Dances to save

user: Moose Flores

Table of Contents

  1. Joyride by Erik Weberg
  2. Sharon of the Green by Jane Ewing

    double Mad Robin!

  3. Pigtown Petronella by Cary Ravitz

    Wonky Petronellas

  4. Firefly Pedicabs by Rick Mohr

    Weave the Line

  5. Moving to Maine by Ryan Carollo

    Diagonal Hey, Larks chain

  6. Jefferson And Liberty by Chestnut

    Proper, but not important. No swing

  7. Hey the Line by Tom Calwell

    4F4, Hey for 8

  8. Devil's Backbone by William J. Watson

    4F4 "exchange the gears"

  9. Mama Loo's Reel by Gene Hubert

    Scatter Mixer

  10. Tempus Fugit by David Smukler

    "F4F" Tempus formation

  11. Tilt-A-Whirl by Martha Wild

    proper, 4-person by the eyes

  12. Galopede by Chestnut

    like Virginia reel

  13. Doorbits by Andy Shore

    Revolving door to orbit

  14. Rip and Snort by Ben Werner
  15. Springtime in Philly by Julian Blechner

    Larks chain (as Ravens)

  16. Captain Hook's Revenge by Yoyo Zhou

    Hey to center wave

  17. Mad Scatter by Rick Mohr

    Random progression

  18. Broken Sixpence v. with Circle and Star by Don Armstrong

    Good for Lesson & First dance

  19. Fire in Vermont by Nicholas Rockstroh

    Two CA & cloverleaf

  20. The Wise People of Chicago by Bradley Smith
  21. Heart of Joy by Chris Page
  22. Delphiniums and Daisies by Tanya Rotenberg
  23. California Twirlin' by Janet Levatin
  24. poetry by Don Flaherty
  25. George's Neat Reel by Michael Fuerst
  26. Trip to Wilson by Will Mentor
  27. Another Nice Combination by Tom Hinds
  28. The Nice Combination by Gene Hubert
  29. The Reminder by Louise Siddons
  30. Mad For Ogontz by Don Veino
  31. http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=1450

  32. Rocket City Romp by Cis Hinkle
  33. Dr Bluhm's Delight by Rick Mohr
  34. http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=8132

  35. Airpants by Lisa Greenleaf
  36. Hope's Spirit by Dean Snipes
  37. ANTICI...PATION by Alan Prince Winston
  38. November Night by Jim Hemphill
  39. Penicillin by Nicholas Rockstroh
  40. Laura's 3/4 Century by Bob Stein
  41. A Thing of Trust by Chris Page
  42. Maliza's Magical Mystery Motion by Cary Ravitz
  43. Happy as a Cold Pig in Warm Mud by Mike Boerschig
  44. Amy's Harmonium by Cary Ravitz
  45. Another Orbit for Liz by Bob Green
  46. http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=1204

  47. http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=4463

  48. Concentric Rotation by Dugan Murphy (in Boneyard)

  49. Twenty Ten by Sandy Lafleur (In Syllabus p7)

  50. http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=10401

  51. Kitty-Corner http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=10542

  52. I Lost My Partner! by Cammy Kaynor
  53. Pete's Dark Roast by Andy Shore

    Courtesy turn NEXT neighbor

  54. http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=1789

  55. Greenfield Petronella by Chris Ricciotti
  56. Winter in Summerland by Jeff Spero & James Hutson
  57. A Different Way Forward (variant?) http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=2055

  58. Summer of '84 by Gene Hubert and Steve Schnur
  59. High Seas http://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=10052

  60. Fairport Harbor Hey B2 by Paul Balliet
  61. The Other Contra-cordions https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=12415

  62. A Crafty Wave by Nicholas Rockstroh
  63. West By Midwest by Carol Ormand
  64. Life, the Universe, and Everything by Carol Ormand
  65. Stars of Alberta by Carol Ormand
  66. Super Robin by Don Veino
  67. Slice of Pie by Breaking Up Thanksgiving Dance Writing Workshop 2022
  68. Hey in the Barn by Chart Guthrie
  69. Pete's Dark Roast by Andy Shore
  70. Rouleau by Sarah Kaiser https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=9678

  71. Spring Snow (Larks chain! star to star) https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=10757

  72. Butter by Gene Hubert
  73. Mary Cay's Reel by David Kaynor
  74. Wrinkled Ribbon by Melanie Axel-Lute: https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=1184

  75. The Zen of Dance by Chris Page https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=10820

  76. A Thing of Trust by Chris Page
  77. Fairport Harbor pass through B2 by Paul Balliet
  78. The Hinge Binge by Bob Isaacs https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=11638

  79. Sibyl's Roundabout

  80. Valerie's New Trip to Portland https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=16684

  81. California Twirlin' by Janet Levatin
  82. Undercurrent by Jacqui Grennan
  83. On the Other Hand (It Works Fine With the Music) by Abigail Golden and Qwill Duvall
  84. Sarah's Journey by Gene Hubert
  85. Trip to Wilson by Will Mentor
  86. Roses on the Road by Isaac Banner
  87. Queer Contra Zig-Zag by Carol Ormand
  88. You Can Get To Good Friday From Here by Koren Wake
  89. Jabberwocky by Jeremy Korr
  90. Dr Bluhm's Delight by Rick Mohr


Database

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Joyride

by: Erik Weberg

introduces moves: gyre, mad robin, poussette, hey, pass by, swing, chain, star

formation: improper

A1 8
neighbors gyre once
8
mad robin, ladles in front
A2 8
half poussette - gentlespoons pull partners back then left
8
gentlespoons start a half hey - lefts in center, rights on ends
B1 2
gentlespoons pass by left shoulders
14
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
star left 4 places to next neighbor ⁋

This is one of the most flowing dances I’ve written (2007…?) and dancers have expressed appreciation for the connectedness and satisfying feel. After the half pousette with partner, the ladles should let go and take a step back and to the left in order to leave room in the middle for the gentlespoons to begin the hey. The timing of this dance has been described as “squishy”, which is ok. Encourage dancers to stretch out the Mad Robin, the Pousette and the Hey and use all the music provided.

*I’ve recently been teaching this dance the way I initially intended it; with the fifth change of the hey and then the swing in the B1 part of the dance. I’ve found that as I get better at teaching it, it has become easier to convince dancers to suspend their hurry in getting to the next figure during the A parts. As dancers relax into the flow they seem to enjoy it more, and saving that last crossing by the gentlespoons until the B1 seems to enhance the joy.

