Most musicians I know, the majority of whom have impeccable timing, brilliant lift, and wonderful phrasing, can NOT dance. I, myself, who can only be induced to the dance floor while significantly under the influence, might most charitably said to be “dancing to beat of a different drummer”, but in fact am useless. As a guitar-playing friend once asked me at a wedding “What’s with dancing, anyways?” Musicians can’t dance - fact... or... ?
I agree with boxielady. We can dance, but perhaps because we play for people who dance, we just don't do it enough. I love to watch the dancers react to what I am playing, that's part of the fun and instant feedback we get as musicians.
I am a better dancer, however, after a few Guiness's.
Depends on the type of dance.
Plenty of Cape Breton players do dance. Their traditional steps are relatively simple. And not everyone is expected to play & dance like Natalie MacMaster.
I was one of those kids who was in an out of hospitals all the time, sometimes with throat and respiratory infections, but more often with ear infections. Medical students would come in to observe me every time I checked in, as I was an excellent test case. ("The worst I've ever seen," said one young student in hushed tones to his mentor one day, which naturally filled me with confidence.) By the time I was five I'd developed complete immunity to the standard antibiotics, and regular checkups revealed that the infections - at the rate of every second month or so - had started to take a permanent toll: I was beginning to go deaf.
A year later I had surgery, and thereafter contracted ear infections once or twice a year, and then less often. My hearing, fortunately, recovered completely, but there had been permanent damage to my inner ear: my balance was damaged, and to this day my vestibular sense doesn't operate at full capacity. So I can sing, but I can't dance.
mmmm, I disagree. While I cannot do irish dancing, I have years of training in other styles, and successfully taught partner dancing for years, lead and follow. I met some fine dancers who were musicians, and it helped their dancing; they had a better understanding of the music's rhythm, form, etc, and could "dance the music" rather than dance "to the music" (20's and 30's jazz). And there were some dancers who couldn't play a note on a kazoo.
I never learned how to do any of the set dances of the styles done in ceilidhs...because I was always playing for the dancers. Which is okay with me. I like playing better than dancing at this point in time.
Whilst I would like to be a notorious world leader ,its rubbish to suggest that Musicians cannot dance in fact I think I am a better dancer and a muscian because I can do both although unlike 'timmy the brit ' (a well known set dance teacher from Kerry) I am unable to do both at the same time.
I love dancing, but would rather play than dance. During the years before I re-discovered playing, I danced whenever possible; sometimes six days a week.
Given the time and opportunity, I might dance, sing, and play equally, but my preference now is to play.
Perhaps the discussion should be "musicians DON'T dance"!
Yes, they can! Learning how to dance the polska (not polka), improved my sense of timing for Scandinavian dances. The polska is a tricky rhythm, because it is written in waltz time, but there is a delayed third beat, like dancing with a limp. Recently, I started tap dancing and clogging. If I sit and play, my feet can dance a little.
Both myself and my wife spent a lot of time set-dancing before learning flute and concertina. I know at least 8 other proficient musicians that I regularly play with that are also good dancers.
Heh... start with an outlandish premise... and, lo... behold the howls of outrage. By the way, MixO'Lydian, though an inferior fiddler I may be, it seems oh-so-much less reproachable when compared to my "dancing".
drone, here is a thread I stumbled on & enjoyed reading; http://www.thesession.org/discussions/522
Self -Deprecation
# Posted on May 3rd 2002 by ragaman
Thought you might like some of the comments.
It's rarely a good idea to make blanket statements like this one. I've been making music basically all my life, and I'mquite a good dancer, thank you very much. However, because of my life-long dedication to traditional and folk music, the dances I do best are traditional folk dances, including waltzing, contra dancing, and Appalachian clogging.
I can't dance at all---that's one of the reasons I like to play music---nobody expects me to get up and dance to it!
I don't think it's necessarily such a bad generalization. People tend to gravitate to what they're good at---I never could dance well, but I could always sing and I loved music, and it wasn't much of a surprise when I started learning to play it.
My father loves to square dance and I let him talk me into trying it also but I didn't like it as much he does. I have also tried both dancing with a local contra dance group as well as playing piano for their dances.
I have decided that I prefer playing music for other people to dance to instead of dancing myself. This isn't because I can't dance. If I know the steps and the movements, I don't embarrass myself or anyone else on the dance floor. My problem is that I enjoy playing music too much for my own good whether or not I am playing music for dancers or just for my own pleasure and enjoyment.
oh dear... by just stating "Musicians can't dance" you're gonna cop a lot of flack here my friend.
I have to slightly 'agree" with you tho... most musicians I know don't dance... some do... some are quite good at it... but most choose to just play the tunes.
Altho... the opposite could be said about dancers... most don't play music... some do... some are quite good it... but most choose just to dance.
I'd rather just not waste time thinking about it... and get back to having fun!
If you've have experience of any given type dancing, as a musician playing for that type of dancing you will be superior to any fellow musicians playing with you who haven't had that experience.
It's not just the tune-type and the speed of playing that's important. Although two tunes may have the same metre and tempo, one might well be more suitable for a specific dance than the other. If you are just a musician, it is unlikely that you will appreciate this subtley.
And swing, lift, stacatto, syncapation etc. can have a bearing on it also.
Given that the skill required to be a good musician might be considered to be on par to the skill required to be a good dancer, if you are a musician its hard to accept that the role of the dancers is seen as the most important.
I hear dissent!
Go to any public display of dancing - most of the audience will be watching the dancers - they won't be looking at the band!
I don't think I can remember an older musician who couldn't, and I don't mean step dancing or prancin' about, and I've known, well, quite a few blind musicians, a least half a dozen ~ and they could dance, I've partnered some of them. I don't say it is necessary, but I do believe it makes a better dance musician of you if you gain a little physical understanding of how the two complement each other, if not always, but even that is something valuable to know, how they can cause dissent with each other.
I consider the way some folks coax the music, with bow or however ~ as dancing. That ability takes my notice and interest in a good way and that is much more preferred to the weird chaotic stuff that can also turn my head...
The tall Sean Keane is a fine dancer, but how many of you have seen him dance?
I am beginning to understand the biases dancers have towards one another. Helps to explain why some musicians (& dancers) consider themselves not so good ~ at the other.
I can dance. The 'spirit' (spirits?) of a wedding or other happy occasion does help.
But it is a bit like singing. I can to that also...
It is not what I do though. I like playing the music people can dance to/sing to/listen to. I used to play for 'drinking to' as it were, but years ago I tired of playing piano in bars. Smoky, and I got sick of constant requests for 'Blue moon' and 'Misty'.
Our Liturginazi oft tries to coerce me so sing with 'the boys' in her choir- I can generally keep time, tolerate direction and have good handle on tunes on pitch, a rare commodity.
Ha-ha SWFL!!! I've seen you dance...and it is a hoot of fun! (btw...Clogstepping...horizontal folk dancing...that was funny!!!)...I play as well as dance...I don't do both at the same time as that is suicide but I love to hop up and do some sets. I also think it is just plain entertaining to watch someone who doesn't know any 'trad. steps' get up and just make up their own. It's all about having fun and gives one another excuse to get another pint
Zippy, did you ever try to combine those two tunes into one titled "Misty Blue Moon" or Blue & Misty Moon"?
When I was asked if I wanted to try to playing piano for the dances at the local contra dance society instead of dancing, I felt as if I was being offered a promotion and an escape from the dance floor.
I would still be playing piano for this contra dance society if I hadn't been offered a promotion at the hospital where I work. Unfortunately, though, accepting this promotion meant that I would be working evenings instead of day shift so I had to quit playing piano for the contra dance society.
On the other hand, though, this promotion meant that I did escape from working in the hospital kitchen and started working as a medical clerk instead.
I still prefer playing music to dancing.
You can dance if you want to. But you can leave your friends behind. Because your friends don't dance and if they don't dance then they're no friends of mine.
I can dance, nothing more fun than a nice gently paced ceildhe dance. I have danced sets but don't enjoy it as much, far too athletic for my tastes. And I can even step dance to a jig or reel for at least a few times around a tune. And to waltz with my wife, that is one of my favorite activities.
I would suggest that more musicians take up dancing, it makes you truly appreciate the music you are playing!
