Volume 29 #2 |
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September/October 2012 |
Articles in This Issue
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From the Chair
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Ah, the dancing hope springs eternal! It may be too hot to dance today, but I know that cooler dancing weather is just around the corner. And I'm ready for it! A major event this summer was the TAC (Teachers Association Canada) Summer School held at Portland State University in late July and early August -- the first time ever in the United States. Many folks attended the classes during the day, "stooged" (acted as students) for the candidate teachers' classes, and attended the other associated events, while others just dropped in for an evening dance or two. Whether in for a penny or the full pound, all those attendees I spoke with could not stop smiling about their experience. And though it is still summer, many are busy preparing for our Fall dance events -- not that we are eager for the summer to end, we're just going to be ready when it does! In early September we have the resumption of dance classes all over Clark County -- a great way to relax, get fit, and get prepared for all the other events; check your Parks and Rec Catalog for classes, or see our website for class details. Also in early September is the Fort Worden weekend workshop and Ball, hosted by the Seattle Branch. Then, in October, there is a "triple-header": the Bend workshop and Ball, followed the next week by the first of Portland's monthly dances, and finally our own Fall dance (with great live music!). So, dust off your ghillies, and get ready -- there's a great Autumn coming after this glorious Summer. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Angel's Resting
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Okay, we're not exactly angels, but we did do some resting at the top of Angel's Rest during the recent hike. For those of you who missed it, the Gertzes, Tom Halpenny, and I took a lovely hike up the Angel's Rest trail in the Columbia River Gorge on August 11th. The Gertzes volunteered to drive their van and after picking me up in Lake Oswego and Tom in southeast Portland, we were on our way leaving the murky clouds of Portland behind for the blue skies that started just east of Troutdale.
The trail begins by winding through the trees but breaks out into the sun on occasion as it makes (mostly) gentle switchbacks across the face of the ridge. After a certain point, the trees give way to scrubbier brush and its blue sky all the way to the top. We looked over in the general direction of Portland several times and could see a blanket of clouds wrapped around it, as if warding off the sunshine. Within the first 10 minutes of the hike Linda had designated each of us as either hares or hounds (those being the speedier hikers) and herself as the slug bringing up the rear. That wasn't quite the case but that's her story and she's sticking to it. It was decided a dance should be devised with "banana slug" somewhere in the title and it would have shadow reels. Just below the top there's a large rockslide area that's perfect for a short break or taking pictures before pushing on. There was a large group of hikers there that we chatted and exchanged photo taking duties with. After a short water break, it was on to the top. The rock formations on this part of the trail are quite interesting (and very climbable) and some of us did just that to get better views of the river and the rest of the gorge. Near the top, the trail splits left and right (or uphill and downhill depending on how you want to look at it). The trail to the right trail meets up with the Wahkeena Falls trail and goes past numerous waterfalls on its way down. Maybe on a future hike we can explore that route. But for this hike, we went to the left and followed the trail up through the rock formations. The trail then levels out onto a wide bluff area, just perfect for a bit of relaxation and a small snack as you enjoy the view. The large hiking group caught up to us and we again chatted with them and took pictures. One lady asked if we were related, I guess she noticed the Scottish Country Dancer resemblance. The hike down was fairly uneventful (and much faster than the way up). Before heading back to civilization, we made a short detour to Bridal Veil Falls and walked down to the waterfall. By now the sun had made it to town, which was good because it's so much easier driving out of the clouds rather than into them. We dropped Tom off at his car and then continued on to Lake Oswego. We passed Parsons fruit stand on Kruse Way and had to stop and pick up some berries, peaches, and veggies (yes, even I bought veggies, but no tomatoes). All in all, it was a great hike and one I hope we are able to do again. The hike was sponsored by the Portland RSCDS branch and Holly should have bought tomatoes also. ~ The Editor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 Portland Highland Games
