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.

On Mar 5, 2016, at 1:54 PM, Jonathan Sivier jsivier@illinois.edu [trad-dance-callers] <trad-dance-callers@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

On 3/5/2016 12:44 PM, Rich Sbardella richsbardella@gmail.com
[trad-dance-callers] wrote:
>
>
> 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.
>

I like to use Jefferson's Reel. There is usually an "ah ha" moment
when the 2's duck through the arches and meet their new neighbors and
everyone suddenly realizes how progression is supposed to work. I've
even done this with a rolling start with non-dancers with a lot of
success. Do it as a proper dance to avoid any need to deal with
crossing over at the ends or even worrying about who is dancing the
gent's or lady's part.

Jefferson's Reel
Dudley Briggs; adapted from Jefferson and Liberty
duple proper or improper; beginner

1 - Circle left
2 - Circle right
3 - Star right
4 - Star left
5 - 1's down the outside
6 - Return to place
7 - Down the hall 4 in line, 1's in the center
8 - All back up, 1's arch joined hands,
2's duck through the arch to meet new neighbors

Jonathan
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Jonathan Sivier
Caller of Contra, Square, English and Early American Dances
jsivier AT illinois DOT edu
Dance Page: http://www.sivier.me/dance_leader.html
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Q: How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
A: It depends on what dance you call!