Hello all, A dancer friend asked me about initial formation terminology, and I wasn't sure so I thought I'd ask the hive mind.
In contra sets with hands four, if neither the 1s nor 2s cross over, it's proper formation (specifically duple minor I believe). If the 1s cross, it's improper. If the 1s cross and the whole set rotates 1/4 circle, it's Becket. If the 1s don't cross over but the 2s do, I've called that formation indecent. I'm not sure how widespread that use is. If the 1s and the 2s cross? I'd be inclined towards anti-proper or maybe improper-indecent (a mouthful). This was the question that prompted the query. Triple minor dances are hands six, and can be proper or with some couples crossed over... I don't know specific sub-names. Tempest formation is a wide n shape of four couples, actives in the middle facing down, inactives on the sides facing in. There's circle dances and Sicillian circles of facing couples. There's four couple square dance formation, five couples for Levi Jackson's rag, Morris and rapper formations and more. But are there other contra formations and if so what are they called? Are there other traditional formations, and if so what are they called? Thanks -- Luke Donev http://www.lukedonev.com [email protected]
