I'd like to add one additional thought to all the helpful posts on balances. Especially for neighbor balances that preceed a swing, a balance is a chance to offer a friendly greeting to, get acquainted with, and "size up" somebody new. Though it only lasts about two seconds, a balance gives you the opportunity to know if you're about to swing with a terrified newcomer, an experienced dancer, someone bursting with energy, or a person who is tired or possibly even feling unwell--and to adjust your swing appropriately. I do teach this in my beginners' workshops.
Richard On Mar 19, 2012, at 9:33 AM, David Millstone wrote: > Folsk have been weighing in on how to teach a balance. Let's keep in mind > that there are plenty of ways to balance. Perhaps the most thorough study of > this topic appeared in Ralph Page's "Northern Junket," Volume 5, #1, March > 1955. > > Dr. Ralph A. Piper contributed an article, "50 Variations of the Balance." > Piper was writing in the mid-1950s, a time when I suspect more regional > variations could be found than on today's contra dance floors. > > If you're interested, it's online here: > > http://www.izaak.unh.edu/dlp/NorthernJunket/pages/NJv05/NJv05-01/NJv.05.01.p13.htm > > David Millstone > _______________________________________________ > Callers mailing list > [email protected] > http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers
