I've been going to the Central Germany Branch's Easter workshop at the Kuckucksnest in Schlüchtern for more than 30 years now (back when it was still organised by Carola Fischer), most of that time as the “house pianist”. The big change this year is that I won't be doing that – the Bluebell Trio, or 2/3 of them, from Japan – will be playing and I will be teaching for a change! Yoohoo!

I must admit that I'm feeling honoured – ever since the 1990s, this course has always been taught by famous teachers from abroad, so being asked to do this as the first German SCD teacher in decades does seem flattering. But of course this also means that there are some fairly big dance shoes to fill. And we'll have to see whether people will be coming to hear the Bluebells play, or staying away because the teacher isn't famous and from Scotland … I have no idea how many people have registered to attend so far.

This whole situation, of course, warrants careful – and timely! – preparation! Some of the famous teachers from abroad left me only a week or so to get the music ready, which for a list of 40–50 dances is always a sporting challenge. Our friends from Japan, OTOH, will be playing on a number of occasions here in Europe, and given the eclectic nature of event programmes in Germany (and elsewhere), I feel that I should stake my claim early. They're going to have their work cut out for them! So I've been pondering about dances and classes for a time now and have finally managed to put a set of lesson plans (plus a “strategic reserve”) together for the 2½ days of the workshop that have classes. The only thing left is to finish the collection of original tunes for the dances (I hope our Japanese friends will appreciate not having to do the research) and then these can be sent off East … and I have almost three months to learn the dances myself and perhaps try a few in the Frankfurt group just to be sure. Looking forward to a great weekend!