Hi Amy,
What a fantastic project! I've just
answered a few of your questions, as I don't have
a lot of contra dance experience. Please check out
www.danceofmathematics.com I've also got some
math material on progressive square dances - where
you have an array of squares on the dance floor
and people move from square to square. Certain
sequences of calls will bring everyone back to
there original places.
1a - Can you list your three favorite transitions
(sequence of two
figures) in terms of flow, how they connect?
1. Circle Left 3/4, (Whoever is on the sides) Swing
2. Right hand star, New neighbors Left hand star
(i.e. as in Al's Safeway Produce)
3. Hey (Ladies X right sh), to new neighbors gypsy
as in this modified version of Hey Fever by
Tony Parks
A1 Neighbor Gypsy and Swing
A2 Gents Left pull by, Partner Gypsy and Swing
B1 Promenade across, Ladies Chain, back
B2 Hey (Ladies X Right Shoulder)
1b - What about your three least favorite?
Bend
the line, Ladies chain as in Woods Hole Jig
My wife does not like Swing, Ladies chain (I think
it can be nice but is a tricky transition,
especially for beginners).
Cheers, Bill