Re: [Callers] Wave Nomenclature

In contra dancing, at least in the tradition on this side of the Atlantic, specialized names for figures should be avoided whenever possible. A caller can teach a figure and designate name for prompting during the dance.   Michael Fuerst      802 N Broadway      Urbana IL 61801       217-239-5844 ________________________________ From: John Sweeney <info(a)contrafusion.co.uk> To: callers(a)sharedweight.net Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 4:11 AM Subject: Re: [Callers] Wave Nomenclature Barbara G posted Nick Boulet's "Warmin' Up the Car" and started with: "start in ocean waves along the side of the set" I have always thought that an Ocean Wave was a wave of four people; in a contra they would normally be across the set. I know these terms for waves: Wave: a formation of two or more dancers holding adjacent hands and with each dancer facing in the opposite direction to that of the adjoining dancer(s). Ocean Wave: Wave for four (though in a square dance it could be from 3 to 7 people - maybe more if you do a grid square!) Tidal Wave: Wave for all along the line of the whole set (can be down the centre for just the Ladies or just the Men) Alamo (Style) Wave/Ring: Circular wave Mini Wave: Wave for two Radial Wave: Waves for two in a Circle Mixer - all the couples like the spokes of a wheel Microwave: Having described some of the above to the dancers, hold up one hand and wiggle the fingertips saying "and this is a microwave". :-) Are these universal?  What other terms do people use? Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers