Contra Dances by Cary Ravitz

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Notes

This is my page of dances, snapshot from 2017.



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Contents

Index Deanna's Dance March of the Cof.. Southern Spring
Notation Debra's Dance Martha's Breakup.. Southern Summer (8-16)
My Rules of Chor.. Diane's Dream (5-14) Mary Keith's Har.. The Squeaking Reel
Links Dianne's Dance Megadance The Squeaking Wh..
Double Whirl (rev 5-15) Oh More Snakes Star Trick
Across Nottingham Dream of Spring (6-14) One Way or Anoth.. Starburst
Across the Ohio (6-14) Dreaming Passion Breakdown Starcrossed
Across the Wave (7-14) Enchanted Pigtown Breakdown Star's End
Adrift (8-15) The Enchanted Fo.. Pigtown Petronella Stephanie's Star
Amy's Harmonium Entranced Pigtown Swing Strawberry Swirl
And Alligators (7-15) Evil Diane Presto Petronella Streetsboro Dais..
Andes Anomaly Fatal Attraction Rachel's Roll (1-15) Susan's Slide
Around the Sound Fiddle Tales raDar Love Susan's Snafu
Autumn Air Fiddlers' Frolic (rev 5-15) Rat Race Susan's Swing
Azure Aster (3-15) Finding Fire (1-15) Real to Surreal (revised 5-17) Sweet Summer
Barbara's Becket (5-14) Flip-Flop Real to Unreal (rev 2-15) Swing Fever
Becket Eyes Flirting with Lo.. Reddie to Roll (12-16) Tara's Reel (6-14)
Between the Lines Flying Flamingos Reel Easy Tara's Trip
Bev's Becket Formation Rotation (9-14) Reel Time Terry and Sherry
Breakup Breakdown Four on the Floor Reel to Reel Through the Look..
Butterflies Galax Reeling from Lov.. (7-14) Trillium
Call Me Gypsy Star Reflections Turtles Too (6-15)
Chicory Gypsy Waves Rhyme or Rhythm Waiting for You (6-14)
Chrissie Stars A.. Heart of Glass Riding Whisky Waterfall
Chrissie's Stars (3-14) Heart of Glass V.. (1-14) Roadkill Wavefront
Contra Clovers Interstate 64 (2-14) Rocky Road Wedding Contra f..
Contra Currents Interstate 75 Roll Around Where is My Wave (7-14)
Contrablend Into the DMZ Run Around Susie Where Will I Be
Cosmos (rev 4-15) Jan's Reel (7-14) Sealed with a Ke.. Whim's Gym
Cows are Watchin.. (3-14) Janet's Gypsy Serenade Whirl of Fortune
Cross Hey Janet's Journey Slice and Dice Whirlaway
Cross Robin Jubilation Varia.. Slip and Slide Whitecaps (11-16)
Crosswalk Judy's Journey The Slippery Slo.. Whitewater
Daisy Chain Jump Start Slipstream Whitewater Whirl (10-17)
Dance and Dream (1-14) Laura's Lilt Snake in the Gar.. Wilderness Road (1-17)
Dance Kentucky U.. Living in Zen Snake in the Hey Wilderness Whirl (10-17)
Dance Symmetry Looking for Love.. Soaring Storks Winter Wind
Dancing Spell Mad Max Solstice Special.. (6-14) Woven Waves
Dar Trek Maliza's Magical.. Songbird


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Index

Cross Contra Formation   Across Nottingham, Across the Ohio, Across the Wave, Cross Hey, Cross Robin, Fatal Attraction, Formation Rotation, Real to Surreal
 
Diamond Formation Deanna's Dance, Dianne's Dance
 
Easy Between the Lines, Dancing Spell, Reel Easy, Reflections B, Roll Around, Starburst, Woven Waves
 
Last Dance of the Evening Becket Eyes, Call Me, Gypsy Star, Heart of Glass, Jubilation Variation, Trillium, Whim's Gym, Woven Waves
 
Lost and Found And Alligators, Andes Anomaly, Dance Kentucky Unhinged, Dar Trek, Diane's Dream, Dreaming, Evil Diane, Fiddle Tales, Flirting with Love Again, Looking for Love Again, Mad Max, Megadance, Pigtown Breakdown, Pigtown Petronella, Pigtown Swing, Presto Petronella, Rat Race, Reeling from Love Again, Roadkill, Rocky Road, Sealed with a Keith, Serenade, Slice and Dice, Starcrossed, Turtles Too, Where Will I Be, Whitecaps, Whitewater
 
Mixers Contrablend
 
My Favorites Breakup Breakdown, Dar Trek, Diane's Dream, Fiddlers' Frolic, Finding Fire, Galax, Heart of Glass, Janet's Journey, Jubilation Variation, Jump Start, Mary Keith's Harmonium, Pigtown Petronella, Reel to Reel, Roadkill, Sealed with a Keith, Snake in the Hey, Songbird, Starburst, Stephanie's Star, Southern Summer, Through the Looking Glass, Whitewater, Woven Waves
 
No Walk Through Autumn Air, Becket Eyes, Bev's Becket A, Call Me, Dancing Spell, Heart of Glass, Jubilation Variation, Reel Easy, Starburst, Streetsboro Daisies, Through the Looking Glass, Waiting for You variation, Whim's Gym variation
 
Partner/Neighbor Symmetry Diane's Dream, Mad Max, Megadance, One Way or Another, Pigtown Swing, Roadkill, Slice and Dice, The Slippery Slope, Starcrossed, Susan's Slide, Tara's Reel, Where Will I Be
 
Proper Formation Formation Rotation
 
Reverse Improper Judy's Journey, Living in Zen, Reflections, Rhyme or Rhythm, The Squeaking Reel
 
Symmetric Pairs Dance Symmetry, Deanna's Dance, Gypsy Star/Woven Waves, Passion Breakdown, Real to Unreal/Reel to Reel
 
Very Complex Andes Anomaly, Megadance, Oh More Snakes, Rat Race, Reflections A, Run Around Susie, Slice and Dice

 
Allemande into Butterfly Whirl Whitewater Whirl, Wilderness Whirl
 
Clover Contra Clovers, The Squeaking Wheel
 
Contra Corners Flip-Flop
 
Gypsy Star Fiddlers' Frolic, Gypsy Star, Gypsy Waves, Stephanie's Star, Woven Waves
 
Hey into Star Chrissie Stars Again, Dance and Dream, Dar Trek, Entranced, Interstate 64, Interstate 75, Jump Start, Living in Zen, Rhyme or Rhythm, Slipstream, Soaring Storks
 
Lines Forward, 1/2 Gypsy, Back Around the Sound, Enchanted, The Enchanted Forrest B, Terry and Sherry
 
Mad Robin Cross Robin, Fiddlers' Frolic, Jan's Reel, Janet's Gypsy, Mad Max, Passion Breakdown, Rachel's Roll, Solstice Special Variation, Songbird, Southern Spring, Southern Summer, Star's End, Sweet Summer, Wilderness Road
 
Men Chain Daisy Chain, Dance Symmetry A, Dance Symmetry B, Serenade
 
Orbit Amy's Harmonium, Finding Fire, Mary Keith's Harmonium, Real to Unreal, Reel to Reel, Riding Whisky, Run Around Susie, Southern Summer, Wilderness Road
 
Partner Gypsy, Balance and Swing Laura's Lilt, Presto Petronella, Sealed with a Keith, Serenade, Wedding Contra for Debbie and John
 
Poussette Fiddlers' Frolic, Songbird, Tara's Reel
 
Petronella Turn Barbara's Becket, Dianne's Dance, Fiddle Tales, Looking for Love Again, Maliza's Magical Mystery Motion, Megadance, Pigtown Breakdown, Pigtown Petronella, Pigtown Swing, Presto Petronella, Roadkill, The Squeaking Reel, Star Trick, Susan's Snafu, Where Will I Be, Winter Wind
 
Push Off Hey Across Nottingham B, Bev's Becket B, Chrissie Stars Again, Cosmos, Cross Hey, Finding Fire, Formation Rotation, Galax, Heart of Glass Variation, Into the DMZ, Mad Max, One Way or Another, Reddie to Roll, Tara's Reel, Whirl of Fortune, Whitecaps
 
Rory O'More Slide Andes Anomaly, Debra's Dance, Diane's Dream, Four on the Floor, Looking for Love Again, March of the Coffee Zombies, Megadance, Oh More Snakes, Slip and Slide, The Slippery Slope, Starcrossed, Susan's Slide, Wavefront
 
Star Promenade Azure Aster, Butterflies, Chicory, Cosmos, Deanna's Dance, Double Whirl, Galax, Heart of Glass, Through the Looking Glass, Trillium, Wedding Contra for Debbie and John, Whirl of Fortune, Whirlaway
 
Swing / Star Left Flying Flamingos, Reel Time, Strawberry Swirl
 
Synchronous Left/Right Allemandes The Enchanted Forrest, Rat Race
 
Three Swings Around the Sound, Breakup Breakdown, Jubilation Variation, Martha's Breakup Breakdown, Pigtown Swing, Swing Fever
 
Wavy Lines in the Middle Andes Anomaly, Four on the Floor, Gypsy Star, Gypsy Waves, Oh More Snakes, Snake in the Garden, Snake in the Hey, Woven Waves
 
Zigzag Adrift, And Alligators, Cows are Watching Variation, Turtles Too


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Notation

The number of counts used by each move is noted in parentheses. These are not necessarily rigid as the figures can trade off, especially within a 16 count phrase. For example with the common phrase circle left 3/4 (8), partners swing (8), the dancers will often use just 6 or 7 counts for the circle.

Ladies chains and right and left throughs end with a courtesy turn. This is implied and not noted.

The term star, as used here, covers both the wrist hold star and the hands across star (also called just "hands across"). If the type of star is important then it is specified. Otherwise either type works well and I suggest using whatever is traditional for the dancers.

I use the phrase "roll away with a half sashay" to refer to the common figure with ladies rolling left and men half sashaying right. If the men roll away, I use the phrase "men roll away and ladies half sashay", with the direction implied by the position of the dancers. If the ladies roll away right, I use the phrase "ladies roll away and men half sashay", with the direction implied by the position of the dancers.

I use the phrase "reverse improper" for the contra formation with the twos crossed (from proper) instead of the ones.


