Re: Contras for One Nighters

Hi folks I copied and pasted Bob’s Jig from a pdf version of my Peel the Banana book. I think it’s still legible. This is the most foolproof duple minor dance I know. I’ve probably led this dance a few hundred times at a party when people insist on a duple dance, and it always works! Although a simplified Haste to the Wedding (omitting the two hand turn) that I’ve seen also can be almost as easy. When I first started calling dances in the mid-80’s, everybody’s easiest “go to” dance for non dancers was Jefferson’s, but, believe me, in a group of non-dancers, this dance can still be a challenge. People tend to get fouled up in the down the outside and back, and also getting into the lines of four, and backing up while arching, etc. Notes: This dance was written in 1980 by Bob Ahlers from Albany, New York; I learned the dance from Bob. This is one of the easiest contradances that I know. Please see the glossary for more information about contradance formation. Instructions: Section Measures Directions A1 1-4 Circle left. [8] 5-8 Circle right. [8] A2 1-4 Right-hand star. [8] 5-8 Left-hand star. [8] B1 1-4 Couple “One” do-si-do with your partner. [8] 5-8 Couple “Two” gypsy with your partner. [8] B2 1-4 Face your neighbor* (“Ones” face down the set and “Twos” face up the set). Take your partner’s closest hand and go forward and back. [8] 5-8 (Keep hand joined with your partner.) “Twos” make a one-handed arch, “Ones” duck through. Everyone walks forward to face the next couple. [8] *Your neighbor is the person in your group of two couples who is next to you. Paul Rosenberg Albany, NY I rarely call a contra at a One Night Party Dance, but occasionally I am asked to. I have a few in my cards, but can anyone make some sure fire recommendations. Assume 95%-100% non dancers. Thanks, Rich Stafford, CT