Reviews Book 47

RSCDS Book 47

Having gone through the dances in RSCDS Book 47, my first impression is that it has something for every dancer. For instance, The Kissing Bridge can be enjoyed by beginners once they have mastered basic figures such as the reel of three and the poussette (or used to practise these figures). However, its simplicity does not make it boring and I am sure more advanced dancers will be happy to see it on a ball programme. At the other end of the spectrum, The One O’Clock Canon, with its fugal structure and two dancing couples doing different figures simultaneously, is the perfect dance for those who like a challenge.

Book 47 also includes a variety of set shapes and sizes, from a three-couple set (the strathspey Memories of Mary Ann) to square (the strathspey The Mentor and the reel Flight to Melbourne) to five-couple set (the jig Vintage Simon). This is always handy for a teacher or someone compiling a dance programme.

The dances include some new figures and as well as old favourites. I am sure many dancers will also be happy to see the chain progression for three couples (a.k.a. ‘chaperoned chain progression’) make it into the RSCDS repertoire with Linnea’s Strathspey. In Aging Gracefully, we see a comeback of the first figure from Neidpath Castle (Book 22).

It would take too long to mention all the dances in Book 47 and discuss their respective merits. To sum up, I would say that the 90th Anniversary book is a collection of dances which all have the potential to be someone’s favourite. Between us, my husband and I have taught all the dances to our local mixed-ability class (though we’re still working on The One O’Clock Canon) and the dancers have generally enjoyed them. I would therefore recommend this book to all teachers or group leaders who have not acquired it yet. Additionally, the introduction by Alastair MacFadyen is worth reading, especially for those who have an interest in the history of the Society.

Sophie van Leersum, International Branch Available from RSCDS www.rscds.org/shop TACBooks store@tac-rscds.org