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My Rules of Choreography

These are the rules that I follow when writing a dance. The first rules are rigid - I allow no exceptions unless the theme of the dance requires it.
-There must be smooth flow, by position, direction, and hand hold.
-The timing must be clean - not too tight or too loose and not widely varying in different phrases, and any timing sloppiness should be within a 16 count phrase.
-There must be a partner swing (that means everyone, not just the ones).
-Shadow swings are not allowed.
-Swings end at the end of a 16 count phrase.
-The dance must not be excessively clockwise.
-Circles and stars should be a maximum of once around, allemandes maximum 1+3/4, and do-si-dos maximum 1+1/4.
-Maximum of three balances.
-Maximum of one circle left, regardless of the circle distance.

These next rules are more loosely followed.
-There must be a neighbor swing or a figure that is interesting enough to make up for the lack of one.
-There should be exactly one minimum 12 count swing. This includes a 16 count balance and swing, gypsy and swing, or swing. Three swing dances are excluded from this rule.
-The basic figures, circle left, star left, star right, ladies chain across, right and left through across, etc. are not to be used more than once in a dance unless all uses are part of the central theme.
-The total number of figures should be minimal.
-Time spent standing still should be minimal.
-There should be minimal filler (figures that just take up time).

And these are some artistic rules.
-The partner swing should be the last swing of the dance.
-There should be an interesting buildup to one or both swings.
-There should be a theme or symmetry that holds the figures together as a dance.
-Long lines forward and back seems to me to be an opening figure, so I will not use it in B1 or B2 (unless paired with another in A1 or A2).
-Petronella turns, Rory O'More slides, and push offs in heys need to be used in pairs to feel right.
-Down the hall seems to me to be an up/down and unequal figure that doesn't fit in a Becket dance.


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Across Nottingham A     Cary Ravitz     11-2013

Cross contra (from improper, the one lady and two man trade places)

A1 - Face across.
- Twos pass left to start a hey (16).
 
A2 - Neighbors trade places (on the side), ones behind the twos (3).
- Gypsy clockwise for four 1 (10) (circle left 1 without hands).
- Ladies trade places (across), ones ladies behind the two ladies (3).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- With new neighbors, the one man and two lady do-si-do, the one lady and two man allemande right 1+1/2 (8).

After the circle and pass through, the one men and two ladies are in the line to the caller's left.

A less dizzy start of B2 for either version - men start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner, from initial positions, turn the star 1 for men and 1/2 for ladies (8).

Across Nottingham B - alternate version.

MRD
 


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Across Nottingham B     Cary Ravitz     11-2013

Cross contra (from improper, the one lady and two man trade places)

A1 - Face across.
- Twos pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ones push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, twos push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, ones finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors trade places (on the side), ones behind the twos (3).
- Gypsy clockwise for four 1 (10) (circle left 1 without hands).
- Men trade places (across), one men behind the two men (3).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- With new neighbors, the one man and two lady do-si-do, the one lady and two man allemande right 1+1/2 (8).

After the circle and pass through, the one men and two ladies are in the line to the caller's left.

In typical push offs, you push off with a same sex neighbor. Here you push off with your partner, so it may be useful to give this tip - facing across, you start on the left, go into the middle, push off, and back up to the right.

MRD
 


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Across the Ohio     Cary Ravitz     6-2014

Becket

Note ones and twos before turning from improper to Becket formation.

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four with this couple (4).
- Ladies chain across and one men and two ladies trade places, men behind ladies (8).
 
A2 - Pass through across to a wave (across) and balance right and left (8) (ones in the middle, men facing down).
- Neighbors allemande right 1/2 and balance left and right (8).
 
B1 - Twos allemande left 1 (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
B2 - Men pass left (4).
- Partners swing (12).

After the ladies chain, the one men and two ladies are in the line to the caller's left.
 


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Across the Wave     Cary Ravitz     7-2014

Cross contra (from improper, the one lady and two man trade places)

To start, step forward and left to a wave across, twos in the middle, men facing down.

A1 - Balance right and left (4).
- Slide right with a Rory O'More spin (4).
- Ones allemande right 1/2 to a wave across (ones in the middle) (4).
- Balance left and right (4).
 
A2 - Slide left with a Rory O'More spin (4).
- Twos allemande left 1/2 (4).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Men pass left (4).
- Partners swing (12).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- With new neighbors, the one man and two lady do-si-do 1+1/4, the one lady and two man allemande right 1+3/4 to a wave across (8).

After the circle and pass through, the one men and two ladies are in the line to the caller's left.

Use all 4 counts for the men allemande right 1/2 so that the slide starts at A2.

This is a cross contra version of Where is My Wave.
 


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Adrift     Cary Ravitz     8-2015

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Circle right 3/4 (8).
 
A2 - Men lead a zigzag right and left around neighbors (6).
- New neighbors swing (10).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners allemande right 3/4 (3).
- Men allemande left 1 (5).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16) (or balance and swing).

Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

B1 can be replaced with men pass left to start a 1/2 hey / men allemande left 1+1/2.

B1, B2 can be replaced with men allemande left 1+1/2 / partners swing / men pass left to start a 1/2 hey / partners swing.

MRD, 2, 3
 


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Amy's Harmonium     Cary Ravitz     10-1999

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Men allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Ladies chain across (8).
- Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down to a new couple (8).
 
B2 - Ladies allemande left 1 while men orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Partners swing (10).

YouTube, DVA, MRD
 


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And Alligators     Cary Ravitz     7-2015

Becket

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain to your shadow (8).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle and balance (4).
- With neighbors (across), ladies roll away and men half sashay (4).
- With neighbors, men lead a zigzag left and right around your shadow (8).
 
B2 - With new neighbors, men allemande left 1/2+? (4).
- Partners swing (12).

Be alert on the ends.

B1 plus men allemande can be danced entirely in B1 with a small zigzag.
 


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Andes Anomaly     Cary Ravitz     9-1997

Becket, counter-clockwise, double progression
Complex

A1 - Dancers in the line to the caller's right are ones.
- Long lines go forward and back and just the ones roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Hands across star right 7/8 (3+1/2 places) so that a man and woman from each set of four are in the middle (8).
 
A2 - Keep hands in the star and take hands in a long wavy line in the middle.
- People on the sides balance in and out while people in the middle balance to a new neighbor and away (4).
- Slide past the person that you balanced to with a Rory O'More spin (4).
- Hands across star left 3/4 with the handy group of four (8).
 
B1 - Keep hands in the star and take hands in a long wavy line in the middle.
- People on the sides balance in and out while people in the middle balance to a new neighbor and away (4).
- Slide past the person that you balanced to (4).
- Hands across star right 7/8 with the handy group of four, ending on the side with your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16).

If there is no one to slide with in A2 or B1, turn to face the other direction and wait for the next star.

No one is ever out at the top. For odd length lines, at the bottom, men and women reenter the dance separately.

The roll away in A1 is not necessary for the dance to work, but it makes the wavy lines man/woman.

YouTube
 


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Around the Sound     Cary Ravitz     8-2009

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward, neighbors gypsy 1/2, and men take neighbors back to the side (opposite the men's home side) (2+4+2).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Long lines go forward, partners gypsy 1/2, and long lines go back (2+4+2).
- Star right 3/4 (8).
 
B2 - Men look for the next man to allemande left 1 while ladies walk to meet your partner (4).
- Partners swing (12).

As suggested by Will Mentor, you can change the timing of this dance so that the first figures of A1 and B1 takes 4 counts each. Then the men allemande moves to the end of B1 and the partner swing (or maybe gypsy and swing now) takes all of B2.

YouTube, MRD, 2
 


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Autumn Air     Cary Ravitz     8-2009

Becket

A1 - Ladies chain across (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partner swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (7).
- Pass through up and down (2).
- With a new couple, circle right 3/4 (7).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Azure Aster     Cary Ravitz     3-2015

Becket

A1 - Promenade clockwise (ladies in the middle) around the full set 1 place to meet new neighbors (2).
- (Next) ladies allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Neighbors swing (12).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1 while ladies pause and then follow your neighbor to cross the set (6).
- Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in (8).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, men finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

The figure at the start of A2 is the same as men start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your neighbor except that ladies do not take hands.

An easier A1 is the common circle left 3/4, pass through up and down, new neighbors swing.
 


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Barbara's Becket     Cary Ravitz     5-2014

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella, and turn alone to face a new neighbor (8).
- Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella (8).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Ladies pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

Easier B1 - right and left through across, ladies allemande right 1+1/2.

MRD, 2


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Becket Eyes     Cary Ravitz     9-2012

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
A2 - Star left 1 (8).
- Look away from the star for a new neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16) (or balance and swing).

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Between the Lines     Cary Ravitz     2-2008

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Long lines go forward (4).
- Ones swing in the middle and end facing down while twos back up and face up (12).
 
B1 - With new neighbors, ones split the twos to start a mirror do-si-do (one men and two ladies see-saw, two men and one ladies do-si-do) (8).
- Twos swing and end facing up (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 1 (8).
- Neighbors do-si-do (8).

MRD
 


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Bev's Becket A     Cary Ravitz     7-2005

Becket

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four with this couple (4).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
A2 - Ladies pass right to start a hey (16).
 
B1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

This is an inversion (partner and neighbor roles are swapped) of Becky's Becket by David Zinkin and/or Butter by Gene Hubert. The dances are readily medleyed. The opening figure is borrowed from Hey Man by Paul Balliet.

Bev's Becket B - alternate version.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Bev's Becket B     Cary Ravitz     4-2010

Becket

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four with this couple (4).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
A2 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, men finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Breakup Breakdown     Cary Ravitz     12-1999

Improper contra
Complex

A1 - Pass through across (4).
- Neighbors balance and swing (12).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- With a new couple, star left 1 (8).
 
B2 - Look away from the star for your original neighbor to do-si-do (8).
- Same neighbors swing (8).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Butterflies     Cary Ravitz     4-2001

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1/2 (2).
- Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl 1/2 to put the ladies in the middle (6).
- Ladies allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Ladies keep right hands, pick up your neighbor, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl 1/2 (men go forward, ladies go backward) to put the men in the middle (6).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1/2 (4).
- Partners swing (12).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors do-si-do (8).

A2 might be noted as men lead a flutterwheel by the left, ladies lead a flutterwheel by the right.
 


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Call Me     Cary Ravitz     10-2012

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
A2 - Star left 1 (8).
- Look away from the star for a new neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Ladies pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

MRD
 


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Chicory     Cary Ravitz     7-2008

Becket

A1 - Men allemande left 1 (6).
- Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in while shifting to the right one place, to face a new couple (10).
 
A2 - Ladies allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Ladies pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

The 1/2 hey also works with men pass right to start a 1/2 hey.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Chrissie Stars Again     Cary Ravitz     12-2013

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Men start a hands across star left and ladies join in behind partners. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for men and 1/2 for ladies (8).
 
