What kind of dancing are you into?

28 Oct 99 - 05:18 PM (#129167)
Subject: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Marion

Hello all. I've seen a few references to dance in the months that I've been here, but not a survey thread.

So... what kind of dance do you do?

I take classes in Irish solo dancing and Irish ceilidh dancing, and also very much enjoy contra dances and randomly bopping around to fiddle tunes.

I have also dabbled in Hungarian dance, Scottish country dance, North American square dance, and Cape Breton stepdance.

The ones that I've tried but haven't liked are belly dancing and English country dancing.

I also have some general questions about your attitudes to dance, in case anybody wants to discuss it...

In the "what instruments do you play?" thread several people said "voice" which took me by surprise, because I would never have thought to add voice to my list. But it does make sense to call voice an instrument when I think about it.

Would anyone add their shoes to their list of instruments? If anyone asked you what kind of music you like to make, would you think to mention your favourite dances?

Is the music you like to play the same as the music you like to dance to? Or is there a dichotomy?

If you consider your dancing to be integrated with your music-making, do you consider it to be folk music? Has anyone formulated a definition of what they consider to be a folk dance?

If contra dance, for example, is a folk dance, is the macarena? Or Irish solo dancing done as a performance rather than a participatory event? Or randomly bopping around to the old fiddle tunes?

Just dreaming of getting a thread of mine included in the "Threads about defining folk music" thread,

Marion

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28 Oct 99 - 08:01 PM (#129204)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Alice

Marion, are you sure you want to be in that rogues' gallery?

The last dance class I attended was salsa, taught by a touring Cuban salsa group.
Before that was tango (which I love but don't do enough).
Before that was flamenco, but the teacher could not get enough students, so the classes were not repeated.
Before that was ancient Hawaiian hula.
Years before that was polynesian, including modern and ancient hula, tahitian, and maori.

None of those connect much to the music I sing now, which is Irish, Scottish, classical arias, and art songs, although I do 'think' of hula when our circle sings Down to Old Maui.

I wish there were Irish step dance classes here, but alas, no. We do have an active contra dance group and other folk dancing, but I don't make it to those gatherings.

Alice in Montana

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28 Oct 99 - 09:44 PM (#129253)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Little Neophyte

Marion, I'm soooooo happy you started this thread!
I play the banjo and though I am only a beginner I am very serious about developing my skill. Currently I am exploring all kinds of banjo music so it is difficult to say what type of music I play.

I've always wanted to take folk dance, but I didn't know where to pursue it. I haven't researched it yet but I plan to and I live in a large city (Toronto, Ontario Canada) so it shouldn't be difficult finding classes.
I would like to integrate dance somehow with my banjo music. How, I have no clue.

I'm not one to ask 'is it part of the Folk World?' I'm so new here I have no clue. But, I do know I would love to discuss dance with you or attitude? (wasn't quite sure what you meant)
I dream of slinging my shoes over my shoulder when I head out to entertain others. Haven't told my music teacher yet, but I'm glad you brought this discussion up because I find it inspiring.
Would I dance to the banjo music I play? Absolutely, costume and all! Marion, you have really got me thinking here

Little Neo

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28 Oct 99 - 10:44 PM (#129267)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Ely

I contra dance occasionally at home in Houston, and have done Irish set dancing a few times. Iowa is a pretty darned good place for "barn dances"--a lot of people call contras but I like squares better. There is also Jewish folkdance on campus once in awhile (I have not had the guts, though, to join the swing club).

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29 Oct 99 - 04:22 AM (#129342)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Owlkat

Hi Marion, For the record I'm willing to confess to having been one of the charter members of the Vancouver Morris Men, in the early to mid 80's, as a dancer and fiddler, and when I lived in Toronto, in 86 to 89, I flirted with the Toronto Morris Side, though I don't remember what they called themselves. They weren't as much fun as the Vancouver bunch, at least not then. Possibly, I was able to hold my liquour better in Vancouver. Yeah. That's it.

;-) Mart.

