St Andrew Group, Paphos

Scottish Country Dancing restarts tonight with the Social & Dancing from 6pm until 8pm. If there's anyone out there who wants to give the dancing a try, but just isn't sure about it - especially if you are 'solo' - gather your courage & come & join us; if you don't enjoy it, it's one evening wasted, but if you do then it's fun, fitness & friendship for the rest of your life!
The Beginner's & Improver's Classes restart next Monday, 2pm to 4pm, but tonight's social session is a fun night of mixed level dancing which gives you a chance to watch, as well as dance, so you can decide if it's really for you, without too much pressure. Oh, and we do have men at the classes too - so if you are a guy don't worry that you'll be the only one! See the St Andrew Group website at www.StAndrewGroup.com for more information. Thanks all our regulars who have said they are looking forward to restarting tonight, it really makes a difference to me - and thanks also to those of you who can't make it back yet, but have let me know that you hope to re-join us when you can (God willing). It stops me worrying about you - or at least I know exactly what to pray for when I do worry!
Those of you who aren't well, get well soon, those of you who are away - enjoy yourselves but hurry back ;-) and the rest... lets have some fun!

It's taken a few days to recover - but what an amazing night we had at the June Jamboree last Tuesday.
We really missed everyone who couldn't make it - more especially because those who did make it had such a great time.
Thank you, as always to all the Elea staff.
The food was superb, even better than last year, if that is possible, and the staff were super attentive, in just the right way. Not only on the evening of the event, but when we turned up in the morning to decorate, everything was prepared as requested so we had the place looking 'ours' in no time (and many thanks to Doros, Fee, Grace & Jackie for their truly invaluable help).
And of course the weather was perfect - how lucky are we!
The dancing as usual was great fun - but this year there was hardly a gap between dances since the floor was so quick to fill and sets made up almost immediately. Well done to all the guests who had never danced before, or only once or twice and who didn't stop once they got going. We look forward to seeing you at the classes next season - or for those living further afield - I hope you remember how much fun you had and try to find somewhere to carry it on - because you were great!
The next dancing season here in Paphos starts on Tuesday September 1st for the social class, with the 'Beginners & Improvers' class restarting on Monday 7th September.
In the meantime have a great summer and although I only had time to take a few pictures last Tuesday both when setting up in the morning, and in the evening- and the quality is limited - but they are a good reminder anyway so here are a few to enjoy.

The June Jamboree is 3 days away. We've still got a few tickets left - contact us for a beautiful night of dancing under the stars, if you don't know anyone else who wants to dance... come and join us anyway, why not, you'll get plenty of chances to dance as long as you are willing to get up and try!
Dress smart but cool, bring flattish shoes for dancing and enjoy a magical evening.

Countdown time...

Well here we are. Our final weeks of dancing before the summer break. 2 more Monday sessions and only one more Tuesday class before we hold our final dance celebration, AKA the 'June Jamboree', at the Elea (if we get enough people that is).
If I'm honest, I am ready for a break, and that is despite being away myself for nearly 3 weeks ;-) - or maybe it's because of that.
It's so easy to drift away from things and forget how much you enjoy them - but you also need to recharge batteries from time to time.
P and I are lucky enough to be going to the RSCDS Summer School this year, it's a huge - once a decade treat - so I'll definitely recharge my 'enthusiasm batteries' there; and I'm more than a little chuffed to have been asked to lead one of the walk-through afternoons; I'm aware that, for the more renowned teachers in the Scottish Dancing world, 'walk-throughs' can be a bit of a chore, but at such an international event it's a real thrill to be asked. They can make a huge difference to a lot of people's enjoyment of the evening dances - and at the most selfish level, it gives me permission to spend time learning the dances myself - not that I really need much encouragement!
Re:- the June Jamboree - so many people are away, injured, ill or perhaps just not willing to pay that much (though it is cost price for the food and it's always very good), we have struggled with ticket sales - we are hoping to go ahead but we may have to call it off - if you haven't realised it's so close and have been dithering as to whether to come. Come! It's a genuinely lovely night whether you dance or not, and a few more bums on seats will ensure we go ahead. :-) See the future events page for contact details if you are interested. And if you are away until the autumn - have a lovely summer and we restart on Tuesday 1st September.

It's already time to start preparing for our summer end of season dance - our lovely June Jamboree is on Tuesday 23rd June. We use the amazing terrace of the Elea Golf Resort, where we enjoy a superb finger food buffet and then dance under the moonlight with the sea sparkling in the distance. Real Cinderella stuff - only hopefully everyone keeps their shoes on :-) Anyone can join us whether they have come to the classes or not; even if they don't want to dance a step, but just want to enjoy the food, company and atmosphere this is a really special night. Invite family and friends - they'll all have a magical evening. See records of our previous events at the Elea via Past Events and contact us for tickets any time from now on.

Well the weather is improving and this week the Monday class clashed with a beautiful Cypriot Easter Monday so I was fully prepared for smaller numbers. We did have some apologies; but despite the missing few we ended up with a perfect '8'. We welcomed back a much missed returnee, as well as welcoming an enthusiastic and talented newcomer. Strange how things work out. It was good to have a reason to go back to basics and a bit of step practice is never wasted- our new dancer seemed to enjoy herself and promised to return for more, which is great for the group.
Tuesday was great fun too. Some of the dances were challenging, as we had returnees to this class too who hadn't done them before. A steep learning curve for some, but a real sense to achievement as they got them worked out. The request went out that they be repeated next week - as indeed they will be, all that hard work can't be wasted! Well done to everyone, I look forward to seeing the perfect versions next week!

