Type: Contra Dance, Duple Improper
Status: Proven
This dance is one of a set that grew out of my work on (Like) Juggling Chainsaws. There is a mirror role and move dance to this one, Swinging Chainsaws, which could be paired with this for an alternating dance.
The dance is pleasantly simple yet slightly different/challenging due to the relatively uncommon Gent’s Chain and Dosido to face away transitions. The Chain/CT and pull into the Dosido on the side works well. I carefully teach the Gent’s LH Chain to ensure folks turn properly (CW – Gents forward, Ladies backing up) in the associated Courtesy Turn so the flow is smooth and satisfying. Encourage the dancers to use the full measure of each phrase of the music for the moves – the dance can get “big” as a result.
A1
Neighbor Balance & Swing
A2
Gents LH Chain
Gents Left Shoulder Dosido (See Saw)
B1
Partner Balance & Swing
B2
Gents LH Chain (keep RH connected with Neighbor as you face them up/down to pull into a…)
Neighbor Dosido (and look away to next)
End effects:
Tune suggestions: Bouncy Quebecois tunes, bouncy jigs
Video:
See also: (Like) Juggling Chainsaws, Swinging Chainsaws
First called by me at Concord Scout House Monday Contras on 10/23/2017 (I got a chance to dance it too – folks really liked it). We had a wonderful group of Quebecois musicians playing this evening and the tunes really drove the energy.