but no neighbor swing requirement.
I've had another caller, who I'll leave unnamed, explicitly tell me that they never call more than one dance in an evening without a neighbor swing. I don't think I'm as stringent in that regard, but it's definitely informed my dance choreography.
I've also seen/heard dancers hassle callers on more than one occasion for putting two dances in a row without a neighbor swing, so even if you're not being as firmly anti-no-neighbor-swing as the caller above there does seem to be a limit.
I personally am more inclined to agree with you, however, that the swing "requirements" are certainly a bit limiting when searching for novel dance sequences.
Isaac Banner
On Mon, Jun 12, 2023, at 10:54 PM, Michael Fuerst via Contra Callers wrote:
Greg Frock in a Jun 9 thread, 'Dance Modules,' suggested " the 'mandatory swing requirements' these days, more and more choreographic sequences are just coming up with new ways to interestingly connect the swings"
I disagree. A mandatory partner swing requirement seems to exist, but no neighbor swing requirement.
Instead of a neighbor swing, either (a) substantial non-swing interaction with either or both neighbors (stars, allemandes, shoulder rounds, dosidos, chains or heys), or (b) distinctive choreography, can result in a great dances.
(1) Last time I danced an evening to Darlene Underwood's calling, she called 4 excellent dances without a neighbor swing. (As a dance composer I notice such dances.)
(2) The May Heydays festival held in England, just posted on this list (thread 'May the Serpent Be With you') the winners of its annual dance competition. The second place winner, Cherry Season, (3) The Callers' Box has 3525 duple minor dances without a neighbor swing including 9 by me. Clearer descriptions of some of mine may found at my web page
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