On 6/21/2013 6:56 AM, John Sweeney wrote:
Paul described the Spanish Waltz:
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
1-16) w/ P F & B, then inside hand (same hand) to N for CA twirl (4 m.)
w/ N F & B, " inside hand to P for CA twirl (4 m.)
w/ P F & B " " " to N for CA twirl (4 m.)
w/ N F & B " " " to P for CA twirl (4 m.)
(17-20) Hands Across R H Star
(21-24) L H Star
(25-32) w/ P Waltz on to next set of Ns
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Paul, that's not really a California Twirl :-) A California Twirl has
180 degree turns - it starts side-by-side, not facing. If you call it a
California Twirl then those who know what that is may get confused.
The move is "normally" called a Star Thru - start facing, 90 degree
turns, finish side-by-side.
Teaching hint: tell all the ladies to put their right hand behind their
back and the men to put their left hand behind their back for the first
half of the dance.
I usually say "this is the only hand you'll use" because I don't really
want them to awkwardly hold a hand behind their back and then think it's
authentic Victorian styling.
Alternate ending: I often work with people who don't know how to waltz.
A great alternative for the "Waltz on" is:
Take your partner in a promenade hold, move slightly forward to your
right so that the men's left shoulders are almost touching and you have
a line of four, dance forwards with waltz steps so that the line rotates
a in complete circle and a little bit more then on to a new couple.
This move flows beautifully out of the Star Left as well :-)
Sometimes when doing that I demonstrate the slick transition out of the
star; gent is behind partner so he just collects
that left hand and steps up, scooping her up in the right-hand-behind
(or courtesy-turn-like) promenade hold. Smooth.
I like the version John puts forward. If you want to do this with
non-dancers (not just non-waltzers), you can do
(25-28) couples (holding inside hands and facing other couple) advance
and retire [two waltz steps each way]
(29-32) drop hands, pass through, continue to new couple, bow or curtsey
to new opposite
I use this dance a bunch for Civil War, Victorian, etc; it's never
occurred to me to try it on hard-core contra dancers. (And I'm not much
inclined to do it now.)
-- Alan
