Well that was good wasn't it!

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 :-).