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29 Oct 99 - 04:37 AM (#129343)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Patrish(inactive)

I love belly dancing, NW Morris and Ceilidh dancing. I'd like to try flamenco. I really like moving to music, when I am alone in the house I even have a go at ballet dancing(by looking at old Bunty magazines -very sad)

kindest regards

Patrish

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29 Oct 99 - 05:14 AM (#129346)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Ringer

Country Dancing, which in England these days includes English dances (eg Morpeth Rant), American contras & squares, and Playford. Playford is my favourite: the modal tunes ravish and the best dances completely occupy the intellect

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29 Oct 99 - 05:27 AM (#129347)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: bill\sables

Hi Marion, I run a celidh band -playing mostly for weddings, we play Irish, Scottish, English and some American. But when I get to dance I do Yorkshire Longsword I Dance with Castleford Longsword Team who have just celebrated their 30 birthday this year. Cheers Bill

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29 Oct 99 - 06:13 AM (#129353)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Patrish(inactive)

Bald Eagle, I lived in Morpeth in Northumberland for 15 yrs. I ranted quite a lot! But seriously I have a book of tunes called the Morpeth Rant (it contains many other tunes)and also a lot about the histories. If you are interested I could get the information for you. kind regards

Patrish

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29 Oct 99 - 07:36 AM (#129363)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Fadac

I like the Mudcat dance, the Hokey Pokey.

-Fadac

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29 Oct 99 - 08:43 AM (#129385)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Rana

Hi,

Somehow I got into Morris when I moved to London, Ontario (from Vancouver) in 1986. I joined Greenfiddle Morris in Toronto in 1989. Owlkat, you must have joined TFMM (Toronto Morris Men) - wonder if we ever met at a London/Toronto ale.

Rana

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29 Oct 99 - 09:13 AM (#129397)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: JedMarum

I can't dance - don't ask me.

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29 Oct 99 - 09:32 AM (#129403)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Ringer

Patrish: Many thanks for the offer, and please don't think me ungrateful, but I'm afraid a book of tunes wouldn't be of much use to me. Also, histories, etc, aren't my thing, either - for me, the enjoyment's in the dancing not the history.

Having said that, I remember once (20 years ago?) coming across a description (in a book, not a magazine artice) by someone who accompanied him of a visit Cecil Sharpe made to Longborough when collecting Morris dances (I used to dance the Morris, Cotswold & NW clog, in a previous existence). As I recall, the dancers thought they had half a dozen different dances, but there was only one dance to half a dozen different tunes. Can anyone place this reference? I seem to recall that C# was referred to as "The Director".

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29 Oct 99 - 10:40 AM (#129436)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: KathWestra

I love contras and English country dance -- contras for the exhileration, English for the grace (and the graceful tunes). And I LOVE to waltz, particularly to tunes by Bob McQuillen. Waltzing with a man who knows how is the most deliriously wonderful dance experience I can imagine. Kath

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29 Oct 99 - 11:24 AM (#129448)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: bbc

I did international-style ballroom dancing for 6 years (when I had a partner) & loved it. We also did round dancing, which is a kind of cued ballroom dancing, often done in conjuction w/ square dancing. I have done club level square dancing, as well. Used to do Jackie Sorensen aerobic dance. Currently, I am doing no dancing at all. Blah.

bbc

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29 Oct 99 - 11:49 AM (#129459)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Bob Jovi

Ok KathWestra, so you like to waltz to Bob McQuillen tunes. Is this with him playing the tunes, or not? In other words, do you waltz in the Peterborough area?

Its great to see so much Morris in this thread, I remember other threads where it was--let's say--not afforded much respect. I dance on one Cotswold team and play for another (electric guitar, no less). I also have done NorthWest and Longsword. I seem to do more Contra and less English and Scottish Country Dancing than I like.

Lucius

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29 Oct 99 - 11:57 AM (#129462)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Bert

I started off in England doing 'Old Time Dancing', then I did some English Country with the EFDSS. Then I found real American Square Dancing which is nothing at all like what the EFDSS call American Square Dancing.

Met my first wife and did International Folk Dancing with SIFD for some years.

I got back into American Square Dancing when I first came over here but kinda dropped out. It got too cliquish. Haven't done any lately.

Bert.