Ryan Smith notes in a facebook thread: One of my favorite dances of all time is Joyride. It starts with a face-to-face, transitions into a mad robin, then to a half pousette, then to a hey (or at least 7/8ths of one) and then into a swing. Then the ladles chain across and you star to the next neighbor. With the right hall and the right partner, you can lock eyes halfway through A1 and not look away until the end of B1. Because the vast majority of the moves are not moves where you are connected to the other dancers physically, it requires extra effort for the caller. Because the first move needs to take up 8 counts of music, but that most dancers will try to do it in 6 means that there's some more extra work for the caller.

Original at http://www.erikweberg.com/joyride/

Sharon of the Green

by: Jane Ewing

double Mad Robin!

introduces moves: circle, allemande, long lines

formation: improper

A1 8
mad robin, ladles in front
8
circle left 4 places
A2 8
ladles allemande right 1½
8
partners swing
B1 8
long lines forward & back
8
ladles chain
B2 8
star left 4 places
8
mad robin, ladles in front ⁋

Note that the mad robin in B2 is with old neighbors, then the next mad robin in A1 is with new neighbors. Over the two mad robins, everyone's individual footpaths will describe a figure 8.
Found elsewhere:
http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/486-sharon-of-the-green-contra
(different B1) http://squash.1gainesville.com/contradance.dances-composers.html#n

Pigtown Petronella

by: Cary Ravitz

Wonky Petronellas

introduces moves: right left through, petronella, turn alone

formation: Becket ccw

Double progression.

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
right left through
8
left diagonal ladles chain to shadow (only if there is someone there) ⁋
B1 8
balance & petronella
0
turn alone to face a new neighbor ⁋
8
balance & petronella
B2 0
turn alone to face your partner
16
partners balance & swing

http://www.dance.ravitz.us/#pp3

Note the similarity to Maliza's Magical Mystery Motion. The chain is to the diagonal left here, so at the end of B1 you must face a new set of four to find your partner.

YouTube, 2, 3

Firefly Pedicabs

by: Rick Mohr

Weave the Line

introduces moves: balance the ring, custom, promenade

formation: improper, reverse progression

A1 4
balance the ring
12
neighbors swing
A2 8
left diagonal right left through
8
circle left 3 places
B1 8
with original neighbor, weave the line -zig left past current couple, zag right past next couple, zig left to partner
8
partners swing
B2 8
partners promenade - wide loop to face new neighbors
4
balance the ring
8
petronella

Rick Mohr notes: A fresh all-moving dance offering a weaving reunion with partner and a nice reverse progression.

The figures are straightforward. The end effects are numerous, but intuitive when dancers orient themselves to prepare for the next figure. If out after the A2 right and left through, stand across from partner to prepare for the zig-zag. If out during the B1 zig-zag, California Twirl to face the set. If out during the B2 half promenade, cross the set to prepare for the right and left through. No problem!

Firefly pedicabs brought fanciful pedal-powered magic to Philadelphia's Ben Franklin Parkway at twilight. Somehow this dance reminds me of that merry experience.

Moving to Maine

by: Ryan Carollo

Diagonal Hey, Larks chain

formation: Becket

A1 8
right left through
8
ladles start a right diagonal half hey - rights in center, lefts on ends ⁋
A2 16
partners balance & swing
B1 8
gentlespoons start a half hey - lefts in center, rights on ends - ladles ricochet
8
neighbors swing
B2 8
long lines forward & back
8
gentlespoons chain

Jefferson And Liberty

by: Chestnut

Proper, but not important. No swing

introduces moves: down the hall, up the hall, arch & dive

formation: proper

A1 8
circle left 4 places
8
circle right 4 places
A2 8
star right 4 places
8
star left 4 places
B1 8
ones down the outsides and turn alone
8
ones up the outsides and end in long lines, ones in the center, facing down the hall
B2 4
down the hall
4
ones arch twos dive ⁋
8
up the hall 2x2 with the twos leading, then ones turn around to face the next

G Campbell Kaynor notes: For a simple proper dance I do one called Jefferson and Liberty to the tune of the same name (Thos Jefferson's campaign song, a.k.a the Gobby O, an American Irish Jig)

It doesn't matter if people get on the wrong side of the set so I often start the night with this if there are lots of newcomers

Hey the Line

by: Tom Calwell

4F4, Hey for 8

introduces moves: balance, custom, roll away, pass through, form an ocean wave

formation: four face four

From improper four-face-four, step forward & left and form an ocean wave of 8 across (left with same-role neighbor, right with opposite-role neighbor)

A1 4
balance - forward/left & back/right
2
ladles allemande left ½ - face your partner
16
partners start a hey for eight - first pass by right, 7 passes - until partners meet
10
partners swing - end with center couples facing sides and outside couples facing center, join hands four in two rings
B1 6
circle left 3 places
10
neighbors swing - join hands four with same neighbors
B2 4
balance - the ring
4
gentlespoons roll away partners with a half sashay - join hands four with same neighbors
4
balance
2
pass through ⁋
2
form an ocean wave - ladles by left hands and neighbors by right hands - (left with same-role neighbor and right with opposite-role neighbor)

Devil's Backbone

by: William J. Watson

4F4 "exchange the gears"

introduces moves: custom

formation: four face four

A1 8
long lines forward & back (lines of four)
8
ladles chain with the couple you're facing
A2 8
star left 4 places the same two couples
8
lead ladles unroll the star - passing right, cross the set, gather a circle
B1 8
circle left 4 places
8
neighbors swing
B2 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
partners swing and face your direction of travel ⁋

Mama Loo's Reel

by: Gene Hubert

Scatter Mixer

introduces moves: stand still

formation: improper

A1 8
circle left 4 places
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
8
ladles allemande right 1½
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
ladles chain
6
circle right 4 places
2
stand still let go hands and turn ⁋

Tempus Fugit

by: David Smukler

"F4F" Tempus formation

introduces moves: do si do

formation: Tempest

Two #1 cpls facing down - Two #2 cpls spit and facing in

A1 8
down the hall and turn as a couple (two #1 cpls in line of four)
8
up the hall and turn as a couple (#1s turn to face nearest #2s)
A2 4
circle left 2 places (two circles either side of set) +
2
twos arch ones dive ⁋
2
pass through across the set (two #1 couples in center of set)
8
neighbors do si do once (the #2 couple across the set)
B1 16
neighbors balance & swing
B2 4
circle left 2 places (two circles)
12
partners swing (#1s end facing down; #2s face in)

David notes: At the top of A2, the circle on the caller’s left should circle left halfway, but the other one can circle right halfway (ccw). It creates an eddying effect, and the flow is slightly improved for that active couple. This small change was suggested by Nils Fredland, and I like it a lot. Since the circles go halfway around, the dance will work either way.

