Last night the DERT set ran through the whole dance, spending maybe 10 minutes on each figure and thinking about timings, sword handling, placement, snappiness, why some things were working better than others, etc.

I thought I would write out the list of things we discussed (as I remember it).  Please add to this if there's things I've forgotten.  It'd be good to bring this along on Sunday and focus on these points then too.

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Walk the Dog - timing of swords going up and down (we preferred swords up on 1 and down on 8, but aren't very good at it); keeping swords as straight as possible; discussion of whether to bow swords or move hands apart when coming back in - TBD; trying to get fully back into the set on 8 before casting out again.

Back 8 - swords going up smartly on 1 or 5; Rachel to call better.

Fig 8 - keep swords high; push swords up as you come through the middle; vertical handles in the middle but horizontal on the outside; trying to come to a consistent point at the front but also a consistent point at the back.

Open ring - calling early enough that 1 and 5 can move through the set together; Rachel to not step backwards when she turns round so that 1 and 5 remain symmetrical; sword handles level and vertical; pentagon even.

Glass - be in position in time for the swords to snap down on 4.

Haymarket - trying to make a neat shape instantly; on the rotate, keeping the set even and tight; not letting the "back" move around too much - Nikki to consult; Hannorah to bounce less.

Pixies - we didn't practice, but I suspect the issues here would be around swords going up and down on the right beats, smartly, and the set staying tight and on the spot.

Stand-in guard - practised for Jo's benefit with the timings and Lindsey to tumble.  Felt pretty good.

Lock - we need to step for 4 to catch up with the music if necessary before displaying, but if we're there already, an 8 is *not* necessary - there's been confusion about that lately.

Spin - Rachel needs to remember to call it for longer (I know 16 has been discussed).

Walk round - nice and tight

Hoops - practised coming out on the right beats, neatly, which was going well; making sure to catch up with the person in front; number 5 leading strongly out of the circle; keeping swords high; making sure the display is neat and even; coming out tidily - 1&5 turning together, when does 3 turn?.

Fourth corner - moving quickly; swords high; snap down on 4; snap to straight line; 1 and 5 with crossed wrists central over body; 2 and 4 to lean hands more towards the centre of the set.

Curley - keeping shoulders tight to the pillar; keeping the pillars stationary - 4&5 pillar was drifting away; coming through with your partner; swords curving nicely; Sue to come in on the right of the set to avoid unbalancing; not to worry too much about Sue coming in!

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Thanks for making it to the end! Before we all get depressed, I think it's worth saying that these are all little niggles, not major issues.  We also got compliments last night, with Rhona and Kat both saying how well our stepping sounded.

See you all Sunday!

Rachel x