Thanks, Taco, for posting this question, and for all the helpful answers so far! I’m about to try to start a dance in my new home (Bowen Island, British Columbia, off the coast of Vancouver) and these responses will be very helpful to me. Thanks, everybody!
The only thing I would add is that I think I will begin with dances that have no chains in them. I’ve watched a million beginner’s lessons and the only move (typically covered in a beginner’s lesson) that completely befuddles newbies is the robin’s chain. Recently I tried to dance a lark’s chain and I was completely befuddled myself! I’ve been dancing MANY years but being asked to do that complicated non-symmetrical move without any muscle memory undid me! It was a great window into how confusing a robin’s chain can be for dancers new to contra. I’ve heard folks say that with all-beginners dances they’ll start with dances without swings, but I think I’ll probably keep swings (because contra without swings just seems too SAD to me!) and I’ll probably start my first dance without chains instead. I keep saying I’ve moved to Paradise, but how can it be Paradise without contra? Anyway, I’m soaking up the great advice. Thanks, everyone!! Love this list!! Becky Liddle (formerly of Toronto & "All Hands In" online dancing)
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