The Grass Valley Glide

By Rick Mohr; November 2004

Contra, Duple Improper Caller's Box

Level: Intermediate

A1:

Half hey (gents pass right shoulders to start) (6)

Courtesy turn with neighbor (4)

Half promenade with neighbor (6)

A2:

(On right diagonal) Left hand star 3/4 (8)

Allemande right with partner 1 1/2 (8)

B1:

Half hey (ladies pass left shoulders to start) (6)

Swing partner (10)

B2:

Circle left 3/4 (7)

Pass through (2)

Allemande left with next neighbor (7)

This dance has a nice nonstop glide, especially with a true courtesy turn in A1. Its novelties are fairly well-telegraphed, so dancers tend to stay oriented. But the end effects can be unexpected; best to relax and follow George Marshall's advice: "The people coming at you know what you should be doing better than you know what you should be doing."

The A2 transition from half promenade to diagonal star is borrowed from Gene Hubert's dance "Song In the Night". Technically the next couple is on the right diagonal, but it's easier to think of making an extra wide left turn in the half promenade.

For the dancers of Grass Valley California, in appreciation for their warmth, fun, grace, and enthusiasm in hosting me and Nightingale for four splendid days in the summer of 2004.

Video: Joyce Miller & Lift Ticket at a 2011 Sprung Floor Contradance, Santa Barbara CA (posted by Peter Bergonzi):