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Loaded down with tent, chairs, signs, music equipment and more, the intrepid expedition leaders searched in vain for the promised land. But, alas, it was not as promised, and no one was found who could point the way. So the dauntless crew made an executive decision, chose a likely empty space, brooked no interference, and set up shop for the day. Thus began this summer's Portland Highland Games experience for the SW Washington State Branch. Soon Linda Mae and Patrick and Liza and Tom were joined by our other happy dancers to offer the joys of Scottish Country Dance to passersby, and to those standing in line at the nearby food tent. By rotating the tent staffing, dancers were able to take time to visit other Games activities, including helping out with audience participation after the Portland Branch demonstration, and cheering on Elisabeth and Nathaniel Soohoo-Hui in the fiddle competition. Our enthusiastic performers-and-new-dancer-guides were Lanette Pinard, Norma Rice, Jill Frew, Ken Dewire, Sally Skaar, and Kat MacKenzie. When they were finished with their other commitments, we also received aid from Holly Gibson, Martin MacKenzie, Maureen Sloan, Don Gertz, and the Soohoo-Hui family. A montage video of the 60th Anniversary Portland Highland Games can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI_zrLeoz_U. At about 4 minutes 27 seconds into this six minute video, there is a photo of us dancing which shows for about 2 seconds. If you pause the video, you can take your time admiring the style and grace of our dancers and audience participants. If you sign up to join us at the Games next year, you can make your own memories. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The 2012 Summer Picnic
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Patrick and I arrived early at the designated picnic shelter at Captain William Clark Park in Washougal. It was a new location for us, and although the shelter was "reserved" we didn't know exactly how the reservation would be kept. Turns out it was all very civilized, with an official looking announcement that we would be there, and of course it was raining, so the competition for picnic shelters was minimal. In fact, the only other people in the park were some intrepid dog walkers huddled into their hooded jackets. Once we had schlepped all our stuff into the shelter, and laid some of it out to dry, we got down to the business of eating our delicious breakfast. We played pizza toss, and watched birds, and boats, and a few additional people, until over the dike a bevy of bright umbrellas appeared bobbing along over cheerful people laden with ice chests, tablecloths, toys, and all manner of picnic supplies.
It wasn't long before, amidst a bright cacophony of chatting and laughter, that the tables were set, and the food organized. The chatting and laughter continued through lunch, although somewhat more subdued as the munching took over. The picnic shelter is situated on the south side of the dike that runs along the Columbia River as it flows along beside Washougal. The park is mostly open field, long and narrow, about the width of a football field, but much, much longer. Just south of the dike, but north of the shelter it is thick with tall cottonwood trees. Near the river there is a narrow strip of sand, and sparse bushes separating it from the park. "The rain is definitely letting up", we said to each other, and many of us went for a stroll in the mist. A bit of blue appeared in the sky and a few late comers appeared over the dike. As they were getting fed, a game of bocce ball broke out. The bocce ball players joyously meandered through the wet grass and weeds, testing their skills. By the time victory had been declared, the sun was out at last, and the mosquitoes were sampling the juiciest among us. Dancing was promised after lunch. We started the dancing in the sunshine just outside the "door" of the picnic shelter. Exertion in the sun and humidity proved too much for us though, so we moved the whole operation (good thing we brought that 100-foot extension cord) over to the public path in the shade. There were so few people in the park because of the dodgy start to the day that we really had the whole place to ourselves. As usual with Scottish Country Dancing, there was a lot of joy and laughter. Our collective great good humor stayed with us as we packed up and out, and said our goodbyes. It was a wonderful picnic. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Picnicking in the Rain
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One of the jokes told at the recent TAC Summer School was: Q. In the northwest what do you call two days of rain in a row? A. A weekend.
That was at least partly true at the recent SW Washington State Branch's annual picnic, held at William Clark Park in Washougal. Besides having a name that rolls right off the tongue, William Clark Park is a lovely area tucked between a light industrial park and the Columbia River. It includes several covered picnic areas complete with electrical outlets for CD players to accommodate dancers. As anyone who has lived here very long will tell you, the weather is usually agreeable after July 5th, emphasis on "generally." However, the clouds were thick, the air cool, and things looked a bit iffy about two hours before the picnic with not only threatening skies, but also lots of rain. Once everyone arrived, however, the skies more or less cleared, the threat of rain was past, and it was time for some Bocce Ball, dancing, and fun in general.
After lunch and games, a few of us went exploring along the river's edge. Tom and Susan were brave enough to venture out onto a large cottonwood tree that had fallen across the sandy shore and into the water. Someone suggested it would make a unique group photo to have everyone stand on the tree trunk and call it "Balancing in Line." But then we decided not everyone would want to venture out onto the tree trunk; so John and I took pictures of Tom and Susan instead.
Afterwards, it was time for the dancing. We started out near one of the picnic shelters, but by this time the sun had come out and the sets were moved to a shadier area. There were plenty of dancers, and we crunched our way through (we were on a gravel path) Ox Tail Soup, Da Rain Dancin', Light on the Water, Apple Pie, and others. Before we knew it, it was time to pack everything up and head home. As we went along the path to the parking area, it was decided that while there had been some initial doubts as to the outcome, this year's picnic was another success. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dancing May Reduce Risk of Bone
Disease
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From the Herald in Edinburgh, Scotland, August 11, 2012 . Women who take part in Scottish country dancing could reduce their risk of osteoporosis according to research that found one of the main steps involved is ideal for increasing bone strength. Researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University recruited 22 participants from country dance clubs in Lochwinnoch and Milngavie to measure the stresses that pass through their lower limbs when performing the popular pas-de-bas step. The women performed the step while standing on a force plate to test whether its impact on the bones fell within the range known to be beneficial to bone health. The team discovered a force 1.94 times the dancer's body weight goes through their legs when carrying out the move, well within the range of 1.5 to 3.5 demonstrated by earlier studies to help prevent deterioration in bone density. The findings will be presented during the 8th World Congress of Active Ageing (WCAA), which begins in Glasgow on Monday. One in three women and one in 12 men over the age of 50 in Scotland will suffer a broken bone as a result of osteoporosis, with around 20,000 people admitted to hospital each year with an osteoporotic fracture. Literally meaning "porous bones", it is caused by a decline in bone mineral density which weakens the bones and makes them more vulnerable to breakages. It is mainly linked to ageing, but smoking and excess alcohol consumption are also risk factors. Sabita Stewart, an NHS physiotherapist who carried out the research, said the research provided a basis for health professionals to recommend the activity to post-menopausal women, the groups most at risk of developing osteoporosis. She said: "We can't just be anecdotal and say we think this is good for you before we can recommend things."A 2004/06 study that tested 160 ladies in the same age group doing lots of different activities found activities that give an impact between 1.5 and 3.5 times body weight is beneficial for bone health in terms of reduced bone mass loss. That obviously reduces your risk of osteoporosis and increases your bone strength. Therefore, if you were to take a fall you're less likely to break a bone." She said: "There are studies coming to light showing that, while running is good for you in terms of being out in the fresh air and has benefits for the heart, in terms of bone health and impact it's maybe not as good as something like Scottish country dancing which is stop-start." Dr Morag Thow, GCU lecturer in physiotherapy and study co-author, said: "The study provides new quantitative evidence that the impact forces sustained during the pas-de-bas step are beneficial for bone health and thus postmenopausal women and other older individuals can be assured this activity can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and falls." The research was also welcomed by the Scottish Country Dance Society. RSCDS chairwoman Ruth Beattie said: "This research adds to the growing number of scientific studies that confirm Scottish country dancing is superior in producing levels of fitness with extensive measurable benefits for older people."As well as reducing the risk of osteoporosis, Scottish country dancing can help prevent or treat serious and chronic physical conditions, in addition to improving mental health and general well being." The Active Ageing congress is co-hosted by Glasgow Caledonian University and the BHF National Centre for Physical Activity and Health at Loughborough University, the sport science department responsible for helping prepare many of Team GB's athletes. It runs until August 17 at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Bat
