Is anyone out there still doing CW Circle Mixer dances?

[old dog]

We're very interested in this "traveling out the spoke of the wheel" formation. Never heard of (or seen) this before. We can visualize what you must mean, but would love to se a video of this. Any online links to a clip of a sample of this, in any dance style?

As to the "waterfall" formation, are you referring to a "Virginia Reel" type format? ... Not sure how or when the partner-switching part is accomplished since we have never learned this style. We'd like to hear more about it or see a video clip, though.

Have no idea if there are videos of any of this. Can't find any on YouTube. Sorry. I will also ask our instructor where her 'wheel' mixer comes from.

Here are more detailed descriptions that might help:

In the "wheel" mixer, the men start with their backs to the center, almost shoulder-to-shoulder to form a rather tight circle. The men are facing their first partner and begin dancing outward along a radius (spoke). We have used only a single basic progressive pattern with a left turn on the end which puts each couple on a circumferential LOD (the rim). (The 'spokes' are rather short, but you could probably use two figures on the radial component if you wanted a larger wheel.)

We now dance counter-clockwise on the circumference of the larger circle (rim), using two basic traveling figures and ending with a turn into a PP which aims us back toward the center (hub). Now we dance on the radius back toward the center (hub) with the man doing a 180-deg maneuver at the end so that he stops with his back to the center once more. The exchange of partners occurs at this point -- by passing each lady to the left with a simple UAT movement.

It is a little tricky to maintain a nice neat circle as everyone has different stride lengths and the less experienced can't always achieve the needed degrees in their turns. It helps to put a stool or a person at the very center of the circle (axle) to serve as an 'aiming point.'

*********

In our "waterfall" mixer, the leaders are lined up along one of the long walls of the floor and the followers are lined up along the opposite long wall. We join with a partner by walking along a short wall and dance the length of the floor; separate, and rejoin our respective lines. If it appears that you will get the same partner the next time around (rare), you allow the person behind to step out ahead of you to claim a partner.

We also modify this pattern by putting both lines side-by-side along the same long wall which allows for more room to take a longer line of dance before dropping off your partner. (Across the short side, down the long side, back across to the lineup-side for drop-off.)

Hope this is useful, TOB.

 

[kayak]

I have been to a lot of dances that use the waterfall mixer. Ballroom dances love to do Foxtrot mixers this way and Salsa dances will throw in a Merengue if groups are not mixing around enough.

I have been to a couple dances with the inner and outer rim mixer idea. Most seem to start that way and then just kind of trade partners a bunch instead of always coming back to the middle. I guess the other would work, just our dance organizers never wanted to put in the effort of getting everyone back in line all the time.

 

[little lulu]

On the old continent,

We're probably a bit behind the States. Where I live (in Normandy) "danse country" is in fashion. Right now, I'm receiving all kind of avertisements for "festival country". I go to classes every week and attend some of the festivals once in a while. I just love it when people you have never met before start dancing together, its amazing and such fun...

I have no idea what the milonga is. In the classe I go to, we have an excellent teacher. He has taught us some cajun dances, two step, rumba, mambo, even square dance.

Let me know when you come to France, it be fun to meet you. I live an hour away from Paris. Maybe we could attend some event togerther.

What exactly do you understand by sampling the West in your question:
"Do Europeans see Texas as the best place to go to sample "the West"?"

 

[Steve Pastor]

If you are interested in things from the American West... things like cowboys and Native Americans, and covered wagons, and cattle drives, and teepees, etc.

Where would you go to see these things if you would travel to the United States?

 

[little lulu]

I see what you mean. I would go to the library or to the movies!

But I guess most people would go to places like Texas.

 

[Steve Pastor]

If you dance Argentine Tango, people almost expect that you will go to Buenos Aires. But I've never heard anyone here in the US say that you have to go to Texas if you do "Texas Two Step".
When I did go to Texas once, it seemed like all the people who knew how to dance more than basic stuff were from somewhere else, including Europe. But, maybe it was just where I was.
I know that in the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and other National Parks there seems to be many people from over seas.

