19 Mar
2012
19 Mar
'12
2:44 p.m.
I'd like to add one additional thought to all the helpful posts on balances.
Especially for neighbor balances that preceed a swing, a balance is a chance to offer a
friendly greeting to, get acquainted with, and "size up" somebody new. Though it
only lasts about two seconds, a balance gives you the opportunity to know if you're
about to swing with a terrified newcomer, an experienced dancer, someone bursting with
energy, or a person who is tired or possibly even feling unwell--and to adjust your swing
appropriately. I do teach this in my beginners' workshops.
Richard
On Mar 19, 2012, at 9:33 AM, David Millstone wrote:
Folsk have been weighing in on how to teach a balance.
Let's keep in mind that there are plenty of ways to balance. Perhaps the most thorough
study of this topic appeared in Ralph Page's "Northern Junket," Volume 5,
#1, March 1955.
Dr. Ralph A. Piper contributed an article, "50 Variations of the Balance."
Piper was writing in the mid-1950s, a time when I suspect more regional variations could
be found than on today's contra dance floors.
If you're interested, it's online here:
http://www.izaak.unh.edu/dlp/NorthernJunket/pages/NJv05/NJv05-01/NJv.05.01.…
David Millstone
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