Playing all week long for Scottish country dance classes was fabulous. Over 100 dancers from all over Canada, the US and beyond, soaked up the teachings of Andrew, Cecily & Rebecca in the mornings. Various guest instructors provided one-off dance classes & lectures each afternoon. There was lots on offer in terms of variety. The weather was on our side. Alastair on accordion and me on fiddle, alongside the band, Flindrikin from California, provided live music for the classes. The dance teachers focused on teaching many jigs, reels and strathspeys. With just a moment's notice, the teacher would call to the musicians to give 4 bars of music, 8, 16 and sometimes 32 bars. We had to be ready to act, as soon as the teacher called, 'Ready, and...'. We were poised, ready to play when needed. The intensity of the classes was balanced by leisurely lunch breaks and dinner. Most nights, the dancers were ready for 7.30pm to dance the night away. Alastair & I, backed by Carol on cello and Gary on keyboard played for 2 evening dances during the week. We were pleased to have the fullness of sound from the cello and backing rhythm of the keyboard. Experienced teachers carried out short walk-throughs of the evening dance programme before the band played and 8x32 or whatever length the particular dances required. With temperatures in the mid 30s the majority of the time, you would think everyone would be lacking a bit of energy, but no. It was amazing where the stamina came from to dance or play through an 8x32 strathspey. That's where the beauty of the key changes come into play. A change from A minor to A, brightens and livens up a set as you reach the end. The musicians concert on Wednesday night was an opportunity for all the dancers to take a break and listen to the music, without having to remember the intricacies of steps. The concert was also a chance for musicians to explore music and style, varied from the discipline that was required for the daily classes. The campers concert on Friday night was a hoot. Dancers became comedians and poets. Others presented contrasting dance styles or told a story through dance. There was something for everyone at TAC week, not forgetting to mention the Wednesday afternoon off. Tours were organised and coaches of dancers and musicians flocked either to a local lavender farm, followed by winery, or honey farm followed by craft brewery. It was a relaxed afternoon for all, ours which included a live performance on harp. Saturday night, the last night of the dance week was the formal ball. After a banquet meal and group photo for dancers, the musicians joined forces, creating a 7 piece band. The band comprised; accordion, 3 fiddles, recorder, cello and keyboard, a pretty unorthodox Scottish dance band line up. However, the feedback was warm and positive. Every evening, after dancing, there were after parties. These were very nicely catered and many an impromptu dance was had at those too. More used to youngsters getting up to do a strip the willow in Scotland, the dancers were demanding a full Eightsome Reel and Duke of Perth. The camaraderie was excellent and late nights were had by many. With classes starting at 9am each day, a few hours sleep was still possible. We left on Sunday, exhausted but happy, only needing the one stop, to break the journey and have a short sleep. With so many great memories from a fabulous week, there was plenty to talk about on the way home in the car. Can't wait to do it all again.