B2 - With new neighbors, ladies start a hands across star right and men join in behind partners. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for ladies and 1/2 for men (8).
- Ladies turn in and partners swing (8).

A1 can also be danced as long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8), men push off, ladies 1/2 hey passing right in the middle (8). This may be a better setup for the balance and swing.

MRD, 2
 


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Chrissie's Stars     Cary Ravitz     11-2013

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners allemande right 1+3/4 (or swing) (8).
 
B1 - Men start a hands across star left and ladies join in behind partners. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for men and 1/2 for ladies (8).
- With new neighbors, ladies start a hands across star right and men join in behind partners. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for ladies and 1/2 for men (8).
 
B2 - Ladies turn in and partners gypsy and swing (16).

I traded the circle and men allemande from the original version to try to prevent early entry into the stars, although this may make the dance dizzier. If you use a swing instead of an allemande right, this shouldn't be a issue. So a good variation would be A1 - men allemande left 1+1/2, neighbors swing, A2 - circle left 3/4, partners swing.

MRD
 


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Contra Clovers     Cary Ravitz     5-1995

Becket
Complex

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
A2 - Circle left 1 (8).
- Keep hands held until it's time to break the clover.
- Face your neighbor.
- Men raise your right hand and ladies raise your left hand.
- Ladies turn clockwise 1/2 while sliding to your neighbor's left to form a two leaf clover (2).
- Turn the clover counter-clockwise 3/4 (6).
 
B1 - Ladies slide back to back while men turn in place to reverse the clover (2).
- Turn the clover clockwise 3/4 (6).
- Drop hands to break the clover and men switch to a back hold with your partner.
- Promenade to the next couple (2).
- Ladies do-si-do (6).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

In the initial two leaf clover all four people are in line across the set, women on the inside. The one man and two woman are together, facing up and the two man and one woman are together, facing down. Men's left hands are behind their neighbor's back and right hands are across their front. Women's hands are crossed in front. Everyone is facing counter-clockwise to turn the clover.

Then the clover shifts. Women slide back to back and men turn around in place counter-clockwise, with no raised hands. This puts partners together, facing clockwise.

As the clover ends, ones are facing down, twos are facing up. Men's right arms are behind their partner's back, ready to start a back hold promenade to the next couple.

The two leaf clover is an old square dance figure that I borrowed for this dance. I do not know its origin.
 


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Contra Currents     Cary Ravitz     4-1997

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Go down the hall (5).
- Turn as a couple (3).
- Come back up (5).
- Ones cast around the twos (3).
 
B1 - Ones half figure eight around the twos (8).
- Ones swing and end facing down (8).
 
B2 - With a new couple, circle left 1 (8).
- Twos swing and end facing up (8).

Use a back hold with neighbors in A2 to make the cast easier and quicker.

YouTube
 


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Contrablend     Cary Ravitz     11-1995

Improper contra mixer, triple progression for women, single progression for men
Complex

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Men's new partners are in their right hand.
- Ladies' new partners are in their left hand.
- Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
 
B2 - Circle right 3/4 (with partners) (8).
- Look away from the circle for a new neighbor to gypsy 1+1/2 (8).
- Look for another new neighbor.

You can start this dance in B1 to make it a Becket dance. In this case you don't get to swing your original partner, but it makes the dance a little easier.

Be alert on the ends.

MRD
 


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Cosmos     Cary Ravitz     4-2015

Becket

A1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1 while ladies pause and then follow your neighbor to cross the set (6).
- Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in while shifting to the right one place, to face a new couple (10).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, men finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

The figure at the start of A2 is the same as men start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your neighbor except that ladies do not take hands.
 


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Cows are Watching Variation     Cary Ravitz     3-2014

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Circle left 1 (8).
- With partners, ladies lead a zigzag left and right around neighbors (8).
 
B2 - With new neighbors, ladies allemande left 1+? (8).
- Partners swing (8).

This variation on Cows are Watching by Bill Pope and Judy Goldsmith swaps the men's and women's roles and the replacement setup figures (long lines to 1/2 hey, balance and roll away to circle) make the dance flowier. Also see Turtles Too and And Alligators.
 


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Cross Hey     Cary Ravitz     5-2013

Cross contra (from improper contra, the one lady and two man trade places)

A1 - Face across.
- Twos pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ones push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, twos push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, ones finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- With new neighbors, the one man and two lady do-si-do, the one lady and two man allemande right 1+1/2 (8).

After the circle and pass through, the one men and two ladies are in the line to the caller's left.

In typical push offs, you push off with a same sex neighbor. Here you push off with your partner, so it may be useful to give this tip - facing across, you start on the left, go into the middle, push off, and back up to the right.

See Proper and Cross Contra Formations and Chris Page's contrachoreography for information on cross contra formation (referred to as diagonal formation).

MRD
 


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Cross Robin     Cary Ravitz     11-2013

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Face your partner and lock eyes.
- The one man and two lady trade places, lady behind man (4).
- Walk around your neighbor (everyone moves), starting with twos walk forward and right (8).
- The two man and one lady trade places, lady behind man (4).
 
B1 - Ladies allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Men start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for men and 1/2 for ladies (8).
- Look away from the star for a new neighbor to do-si-do (8).

In A2, the one men and two ladies are in the line to the caller's left.

A good substitution for the cross robin figure (middle of A2) is a gypsy for four.

I changed the progression here (B2) to a new progression. To make the dance easier, i.e. more familiar, you can use circle left 3/4, balance, pass through up and down or circle left 3/4, pass through up and down, new neighbors do-si-do.

YouTube, MRD, 2
 


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Crosswalk     Cary Ravitz     12-2011

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey ending in long wavy lines with men facing out (8).
- Balance (4).
- Men move one place to the right while turning to face in while ladies cross the set to face out (4).
 
B1 - Balance (4).
- Ladies move one place to the right while turning to face in while men cross the set to face out (4).
- Balance (4).
- Men move one place to the right while turning to face in while ladies cross the set to face out (4).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16).

MRD
 


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Daisy Chain     Cary Ravitz     10-2008

Becket, double progression
Complex

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, men chain by the right hand (8) (men are on the right).
 
A2 - Star left 3/4 (8).
- On the right diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Ladies allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

MRD
 


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Dance and Dream     Cary Ravitz     1-2014

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B1 - Ladies start a hands across star right and men fall in behind your neighbor. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for ladies and 1/2 for men (8).
- Men turn in and partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Men start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for men and 1/2 for ladies (8).

MRD
 


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Dance Kentucky Unhinged     Cary Ravitz     4-2000

Becket, counter-clockwise, double progression
Complex

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
A2 - Star left 1 (8)
- Look away from the star for a new neighbor to do-si-do (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Shadows allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Look for your partner to balance and swing (16).

Be alert on the ends.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Dance Symmetry A     Cary Ravitz     1-2002

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
A2 - Star left 1 (8).
- Look away from the star for a new neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - Men chain across by the left hand to a mirror courtesy turn (8).
- Star right 1 (8).
 
B2 - Men turn in and partners gypsy and swing (16).

Dance Symmetry B - inverted version, can be medleyed.
 


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Dance Symmetry B     Cary Ravitz     1-2002

Becket, clockwise

A1 - Men chain across by the left hand to a mirror courtesy turn (8).
- Star right 1 (8).
 
A2 - Men turn in and neighbors gypsy and swing (16).
 
B1 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the right diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
B2 - Star left 1 (8).
- Look away from the star for your partner to swing (8).

To switch from one version to the other in a medley replace the next right and left through with a long lines forward and back.
 


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Dancing Spell     Cary Ravitz     9-1998

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Circle left 1 (8).
- Hands across star left 1 (8).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Dar Trek (for Darlene)     Cary Ravitz     5-2002

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Look away from your partner for your shadow.
- With your shadow and first neighbor, star left 3/4 (8).
 
A2 - Look away from the star for a second neighbor to do-si-do (8).
- Second neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - With your second neighbor and shadow, circle left 3/4 (8).
- Balance (4).
- Second neighbors California twirl (4).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends. You always reenter the dance with ladies on the right.

You can start this dance with long lines forward and back and delete the do-si-do.

MRD, 2
 


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Deanna's Dance A     Cary Ravitz     6-1997

Diamond formation (circle left 1/8 from improper), double progression
Complex

A1 - Face your neighbor in the diamond.
- Men pass left to start a hey (diagonal) (16).
 
A2 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Circle left 1 (8).
- Star left using a hands across star (8).
 
B2 - Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl back into the diamond (8).
- Ladies look for the lady in the next diamond (first new couple), take right hands, keep your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to a new diamond with a second new couple (men go forward, ladies go backward) (8).

All of the moves start and end in diamond orientation.

To get into diamond formation, start in improper contra formation and each group of four turns 1/8 (1/2 place) to the left so that ladies are in the middle and men are on the side.

No one is ever out at the top. If there is no couple to star promenade with, stay put.

Deanna's Dance B - alternate A1/B2, can be medleyed.
 


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Deanna's Dance B     Cary Ravitz     6-1997

Diamond formation (circle left 1/8 from improper), double progression
Complex

A1 - Ladies pass right to start a hey (diagonal) (16).
 
A2 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Circle left 1 (8).
- Star left using a hands across star (8).
 
B2 - Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face out of the diamond (8).
- Men look for the man in the next diamond (first new couple), take left hands, keep your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to a new diamond with a second new couple (8).

All of the moves start and end in diamond orientation.

To get into diamond formation, start in improper contra formation and each group of four turns 1/8 (1/2 place) to the left so that ladies are in the middle and men are on the side.

No one is ever out at the top. If there is no couple to star promenade with, stay put.

To switch from one version to the other in a medley change at A2.
 


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Debra's Dance     Cary Ravitz     5-2006

Becket

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four with this couple (4).
- Pass through across (4).
- Partners allemande right 3/4 to a wave across with men in the middle (4).
 
A2 - Balance right and left and slide right with a Rory O'More spin (8).
- Balance left and right and Slide left with a Rory O'More spin (8).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1/2 (2).
- Neighbors swing (14).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

MRD
 


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Diane's Dream     Cary Ravitz     5-2014

Improper contra

Face across the set, your shadow is on the left diagonal.

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Men start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your neighbor. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for men and 1/2 for ladies (8).
- Look away from the star for your shadow to allemande right 1+1/2 ending in wavy lines at the sides with men facing in (8).
 
B1 - Balance right and left and slide right with a Rory O'More spin (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Men start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for men and 1/2 for ladies (8).
- Look away from the star for a new neighbor to do-si-so (8).

