Saturday 21 September 2013

Performances and Puny Sets

Sorry guys, this post is going to be more serious than comical. Next week I will work on my hilarity more.

Last weekend, the demo team flew--literally. We were on a segmented stage that moved up and down more than we ever could. But, bouncing aside, the six of us danced our nine dances admirably. And at least one audience member was pleased (she came up to me afterward and said she loved watching us dance). We should have a few more demos through the end of the year, including our renowned Museum of Science and Industry Christmas performance. Be sure to join in on the fun, watching or otherwise. 

Back at the Loch Mich class, we have had a couple of four-person classes due to members being out of town or too involved in their PhD work. Though I knew I would rather hide under a bush than be stuck in and endless procession of two-couple dances, the classes were surprisingly fun. We worked on technique and got the beady-eyed stare from Noel when each of us forgot to use turnout. With a small democracy we even traveled at our own pace and did dances we could all agree on. But the best part for me was undoubtedly the mocking of the teacher and each other. 

This weekend we should be inching back to a normal set size, but at least we know we can persevere regardless of class size. We have enthusiasm and a creative teacher who can find dances for any lesson plan, however unusual. 

On that note, I would like to honor our teacher with a new segment: Dancing Tip of the Week.

During set and link, the person casting should move forward a little bit to create the illusion of the pair moving together before they separate. If you move just enough to avoid turning on the spot, it'll make the figure look cleaner. Plus, don't let go of each others hands before the end of the third bar--you're meant to be a link, connected. 

Until next week, ciao my dancing friends.

Friday 13 September 2013

Upcoming performance

Quick check in, everybody. The demo team is performing at the Will County Folk Fest on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The festival is in Joliet, but for anyone who can make it down, it looks quaint and is probably the last Celtic event for the summer. Hope to see you there :)

Monday 9 September 2013

Loch Mich Begins Again

What is the number one thing Chicago dancers wish they could have? 

Is it live music?


Nope--sorry Tim.

 Is it more kilts? 

Thanks, Bruce

Well, ...


In this case, it is a refinished  wooden floor!




Yes, we at Bethany have just had our first session of dancing on a new wooden floor and, oh, how we flew. I don't think there is a finer surface anywhere else in the city. So, if anyone wants to come down for a skip step race, you're on.

I've also heard whispers of a new floor at the Fermilab Barn, so we shall see how that fares for our fall dance, which is tentatively set for November 10th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In other news, Charles Coulon has set up an official RSCDS Chicago Facebook page. Anyone with pictures or news they'd like to share should skedaddle and post them right away.

We hope everyone enjoys the start of dancing for the fall season as much as we will. If I don't see you until the fall dance, adieu.