 

[little lulu]

Texas two step

Do the Texan dance the "Texas Two Step"? Our teacher (here in France) taught us this dance, but I don't really like it.

How about the Argentine Tango, is it an "americanised" version of the Tango?

 

[Steve Pastor]

There are several to many versions of "Texas Two Step", and some of them are known simply as "Two Step". In one form or another, it's pretty widespread at country western places here in the US (or so I understand since I haven't been everywhere). Sorry it didn't appeal to you.

Agrentine Tango is a pretty complex topic. Some would argue that both the US and Europe have AT that is different enough, both in the dance itself, and all the culture that surrounds it, that they ARE Americanized of .... er ... Europeanized?

 

[Two Old Bears]

Have no idea if there are videos of any of this. Can't find any on YouTube. Sorry. I will also ask our instructor where her 'wheel' mixer comes from. Here are more detailed descriptions that might help: In the "wheel" mixer, ... In our "waterfall" mixer, ...

Thanks, old dog, for taking the time to type out more details for us. We have a much better idea of the "spokes" and the "waterfall" effect.

VERY INTERESTING :kitty: as we have not run into these particular dance formations ourselves anywhere (so far). We will be trying to work these out on the floor in the future.

Thanks a bunch!! :kissme:

 

[old dog]

Thanks, old dog, for taking the time to type out more details for us. We have a much better idea of the "spokes" and the "waterfall" effect.

VERY INTERESTING :kitty: as we have not run into these particular dance formations ourselves anywhere (so far). We will be trying to work these out on the floor in the future.

Thanks a bunch!! :kissme:

You are more than welcome, TOBs.

One small but important detail I left out (which may be obvious): When doing the 'wheel' formation mixer, all the couples must be dancing exactly the same patterns at the same time; otherwise the whole formation soon falls apart. This also allows someone to "call" the patterns which helps the inexperienced to know what figures are coming next.

In contrast, doing a 'waterfall' mixer allows every couple to dance whatever figures they wish as long as they generally progress along the designated route across the floor. A few leaders may take detours or use 'holding patterns' but this is discouraged as it may impede traffic and/or be perceived as monopolizing a desirable partner.

Best of luck in your 'mixer quest.' Let us know from time to time how things are progressing.

 

[little lulu]

Amazing

I didn't know there were several versions of the "Texas Two Step". Still have a lot to learn. I feel terrible, I shouldn't have told you I don't like that dance... However, I prefer dances where there are a lot of steps. It's good for the brain and good exercice.

I've never done any Tango, but it's fun to watch.

 

[Terpsichorean Clod]

From what I've seen, there aren't many places out here that do mixers. And those mixers tend to be waterfalls. I think the issue with circle-type mixers might be the requirement for equal numbers of leaders and followers.

The cross-step waltz mixer is quite popular in the vintage ballroom community: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-vSouuPYcw&fmt=18.

 

[JingleBoots]

There is an email that has been going around for a while now that is absolutely precious. Your post reminded me of it. Only it's not "dancers"....it's tractors ! Real farm tractors square dancing. It's on U-tube, so those of you that want a real treat, just key in "tractors square dancing". It's neat ! Enjoy...........JingleBoots

 

[Terpsichorean Clod]

There is an email that has been going around for a while now that is absolutely precious. Your post reminded me of it. Only it's not "dancers"....it's tractors ! Real farm tractors square dancing. It's on U-tube, so those of you that want a real treat, just key in "tractors square dancing". It's neat ! Enjoy...........JingleBoots

Love it! Thanks for sharing!

 

[RickRS]

Wondering if the organizer for our monthly local dances been reading this thread?

Last dance, she had everybody get on the floor for a circle dance mixer. Apparently this was the first time in quite a while. Reports she got lots of positive comments, so I expect she'll make it a regular thing.