Type: Contra Dance, Duple Improper or Becket Left/CW
Status: Proven
There’s been a dance “seed” on my whiteboard for some time, which germinated today into what I think is a wonderfully smooth dance (what we New Englanders might describe as “wicked (very) smooth).” Depending upon programming needs, it can be run as a Duple Improper or Becket – it seems to fit tunes well either way.
Becket Version (Primary)
A1
Ladies Chain (to N)
Star Left 1x
A2
With NEXT Neighbors Circle Left 1x
Neighbor Swing
B1
(6) Mad Robin (Gents through center first/CW)
(2) Gents Pass Left to cross
Half Hey (Pass Partner by Right)
B2
Partner Gypsy, Swing
Duple Improper Version
Before walk through, have dancers Swing their Neighbor briefly to put the 1s below the 2s – this is their home position.
A1
(6) Mad Robin (Gents through center first/CW)
(2) Gents Pass Left to cross
Half Hey (Pass Partner by Right)
A2
Partner Gypsy, Swing
B1
Ladies Chain (to N)
Star Left 1x
B2
With NEXT Neighbors Circle Left 1x
Neighbor Swing
End effects: Wait out crossed over and rejoin the dance via the Circle.
Tune suggestions: Well phrased romantic/sultry tunes
Video:
See also:
Becket version first called by me at CDSS Family Week 2017 at Ogontz Camp on 8/10/2017. Received well with a very mixed crowd – two caller colleagues present asked for the choreography. Finally got a chance to dance it myself when Nils Fredland called it with a really gorgeous tune by Elixir at the Concord Scout House Challenging Contras series on 10/6/17.
My wife really likes this one — she thinks it’s one of my best — so there’s a recommendation to give it a try!