#2s must slide up while #1s go down the hall
#2s when out at the top must slide together and become new #1s facing down; #1s when out at bottom must separate and face in along
side
Making sure the #1s circle with the correct #2s can sometimes be problematic
http://davidsmukler.syracusecountrydancers.org

Tilt-A-Whirl

by: Martha Wild

proper, 4-person by the eyes

introduces moves: meltdown swing, California twirl, figure 8

formation: proper

A1 8
long lines forward & back
8
____ gyre 1¼ for all four +
A2 16
partners meltdown swing
B1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
neighbors swing
B2 2
pass through across the set
4
partners California twirl
10
ones half figure 8 above ⁋
  • gyre for all four: people can keep eyes on their diagonal opposite as they gyre around. One and one quarter puts the gentlespoons above the ladles in the set, and the gaze shifts to partner. Teaching may be easier if it is taught initially with a hands across star, then have people leave the hands out.

Martha Wild notes: I was concerned that it would seem like too much clockwise motion, but people did not find that an issue, perhaps because the second half has little.

https://sites.google.com/site/marthawildscallsofthewild/

Galopede

by: Chestnut

like Virginia reel

introduces moves: custom

formation: improper or proper

A1 8
long lines forward & back
4
pass through across the set
4
turn alone
A2 8
long lines forward & back
4
pass through across the set
4
turn alone
B1 8
partners do si do once
8
partners swing
B2 16
top couple sashay to bottom of set - others move up ⁋

If you finish dancing before the music is done, let each couple in turn just sashay down until the music is ready to end.

Doorbits

by: Andy Shore

Revolving door to orbit

introduces moves: revolving door, allemande orbit

formation: improper

Demo the A1/A2 part! (see Notes below)

A1 16
neighbors balance & swing (end cozy)
A2 8
revolving door - ladles take right hands and drop off neighbors on other side... as ladles return - slide past Partner "nose to nose"
8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½ around while the ladles orbit clockwise ½ around
B1 16
partners balance & swing (on gentlespoon's original side)
B2 8
ladles chain
8
star left - wrist grip - 4 places to next neighbor ⁋

the revolving door into the allemande/orbit is (as far as I know) a new creation and requires a demo. Ladles drop N off across the set and keep going 1/2... as this happen Gentlespoons keep turning - all slide nose to nose past partner so Gentlespoons can put Left hands into center for the Allemande and Ladles slide out to continue the clockwise orbit another 1/2

Rip and Snort

by: Ben Werner

formation: improper

A1 8
balance the ring then Rip and Snort (1s Arch, 2s Dive Through, 2s drop hands with partner, go around 1s, 1s turn under joined hands and end in short lines facing down the hall)
8
down the hall and turn as a couple
A2 8
up the hall
8
gentlespoons allemande right 1½
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
balance & petronella
4
balance the ring
4
partners California twirl ⁋

Demo the Rip and Snort. 1's need to mind their shoulders when they turn under their joined hand.

Springtime in Philly

by: Julian Blechner

Larks chain (as Ravens)

introduces moves: custom

formation: Becket ccw

A1 8
long lines forward & back
4
pass through across the set and turn right 90 degrees
4
single file promenade to next neighbors (ladles leading partner) ⁋
A2 8
star right - hands across - 4 places
8
gentlespoons right-hand chain to neighbor
B1 8
gentlespoons gyre once
8
neighbors swing
B2 6
circle left 3 places
10
partners swing

Captain Hook's Revenge

by: Yoyo Zhou

Hey to center wave

introduces moves: form a long wave, give & take

formation: improper

Starts with gentlespoons in a long wave down the center

A1 4
gentlespoons form a long wave in the center - balance the wave
8
gentlespoons dance out while ladles dance in to a long wave in the center - balance the wave
4
ladles allemande right ¾
A2 16
neighbors balance & swing
B1 8
ladles give & take partners to the ladle's side
8
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
ladles start a half hey - rights in center, lefts on ends, gentlespoons catch right and allemande 3/4 to a long wave ⁋

To start the walkthru, have gents walk forward into a long wave.

Mad Scatter

by: Rick Mohr

Random progression

formation: scatter mixer

Scattered circles of two or more couples

A1 8
circle left 4 places
8
neighbors do si do once
A2 8
partners allemande right 1½
8
ladles allemande left 1½ around while the gentlespoons orbit clockwise ½ around. Ladles star if more than two.
B1 16
partners balance & swing New partner
B2 16
partners promenade to find new group to circle with ⁋

In this mixer dancers form scattered groups with any number of couples. That makes for fun chaos, less transition panic (compared with 2-couple scatter mixers), and more flavors to enjoy as circle sizes vary.

The A2 allemande ends with ladles in the center facing counterclockwise and gentlespoons on the outside facing clockwise. If there are two ladles they allemande left for 8 beats; if there are more than two they star left for 8 beats. Either way, the gentlespoons orbit clockwise around the ladles. Then all balance and swing a new partner and promenade to a new group.

I tell the dancers it's a zero-stress dance. "If a couple wants to join your circle, let them in!" And no problem if you happen to keep the same partner now and then.

Broken Sixpence v. with Circle and Star

by: Don Armstrong

Good for Lesson & First dance

formation: improper

A1 8
neighbors do si do once
8
gentlespoons do si do once
A2 8
ladles do si do once
8
ones swing and end facing down
B1 8
down the hall and turn alone
8
up the hall and bend into a ring
B2 8
circle left 4 places
8
star left 4 places ⁋

This chain-free version from Rebecca Lay. Rebecca notes Note from Rebecca: If I'm asked to teach a pre-dance "Beginners Workshop" at a contra dance, I often teach participants Broken Sixpence at the end of the workshop, and then do it as the first dance of the evening.

https://www.cdss.org/resources/how-to/contra-dance-resources#callers

A version with chains in the B2 is https://contradb.com/dances/358/

Fire in Vermont

by: Nicholas Rockstroh

Two CA & cloverleaf

introduces moves: custom

formation: Becket ccw

Couples wait out with gentlespoons on the right and ladles on the left

A1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
neighbors swing
A2 4
balance the ring
4
partners California twirl, take hands with next neighbors
8
balance & petronella
B1 8
balance & petronella
4
balance the ring
4
neighbors California twirl, keep hands and reach back to partners to form a cloverleaf
B2 6
cloverleaf left 3 places
10
partners swing

Notice that the two twirls to swap are done with different hands. This is intentional. The California twirl and reach back to a cloverleaf is inspired, primarily, by several Rick Mohr dances which do the same thing.

