Comments/corrections welcome. I'm not an expert, and I may have missed something
Kirston was one of the early choreographers of the modern contra dance movement (Nantucket Sleigh Ride is from 1977; I don't know dates for the others) and his dances are an interesting mix of older and newer styles. He did incorporate some moves from English dancing. He did not use the Petronella figure, and did not always include a neighbor swing or keep both couples moving. I see only one dance in Becket formation, but it is an unusual one Sicilian circle Becket mixer.
Kirston was not a prolific dance composer, but each of his dances is unique.
Of the 11 dances (of which we will be dancing eight tonight),
Nine are duple minor improper
-There is one proper and one Sicilian circle Becket mixer
Unbalanced (more activity for first couple - i.e. there are active and inactive couples)
Foster's Farewell
Hearts and Arrows
No neighbor swing
Hearts and Arrows
More Power to the Elbow
Witches’ Cauldron
no partner swing
Nantucket Sleigh Ride
no swing at all
Lexington Green
R/L shoulder around
Tailor Made
Moves from contra chestnuts
Rory O'Moore - Good Friday
Petronella - None
Hand cast - Lexington Green, Nantucket Sleigh Ride
Moves from English country dance
Pousette - Fifty-fifty
Mad Robin (though it is an unusual across the set) - St Patty's Day
Hey for 4 - Foster's Farewell, Lexington Green
turn single - Fifty-fifty
Line of 4 going up the hall - Nantucket Sleigh Ride
unusual formations
cuddle dip & dive - Nantucket Sleigh Ride
cozy line/cloverleaf/dive - Triskaidekaphobia
Partner star promenade - Tailor Made