On Sun, 3 Mar 2024 17:30:25 -0600, Allison Jonjak via Contra Callers wrote:
> Any simple favorites? Bonus points if they are a california twirl progression to feel "familiar".
I'm really surprised that in three or four days no-one has responded to the request.
Maybe the people on this list just don't like 4-face-4 dances.
So I decided to write one It has the obligatory two swings! And the bonus points!
Allison's Favorite (or if you don't like the title, Allison, I'm happy to change it).
I suggest 32-bar jigs because of all that balancing.
A1: Lines of four forward and back.
Left-hand people (of each couple) make a left-hand star: balance in and out; star half-way.
A2: Meet the one diagonally across from you, balance and swing -
finish on the usual side, facing into the set.
B1: Right-hand people make a right-hand star: balance in and out; star half-way.
Swing partner and face into the set.
B2: Join hands in a ring of 8: go in to the middle and back (with suitable noises).
Balance the ring; California twirl partner to face a new line.
As usually happens in a double contra, you stay with the other couple in your own line
but alternate ends.
For the partner swing, the left-hand people need to move forward and to the left
as your partner approaches.
When you're out at the ends you can do the figure as a two-couple set.
Just make sure that the final California twirl leaves you facing the approaching line of four.
Colin Hume