If you want some more symmetrical swings please see:

http://contrafusion.co.uk/SwingWorkshop.html

            Happy dancing,

                   John                      

John Sweeney, Dancer, England   john@modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574

http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

From: Katherine Kitching via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Sent: 14 October 2023 13:59
To: Julian Blechner <juliancallsdances@gmail.com>
Cc: Michael Fuerst <sjapartments@gmail.com>; Shared Weight Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net>
Subject: [Callers] Re: Introducing new dances to gender free dancing

Like Julian, we do it matter of factly, just handing out the Lark and Robin tags at the door when people arrive.

We also teach neighbour swings in our group with the non-ballroom hands holding at the elbows, (rather on the back) which gives a bit more space and comfort for any two folks to swing, even if they're not used to/super comfortable being close to someone of the same gender.

We also work our way up to swings gradually - doing more balancing and allemanding at the start - no swings for the first few dances -, which gives ppl time to get accustomed to dancing with anyone, before doing something that does feel a bit more intimate.