Hey Amy,
Barn Burners, eh?
Tough question cuz, in my mind, barn burner is more than just the chosen
dance; e.g. what tune is driving it. (Might be a question of what's the
fuel and what's the match?)
Nonetheless, I'd think that dances having
satisfying-to-get-there-just-in-time timing would be good bets. More 4 and
8 count figures, less circling, alternating between longways and across
orientation, maybe extra-minor-set daliances, pass-through or cross-trail
progressions, maybe(?). Avoid gimmick figures but look for interesting
ones(?).
So (just a few possibilities of various degrees of difficulty, some
probably on your list already): Chuck the Budgie; Young Adult Rose;
Streetsboro Daisies; Beneficial Tradition; California Twirlin'; Cows are
Watching/Boys from Urbana; The Bus Stop; Pedal Pushers; Joel's in the
kitchen.
???
Sadly, those times when I've said to myself "I must remember that dance", I
rarely have. Take this list with a grain of salt.
Ken Panton