Anselm Lingnau wrote: (Nigel, I think, wrote) >> As for dancers not knowing the difference between a reel and a jig: why >> on earth should they? I can't see that it's very relevant to how they >> dance. One plays 2 or 4 notes to the beat, the other 3, but the beat >> remains the same, doesn't it? > > Nope. Most SCD dance steps are composed of four separate »actions« (such > as »hop-step-close-step« or »step-beat-beat-hold«). Simplifying things > somewhat for the sake of argument, in reel time, these actions take > place on beats 1, 2, 3, 4 of a bar (assuming 4/4, common or cut-common > time), and in jig time on beats 1, 3, 4, and 6.
Right, that's what I was trying to get at. The difference is subtle enough that some dancers don't notice it until it's pointed out to them (even though they may be unconsciously making the adjustment to the different rhythm). Anselm (or anyone else), this is probably a dumb question, but having never devised a dance myself, how does a devisor decide if a dance should be a jig or a reel? Are there figures that work better for one or the other or is it just a matter of personal preference? I suppose this is really a question for the strathspey list! -Steve -- Steve Wyrick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- Concord, California Posted to Scots-L - The Traditional Scottish Music & Culture List - To subscribe/unsubscribe, point your browser to: http://www.tullochgorm.com/lists.html
