OnP Waltz Circle - 8 Couples Version -2 software upgrade

UPGRADE NOTE: We have recently updated the software. We were alerted by a comment here that something had changed since the time we first released this. In looking into it, the largest issue we found was that rotation in the later SL software browsers or servers or both is not the same as it was in earlier packages. This we felt must be changed in our software to compensate. As for other items, we found that it depends on how much lag on a server and at a location. But either way, we decided to add safeties and software changes to make the software less vulnerable to lag and or even mild sim crashes. If you have an earlier version of this item and want the upgrade for free, just contact me Hunter Bronet. Sometimes a notecard is safer but I do try and read all IMs and notecards. And of course, the earlier version is still included inside if you prefer that one.

Specifications: Up to 8 couples (16 people), with only the owner being able to set options. Sync command every 24 seconds (normal speed) or sometimes 6 seconds to keep dancers in harmony. Optional rotate of dances around a larger circle. Optional sync that they sync themselves as a couple, or all are synchronized by the master controller (owner only choice). Also choices of three speeds = normal, slower, or faster. Each dancer has 21 animations in all that vary at least slightly (7 for each speed). Time for overall repeat in normal mode is 3 minutes – which is long since many second life dances repeat every 30 seconds. 44 anims in all / up to 8 couples, 16 dancers.

Waltz – the waltz is said by some to be the oldest and most well known of the ballroom dances, dating from the middle of the 18th century. The waltz timing is what musicians call three fourths timing, counted in threes – 1-2-3, 1-2-3. Those learning waltz for the first time often begin with the box step – where 6 counts – 1-2-3, 1-2-3 move your feet around a box. Then one moves that around in a circle. The classical waltz small circle is 12 steps – three steps (1-2-3) on each side of a larger box area, such as North, South, East or West, with step 1 of each 3 moving you in a different direction. This gives the classical waltz small circle. But then for elegance, sometimes waltz couples not only move around small circles, but then equally space and move around a much larger circle, giving a most elegant (my opinion) ballroom appearance. This dance animation follows that.

OPTIONS (can be done by owner only)
By owner, clicking the dance ball (center – or if no dance ball, center area –(highlight transparent to see))

ROTATE: Rotate dancers in a larger circle while they dance in a smaller circle at the same time? You have a choice of “Stop” or “Go” referring to rotation. And yes there is dance movement remaining if you choose “stop”. The dances just dance in their place.

DANCE SPEED: We prefer “Normal” speed, but also provide options for “Slower” or “Faster” for those with different preferences.

TALK ON, TALK OFF: Usually should be set to Talk Off. On relays dance info to the owner.

SYNC TYPE: “Couples” sync such that each couple can be different, or “Sync All” to make all dance couples the same timing. If you choose couples, it will give you the option of again getting couples to different starts.

SYNC NOW SETTINGS: If you wish a manual sync as well, this has sync All, and Reset. Reset will force a reload of dance memory for all dance balls.

BALL HEIGHT: Allows you to pick the height of your decorative dance ball in the center, or just make it invisible.

SYNC NOTES
While sync signals occur quickly, usually 24 seconds or less, there can be waits. When new couples join the dance they either bow or curtsey while waiting the next sync signal. If the two join at just the wrong time, it may take a second signal for them to dance in sync which could be 30 seconds at normal speed. But once dancing, sync signals occur quite fast (24 seconds or 6 seconds) compared to some other second life couples dances which can be 3 or 4 minutes – depending on who did the software. So it should try to keep things together even if lag. However, note that as owner if you change some settings that some things do not change immediately. You guessed it. They are waiting for the next sync signal when they begin to take effect – such as speed change will wait for the next sync signal.

SAFETIES
We have added safeties to check rotation desired (by you) and verify it every 10 seconds to account for some lag, editing or mild sim crashes. We have modified dance animations to allow less susceptibility to lag. However, as for all animations, the first time using an animation may be ragged - as many animations in SL experience. This startup is generally gone the second time the animation is run.

Hope you Enjoy!
Hunter Bronet for OnP Owl and Pussycat, in Sl Tissela and in SL Marketplace
www.sl-animations.com

• Up to 8 couples, 16 dancers
• 44 anims total, provide 3 speeds, plus 7 anims per dance routine
• 3 minute program (normal speed) - when many are 30 sec
• Options controlled by Owner only - for speed, sync, sync type, more
• One option is to rotate dancers around a larger circle