Note to Fionn -

There is a series of recordings that would help in answering your question of what would be a proper speed for dancers. It's called "Music For The Sets." These tapes were made in Ireland in the late 1980's, for specific Irish dances. Here is a description of them from the notes on one of the tapes. "The music on this cassette has been arranged so that each track is the correct length for a particular set-dance figure and so that tunes are played at a pace suitable for dancing each set in the style traditionally considered appropriate to it. The musicians, although playing dance-music for many years, have not until recently have been accustomed to playing for dancers. This is a not uncommon experience for Irish musicians, and it is hoped that the publication of this cassette will help to correct this unnatural state of affairs by providing learners with real music to dance to, and musicians with an awareness of the requirements of dancers." The tapes were released in Ireland by Na Piobairi Uilleann, and they make excellent listening for non dancers, as well. They contain Reels, Jigs, Polkas, and hornpipes, with many of the tunes being standards. I think this series of cassettes would help answer your question about what is a proper speed for dancers. Well worth a listen, if you can find them these days.