(New England) Contra

Last updated:  January 2026


Couples perform Contra-dance in longways lines, ‘as many as will’.  Minor sets are ‘duple’ (comprise two-couples), usually ‘improper’…  occasionally ‘Becket’ formation.

Proponents of Contra-dance cite its advantages over other country dance genres as::

Dances are particularly sociable - as a new pair of dancers is encountered about every 30s.

Since it doesn't involve any taxing stepping or energetic figures e.g. ‘galop’ing down a set, ‘balance & kick’ or ‘basket’, Contra's ideal for the more mature dancer.

Contra is amenable to ostentatious flourishes e.g. twirling when transitioning between circling and swinging…  or, for uninhibited flamboyance:  the “dip” - a back-breaker’ - not for the novice.

However, Contra can't offer quite the variety - the ‘cherries’ - afforded by figures such as ‘Strip the Willow’, ‘Dip & Dive’, or ‘Rip & Snort’.

* * *

Contra accompaniment is usually contemporary, 32-bar reels - performed by string bands.

English country dances normally comprise five, or less, figures during each 32-bar revolution - whereas Contras have at least six individual figures, so are a smidgeon more demanding to memorize.

* * *

Particular features of Contra:

The procedure when popping-out at an end of a line can be confounding, but generally, couples simply continue around the end - swapping lines - usually waiting-out before continuing normally, but in the opposite direction.

Dances whose starting formation is ‘1’s improper (and if >18 couples participate), can also be performed as a Sicilian circle (which, because there are no ‘end’s, is less taxing).

Some Contra venues host gender-fluid events, which can be a tad uncomfortable for conventional, red-blooded males.  If that could be an issue, it'd be prudent to check beforehand.

* * *

You want to see a demonstration of Contra?
Here's a taster (as The Engine Room assail the cat-gut).  But beware - the accompaniment's infectious, so if you watch this, you're at risk of contracting the Contra bug:

Trip Through the Stones

Don Veino

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yw0UmCKb1o

Formation:   Becket lines.

The figures that comprise a single revolution of the dance:

A1:   Slice to the left to progress & back straight out.

With that couple…
 Ladies Chain.

A2:   Left hand (grip wrist) star, peel-off to adjacent set…

right hand star, peel-off - back to previous set…


B1:   Neighbor Balance (two-handed) & swing.

B2:   Hands four, Circle to the left three places, (twirl lady Ccw, into… )

Partner Balance & swing.


*  *  *


Alternating Corners

by Jim Kitch

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8Zb2SjucM0

Music:  Polaris - Linda Leslie's etc.

Prep:  Take hands in fours from the top, couples facing away from the caller are designated ‘1’s  - they swap places (improper).  In this dance, couples 1 and 2 take turns being active.  Review 'Allemande contra corners'.

Difficulty:  Tricky - Oh yes indeed!

* * *

A1:   Neighbor Balance & Swing.

A2:   Long lines forward and back.

The active* couple cross the set to curl round (outside) their (same gender) neighbor, passive couple just meet and ricochet back to place.


B1:   The active couple hinge (a ¼-turn [90°] Allemande) right to Allemande contra corners  (…Allemande left their right-hand diagonal, hinge right each other again, Allemande left their left-hand diagonal.)

B2:   Back in the center, Actives balance and swing, end facing their new neighbors.

* - The first time through, couple #1 is active.  For A2/B1, they ½ figure-of-eight (with the ‘2’s - who are now above them), then Allemande contra-corners (so, from their original line - meet in the center, hinge (a ¼-turn [90°] Allemande) right to Allemande left the person on their right diagonal, then partner [Allm. r.], then their left diagonal), swing partner - end facing their new neighbors (down the set).  The second time through, couple #2 is active.  They curl round their neighbors (the ‘1’s - now below them), hinge right, Allemande contra corners and end their last swing facing up the set.


The Amazing Sarah Wilcox

Author:  Tom Hinds

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQHzh83-SAI

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘2’s improper.  Reverse progression  i.e. ‘2’s go downwards.

* * *

A1:   Circle left three places,  (7 beats)

swing partner.  (9)

A2:   Circle left three places,  (7)

swing neighbor.  (9)

B1:   Long lines Forward & Back,  (8)

Square thru’:  chain three around (across first, R-L-R  i.e. partner-neighbor-partner).  (8)

B2:   All facing out (with the lady on the right) in long lines, hold hands at chest height to Balance the Line (step/lean towards current neighbor, tap, then to previous neighbor, tap),  (4)

lady rolls away Ccw. across to her left in front of her current neighbor to her next neighbor,  (4)  If waiting-out, re-join.

Balance the Line (to current neighbor - then next  neighbor),  (4)

California twirl that new neighbor - to all face-in.  (4)  ejected end couples swap lines, designation and wait-out a ‘go’.

Music:  The Squid and the Seagull.



Amy Absconds

by: Ted Hodapp

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8QZA5oqmvY as called by Hank Morris.

Prep.:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s swap places (‘improper’).  Form a crossways, wavy line - ladies in the center.

* * *

A1:   Balance the Wave - to the right, then left,  (4 beats)

Rory O’Moore roll to the right, Cw.,  (4)

Balance the Wave - left, then right,  (4)

R O’M roll left, Ccw..  (4)

A2:    Neighbor Allemande right for men to cross the set by the left,  (4)

partner swing - man could raise his l. hand for lady to twirl-out Cw.  (12)


B1:   Promenade across the set (passing to the right of one’s neighbors), finish with a double-handed overhead turn (lady ½ Cw., man ½ Ccw.) to face-back (lady on the right), join hands in a circle to…  (9)

Circle left three places.  (7)

B2:   R-L pull-by along the line,  (4)

Allemande right next person,  (4)

Left pull-by (past forthcoming neighbor) back along line,  (4)

Neighbor Allemande right.  Forward to a new neighbor.  (4)  or, if reached an end, swap lines…  and wait-out a go;  if already waiting-out, re-join.

Music:  36s: Miquel Epardo - Another One Bites The Dust;  31s: Mean Lids - Waterbound.



Aqueous

Author:  Don Flaherty

Watch, from 4m43, at:  https://youtu.be/joM0I6jEwIU

Preparation:   From the top, take hands in fours.  ‘1’s improper.  Face neighbor.

  * * *

A1:   Balance (…holding right hands [or double-handed, palm-to-palm] step forward, pull together, closing with the other foot [& tap/stomp] …  then step back out on that foot, lean-back and close with a tap/stomp) & Swing neighbor - finish with the man on the lady’s right.  (16 beats)

A2:   Minor sets, holding hands, circle left (Cw.) three places.  (7)

partner swing.  (9)

B1:   Longways lines forward, stomp & back tap/stomp,  (8)

Ladies chain across the set & Cw. twirl to place?  (8)

B2:   Longways lines forward, stomp and balance (meet partner by the right hand, tap, lean-back, tap),  (4)

Pull-by r. h. across to partner, then l. h. along the line with neighbor,  (4)

lines forward, balance and repeat pull-by (to complete a ‘square’)  (8)  if reached an end, turn-around - as a couple, change designation and wait-out a ‘go’;  if already waiting-out, re-join.



Becket Reel (variant)

by Herbie Gaudreau

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/MpcKR7rFfSA

Form:  Becket Contra lines i.e. a longways line of couples (with the lady on the man’s right-hand side) facing another, similar line.  The ‘shadow’, for a man (in Becket formation), is the lady on his left (in his line) - for a lady, it's the man on her right - at ends, one’s ‘shadow’ is the end person in the opposite line. 

* * *

A1:   Ladies chain across the set…  & back…

A2:   …continuing into ladies lead a Hey (reel of four) across the set (in the middle, pass to the left)…  and back.

B1:   Allemande left shadow, returning to:

swing partner (ballroom hold, buzz step).

