I like John's idea of designated partners and no progressions.

Claire I also am liking the noodle idea. Still making connection which for me is a huge part of contra and square dance. A thought about that, each person would need 2 noodles with the opposing polarity magnet in each end. How do you plan for #'s of attendees? Would you sell "noodle hands" so each dancer can come prepared and with personal "hands"? (Which I like as a group fundraiser)

Watching this space for more dance ideas for my "covid box". Thanks for posing these questions.

Mary Collins

On Mon, Jul 20, 2020, 9:02 AM John Sweeney via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Hi Claire,
        What some groups are planning, possibly, is to start their new dance sessions with just couple dances.  Come with a partner, or choose one person and stay with them.

        There are lots of good dances to choose from; but only if your dancers are prepared to embrace change, new ideas and new skills.  Contra, ceilidh, squares, ECD, etc. are all part of the same spectrum of dance, with common origins.

        Here are some ideas (some are usually done as mixers, just stay with the same partner):
Salty Dog Rag
La Chapelloise
Swedish Masquerade
Teton Mountain Stomp
The Ideal Schottische
The Gay Gordons
Redwing Mixer
Twirl & Go

        You can Waltz (obviously) and all the other standard couple dances.

        And if your dancers are prepared to work in fours and stay in those fours, you can add all the Appalachian/Running Set two-couple figures - there are dozens to choose from.  Yes, it is more fun to do them with new couples, but if you have to stay in the same foursomes you can still have fun.

        I hope that helps.

            Happy dancing,                     
                   John                 

John Sweeney, Dancer, England   john@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574                       
http://contrafusion.co.uk/KentCeilidhs.html for Live Music Ceilidhs             
http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent                       
http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive DVDs


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