[Callers] Wrist Hook Allemandes (was Analysis of Stars)

Hi Don, Whoops - I read "wrist hook" and thought we were back on stars! "Wrist hook" allemandes? What a terrible concept! Yes, I recall a couple of people putting their arms in very strange positions, sometimes as you describe. My response to this and to allemanders who pull my arm towards them is to remove all resistance - I am there to dance, not to arm wrestle in any way. I get some strange looks, but I protect my body (I have had two major shoulder operations so far!). Sometimes they will work out why for themselves, and quite often, if they see me later they will ask why I did that and I get the chance to explain a more friendly technique. It is very difficult for me to broach the subject as most people can't distinguish between constructive criticism/advice and personal insult. But if they ask me I can try to establish some rapport and give them some tips. The same applies to people who lean back in swings - I just move my hand from their shoulder-blade to their hip and they have to readjust their lean so that they don't fall over (I don't want another shoulder operation!). Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574 http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive Events & DVDs http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent From: Don Veino <sharedweight_net(a)veino.com> John, I agree with you on the saddle-style/classic Eastern star. What I was referring to are the very infrequent individuals I encounter that want to do an allemande by "hooking" my offered upright hand with their closed fist & wrist-cocked lower forearm. I have no idea where they got this but there are a couple of gents in my area that do this as their standard move. Previously: