongst others, got very busy and thanks have to go to Ros  (in this instance, from the P3A - but she wears many hats which makes her a very busy lady) who has been incredibly generous with her time and knowledge to bring everyone up to speed with the situation - which allowed informed decisions to be made. These decisions were conveyed to the attendees of the meeting last Saturday and were well received - which led to very little delay before we got to the excellent lunch provided by Debby and her team at the UKCA and provided free to every attendee.
There are still plenty of details to be ironed out but the essential thing is a legal way forward is achieved. More information will be e-mailed to members/interested parties as and when they are confirmed/available - there will be inevitable changes in the structure of the society however from the members point of view it should be 'business as usual' - just a little cheaper (we hope) - not at all bad!
Dancing definitely continues unchanged, so I hope to see everyone either on Monday or Tuesday as normal and congratulations to the new members of the 'committee' - exactly what your future titles will be is still to be decided but welcome anyway, it's great to have more hands on deck :-)