This dance is not really a full-blown contra, but its also not a square
or circle. I use it to teach a few of the basics, without having to also
worry about the formation (proper, improper, etc.) and the progression
at the same time. Beginners seem to like it and I can use it to teach a
few of the basic moves without the additional complexities.
Trip to F'Town (or Francestown)
Setup: have couples form circles of 4 with couple facing couple anywhere
on the floor - no contra lines.
At start, but really at the end of the B2 part: bow to your neighbor.
A1: dos-a-dos neighbor;
dos-a-dos partner.
A2: Chose 1 of Right & Left, over & back, or
Ladies' Chain over & back, or
Star left, then star right
(Depending on the skills of the dancers, I will chose one or more of
these to teach, then practice during the dance. Sometimes I pick just
one, other times I alternate each time through, and sometimes even just
call the move randomly if they can handle it.)
B1: Circle Left 1X
Circle Right back to place.
B2: pass through and
go and find a new couple to dance with.
bow to your new neighbor.
This dance allows me to focus on the basic calls, without having to also
teach progression at the same time. After doing this dance, it is much
easier to introduce the idea of the progression with the next dance.
Rich Hart.
Joy Greenwolfe remarked on 11/17/2006 9:27 PM:
Hi All,
I'm calling two beginner-heavy dances soon (Dec 1st and end of Jan).
The first is opening a new series and is required by organizers to be
all contra (no circles or squares). So some semi-experienced dancers,
but mostly newbees. The second event will be entirely beginners and
mostly women but following a "western" theme.
Could anyone share or recommend some dances that are both easy and
fun? I'm looking for simple and forgiving dances that could be used
to practice basic contra concepts while being satisfying for the
dancers and even give them a sense of success.
Dances I already have include: Jefferson Revisited, Lady Wapole's
Reel, Becky Hill's Big Easy, and yes, Gallopede! I feel pretty good
about those choices, having already used them in a variety of raw-
beginner circumstances.
Having recently worked with several room-fulls of beginners, I am
wary of throwing too much at them too soon. But I also don't want to
call a program of mush.
Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Joy Greenwolfe
Durham, NC
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