I've been thinking about dances with distinctive figures recently. Here's
one that people have enjoyed; I think it may be the minimal improper dance
with contra corners, as it avoids the half figure eight which, while fun,
causes confusion for beginners.
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Cassoulet
Duple minor improper contra dance
Roger Hayes, August 2016
A1 Circle left ½,
Ladies roll away L to R with neighbor
Circle left ½,
Gents roll away L to R with neighbor
A2 Demi pousette,
Long lines forward and back
B1 Contra corners
B2 Actives balance and swing
Demi pousette: 1’s do a ½ draw pousette starting above improper, ending
below proper, while 2’s do a normal ½ pousette to move up. So the 1 gent
pulls partner out of the set and back in, moving in an arc with the gent
always in the forefront, while the 2 gent pulls partner out of the set then
2 lady pulls partner back in, describing a V shape.
This dance benefits from spacious circles.