The name is a result of a remarkable confluence of events. A friend of mine from Wisconsin, Ceara Herndon, was visiting her sister in Vermont. She sent me a picture of a firepit captioned with the title, which seemed like a good name for a dance. As it turns out, the state flower of Vermont is the Red Clover, which I only learned AFTER writing the dance. On top of all this, there's an old, hitherto unpublished dance of mine called "Fire Flower," which also contains a California twirl and reach back to a cloverleaf.

The Wise People of Chicago

by: Bradley Smith

formation: Becket ccw

A1 16
gentlespoons start a full hey - lefts in center, rights on ends - ladles ricochet second time to neighbors
A2 16
neighbors meltdown swing
B1 4
long lines forward
4
gentlespoons roll away neighbors with a half sashay on the way back (roll right to left)
8
mad robin, gentlespoons in front (CCW around current neighbors, facing partners)
B2 0
turn alone to face Next neighbors
6
circle left 3 places
10
partners swing

Written for the Wise family.

Heart of Joy

by: Chris Page

introduces moves: custom

formation: improper

the 'single file promenade clockwise' can be drawing your neighbor/partner across the set with eye contact gravity

A1 4
neighbors gyre ½
4
single file promenade clockwise 1/2 (facing neighbor) [1]
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
8
ladles allemande right 1½ [2]
B1 4
partners gyre ½
4
single file promenade clockwise 1/2 (facing partner) [3]
8
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
star left 4 places ⁋

Chris Page notes:
[1] While looking at your neighbor. Gentlespoons backing up across the set (carefully), ladles follow them to the other side.
[2] A little different from the normal ladle's allemande, as here dancers don't adjust. Gentlespoons should stay put, and stay on the slight diagonal, rather than adjusting to be across from each other. Ladles allemande right 1 & 1/2, then ease out to the sidelines, having traded places, and now facing their partner on the side of the set.
[3] While looking at your partner. Ladles backing up across the set (carefully), gentlespoons follow them to the other side.

An auction dance written for Heather Visscher. She really liked the A2 move from "A Rare Bird" by Bob Isaacs.

Original at http://chrispagecontra.awardspace.us/dances/#heart-of-joy

Called by Andy Shore on tour with Polaris in 2018.

Delphiniums and Daisies

by: Tanya Rotenberg

formation: improper

A1 8
neighbors allemande left 1½
8
ladles chain
A2 16
ladles start a full hey - rights in center, lefts on ends
B1 16
partners long swing
B2 8
circle left 3 places
8
neighbors allemande right 1½ ⁋

Written in 1985 for the 20th anniversary of her parents' wedding, these being their wedding flowers.

California Twirlin'

by: Janet Levatin

formation: improper

A1 4
balance the ring
4
partners California twirl and face back into the original ring
4
balance the ring
4
neighbors California twirl and face back into the original ring
A2 4
balance the ring
4
partners California twirl to face next neighbors
8
next neighbors swing
B1 8
circle left 3 places
8
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain
4
long lines forward
4
gentlespoons roll away neighbors with a half sashay

The California twirls can be facilitated by the gentlespoons taking the ladle's other hand at the end of the twirl to face back in, inside hands joined

poetry

by: Don Flaherty

formation: improper

A1 12
star right 5 places to shadow
4
shadows allemande left once back to partner
A2 16
partners meltdown swing
B1 8
circle left 3 places
8
neighbors swing
B2 8
right left through
8
ladles start a half hey - rights in center, lefts on ends to new neighbors

Please walk this dance thru before taking to the dance floor, any feed back would be appreciate you can E-mail do14flah@aol.com
thanks Don Flaherty

George's Neat Reel

by: Michael Fuerst

introduces moves: custom

formation: Becket ccw

A1 8
partners promenade on the left
8
star left - hands across - 4 places
A2 8
Gentlespoons see-saw, while ladles turn back over right shoulder and orbit clockwise half way around gentlespoons
8
neighbors swing
B1 8
forward and the way back roll away, and finish reaching across to join right hand's with partner across set
8
right and left through with NEW neighbors (while holding partner's hand, gentlespoons note ladle to right, ladles note gentlespoon to lefr, pull by parnenter and courtesy turn wih noted person, finishing facing partner across.)
B2 16
circle left 3 places, partners swing

First called at the barn (outside of Urbana, IL) of Kathy and Tom Anderson--during one of their occasionally hosted Sunday potlucks and dances
Susan Burt, who declared the dance quite "neat," asked me its name.
Not having named it yet, I invited her to suggest one, and without hesitation she replied "George?"

(Composed August 1999)

Trip to Wilson

by: Will Mentor

introduces moves: custom

formation: improper

a demo of A2 (with star left intro) may prove useful

A1 8
star right 4 places
8
star left 4 places
A2 6
Ladles cast, loop to face across. Gentlespoons follow partner
2
ladles pass by right shoulders
8
neighbors swing
B1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
partners swing
B2 4
long lines forward
4
gentlespoons roll away partners with a half sashay
2
pass through and walk single file to new star

All pass through 1/4 R and walk single file along the line to a new neighbor.

For Dale Wilson, who has a knack for strategic figure redeployment into contra settings.

Original and video at: http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/502-trip-to-wilson-by-will-mentor-duple-improper

Another Nice Combination

by: Tom Hinds

formation: improper

A1 16
neighbors balance & swing
A2 8
circle left 3 places
2
pass through
6
shadows do si do once
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
star left 4 places ⁋

The Nice Combination

by: Gene Hubert

formation: improper

A1 16
neighbors long swing, end in a line
A2 8
down the hall and turn as a couple
8
up the hall and bend into a ring
B1 8
circle left 3 places
8
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
star left 4 places ⁋

The Reminder

by: Louise Siddons

formation: duple minor

A1 8
neighbors allemande right 1½
8
gentlespoons chain
A2 16
gentlespoons start a full hey - lefts in center, rights on ends
B1 16
partners meltdown swing
B2 8
long lines forward & back
8
gentlespoons do si do 1½ OR balance and pull by

Intended to make a left-hand chain feel good, to be accessible to new dancers, and to have flow that facilitates positional calling. Tested at Dance, Music and Spice Week (Camp Cavell 2019), where dancer Ruth Scodel said that it reminded her why she fell in love with contra dancing.

