Dance, Movement, and Tempo

[Tim Twiss]

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/dihtml/divideos.html

This is a great resource to investigate dance...and how it may relate to our researcend discussions.

[Mark Weems]

Yes. Feel how slow the nineteenth century stuff sounds to our post-bluegrass ears. But it has a nice bounce and groove because its not too fast.

[Al Smitley]

Yes, Mark, at Antietam I expressed that I liked the speed that you guys play.  Listening to bluegrass makes me feel like I'm zooming through a picturesque mountain range on a 150 mph motorcycle.  The view is nothing but a blur.  I'd rather see the view (hear every note).  I guess it's exciting to some people but not at all enjoyable to me.  When playing at bluegrass speed, the lilt is gone.

[John Masciale]

If you ever have to play for a dance, the metronome is your friend.  Work out the correct tempos before the dance (work with the dance master if necessary).  Use the metronome during practice.  I even sneak it into the dance to help establish starting tempos.  It has made a huge difference in the success of playing for a dance.