Good dances with challenging timing - Contra Callers

1 Feb 2018

Some dances require skill to make the timing work — like starting a figure
with dispatch so a later balance will be on time, or doing a figure
leisurely to avoid being early for the next one. But while many dancers
have the awareness to make things like that work, many dancers don’t. Since
there are plenty of fantastic dances without such challenges I tend not to
call dances which have them.

But I’ve also found that such dances are great when I’m asked to lead a
workshop helping dancers improve their skills. Longtime dancers aren't
eager to change their habits, and having something concrete like making a
balance on time adds motivation, ideally opening a window where learning is
possible.

Unfortunately though I've discarded or passed on collecting most such
dances!

Have any suggestions of good/great dances where the timing is tight or
loose in spots?

One of mine in that category is Crow Flight (http://rickmohr.net/Contra/
Dances.asp#CrowFlight). Learning opportunities include gents flowing from
swing to circle (common with aware dancers but a revelation to some),
ladies moving efficiently from circle to hey, and doing a hey with two
steps per pass (possibly realizing the difference between a 3-change and
4-change half hey).

Thanks for any ideas!

Rick