Mad For Ogontz

by: Don Veino

formation: improper

A1 16
neighbors meltdown swing
A2 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
partners swing
B1 8
long lines forward & back
8
ladles start a half hey - rights in center, lefts on ends
B2 8
ladles chain
8
mad robin, ladles in front counterclockwise, to next ⁋

Don shared this in a facebook thread asking for atypical but not too difficult dances: You say no contra corners, so is a Mad Robin scarce in your community? This is one I wrote for MR newbies, but an experienced dancer told me it was their "new favorite all-time dance" :-). Encourage folks to not rush the B parts - take the full music and relax into it.
20180808

Original at http://veino.com/blog?p=2175

Alan asked What kind of tunes do you recommend for that? My instant analysis suggests massively flowy, unpunctuated but clearly phrased things like "Air Tune" or "Tom Kruskal's". Is that your vision?
Don replied Yes, flowy with strong 8 beat hinting, particularly in the Bs. If I recall correctly it's been "sexy jigs" and "flowy marches" so far.

Rocket City Romp

by: Cis Hinkle

introduces moves: square through

formation: improper

A1 8
square through two - neighbors balance & pull by right, then partners pull by left
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
8
ladles allemande right 1½
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
square through two - partners balance & pull by right, then neighbors pull by left to new neighbors

Dr Bluhm's Delight

by: Rick Mohr

introduces moves: slide along set

formation: Becket

A1 2
slide left along set ⁋
6
circle left 3 places
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
4
star left 2 places - gentlespoons drop out
4
ladles allemande left ¾
B1 4
form an ocean wave & balance - ladles by right hands and neighbors by left hands
4
neighbors allemande right ½ and a little bit more
4
form a right diagonal ocean wave & balance - gentlespoons by left hands and neighbors by right hands
4
gentlespoons allemande left ¾
B2 4
form a left diagonal ocean wave & balance - gentlespoons by right hands and partners by left hands catch left hands with partners to form left diagonal wavy line
12
partners swing

from: http://rickmohr.net/contra/dances.asp#DrBluhmsDelight
video available at: Lisa Greenleaf & Didgeridoo at Fiddling Frog 2010, Pasadena

Rick Mohr notes: Diagonal action makes this dance fun and different while staying accessible.

The neighbors allemande right in B1 is slightly more than half way round — gentlespoons go just past the opposite gentlespoon to join left hands with the next gentlespoons, forming a wave on the right diagonal. Then left allemande 3/4 easily forms the left diagonal wave with partners for the balance in B2. Of course the gentlespoons would never forget to complete the balance by looking left at each other before diving into the partner swing ... but it couldn't hurt to remind them!

Usually after the swing in B2 dancers are almost across from their new neighbors and don't need to shift left very far to start the circle left in A1.

For my buddy Carey Bluhm of Keene NH, who delights in playing fiddle tunes.

Airpants

by: Lisa Greenleaf

formation: improper

A1 16
neighbors balance & swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
8
ladles allemande right 1½
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
circle left 3 places
8
neighbors do si do 1½ ⁋

Hope's Spirit

by: Dean Snipes

formation: improper

A1 8
long lines forward & back
4
gentlespoons allemande right ¾ ⁋
4
gentlespoons allemande left ¾ NEXT Gentlespoons
A2 16
next neighbors balance & swing
B1 8
left diagonal ladles chain to reclaim partner
8
ladles start a half hey - rights in center, lefts on ends
B2 16
partners balance & swing

Often called in memory of Louie Cromartie, as it was a favorite dance of hers. Emily Rush edited video allowing "Louie" to call this at her memorial dance.

Collected from Michael Barraclaugh at https://whatzon.info/about-me/videos-of-me .

ANTICI...PATION

by: Alan Prince Winston

introduces moves: custom

formation: improper

A1 8
long lines forward & back
8
circle left 4 places into a
A2 8
do si do as couples, once and a little more to launch ladles into
8
ladles allemande right once (or twice) to face partner
B1 0
MEANWHILE gentlespoons loop around to the left, left shoulder 'round the gentlespoon from the next set if there is one, return to face partner
16
partners balance & swing, open facing across
B2 4
balance the ring
8
neighbors swing on gentlespoons' side, open facing across ⁋

Alan shared this on a facebook thread, noting: conceived 9/9/2012 on drive home from Los Angeles.

November Night

by: Jim Hemphill

formation: improper

A1 8
gentlespoons do si do once
8
ladles allemande left 1½
A2 16
partners balance & swing
B1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
neighbors swing
B2 8
neighbors promenade across
8
long lines forward & back ⁋

Bradley Smith Notes:
The first time through the dance, the gentlespoons do-si-do in A1 is with the couple that you start the dance with. Every time after that, the gentlespoons have to look to the left to find the next gentlespoon to do-si-do. It's a very simple progression that just requires reminding gentlepoons that they must look to the left every time through the dance after the first to find the next gentlespoon to Do-si-do.

Penicillin

by: Nicholas Rockstroh

formation: improper

A1 8
neighbors do si do once
8
neighbors swing
A2 4
long lines forward
4
ladles roll away neighbors with a half sashay
8
ladles allemande left 1½
B1 8
partners gyre once meltdown to
8
partners swing -end in ring of 4
B2 8
balance & petronella spin right one place
4
balance the ring
4
pass through ⁋

Notes: Written to medley with Steve Zakon-Anderson and Louis Cromartie’s dance Salmonella Evening. Preserves the progression from that dance while doing some different stuff beforehand. Perfectly enjoyable on its own, but the name only makes sense in the context of the medley. Inspired by a conversation I had with Josiah Roberts.

Laura's 3/4 Century

by: Bob Stein

formation: improper

A1 8
mad robin, ladles in front
8
neighbors swing
A2 12
gentlespoons start a hey - lefts in center, rights on ends - until partners meet the second time
4
partners gyre once
B1 16
partners long swing
B2 8
long lines forward & back
4
gentlespoons roll away partners with a half sashay ⁋
4
circle right 3 places

Those who don't like a long 16-count swing may gyre twice.

A Thing of Trust

by: Chris Page

formation: improper

A1 6
half poussette - gentlespoons pull partners back then left clockwise ⁋
10
neighbors swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
8
circle left 3 places
B1 6
half poussette - gentlespoons pull neighbors back then left clockwise
10
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain to neighbor
8
circle right 4 places

Notes from Bob Isaacs: Written on August 7, 2012 as a smushing together of the B2/A1 of "A Sure Thing" and A2/B1 of "Trust," to put both transitions in the same dance. Chris learned to dance and call at Glenside before moving to San Diego a decade ago. This dance has it all; a new transition, good flow into both swings, and the beautiful/circle R/pousette progression.

