One of my favorites is "Jefferson's Sixpence" by Ann Fallon. It's simple enough for newbies, but the walking backwards up the hall and the duck and dive keep it interesting for experienced dancers.

https://contradb.com/dances/2678

—Sam

On 2025-07-01 18:07, Rick Mohr via Contra Callers wrote:

I’d like to find more easy-going contras for newcomers that still have unimpeachable choreography and something of interest. By easy-going I mean:

 *

    Straightforward transitions

 *

    Stays in minor set (but OK to progress somewhere besides A1)

 *

    A catch-up point like a balance or long lines forward & back


Here are some I think fit the bill:


Black Bird in the Night <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=5>(rory o’mohr)

Give the Scout a Hand <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=1735>(half hey with hands)

Harmony Hey <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=936>(half hey with hands, star progression)

Kinematic Vorticity <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=1537>(gate)

Rock Creek Reel <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=11685>(larks/robins balance in central wave)

Simplicity Swing <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=10732>(star progression)

Spoot the Dog <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=168>(balance+dosido+allemande)


I don’t count dances like The Baby Rose <https://www.ibiblio.org/contradance/thecallersbox/dance.php?id=10273>where you balance & swing both neighbor and partner. Those don’t seem newcomer-friendly to me because there’s so much swinging.


What are some that you like?


Rick



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Sam Whited
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