These are reviews of the Red Thistle DVD - Part 1 Reviews for Red Thistle DVD - Part 2 are below
Patrick Jordan, Scottish Country Dance teacher (retired), U.S. - Los Altos, California:
" That is a magnificent video to demonstrate Scottish Country Dancing. Your voice with your beautiful English accent is great to listen to. You have done a great job with this video. All classes should have this DVD, as it would show the dancers how to dance well, as there is always room for improvement! "
Fiona Grant, Scottish Country Dance teacher, GB - Bristol:
" This DVD would be a marvellous present for inexperienced dancers who might appreciate an insight into how technique can make Scottish dance easier! It is a DYD any of us dancers can come back to time and again and learn something new on each viewing: a small correction to a step, another way to teach a figure, some hints about what it is that makes us love Scottish country dancing. "
" Clearly and logically presented, with poised and accurate dancing, and marvellous music, this DVD has facts and information to add to any dancers' knowledge. "
" ...here is marvellous opportunity to watch and learn in your own time, as often as you want, and all in the privacy of your own home away from critical eyes. "
Elinor Vandergrift, RSCDS teacher/examiner and David Vandergrift, U.S. - Washington:
" Even experienced dancers will get benefit from this clear focus on technique. "
" ...this DVD will be a great investment for anyone who wants to take a fresh look at the basics of SCD. It will encourage dancers to watch for good examples of the things they want to emulate. "
" Teachers should think of this as an adjunct to their dance classes and their own teaching. Dancers should welcome it as a back-up to skills learned in class. "
These are reviews of the Red Thistle DVD - Part 2 Reviews for Red Thistle DVD - Part 1 are above
Section 1: Scottish Country Dancing, Part 2
Mary Murray, RSCDS teacher, CDN - Vancouver, British Columbia:
" For teachers, this video provides lots of good technique ideas which can be adapted to suit the needs of various levels of classes. For dancers, it represents a good example of a high standard of dance technique to be emulated. "
" The Red Thistle dancers demonstrated the dances proficiently, with emphasis on phrasing, covering and teamwork which, in my opinion, represent some of the most important elements in a well-performed Scottish Country Dance. "
Peter McClure, RSCSD teacher, CDN - Winnipeg, Manitoba:
" The dancers show a high level of skill, at the same time showing the enjoyment of the group interaction which is one of the best features of Scottish Country Dancing. Particular congratulations are due their director, Jennifer Kelly, for undertaking to select the post-basic elements for inclusion in the collection. "
" Good dancing, quite valuable to see for those who may not have regular opportunities to participate in an advanced class. "
" Overall, an excellent response to the challenge of selecting from and displaying the less common movements in SCD, so that dancers and teachers with limited opportunities may explore them. "
These are reviews of the Red Thistle DVD - Part 2 Reviews for Red Thistle DVD - Part 1 are above
Section 2: Performance Dancing
Heather Sykes, RSCDS teacher, U.S. - Lady Lake, Florida:
" The whole package was so well done; it must have been quite something to have been involved in the making of it. I just sat in awe of the wonderful dancing and the cleverly put together transitions - I've just been playing it over and over again. I can't wait for our demo team to see it; they make a fuss when I suggest combining two dances - they have no idea what I have in mind for them now! I'm all fired up and ready to go! "
Jimmie Lomath, Director, Celtic Spirit, U.S. - Los Angeles, California:
" It was a thrill to watch the love of and passion for the dance shine throughout. This video is intended to show how one can utilize SCD for performances at all levels and should provide both encouragement and a valuable tool to others in the RSCDS family. As a judge, I would give this project a 10. A perfect mark well deserved by all. This to me is a level we all strive for and few attain. "