For Diane Frank at the publishing of Yoga of the Impossible, May 2014.
 


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Dianne's Dance     Cary Ravitz     7-1996

Diamond formation (circle left 1/8 from improper), double progression

A1 - Star left 3/4 so that the men are in the middle (8).
- Next men allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
A2 - Take hands in a diamond oriented circle.
- Balance and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella (8).
- Take hands in the diamond, balance, and spin one place to the right (8).
 
B1 - Star right 3/4 so that ladies are in the middle (8).
- Next ladies allemande left 1+1/2 so that you are progressed and in a diamond (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing and end in a diamond (16).

To get into diamond formation, start in improper contra formation and each group of four turns 1/8 (1/2 place) to the left so that ladies are in the middle and men are on the side.

No one is ever out at the top. For odd length lines, at the bottom, men and women reenter the dance separately.
 


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Double Whirl     Cary Ravitz     revised 5-2015

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Circle right 1 (8).
 
A2 - With partners, men roll away and ladies half sashay into a butterfly whirl hold (3).
- Butterfly whirl 3/4 so that men are in the middle (3).
- Men take left hands, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in while shifting to the right one place, to face a new couple (10).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, men finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

MRD
 


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Dream of Spring     Cary Ravitz     6-2014

Becket

A1 - Slide left 1 place to meet new neighbors (2).
- Circle left 1/4 (2).
- Neighbors swing (12).
 
A2 - Pass through across to a California twirl (8).
- Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Partners box the gnat (4).
- Partners pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Partners box the gnat (4).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16).

A more symmetric but less connected A2 - men allemande left 1+1/2, partners pass right to start a 1/2 hey.


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Dreaming     Cary Ravitz     8-2005

Becket
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Look away from your partner for your shadow.
- With your shadow and neighbor, star right 3/4 (8).
- Men turn in and neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Shadows do-si-do (across) (8).
- Look away from your first neighbor for your second neighbor.
- With your shadow and second neighbor, star left 3/4 (8).
 
B2 - Look away from the star for your partner to balance and swing (16).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends. You always reenter the dance with ladies on the right.

MRD
 


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Enchanted     Cary Ravitz     9-2008

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Ladies pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Long lines go forward, partners gypsy 1/2, and long lines go back (2+4+2).
- Star left 3/4 (8).
 
B2 - Ladies look for the next lady to allemande right 1 while men walk to meet your partner (4).
- Partners swing (12).

This is a makeover of Entranced.

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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The Enchanted Forrest A     Cary Ravitz     11-1998

Becket
Complex

A1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Hands across star left 7/8 (3+1/2 places) so that men are in the middle (8).
 
B1 - Men look for a new man to allemande right 1+1/2 while ladies allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Star left 7/8 with the handy group of four (8).
 
B2 - Look away from the star for your partner to balance and swing (16).

The Enchanted Forrest B - alternate A2/B1, can be medleyed.
 


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The Enchanted Forrest B     Cary Ravitz     11-1998

Becket
Complex

A1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Long lines go forward, partners gypsy 1/2, and long lines go back (2+4+2).
- Hands across star left 7/8 (3+1/2 places) so that ladies are in the middle (8).
 
B1 - Ladies look for a new lady to allemande right 1+1/2 while men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Star left 7/8 with the handy group of four (8).
 
B2 - Look away from the star for your partner to balance and swing (16).

 
 


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Entranced     Cary Ravitz     5-1997

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Star right 3/4 using a hands across star (men are in front of partners) (8).
- Ladies turn in and neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Pass through across the set and turn alone to face in (4).
- Star left 3/4 (8).
- Ladies look for the next lady to allemande right 1 while men walk to meet your partner (4).
 
B2 - Partners swing (16).

I changed to wording of B1 to make it easier to teach, but this does not change the dance. The wording was: pass through across the set and turn alone to face in (4) / star left 7/8 to put the ladies in the middle (8) / ladies look for the next lady to allemande right 3/4 while men walk forward to meet your partner (4).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Evil Diane     Cary Ravitz     11-2000

Becket, double progression
Complex

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and with your shadow, men roll away and ladies half sashay (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
A2 - Star left 1 (8).
- On the right diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
B1 - Long lines go forward and back and with your partner, men roll away and ladies half sashay (8).
- Ladies do-si-do (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.

The fundamental figures of this dance are long lines with a roll away, chain to the left and right, and look for your partner to balance and swing, a total of 40 counts. This leaves 24 counts that can be filled in to make a wide range of variations. Null moves that fit nicely include circle right after the roll away and star left or hey after either chain. I used star left after the chain left. After the chain to the right you can include a progression (men progress and ladies unprogress) to put partners in the same set of four before they balance and swing. I used another long lines with a roll away to do this because I like the symmetry and the partner interaction.

A flowier B1 - star left 1 (8), look for your partner to do-si-do (8).

This dance is named after Sam Bartlett's marvelous tune Evil Diane, for Diane.

YouTube, MRD, 2
 


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Fatal Attraction     Cary Ravitz     6-2013

Becket

Note ones and twos before turning from improper to Becket formation.

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four and partners roll away with a half sashay (4).
- Circle right 3/4 and the one man and two lady roll away with a half sashay (8).
 
A2 - Note your place in the set of four. Each 4 counts you will move one place to the right in the set.
- Face your partner and lock eyes.
- Ones meet in middle and back up to the next place, twos loop out to the next place (4).
- Twos meet in middle and back up to the next place, ones loop out to the next place (4).
- Ones meet in middle and back up to the next place, twos loop out to the next place (4).
- Twos meet in middle and back up to the next place, ones loop out to the next place (4).
 
B1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

After the circle right, the one men and two ladies are in the line to the caller's left.

YouTube, Vimeo, MRD
 


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Fiddle Tales     Cary Ravitz     1-2001

Improper contra
Complex

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Ones cross the set by the right, turn left, pass one person and go to the middle to form a diamond, men facing up in a new minor set, ladies facing down in their original minor set (8).
- Take hands in the diamond, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella (8).
 
B1 - Balance and spin one place to the right (8).
- Ones turn alone to find your partner to swing and end facing down (8).
 
B2 - With new neighbors, ones split the twos to start a mirror do-si-do (8).
- Twos swing and end facing up (8).

The central figures of this dance, A2 and B1, are borrowed from Ted Sannella's Fiddleheads.

You can run this as an alternating dance (as in Alternating Corners by Jim Kitch). On even cycles, after the neighbor swing, twos cross the set, turn left, etc. Men face down and women face up in the initial diamonds, and after the partner swings (both versions), ones face down and twos face up.

YouTube
 


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Fiddlers' Frolic (for Pam and Fred)     Cary Ravitz     3-2012

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Ladies chain across and look for a new neighbor (8).
 
A2 - (New) neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Circle left 1/2 (4).
- Men step forward and right to start a mad robin (6).
- Ladies pull to start a 1/2 poussette (6).
 
B2 - Men take left hands and ladies take right hands to make a gypsy star.
- Ladies go forward and men go backward to turn the star 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

The original A1 was long lines, men start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner, from initial positions, turn the star 1 for men and 1/2 for ladies, look for a new neighbor. I have also used long lines, roll away with a half sashay, circle right 3/4, turn alone and look a new neighbor. (For now) I have settled on the A1 noted in the dance because of it's simplicity.

Will Mentor suggests that a mad robin and full poussette fit nicely in 16 counts. This can be used in place of the B1 here, with the gypsy star becoming men take right hands, ladies take left hands, men go forward, ladies go backward.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Finding Fire     Cary Ravitz     1-2015

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Men push off, ladies 1/2 hey passing right in the middle (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down to a new couple (8).
 
B2 - Ladies allemande left 1 while men orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Partners swing (10).

MRD
 


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Flip-Flop     Cary Ravitz     8-2000

Improper contra, 128 count
Complex

A1 - Neighbors do-si-do (8).
- Neighbors swing and end facing down (8).
 
A2 - Go down the hall (4).
- Twos cast around the ones (4).
- Twos half figure eight below the ones (8).
 
B1 - Twos turn contra corners (16).
 
B2 - Twos balance and swing in the middle and end facing up (16).
 
A1 - Neighbors do-si-do (8).
- Neighbors swing and end facing up (8).
 
A2 - Go up the hall (4).
- Ones cast around the twos (4).
- Ones half figure eight above the twos (8).
 
B1 - Ones turn contra corners (16).
 
B2 - Ones balance and swing in the middle and end facing down (16).

This is an alternating contra corners dance, inspired by Jim Kitch's Alternating Corners.
 


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Flirting with Love Again     Cary Ravitz     10-1997

Becket, double progression
Complex

Face your partner, your second shadow is beyond your partner, your first shadow is beyond your second shadow.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Circle left 1 (8).
 
A2 - On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
- On the right diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain to your first shadow (8).
 
B1 - Star left 1 (8).
- Look away from the star for your second shadow to allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Look away from your second shadow for your partner to balance and swing (16).

This dance borrows A1 and A2 from Ken Bonner's Falling in Love Again.

A1 can be replaced with long lines go forward and back, partners roll away with a half sashay, long lines go forward and back, men roll away and ladies half sashay, from Rollin' and Tumblin' by Cis Hinkle.

YouTube, 2, 3, MRD, 2
 


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Flying Flamingos     Cary Ravitz     6-1997

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
- Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors gypsy and swing (16) (or balance and swing).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Star left 3/4 using a wrist hold star (8).
- Neighbors allemande left 1+1/2 (8).

With fond memories of "the flamingo affair" at Buffalo Gap, June 1997.

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Formation Rotation     Cary Ravitz     9-2014

Proper contra

A1 - Face across.
- The two men and one ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, one men and two ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, the two men and one ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, one men and two ladies finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
A2 - Ladies trade places, ones in front of twos (3).
- Gypsy counter-clockwise for four 1+1/4 (10).
- Men trade places, ones behind twos (3).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Balance (4).
- Twos California twirl and ones turn alone in place to meet new neighbors (4).

This dance starts in proper formation, switches to cross contra, and then switches to Becket.
 


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Four on the Floor     Cary Ravitz     1-1999

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
A2 - Hands across star left 7/8 (3+1/2 places) so that men are in the middle (8).
- Keep hands in the star and men take hands in a long wavy line in the middle.
- Men balance right and left and ladies balance left and right (4).
- Men slide right and ladies slide left with a Rory O'More spin (4).
 
B1 - Men balance left and right and ladies balance right and left (4).
- Men slide left and ladies slide right (4).
- Hands across star left 7/8 (8).
 
