24 May
2013
24 May
'13
11:53 a.m.
John wrote:
Why teach the dosido spin? Because it helps people to
know which way to
spin, and because there are elements like catching your partner's eyes
between the spins that people won't necessarily pick up without some
guidance.
I started spinning during dosidos during my first few contra dances. I
did so because of one advantage that has not yet been mentioned here: If
you do NOT spin then you must walk backwards during half of the figure.
Walking backwards is awkward because you could step on someone if you don't
look over your shoulder. The spinning allows you to look in your direction
of movement several times during the move...kind of like in a waltz.
So, basically, spinning can be safer than the "straight" dosido.
I think folks will figure out pretty quickly that spinning to the left is
much easier so I see no need to teach the spinning.
- Greg McKenzie
West Coast, USA