Having left it so long between blethers last month I'm going to try and keep up again over the next few weeks. This week the weather has been slightly unpredictable, sunny days have been chilly because of a cold wind, cloudy days have been warmer but have delivered the occasional shower. It's not stopped us needing the air-conditioning during the dance classes but although the need for cooling is consistent with summer being on the way, the numbers at the classes are not. Usually class attendances have dropped dramatically by now, but this Tuesday we had more at the session than we've had for weeks. It was lovely to welcome back some of our temporary absentees ... but of course it was then inevitable that sets were slow to make up ...  everyone was initially more keen to catch up than to dance, however once we got going it was the usual fun night, though a bit more challenging than most. The day before our Monday, (so called) 'beginner's' group had lulled me into a false sense of security by learning the two more complex Strathspeys on the programme with apparent ease. It was interesting to note that almost as much teaching was needed on Tuesday - however there were a lot more distractions to contend with and some of those attempting to learn  were also beginners; they did really well to even attempt some of the dances. Needless to say next weeks programme isn't quite so challenging though hopefully it'll be just as interesting for those who like to ring the changes. See you then 

Weeks pass so quickly, especially when they are so packed with activity that there's been hardly any time, or energy, to update the website - never mind to engage brain to compose a blether. Since my last epistle we've had surprise visits from friends and relations, we've created and hosted a treasure hunt and quiz, attended and filmed a play, fulfilled our usual roles at church as well as more unusual ones, hosted and attended birthday parties, dinner parties and BBQ's, worked hard to maintain our fitness with gym & yoga and made major inroads into our garden upgrade- and that's not all! However despite all that activity the high point of the weeks is still the dancing sessions on Monday and Tuesday. As fast as people have said goodbye and headed elsewhere for Summer, or we miss them as they take shorter breaks, we've welcomed people back who are on prolonged visits or who haven't been able to join us recently because of health issues or other commitments. Tuesdays are exciting since we never know who's going to walk in next and they all bring new fun and energy! Monday afternoon classes have exactly the same situation, we have no idea who or how many will make the class but everyone enjoys themselves so much even though they work hard and such impromptu classes are inevitably somewhat disjointed - I have to thank the more experienced dancers who join us too, since it makes teaching so much easier. We're still welcoming new dancers to the class. It's not to everyone's taste but recently everyone who has started has decided to keep going, amazing! It's getting hotter though and we have to be realistic about our need to recharge. We are still dancing throughout June but the brilliant June Jamboree on 29th will signal the end of the season until we restart in September. Tickets for the June Jamboree are now available for anyone who wants to join us - it's an evening that anyone, dancer or non-dancer can enjoy, click here for more information, and in the meantime don't forget to join us on Monday or Tuesday (apart from the fun you have at the classes you can buy your JJ tickets cheaper if you attend the lessons!)