Musicians can't dance
Musicians can't dance
Most musicians I know, the majority of whom have impeccable timing, brilliant lift, and wonderful phrasing, can NOT dance. I, myself, who can only be induced to the dance floor while significantly under the influence, might most charitably said to be “dancing to beat of a different drummer”, but in fact am useless. As a guitar-playing friend once asked me at a wedding “What’s with dancing, anyways?” Musicians can’t dance - fact... or... ?
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by drone
Re: Musicians can't dance
Yes we can.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by boxielady
Re: Musicians can't dance
I agree with boxielady. We can dance, but perhaps because we play for people who dance, we just don't do it enough. I love to watch the dancers react to what I am playing, that's part of the fun and instant feedback we get as musicians.
I am a better dancer, however, after a few Guiness's.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Celtic Guitar
Re: Musicians can't dance
A ridiculous generalisation, drone ...
Some musicians can't dance
Some musicians can dance extremely well
... and everything in between ...
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Musicians can't dance
Depends on the type of dance.
Plenty of Cape Breton players do dance. Their traditional steps are relatively simple. And not everyone is expected to play & dance like Natalie MacMaster.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Musicians can't dance
I am a wretched dancer, but I have a good reason:
I was one of those kids who was in an out of hospitals all the time, sometimes with throat and respiratory infections, but more often with ear infections. Medical students would come in to observe me every time I checked in, as I was an excellent test case. ("The worst I've ever seen," said one young student in hushed tones to his mentor one day, which naturally filled me with confidence.) By the time I was five I'd developed complete immunity to the standard antibiotics, and regular checkups revealed that the infections - at the rate of every second month or so - had started to take a permanent toll: I was beginning to go deaf.
A year later I had surgery, and thereafter contracted ear infections once or twice a year, and then less often. My hearing, fortunately, recovered completely, but there had been permanent damage to my inner ear: my balance was damaged, and to this day my vestibular sense doesn't operate at full capacity. So I can sing, but I can't dance.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Tall, Dark, and Mysterious
Some Dancers Can't Dance!
1) Some dancers can't dance - ever been to a dico, after a wedding?
3) Some fiddlers can't play.
In fact, some could be said to be inferior. Indeed, you are - by your own admission - in your profile
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Musicians can't dance
... sorry ... finger trouble .. disco, that is ...
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Musicians can't dance
mmmm, I disagree. While I cannot do irish dancing, I have years of training in other styles, and successfully taught partner dancing for years, lead and follow. I met some fine dancers who were musicians, and it helped their dancing; they had a better understanding of the music's rhythm, form, etc, and could "dance the music" rather than dance "to the music" (20's and 30's jazz). And there were some dancers who couldn't play a note on a kazoo.
I never learned how to do any of the set dances of the styles done in ceilidhs...because I was always playing for the dancers. Which is okay with me. I like playing better than dancing at this point in time.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by meredithrachael
Re: Musicians can't dance
"I love to watch the dancers react to what I am playing..."
It's called...Power!
And it's easier than being a dictator or a film director - though who knows, it may be a step on the ladder there if you start young enough.
Perhaps fortunately for mankind, I did not.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by nicholas
Re: Musicians can't dance
Any notorious world leaders spend time in early life playing in dance bands, btw?
(I'm not sure Ugly Rumours counts...)
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by nicholas
Re: Musicians can't dance
Whilst I would like to be a notorious world leader ,its rubbish to suggest that Musicians cannot dance in fact I think I am a better dancer and a muscian because I can do both although unlike 'timmy the brit ' (a well known set dance teacher from Kerry) I am unable to do both at the same time.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by bazouki dave
I do admit to being a crap typist however
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by bazouki dave
Re: Musicians can't dance
I love dancing, but would rather play than dance. During the years before I re-discovered playing, I danced whenever possible; sometimes six days a week.
Given the time and opportunity, I might dance, sing, and play equally, but my preference now is to play.
Perhaps the discussion should be "musicians DON'T dance"!