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29 Oct 99 - 12:01 PM (#129464)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Alice

Kath, I'll second that on waltzing. Too bad most guys don't learn how, because being able to waltz is a real "babe magnet".

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29 Oct 99 - 12:04 PM (#129467)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: MMario

I watch

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29 Oct 99 - 12:04 PM (#129468)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Mían

Ballet for 8 years before my toes gave out, alas. I enjoy a good branle, morris, medieval/ren dance in general. Love Irish set dancing - there's nothing like being gripped around the waist & being twirled so your feet leave the ground! Well. maybe there are is...also love a waltz or two or three.

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29 Oct 99 - 12:31 PM (#129476)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Gypsy V

I would KILL (almost literally)to find a contra dance or ceili (Can't spell that worth a tinker's d*) around me. Northern Illinois, above Chicago, seems devoid of public dancing. Bleh! I used to contra dance all the time back "home" in New York state. A little tap, jazz, enough ballet to cause problems. I'm in Irish step classes for adults now, hard and soft shoe. I'm finding hard shoe Irish is an AWEFUL lot like tap... but the arms have been changed to protect the innocent. That's the formal stuff. I wouldn't mind learning belly dancing just for fun. I'm a singing musician first, but dancing is such a great way to get your energy flowing (and a better work-out than Tae-Bo :D )

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29 Oct 99 - 12:40 PM (#129484)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Rana

Why has line-dancing become so popular in England?

People think they're joining a queue.

Rana

BTW. With ref. to Hokey Pokey, I recall Country Joe MacDonald at a concert at Reading U. in the early '70s singing it as the encore and getting the whole audience to join in.

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29 Oct 99 - 03:11 PM (#129566)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Danielriverwind

Depends on whether ot not I've bathed that week

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29 Oct 99 - 03:12 PM (#129568)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Alice

I remember when I took the Flamenco class (which was great), I kept having to struggle against all the modern hula that my body had memorized. I looked up at the mirror and saw a big "aloha" smile on my face and heard the teacher saying, Alice!! Stern! You have to look stern! Well, the attitude of flamenco is more like the warlike Maori than the sweet come-hither hula. It definitely took an attitude adjustment to get more aggressive for the flamenco. It is interesting how each type of dance has a mental and emotional attitude that goes with it. From flamenco, I went to tango, and after dancing solo styles, it was hard to get into the liquid surrender of following a partner in tango. It is definitely an amazing dance form, though. I loved the movie The Tango Lesson. Anyone else see that film?

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29 Oct 99 - 03:21 PM (#129572)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Cap't Bob

I can't believe that Spaw has not made a comment on this one!

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29 Oct 99 - 05:16 PM (#129614)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: KathWestra

Lucius -- Have never danced in Peterborough, but have known Bob McQuillen and his music for many years. His waltzes are the best. Have danced many times in Concord, MA at the Scout House, and at Brattleboro Dawn Dances, and in central Mass. once or twice. But mostly here in the Washington, DC, area where I live. (Sunday afternoon waltzes in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park are terrific -- come down sometime.) And Alice, you're Soooooo right. A guy who knows how to waltz is a babe magnet indeed! Kath

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29 Oct 99 - 11:45 PM (#129738)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: SeanM

I feel so left out...

As a charter member of the "Younger Generation tm", and especially having especially... ummm... broad tastes, I can vouch for dancing at least 4 variations on "Slam Dancing", a few variations on the "Gothic 'my life is miserable' crawl, and FAAAAAR too many variants on the classic "White Boy Two-Step".

Do these count?

;^)

M

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30 Oct 99 - 07:23 AM (#129780)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Herge

Cajun dancing id hard to beat!