B2:   Right and Left thru’ with the couple diagonally left - as a flourish, substitute a ‘Swat the Flea’ for the ‘Left thru'’.  A top and a bottom couple remain in position and wait-out these four bars (only).

Right and left thru’ with the couple across the set.  (Everyone’s ‘progressed’ Cw.)



Dr Bluhm’s Delight

Author: Rick Mohr

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5Okqiiiiys

Form:  Becket Contra lines.  Minor sets from adjacent 'lines', may, serendipitously be able to align themselves with each other - allowing crossways wavy lines to be extended.

* * *

A1:   Holding hands with neighbors, circle left three places.  The man could twirl his neighbor Ccw. under his left arm, into…
Neighbor swing.  

A2:   Lines (lady on the right-hand side) forward & back.

Left hands-across star - after ½-turn, men peel-off and face back.  Ladies continue circling a further ¾-turn to their neighbor (facing towards them), with whom they form a cross-ways wave.

B1:   Balance the Wave ( …holding raised hands across the minor set, lean/sway to the right [towards neighbor] - emphasized with a double- dip/‘bob’, elbow-flaps and a tap with the left foot - then lean/sway and double-bob to the left, tap right foot),

ladies release their l. h., Allemande right ⅔ (240° Cw.), so that men meet, by the l. h., a man from their adjacent, minor set.  Men waiting-out, can rejoin,  (8 beats)

Diagonal Balance (right then left), men Allemande left ¾ (Ccw.) to return for “right hand to partner”.  Ladies who are waiting-out, can rejoin too.  (8 beats)

B2:   Balance to partner, then left, men acknowledge each other, and…  (4)

swing partner.  (12)

Slip left along the line slightly to progress.



Box the Gnat (Contra)

Author:  Becky Hill

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/24fwMiIUxF4 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vt8ppsd-ZU - Barefoot with Mary Wesley

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  Duple, ‘1’s improper.  Face neighbor.

* * *

A1:   Right-handed neighbor Balance (along the line), ‘Box the Gnat’ with neighbor:  the couple raise joined right hands.  The lady, walking forwards, twirls Ccw. under their arch,  the man half-rotates right to swap places with her…  they've both reversed direction.  (8 beats)

Face across, right-handed partner Balance, ‘Box the Gnat’ (end-up crossed-over diagonally).  (8 beats)

A2:   Neighbor Balance & Swing.

B1:   Face across, ladies Allemande right completely around,

partner swing.

B2:  Pass thru (cross sides) with right to neighbor…  finish with a ‘Swat the Flea’ (or a courtesy turn) to swap places with partner - into:

Ladies chain across with a shortened courtesy turn (whereas the man rotates a further 180°) to progress along the line to a new neighbor.


Repeat…  or, if ejected at an end, dance A1 & A2 (but with partner), then, while waiting-out during B1 & B2, change places and designation.



Cats…  and More Cats

by Melanie Axel-Lute

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URIqlHjr9G4

Music:  Buddy System - The Wiggly Bridge 

Form:  Becket lines.

* * *

A1:   Holding hands in fours, Circle left three places and pass thru' (along the line - to left of neighbor),  (8 beats)

Allemande right 1¼ new neighbor …  to longways waves - ladies facing out.  (8 beats)

A2:   Balance the line right and left, Rory O'Moore roll right,  (8)

back in a line, balance left and right, R O'M roll left.  (8)

B1:   Balance & Swing neighbor.  (16)

B2:   Circle left three places,  (7)

partner swing.  (9)



Chinese New Year

Author:  Chris Page

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jcpi3Via1t8

Music:  Chivalry and Farewell to the Taliban.

Prep.:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Form a longways wavy line, only men face out (neighbor on r. h. s.).

* * *

A1:   Balance the Line:  holding raised hands along the line, lean/sway right (emphasized with a double-dip/‘bob’), tap/kick the left foot, then lean to the left,,  (4 beats)

Box circulate ( …in fours, everyone circulates one place Cw.:  people facing-in cross the set to end-up facing out, the others pivot right - into a vacated place - to face in),  (4)

Balance the Line,  (4)

Box circulate.  (4)

A2:   Balance the Line,

Box circulate,

partner swing.

B1:   Circle left three places,  (7)

neighbor swing.  (9)

B2:   Holding hands in long lines, forward & back,  (8)

right-hand balance partner,  (4)

pull-by right with partner to cross the set, continue rotation to hinge (a ¼-turn [90°] Allemande) left neighbor and reform longways waves - men facing out, ladies facing in (progressed).   (4)

Ejected ocouples could then Balance the Line (A1 - men facing out)…  and while others circulate, swap lines (but keep facing the same way) and B. the L. three times…  Then swap designation and rejoin for the subsequent A1.



Chuck the Budgie

Author: Rick Mohr

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KevQxr-saFw

Music:  35s: Perpetual E-Motion - Cluck Old Hen;  34s: Great Bear - The *Randomanians, Big Bandemonium → 32s: Perpetual E-Motion - *Flying Tent.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper (change places with partner).  Minor sets from adjacent 'lines', may serendipitously be able to align themselves with each other - allowing crossways wavy lines to be extended.

* * *

A1:   Men forward to Allemande left (turn 180°),  (6 beats)

returning to “Swing your neighbor”.  (10 beats)

A2:   Face across and hold hands in fours, "circle to the left three places" to:  (7)

“Swing your partner”.  (9)

B1:   Face across, holdingh hands in longways lines, forward & back,  (8)

ladies forward to Allemande right 1½.  Keep holding right hands, raise left to neighbor - to form a crossways wavy line.  (8)

B2:   Balance the Wave:  holding raised hands across the minor set, lean right (emphasized with a dip/‘bob’ then a tap/‘bob’ with the left foot)…  then to the left,  (4)

lady releases r. hand and neighbor Allemande left ¾ (turn 270°) to meet a new neighbor - without releasing left hands - to make a longways, wavy line.  (4)

Balance the Line (longways balance):  lean right (towards new neighbor), with a dip/‘bob’, tap left foot…  then to the left,  (4) 

release l. hand, and new neighbor Allemande right or Box the Gnat - so lady can twirl Ccw. to place.  (4) 

End couples turn-back, change places and wait-out a ‘go’.



Circadian Rhythms

By Lynn Ackerson

Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1Dx33kTruk1s

Music:  36s: The Faux Paws - Clare at Sea;  35s: Mean lids - Captain Nemo;  34s: The Faux Paws - *Bubwa/No Bad Ideas,  Noah VanNorstrand - Queen of Catalina/Walk Around the Reservoir.

Form:  ‘1’s improper, longways wavy lines - men facing out.  No swing neighbor.

* * *

A1:   Balance the Line,  (4 beats)

Box Circ.,  (4)

Bal t L,  (4)

Rory O'M (right), catch lefts,  (4)

A2:   Partner Allemande l. 1½-turns,  (8)

ladies peel-off to lead a hey - passing to the l..  (8)


B1:   Partner Bal & Swing,  (16)

B2:   Balance the Ring,  (4)

men twirl (Cw.) across partner,  (4)

left hands across, star,  (8)

peel-off - to progress.



Coconut Cream Pie

A variation on “Apple Pie Quadrille” by Ron Beeson

Author:  Lynn Ackerson

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02tHRtMTO74

Music:  The Great Bear Trio - *Garbage in A.

Form:  Quadrille i.e. two, adjacent, crossways couples facing two, crossways couples (four-facing-four people). 

Prep:  Hands eight.

* * *

A1:   Holding hands in lines of four, Forward & Back,  (8 beats)

center four Star by the Right (hold wrists) …  while ‘ends’ swing - or whatever they want.  (8 beats)

A2:   Partner Allemande left 1½-turns for:  (8)

other center four to Star by the Right…  new ‘ends’ swing - or whatever they want.  (8)

B1:   Partner Balance & Swing.  (4, 12)

B2:   As a group of eight, Circle left ½,  (8)

Balance the Ring (pull-together, step-in, tap, etc.),  (4)

California Twirl partner to turn-about and face a new line of four.  (4)

The progression is one set forward.  At ends turn-back, as couples, and wait-out a ‘go’.



