Welcome to Oxford Reels!
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As from September 2009, we have been running some Scottish Reeling practices once a month here in Oxford, open to anyone who would like to come along and learn how to reel, to improve their skills, or just to spectate and see what it's all about. The emphasis is very much on having fun!
What is reeling? Reeling is a type of Scottish dancing. It is social, energetic, easy to learn and great fun!
What will the evenings involve? Basically, 4-5 dances will be covered in a typical evening, in a relaxed and enjoyable style. There will be breaks between them for refreshments and the chance to recover!
Can I come along if I've never done any reeling before? Yes - and rest assured that you won't be alone! Beginners are made to feel right at home and can learn easily from others who've had some experience already. Often the evenings are most enjoyed by first timers who quickly discover how much fun reeling can be.
What are the dances? During the season we'll stick to 8-10 of the more popular reels which feature at the various reeling balls / events during the year, and at the occasional wedding, too! Popular dances include the Dashing White Sargeant, Eightsome, Reel of the 51st, Hamilton House, Inverness Country Dance, Duke of Perth, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Posties Jig, amongst others. Because we're all about having fun, we also do ceilidh favourites like Strip the Willow and the Cumberland Square Eight with its popular "helicopter" routine - as demonstrated in the video above!
Where does it happen? The West Oxford Community Centre, just off the Botley Road near to the Station, with free parking outside. A detailed map can be seen here. As it's a wooden floor, ladies are requested not to wear high heeled shoes, please.
Cost? £5 per person, to ccover refreshments, venue hire and use of equipment. Reduced rate of £4 if wearing a kilt! If we are lucky to make a surplus at the end of the year we plan to make a donation to charity. Be in no doubt that the evening will represent excellent value for money!
Who is Oxford Reels run by? At this stage it's just the two of us, John Carver and Tamsin Morrison, two enthusiasts who've enjoyed dancing in London in recent years (eg. at www.londonreels.co.uk and www.pgtreels.co.uk), and who are keen to bring similar opportunities closer to home here in Oxford. We also plan to organise a proper reeling event/dance some time in early 2010 which will be a fitting end to the season - watch this space.....
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