Herge

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30 Oct 99 - 08:56 AM (#129789)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)

Kath, will you be coming to the Snow Ball in Peterborough? Let us know via the Mudcat- that goes for anyone else who will be coming! We'll give a hearty welcome then
I love to contra, swing, waltz- esp with a good partner. I morris as much for the music and companionship as for the opportunity to bash sticks and jingle bells.
I also love to dance all alone, late at night, as the music and the spirit moves me!
Allison-smiling-mysteriously

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30 Oct 99 - 12:43 PM (#129834)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Alice

SeanM, check out the local ballroom dance classes at your nearest campus. The ladies in the class will love you for it, and you will never regret learning the skill. -alice

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31 Oct 99 - 02:19 AM (#129984)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Loraine

I regret that I never learned how to clog from my grandmother. When she and her brother were younger they were clog dancing champions. Unfortunately, she was always sick as I and my sister and brother were growing up, and most often bed-ridden and didn't have the strength to teach us. Those of you who do know how to dance, particularly country dancing and folk dancing, pass it on to your kids. They may think it's nerdy now, but they'll love you for it and appreciate it as the get older. Heritage is so important.

Does anyone know if they have an instructional video tape on country dancing, clog, or Irish/Scotish step dancing?

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31 Oct 99 - 02:59 AM (#129989)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: roopoo

Have done mainly NW Morris since the early 80s, touching along the journey Cotswold, Border and Plough Stot dances. I am very familiar with Castleford Longsword, as my side, Terpsichore, have several husbands who are members of it, and one of them also dances with us! I enjoy a bit of ceilidh dancing, failed miserably at clog-step and recently, for the short time it ran in our village, joined a jazz-dance class which also did a bit of cheer-leading! They didn't like my idea that we should do the routine for the local primary school sports! Let me say that the youngest of us was old enough to have children at the school, and mine have long left! I have no inhibitions at times, but then I do go around with the musicians of the Whitby Scratch Morris!

I hope Loraine is right about passing it on to your kids. My son tried Cotswold when he was a small boy, but didn't really like it, and couldn't keep with the music. To his eternal shame we have him on video. My older daughter danced with us until she found it too embarrassing at about 14 years old, but she did have 7 years dancing. My younger daughter has been doing it for about 4 years and is just entering that dangerous age: early teens. She will not dance anywhere she thinks anybody who knows her will be. Kids can be very cruel. It's such a tragedy when your own culture is rejected by the young, because if they ever want to discover it in later years, it may not be there! I don't know what it is about England. Most other countries seem proud of their traditions. We (as a whole)seem only to want what is fed us by commercialism. On Hallowe'en, isn't it strange to think that the most pursued activity tonight will be one imported (like line dancing) from across the Atlantic? It may have its roots in Mischief Night and the like, but the other traditions such as Soul Caking are now mainly done by a faithful few. I hope somebody will tell me that it isn't so!

As I am losing the thread, I'm going.

mouldy

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31 Oct 99 - 03:17 AM (#129991)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Hutzul

1. There are several videos available on clogging. Try "clogging" on your search engine (I used Yahoo). It will take you the the clog home page as well as several other types of folk dancing. A great video is available from Ira Bernstein? He's listed on the above pages.

Personally, I love to clog but my best efforts are while I am seated. I can really fly then.

My husband and I have both been involved for many years in Ukrainian folk dancing, including a semi-pro (lots of love with no money to individual dancers) performing group called "Ukraina" based in Chicago.

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31 Oct 99 - 03:22 AM (#129992)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Hutzul

Oh, I forget to include

For the 'catter in Northern Illinois, try contacting the Old Time School of Folk Music in Chicago and Fox Valley Folklore Society in Warrenville or a close western suburb for info an local dancing.

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31 Oct 99 - 09:51 PM (#130209)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: lloyd61

There is nothing like a Cajun Waltz.

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31 Oct 99 - 11:42 PM (#130262)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: TonyK

I love to Waltz and Contra and have even begun calling some dances here in N.E. Pa. I had an awful time learning to waltz, especially with my wife. We are both first born and tend to want to run things. I got the best lesson from one of my good male friends and from that experience can say that a man who waltzes well is handy indeed.

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01 Nov 99 - 01:02 AM (#130292)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Loraine

Hutzul- I took your advice and did a "clog" search and found quite a few instructional videos on the www.clog.org website. It just so happens that "clog" is a Gaelic word meaning "time", i.e. to dance in time. Thanks for the tip! I also found a website for Walkley Clogs- traditional English clogs (shoes) with wooden soles, either "shod" with rubber soles or just the bare wood. They even had a pair of dance clogs. Beautiful shoes! I wear clogs (strange coinsidence, eh?), not as nice as the Walkley brand however, but my favourate pair has wooden heels and I love them! They make a wonderful sound. For other clog (shoes) fans, their URL is: www.scoot.co.uk/walkley_clogs Maybe once I've gotten the hang of clogging I can buy me a pair of those fancy shmancy clogs to clog in. My dad always thought the better the quality and cost of the harmonica, the better he'd sound (ha!). Maybe his rationale works for clogging too.