Crow Flight

by Rick Mohr

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rmkCOobA60

Prep.:  Take hands in fours from the top, ‘1’s improper.  In longways, wavy lines, men face out, ladies face in.

  * * *

A1:   Balance the line, roll away right (‘Rory O’Moore’), past the retiring neighbor to…  (8 beats)

…new neighbor swing.  (8)

A2:   Circle left three places,  (7)

Men curl Cw. around their partner (turn thru' 90°) to lead a ½-Hey (passing by left shoulder).  (9)

B1:   Partner Balance & Swing.

B2:   Men Allemande left completely around,

Allemande neighbor right once around - into a longways wavy line.



A Different Way Forward (Original version)

or 'Friday at the Fool'

by Seth Tepfer


Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MBpPUUEqpU

Formation:  Becket  …or, if ≥22 couples - and a wide enough area, this dance may work better as a Sicilian Circle ('cos no 'end confusion').

Progression:  triple, Cw.

* * *

A1:   Holding hands in long lines, forward & back (tap),  (8 beats)

circle left three places,  (6)

Pass thru' (to the left of current neighbor) along the line.  (2)

A2:  Allemande left neighbor #2  1½ (completely around)…  (8)

…and on to gypsy neighbor #3 by the right 1½.  (8)


B1:   Balance & swing neighbor #4.  (4 + 12)

B2:   Ladies Allemande right 1½, completely around - to cross lines,  (8)

partner swing (lady finishes on partner’s r. h. s.).  (8)



Easy Peasy

by Diane Silver


Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bH4VLKCMYc

Formation:  improper.

* * *

A1:   Neighbor Balance & swing.  (4 +12 beats)

A2:   Holding hands in long lines, forward & back,  (8)

Men Allemande left completely around - to cross lines.  (8)

B1:   Partner Balance & swing.  (16)

B2:   Circle left three places,  (6)

Balance the Ring (pull-together, step forward, tap etc.),  (4)

Partner California twirl…  and forward - to progress.  (6)



Eleanor’s Reel

by Bill Olson

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBwZ8q5xb_g

Music:  Most jigs.

Prep:  Double progression - so, best at larger/crowded events.  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Nudge left to start in a crossways wave - ladies, in the center, join left hands, right hand to neighbor.  

* * *

A1:   Balance the Wave (to r. then l.),  (4)

neighbor Pull-by right on the right diagonal.  Form a new wave with neighbors #2 (left hand to neighbor, men join right hands in the center),  (4)

Bal. the Wave (to l. then r.),  (4)

pull-by left on the left diagonal.  Form a new wave with neighbors #3 (right hand to neighbor #3, ladies join left hands in center).  (4)

A2:   Bal. the Wave,  (4)

neighbor #3 swing.  (12)


B1:   Circle left three places,  (7)

partner swing.  (9)

B2:   Circle left three places,  (8)

Do si do that neighbor…  finishing in a wave (ladies in the center).  (8)



Enchanted

by Cary Ravitz

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nlh9wXS0Cc

Music:  32s: Lift Ticket - Gobby-O and Coffee.

Form:  Becket, Ccw. progression.

  * * *

A1:   Hold hands in fours, circle left three places,  (7 beats)

Ladies lead a ½-Hey, starting by passing to the right of each other.  (9)

A2:   Neighbor Balance & swing.  (16)

B1:   Long lines go forward, partners gypsy ½-way round, lines reverse back (crossing-over),  (2, 4, 2)

Left hands across to Star three places.  (8)

B2:   Ladies peel-off to Allemande right their new neighbor (lady),  (4)

returning (with a twirl) to partner swing.  (12)



Expert Bits

Author:  Peter Stix

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/NsV-eqS8Fk4

Music:  33s: Laura Light - Tropiganda;  31s: Perpetual E-Motion - Eleanor Rigby.

Preparation:  take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s ‘improper’.  Facing along the set (‘1’s down, ‘2’s up), nudge right to form a crossways, wavy line - men in the center.  Adjacent minor sets may, serendipitously, be able to align themselves with each other - allowing crossways wavy lines to be extended.

* * *

A1:   Balance the Wave,  (4 beats)

Men slide-right/R O’M roll Cw. (in front of the other man) - to…   (4)

partner swing (no 'balance').  (8)

A2:   Ladies Chain across.  (8)

Same two ladies pull-by right,  (4)

Partner Allemande l. ¾ into a crossways wavy line (ladies, in the center, meet with right hands).  (4)

B1:   Balance the Wave,  (4)

Ladies slide/twirl Cw. across to their right,  (4)

neighbor swing.  (8)

B2:   Couples Pass the Ocean:  passing thru' - to the left of oncoming partner, ladies meet and hinge (a ¼-turn [90°] Allemande) left, while men, after passing their partner, curl right into a crossways wave - ladies in the center,

face neighbor to Balance the Wave,  (4)

Pull forward (and to the right),  (2)  Ends swap lines and wait-out a ‘go’.

Allemande left the next neighbor, all the way round…  into a crossways wave - men in the center.  (6)



Fiddler’s Fling

by Cary Ravitz

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/p-vLYUngnz8

Music:  35s: The Great Bear - Shoot the Turkey Buzzard.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.

* * *

A1:   Balance (palm-to-palm) and swing neighbor.  (16 beats)

A2:   Neighbors Mad Robin (sideways do-si-do, Cw.).  (4)

Ladies pull their partner to poussette Cw. ½ around their neighbors (but keep facing the same direction).  (4)

B1:   Smoothly transition into…  a gypsy star with neighbors:  ladies take right hands, men take left hands (men reverse) - other hand to partner.  Turn the star three places Cw.,  (7)

Partner swing.  (9)

B2:   Right and left thru’ across,  (8)

Ladies’ chain across, but the courtesy turn is truncated - so ladies progress along the line to meet their next neighbor.  (8)  End couples swap lines and wait-out a 'go'.



Gaye’s Groove

by Rick Mohr


Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxM_ADBY2X8

Prep:  Best with longish, experienced lines - as the rigmarole at ends can be particularly confounding.

Hands four, ‘1’s improper.  Facing along the line, nudge left - to form a crossways wave.

* * *

A1:   Balance the Wave,  (4 beats)

pull-by (twirling?) and diagonally right - so men down the center - to neighbor #2,  (4)

Balance the Wave (r. then l.),  (4)

pull-by and diagonally left - ladies down the center - to neighbor #3.  (4)

A2:   Bal. the Wave,  (4)

neighbor #3 Allemande right ¾ - back to neighbor #2,  (4)

swing neighbor #2.  (8)


B1:   Revolving Door:  couples promenade across the set to the left of oncoming couple, as they meet, they release right hands for ladies to Allemande right, returning to waiting partner,  (8)

partner swing.  (8)

B2:   Pass thru' (across - to the left),  (7)

California twirl partner,  (3)

With current neighbors #1, circle left three places into a crossways wave (ladies in center).  (6)

Note - it feels the most natural if 'Balances' all commence to the right.



Gypsy Madness

by Bob Isaacs


Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84s_AWNnkVo

Prep.:  Hands four from the top.  ‘1’s improper.

* * *

A1:   Gypsy Star Cw.:  a star in which ladies take left hands, men take right hands - other hand to partner (ladies reverse) - completely around.  (8)

neighbor swing.  (8)

A2:   Lines forward & back.  (8)

Men to the middle, Allemande left completely around to cross over.  (8)


B1:   Partner Gypsy/do-si-do.  (8)

swing partner.  (8)

B2:   Circle left three places,  (c. 8)

Balance the ring,  (4)

California twirl partner to face new neighbors.  (4)



Heartbeat Contra

Author:  Don Flaherty

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/K8Z2hYA1s6I

Music:  36s: Sam Bartlett - Mary Devlin’s;  35s: C. R. Logston - *Highlanders’ Farewell jam;  34s: Pete’s Posse - The Echo, Flook - Larry Out the Bin/Elzic’s … , La Bottine Souriante - Sheepskin and Beeswax;  32s: Perpetual E-Motion - Bridge the Gap.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.

