There was some great dancing at the classes this week as we welcomed yet more new, and talented beginners to the Monday class - as well as less challenging dances we really pushed the boat out by taking on Barbara's Strathspey with its '3 couple bourrel' - not a classic beginner's dance but the makeup of the class gave a good opportunity to introduce this slightly more challenging move - emphasising the satisfaction of dancing 'next level' formations - and the fact that they were all capable of dancing them given the chance to learn properly. Tuesday also saw people rising to the challenge of slightly more complex dances - although there were plenty of simpler ones to enjoy too. Finally, this week we also had the chance to dance on Thursday as well. A generous invitation had been issued to the group to join the Stage One's member's night for a ceilidh (with the dancing led by yours truly). We had a great night of simple but fun dances with lots of people joining in. Members of the Tuesday class also performed a couple of demonstration dances - initially a Medley of 3 dances - The Montgomerie's Rant; Byron Strathspey and Highland Rambler, and later De'il Amang the Tailors, and we were also entertained with a few songs in true Ceilidh style. The cost of this excellent night was a few plates of food added to the supper table - and the combined contributions made an excellent spread which we all enjoyed. Well done to all involved.

A challenging week for the classes this week as I introduced some new dances to the programmes. It started with conquering the concept of corners in the Monday class, and an introduction to 'The Bramble Bush' with the formation 'corner, partner, corner, partner'; we then went on to practice 'Reels of 4', prior to dancing them on the diagonal - again using the concept of corners - in the strathspey Fair Donald. We finished with a bit of fun, dancing Barley Bree -  well deserved simplicity after all the hard work. Tuesday class started with a practice set for the demo next week - a bit of entertainment for the rest of the class as they gathered (including some welcome returning visitors). The evening's programme included several dances new to most of the dancers - though not necessarily new to the class over the years. After also being introduced to 'Fair Donald' and appreciating it as the elegant dance it is, 5 couples were then guided up and down the 'Staircase in Styria' - despite not quite managing it fully the way through, it was a huge hit and will be on the programme again for another try next week. The Bramble Bush also gained a thumbs up, especially after it was repeated with 'elbow holds' at the suggestion of a visiting dancer - lots of fun with that! More familiar dances followed until we reached Culla Bay - a dance that used to be a regular on the programme and I hadn't realised that it wouldn't be at all familiar to current dancers - so well done to all who picked it up from my rather sketchy directions - I'll go into more detail next time - honest :-).  

Just a short update to this week's post.
BTW - Thanks for all the excellent feedback from the Ball hopefully next year more of us will be able to make it. I still haven't got the pictures uploaded to Past Events, but it's part of today's jobs. In the meantime just a few notices for those who might be interested...
Apparently there is still a man's kilt ( 42" waist; 25" length), with accessories, for sale at the St Michael's Hospice Charity shop situated 1/2 way down from the mall to the harbour. The closest match to the tartan I can find is called Kintyre Dusk, it's certainly not a common one - see pictures below. The shoes are apparently practically unworn and size 11.5 / 46.
Other news is that the RSCDS is running a Dance the World day on Nov 23rd - let me know on Tuesday if anyone is interested in having a bit of a dance on Saturday to join in! It would be good to do, suggestions for a venue are welcome.
Prior to that, as some of you know, Stage One is holding a Ceilidh Night (I'm calling) as their Club Night on Thursday 21st November - let Doug know if you fancy going - it's free, but you are asked to contribute to their 'American Supper' by bringing enough food for yourself & one other. Finally, a 'heads up' to check this month's RSCDS Scottish Country Dancing magazine which I'll be bringing to classes this week -there are a few familiar faces featured in it!
I hope to see you next week. 

This will be the year of the storm. After months without enough rain to fill a teaspoon, the heavens decide to open on the night of our St Andrew Group Ball. It was amazing that so many people did manage to fight their way through the deluge but- for many, the weather simply made the journey too risky. We really missed all those who couldn't join us, but the conditions were truly treacherous and it's better that everyone was safe, if very disappointed.
Meanwhile- for those of us lucky enough to reach the venue before the storm hit... or were too far on their way to turn back - and thankfully managed to reach us safely - it was a fabulous night - even enhanced by the lightening show and torrents outside. Due to the hard work of volunteers, who turned up to help decorate in the morning, the place looked amazing and there is something magical about being warm and cosy, surrounded by friends, while the weather does its worst. In addition the Kamares Club surpassed itself with their service & food. The photographs and videos taken during the night, which you will find via the Past Events page (eventually) don't do it justice.
The dance programme itself was organised around requests from the guests and included Highland Rambler; Posties Jig; The Orchards of Co Armagh; Waratah Weaver;  Mairi's Wedding; Ring of Brodgar; Devil's Elbow; Dream Catcher and De'il Amang the Tailors. Everyone also enjoyed a demonstration dance by several of the Tuesday Night class. We completed the night with the traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne before everyone set to, and the decorations were down and another great night over. We'll definitely do it again next year - hopefully with more cooperative weather, but at least the night was clear by the time we all set off home.