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01 Nov 99 - 02:17 AM (#130314)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Lonesome EJ

When I was 11 and my cousin Marilyn was 14, she taught me to do the Bop, and to Rock n Roll Swing. Still my favorites, although I wish I could Tap like Fred Astaire.

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01 Nov 99 - 04:13 AM (#130329)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: June Burton

I've tried and enjoyed many various types of dancing, but the only one I've found I can make a living at is Ballroom Dancing, so that is my day job. (Actually, I teach until 10 pm some nights!) I morris danced with the Castlewood Morris Women in Lexington Kentucky and loved it, haven't done much since moving to Houston as it is a bit hard on my knees these days. Also loved trying flamenco, but it is too percussive on the feet (have to make a living, you see.) Still love to clog, contra, square, international folk, etc. etc.

By the bye, did you know that in Denmark, they still dance to sung ballads? A very old tradition that is still sometimes seen in children's singing games in this country.

And when Cecil Sharpe came to the Appalachian Mountains, he found some communities where dancing was frowned upon (the Devil in the fiddle!) but dancing to singing, or "play-parties" as they called it, was acceptable. When I danced with the Berea College Country Dancers, we did an old version of set-running that was danced to the voices and the stamping of the feet and clapping hands of the dancers. "Killy kranky is my song..."

Not long ago, I was dancing late at night on the front porch of an old house at Winedale, to some fine fiddle, guitar, and banjo. I found myself thinking of my clogging as a rhythm instrument (my feet!) because it was too dark to see. That seemed to put more emphasis on the sound than the look or feel of the dance.

I've heard it said that in the English Clog-Dance Contests, the judges would sit under the stage and judge just by the sounds made by the dancers' feet. Any truth to that?

The folk-waltz is still my favorite, tho a waltz clog is also great fun!

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01 Nov 99 - 03:04 PM (#130524)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: KathWestra

One of my greatest memories is waltzing at Pinewoods Camp to the singing of Scottish singer Margaret Bennett. Thanks, June, for the reminder! (And I'd love to know more about the Danish tradition of dancing to ballad-singing.)
Animaterra -- Snow Ball? When? How do I find out more??? Kath

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02 Nov 99 - 01:28 PM (#130924)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Marion

Loraine, I know of one instructional video for Irish stepdancing. It is called "Celtic Feet" and is by the male lead in "Riverdance: the New Show" (I believe is name is Colin Dunne). I can't give you a review of the tape, but can confirm its existence.

My friendly neighbourhood Blockbuster has Celtic Feet available to rent, so see if yours does too...

Good luck, Marion

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06 Jun 00 - 02:00 PM (#238997)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: GUEST,[e-mail]

I would like to learn simple international folk dances. Including square dance, Virginia Reel, hihgland fling, Chinese pole dance, hat dance etc.

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06 Jun 00 - 05:19 PM (#239082)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Jacob B

Hello, edwards. Click here to go to a site with listings of lots of places where you can go to learn the dances. Good luck.

I dance contras, squares, English, morris, rapper, longsword, clog, swing, and I'm one of a handful of people who are trying to revive the Eastern European Jewish dances that were done to Klezmer music. I also have taught most of those kinds of dancing.

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06 Jun 00 - 11:32 PM (#239194)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: mactheturk

Two universal truths:

#1. You can't listen to banjo music and be in a bad mood.

#2. It's impossible to play the washboard and not dance.

Mac

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06 Jun 00 - 11:45 PM (#239203)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Mark Clark

I don't know if into is the right word, but any dance that calls for me to hold a woman close to me is okay in my book. (g)

      - Mark

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06 Jun 00 - 11:51 PM (#239208)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Mbo

Good thought, Mark!

