Re: [Callers] The Survey Form

What a marvelous and creative project. I'm envious! My favorite transitions: An allemande right with one neighbor, on to the next neighbor with an allemande left (progressing from one group of four to the next). It is particularly satisfying when you can personally do an extra twirl between the two allemandes, connecting with your next neighbor RIGHT on the beat. Do si do (with twirls) to a balance and swing, either with a partner or a next neighbor. Twirling to a balance is great if the timing is perfect. The second half of the Rory O'More move (balance left and right, slide left) into somebody's arms for a swing. The move into someone's arms is great. My least favorite moves: Bouquet waltz in square dancing - because it's dangerous Sashay down the center of the contra set - because it's jiggly and "stupid" Balance a line of four to swing somebody - this is awkward One of the best dances for flow is Delphiniums and Daisies by Tania Rotenburg. Another is the Dance Gypsy by Gene Hubert. One more is Trip to Faber by Tom Hinds. I actually don't keep dances in my collection that don't flow well, so can't comment on the ones I dislike. OH- except anything where EVERYONE does something in the middle of the line at the same time (swinging or do-si-do) because it is crowded and dangerous. I believe "The Third Time's the Charm" is in this category.) Besides flow, I like dances that are out of the ordinary - as long as they flow well! For example, Major Hey, with a hey for 8, by Erik Hoffman. Or Coray's Silver Jubilee by Carol Ormond. Both of these flow, though. As a caller and a dancer, I am drawn to figures that are a bit more complex and unusual. But they DO have to flow and be safe. Those are probably the biggest concerns. They can't be so complex that the dancers have trouble remembering or executing them - dancers being able to get "in the zone" is also important. And I have to understand completely how they work so I can explain them to the dancers. Good luck on this wonderful adventure! If I live again, I'd like to go to a school where they are doing this kind of thing. Jo Mortland Chicago