Editor: Doug Bradshaw

Published: Winter 2005

Number: 44

Download: Newsletter Winter 2005 (1Mb)

Editorial

So the dark nights are now about to leave us and Spring will soon be here bringing another season of dancing. But before then an issue with some memories of the year now ending. Team trips abroad are always good to read about and hopefully spur some of us to follow on and take our traditions abroad. And it’s always good to read of teams who have stood the test of time and can look back on years of being part of the traditional dance world.

But tucked away in the AGM reports is a darker note. One dance display was interrupted by the activities of the less friendly young, which ended in an assault on a musician who tried to reason with what I can only call the yobs.

Over the years I suppose we have all suffered from the idiot minority. Silly string, percussive caps, eggs and on one sad occasion a poppy cross from a War Memorial have all been aimed at displays where I have been dancing. The challenge is “How do we handle it?” Is the problem getting worse? Have any teams given up dancing at some venues because of problems?

I know that for most of us the majority of dance outs are pleasant and enjoyable and the odd bit of trouble will not discourage those who are committed to enjoying the celebration of our traditions. But why should an idiot minority feel that they can spoil the enjoyment of dancers and their audience, and is there anything positive we can do to change the situation?