Phew, So that's that. After a week of not feeling 100%, and struggling to get enthused by the event, Saturday's showing of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was an excellent evening.
So often it's the case that the things you look forward to aren't as wonderful as you hope, but the events you aren't so bothered about end up being excellent. In our website go to 'Past Events', and click on the poster to see more information and a few more pictures from before and at the beginning of the evening (it was too dark to take shots later on during the show). This was a very successful evening with 33 attending (more than enough for this venue), including several ex-dancers who now can't make it to the dance classes- thanks go to Gavin who organised the buffet and everyone else who helped, including John who very kindly assisted organising the tables in the morning. We had wondered if this was the sort of occasion people still wanted us to organise, but although not many current dancers were able, or interested, in coming, it proved itself to be a popular and highly appreciated by others - and the Tattoo was, as always, magnificent.
Now onto the next challenge - June Jamboree anyone?

And now it's April - what happened to March? I blinked and it was gone, it's such a busy life we lead and there's so much going on; time simply flies I just can't keep up.
Happy Easter - for those of us celebrating this week, and Καλο Πασχα (Kalo Pascha ) to those of us celebrating next week.
First off - thanks to everyone who has enquired how we are and sent their best wishes re. the hostilities yonder. To be honest we feel frauds because, although there was a bit of initial excitement, you honestly wouldn't know there was anything going on (though we know there is) it is totally carrying on as normal over here - unless you happen to be flying somewhere via Dubai of course.
The weather has been more of an issue, it's incredibly variable, which is reflected in the class numbers though we have never been without a set, sometimes even two. The classes themselves have been great fun - Monday's - supposedly 'beginner's' sessions have even sometimes morphed into advanced classes. The sessions are enjoyed just as much by more experienced dancers and sometimes they are the only ones there so we abandon the footwork and go for a few schiehallion reels & 3 couple set & links instead.
As usual there are things being organised for the group beyond just the dance classes. Our next event is a showing of last year's Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Phoenix Club next Saturday (11th April) - it's only €10, including a buffet meal, so don't forget to contact us and book a place if you fancy coming along, you definitely don't have to be Scottish to enjoy the evening; We'd appreciate knowing that you want to come by Wednesday though, as this gives the kitchen time to shop!

It's been a while since I've had the time and/or energy to blether but with the world going mad around us I count myself very lucky that I can look back on such a fabulous time dancing in Scotland. Only a couple of weeks ago I was dancing in Pitlochry at the RSCDS Winter School, with people from all corners of our world. I then managed to return home safely, unaware - as were all of us - that I had returned with only a few days to spare before all the current flight cancellations.
Many prayers are being said for a quick end to the conflicts changing the lives of so many all around us. It seems Cyprus, and even Paphos, isn't going to be a peaceful place in the immediate future (though only those of us who need to travel are likely to be much effected - at least at the moment). Amongst this madness we are glad of spring bringing back our lovely warm weather (yes, I know we'll be complaining of the heat soon) and walking through carpets of anemones last weekend emphasised that the world is still a lovely place.
Another thing that cheers us all is the dance classes. A super afternoon's class today, well done everyone for tackling some very new formations. They all came together in the end - so, it's a challenging programme tomorrow, but the Monday dancers have lead the way, and although I do have a few simpler alternatives available in case everyone's brain cells decide enough is enough, I look forward to seeing everyone there, keen to give it a go - you can't be worrying about anything else when you're concentrating on getting a Rondel right!

Burns & the Haggis are now toasted - and it was good - so if you want to see more, please check out the Past Events page on the website and you will find a link to more pictures. They are initially a record of the transformation of the Club to our Burns' Night venue. (Thanks to the hard work of John, Grace, Susanne, Pete, David, Me & a little bit of Kristina - with a stunning result.) Followed by records of an excellent evening. The Haggis was piped in by John with Pete bearing it in - and it was a truly delicious smell as he did so, even more so when Ken had completed the ritual disembowelling!
The food this year was outstanding - the only complaint being that there may have been just a bit too much Cranachan! Not that it stopped some people having 2 helpings.
Jean & Jo in the kitchen did a fabulous job on the night, but thanks also have to go to Gavin for the Cranachan prepared earlier in the day, Sheila for preparing all of the veg, and Val for her mastery of Steak and Guinness pie.
All the 'table monitors' did an excellent job - nothing was dropped, everyone got the correct food and it was piping hot - and everyone knew exactly when, and by whom, they were being served - it's a system we'll definitely be repeating - make the guest work! Why not?!
Once the meal was over it was time for the 'serious' bit of the evening - so thanks to June for running the bar. :-)
Doug & Ken gave masterful and very funny speeches, I (Janine) being unlucky enough to have to follow them with the 'Reply from the Lassies' - though that was well received too (thanks everyone).
Community singing followed - hmmm, we may have to work on that one a bit, though it was enjoyed, for all that (tacking a bit of Burns in there ), and then we cleared some of the tables (miraculously, without a glass being broken) and with the dancers in the room we managed Waratah Weaver; Ring of Brodgar; De'il Amang the Tailors and Butterscotch & Honey, before rounding the night off with an enthusiastic Auld Lang Syne.
Since we never sit on our laurels - which must be a most uncomfortable position anyway - there are things we'll learn from this year's event, but overall we are pretty happy with how it all went... certainly all our guests were.