B2 - Look away from the star for your partner to balance and swing (16).

MRD
 


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Galax     Cary Ravitz     9-2008

Becket

A1 - Circle left 1 (8).
- Hands across star left 1 (8).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1 (6).
- Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in while shifting to the right one place, to face a new couple (10).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, men finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Gypsy Star     Cary Ravitz     5-1999

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Men walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Men stay in place while ladies walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4) (there are now interlinked wavy lines).
- Balance (4).
 
B1 - Ladies drop left hands and men drop right hands to form a gypsy star with a new couple.
- Ladies go forward and men go backward to turn the star 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Circle left 3/4 (8).

I suggest that dancers look into their partner's eyes during the wavy line balances (rather than looking in the direction of the balance).

Also see Woven Waves.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Gypsy Waves     Cary Ravitz     5-2013

Becket

A1 - Ladies walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Ladies stay in place while men walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4) (there are now interlinked wavy lines).
- Balance (4).
 
A2 - Men drop left hands, ladies drop right hands to make a gypsy star.
- Men go forward and ladies go backward to turn the star 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - All walk forward and take hands to make interlinked wavy lines (4).
- Balance (4).
- Men drop right hands, ladies drop left hands to make a gypsy star.
- Men go forward and ladies go backward to turn the star 3/4 (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

This dance might be confusing at the beginning of the gypsy stars. In both stars you stay with your partner, men go forward, women backward. In the first star, you are facing your neighbor - stay with your partner and turn clockwise. In the second star, you are facing your partner - drop hands with your current neighbors and turn counter-clockwise with new neighbors.

MRD
 


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Heart of Glass     Cary Ravitz     10-2000

Becket

A1 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in (8).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a hey (16).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

A nice variation for A1 is promenade clockwise (or slide left) 1 place (around the full set) to new neighbors, ladies allemande right 1/2, neighbors swing.

This dance is an easier version of Through the Looking Glass, or you might see it as Amy Kahn's Sweet Music with a different progression, or Steve Zakon-Anderson's Twirling at the Alter with the progression moved from the hey to the circle, or David Zinkin's Becky's Becket with a different A2.

YouTube, 2, MRD, 2
 


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Heart of Glass Variation     Cary Ravitz     1-2014

Becket

A1 - Slide left 1 place to meet new neighbors (2).
- Neighbors gypsy 1/2 (2).
- Circle left 1/4 without hands (2).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in (8).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, men finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

The neighbor gypsy 1/2 is optional. And you can add a neighbor gypsy 1/2 after the circle 1/4.

MRD
 


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Interstate 64     Cary Ravitz     2-2014

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey and note the neighbor that you pass (8).
 
A2 - Straight across ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Ladies start a hands across star right and men fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for ladies and 1/2 for men (8).
 
B1 - Look away from the star for the neighbor that you passed in the diagonal 1/2 hey to balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

Be alert on the ends.
 


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Interstate 75     Cary Ravitz     8-1995

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey and note the neighbor that you pass (8).
 
A2 - Straight across ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Hands across star right 3/4 (men are in front of partners) (8).
 
B1 - Look away from the star for the neighbor that you passed in the diagonal 1/2 hey to balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

Be alert on the ends.

YouTube
 


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Into the DMZ     Cary Ravitz     4-2013

Improper contra

A1 - Take hands in a circle and balance (4).
- With partners (across), men roll away and ladies half sashay (4).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Circle left 1 (8).
 
B1 - With neighbors (across), ladies roll away and men half sashay (4).
- Partners swing (12).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).

While this dance seems repetitive at first glance, men and women take different roles in the two roll aways and the two push off heys.

This was written at the suggestion of Dugan Murphy for a new dance with roll away across the set to a swing.

MRD
 


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Jan's Reel     Cary Ravitz     7-2014

Becket

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four with this couple and partners roll away with a half sashay (4).
- Circle right 3/4 (8) (you are beside your neighbor, ladies on the right).
 
A2 - Ladies go forward and left to start a mad robin (eyes on partner) (6).
- Ladies pass right to trade places (4).
- Men go forward and right to start a mad robin (eyes on neighbor) (6).
 
B1 - Men pass left (4).
- Neighbors swing (12).
 
B2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
 


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Janet's Gypsy     Cary Ravitz, Janet Bertog     6-2011

Becket

A1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies step forward and left to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
- With new neighbors, men step forward and right to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
 
B1 - Ladies pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Ladies allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16).

Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

The right and left through can be replaced with ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey.

YouTube, MRD, 2
 


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Janet's Journey     Cary Ravitz     6-2012

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Circle right 3/4 (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors allemande left 1 (6).
- Look for a new neighbor to swing (10).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (7).
- Neighbors (across) pull by by the right (3).
- Partners pull by by the left (3).
- Neighbors (across) pull by by the right (3).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

The neighbor allemande left can be 1+1/2, which makes the dance Becket counter-clockwise and you reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

B1 can be replaced with men pass left to start a 1/2 hey / men allemande left 1+1/2.

YouTube, MRD, 2
 


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Jubilation Variation     Cary Ravitz     3-2006

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B1 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).

This dance started out as a variation of Jubilation by Gene Hubert in which the partner allemande is replaced by a swing and the men start the hey. This gives the same swing / 1/2 hey / swing sequence as in Diagonal Discovery, also by Gene Hubert. The dance is further modified by replacing the men allemande left 1+1/2 and long lines with circle left 3/4 and right and left through, which moves the middle of the dance to the opposite side of the set.

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Judy's Journey     Cary Ravitz     6-2013

Reverse improper contra (from proper contra, twos cross)

A1 - Neighbors do-si-do (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 (7).
- Neighbors (across) pull by by the right (3).
- Partners pull by by the left (3).
- Neighbors (across) pull by by the right (3).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Star left 3/4 (8).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Jump Start     Cary Ravitz     10-1998

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8)
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B1 - Hands across star right 3/4 (men are in front of neighbor ladies) (8).
- Ladies turn in and partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors do-si-do (8).

When the men pass right in the middle in the second half of the 1/2 hey, rather than finishing the 1/2 hey, they can take right hands and turn 1/2 leisurely to start the star, with women joining in as they finish the 1/2 hey. This makes a nice blending between the hey and star.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Laura's Lilt     Cary Ravitz     10-2009

Becket

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 - Promenade across and shift right one place to face a new couple (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
A2 - Star left 1+1/4 (10).
- Look away from the star for your shadow to allemande right 1 (6).
 
B1 - Look away from your shadow for your partner to gypsy left 1+1/2 (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

On the ends, in A1 the ladies should be on the right, ready to lead a slide right into the dance, and in A2 the ladies should be on the left, ready for a shadow allemande.

A2 is taken (mirrored) from The Ritz by Gene Hubert.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Living in Zen (for Liz)     Cary Ravitz     6-2010

Reverse improper contra (from proper contra, twos cross)

A1 - Neighbors gypsy and swing (16) (or balance and swing).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners gypsy 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Ladies pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8) (or right and left through across).
- Hands across star left 3/4 (men are behind partners) (8).

MRD
 


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Looking for Love Again     Cary Ravitz     9-2000

Becket, counter-clockwise, double progression
Complex

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Circle right 3/4 (8).
 
A2 - On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain to your shadow (8).
- On the right diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella, and men face in and ladies face out to form wavy lines at the sides (8) (your shadow is now in your right hand).
- Balance right and left and slide right with a Rory O'More spin (8).
 
B2 - Look for your partner to swing (16).

MRD


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Mad Max     Cary Ravitz     11-2011

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 - Pass through across (4).
- With your shadow, gate 1/2 (or whirl 1+1/2), men going forward, ladies backward, to face in, men on the right (4).
- Men step forward and left to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
- With a new couple, ladies step forward and right to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
 
A2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Men step forward and right to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
- With a new couple, ladies step forward and left to start a 1/2 mad robin (4) (men are on the right).
- Men start to pass right for a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, ladies 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Maliza's Magical Mystery Motion     Cary Ravitz     12-1996

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Promenade across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella, and turn alone to face a new neighbor (8).
- Take hands with the new couple, balance, and spin one place to the right (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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March of the Coffee Zombies     Cary Ravitz     9-2011

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- March single file in the path of a circle right 3/4 (8) and turn to meet new neighbors.
 
A2 - March single file in the path of a circle left 3/4 (8) to a wave across, men in the middle, one men facing down, one women facing up.
- Balance (4).
- Men slide right one place and spin to face in while ladies slide right two places and spin to face your neighbor (4).
 
B1 - Neighbors gypsy and swing (16) (or just swing).
 
B2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

You can substitute the slide to swing figure with swing through - allemande right 1/2, in the middle allemande left 1/2.

This was written to go with the wonderful tune March of the Coffee Zombies, by Tom Cunningham.

YouTube, 2, 3, MRD
 


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Martha's Breakup Breakdown     Cary Ravitz     5-2013

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Men allemande left 1 (6).
- Partners swing (10).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Star left 1 (8).
 
B2 - With a new couple, hands across star right 3/4 (8).
- Men turn in and partners swing (8).

Breakup Breakdown is my only dance where the final swing is with your neighbor. Breakdown refers to the dance. Martha Edwards pointed out that if a breakup breaks down you end up with your partner. So here the breakdown refers to the breakup.

MRD
 


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Mary Keith's Harmonium     Cary Ravitz     1-2002

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Pass through across (4).
- Circle left 1 (8).
- Pass through up and down (4).
 
B2 - Ladies allemande left 1 while men orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Partners swing (10).

This variation on Amy's Harmonium borrows its B1 from Boomerang by Gene Hubert.

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Megadance (for Meg)     Cary Ravitz     8-1999

Becket, counter-clockwise, double progression
Complex

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your first shadow is in the other hand, your second shadow is beyond your first shadow.

A1 - Take hands in long lines.
- With first shadows, to the men's left, men roll away and ladies half sashay (4).
- With second shadows, to the men's left, men roll away and ladies half sashay (4).
- With your second shadow, take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella, and men face in and ladies out to form wavy lines at the sides (8).
 
A2 - Balance right and left and slide right with a Rory O'More spin (8).
- Look for a new neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, and men face in and ladies out to form wavy lines at the sides (8) (your first shadow is now in your right hand).
- Balance right and left and slide right (8).
 
B2 - Look for your partner to swing (16).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.

MRD
 


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Oh More Snakes     Cary Ravitz     9-2002

Becket, double progression
Complex

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey and then walk straight forward to a long wavy line in the middle while men move to stand behind your partner (8).
 