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by oldstrings
Re: Musicians can't dance
Yes, they can! Learning how to dance the polska (not polka), improved my sense of timing for Scandinavian dances. The polska is a tricky rhythm, because it is written in waltz time, but there is a delayed third beat, like dancing with a limp. Recently, I started tap dancing and clogging. If I sit and play, my feet can dance a little.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Leendah
Re: Musicians can't dance
Both myself and my wife spent a lot of time set-dancing before learning flute and concertina. I know at least 8 other proficient musicians that I regularly play with that are also good dancers.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by southsider
Re: Musicians can't dance
Heh... start with an outlandish premise... and, lo... behold the howls of outrage. By the way, MixO'Lydian, though an inferior fiddler I may be, it seems oh-so-much less reproachable when compared to my "dancing".
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by drone
Re: Musicians can't dance
I am an absolutely brilliant dancer. Maybe no longer the "best in the world" as age catches up with me, but still up there with the best.
And just to ruin the fun for you all. No point posting "but you are not a musician" as i have already said it, naw-naw-na naw-naw.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by bodhran bliss
Re: Musicians can't dance
drone, here is a thread I stumbled on & enjoyed reading;
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/522
Self -Deprecation
# Posted on May 3rd 2002 by ragaman
Thought you might like some of the comments.
Congratulations b. bliss
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Ben Steen
*!
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/522
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Musicians can't dance
It's rarely a good idea to make blanket statements like this one. I've been making music basically all my life, and I'mquite a good dancer, thank you very much. However, because of my life-long dedication to traditional and folk music, the dances I do best are traditional folk dances, including waltzing, contra dancing, and Appalachian clogging.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by Quarter Irish
Re: Musicians can't dance
I can't dance at all---that's one of the reasons I like to play music---nobody expects me to get up and dance to it!
I don't think it's necessarily such a bad generalization. People tend to gravitate to what they're good at---I never could dance well, but I could always sing and I loved music, and it wasn't much of a surprise when I started learning to play it.
# Posted on November 29th 2008 by kennedy
Re: Musicians can't dance
My father loves to square dance and I let him talk me into trying it also but I didn't like it as much he does. I have also tried both dancing with a local contra dance group as well as playing piano for their dances.
I have decided that I prefer playing music for other people to dance to instead of dancing myself. This isn't because I can't dance. If I know the steps and the movements, I don't embarrass myself or anyone else on the dance floor. My problem is that I enjoy playing music too much for my own good whether or not I am playing music for dancers or just for my own pleasure and enjoyment.
# Posted on November 30th 2008 by fauxcelt
Re: Musicians can't dance
Hey drone - yours was a ridiculous premise, so you have to expect some flak!
... and maybe you are a brilliant fiddler, rather than an "inferior" one - in which case you should udpate your profile to reflect this!
# Posted on November 30th 2008 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Musicians can't dance
oh dear... by just stating "Musicians can't dance" you're gonna cop a lot of flack here my friend.
I have to slightly 'agree" with you tho... most musicians I know don't dance... some do... some are quite good at it... but most choose to just play the tunes.
Altho... the opposite could be said about dancers... most don't play music... some do... some are quite good it... but most choose just to dance.
I'd rather just not waste time thinking about it... and get back to having fun!
# Posted on November 30th 2008 by davydd
Re: Musicians can't dance
If you can't dance, you can't drum!
# Posted on November 30th 2008 by mcknowall
Re: Musicians can't dance
"if you can't dance, you can't drum!"
I totally agree - and those sad sacks with no feel for rhythm in the body are probably pretty shabby at horizontal folk dancing as well....
# Posted on November 30th 2008 by zepherin
Re: Musicians can't dance
One thing is for certain:-
If you've have experience of any given type dancing, as a musician playing for that type of dancing you will be superior to any fellow musicians playing with you who haven't had that experience.
It's not just the tune-type and the speed of playing that's important. Although two tunes may have the same metre and tempo, one might well be more suitable for a specific dance than the other. If you are just a musician, it is unlikely that you will appreciate this subtley.
And swing, lift, stacatto, syncapation etc. can have a bearing on it also.
Given that the skill required to be a good musician might be considered to be on par to the skill required to be a good dancer, if you are a musician its hard to accept that the role of the dancers is seen as the most important.
I hear dissent!
Go to any public display of dancing - most of the audience will be watching the dancers - they won't be looking at the band!
