The Shy Gazelle

By Rick Mohr; January 2009

Contra, Duple Improper, Reverse-progression Caller's Box

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

A1:

Gypsy neighbor (8)

Swing neighbor (8)

A2:

Long lines forward and back (8)

1/4 Hey (ladies pass right shoulders to start) (4)

Gents allemande right (4)

B1:

Star promenade partner 1/2 (4)

Swing partner ("hoop hold") (12)

B2:

Circle left 3/4 (6)

Pass through up and down (2)

(New) ladies allemande left 3/4 (4)

1/4 Hey (partners pass right shoulders to start) (4)

In B1 the gents hold on after the allemande right, put their arm around their partner (gent's arm below), and turn halfway more. This star promenade uses different arms than "usual", with the nice consequence that partners are rotating the right direction for a smooth transition into the swing. And since the gent's left and lady's right arms are already connected it's a great chance to use the "hoop hold" (seen sometimes in Scandinavian turning dances) where both partners make a big hoop with their arms, supporting each other equally. It might profit from a quick demo since many dancers don't use it.

In B2 the "wrong side" reverse progression can come as a surprise, but the last two figures give a quick satisfying resolution to get everyone back on the "right" side.

Video: Kristin Seibert & Uncle Farmer at Catapult 2013, Atlanta GA (posted by Jim Crawford):