Maliza's Magical Mystery Motion

by: Cary Ravitz

formation: Becket ccw

A1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
neighbors promenade
8
ladles chain
B1 8
balance & petronella and turn to face the next ⁋
8
balance & petronella
B2 16
partners balance & swing

"The motion in B1 does seem magical – while the ladles Petronella over and back across the set, the gentlespoons do consecutive Petronellas along the side, in effect progressing behind his partner’s back."
- Rich Goss

Happy as a Cold Pig in Warm Mud

by: Mike Boerschig

introduces moves: custom

formation: improper

A1 16
neighbors balance & swing
A2 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
partners allemande right 1½
B1 8
The first gentlespoon and second ladle star left above, and the second gentlespoon and first ladle star left below
8
partners swing
B2 8
circle left 3 places
4
balance the ring
4
partners California twirl ⁋

Amy's Harmonium

by: Cary Ravitz

formation: Becket ccw

A1 4
long lines forward
4
gentlespoons roll away partners with a half sashay
8
gentlespoons allemande right 1½
A2 16
neighbors balance & swing
B1 8
ladles chain
8
circle left 3 places and pass through up and down to a new couple
B2 8
ladles allemande left once around while the gentlespoons orbit clockwise ½ around
8
partners swing

Another Orbit for Liz

by: Bob Green

formation: Improper

A1 8
mad robin, ladles in front
8
ladles allemande left 1½ around while the gentlespoons orbit clockwise ½ around
A2 16
neighbors balance & swing
B1 8
ladles give & take partners
8
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
mad robin, ladles in front ⁋

Concentric Rotation by Dugan Murphy (in Boneyard)

Twenty Ten by Sandy Lafleur (In Syllabus p7)

I Lost My Partner!

by: Cammy Kaynor

This dance is not published.

Pete's Dark Roast

by: Andy Shore

Courtesy turn NEXT neighbor

introduces moves: box the gnat

formation: Becket

A1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
neighbors promenade
8
mad robin, ladles in front
B1 8
partners right hand balance & box the gnat
8
right left through - courtesy turn new neighbor ⁋
B2 8
ladles do si do 1½
8
partners swing

when out with partner, cross over and get in with Balance & Box the Gnat
(if you miss that, you'll still be in position to courtesy turn new neighbor)

Greenfield Petronella

by: Chris Ricciotti

formation: improper - double progression

A1 8
balance & petronella
8
balance & petronella
A2 4
balance the ring
4
partners California twirl ⁋
8
neighbors swing
B1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
ladles start a half hey - rights in center, lefts on ends ⁋

Half-hey in B2 must be done briskly to allow for 2nd progression into new ring with next neighbors.

Winter in Summerland

by: Jeff Spero & James Hutson

introduces moves: custom

formation: Becket

A1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
8
pass through to an ocean wave & balance - ladles by left in the center, neighbors by right on the sides
B1 4
dance forward to next neighbor ⁋
4
neighbors gyre ½
8
three-quarters hey (gentlespoons by left in the center)
B2 16
partners balance & swing

Summer of '84

by: Gene Hubert and Steve Schnur

introduces moves: pull by dancers, custom

formation: improper

A1 8
long lines forward & back - New Neighbor gentlespoons on left diagonal
2
gentlespoons pull by right
6
partners allemande left once - hold on
A2 0
form an ocean wave - gentlespoons by right hands and partners by left hands
4
balance the wave
4
walk forward along the set to next couple
0
form an ocean wave - gentlespoons by right hands and shadows by left hands
4
balance the wave
4
shadows allemande left ¾
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
right left through - identify next neighbors

Fairport Harbor Hey B2

by: Paul Balliet

formation: Becket

On side of the set with your partner, ladles, face your not-your-partner and freeze.

A1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½ same two. Ladles, snatch your neighbor in promenade position as hecomes in.
8
neighbors promenade along the set on the right counterclockwise big oval
A2 2
ladles turn alone over their right shoulder to ⁋
6
next neighbors gyre once
8
neighbors swing
B1 8
neighbors promenade along the set on the right home (til across from partner)
8
ladles chain to partner
B2 8
gentlespoons start a half hey - lefts in center, rights on ends
8
partners swing

This version supplants http://contradb.com/dances/128 .

Paul Balliet notes: The idea to progress in a promenade came from Gene Hubert's dance, "Gang of Four." I first called this at the 1993(?) "Balance and Swim," a favorite dance party thrown by Charlotte and Rich Cobos in West Virginia.

Fairport Harbor lies east of Cleveland along Lake Erie.

Russel Owen Notes:
Teaching tip (especially helpful for less experienced dancers): while dancers are swinging their new neighbor, mention that if you have your partner then you are about to be out. Otherwise such couples may attempt to join the ladles chain.

Calling tip: remind the dancers who are out to join the promenade. It can be difficult to recover if a couple forgets.

This dance is from American Country Dances On Line
http://www.quiteapair.us/calling/acdol/dance/acd_52.html

A Crafty Wave

by: Nicholas Rockstroh

introduces moves: box circulate, form long waves

formation: improper

Start in a long wave taking right hands with current neighbors

A1 8
balance & box circulate - ladles cross while gentlespoons loop right
8
balance & box circulate - gentlespoons cross while ladles loop right
A2 16
neighbors balance & swing
B1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
star left - wrist grip - 4 places
0
form long waves - ladles face in, gentlespoons face out

Written for Andrea Craft from Chicago when they needed a straightforward dance with box circulates in it. Very similar to “Minimum Fuss, Maximum Fun” by Dean Snipes, which differs slightly in the A1 and A2.

West By Midwest

by: Carol Ormand

introduces moves: custom

formation: improper

do not balance the wave

A1 16
neighbors balance & swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
4
pass through to an ocean wave - ladles by left in the center, neighbors by right on the sides
4
swing though
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
circle left 3 places
2
pass through ⁋
6
next neighbors do si do once

Carol Ormand Notes : A2: Pass the ocean: all pass through to a wave of four, ladles joining left hands with each other in the middle, neighbors holding right hands.

Swing through: allemande right halfway (with your neighbor, in this case), centers (gentlespoons, in this case) allemande left halfway.

Note: dancers must resist the urge to balance as they form the wave. There’s no time for that. Once they overcome that urge, however, the dance flows very smoothly.

