Re: [Callers] Fwd: List of contra dance figures

If you want to catch every figure ever done, I say you're doomed. Theoretically there are a finite number of contra dances. So theoretically it is possible. But would do you think of the following moves: Rockette-style long-lines kicks, hip-bump checks, saying "Happy Birthday, Bob!", or playing rock-paper-scissors? All of these have been inflicted on contra dances, which can pretty much take any grafted figure, whether it's ride-the-waves, ferris wheel, or cuddle turn and dip. And where do you draw the line for contra dance? This gets blurry as you look at contras in other countries -- take a look at Ian Whitehead's material. Or Heiner Fischle. Or even Colin Hume. Or Callerlab contras. Or contras from the 1800's. Or triple minors. Figures can have multiple names (quick -- which state isn't named after the reverse-hand California Twirl), or the same name can apply to different figures. (Tag the line, or gypsy star.) Composite figures can have a name (like swing through), or a basic figure can have many variations (like who ricochets in a queen-bee hey, or variations on a square through). As a final thought, I leave you with "Troy Lee's Bingo": http://pwp.att.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=87&subpageid=302420&ck= Good luck, -Chris Page San Diego, CA On Mon, Sep 9, 2013 at 12:58 PM, Sam Whited <sam(a)samwhited.com> wrote: