Review of Book 48

RSCDS Book 48

My first impression was that many dances in Book 48 were easy to execute for most dancers. This book consists of five dances each of jig, reel and strathspey, and contains a good balance of three, four and five couple dances. All include some new formations which appear in the recently revised RSCDS Manual such as espagnole and set and rotate for three couples as well as the traditional basic formations. Each of the three branches in Japan held a workshop for Book 48 last autumn. Many dancers had already enjoyed the contents of the book. City of Belfast was first published in the 60th Anniversary Book of the Belfast Branch and was devised by Lucy Mulholland. This strathspey provides us with well-balanced formations and phrasing. The final formation, espagnole, devised by John Drewry, has been enjoyed for many years, but this is the first time it has appeared in an RSCDS book. The Tri-Mariner, devised by Ann Dix, has a movement picked up by each couple in turn which flows into a three-couple promenade. Less experienced dancers can enjoy this dance, while advanced dancers appreciate its interesting combination of formations. Monica’s Way is characterised by a tandem diagonal reel of four. Wide corner curves made through 1st and 4th positions make this fun for dancers and also for observers. In addition to these dances, The Rutland Reel is a favourite dance. We can enjoy the flow of ladies’ chain and men’s chain danced to the lively reel music. Lady in Red is a graceful jig for five couples. We can dance comfortably to music with a tempo that is neither too fast nor too slow. There are fifteen dances in this book, a large number to assimilate and appreciate. In my view, ten or twelve dances are sufficient. I was surprised to find diagrams at the end of the book, although Pilling books have been familiar to us for many years as a companion for dancers. Including diagrams in RSCDS publications is useful and, like cribs, they provide a convenient reminder. Overall Book 48 provides an interesting selection of dances which dancers everywhere are sure to enjoy. Yoshiki Oyama, Tokai Branch Available from RSCDS www.rscds.org/shop