* * *

A1:   Balance the Ring (pull-together, step forward, tap, etc.),  (4 beats)

Petronella twirl:  rotate ¾ Cw. into the next position Ccw, clap-clap,  (4)

Repeat.  (8)

A2:   Balance the Ring,  (4) …  then the lady could twirl Ccw. under neighbor’s l. arm into:

neighbor swing.  (12)

B1:   Ladies Allemande by the right 1½ - to cross over… ,  (c. 8)

partner swing.  (c. 8)

B2:   Holding hands, circle left three places,  (8)

Balance the ring,  (4)

California Twirl partner to turn-about and take hands with new neighbors.  (4)

…or, if at an end, swap lines, and wait-out a ‘go’.



Hey in the Barn

Author:  Chart Guthrie

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/J-cOGs9rCXw

Preparation:  Take hands four from the top.  ‘1’s improper.   Memorize next neighbor.

* * *

A1:   Neighbor Balance & swing.  (16)

A2:   Ladies chain across to their partner…  (8)

…continuing smoothly into a ½-Hey, start with ladies passing right shoulders.  (Men end-up crossed-over, ladies return to their ‘home’ side.)  (8)

B1:   Partner Balance & Swing.  (16)

B2:   Ladies chain across (everyone's now ‘crossed-over’)...  (8)

…continuing smoothly into a ½-Hey - ladies pass right shoulders to start.  After men pass each other in the middle (by the right shoulder), they veer right to ‘progress' on to a new neighbor.  (8)   On reaching an end, turn-back - as a couple - and wait-out a ‘go’.



Hopscotch Reel

by Chris Page and Bob Isaacs

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DizBlj9OqpY

Form:  Becket lines.

Novel B1 figure.

* * *

A1:   Hold hands in fours to circle left three places,  (6 beats)

neighbor swing.  (10)

A2:   Balance the Ring,  (4)

Petronella twirl:  rotate ¾ Cw. while also moving Ccw. into the next position Ccw., clap-clap,  (4)

Balance the Ring,  (4)

Petronella twirl.  (4)

B1:   Left hands-across, star three places,  (6)

Men walk forward to next star - while ladies continue to star Ccw.,  (2)

Men left hands-across (to a future neighbor) star three places,  (6)

Men peel-off to return to partner.  (2)

B2:   Balance & Swing partner.  (16)  End facing slightly right - to progress.



Jet Lag

by Jon Greene


Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDgksMpj45E

Music:  33s: The Engine Room - *Asheville’s Farewell.

Prep:  Hands four, 1's improper.

* * *

A1:   Neighbor balance,  (4)

Box the Gnat,  (4)

pull-by along the line to previous neighbor,  (4)

swing (short).  (4)

A2:   Long lines, Forward & Back,  (8)

current neighbor swing.  (8)


B1:   Circle left three places,  (7)

partner swing.  (9)

B2:   Ladies chain across, into…  (8)

star by the left (Ccw) to peel-off and meet next neighbor by the right hand.  (8)



Joel’s In The Kitchen

Author:  Sue Rosen

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk_uEyEIgFs or:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czf6_4AUTAI

Music:  34s: Mean Lids - Trip to Pakistan/La Sansonette, Michael Daves - 28th of January;  32s: Hotpoint String Band - Haphazard Breakdown.

Form:  Becket Contra lines.

* * *

A1:   Holding hands in long lines, Forward & Back,  (8 beats)

Ladies Chain across.  (8 beats)

A2:   In a circle of four, holding hands, Balance the Ring (step-in, tap, step back, tap…) and release hands to…  (4)

Petronella twirl,  (4)

Repeat.  (8 beats)

B1:   Balance the Ring,  (4)

Cross thru’ the set (pass to the left of partner);  then, along the line, pass to the right of neighbor  i.e. men down the center of the set,  (4)

Continue-on to swing (no balance) the next neighbor.  (8)  or, if at an end, swing partner, and wait-out…  or, to re-join, swing the approaching, new neighbor.

B2:   Holding hands, Circle left three places,  (7)  the man’s partner is on his left, so he could twirl her Ccw. into: 

Partner swing.  (9)



The Last Resort

by Kathy Anderson

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/mM5vNzFxxBs

Music:  34s: Great Bear - Benton’s Hallucinations.

Form:  Becket lines.  Cw. progression.

* * *

A1:   In fours, holding hands, circle left three places,  (7 beats)

couples Weave the Line:  jink left along the line - passing around neighbours, then right to pass thru' the subsequent approaching (men down the middle) new neighbors.  or if ejected at an end, the couple, as a pair, turn-back…  then, after Allemande right with the following couple, wait-out a ‘go’ - until the next ‘A1’.  (9 beats)

A2:   Allemande right with the subsequent, advancing neighbor,  or if ejected at an end, Allemande partner right, returning to new neighbor,  (8)

neighbor swing.  (8)

B1:   Longways lines go forward & back,  (8)

ladies Allemande right completely around - crossing back to their partner.  (8)

B2:   Men Allemande left,  (6)

swing partner.  (10)



Love at First Swing

Author: Bob Isaacs

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/hxUxb7ONcqA

or:  https://youtu.be/fUvT6O-rq08

Form:  Becket longways lines.  The progression is Cw. (effectively).

Prep.:  Form longways line of four across the set, everyone faces down the line.

* * *

A1:   Lines advance four steps,  (4 beats)

ladies, holding hands with the inner man only, curl round in front of him:  the ‘outside’ lady (his r. h. side) arches, the ‘inside’ lady (alert! after crossing rows at the ends) ducks under it - turning the man half-Cw.,  (4)

the line, facing back, takes four steps forward (returning),  (4)

‘Outsides’ curl inward - dragging their line into a circle of four.  (Ladies return to their partner’s right.)  (4)

A2:   Keeping hands joined, balance: step in, tap/stomp the other foot, step back, tap…  release hands to Petronella (twirl ¾ Cw., while also moving Ccw. into the next position round), ‘clap-clap’…  (8)

Repeat.

B1:   Balance, California twirl partner (this figure enables the Cw. progression),

meet and swing the next neighbors along the line.  (End couples need to turn-back - as a pair - and wait-out a ‘go’.)

B2:   In fours, circle left (Cw.) three places,  (the lady could optionally twirl Ccw. under her partner’s l. arm - ready to… )  (7)

partner swing.  (9)



M.A.D. About Dancing

by Robert Cromartie

Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HlfylsylXo

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Start in a crossways wavy line (ladies in the center).

* * *

A1:   Balance the Wave,  (4 beats)

Allemande by the right (or raise right to ‘Box the Gnat’ with neighbor),  (4)  

Balance the Wave,  (4)  

Men Allemande left (turning thru' 270°) - returning to neighbour to…  (4)  

A2:   Neighbor Balance (step forward, meet palm-to-palm, stomp, push-back, stomp) & Swing.  (16)

B1:   (Holding hands in fours) Circle left three places,  (7)

swing partner.  (9)

B2:  Circle left three places…  to a crossways wavy line (partners face the same way - ladies in the center),  (8)

Balance the Wave,  (4)

Pull-thru’ (progressing).  (4)



Mad Mad World

Author:  Martha Wild

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrQcayS9CrM

Music:  *On the Danforth.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Hold hands along the line.

* * *

A1:   Long lines, forward & back,

Neighbors Mad Robin:  facing across the set, the pair do-si-do sideways - lady goes Cw. - in front of man.   Couples without neighbors (at an end), swap places, wait-out a ‘go’, and rejoin at next A1.