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This was prompted when a bat found its way into Waluga Lodge during Portland's Monday dance class 7-9-2012, ~ The Editor. The Bat, by Ogden Nash Myself, I rather like the bat, It's not a mouse, it's not a rat, It has no feathers, yet has wings, It's quite inaudible when it sings. It zigzags through the evening air And never lands on ladies' hair, A fact of which men spend their lives, Trying to convince their wives. From "The Pocket Book of Ogden Nash" Washington Square Press, a division of Simon & Schuster Inc., New York, NY, p. 50. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Teacher's Perspective on TAC, Not So
Puzzling At All
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The TAC (plus) The Society leads to T ogether R eunion H armony D elight A dvice S age (knowledge) A cknowledge A chieve C onvene C oncert P leasure N atural A dvise D ances P articipate C heerful G ain S kills Y ear-round I nform M embership N imble G ala | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ten Year Anniversary Electronic SCD
Newsletter
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This issue of the Scottish Country Dancer marks ten years since the first issue was published electronically and sent via email September 2002. John Shaw invented the process to efficiently produce the newsletter. Photos and website links have been significant features. The latest website Calendar of Events is included in each newsletter issue. Distributing the newsletter electronically via email has saved significant printing and postage expense. We can access ten years of newsletter issues on the Branch website at http://www.rscds-swws.org/newsletters.htm . We can easily view the history of our dancing activities and friendships. This will enable a wider audience to read the newsletter. New dancer friends can read about all the fun we have been having together. Branch members will continue to receive the latest issue. The public can view earlier issues. Martin MacKenzie took over as newsletter editor in 2010. Many thanks to John and Martin for faithfully gathering the stories of our Scottish dance community and publishing the electronic newsletter for ten years! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Money For Clothing
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Good used seasonal clothing you may be weeding out of your closets can be turned in to the ARC for monies we add to our coffers. ARC accepts good used clothing, shoes, belts, purses, and bed/bath/dining linens. Take bagged items to class, or drop off at 1521 NE 97th Ave. Vancouver. Help support the Branch. Thank you, and Happy Dancing, Marge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Book 47 Testing
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The Branch has accepted an assignment from Headquarters to test ten dances for possible inclusion in Book 47, the next numbered book to be published by the Society. We will begin that testing on Tuesday, September 18 at Columbia Dance Center, 7:30 pm. All dancers with any experience whatsoever are welcome as we do need as many as possible and every person' s input is most essential. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TAC Workshop as a Newbie
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I'll take a wee advantage of my position here and give my impressions as a part time participant in the TAC experience this year in Portland. I had intended to sign up for specific classes and events this year however, family events prevented that. Yet, I was able to participate as a "stooge", in other words raw material for aspiring teachers to work with as they learn the fine points of teaching a complex co-operative dance form like Scottish Country Dancing and to earn access to evening events. The main idea that comes to me when I look back on the events of TAC is the word "privilege." I received a much larger view of the wider world of Scottish Country Dancing and the people who support and participate in it. I also found out on the one hand how sloppy I can get with my technique over time and on the other hand, just how well I've been taught by all of you in the teacher community. One Canadian fellow caught me bringing a lady back to where I originally collected her at the beginning of a dance and was impressed that I had done that. The only reply possible was, "I was taught well." I'm also on my way to repairing the sloppiness that has crept into my quick time poussette and to make sure I actually dance with the people I'm dancing with, i.e. look at them!
In addition to happily catching up with friends who live away from the area, I had the opportunity to speak with folks from out of the country and learn of their world. I met a couple who lived many years in Newfoundland and learned that Newfoundland is famous for its many varieties of berries. I also learned specifically how cloud berries only grow one to a bush and the bush is about less than half a meter tall. I had a friendly discussion with a woman from Toronto who persisted in referring to the Portland light rail system as a "trolley." At one lunch, I learned about all of the different kinds of combinations of bread and other foods that British kids enjoy from a man from the UK while from another, the wife of one of the adjudicators who was born and raised in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, I learned that the train is not all it's cracked up to be and it's still worth it, even at petrol running the about £1.60 per litre, to rent a car to get out to the Highlands and Islands. While attempting to propound a possible theory during an after party as to what had happened to the musicians' music, a young woman from Canada with a thick Scottish accent gently helped me wedge into the conversation amongst a group, one of whom was the a fiddler in the group of musicians, who were according to her, "chattering away like a bunch of women." How droll.
The dances in the evening were wonderful affairs full of happy motion and enthusiasm and running at a bit faster pace than I'm used to. The music was top notch and a bit closer to that of Scotland as it is currently with their greater emphasis on accordion. The pacing was just right for dancing. I was a little nervous at first as I hadn't had time to study dances and because it was run by Teacher's Association of Canada and I had heard some fearful stories about some dance events in Canada. However, I needn't have worried as everyone was gently helpful when needed and a single walk through while briefing worked just fine most times.
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SCD Branch Goals and Methods
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What are the activities of the SCD Branch? Why does the Branch choose to pursue the activities? How can we confirm which existing methods continue to effectively accomplish the Branch goals, and identify a few methods that have become less effective over time? How can we consider new ideas that can better accomplish the goals? How can members learn how they can effectively contribute individually or collaboratively to the Branch goals? I have been thinking about ideas to identify and strengthen the SCD Branch Goals and Methods in order to guide my individual contributions. The document below could be a starting point for the Branch Management Board and membership to confirm the effectiveness of current processes toward defining and accomplishing the goals, and consider new goals and methods that align with member priorities. Benefits I expect would come from the discussion include: • Identify specific Branch goals that can be measured. Discover priorities of the goals among participants. • Evaluate effectiveness of methods to accomplish the goals. • I imagine any tension among SCD Branch members has to do with misalignment of goals and priorities. It would be interesting to discover the extent of alignment so we all can understand where others are coming from. • Each member of a volunteer organization does what they can do and want to do that contributes to the member' s understanding of the goals. If everyone has a clear understanding of the goals, then our individual and collaborative efforts might be more productive, and we might have an easier time finding new members to help accomplish the Branch goals. We can view an initial brainstorm of ideas at http://www.rscds-swws.org/doc/BranchGoalsMethodsIdeas.pdf The list is divided into existing and new ideas, in no particular priority. It remains for us to add to the list and sort through the ideas to confirm, prioritize, and align on goals and methods that will make our association with the SCD Branch be a rewarding experience. My personal favorite idea is: enhance social friendships. This has equal priority with learning the dance skills. The more we strengthen our friendships, the more we will want to dance together long term. My other favorite idea (absent from the list) is . . . lots of dancing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Those Russians Return
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A set of Scottish Dance friends met last fall to learn a fun dance called "Those Russians", choreographed to the song "Rasputin." We first performed for the Betwixt & Between dance in December and again for the Portland monthly dance in January. When I learned the TAC Summer School in Portland was hosting a ceilidh, I explored how we might perform "Those Russians" again. The planets aligned and we performed August 3rd for our largest audience yet of 200 Scottish dancers. We can view the video ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf0UsyP8xLY Dance friends Martin, Holly, Ken, Sally, Tom, Kate, John, Susan, Liza, and Linda Mae had a lot of fun socializing and learning the dance, and the opportunities to perform were an added bonus. It was a team effort. Tom studied a video of the dance and determined the figures. Holly provided improved music and video help. Susan led the costume design and Linda Mae made the aprons. I look forward to our next Scottish dance performance collaboration! We all received kudos on behalf of our group from many in the room in the various accents of North America and the other Commonwealth countries across the pond. ~ The Editor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Calendar of Events | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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