I have a question regarding tunes, steps and structure of repeats- is there any set order?
Specifically, I have two reels with two parts that I was wanting to pair in a set. I'm playing them both AABB. It seems like the first of the two wants to repeat AABB 3x before moving to the second tune. It just seems like the change is too abrupt with 2x and 4x is too long before changing. I don't know enough about dancing to know what that would do to the steps, but that's what seems to fit my ear.
Is there any set rule(s) to questions of structure and repeats of this type? Can I assume that it is different for sessions, ceili, etc. Since I've arranged my own settings for the two, can I assume that I'm possibly adding my own brand of confusion to the situation?
For dancing solo reels, as long as the pattern goes AABB, the number of repeats doesn't matter. This is assuming there's an intro or count in so the dancers know when to start.
At our sessions, we usually do reels in 3 repeats just like Ilig says above.
Extraneous side note that I hope is helpful: Irish dance steps are in pairs, danced first on the right foot, then repeated on the left. So, while the musician is thinking AABB, the dancer is thinking step1 right, step1 left, step2 right, step2 left.
I've heard that when playing for dancers it's not uncommon to start the first tune: AAABB then continue with the AABB pattern. The first A is basically an intro for the dancers.
If you are playing for a stepdancer (for a competition), You would usually play a reel like this: AAABBAA (or CC at the end if you have a 3 part tune)
If you are playing for a ceili, some dances have set tunes that go with the dance... but for those that don't, you can usually work out the type of tune by how many bars are in the dance. (most callers will know this)
If you are playing for dancers at a session... just play any tune and have them dance along... it's much more fun that way!
Worth bearing in mind that sometimes inexperienced dancers may get 'lost' in the figures of the dance. So you need to keep your head up and watch what's going on - you might have to add in an extra 8 bars!
I find it both amusing and surprising that having to dance can really muck up some peoples ability to either count or recognise their dance partner. Anybody for Lucky Seven? I wonder if the dance was so named because of this?
Tunes- steps & repeats?
Tunes- steps & repeats?
I have a question regarding tunes, steps and structure of repeats- is there any set order?
Specifically, I have two reels with two parts that I was wanting to pair in a set. I'm playing them both AABB. It seems like the first of the two wants to repeat AABB 3x before moving to the second tune. It just seems like the change is too abrupt with 2x and 4x is too long before changing. I don't know enough about dancing to know what that would do to the steps, but that's what seems to fit my ear.
Is there any set rule(s) to questions of structure and repeats of this type? Can I assume that it is different for sessions, ceili, etc. Since I've arranged my own settings for the two, can I assume that I'm possibly adding my own brand of confusion to the situation?
Any help would be appreciated & happy New Year!
# Posted on January 2nd 2009 by mrkelahan
Re: Tunes- steps & repeats?
yeah, if you want to do it like everyone else, AABBx3 + AABBx3.
# Posted on January 2nd 2009 by ...
Re: Tunes- steps & repeats?
Hi
Depends on the tune -- sometime it could be 4 or 5 times.
# Posted on January 2nd 2009 by HansW
Re: Tunes- steps & repeats?
For dancing solo reels, as long as the pattern goes AABB, the number of repeats doesn't matter. This is assuming there's an intro or count in so the dancers know when to start.
At our sessions, we usually do reels in 3 repeats just like Ilig says above.
Extraneous side note that I hope is helpful: Irish dance steps are in pairs, danced first on the right foot, then repeated on the left. So, while the musician is thinking AABB, the dancer is thinking step1 right, step1 left, step2 right, step2 left.
# Posted on January 2nd 2009 by Merry Mary
Re: Tunes- steps & repeats?
I've heard that when playing for dancers it's not uncommon to start the first tune: AAABB then continue with the AABB pattern. The first A is basically an intro for the dancers.
# Posted on January 3rd 2009 by CleverName
Re: Tunes- steps & repeats?
If you are playing for a stepdancer (for a competition), You would usually play a reel like this: AAABBAA (or CC at the end if you have a 3 part tune)
If you are playing for a ceili, some dances have set tunes that go with the dance... but for those that don't, you can usually work out the type of tune by how many bars are in the dance. (most callers will know this)
If you are playing for dancers at a session... just play any tune and have them dance along... it's much more fun that way!
# Posted on January 3rd 2009 by davydd
Re: Tunes- steps & repeats?
Worth bearing in mind that sometimes inexperienced dancers may get 'lost' in the figures of the dance. So you need to keep your head up and watch what's going on - you might have to add in an extra 8 bars!
I find it both amusing and surprising that having to dance can really muck up some peoples ability to either count or recognise their dance partner. Anybody for Lucky Seven? I wonder if the dance was so named because of this?
# Posted on January 3rd 2009 by john knoss
Re: Tunes- steps & repeats?
Thanks!
# Posted on January 5th 2009 by mrkelahan