Re: [Callers] 4 person do-si-do?

Hi Luke, I suspect you will have timing problems in a Double Contra because of the extra time it takes for the people at the ends of the lines. I have a couple of dances with a DosiAll and the other challenge is getting them all to start at the same time. I solve this with a Balance the Ring first; that launches everyone into the DosiAll at the same time. My contra with a DosiAll is a standard contra, so it is two couples - four individuals - all doing a dosido at the same time. When I teach it I sometimes get the men to dosido and then the ladies to dosido, then explain that we can't afford all those extra notes, so they are going to have to do both dosidos at the same time. If they start moving slightly more to their left than they would normally then that will help to avoid crashes. The balance before each DosiAll is to ensure that everyone starts into the movement at the same time. It's really at its best when all four dancers do the counterclockwise spins that are common in dosidos. You can also teach it by getting the four dancers to do a four person Gypsy; that is the track they follow - now do it as a Dosido. The dancers all have to be confident and go for it - because you are following the same track, but with your back to the other people, or spinning, then you need everyone to keep moving. I have included below a three couple dance which only has three people doing the DosiAll at the same time. I sometimes use that to get people used to the concept. DosiAll (by John Sweeney) Contra; Becket A1: Circle Right Half Way; Balance the Ring DosiAll A2: Circle Left Half Way; Balance the Ring DosiAll B1: Partner Balance & Swing B2: On the Left Diagonal: Half Hey - Ladies lead by Right Shoulder Half Promenade Across and flow into. Gypsy A Trois (by John Sweeney) Three Couples in a Circle A1: Circle Left Four Steps; Balance the Ring Men DosiAll A2: Circle Left Four Steps; Balance the Ring Ladies DosiAll B1: Partner Allemande Left to Ladies Right Shoulder Gypsy WHILE Men Single File Promenade CCW outside the set B2: Meet your Partner (second time, at home): Partner Allemande Left (about half) to your Corner Corner Swing - this is your new Partner x3 should take you home Please let me know if your dancers enjoy them. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent