Barrie Gabbott explains why the Reel of the 51st Division is one of The Gay Gordons' favourite dances:
In a society where it is acceptable for women to dance together the question is often asked "so why can’t men dance together?" Is there a precedent for men dancing with men? Yes is the answer, and nowhere more so than in Scottish country dancing.
During World War II, some officers of the 51st Highland Division were interred in a prison of war camp in Laufen Castle near Salzburg. They invented their own dance later called "The Reel of the 51st Division", a popular dance which is featured on many a dance programme today. Devised to be danced by soldiers with their fellow internees, it was patriotic, as the formation formed a saltire, being the regimental badge, also seen on the flag of Scotland.
Scottish country dancing played an important role for the soldiers’ recreation and received approval from the Prison Commandant, but when the shorthand instructions were sent home by letter to Scotland, the Germans thought it was a secret code and spent years trying to break it. The Reel later received Royal approval as Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother) suggested that the RSCDS publish the dance, which they duly did, and it appears in Book XIII, ‘The Victory Book’.
So yes, men can and do, dance with men, and we in the Gay Gordons are following the tradition first set by those prisoners of war. Men dance with men, women with women and men with women and in doing so, use language which is non-gender specific, referring to leaders and followers.
The Gay Gordons is London's LGBT Scottish country dance club. Started in 2005, we meet weekly in London for a dance, a few times a year for special club dances, and we run geilidhs and Scottish country dances in wonderful venues as often as we can.We welcome anyone to the dance, and are straight-friendly. The only things we ask is that attendees are happy to dance with either men or women, and that everyone tries to enjoy themselves. Long faces are discouraged, and if you arrive with one, you'll most likely leave it behind you somewhere in the room.
The GGs runs along cooperative lines, and we try and actively encourage all our members to get involved as much as they want to – whether that be attending the dance, getting a group together for outside events, or helping to organise a geilidh.
John Tyler teaches us most weeks, and those few weeks when he is unable to make it, members are encouraged to have a go. RSCDS trained, and with a wealth of experience, he makes even the most complicated dances seem easy to learn. He also likes to create 'club dances' just for us, and the GGs regularly have a go at 'The Chase', 'Jimmy's Fancy' and 'James's Jig'.
Our members
James Pretlove also runs Photography Pretlove, selling made-to-order art photography greetings cards.John Tyler also runs Fragrant Nature, a responsible tourism resort and retreat situated on Kerala's beautiful Mala Lake.
Roy Bell is orchestra manager for Midsummer Opera, which regularly performs baroque, classical, romantic and modern opera.
Thomas and Collette run a small independent business called The Master Kilt Maker in Haringey. Our members are very welcome to call their studio on 020 8808 6788 to receive their 15 per cent discount on all kilt orders. Free bagpipe lessons are also being offered to all members, please call for more information.
Our friends
Heather and Hadass's Studio LaDanza is located in Highbury and offers two dance studios and a selection of classes and dances, most of which are gay-friendly.Howie R Nicholsby runs 21st Century Kilts, and GGs members can receive a 10 per cent discount on orders.
Some of our members enjoy going to the Ceilidh Club, which offers regular dances in London.
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) is Scottish country dance's parent organisation, and their London branch organises plenty of dances.
The Morley College Folk Dance Club holds regular events during the college's term time, an Anglo-Scottish Christmas party and an annual weekend in Worthing where members get to try running set and rapper sword dancing as well as the usual English country dancing. The club also takes part in Morley College's annual Day of Dance. Contact Sally Phillips for further details on 020 8857 1555.
