Hi all,
I have a dance called "Venus & Mars" noted as written by a Martin Sirk. I
believe that I've danced it a number of times but had never called it until
a week ago. I can't remember how/where I got the calls. I've tried searching
for it online but can't seem to find anything resembling what I have. So, I
thought I'd consult my panel of experts. First question is, do I have this
written correctly?
A1: Neighbor balance & swing
A2: Circle L 3/4
Partners rollaway w half sashay (up/down)*
B1: Gents allemande L 1 1/2, while the ladies orbit CW 1/2 way
Partner swing
B2: Circle L 3/4
Balance ring, partners california twirl
My second question is about the timing in the A2, which is why I keep
wondering if I've transcribed this incorrectly. There seems to be leftover
time. I think people are used to circling L 3/4 in 8 counts. * But I'd say
that the rollaway w half sashay is only worth 4 counts maybe 6, but not 8,
especially if people have good weight and really move the circle around. Is
the timing really that mushy?
I found that many of the gents started the allemande early. The ladies often
took a split second to remember they were orbiting, but everyone had quite a
bit longer than 8 counts for the partner swing. While I was watching the
dancers, it seemed like every circle of 4 was in a slightly different place
in the dance.
As it happened, I was calling the dance with an old time band and the tune
didn't have particularly distinct phrasing, so I didn't think it was
particularly problematic. I just don't remember there being that much spare
time when I've danced it. Anyone call this dance that can comment?
Thanks,
Bev