Feb 23, 2012 By Lorraine Payette
EMC Events - Time marches steadily on as Gananoque continues to prepare for the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
"Dances weren't just wonderful entertainment," says Nigel Kilby, classic English Country Dance Instructor from Ottawa. "They were also a great way to meet people, and have the young people get to know each other."
And they still are. About 30 people of all ages gathered at Dreams in Motion to take part in the workshop held on February 12 in the hope of getting ready for all the classic balls that are sure to be held this season. Clothing at this session ranged from contemporary comfy to full Regency evening dress, and everyone was a little nervous to start.
But that didn't last long.
Kilby immediately put the crowd at ease as he set them up in two long lines, men facing women, and instruction began. Everything was light and pleasant, with never a harsh word, no matter whose foot got trampled or who went the wrong way. After all, everyone has to start at the beginning, and Kilby himself was the only one at the affair with any experience.
"Everyone find your fours," Kilby told the group, a request meaning every two couples were to join hands, forming a group of four dancers.
Once done, each couple was designated either one or two, with the ones dancing to the bottom of the hall, while he twos danced to the top.
"I will only say this once," Kilby joked as he gave patient instruction for each step and the order in which it was to be performed. And each step was repeated as often as was necessary for the dancers to master and understand exactly what they were doing.
Soon everyone had figured out which was the "inside hand" and how to promenade, moving quickly to casting (the couple turns away from each other and moves down the line past another couple to meet in a different position in the line), crossing, and stars (dancers extend either the right or the left hand to the centre of their four, and move around the pivot they have formed). The pousette (each couple joins hands at arms length, then do-si-does around the other couple) was a bit tricky at first, but as soon as it was figured out, dancers flowed smoothly up and down the room. And everyone had to remember when they changed from couple number one to couple number two, and vice-versa.
In English Country Dancing, partners and pairings are far from permanent. With every dance, new partners are taken, and everyone in the room dances with everyone else.
"Look your partner in the eye," Kilby said. "Don't be afraid of them. Always look at your partner, nod to your partner, dance with your partner, and then move on."
Even the fast dances are measured and stately, and the repeated circular movements as the couples move up and down the lines on the floor make the activity visually appealing for observers, as well as stimulating for those participating.
There was never any close body contact, or the rude quick movements seen in modern dances. Hands were held at nearly arms length, smiles were polite and close mouthed, posture erect and stately. Always gracious, always charming, always elegant, and at the same time, always enjoyable. Very few other activities can bring all of that together in one place.
"This is really fun," said Adan MacDonald. And there was plenty of laughter from all generations as each took a turn at mastering a step or making a mistake.
All too quickly the three hours were over, and dancers were still begging for more. And more is planned for the future.
"I just want to keep dancing!" one little girl shouted as her parents told her it was time to leave. To learn more about English Country Dancing and get involved in the next workshop, please contact Nigel Kilby at nmkilby@cyberus.ca or phone at 613-836-2233, or ask at Dreams in Motion, info@dreamsinmotion.ca or 613-382-6700.
Classes are reasonably priced, and the mood of instruction is light and relaxing while remaining completely effective. See you at the ball!
No comments:
Post a Comment