# Posted on November 30th 2008 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Musicians can't dance
haha this is so true.- i can't dance for my life
# Posted on November 30th 2008 by fiddler15
Re: Musicians can't dance
I don't think I can remember an older musician who couldn't, and I don't mean step dancing or prancin' about, and I've known, well, quite a few blind musicians, a least half a dozen ~ and they could dance, I've partnered some of them. I don't say it is necessary, but I do believe it makes a better dance musician of you if you gain a little physical understanding of how the two complement each other, if not always, but even that is something valuable to know, how they can cause dissent with each other.
I consider the way some folks coax the music, with bow or however ~ as dancing. That ability takes my notice and interest in a good way and that is much more preferred to the weird chaotic stuff that can also turn my head...
The tall Sean Keane is a fine dancer, but how many of you have seen him dance?
# Posted on November 30th 2008 by ceolachan
Musicians can dance!
I am beginning to understand the biases dancers have towards one another. Helps to explain why some musicians (& dancers) consider themselves not so good ~ at the other.
# Posted on November 30th 2008 by Ben Steen
Re: Musicians can't dance
I can't dance unless I have my Welly on, but when I have it on I can dance as well as anyone.
# Posted on December 1st 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Musicians can't dance
Well,
# Posted on December 1st 2008 by mcknowall
Re: Musicians can't dance
I can dance. The 'spirit' (spirits?) of a wedding or other happy occasion does help.
But it is a bit like singing. I can to that also...
It is not what I do though. I like playing the music people can dance to/sing to/listen to. I used to play for 'drinking to' as it were, but years ago I tired of playing piano in bars. Smoky, and I got sick of constant requests for 'Blue moon' and 'Misty'.
Our Liturginazi oft tries to coerce me so sing with 'the boys' in her choir- I can generally keep time, tolerate direction and have good handle on tunes on pitch, a rare commodity.
Dancing and singing... Its not what I do....
# Posted on December 1st 2008 by zippydw
Re: Musicians can't dance
Ha-ha SWFL!!! I've seen you dance...and it is a hoot of fun! (btw...Clogstepping...horizontal folk dancing...that was funny!!!)...I play as well as dance...I don't do both at the same time as that is suicide but I love to hop up and do some sets. I also think it is just plain entertaining to watch someone who doesn't know any 'trad. steps' get up and just make up their own. It's all about having fun and gives one another excuse to get another pint
# Posted on December 1st 2008 by Celticmermaid
Re: Musicians can't dance
Zippy, did you ever try to combine those two tunes into one titled "Misty Blue Moon" or Blue & Misty Moon"?
When I was asked if I wanted to try to playing piano for the dances at the local contra dance society instead of dancing, I felt as if I was being offered a promotion and an escape from the dance floor.
I would still be playing piano for this contra dance society if I hadn't been offered a promotion at the hospital where I work. Unfortunately, though, accepting this promotion meant that I would be working evenings instead of day shift so I had to quit playing piano for the contra dance society.
On the other hand, though, this promotion meant that I did escape from working in the hospital kitchen and started working as a medical clerk instead.
I still prefer playing music to dancing.
# Posted on December 1st 2008 by fauxcelt
Re: Musicians can't dance
You can dance if you want to. But you can leave your friends behind. Because your friends don't dance and if they don't dance then they're no friends of mine.
# Posted on December 1st 2008 by jwvansteenwyk
Re: Musicians can't dance
I can dance, nothing more fun than a nice gently paced ceildhe dance. I have danced sets but don't enjoy it as much, far too athletic for my tastes. And I can even step dance to a jig or reel for at least a few times around a tune. And to waltz with my wife, that is one of my favorite activities.
I would suggest that more musicians take up dancing, it makes you truly appreciate the music you are playing!
# Posted on December 1st 2008 by AlBrown
Re: Musicians can't dance
I danced first then played. Now when I
play I dance a set or two. Just to be
sociable. And to show the band what
they're up there for.
# Posted on December 2nd 2008 by dogmageek
Re: Musicians can't dance
we can by god lol!!!
# Posted on December 2nd 2008 by bernadettem
Re: Musicians can't dance
yes me and christian can't _ but 3/5 th's of us can . . .
# Posted on December 31st 2008 by hungry grass