In my part of the world (Aberdeenshire) Scottish Country Dancing and "reeling" exist side by side - but somewhat uneasily. I was once invited to a dance which included a large number of reelers. The sets had to quickly make up their minds which hand grip to use. I ended up dancing Posties Jig in a set which included a man who went into a sulk because he couldn't use the policeman's halt. He refused to take my hand and I had to dance round him!
I really like your video. Really clear. Some commentators prefer different variations etc but we can all adapt on the night- at least this helps me get a good idea of the formations. Thank you to you and all the dancers in the vid.
one other note... there is no "BOING!" in any scottish country dances. If you read the actual dance, you're turning the wrong way to get to your corners. Visit the Hamilton, ON RSCDS group, ask them to do this dance. They'll show you how it's done.
I always cringe when I see teachers teaching their students to take anything but handshake hold for turns!! People have been seriously injured by overzealous dancers taking hands the way you're teaching it!!
Very helpful as it can be hard to follow the usual diagrams of this dance. It might be useful to note the common variations involving joining up with the next set, the grand circle etc and have a bit less clapping! Thanks very much for the vid
It's been many years since I danced this, but we always (in Colorado, USA) tried to honour the original intention of the dance's creators and use a five-couple set. Other than that, I understand that several different versions of the dance have been used almost since it was written. Maybe this chap is using one most of us don't know.
I agree with thelliottclan. This is not the kind of dancing I have been taught. There is no clap in Reel of the 51st. And if you've seen Master Crane's Duke of Perth...there is no clapping in that either.
Do you guys do the boring skipping version and make your men wear white socks with their kilts? I would make a distinction between "reeling", which is what these guys are doing, and the less entertaining but far more competitive world of "Scottish Country Dancing" - the kind of world where men wear ballet shoes.
This guy doesn't have a clue! This is definitely not the Reel of the 51st - and his step technique is abysmal. This is NOT Scottish Country Dancing!!!
At the end of the day, who is to say what is right and wrong. It's all dancing and we all enjoy ourselves.
hawkinsallen 1 year ago
In my part of the world (Aberdeenshire) Scottish Country Dancing and "reeling" exist side by side - but somewhat uneasily. I was once invited to a dance which included a large number of reelers. The sets had to quickly make up their minds which hand grip to use. I ended up dancing Posties Jig in a set which included a man who went into a sulk because he couldn't use the policeman's halt. He refused to take my hand and I had to dance round him!
I think I will stick with what I know in future.
hawkinsallen 1 year ago
I really like your video. Really clear. Some commentators prefer different variations etc but we can all adapt on the night- at least this helps me get a good idea of the formations. Thank you to you and all the dancers in the vid.
MsHello2468 2 years ago
one other note... there is no "BOING!" in any scottish country dances. If you read the actual dance, you're turning the wrong way to get to your corners. Visit the Hamilton, ON RSCDS group, ask them to do this dance. They'll show you how it's done.
carlosspeakup 3 years ago
I always cringe when I see teachers teaching their students to take anything but handshake hold for turns!! People have been seriously injured by overzealous dancers taking hands the way you're teaching it!!
carlosspeakup 3 years ago
more boring learning it i prefer the aberdeenshire more faster and everyone moving
eleanoraliceshields 3 years ago
I don't know what is more boring, the practice or the actual dance
dosgoat 4 years ago
Yes. This is`t SCD. Very boring...
RedRobRoy1977 4 years ago
Very helpful as it can be hard to follow the usual diagrams of this dance. It might be useful to note the common variations involving joining up with the next set, the grand circle etc and have a bit less clapping! Thanks very much for the vid
JohnSouth2007 4 years ago
It's been many years since I danced this, but we always (in Colorado, USA) tried to honour the original intention of the dance's creators and use a five-couple set. Other than that, I understand that several different versions of the dance have been used almost since it was written. Maybe this chap is using one most of us don't know.
AmeriCeltCatholic 4 years ago
I agree with thelliottclan. This is not the kind of dancing I have been taught. There is no clap in Reel of the 51st. And if you've seen Master Crane's Duke of Perth...there is no clapping in that either.
elissaria 4 years ago
His technique?! Haha!
Do you guys do the boring skipping version and make your men wear white socks with their kilts? I would make a distinction between "reeling", which is what these guys are doing, and the less entertaining but far more competitive world of "Scottish Country Dancing" - the kind of world where men wear ballet shoes.
atchristie 4 years ago
This guy doesn't have a clue! This is definitely not the Reel of the 51st - and his step technique is abysmal. This is NOT Scottish Country Dancing!!!
thelliottclan 5 years ago
In the version I've been taught, there's no clapping!
natkretep 5 years ago