When I teach a Dolphin hey with lots of people who don't know the concept I get the active couple to link together (leader lets hands trail behind back, trailer hooks on) and dance a hey for three without the active couple trading places (this is also known as a Shetland Reel). Once they understand the basic track I explain about the active couple trading places. One of the keys to success it to persuade the leader to go wide at the end of the line, in order to give the trailer plenty of room to take the lead.
Just Skylarking by Rhodri Davies is a contra dance with a Dolphin Reel. Since it is visible at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iKdR6B7hnw I assume he won't mind if I post it here. Just Skylarking (by Rhodri Davies) Contra; Improper A1: (Balance the Circle; Petronella Turn) x 2 A2: Neighbour Balance & Swing - end facing down B1: Lines of Four Down The Hall (4); Dixie Twirl Lines of Four Up the Hall - finish facing #2 Lady B2: Dolphin Hey - finish with #1s looking down the hall for a new couple, #2s looking up the hall Dixie Twirl: #1s (in middle) Arch, #2 Lady leads the line through the arch while #2 Man leads to the other end - no letting go Dolphin Hey: #1 couple (in the middle) act as a single unit, but switch leader at each end of the Hey Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England [email protected] 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