A2 - Ladies balance right and left (4).
- Ladies slide right with a Rory O'More spin to a new wavy line while men walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4) (there are now interlinked wavy lines).
- Ladies balance left and right while men balance right and left (4).
- Men slide right with a Rory O'More spin while ladies back out (4).
 
B1 - With the handy man, men allemande right 1+3/4 (8) (or balance and allemande right 3/4).
- Partners pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

 
 


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One Way or Another     Cary Ravitz     8-2009

Improper contra

A1 - Circle right 3/4 (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (ladies do a 1/2 hey while men do a 1/2 push off hey) (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (men do a 1/2 hey while ladies do a 1/2 push off hey) (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Passion Breakdown A     Cary Ravitz     2-2008

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Ladies step forward and left to start a mad robin (see-saw neighbor facing partner) (8).
 
B1 - Ladies walk straight across the set (2).
- Partners swing (14).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Balance (4).
- California twirl (4).

At the start of B1 the men should not step forward into the swing, but should wait for their partner to cross the set.

Men can turn around in the 1/2 hey to lengthen the eye contact with their partner.

Passion Breakdown B - alternate version, can be medleyed.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Passion Breakdown B     Cary Ravitz     2-2008

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Men step forward and right to start a mad robin (do-si-do neighbor facing partner) (8).
 
B1 - Men walk straight across the set (2).
- Partners swing (14).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Balance (4).
- Pass through to a new neighbor (4).

At the start of B1 the ladies should not step forward into the swing, but should wait for their partner to cross the set.

Ladies can turn around in the 1/2 hey to lengthen the eye contact with their partner.

MRD
 


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Pigtown Breakdown     Cary Ravitz     12-2008

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella, and turn alone to face a new neighbor (8).
- (New) neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- With your neighbor, on the right diagonal, walk forward to meet your shadow (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four (4).
 
B1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, and turn alone to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

Be alert on the ends.

MRD
 


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Pigtown Petronella     Cary Ravitz     11-1997

Becket, counter-clockwise, double progression

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain to your shadow (8).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella, and turn alone to face a new neighbor (8).
- Take hands with the new couple, balance, and spin one place to the right, and turn alone to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

Note the similarity to Maliza's Magical Mystery Motion. The chain is to the diagonal left here, so at the end of B1 you must face a new set of four to find your partner.

YouTube, 2, 3, MRD
 


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Pigtown Swing     Cary Ravitz     8-2008

Becket
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Men's shadows are in their right hand, ladies' shadows are in their left hand, your first neighbor is directly across the set.
- With your shadow, right and left through across (8).
 
A2 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella, and turn alone to face a new neighbor (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, and turn alone to face your partner (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Partners swing (8).

Be alert on the ends. You always reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Presto Petronella     Cary Ravitz     12-1996

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- Partners gypsy 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella (8).
- Take hands, balance, and spin one place to the right (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

The original version of this dance started with long lines, left diagonal ladies chain, star left 3/4, which requires progressing/reentering the dance in A2 with ladies on the left.

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Rachel's Roll     Cary Ravitz     1-2015

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Men pass left (4) (or men allemande left 1/2).
- Neighbors swing (12).
 
B1 - Circle left 1/2 (4).
- Men step forward and right to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
- With new neighbors, ladies step forward and left to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
- Men pass right (4).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

MRD
 


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raDar Love     Cary Ravitz     10-2008

Becket

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four with this couple (4).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Partners allemande left 1 (4).
- Hands across star left 3/4 (8).
- Men (or ladies) allemande left 1 (4).
 
B1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

MRD


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Rat Race     Cary Ravitz     12-1998

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

A1 - Pass through across and face your partner (4).
- Ladies stand still while men pass your partner by the right to join a new group of four (4).
- Hands across star left 7/8 (3+1/2 places) so that ladies are in the middle (8).
 
A2 - Next ladies allemande right 1+1/2 while men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Hands across star left 3/4 with the handy group of four (8).
 
B1 - Next men allemande right 1+1/2 while ladies allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Hands across star left 7/8 with the handy group of four.
 
B2 - Look away from the star for your partner to balance and swing (16).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.
 


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Real to Surreal     Cary Ravitz     7-2014

Cross contra (from improper, the one lady and two man trade places)

To start, neighbors do-si-do 1+1/4 to a wave across, twos in the middle, men facing down.

A1 - Neighbors allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Ones allemande left 1 while twos orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Same sex neighbors allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Twos allemande left 1 while ones orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
 
A2 - Neighbors gypsy and swing (16).
 
B1 - Men pass left (4).
- Partners swing (12).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- With new neighbors, box the gnat (4).
- Spin to a wave across with twos in the middle, men facing down, ladies facing up (4). In the spin the one men and two ladies move forward and to the right and the two men and one ladies move forward and to the left.

After the circle and pass through, the one men and two ladies are in the line to the caller's left.

This is a cross contra version of Reel to Reel.
 


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Real to Unreal     Cary Ravitz     2-2015

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Give and take, ladies take neighbors back (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 and slide left one place (with your partner, ladies on the left) (8).
- Partners do-si-do 1+1/4 (8).
 
B1 - Partners allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Men allemande left 1 while ladies orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Neighbors allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Ladies allemande left 1 while men orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16).

Reenter with ladies on the left.

This is an inverted version of Reel to Reel.

A1 can be danced as men pass left (4), neighbors swing (12).

YouTube, MRD, 2
 


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Reddie to Roll     Cary Ravitz     12-2016

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Circle left 1 (8).
- Look away from the circle for new neighbors to circle right 3/4 (8).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, men finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

MRD
 


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Reel Easy     Cary Ravitz     10-1995

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors do-si-do (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Ladies allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors allemande right 1 (6).
- Neighbors pull by by the right (2).

To change from a Becket dance to Reel Easy in a medley, change Reel Easy's first figure to circle left 3/4. From a counter-clockwise Becket dance, change it to men allemande left 1+1/2.

The second half of B2 can be danced as neighbors allemande right 1+1/4, walk straight forward to (A1) do-si-do the next. But I think it is more fun to allemande right 1, lean back a bit, and pull by.

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Reel Time     Cary Ravitz     8-1997

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8)
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Star left 1 (8).
- Look away from the star for new neighbors to do-si-do (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

I have deleted and restored this dance a couple of times over the years. It has two unusual transitions, swing / star left and circle left / swing (men in front of women), that you might prefer to avoid.

MRD
 


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Reel to Reel     Cary Ravitz     5-2003

Improper contra

To start, neighbors do-si-do 1+1/4 to a wave across, ladies in the middle, ones facing down.

A1 - Neighbors allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Men allemande left 1 while ladies orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Partners allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Ladies allemande left 1 while men orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
 
A2 - Neighbors gypsy and swing (16).
 
B1 - Give and take, ladies take partners back (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors do-si-do 1+1/4 (8).

B1 can be danced as men pass left (4), partners swing (12).

Alternate B2 (from Real to Surreal) - circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8), new neighbors box the gnat (4), spin (forward and to the right) to a wave across with ladies in the middle, ones facing down (4).

YouTube, 2, MRD, 2
 


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Reeling from Love Again     Cary Ravitz     7-2014

Becket, counter-clockwise, double progression
Complex

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is beyond the person in your other hand.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Right and left through across (8).
 
A2 - On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
- On the right diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain to your shadow (8).
 
B1 - Ladies will trade places with the lady on the right diagonal.
- Ladies allemande right 3/4 to make a fleeting wave in the middle (4).
- With the next lady, ladies allemande left 3/4 (4).
- Men will trade places with the man on the left diagonal.
- Men allemande left 3/4 to make a fleeting wave in the middle (4).
- With the next man, men allemande right 3/4 (4).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

 
 


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Reflections A     Cary Ravitz     6-2001

Improper/reverse improper contra, double/single progression
Complex

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B1 - Promenade across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
B2 - Pass through across (4).
- Ones look down and twos look up.
- Circle left 1 (8).
- Neighbors pass by the right (4).

Be alert on the ends. It is important that the people out at the ends reenter the dance as needed by the people in the dance.

Odd cycles of this dance start improper, double progress, and end reverse improper. Even cycles start reverse improper, progress singly, and end improper.

In the improper cycle, after the pass through across in B2, everyone faces a new neighbor and is reverse improper. In the reverse improper cycle, after the pass through across, everyone faces their current neighbor and is improper. Kathy Anderson suggests that a call to look for current or new neighbors makes the dance go easier. The call for ones to look down and twos to look up often fails as dancers forget whether they are a one or a two.

The B version B1 stops the alternating orientation and leaves the dance as either improper (single progression) or reverse improper (double progression). You can use this as the basic B1 and use the original B1 to change orientations on any cycle of the dance.

Reflections B - easy version.

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Reflections B     Cary Ravitz     6-2001

Improper/single progression or reverse improper contra/double progression

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
B2 - Pass through across (4).
- Ones look down and twos look up.
- Circle left 1 (8).
- Neighbors pass by the right (4).

MRD
 


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Rhyme or Rhythm     Cary Ravitz     10-2009

Reverse improper contra (from proper contra, twos cross)

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B1 - Hands across star right 3/4 (men are in front of neighbor ladies) (8).
- Ladies turn in and partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Hands across star left 3/4 (men are behind partners) (8).

MRD
 


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Riding Whisky     Cary Ravitz     03-2007

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Pass through across and turn alone to face in (4).
- Star left 1 (8).
- Look for a new neighbor to box the gnat (4).
 
B1 - Ladies allemande left 1 while men orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Partners swing (10).
 
B2 - Men trade places by the right and face in (4).
- Circle left 1 (8).
- Pass through across and face your neighbor (4).

Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

For an easier B2, use circle left 3/4 / neighbors do-si-do.

The box the gnat to orbit transition is from A Good Feeling by Bill Pope.

YouTube
 


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Roadkill     Cary Ravitz     1-1998

Becket
Complex

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and with your shadow, men roll away and ladies half sashay (8).
- Right and left through across with your shadow (8).
 
A2 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella, and turn alone to face a new neighbor (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Right and left through across with your neighbor (8).
- Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, and turn alone to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16) (or just swing).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Rocky Road     Cary Ravitz     7-1999

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Men's shadows are in their right hand, ladies' shadows are in their left hand, your first neighbor is directly across the set.
- With your shadow, right and left through across (8).
 
A2 - With your shadow and first neighbor, star left 3/4 (8).
- Look away from the star for a second neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - With your second neighbor and shadow, circle left 3/4 (8).
- Shadows allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Look away from your shadow for your partner to balance and swing (16).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.