--Mbo

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07 Jun 00 - 02:03 AM (#239251)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: GUEST,Baba

I like to dance by the moonlight.

Also adore the ebullient thrill of Irish set dancing. Highly recommend it to those of you who don't have a musical instrument grafted to your body and "couldn't possible dance - someone has to play the music!"

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07 Jun 00 - 02:57 AM (#239261)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: alison

Disco!!

and any of the Latin American stuff... rumba, samba, lambada... not much good at them.. but it's fun trying.... and the beat is fantastic....

slainte

alison

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07 Sep 03 - 04:17 PM (#1014488)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: GUEST,Philippa

Hutzal mentioned a video of Ira Bernstein (which is also mentioned in a thread on clog dancing). Well, I haven't seen the video, but the man can dance! he dances several different styles of step/clog/tap dancing and he can talk about the background and characteristics of all of them, even just after having danced one with great energy. He also sings and he plays the fiddle and the fiddlesticks.

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08 Sep 03 - 12:23 PM (#1014825)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: fogie

Slap dancing! thats what happens when I try it.

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08 Sep 03 - 07:13 PM (#1015036)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: lady penelope

i started off with tap and ballet classes, I enjoyed both but knew I was never going to be a succesful ballet dancer - too broad.
But when I stopped the ballet lessons the tap went too, which I really did miss. I can't play Arty Shaw and that without my feet starting to itch. At the moment I'm too heavy to get into any kind of tap ( oh me poor knees ) but I'm ( successfully ) working on that. If i loose enough weight I'm going to find some appalachian clog classes too!

Other than that I'll have a go at any kind of dance. I love belly dancing ,because it just lifts my spirits and it's really just for me. I would love to get Parker to do some kind of partner dance with me, but he don't do the "E" word (execise). I've done some cajun and would like to do more. I've love set dacing and barn dancing. I want to have a go at Rappa. I would also like a go at Hula.

I sing, play the trumpet badly and the penny whistle worse. Dancing to me is just another way of losing yourself to the music.

TTFN Lady P.

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09 Sep 03 - 02:52 AM (#1015234)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: fat B****rd

I learned the foxtrot, waltz and stumbling quick-step so we could go to a "penguin suit" do but apart from doing the "embarassing when other middle-aged people do it" stuff I'm a dance-hall jiver and proud of it.

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09 Sep 03 - 03:58 AM (#1015255)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: GUEST,Fylde

Just seen this thread - June Burton asked about judging clog contests - the way I heard it is that in the local pub there was a chute from the street into the cellar to roll the barrels down. When not in use this was covered by a stout wooden platform. Cloggers would dance on this, and the judges would listen below in the cellar. This gave impartiality and some degree of intoxication I think.

At our local Festival some years age we revived the Lacashire and Cheshire style of clogging, which is danced off the toe - spectacular and very tiring.

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09 Sep 03 - 04:12 AM (#1015258)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: fiddler

Two penneth form me......

Any dancing is a symbiotic relationship between the band and the dancer. One can bounce off and enhance the performance of the other.

Appalachian is perhaps one of the key forms to note this - some 'Dancers' bang and bump so loud they might as well be acapella (no on second thoughts I take that back they should be shot) others work around the music and produce some cracking percussive sounds. Same for Irish.

There we go a good dancers feet are an instrument a bad dancers feet are like shaky eggs and should be destroyed unless used purely for their own pleasure rather than an instrument of torture for the rest of us.

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09 Sep 03 - 05:43 AM (#1015290)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)

What fun to see this old thread!
Since Oct 99 I've taken a break from morris dancing, and have rediscovered English country dancing (Playford style). My sweetie plays in a band so I don't get to dance with him much, but I love the elegant, flowing grace of the dances. I'll be going to the Strafford Ball in a month!

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09 Sep 03 - 05:49 AM (#1015293)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Pied Piper

Horizontal.
PP

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09 Sep 03 - 05:21 PM (#1015744)
Subject: RE: What kind of dancing are you into?
From: Mr Red

e-ceilidh (see http://www.netservs.com or join the e-mail service)
French (but never did get the Mazurka)
Cajun (but never did get Zydeco)

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