A2:   Ladies cross to partner - passing to the right,

Gypsy around partner,

swing partner.

B1:   Couples Pass through (ladies pass by their left) across the set,

California twirl partner,

Mad Robin man passes in front of partner.

B2:   Men cross - passing to the right.

Gypsy around neighbor…  into swing neighbor.



Mad Slice

Author:  Rick Mohr

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVstz-a6MFY

Music:  Nova (Fownes) - Filling the Knot

Preparation:  Take hands in fours.  ‘1’s improper.  One's shadow is:  when facing across the set, the opposite gender person in the adjacent (to one's left) minor set.

* * *

A1:   Ladies Allemande left, swing neighbor.  (8 + 8 beats)

A2:   Couple Slice to the left diagonal (to shadow #1 - meet palm-to-palm) to ‘bounce’/back-away left - on to shadow #2,  (5) or, if ejected, coiuple swap lines (as Becket)

Star by the right three places,  (7)

Pull-by left shadow #1, to meet partner.  (4)

B1:   Bal & Swing partner.

B2:   Holding hands in fours (with the lady on her partner’s right), Circle to the left three places,  (6)

Pass thru' (ladies down the center - pass to the right) neighbor, new neighbor Mad Robin (ladies in front).  (10)



Maliza’s Magical Mystery Motion

by: Cary Ravitz


Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55X_zv9NJPA

Formation:  Becket, Ccw. progression.

* * *

A1:   Men Allemande left completely around, 1¼.  (8)

Neighbor balance & swing.  (8)

A2:   Promenade (hands in-front) neighbor across the set - passing to the right.  Raise hands so lady can twirl-out, Cw. into…  (8)

Ladies chain.  (8)


B1:   In circles of four, balance in, out…  and Petronella twirl (man 1 turn…  or lady ½-turn) Cw., (clap-clap) to face the next couple.  (8)

Balance & petronella one place Ccw..  (8)

B2:   Partner balance & swing (lady ends on the right).  (16)



Mange Tak (“Many Thanks”)

Author:  Ron Buchanan

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnGW9fGvIw4

Music:  34s: Toss the Possum - *Apple Blossom;  33s: Retrospectacles - *Catharsis.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours.  ‘1’s improper.  Not dissimilar ‘A’ and ‘B’ halves.

* * *

A1:   Balance & Swing neighbor.  (16 beats)

A2:   Couples Pass the Ocean (crossing the set to the left of oncoming partner, ladies hinge each other left, while men curl right - into a crossways wave).  (4)

holding raised arms, Balance the Wave,  (4)

ladies release l. hands to Allemande neighbor right for men to pull across the set by the left,  (4)

hinge partner right - to head along the line (to ‘shadow’ or if at an end, ‘shadow’ will be the person opposite).  (4)

B1:   Allemande l. shadow (5)  If at an end, Allemande person opposite i.e. still your ‘shadow’.

Back along the line to swing partner.  (11)

B2:   Couples Pass the Ocean’,  (4)

Balance the Wave,  (4)

ladies release l. hands to Allemande right - for men to pull across the set by the left,  (4)

Hinge neighbor right, progress along the line to a new neighbor.  (4)  or, if at an end, meet partner, swap lines, change designation and wait-out a ‘go’.



Maxine's Reasonable Request

by Chuck Abell


Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtAp9C3uOfo

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s swap places (improper).  Face neighbors, nudge left to form a crossways, wavy line (ladies in the center). 

* * *

A1:   Lines of four… Balance the Wave,  (4 beats)

Allemande right (with neighbor) for men to pull-across the set by the left,  (5)

Swing partner.  (7)

A2:   Into the middle & pass the ladies across,

Balance & Swing neighbor.

B1:   Hands four…  Balance the Ring & Petronella twirl (with a clap-clap),  (4)

Balance & Petronella again.  (4)

B2:   Star by the left (wrist-hold),

After passing three places, peel-off…

…to Do-si-do new neighbor.



More of a Mixer

By Al Olson


Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llYCYpKNl9M

Form:  Circle, mixer.  Two concentric circles:  inside are men facing out - ladies outside, facing in.

Prep:  Nudge slightly left around the circle.  Hold raised hands in a wavy line.

      * * *

A1:   Balance the wavy circle/line (to the r., tap l. …  then to the l., tap r), slip (two chassés) right (or R. O'M. roll).  (8 beats)

Holding raised hands, Balance the circle/line (to the l., tap r. …   then to the r., tap l.), slip left (or R. O'M. roll).  (8)

A2:   Allemande right-hand person by the r. hand - twice around,   (8)

Allemande left-hand person by the left-hand - twice around, …  (8)


B1:   …gliding into Do-si-do r. h. person,  (8)

swing.  (8)

B2:   Promenade (hands in front) Ccw...  (14)

Lady advances slightly for the re-formed circle.  (2)

Music: jig,  35s: Rodney Miller and Airdance - October/Road to Lisdoonvarna;   34s: The Good Tune - Maids Of Selma/Lisnagun;  32s: John Whelan - *Dr O'Neal/Killavel;  31s: Alasdair Fraser & P. Machlis - Calliope House/… , Tiger Moth - Oats & Beans;  30s: Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand - Sage Creek/… Pirate Roberts/… ,  Brendan Block - Kates/Mill Roof, The Great Bear Trio - The Godwit/McGowan's.



A New Idea

by: Michael Fuerst


Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUO4yMA6CxQ.

Formation:  Becket, Ccw. progression.
Prep.:  Hold hands in long lines.  Memorize one’s ‘shadow’ (look along your line, past your partner, for the next person of partner’s gender).

      * * *

A1:   Long lines, forward & back,  (8)

Couples cross on the half-right diagonal, pulling right (to someone of the same gender) & courtesy turn partner.  (8)  At ends, ladies ‘pull-by’ a ghost dancer - then the couple wait out.

A2:   Ladies (who just ‘pulled by’ each other) Allemande right completely around (1½) to cross-over,  (8)

(new) neighbor swing.  (8)


B1:   (With that neigbor) Cross on the half-left diagonal, pulling right (to someone of the same gender) & courtesy turn neighbor.  (8)

Circle left (with ‘shadow’ and neighbor) three places.  (6)

Along the line, pass ‘shadow’ by r. shoulder - back to partner.  (2)

B2:   Partner Balance & swing.  (16)



The Nice Combination

by Gene Hubert

Relatively Contra-lite

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScnQJa_2nDc

Prep.:  Hands four from the top.  ‘1’s improper.

* * *

A1:   Neighbor Balance & Swing.  End in a line of four facing downwards.

A2:   Lines take five steps down the set, turn - as couples (could California twirl),  (8)

and turn back alone (m-L-M-l)…  outsides bend the line into a circle.  (8)

B1:   Circle left three places.  (7)

Balance & Swing partner.  (9)

B2:   Ladies Chain across,  (8)

Left hand star Ccw..  Peel-off after three places - progressing.  (8)



Now We Are Four

Erik Weberg

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIMVikR16qI

Music:  Robb 'n' Hood

Formation:  Duple Minor - Becket

* * *

A1:   Holding hands in a circle, Balance the ring,  (4 beats)

Men pull (or Ccw, twirl) their neighbor across to their side,  (2)

Neighbor swing.  (10)

A2:   In a line of four, down the hall (M-l-m-L),  "Lines of four, go down the floor."  (6)

After five or six steps, couples swap lines - the left-hand couple passes in front; turn alone.  (4)

In a line of four, go up the hall (m-L-M-l), and bend the line.  (6)

B1:   Circle left three places,  (7)

couples smoothly slide left along the line - to progress,  (1)

(new) Ladies do-si-do.  (8)

B2:   Balance & swing partner.  (16)



Oh, Hi Turtle!

by Emily Rush

As called by Robert Cromartie.

Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hmanTMdXRM 

Music:  35s:  Mean Lids (increase tempo by c. 8% for a very danceable:) - Red Prairie Dawn.

Prep.:  Duple minor.  Take hands, four from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Men face out.

* * *

A1:   Balance the line (r, first), ‘Rory O’Moore’ roll/spin Cw. to the right,

Balance the line (left first), R. O’M. roll left across new neighbor.

A2:   Facing neighbor R-L pull along the line (& around any corners - men circulate Cw.), Allemande right 3rd neighbor…  to pull-by left #2 neighbor,

Ladies hinge (a ¼-turn [90°] Allemande) right around #1 neighbor…

B1:   …to cross the set (to the left of the on-coming lady - back to partner [meet palm-to-palm]),

Balance & Swing.

B2:   Ladies chain,

(lady leads the man into:) left hand star four places around to form a longways line - men facing out (r. hand to neighbor’s right).  (End couples change places & wait-out…  or re-join.)



Pedal Pushers

by Bob Dalsemer

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqnoHv9ASZI (at ContraCopia)

Music:  34s: Buddy System - Breakwall;  33s: Nightingale or (32s) Graham Townsend - Pop Corn Reel.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.

* * *

A1:   Two men Allemande left 1¼,  (6 beats)

Continuing in-hold, they pick up their partner around her waist, bringing her back to the man’s side,  (4)

as a couple, wheel around once (Ccw. - man backing).  (6)

A2:   Two ladies gypsy: walk around each other Cw. facing eye-to-eye,  (4)

return to swing partner.  (4)

B1:   Holding hands in a circle of four, Balance the Ring,  (4)

pass thru' (to the left of neighbor) across the set,  (4)

facing Cw. in groups of four, walk/promenade (single) three places around (to progressed place).  (6)

Men turn-back to face neighbor.  (2)

B2:   Two-handed Balance & Swing departing neighbor.  End couples change designation (places) and wait-out a ‘go’.



A Pirate’s Life for Me (variation)

by Nathaniel Jack

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/s3rfdV8M7l8

Music:  34s: Barefoot - Spontaneity;  33s: Great Bear Trio - *The Randomanians;  32s: The Fretless - *Samuel’s Maids (pause: 1m20-1m44).

Prep.:  Hands four from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Raucous!

* * *

A1:   Balance (meet palm-to-palm) & Swing neighbor - end with lady on the right.  (16 beats)

A2:   Couples Pass the Ocean (crossing the set to the left of oncoming partner, ladies hinge each other left, men curl right - into a crossways wave),  (4)

Balance the Wave.  (4)

Men Rory O’Moore roll away right (across their neighbor) to catch left hands…  (4)

 …and Allemande left completely around to return to their line.  (4)

B1:   Balance (palm-to-palm) & Swing partner.  (16)

B2:   Ladies do-si-do completely around 1½ twirling Ccw.? - to cross-over,  (8)

Gypsy twirling? ¾ Cw. around neighbor (turning thru' 270°) to progress to next neighbor.  (8)



A Ravitzingly Rosy Recombination

by Tavi Merrill


Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8WjvsG3ArI

Formation:  Duple Minor, Becket.

Prep.:  Identify ‘shadow’ (adjacent person),

* * *

A1:   Holding hands in long lines, go forward and back  (8)

Ladies chain across.  (8)

A2:   Ladies lead Circle right completely around; turn away,  (6, 2)

new neighbor swing.  (8)


B1:   Circle left three places,  (6)

Partner pull-by right along the set/line,  (2)

Shadow do-si-do.  (8)

B2:   Partner Balance & Swing.  (4, 12)



Reel to Reel

Cary Ravitz


Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6VBJu6q3Zc

Music:  Barefoot - Jam

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  Duple, ‘1’s improper.  Start in a crossways wave, ladies in the middle.

  * * *

A1:   Neighbor Allemande right,  (5 beats)

men Allemande left completely around while ladies orbit ½ Cw. outside them,  (3 beats)

partner Allemande right,  (5)

ladies Allemande left completely around while men orbit ½ Cw..  (3)

A2:   Gypsy neighbor (or Allemande right) and swing.  (16)

B1:   Give and Take:  balance partner, lady takes man back,  (5)

partner Swing.  (11)

B2:   Holding hands, Circle left three places, twirl lady neighbor CCw. and pass through to the left to meet new neighbors,  (8, 2)

Do-si-do neighbor.  (6)



Rock Creek Reel

by David Harris

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gipgTTjXdfo

Music:  Catharsis, Imperial March medley.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  Duple, ‘1 ’s improper.

  * * *

A1:   Men forward to form a longways line,  (4)

Balance the Line,  (4)

As the men back out, ladies forward to a line,  (4)

Balance the Line.  (4)

A2:   Ladies Allemande right - twice around,  (8)

Swing partner.  (8)

B1:   Holding hands in lines of four (M, L, m, l.), go down the hall (six steps), turn-back  California twirl? as a couple,  (8)

return (six steps), then outsides curl-round to join hands and…  (8)

B2:   Circle left three places,  (7)

swing neighbor.  (9)



Rock the Cradle, Joe

Author:  Ridge Kennedy

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/fN4rJGBFJ9M  (Caller:  Darlene Underwood)

Music:  Turnpike Warrior.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top. ‘1’s ‘improper’.  With couple-facing-couple, nudge slightly left to form a crossways, wavy line - ladies in the center.  Minor sets that are adjacent crossways could align themselves - allowing crossways lines to be extended.

* * *

A1:   Balance the Wave,  (4 beats)

R O'M roll/spin (Cw.) across to the right, in front of your neighbor,  (4)

Back in wavy lines, balance to the left, then right,  (4)

R O’M (Ccw.) back left - in front of neighbor.  (4)

A2:   Taking two hands with neighbor, lean back, pull together and swing.  Finish in longways lines.  (16)


B1:   Lines forward, then, taking hands with partner, the man pulls his partner back to his side for a swing.  (16)

B2:   With the lady on her partner’s right, in fours, circle left three places into…  a crossways wavy line of four (ladies in the center) holding hands,  (7 + 1)

Balance the Wave,  (4)

lean back and pull through  twirl?  to meet an approaching couple with whom to form a new, crossways, wavy line.  (4)  …or, if at an end, turn-back - as a couple - and wait-out a ‘go’.



Rocket City Romp

by Cis Hinkle

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOTuEiujFjk

Music:  Perpetual E-Motion - Eleanor Rigby.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.

* * *

A1:   Balance (forward & back), offering r. h. to pull-by along the line, l. pull-by (partner) across the set,  (6)

swing neighbor,  (10)

A2:   Holding hands in long lines, forward & back,  (8)

ladies Allemande right completely around to cross the set to partner,  (8)


B1:   Balance & Swing partner,

B2:   Ladies chain to cross back to neighbor,  (8)

Offering r. h. across the set to partner, balance (forward & back) & pull-by,  (6)

l. h. pull-by neighbor along the line to a new neighbor.  (2)



Rory O’Moore

A semi-contra - as ‘2’s are relatively passive…  and there’s no ‘Swing neighbor’ figure.

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jPqECMr9Y8

Music:  Double-jig.  35s: Lissa Schneckenburger - Rory O’Moore;  32s: Rodney & Elvie Miller, Syncopaths - Rory O'Moore/Saddle The Pony.

Form:  Proper lines.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s should familiarize themselves with their right and left diagonal (1st and 2nd corner).

* * *

A1:   ‘1’s cross the set - passing by right hands, cast down below the ‘2’s (who nudge up), and turn up the center, where, arm around waist, they single-turn the ‘2’s.

A2:   ‘1’s, in the center of the set, in a longways line (with their partner on their right), Balance the Line (to the right, then left),

Rory O’Moore twirl/roll away Cw. to the right,

Balance the Line (left, then right),

R O’M roll left.


