Re: [Callers] Suggestions for particularly flirty contra dances?

There have been suggestions that same-gender interaction can be stressful. In my experience this is especially true with men in the UK. Someone said "My impression is that most urban contra environments have at least a few people who swap genders". This may be true in the USA, and lots of ladies in the UK do take the man's role where numbers are not balanced. But very few UK men take the lady's role on a regular basis. When I do I often find that other men appear to be uncomfortable with a close-hold swing. I normally now go for a Galway Swing when I meet another man for a swing: Start with an Allemande Right hold, hook your left fingers around the other man's right elbow and buzz-step - makes for a great symmetrical swing. Here is a dance that uses it to give same-gender swings without stress: Galway Swing (by John Sweeney) Contra; Improper A1: Men Galway Swing Partner Gypsy to an Ocean Wave (Men in the middle with Left hands) A2: Balance the Wave (R/L); Slide to the Right (Rory O'More) Ladies Galway Swing B1: Neighbour Gypsy Meltdown into a Swing A2: Long Lines Go Forward & Back A2: Half Hey (Ladies start Right Shoulder) - Men look for a new Man after passing Right Shoulders with the old Man The main challenge is stopping your swing at the right point so you can flow into the gypsy - plan ahead! Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent