Hi Bob and SW,
I had run across Zia by chance a few weeks
ago. I found http://fam.bmi.net/zia.htm which is
maybe where it started. I'm not sure when I'll
ever get the chance to try one out, as we are just
starting contras here in New Zealand, and numbers
are not very large. At the time I started to
think about how to make up a zia that would not
have swinging in the center, but only at the sides
like in most contras. Your post gave me more
incentive to find one.
Here is an idea - I'd like to know what
people think.
This dance has one requirement for the
dancers. There is a special person to be swung and
who this person is depends on whether you are
dancing in the square or contra part of the zia
formation.
Whose Za One Zia or NZia double progression zia
Couples will progress out of the square as
if they lead to the left and passed thru
The Special One:
In the square, your corner
In the contra, your partner
A1 Circle Left (6 beats), the Special One Swing
A2 Gents Left hand across to the other side , (the
one across) Swing,
B1 (All) Ladies Chain, (All) Ladies Chain back,
B2 Promenade across (8), Star Left (6) Pass thru
(2) with Nbr 2
(if no Nbr 2, California Twirl)
Notes: For square
A1 The circle left is 3/8, and after swinging men
will have moved 180 degrees and have corner on right
A2 Gents star left 1/2, and swing original RH lady
B2 Promenade 1/2 way (8), star left 3/8 (6) and
will be one position to left to pass thru (2) with
new nbr
Notes: For contra
A1 Circle left 3/4 and swing your partner (on
lady's side)
A2 Gents Allemand Left 1 1/2 (or 1/2) and Neighbor
swing
B2 Promenade across (8), star left 1/2 (6 so
turning slow) so facing new neighbor, pass thru (2)
There are other easy variations for B1: LLFB,
Circle Right or Circle Left, Circle Right
I've just started with contras, but am familiar
with squares. The multiple squares with zero
contra connections are a type of 'progressive
square' setup. There are lots of MWSD 'stir the
bucket' routines which can modified. However in
this case the restriction that the calls also work
for the contra line is not there. Also MWSD
doesn't work so much about phrasing. So zias are a
real challange.
Cheers, Bill