B1:   ‘1’s Allemande right (turn 180°), then Allemande their contra-corners:

Allemande left the person on the right diagonal (their 1st corner),
Allemande right partner,
Allemande left the 2nd corner (left diagonal).

B2:   ‘1’s, in the center, Balance & Swing.  End couples wait-out a ‘go’ and change their designation.



The Baby Rose

by David Kaynor

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1IcCDRtiBE

Music:  The Retrospectacles - Catharsis/The Red Crow.

Preparation:  Take hands four from the top.  ‘1’s improper.

* * *

A1:   Balance & Swing neighbor,  (16 beats)

A2:   With the lady on her partner’s right, holding hands in fours, Circle left three places,  (8)

Partner do-si-do  twirling Ccw.?.  (8)

B1:   Partner Balance & Swing.  (16)

B2:   Ladies chain to neighbor,  (8)

Star by the left, Ccw.  (6)

After passing three places, peel-off to face the next neighbor.  (2)



Salute to Larry Jennings (variant)

by Ted Sannella and Russell Owen

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMrprJLONTA

Music:  36s: Sam Bartlett - Mary Devlin’s;  34s: Celtic Fiddle Festival - The Primrose Lass.

Form:  Becket Contra lines i.e. two longways line of couples (man on the lady’s left-hand side) facing each other.  Consider the set as a squashed circle.

* * *

A1:   Holding hands in fours, circle left three places.

Do-si-do neighbor.

A2:   Facing neighbor, three R-L pull-bys.  If at an end, continue round the corners…  (men go Cw.).

Allemande left the fourth person.  Continue R-L back to neighbor.

B1:   Swing neighbor.

B2:   Forward to meet partner - two-handed…  man takes lady back to his side…  they swing.

Progress by making a new circle of four with the couple diagonally to the left.  Ejected end-couples wait-out (but could try A1 with partner and then risk joining-in for A2 only).



Serendipity

by: Chris Page

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTO9CYt7-eU  or  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcHLEq0UWbo

Music:  33s: Nova - …/*Snow Boots (c. Kathleen Fownes & G S-P).

Form:  Duple minor.  Becket lines.  Ccw. progression.

* * *

A1:   Ladles Allemande right completely around,  (8 beats)

neighbor swing.  (8)

A2:   Holding hands, Circle left three places,  (7)

Allemande partner right 1¼ (c.430°) into a longways wavy line - ladies face out, men face in.  (9)


B1:  Balance the Line,  (4)

Box circulate - men cross, ladies loop right,

hinge right neighbor into a crossways wave,  (4)

Balance the Wave,  (4)

forward to next neighbor (or wait-out… or rejoin), hinge right into a longways wavy line - ladies face out, men face in.  (4)

B2:   Balance the Line,  (4)

Box circulate,  (4)

partner swing.  (8)



Simplicity Swing

Author:  Becky Hill

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkY7-VblFRg

Music:  35s: The Faux Paws - *Guacmaster - Bubwa/No Bad Ideas;  34s: Great Bear - *The Randomanians.

 Preparation:  Take hands four from the top.  ‘1’s improper.

* * *

A1:   Balance & swing neighbor.  man could twirl lady Cw. into…  (16 beats)

A2:   Holding hands in fours (with the lady on the right of her neighbor), Circle left three places, man could then twirl his partner Ccw. into…  (6)

swing partner.  Lady could twirl Cw, into…  (10)


B1:   Longways lines forward, stomp, & back, stomp,  (8)

Ladies Chain across.  (8)

B2:   Left hand Star (Ccw. - holding left wrist of person in front),  (8)

peel-off to do-si-do Ccw. twirl? around new neighbor.  (8)  or, if reached an end, (do-si-do, bal. & swing one’s partner) swap rows and wait-out a ‘turn’. 



Slapping the Wood

by Don Flaherty

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4czDm3Jr4xk

Music:  Various artists - The Road to Errogie;  30s: Anna Ludlow - *The Hurricane.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Couples face along the line to their neighbors.

* * *

A1:   Holding inside hands with their partner, couples do-si-do neighbors,

swing neighbor.

A2:   Ladies chain across,

Everyone ½-Hey (ladies start by passing right shoulders) to cross sides.


B1:   Balance & swing partner.

B2:   Holding hands in fours, Circle left three places,

Balance the Ring,

California twirl to turn-about and face new neighbors.  Ejected end-couples change places and wait-out a ‘go’,



Smile with Your Voice

by Bob Isaacs


Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBTYgxUSgb4

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Face neighbor.

* * *

A1:   Allemande left neighbor 1½ around (turn c. 550º),

ladies pass by the right to lead a ½-hey across.

A2:   Balance & Swing neighbour.

B1:   Holding hands in fours, with the man on his partner’s left, Circle left three places,

Balance & Swing partner.

B2:   Couples Pass the Ocean - crossing the set to the left of neighbors, ladies hinge each other left, men curl right - into a crossways wave),

Balance the Wave,

ladies Allemande left,

turn neighbour (360º) by the right.  Forward to progress.

End couples leave or re-join.



Swing into Spring

by Orace Johnson

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMwZ24YWqmU

Form:  Becket lines.

* * *

A1:   {Or at the end?}  Holding hands, Circle left three places,

neighbor Swing.

A2:   Holding hands in long lines, Forward & Back,

men chain across - passing by the left - to their partner (so lady courtesy turns him Cw. - ending with man on the left).

(Or chain first, then F & B.)

B1:   Circle left two places,  (6)

lady rolls across neighbor (going around the circle to his right),  (4)

Circle l. another two places to…  (6)

B2:   …partner Bal & Swing  (14)

…and slide/slice left to form circle with new neighbors.  (2)




Theory of Mind

by David Smukler

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt50H-vb08I

Music:  32s: Elixir - Who's That Blue Eyed Lady/Back Door Slam.

Form:  ‘1’s improper, wavy lines - ladies in middle.

* * *

A1:    Balance the Wave,  (4 beats)

Slide (or R O'M roll) right (past neighbor),  (4 beats)

Balance the Wave (men in middle) to the left first,  (4 beats)

Slide left.  (4 beats)

A2:   Neighbor balance & swing.  (4 + 12)


B1:   Circle to the left three places,  (6)

Partner swing.  (10)

B2:   Ladies chain across to neighbor,  (8)

Star by the left - peeling off to restart with new neighbors.  (8)



There and Back Again

Author: Heather Carmichael

Watch at:  https://youtu.be/-OYxzs9BnPQ

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Start in crossways wavy lines - ladies in the center.  Minor sets that are adjacent crossways could align themselves - allowing wavy lines to be extended.

* * *

A1:   Balance the Wave,  (4 beats)

slide or Rory O’Moore roll Cw. to the right…  (4 beats)

catching neighbor to Allemande left completely around.  (8 beats)  returning (behind) to:

A2:   Balance & Swing previous neighbor.  (4 + 12)

B1:   With the lady on her partner’s right, holding hands in fours, Circle left three places, (6 beats)  since his partner's on his left - the man could twirl her ½ Ccw. into:

Swing partner.  (10)

B2:   In a circle of four, Balance the Ring,  (4)

Ladies cross the ring (passing by the right)…  to form, with their original neighbors (from A1), a wavy-line  (4)

Balance the Wave,  (4)

Pull forward to form a wave with new neighbors.  (4)  The progression comprises:  back one couple, followed by forward two couples.  End couples need to stay alert!



3-33 (“Three Thirty-Three”)

Author:  Steve Zakon-Anderson

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e4SoZZ-_cc

Music:  35s: Gypsy Meltdown - Vortex/Rainy Night in Montague.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Face neighbor.  Consider the set as a squashed circle.

* * *

A1:   Take right hands with neighbor, balance and pull-by right (men move Cw., ladies Ccw.),  (4 beats, 1 beats)  If ejected at an end, balance the opposite person (i.e. one’s partner) dance A1 & A2 (continuing) round the corners - but wait-out B1 and B2 (so swing partner, ending in swapped places).

Pull-by left with neighbor #2,  (3)

Take right hands with neighbor #3, balance and Box the Gnat.  (4, 4)

A2:   Facing-back, Pull-by right neighbor #3,  (2)

pull-by left neighbor #2,  (2)

original neighbor swing.  (12)  If left at an end, swing partner - ending in swapped places.  End couples wait-out during B1-B2…  and, facing along the line, continue normally from the subsequent A1.


B1:   With the lady on her partner’s right, holding hands in fours, Circle left three places,  (6)

partner swing.  (10)

B2:   Holding hands in long lines, forward & back,  (8)

ladies do-si-do 1½ (twirling) - crossing lies, offering r. hand to their new neighbor.  (8)



Trip to Lambertville

Author:  Steve Zakon-Anderson


Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ELyFFYhWOk

Music:  Perp e-Motion - Vladi on the Trans-Siberian but faster.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  Duple minor.  ‘1’s improper.

* * *

A1:   Ladies go into the middle (advance into a longways wavy line and Balance the Line (right and left),  (8 beats)

as ladies retire, men go into the middle and Balance the Line.  (8)

A2:  Men Allemande left,  (4)

return with right hand to "new neighbor, Balance & Swing".  (12)

B1:   Men back to the middle and Allemande left completely around to cross and…  (8)

partner swing.  (8)

B2:  R-L thru' lady could complete with a Cw. twirl under her partner’s raised left arm,  (8)

ladies’ chain back to neighbor…  gliding into restart.

Music:  34s: Perpetual or Toss the Possum - Vladi on the Transiberian.


a ‘B’ part variation

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PTMGNgPJ6s

B1:   Circle left three places,  (6)

swing partner.  (10)

B2:  Holding hands in long lines, forward & back,  (8)

ladies’ chain back to neighbor…  gliding into restart.


 

Triskaidekaphobia

Author:  Kirston Koths

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kry9sy4dqco

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  Duple minor.  ‘1’s Improper.

* * *

A1:   Balance & swing neighbor.

A2:   Men Allemande left completely around (to cross-over),  (8 beats)

swing partner, end facing down the set.  (8)

B1:   The four in a line (m-l M-L) lead down the room,  (8)

Turn into a ‘cozy line’:  keeping hands held, the center pair arch, turn away from each other to face upwards & reverse under their arch (so, are ‘cosy’).  The ends join free hands (behind the centers… ), the foursome then returns to place, still holding hands  (6)

Center pair duck, ends continue moving forward to arch over 'centers' and form a cloverleaf.  (2)

B2:   The cloverleaf, circles left 1¼ (five places round - until ‘1’s are above ‘2’s),  (10)

Star thru':  releasing neighbor’s hand, the man raises his partner’s hand and carries the arch over his partner's head - she backs (¼ Ccw.) under it.  They both end facing their neighbor along the line…  (2)

to pass thru' (ladies in the center) and progress.  (4)



United We Dance

by Bob Isaacs

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxLe7dJIpt4

or:  https://youtu.be/7F0l3s5cZY8

Prep.:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper, men face out.  Holding hands in a long, wavy line…

* * *

A1:   Balance the line,

Rory O’Moore twirl/roll to the right, 

Balance the line,

R O’M roll left.

A2:   Neighbor Balance & swing (lady could twirl out).

B1:   Circle to the left three places (only ladies swap lines),

partner swing.

B2:   Ladies Chain (lady could twirl Cw. under their raised left arms) into:

Left hand Star three places, peel-off to a longways line (progressing).



Uplift

Author:  Chris Page

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO_abDgSOGY

Form:  Becket Contra lines.

Prep.:  Identify ‘shadow’ - the next person, of one’s partner’s gender, along one’s line.

* * *

A1:   Facing across, Circle left three places,  (6 beats)

swing neighbor.  (10)

A2:   Long lines forward (stomp… ) & back,  (8)

Ladies chain across to partner.  (8)

B1:   Left diagonal, Ladies Chain across i.e. to their impending neighbor,  (8)   Ejected end-couples wait-out this figure - or re-join as a pair.

Straight across, hands four, Balance the Ring,  (4)

Petronella twirl (ladies cross lines).  (4)

B2:   Balance the Ring,  (4)

ladies roll away Cw. (returning along the line - from ‘shadow’ back to partner),  (4)

partner swing.



Winter in Summerland

by Jeff Spero and James Hutson

Watch at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HorzLQn6PUs

Music:  Polaris - Spacejump (comp.: Jesse Ball)

Formation:  Duple minor.  Becket lines (couple-facing-couple across).

* * *

A1:  Men Allemande left completely around (1½) - to cross-over,  (8 beats)

neighbor swing.  (8)

A2:  Long lines, forward & back,  (8)

Couples Pass the Ocean:  pass thru' across the set - to the left of their oncoming partner.  As the ladies meet, they hinge (a ¼-turn [90°] Allemande) left, while men, after passing their partner, curl right into a crossways wave - ladies in the center,  (4)

Balance the Wave.  (4)

B1):  Pull forward to a new neighbor, curl ¼ Cw. around neighbor,  (4)

(men lead a hey (passing left shoulders) across & back, while ladies only hey across  i.e.  M. left, P. right, L. l., N. r., M. l.,  (12)

B:  Partner Balance & Swing.  (16)



Zig-ochet

by:  C. P.

Preparation:  Take hands in fours from the top.  ‘1’s improper.  Face diagonally across the set.  Double progression.

* * *

A1:   Men Zig-Zag:  cross the set diagonally by pulling ‘l. h. through’ (passing to the right) with their male neighbor.  Having swapped places, they cross diagonally again but pulling r. h. thru' with new neighbor #1 to the adjacent minor set.  (8 beats)  Men who would have popped-out at an end, just stay in-place - but change their designation/direction.

New sets i.e. original females with two, new, male neighbors, l. hand star.  (8)

A2:   Ladies Zig-Zag:  cross the set diagonally - passing to the left of oncoming lady, pulling r. h. thru'…  then l. h. thru' to follow their partner to their adjacent minor set.  (8)  Ladies who would have popped-out, just stay in-place with their partner - but change direction.

New sets r. hand star.  (8)


B1:   Ladies lead a hey across the set (passing to the right of oncoming lady) followed by their new neighbor,  (7)

… neighbor swing.  (9)

B2:  Circle left three places.  (7)

Men hey (passing to the left), ladies follow - but ricochet…  reversing back to their line, with man on their right.  (9)


* * *

Flourishes - A Few Twirls

Hands are held loosely - allowing relative rotation.

To embellish the courtesy turn after a ladies’ chain, couples can 'Swat the Flea':  they meet face to face, raised left hand to raised left hand; the lady twirls (once or twice) Cw. under their arch as he simultaneously rotates ½ Ccw., - or instead of rotating Ccw., the man could rotate Cw. - swapping his partner’s lowered left hand, behind his back, to his r. hand.

When transitioning, say, from circling to swinging the lady on his left:  the man raises the lady’s right hand (with his left) and leads her to twirl ½ Ccw. to face him.

When exiting a swing…  the man raises and straightens his left arm (holding lady’s right) and applies slight rotational pressure with his right hand to his partner’s back encouraging her to twirl out, Cw., under his left.

The couple face each other - say, after a palm-to-palm balance, preceding a swing - with either hand:

The couple face each other, holding crossed-hands:

California Twirl - a neat way for a couple, side-by-side, holding inside hands, to reverse their direction (ending with man still on the lady’s left):  they raise their joined hands into an arch, the lady turns ½ Ccw. under their arch, whilst the man walks ½ Cw. round the lady.


Swings

Swinging starts with partners facing, but slightly displaced to the left of each other - so, right hip to right hip.  All use Buzz-step.