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The Plan
4 January 2010
The Set List
8-8:15 will be spent on basic footwork... after looking all around me, I've noticed that we're doing a reel traveling step that I have not seen anyplace else, & I'd like us to adopt one that is easier to teach, easier to do & looks an awful lot like what other folks are doing. :)
8:15-9:00 will be spent on introducing The 16-Hand Reel, which means one big happy class of at least 16 people. This is a traditional dance, in Terry's book as such & danced other places still, so it's probably about time we got it out & dusted it off for ourselves.
Money
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Hints & Disclaimers
"This is a dance for everyone..."
We nearly always start with a lesson at 8:00 p.m., then open dancing starts at 9:00 with a waltz, then a dance for everyone, then a more advanced dance... repeat... until the last waltz, just before the evening ends at 11:00. Actual Ceili may vary. There may be disco. Or renegade packs of cheerleaders.
Beginning Dancers:
Beginners will generally learn a little Irish footwork & a dance or two, focusing primarily on the 4-Hand Reel, a very traditional dance that is danced all over. Occasionally, you'll learn jig footwork & a traditional jig instead. After the lesson, listen for dances for everyone - these dances will be taught first, then called again as you dance.
Experienced Dancers:
For the intermediate & advanced dancers, there will be a lesson, then lots of dances you know. We call this our "Core" group, since this group encompasses dancers at many experience & skill levels & works, for the most part, on a bunch of dances that we would like to call our core dances.
Which am I?:
Generally, a beginner is someone who is learning the two types of footwork & basic concepts that make up Irish dancing, by way of learning "Reel" footwork, the 4-Hand Reel, & "Jig" footwork. Once you feel that you can do the 4-Hand Reel without much prompting, you are probably ready to move into the Core group. Check with your teacher to be sure you're ready. If you've been away a while, there's no shame in joining the beginner class to get back up to speed. If you remember most of the 4-Hand Reel & don't need the brush up, you're welcome to dive in to the Core class.
Rules:
No food or drink, except bottled water, is allowed in the dance studio. Bring comfortable shoes that won't mark or scratch the dance floor. General social dance etiquette applies. And if you arrive during the lesson, please keep loud conversations in the lobby.
Contact:
If you'd like to ask questions, make suggestions or comments:
Alameda Ceili
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Terry's Dance Book
The collection of dances assembled & edited by Terry O'Neal, our teacher & our leader for many years, back at the Starry Plough in Berkeley. Lots of traditional dances, some of Terry's dances & a few written by other folks:
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More Dances
Alameda 8-Hand Reel
Cross Reel
Gates of Derry
Mad Dash Reel
Maude's 4-Hand Reel (the body)
Reel Simple
Reel Without A Cause
Siege of Carragher
Trip to Ole's
Wedding Reel
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