Life, the Universe, and Everything

by: Carol Ormand

introduces moves: contra corners, custom

formation: improper

A1 2
ones pull by right
6
ones down the outsides one place
8
long lines forward & back
A2 16
ones contra corners - hold on to second corner’s left hand
B1 4
form a left diagonal ocean wave & balance - ones by right hands and neighbors by left hands *
4
walk forward ⁋
4
form a left diagonal ocean wave & balance - twos by left hands and neighbors by right hands *
4
neighbors allemande right ¾
B2 16
ones balance & swing

* "neighbor" here means "different role person who is not your partner". Sometimes it's your current neighbor, sometime's it's your future neighbor. "Corner" is the intuitive term to use.

Transcribed from 25th Annual Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend

Stars of Alberta

by: Carol Ormand

formation: improper

A1 8
neighbors allemande right 1½
8
star left 4 places with next neighbors
A2 8
star right 3 places with original neighbors
8
partners swing
B1 8
long lines forward & back
8
ladles chain
B2 16
ladles start a full hey - rights in center, lefts on ends

Super Robin

by: Don Veino

introduces moves: Rory O'More

formation: improper

mad robin ender wave will be gentlespoons by left hand in center

A1 16
neighbors meltdown swing
A2 8
mad robin 1¼ around, gentlespoons in front
0
form an ocean wave - gentlespoons by right hands and neighbors by left hands
8
balance & Rory O'More right, ladles super twirl across
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
circle left 3 places
8
pass through to an ocean wave & balance - ladles by left in the center, neighbors by right on the sides ⁋

I love Mad Robins but find contra dancers routinely rush them - so I've
been writing dances that steal a bit of that 8 beat allotment for added
motion to come out dependably square.

Dedicated to Robin Humes: family friend and super volunteer in service of the Concord Scout House area contra community. It's only fitting this dance include a Mad Robin (besides the obvious eponymous link), because Bob Isaacs' dance Redbeard Reel (commissioned by Robin for her husband John Wasser) features one as well.

Slice of Pie

by: Breaking Up Thanksgiving Dance Writing Workshop 2022

introduces moves: custom, slice

formation: Becket CW

No neighbor swing.
When out wait in Becket, ready for the slice left.

A1 8
right left through
8
ladles chain
A2 8
mad robin, ladles in front
6
ladles start a half hey - rights in center, lefts on ends
2
Ladles cross directly to Partner
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
long lines forward & back
8
slice left and straight back with new neighbors

Hey in the Barn

by: Chart Guthrie

formation: improper

A1 16
neighbors balance & swing
A2 8
ladles chain
8
ladles start a half hey - rights in center, lefts on ends
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
ladles chain
8
ladles start a half hey - ____ in center, ____ on ends ⁋

Pete's Dark Roast

by: Andy Shore

formation: Becket

A1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
neighbors promenade
8
mad robin, ladles in front
B1 8
partners right hand balance & box the gnat
8
right left through - courtesy turn new neighbor ⁋
B2 8
ladles do si do 1½
8
partners swing

when out with partner, cross over and get in with Balance & Box the Gnat
(if you miss that, you'll still be in position to courtesy turn new neighbor)

Butter

by: Gene Hubert

formation: Becket

A1 2
slide left along set ⁋
6
circle left 3 places
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
8
ladles chain
B1 16
ladles start a full hey - rights in center, lefts on ends
B2 16
partners balance & swing

Mary Cay's Reel

by: David Kaynor

introduces moves: pull by direction

formation: Becket

A1 6
circle left 3 places
2
pull by right
8
next neighbors allemande left once
A2 16
neighbors balance & swing (original neighbor)
B1 8
long lines forward & back
4
ladles allemande right ¾
0
ladles form a long wave in the center
4
ladles allemande left ¾ with the next while gentlespoons slide left to meet their partner ⁋
B2 16
partners balance & swing

A Thing of Trust

by: Chris Page

formation: improper

A1 6
half poussette - gentlespoons pull partners back then left clockwise ⁋
10
neighbors swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
8
circle left 3 places
B1 6
half poussette - gentlespoons pull neighbors back then left clockwise
10
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain to neighbor
8
circle right 4 places

Notes from Bob Isaacs: Written on August 7, 2012 as a smushing together of the B2/A1 of "A Sure Thing" and A2/B1 of "Trust," to put both transitions in the same dance. Chris learned to dance and call at Glenside before moving to San Diego a decade ago. This dance has it all; a new transition, good flow into both swings, and the beautiful/circle R/pousette progression.

Fairport Harbor pass through B2

by: Paul Balliet

formation: Becket

On side of the set with your partner, ladles, face your not-your-partner and freeze.

A1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½ same two. Ladles snatch your neighbor in promenade position as he comes in
8
neighbors promenade along the set on the right counterclockwise big oval
A2 2
ladles turn alone over their right shoulder to ⁋
6
next neighbors gyre once
8
neighbors swing
B1 8
neighbors promenade along the set on the right home (til across from partner)
8
ladles chain to partner
B2 4
pass through across the set
12
partners swing

Obsoleted by http://contradb.com/dances/504

During the pass through, have the gentlespoons walk ahead of their partner. This improves the transition into the swing.

Paul Balliet notes: The idea to progress in a promenade came from Gene Hubert's dance, "Gang of Four." I first called this at the 1993(?) "Balance and Swim," a favorite dance party thrown by Charlotte and Rich Cobos in West Virginia.

Fairport Harbor lies east of Cleveland along Lake Erie.

Russel Owen Notes:
Teaching tip (especially helpful for less experienced dancers): while dancers are swinging their new neighbor, mention that if you have your partner then you are about to be out. Otherwise such couples may attempt to join the ladles chain.

Calling tip: remind the dancers who are out to join the promenade. It can be difficult to recover if a couple forgets.

