for those dances that have gone ahead (swiftly diminishing). E-Ceilidh (e-mail forum) have had discussions. Here are a few suggestions for moves to avoid hand to hand combat.

For a gallop instead of straight hands:
Last night at Oxfolk I asked one lass to hold her arms, hands touching/gripping, a bit like the newbie/cowboy stance for dosi doh. My forearms could then be inserted vertically to hook the loop. My wrist to elbow.

For swings:
Right hand waist hold, and left hand on the upper arm, though even that relative novice took to it and just right hand sufficed. It does alter the body positions compared to cross hand hold, but is essentially the expert ceilidh hold in showy-off mode. Some suggested the "no contact" gypsy, it is all in eye contact (ooer missus).

For Nottingham Swing:
sashay/chassis - gripping forearm worked, particularly when coaching a German novice who learned fast. Right arms were either hooked elbows or proper elbow grip.

Stars:
Became loose elbow things. I thought "what about the hand on shoulder of the person in front" to firm up the foursome. In Irish Set that would be referred to as a "lock-on".

Arches:
Arms raised bascule bridge stylee. A mixed success for moving dancers (as opposed to standing for others to go through).

Hand clapping:
Not that popular with ceilidhnauts, I muck about and get laughs. Keep personal claps, avoid contacting partner, try air shots/jazz hands.

For lines holdee-hands:
There seemed to be no successful substitute, except not holding hands! Avoiding the "little finger" of a Breton Laridé was IMNSHO a bit twee - but hey, if that's what it takes!

Having said this it is not possible to not hold hands at times, some moves are designed around firm connection, like a basket. But this thread, ultimately, is a percentage shot.

So any social folk dancers with suggestions?