Note the similarity to Whitewater. Replacing the star with a positionally equivalent circle, the only difference is the second figure of A1 and the direction of progression.

MRD
 


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Roll Around A     Cary Ravitz     1-2001

Improper contra

A1 - Take hands in a circle and balance (4).
- Partners (across) roll away with a half sashay (4).
- Take hands in a circle and balance (4).
- Neighbors (on the side) roll away with a half sashay (4).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).

Roll Around B - alternate A1.

YouTube, 2
 


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Roll Around B     Cary Ravitz     2-2012

Improper contra

A1 - Take hands in a circle and balance (4).
- Partners (across) California twirl and turn alone to face in (4).
- Take hands in a circle and balance (4).
- Neighbors (on the side) California twirl and turn alone to face your neighbor (4).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).

The California twirl and turn alone to face in figure is from California Twirlin' by Janet Levatin.

MRD
 


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Run Around Susie     Cary Ravitz     4-2007

Becket, counter-clockwise, double progression
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Stand back to back with your partner to face your shadow.
- Shadows do-si-do 1+1/4 (8).
 
A2 - Ladies turn around and take inside hands with your shadow.
- Walk forward to meet the next couple across the set (2).
- Ladies allemande right 1 while men orbit clockwise 1/2 (6).
- Neighbors take inside hands.
- Walk forward to meet the next couple across the set (2).
- Ladies allemande right 1 while men orbit clockwise 1/2 (6).
 
B1 - Partners take inside hands.
- Walk forward to meet the next couple across the set (2).
- Partners gate (whirl) to face across (6).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

Be alert on the ends.
 


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Sealed with a Keith     Cary Ravitz     7-1997

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- Partners gypsy 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Look away from your partner for your shadow to allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

Be alert on the ends.

In this dance you lose your partner, find them for a gypsy, lose them again, and find them for a balance and swing.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Serenade     Cary Ravitz     6-2013

Becket
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, men chain by the right hand (8) (men are on the right).
 
A2 - Star left 3/4 (8).
- Look away from the star for your partner to gypsy 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Look away from your partner for your shadow to allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

Be alert on the ends.

MRD
 


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Slice and Dice     Cary Ravitz     12-2010

Becket
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner, your second shadow is behind you.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- With your shadow, on the left diagonal, walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Take hands with your second neighbor and face your shadow.
- Back up to along the right diagonal (4) (ladies are now on the left).
 
A2 - Star left 1 (8).
- Look away from the star for your first neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - With your first neighbor, on the left diagonal, walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Take hands with your second shadow and face your first neighbor.
- Back up to along the right diagonal (4) (ladies are now on the left).
- Star left 1 (8).
 
B2 - Look away from the star for your partner to balance to swing (8).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.

On the ends, for the left diagonal figure, if there is a couple out, that couple should participate in the figure. If there is not a couple out, the odd couple should just cross the set.

The forward to the left, back to the right with your opposite figure is simplified from Bases Loaded by Jim Saxe, Lydee Scudder, and Tom Thoreau.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Slip and Slide     Cary Ravitz     12-1999

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Neighbors pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Pass through across to a wave (across) with ladies in the middle (4).
- Balance right and left (4).
- Slide right with a Rory O'More spin to a fleeting wave (4).
- Walk forward to a new wave (across) (4).
 
B2 - Balance right and left (4).
- Men slide right with a Rory O'More spin (4).
- Partners swing (8).

YouTube
 


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The Slippery Slope     Cary Ravitz     4-2011

Becket

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Pass through across (4).
- Partners allemande right 3/4 to a wave across with men in the middle (4).
 
A2 - Balance (4).
- Men slide right one place and spin to face in while ladies slide right two places and spin to face your neighbor (4).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Pass through across (4).
- Turn alone to find a new neighbor to allemande right 3/4 to a wave across with ladies in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Ladies slide right one place and spin to face in while men slide right two places and spin to face your partner (4).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16) (or just swing).

MRD
 


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Slipstream     Cary Ravitz     6-2010

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Ladies allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Ladies start a hands across star right and men fall in behind your neighbor. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for ladies and 1/2 for men (8).
 
B2 - Men look for the next man to allemande left 1 while ladies walk to meet your partner (4).
- Partners swing (12).

I changed the start of B1 to a hey to help prevent starting the star early.

B1 can be danced as pass through across to a California twirl (7), neighbors trade places, men in front of ladies (2), star right 3/4 (7).

The unusual entry into the star in B1 is taken from Spice of Life by Bob Dalsemer.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Snake in the Garden     Cary Ravitz     7-2008

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - With new neighbors, men allemande left 3/4 to a long wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Men back out and ladies walk forward into a long wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
 
B1 - Ladies allemande right 3/4 with the handy lady (4).
- Partners swing (12).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Circle left 3/4 (8).

The first wavy line can stay in place while the second wavy line forms. Then the back out for one line happens at the same time as the allemande for the other.
 


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Snake in the Hey     Cary Ravitz     1-1998

Improper contra

A1 - Ladies allemande right 3/4 to a long wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Ladies back out while men walk forward to a long wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 3/4 (4).
- Partners box the gnat (4).
- Partners pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Soaring Storks     Cary Ravitz     12-2013

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
- Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors gypsy and swing (16) (or balance and swing).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Men start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for men and 1/2 for ladies (8).

MRD
 


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Solstice Special Variation     Cary Ravitz     6-2014

Improper contra

A1 - Ladies allemande left 1 (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
A2 - Men step forward and right to start a mad robin (8).
- Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).

This dance started out as a variation on Southern Spring, but it ended up closer to Solstice Special by Tony Parkes.

YouTube
 


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Songbird     Cary Ravitz     1-2012

Becket

A1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Circle left 1/2 (4).
- Men step forward and right to start a mad robin (6).
- Ladies pull partners to start a 1/2 poussette (6).
 
B1 - With new neighbors, men pull partners to start a 1/2 poussette (6).
- (With these neighbors,) men step forward and left to start a mad robin (6).
- Men pass right (4).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

Renter the dance with ladies on the left.

The original version of this dance reversed the mad robin and 1/2 poussette in B1 - with new neighbors, ladies step forward and left to start a mad robin (6), (with these neighbors) men pull partners to start a 1/2 poussette (6), men pass right (4). This works well, but I prefer it as noted above.

Songbird was written for Janet Bertog, who asked for a different setting of the mad robin / 1/2 poussette / mad robin / 1/2 poussette sequence from Rough Ride by Tom Hinds.

MRD, 2
 


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Southern Spring     Cary Ravitz     1-2012

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Men step forward and right to start a mad robin (8).
- Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8)
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors do-si-do (8).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Southern Summer     Cary Ravitz     8-2016

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Men step forward and right to start a mad robin (8).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1 while ladies orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Partners swing (10).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Balance (4).
- California twirl (4).

The 1/2 hey and mad robin can be swapped.

B2 was originally right and left through, ladies chain.

Mad robin into allemande/orbit is from Mad Orbin by Jacqui Grennan.

MRD
 


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The Squeaking Reel     Cary Ravitz     5-2005

Reverse improper contra (from proper contra, twos cross)

A1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella (8).
- Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella, and turn alone to face a new neighbor (8).

YouTube
 


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The Squeaking Wheel     Cary Ravitz     4-2002

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Go down the hall (6).
- Keeping hands, twos turn back to back to face up while ones take hands behind the twos (2).
- Go up the hall (6).
- Twos duck and ones bring joined hands over the twos to form a four leaf clover (2).
 
B1 - Turn the clover left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).

This dance is a simple setting of the creation of a four leaf clover as in Symmetrical Force by Fred Feild and the transition from the clover to a swing as in Corners at Dawn by Peter Stix. Also see Lalah's TriskadekaMania by Seth Tepfer and The Connectrix by Rick Mohr.

YouTube, 2
 


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Star Trick     Cary Ravitz     10-1997

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
- Star right 3/4 (8).
 
A2 - Ladies turn in and partners gypsy and swing (16).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella (8).
- Take hands, balance, and spin one place to the right (8).
 
B2 - Star left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors allemande left 1+1/2 (8).

The star to allemande transition is borrowed from Al's Safeway Produce by Robert Cromartie.


  Idx  ToC

Starburst     Cary Ravitz     7-1995

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors take right hands and balance (4).
- Neighbors box the gnat (4).
- Hands across star right 1 (8).
 
A2 - Ladies chain across to your partner (8).
- Star left 1 (8).
 
B1 - Ladies turn out and partners gypsy and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors do-si-do (8).

A nice ladies' choice variation for B1 is ladies turn in and partners gypsy left / partners turn alone clockwise and swing.

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Starcrossed     Cary Ravitz     3-1998

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Look away from your partner for your shadow.
- With your shadow and first neighbor, star right 3/4 using a wrist hold star (8).
- Form wavy lines at the sides with men facing in.
 
A2 - Balance right and left (4).
- Slide to the right with a Rory O'More spin (4).
- Look for a new neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - Star right 3/4 using a wrist hold star (8).
- Form wavy lines at the sides with ladies facing in.
- Balance right and left (4).
- Slide to the right (4).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16) (or just swing).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Star's End     Cary Ravitz     3-2012

Becket

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Star left 3/4 using a hands across star (8).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1 (4).
- Neighbors swing (12).
 
B1 - Men step forward and right to start a mad robin (8).
- Star right 3/4 (8).
 
B2 - Ladies look for the next lady to allemande left 1 while men walk to meet your partner (4).
- Partners swing (12).

 
 


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Stephanie's Star     Cary Ravitz     4-2010

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Hands across star left 1 (8).
 
B1 - Men turn alone and take right hands while ladies keep left hands to make a gypsy star.
- Men go forward and ladies go backward to turn the star 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Balance (4).
- California twirl (4).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Strawberry Swirl     Cary Ravitz     5-1998

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Right and left through across (8).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Star left 1 (8).
- With a new couple, hands across star right 3/4 (8).
 
B2 - Men turn in and partners gypsy and swing (16).

YouTube
 


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Streetsboro Daisies     Cary Ravitz     10-1995

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors allemande right 1+1/2 (8).

B1 can be danced as men pass left (4), partners swing (12).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Susan's Slide     Cary Ravitz     3-2011

Becket

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four with this couple (4).
- Pass through across (4).
- Partners allemande right 3/4 to a wave across with men in the middle (4).
 
A2 - Balance (4).
- Men slide right one place and spin to face in while ladies slide right two places and spin to face your neighbor (4).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Pass through across (4).
- Neighbors allemande right 3/4 to a wave across with men in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Men slide right one place and spin to face in while ladies slide right two places and spin to face your partner (4).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16) (or just swing).

