Re: [Callers] Thread the Needle (was Down the Hall Dances)

Donna asked if the "Invert the Line" in "Invertro Flirtilization" is the same as a Thread the Needle. Not really. That "Invert the Line" only involves four people who split up into two couples as soon as they are through the arch. In a normal Thread the Needle there are usually at least eight people involved and there is no letting go. For example in a four-couple proper longways set the four men hold hands, the four ladies hold hands, and the bottom couple hold hands, so you have a horseshoe. Then the top two men raise their joined hands to make an arch and the top lady leads the whole line through and back to their original places. The top two men roll through their own arch to finish the move. Or you can do a Travelling Thread the Needle wherein the top man in the above move would dance (not walk or you won't get home!) clockwise around the set to home, taking the arch over everyone more quickly and making everyone go through it twice - #2 man needs to know what is happening as he has to roll under the moving arch twice! It also occurs in squares, in a Double Thread the Needle one couple goes through an opposite arch, separate and lead their own half of the square back to place. Also known as "Rip 'n' Snort" (anyone know why?). Or for a flowing example of multiple Thread the Needles see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZD_C52eVt4 for the Double Bow Knot! Of course, words mean what you want them to. Back in Alabama in 1850 "Thread the Needle" meant something else: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_Ha27GDnSU But we are getting off-topic here, those of you who only go to contra dances where only contra dances are done will never enjoy the fun of a Travelling Thread the Needle! :-) Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent