James' News Roundup
060701jamessam

We have a reasonably full calendar for the 2008-2009 season, though we were sad to miss our annual visit to the Epsom & District Caledonian Society in August, traditionally the start of our Dem year. They are winding up as unable to find anyone to carry on the offices but we will continue to keep their dance, Epsom Caledonians, in our repertoire.

We were out three times at the open air dancing on Saturday afternoons in Kensington Gardens where the earlier August start proved popular, with good crowds on each Saturday in sunshine. The first September Saturday, the 6th, proved to be a washout, so we were doubly pleased to have started in August, and enjoyed a sunlit grand finale in sunshine on Saturday the 13th. Kafoozalum played with their usual verve and we had a piper in attendance each day as well (Roger Huth, Jim Mackay or Neil Esslemont).

 We danced eight eightsomes on Sunday 14 September, at various London landmarks as part of Dance Scottish Week. Photos of that event can be found  here and reports of the event appeared in various newspapers. We also danced at the open night at Pont Street on 17 September.

Our first scheduled performance not associated directly with the Branch will be Dance around the World at Cecil Sharp House near the north–east corner of Regent’s

Dance Scottish London 12

The team, September 2008 - Photos courtesy Andrew Dunsmore of
www.picturepartnership.co.uk

Park on Saturday 25 October. We will be dancing at 1420 and there will be an SCD workshop at 1600 for one hour. DatW runs over a weekend in October each year and features all types of dancing from the UK and overseas performed by teams of afficinoados. It is quite a spectacle and well worth a visit.

Sandra Smith our stalwart class pianist for many years has decided to step down though she will still play for us some Tuesdays. We have set up a rota with other musicians to ensure we have live music for every practice.

We are always keen to welcome dancers with a high standard of technique, a wide knowledge of dances, and an ability to respond quickly to instructions, so anyone interested in joining the team please get in touch with me on 01865 512308 or email: demteam@rscdslondon.org.uk

James Fairbairn (October 2008)