This dance is from American Country Dances On Line
http://www.quiteapair.us/calling/acdol/dance/acd_52.html

Sibyl's Roundabout

California Twirlin'

by: Janet Levatin

formation: improper

A1 4
balance the ring
4
partners California twirl and face back into the original ring
4
balance the ring
4
neighbors California twirl and face back into the original ring
A2 4
balance the ring
4
partners California twirl to face next neighbors
8
next neighbors swing
B1 8
circle left 3 places
8
partners swing
B2 8
ladles chain
4
long lines forward
4
gentlespoons roll away neighbors with a half sashay

The California twirls can be facilitated by the gentlespoons taking the ladle's other hand at the end of the twirl to face back in, inside hands joined

Undercurrent

by: Jacqui Grennan

formation: improper

A1 8
long lines forward & back
8
pass through to an ocean wave & balance - gentlespoons by left in the center, neighbors by right on the sides
A2 2
neighbors allemande right ½
2
ladles allemande left ½
12
partners swing
B1 8
right left through
8
ladles allemande right 1½
B2 16
neighbors balance & swing ⁋

On the Other Hand (It Works Fine With the Music)

by: Abigail Golden and Qwill Duvall

formation: improper

A1 4
balance the ring
4
ladles roll away partners on the diagonal so that gentlespoons end up swapping places
8
ladles left-hand chain
A2 8
ladles start a half hey - lefts in center, rights on ends
8
neighbors swing
B1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
partners swing
B2 8
circle left 3 places
4
balance the ring
4
partners California twirl

We wanted to write a dance with a ladles left hand chain that was otherwise a simple dance. Dancers are often confused by the chain during the walk through, so take care to explain carefully. It can be helpful to point out that at the end of the courtesy turn the ladle will be on the left.

Sarah's Journey

by: Gene Hubert

formation: improper

A1 4
neighbors box the gnat
4
gentlespoons pull by left
8
partners swing
A2 8
circle left 4 places
8
partners do si do once
B1 4
partners box the gnat
4
ladles pull by left
8
neighbors swing
B2 8
right left through
8
star left 4 places ⁋

Trip to Wilson

by: Will Mentor

introduces moves: custom

formation: improper

a demo of A2 (with star left intro) may prove useful

A1 8
star right 4 places
8
star left 4 places
A2 6
Ladles cast, loop to face across. Gentlespoons follow partner
2
ladles pass by right shoulders
8
neighbors swing
B1 8
gentlespoons allemande left 1½
8
partners swing
B2 4
long lines forward
4
gentlespoons roll away partners with a half sashay
2
pass through and walk single file to new star

All pass through 1/4 R and walk single file along the line to a new neighbor.

For Dale Wilson, who has a knack for strategic figure redeployment into contra settings.

Original and video at: http://dancevideos.childgrove.org/contra/contra-modern/502-trip-to-wilson-by-will-mentor-duple-improper

Roses on the Road

by: Isaac Banner

formation: Becket

Identify neighbors number 2 and 3 before the walk-through.

A1 8
left diagonal ladles chain to 2nd neighbors
8
star left 4 places ⁋
A2 16
3rd neighbors balance & swing
B1 6
circle left 3 places
2
pass through
8
partners do si do once
B2 16
partners balance & swing

In addition to marking out neighbors 2 and 3 ahead of time, it helps to identify the dancer's shadow in the star/circle post-chain.

Queer Contra Zig-Zag

by: Carol Ormand

introduces moves: zig zag

formation: improper

A1 16
neighbors balance & swing
A2 8
neighbors promenade 3/4 to face partner up & down
8
partners do si do once
B1 16
partners balance & swing
B2 8
partners promenade 3/4 to original positions
8
zig right zag left to meet new neighbors

Teaching Promenade ¾
-Take your neighbor’s hands - right hand on top, left hand on the bottom.
-This is called promenade position.
-Imagine you’re standing on a diamond, a rhombus.
-Walk counterclockwise around the diamond, three places, until you face your partner up and down

Zigzag
Swerve out to the right past your current neighbors.
Then swerve back in to meet new neighbors (single progression)

You Can Get To Good Friday From Here

by: Koren Wake

introduces moves: custom

formation: improper

start in a short wave, right hand to neighbor, ladles left in middle

A1 0
form an ocean wave - ladles by left hands and neighbors by right hands
8
balance & Rory O'More right
8
balance & Rory O'More left
A2 2
neighbors allemande right ½
2
gentlespoons allemande left ½
12
partners swing
B1 8
long lines forward & back
4
pass through across the set
4
partners California twirl
B2 8
circle left 3 places and collapse to a wave (same wave you started in)
4
balance the wave fwd & back
4
walk forward 4 steps to new wave with next neighbors

A combination of "Good Friday" by Kirston Koths, and "You Can Get There From Here" by Linda Leslie. I'm sure I'm not the first person to combine these!

B1 is not quite the same as a right-and-left through; it's worth specifically teaching the CA twirl to face back in (instead of a regular courtesy turn or courtesy twirl) because it gives much better momentum to flow into the circle left.

Jabberwocky

by: Jeremy Korr

introduces moves: custom

formation: Becket

A1 4
long lines forward
4
gentlespoons roll away partners with a half sashay
4
long lines forward
4
ladles roll away partners with a half sashay
A2 8
ladles chain
6
1st neighbors promenade along the set on the left - gentlespoons on the inside, ladles on the outside
2
ladles turn back to 2nd neighbors
B1 2
2nd neighbors pass by right shoulders
6
3rd neighbors gyre left shoulders once
2
2nd neighbors pass by right shoulders
6
1st neighbors gyre left shoulders once
B2 16
2nd neighbors balance & swing
8
2nd neighbors promenade along the set on the right - ladles on the inside, gentlespoons on the outside - until across from partners
8
ladles allemande right 1½
16
partners balance & swing

Dr Bluhm's Delight

by: Rick Mohr

formation: Becket

A1 2
slide left along set ⁋
6
circle left 3 places
8
neighbors swing
A2 8
long lines forward & back
4
star left 2 places - gentlespoons drop out
4
ladles allemande left ¾
B1 4
form an ocean wave & balance - ladles by right hands and neighbors by left hands
4
neighbors allemande right ½ and a little bit more
4
form a right diagonal ocean wave & balance - gentlespoons by left hands and neighbors by right hands
4
gentlespoons allemande left ¾
B2 4
form a left diagonal ocean wave & balance - gentlespoons by right hands and partners by left hands catch left hands with partners to form left diagonal wavy line
12
partners swing

from: http://rickmohr.net/contra/dances.asp#DrBluhmsDelight
video available at: Lisa Greenleaf & Didgeridoo at Fiddling Frog 2010, Pasadena

Rick Mohr notes: Diagonal action makes this dance fun and different while staying accessible.

The neighbors allemande right in B1 is slightly more than half way round — gentlespoons go just past the opposite gentlespoon to join left hands with the next gentlespoons, forming a wave on the right diagonal. Then left allemande 3/4 easily forms the left diagonal wave with partners for the balance in B2. Of course the gentlespoons would never forget to complete the balance by looking left at each other before diving into the partner swing ... but it couldn't hurt to remind them!

Usually after the swing in B2 dancers are almost across from their new neighbors and don't need to shift left very far to start the circle left in A1.

For my buddy Carey Bluhm of Keene NH, who delights in playing fiddle tunes.

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