Things never turn out quite how you expect do they. The one thing that turned out exactly how I imagined was how good it was to be back dancing, and how much fun it was to see people again.
Most of the things that were unexpected were positives - with the bar being available (thank you Gilly, you looked after us all brilliantly) we could use the main Club door - a much better arrangement than the one I imagined (so don't bring drinks to the sessions please, the Club prices are very reasonable and we need to justify Gilly's presence). The other main surprise was the folk who turned up, and those who didn't (though I know you will be with us soon). It was really lovely to have some old friends back with us, as well as to welcome a new dancer to the class. It was also pleasing to realise how well the upper area of the UKCA 'works' for the class, it will take a few weeks to get the best layout, but for a first session after almost 2 years it felt good. Finally, I know some people are still uncertain whether it's legal for us to be dancing at all, or what the exact criteria is to attend, so we are seeking further clarification on that, in the meantime the UKCA are happy we are within the rules, so unless we learn to the contrary I'm already looking forward to seeing you next week :-) (Current rules as we understand them - Covid passes if you are fully vaccinated, -ve test if you aren't - see the clarification link in the previous post. Obviously, please don't come if you've any symptoms, or have been in recent close contact with a sufferer even if you've had a -ve test )
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The news seems to be good - at least the way we interpret it! Here is the link to the Cyprus Mail information if you are interested. Make sure you have your safe passes/test results with you, if we get checked we all get fined if you don't,
But, I've got all the music ready, checked I can remember how to do the dances myself (I don't expect anyone else to remember them though), dusted off the notice boards and charged up the computer, printed programs, and checked the sound systems so it would take a lot to stop us now! We will have drinks available from the bar, (including those important cups of tea) so don't worry about bringing your own and I am hoping we'll have enough people join us to actually make up a set - if not there's always next week - but I've got fingers crossed for tonight. Rather than repeat myself this is the announcement sent out to anybody who is possibly interested and has recently been in contact with the society - if you didn't receive it... then here it is and hopefully we'll see you soon to update your contact details!
Hello everybody We are delighted to announce that, subsequent to the government announcement this week, we are planning to restart the Scottish Country Dancing sessions next Tuesday 22nd February. It has been almost exactly 2 years since we stopped. Given this long gap be assured that we are starting again with easy stuff. Unfortunately our previous dance venue at the PCFi isn't available therefore we will be dancing at the UKCA on the weeks the room is free. Timings as before:- 5:30 - 6:00 pm - beginners, revision of steps, formations etc + lots of chatting. Everyone Welcome, we will all need practice! 6:00 -8:00 pm - general dance session - all levels Covid considerations Covid safety requirements are still under official review so, if needed, we will post an update on the website (note new website address www.StAndrewGroup.com) on Tuesday morning. Currently you need to be fully vaccinated and to show a Covid pass. From Monday it is hoped that non-vaccinated people will be able to attend if they have a -ve test within 24 hrs of the session. More specifically given the contact nature of our 'sport', there will be hand sanitisers available, you will be reminded to use them when you come in and after every dance. The dance programme is designed to minimise close contact but giving hands is still necessary. Bring a wrap or cardy; depending on numbers we may open the windows to increase ventilation. If you are comfortable wearing a mask please do so - in the UK they are mandatory at class except when actually dancing - which seems a bit odd! We will not require them but please, no hugging and kissing everyone, even though it's been a long time - you may be feeling fine but think how you'll feel if you give everyone else the lurgy, plus if infection numbers go up we may get shut down again. And if you have any symptoms - don't come, even with a -ve test... exercise, even with just a cold, isn't good for you. We'll look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks! :-) For the rest of us .... let's dance! If you aren't sure of the situation regarding P3A membership please see here for details It's long awaited and something of a shock now it's here ... but from next week we are allowed to dance! Waa-hay.
To Dance or not to Dance, that is the question... well actually (apart from that being a rather inappropriately gloomy quote) there is no question, we are definitely going to dance. Scottish Dancing, with appropriate precautions, has been going on for several months in the UK and no dreadful repercussions have been reported, so we are going to restart as soon as we can because it's been FAR TOO LONG. I know that we will all have to start very gently. Not only will we be unfit physically, our brain cells will definitely need a bit of prodding awake as well (mine definitely will). Practicalities have to be faced however. There is some question of whether our former dancing venue is still available, and if not, where to go, there's several options but nowhere ever ticks all the boxes - if anyone has any good ideas they are welcome. We also have our Members Meeting coming up, dancing prior to that will change the dynamics slightly, however those decisions are yet to be made and the major thing is that we will be able to restart soon. Watch this space! |
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
November 2024
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