As we walked into Pitlochry for our final classes, it was really strange to think that less than a week before we hadn't even arrived. Everything was now so comfortably familiar; however our final classes still gave us new moves and new dances to enjoy. In my class the teacher took advantage of the skill level of the class, not to mention the skill level of our brilliant accordionist who was supplying the music for our lesson, to push the boundaries and create a medley of two dances that had been published initially a reel and then as it's original version which was a Strathspey. The end result, however challenging was great fun and gave us a sense of achievement fitting for the end of such a great week of classes. The rest of the day was now focused on the ball. The afternoon walk through was understandably well attended, and extremely well run. Many of the dances were unfamiliar to both P and myself, but after walking them in such a great atmosphere we were looking forward to dancing them later. Dinner had been brought forward to accommodate us and we were encouraged to come down to dinner dressed as the buses were to leave promptly at 7pm. This necessitated quite a lot of serviettes tucked into collers since the concern of gravy down your front was a real one. We survived the meal unsplattered however and got to the coach on time ready to enjoy ourselves. Arriving at the Castle 20 minutes later we were amazed to be greeted by a Piper on the front steps of the Castle. In former years we had only been able to use the modern annex - still an amazing experience - but not the same as going through the front door! Travelling down the long corridors we finally came to the cloakrooms and changed into our dance shoes - an activity that had probably been repeated hundreds of times in the castle's past . Despite the chill we left our coats on hangers and headed into the reception area to be greeted with a choice of wines. Eventually the president called us to order and we formed up in couples for a Grand March led in by the Piper. Simple as it is, a Grand March is always thrilling when a lot of people are involved and in such a superb setting as the Blair Atholl Ballroom it is more than memorable. From the lines of the March, sets were immediately formed for the first dance- the very simple Jubilee jig and the night continued with super selection of jigs reels and Strathspeys. A few were a little more challenging but mainly they were just beautiful dances that were simple enough for everyone to enjoy. We both danced most of the program though not necessarily with each - as it should be in Scottish Country Dancing. The week's musicians had come together and with the addition of a drummer formed a wonderful band who were obviously enjoying themselves as much as the dancers. It is very difficult to convey how amazing this type of experience is. It isn't about just being in a fabulous looking place, it's about the connection that dancing and music brought to us all and how much fun it was. So many different nationalities, backgrounds and ages enjoying the experience of our hard work during the week bringing us together and every one of us important to every other person. It was literally over too soon, though perhaps not for our feet. Auld langs sign was sung with real feeling and rather more people knowing the words than is usually the case; quite possibly because so many of the singers didn't claim English as the first language! Finally we reclaimed our shoes and coats staggered out into the cold and onto the coaches to arrive back to our fabulous Hotel who had left out tea, coffee and shortbread for us to enjoy, in front of the log fires, while we discussed how wonderful the night had been and said goodbye to those who had an earlier start than most the next day. Gone midnight we staggered upstairs, glad we'd already done most of our packing in the afternoon.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
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
Categories |
All Images on this site are copyright Janine Scott unless otherwise stated.