The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #70482   Message #1202742
Posted By: TS
08-Jun-04 - 11:25 AM
Thread Name: Catering to Dancers
Subject: Catering to Dancers
A moment of venting for me if you don't mind; Some shared opinions could help aswell. How do other musicians feel about catering to the needs of Irish/Scottish Dancing? I had the "honour" of helping out the local Comhaltas awhile back, performing for one of their Ceilidhs.

After my set I decided to sit in (playing the bodhran)with their band of merry men and women and play while the dancers from the class did their thing. I have played for Irish dancers many times, and have become accustomed to the glares and sneers from the seasoned dancers when a tune isnt quite fast or slow enough. I learned at this session however that they instill this in even the youngest of students.

I was most impressed to see the very sneers and glares coming from girls as young as 10 when something wasnt just right.

So, there, thats my venting. I've decided I dispise playing for the needs of dancers. I'll stick to playing for the drunks who enjoy shouting "..and she was.." and "...right up yer kilt..."......Slainte!