Dive into the enchanting world of English country dance with “Trip to Skye,” a captivating choreography that promises a delightful and engaging dance experience. Inspired by the beautiful 1985 tune of the same name by John Whelan, this dance is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional dance forms reimagined for contemporary enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just beginning to explore the rhythms of country dance, “Trip to Skye” offers a unique opportunity to lose yourself in the music and movement – to truly trip out on the dance floor.
Unveiling “Trip to Skye”: The Story Behind the Steps
“Trip to Skye” is the brainchild of Renée Camus, a passionate choreographer known for her innovative and accessible English country dances. Camus beautifully crafted this dance, drawing inspiration from John Whelan’s melodic “Trip to Skye” tune. Permission was graciously granted by Whelan himself, allowing dancers worldwide to move to this evocative music. Interestingly, some may recognize the tune from its earlier association with cross-step waltz, a connection that subtly influenced the choreography, incorporating elements that will feel familiar to those versed in cross-step footwork.
The creation of “Trip to Skye” was a journey of refinement and collaboration. Conceived initially in April 2023, it underwent several iterations before reaching its final form in January 2024. Early feedback from dancers regarding the initial tune choice proved invaluable. While Camus believed in the music’s potential, initial reactions suggested it didn’t immediately resonate as a typical English country dance tune. However, a live clarinet performance by Anna Patton breathed new life into the music during a choreography class at Pinewoods English Week. This transformative experience highlighted the importance of musical interpretation and context in dance appreciation, ultimately assuaging any doubts about the tune’s suitability.
Finding the right musical rendition for practice also played a crucial role. The Dána version, featured in the video, was eventually chosen for its danceable quality and captivating sound. Throughout the latter half of 2023 and into early 2024, “Trip to Skye” was further refined through testing and feedback from dancers within and beyond Camus’s immediate dance community. The ending, in particular, proved challenging to perfect, finally reaching its satisfying conclusion in January 2024, coinciding with the finalization of another dance, “Steppy Downs.” This iterative process, embracing dancer input and musical exploration, underscores the dedication to creating a dance that is both enjoyable and musically harmonious.
Stepping into “Trip to Skye”: A Dance Breakdown
“Trip to Skye” is structured as a duple-minor longways dance, categorized as easy-intermediate in difficulty. The AABB structure provides a balanced and flowing experience, inviting dancers to engage with both the musicality and thePartnerwork. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the choreography:
A1: Engaging with the Set
- Circle Left Halfway, Cast Back: (Bars 1-4) Begin by circling to the left halfway with your set. Following this, the active dancers cast back over their left shoulder, moving down one place in the set. This opening sequence immediately establishes the dynamic movement within the dance.
- Neighbors Left-Shoulder Round: (Bars 5-8) Engage with your neighbors in a left-shoulder turn once around, moving across the set. This figure fosters connection and interaction with those beside you in the dance formation.
A2: Mirroring and Partnering
- Circle Right Halfway, Cast Back: (Bars 1-4) Mirroring the A1 sequence, circle right halfway, and then cast back over your right shoulder, again moving down one place if you are an active dancer.
- Partners Right-Shoulder Round: (Bars 5-8) Turn your attention to your partner for a right-shoulder turn once around, this time across the set. You should conclude this movement back in your home position, ready for the B section.
B1: Balancing and Ringing
- Balance and Turn Halfway: (Bars 1-4) Taking hands in a ring of four, balance the ring with a crossover setting step. This step, reminiscent of the cross-step waltz, involves crossing your right foot over your left to begin. After the balance, move in and out, turning the ring to the left halfway around.
- Return to Home: (Bars 5-8) Repeat the balance and crossover setting step, moving back to your original home position. This section emphasizes the rhythmic and communal aspects of English country dance.
B2: Setting, Linking, and Turning
- Set and Link with Neighbors: (Bars 1-4) Face your partner across the set and set, maintaining hand contact with your neighbors. Then, change places with your neighbor, turning over your right shoulder as you move. This figure introduces a playful change of position and interaction.
Trip to Skye instructions
Detailed dance steps for “Trip to Skye” English Country Dance, showcasing the sequence of movements for dancers.
- Balance and Two-Hand Turn with Partners: (Bars 5-8) Balance forward and back with your partner, keeping hands joined. Conclude with a two-hand turn once around with your partner. This final figure brings a sense of closure and partnership to the B section.
Teaching Tips to Enhance the “Trip to Skye” Experience
To effectively teach “Trip to Skye”, consider these helpful notes:
- Crossover Setting Step: Highlight the crossover setting step, drawing a parallel to the cross-step waltz basic. Emphasize starting with the right foot to facilitate the step.
- Spaciousness: Encourage dancers to utilize ample space, both lengthwise and across the set, to fully execute the movements and enhance the visual appeal of the dance.
By focusing on these elements, instructors can guide dancers to fully appreciate the nuances of “Trip to Skye” and encourage a truly immersive dance experience.
Immerse Yourself in the Music of “Trip to Skye”
The heart of “Trip to Skye” lies in its captivating music. John Whelan’s original tune, dating back to 1985, provides the perfect soundscape for this English country dance. The recommended tempo is approximately 122 beats per minute, creating an energetic yet graceful rhythm for the dance.
For those wishing to delve deeper into the music, resources are readily available:
Trip to Skye music dots
Sheet music for “Trip to Skye” composed by John Whelan, providing musical notation for dancers and musicians.
- Download Instructions: Click here to download detailed instructions for “Trip to Skye.”
- Download Music: Access the sheet music for “Trip to Skye” here.
Exploring the music further enriches the dance experience, allowing dancers to connect with the rhythm and melody that inspires the choreography.
Embrace the “Trip to Skye” Dance Journey
“Trip to Skye” stands as a testament to the joy and creativity within English country dance. Renée Camus has crafted a dance that is not only engaging and accessible but also deeply rooted in musicality and tradition. So, step onto the dance floor, let the music of John Whelan guide your feet, and allow yourself to trip out with the delightful steps of “Trip to Skye.” Discover more captivating English country dance choreographies by Renée Camus and expand your dance repertoire! Explore more English country dances here.
