Wednesday, August 23rd, 2006 10:27 pm
[profile] mynxii and I ventured into unknown territory and were delighted to discover that you can have a lot of fun with French dance. We turned up, met L., our instructor for the next six weeks, then slid about on the newly treated wooden floors and admired the war paraphernalia (RSL Hall). 

The first dance was relatively simple except for the keeping in a circle, knowing which way the person behind you was facing and generally being graceful and coordinated. Henceforth to be known as 'The PonyGirl Dance' it looks like good skills practice.

The second was a lot more complex, it involves four people and the accompanying music is delightful1.  It took us quite a few tries to get the pattern right but it was punctuated by laughter, enthusiasm and a lot of swapping sides. We had gender issues until we worked out who was playing which parts. I am, of course, being the man... again. 

The third you do in a circle which sounds easy until you change directions, switch partners and do the leg thingy. I did manage a short duet with a newly discovered fellow Buffy lover.

French Dance Classes

1I asked nicely if we could get copies.
Thursday, August 24th, 2006 12:26 am (UTC)
1,2,3 step lift!
Thursday, August 24th, 2006 12:30 am (UTC)
In, out, circle, change partners!
Thursday, August 24th, 2006 01:22 am (UTC)
Do it again!
Thursday, August 24th, 2006 02:31 pm (UTC)
next time ask if they know Arbeau?
Friday, August 25th, 2006 12:07 am (UTC)
Is that this one (http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/dance/Maltese_Bransle.html)?
Friday, August 25th, 2006 12:52 am (UTC)
one of his many, yes.
http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/arbeau_images.html
http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/del/sections/dances_from_france_and_burgundy.html

Arbeau is, er, was, a French dancer. he wrote a brilliant discourse - now referred to as Arbeau's Orchesography. There's a few facsimiles available on the 'net if you can read Old French.

me ... bransles, galliards, pavanes, they're all pretty.
Friday, August 25th, 2006 01:35 am (UTC)
Dances of France and Burgundy sounds incredibly romantic to me.

Alas, my Old French is nonexistant.

I'm having an urge to go back and watch Pride and Prejudice so I can watch the dancing.