Re: [Callers] The Wheel

Tom Hinds wrote And Bill Olson replied with possible reasons why not, including: My inclination would be to trust Bill (and Gene) about the dance working as written, provided there are enough dancers. However, if I *were* going to change it to put the men on the outside, I think I'd use A1 Prom ccw, wheel around as couples, prom cw and ask the band to play a tune that clearly lets dancers know where the middle of the A1 part is (which would also be good for the A2 part anyway, especially early in the evening and/or if many beginners are present). This may be one of the variations that Bill has already tried and found to turn out "clunky". But my guess, admittedly without having tried it, is that promenading the "wrong way" right off the bat would feel even more clunky, at least for experienced dancers. Also, the wrong way promenade, not preceded by a promenade in the usual direction, could provide at least a little negative training for new dancers, especially if you think--as I know Tom does and Gene did--that squares can have any place at a "contra" dance. --Jim