Strathspey for Two, 1822

Описание: The project aims to recreate a Strathspey for Two performed at one of the balls during George IV's visit to Scotland in 1822 as mentioned in the descriptions from the period: "A lady and a gentleman in a Highland Dress danced a Strathspey with much taste, which his Majesty so greatly admired, that he clapped his hands in token of approbation." (Cal Merc from the 24th August 1822). The choreography is based on the descriptions of the Strathspey minuet from Edward Topham, "Letters from Edinburgh: Written in the Years 1774 and 1775..." and "Minuet d'Hyger" from T.B.1826 Dance book. The dance book was discovered in New Zealand in possession of descendants of Lowe dancing masters family who worked in Scotland in the 19th century before part of the family emigrated.
The strathspey step technique suitable for the ballrooms at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th centuries, was recreated based on descriptions in the anonymous manuscript "Contre-Danses à Paris, 1818" (MS3860, National Library of Scotland). The video was filmed at the Newhails House (National Trust for Scotland) and Dalmahoy Hotel & Leisure Club.

Dancers: Sam Gosk & Dr Alena Shmakova
Choreography: Dr Alena Shmakova with input from Sam Gosk
Music by Dr Aaron McGregor
Research and Development: Alena Shmakova

The project is supported by
the Early Dance Circle (https://www.earlydancecircle.co.uk/)
Traditional Dance Forum Scotland (https://www.tdfs.org/)
(TDFS Mentoring Programme in Dance 2021)
The Edinburgh Sir Walter Scott Club (https://www.walterscottclub.com/)