Dances written by Joseph

Blackbird Pie

lines of four down the hall (1s in the center)
turn alone, return, fold the line

cl L
star L (hands across)

W see saw (L-sh DSD)
M DSD

F&B
1s sw

Teaching Notes

A simple dance easy for everyone but with the uniqueness of the see saw to give some interest to experienced folks.

The only transition which might be challenging is moving from the men's do- si-do to the long lines forward and back.  New dancers don't find this any more challenging than any other parts of the dance, and experienced dancers can make it feel good.

Background

My favorite first dance of an evening is Don Armstrong's "Broken Sixpence," because it is gentle for beginners:  a small number of intuitive figures, not too much swinging, some swinging, neighbor interaction, and community interaction in the lines of four.  I used the dance so much, though, I became concerned that dancers would grow tired of it.  After looking around for other, similar dances and finding none, I wrote this one to provide some variety.

Fred Todt suggested the title, following the "Sing a Song of Sixpence" nursery rhyme and a recently developed interest in birding.  

June 2001

Changeling Intuition

cl R 1x
slide R along the side w/N
cl R 3/4 with the next couple along the line

TB al L
P sw

pass to a wave
N al R 1/2
M al L 1/2
N sw

M pass L to start a hey for four

Teaching Notes

Background

2004

Oh, Geez!

W al R once around
N sw

M pass L to start a hey for four
instead of the last pass L, W L-sh gypsy

P R-sh gypsy
P sw

F&B, M roll P away with half-sashay
cl R 3/4
N pass L 

Teaching Notes

After the roll-away in B2, knowing just how far 3/4 of the circle R will take you can be a bit challenging, so it is helpful to let dancers know that this circle will bring them right back to where they first started.   

Notes

In November 2000, I was lucky enough to do a ten-day tour with the Groovemongers, who are among my favorite musicians and friends.  Jane Knoeck, who plays keyboard and accordian, grew up in Wisconson, giving her a great upper Midwest lilt when she (frequently) exclaims, "oh, geez!"  The expression tickled the linguist in me, and quickly became a theme for the tour -- and sat in my head as a good dance title for several years.

After percolating for some time, these figures presented themselves.  They are not particularly unusual, but several transitions may prompt dancers to smile with pleasant surprise, and maybe even to say, "oh, geez!"   

The dance was debuted at the consistently incredible River Rendezvous weekend in July 2003 in Coshocton, Ohio, where I was calling with the Groovemongers.  It is fondly dedicated to them all, with happy memories of that November tour and the other fun we've had together.  

June 30, 2003