I think this is an interesting question! In the same way that an
improper contra can start in short waves, and we don't give it a new
formation name (or long lines at the sides, etc.), the important piece
is that you and your neighbor are on the same side of the contra set.
In this dance, you have your partner in your right hand (women
actually have left in the center, there is a typo in what is written
below), and the both of you are, more or less, on the same side of the
contra set, and so, the dance is Becket. Formations refer to a
dancer's position in relationship to partner, and neighbors, rather
than the first dance movement.
Also interesting is that if the dance were to start with a neighbor
Balance and Swing, then it would be improper formation:
A1 New N B&S
A2 Gents Alle L 1 1/2
P Sw
B1 Full hey (gents start left)
B2 (Form short waves ladies left, partner right)
Balance Wave, P Alle R 1/2; Gents Alle L 1/2, give RH to N
Balance Wave; N Alle R 3/4
Written as Becket formation, and indicated below, there is the
assumption that the couple that stands in the traditional/proper
ladies' line is the number 2 couple, and those couples in the
traditional/proper gents' line are number 1s. When calling Becket
formation dances, I don't usually designate ones or twos; rather I
give hints about how each couple gets into starting position, and how
they will progress to their next neighbors. For this dance, once
couples are in Becket formation, I might say something such as: "women
stand back to back in the center (since this is how it will feel when
they end the hey), give a right hand to your partner, and a left to
the other woman to form a wave". It may be that the choreographer
designated the couples in this way, because of the right
progression......after one time through the dance, the couples in the
traditional ladies' line are out at the top; those in the traditional
gents' line are out at the bottom.
Linda
ps: I wrote this note before seeing Richard's post, and figured I
would send it anyway...
On Aug 14, 2011, at 11:20 AM, Bob Peterson wrote:
Maybe this is a dumb question, but is this really a becket formation
if it starts in short waves? It seems like it is a new animal. But I
suppose rare, odd starting formations don't deserve names until
they're less rare, so this is just shorthand.
Contra House by David Guisti (Becket)
RIGHT 1/4
Begin in short waves - right hands in center - right hand w
partner) 2nd ladies face up
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