The slide from a wave across to a swing comes from A Glimpse of Beauty by Charley Harvey, and I first danced it in Susan Moffett's dance Ted Told Me So.

Also see The Slippery Slope.

MRD
 


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Susan's Snafu     Cary Ravitz     3-2000

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella, and turn alone to face a new neighbor (8).
- Take hands with the new couple, balance, and spin one place to the right, and turn alone to face your shadow (8).
 
A2 - Star right 3/4 (8).
- Ladies turn in and neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Ladies chain across (8).
- Star left 1 (8).
 
B2 - Look away from the star for your partner to balance and swing (16).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Susan's Swing     Cary Ravitz     3-2008

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Long lines go forward and back and with partners ladies roll away and men half sashay (8) (you are now at home).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Turn alone to your right to find a new neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

MRD
 


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Sweet Summer     Cary Ravitz     2-2012

Improper contra

A1 - Men allemande left 1 (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
A2 - Circle left 1/2 (4).
- Men step forward and right to start a mad robin (8).
- Men pass left (4).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies start a hands across star right and men fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for ladies and 1/2 for men (8).

B2 can be danced as right and left through across (7), partners trade places, ladies in front of men (2), star right 3/4 (7).


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Swing Fever     Cary Ravitz     2-2009

Improper contra, double progression

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Pass through across and face a new neighbor (4).
- (New) neighbors gypsy and swing (4+8).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors do-si-do (8).

MRD
 


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Tara's Reel     Cary Ravitz     6-2014

Becket

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four with this couple (4).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
 
A2 - Men pull partners to start a 1/2 poussette (hands with partners) (6).
- Men allemande left 1/2 (4).
- Ladies pull neighbors to start a 1/2 poussette (hands with neighbors) (6).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to trade places (4).
- Neighbors swing (12).
 
B2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Partners swing (8).

A2 plus ladies pass right can be danced entirely in A2, depending on the tempo, so you could make B1 neighbors gypsy and swing.
 


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Tara's Trip     Cary Ravitz     2-2008

Becket

A1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Star left 1 (8).
 
B1 - Look away from the star for a new neighbor to box the gnat (4).
- Men pass left to start a 3/4 hey, ending on your home side with your partner (12).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

YouTube
 


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Terry and Sherry     Cary Ravitz     10-2008

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward, neighbors gypsy 1/2, and long lines go back (2+4+2).
- Long lines go forward, neighbors gypsy 1/2, and men take neighbors back to the side (the men's home side) (2+4+2).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16) (or gypsy and swing).
 
B1 - Ladies chain across (8).
- Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
 
B2 - Next ladies allemande left 1/2 (4).
- Partners swing (12).

YouTube
 


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Through the Looking Glass     Cary Ravitz     10-2000

Becket

A1 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

A nice variation for A1 is promenade clockwise (or slide left) 1 place (around the full set) to new neighbors, ladies allemande right 1/2, neighbors swing.

YouTube, MRD
 


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Trillium     Cary Ravitz     7-2008

Becket

A1 - Men allemande left 1 (6).
- Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in while shifting to the right one place, to face a new couple (10).
 
A2 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Ladies allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

The butterfly whirl to progress is borrowed from Charley Harvey's Amy Asked for a Gypsy. Also see Chicory.

MRD
 


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Turtles Too     Cary Ravitz     6-2015

Becket, counter-clockwise

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain to your shadow (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 1 (8).
- With neighbors, ladies lead a zigzag left and right around your shadow (8).
 
B2 - With new neighbors, ladies allemande left 1/2+? (4).
- Partners swing (12).

Be alert on the ends. Reenter the dance in the zigzag with ladies on the left.

B1 plus ladies allemande can be danced entirely in B1 with a small zigzag.
 


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Waiting for You     Cary Ravitz     6-2014

Becket

A1 - Men start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for men and 1/2 for ladies (8).
- Look away from the star for a new neighbor to do-si-do (8).
 
A2 - Ladies allemande left 1 (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
B1 - Pass through across to a California twirl (8).
- Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

For A1 you can substitute circle left 3/4, pass through up and down, new neighbors do-si-do.

You can start this dance in A2 to make it an improper contra.


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Waterfall     Cary Ravitz     3-2008

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Circle right 3/4 and turn alone to your left to find a new neighbor (8).
 
A2 - (New) neighbors allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Men allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

YouTube, MRD
 


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Wavefront     Cary Ravitz     9-2002

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Pass through across (4).
- Neighbors allemande right 3/4 to a wave across with men in the middle (4).
- Balance right and left (4).
- Slide right with a Rory O'More spin (4).
 
B1 - Ladies allemande right 1/2 (4).
- Partners swing (12).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Balance (4).
- California twirl (4).

The start of A2 could be called pass through across to a wave / neighbors allemande right 1/2. This orients people better for the allemande. But it is easier to teach as noted above.
 


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Wedding Contra for Debbie and John     Cary Ravitz     5-1996

Becket, double progression
Complex

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Star left using a hands across star (8).
 
A2 - Men keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B1 - Partners gypsy left 1+1/2 (8).
- Men pass right to start a 1/2 hey across (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

 
 


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Where is My Wave     Cary Ravitz     7-2014

Improper contra

To start, step forward and left to a wave across, ladies in the middle, ones facing down.

A1 - Balance right and left (4).
- Slide right with a Rory O'More spin (4).
- Men allemande right 1/2 to a wave across (men in the middle) (4).
- Balance left and right (4).
 
A2 - Slide left with a Rory O'More spin (4).
- Ladies allemande left 1/2 (4).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Men pass left (4).
- Partners swing (12).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors do-si-do 1+1/4 to a wave across (8).

Use all 4 counts for the men allemande right 1/2 so that the slide starts at A2.
 


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Where Will I Be     Cary Ravitz     12-2010

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

In long lines, your partner is in one hand, your shadow is in the other hand.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and with your shadow, men roll away and ladies half sashay (8).
- Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella (8).
 
A2 - Star left 1 (8).
- Look away from the star for a new neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right (8).
- Star left 1 (8).
 
B2 - Look away from the star for your partner to gypsy and swing (16).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.

The Petronella turn into a star left transition is from Discombobulation by Jim Kitch.

MRD
 


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Whim's Gym     Cary Ravitz     9-2002

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors do-si-do (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies allemande right 1+1/2 (8)
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (7).
- Neighbors pull by by the right (3).
- Partners pull by by the left (3).
- Neighbors pull by by the right (3).

B2 here is from Jim's Whim by Rich MacMath.

B2 can be replaced with circle left 3/4, balance, California twirl, for an easier, no walk through dance.

YouTube, 2, 3, MRD, 2
 


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Whirl of Fortune     Cary Ravitz     4-1999

Becket

A1 - Partners roll away with a half sashay into a butterfly whirl hold (3).
- Butterfly whirl 3/4 (ladies go backward, men go forward) so that ladies are in the middle (3).
- Ladies take left hands, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in (ladies go backward, men go forward) (10).
 
A2 - Men pass right to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey (8).
- Continue the hey, men push off in the middle to trade roles in the hey, ladies finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (7).
- Pass through up and down (2).
- With a new couple, circle right 3/4 (7).

B2 here is taken from Gene Hubert's Reunion.
 


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Whirlaway     Cary Ravitz     5-2001

Becket

A1 - Slide left to a new couple (2).
- Circle left 3/4 (6).
- Circle right 1 (8).
 
A2 - With neighbors, men roll away and ladies half sashay into a butterfly whirl hold (3).
- Butterfly whirl 3/4 (ladies go forward, men go backward) so that men are in the middle (3).
- Men take left hands, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in (10).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Ladies allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

MRD
 


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Whitecaps     Cary Ravitz     11-2016

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Long lines go forward and back and shadows roll away with a half sashay (8).
 
A2 - With your shadow and first neighbor, men push off and loop back to place, ladies loop then push off across (8).
- Look away from your first neighbor for a second neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - With your shadow and second neighbor, right and left through across (8).
- Ladies push off and loop back to place, men loop then push off across (8).
 
B2 - Look away from your shadow for your partner to balance and swing (16).

For the push off, the dancers push off in the middle and, with respect to their initial positions, end on the same side of the set, one place to the left. For the push off across, the dancers push off in the middle and, with respect to their initial positions, end directly across the set.

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.

MRD
 


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Whitewater     Cary Ravitz     2-1997

Becket
Complex

Face your partner, your shadow is beyond your partner.

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Men's shadows are in their right hand, ladies' shadows are in their left hand, your first neighbor is directly across the set.
- Long lines go forward and back and shadows roll away with a half sashay (8).
 
A2 - Circle right 3/4 with your shadow and first neighbor (8).
- Look away from the circle for a second neighbor to swing (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 with your second neighbor and shadow (8).
- Shadows allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Look away from your shadow for your partner to balance and swing (16).

This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.

There are three progressions in this dance. First, men unprogress and women progress with first neighbors in the middle of A1. Then men and women progress with a shadow in the middle of A2. And finally, men progress and women unprogress with second neighbors at the end of B1. The second neighbor becomes the new first neighbor.

YouTube, 2, MRD
 


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Whitewater Whirl A     Cary Ravitz     10-2017

improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Men allemande left 1/2 (3), ladies face counter-clockwise.
- Partners butterfly whirl 1+1/2 (counter-clockwise, ladies forward, men backward) (5).
- Ladies allemande right 1/2 (3), men face clockwise.
- Neighbors butterfly whirl 1+1/2 (clockwise, men forward, ladies backward) (5).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1/2 (3).
- Partners swing (12);
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors do-si-do (8).

Whitewater Whirl B is a bit more complex.

MRD
 


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Whitewater Whirl B     Cary Ravitz     10-2017

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Circle right 3/4 and turn alone to look for a new neighbor (8).
 
A2 - (New) neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1/2 (3), ladies face counter-clockwise.
- Partners butterfly whirl 1+1/2 (counter-clockwise, ladies forward, men backward) (5).
- Ladies allemande right 1/2 (3), men face clockwise.
- Neighbors butterfly whirl 1+1/2 (clockwise, men forward, ladies backward) (5).
 
B2 - Men allemande left 1/2 (3).
- Partners swing (12);

MRD
 


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Wilderness Road     Cary Ravitz     1-2017

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - With your partner, facing across, balance together and apart (4).
- Men step forward and right to start a mad robin (6).
- Men allemande left 1 while ladies orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
 
A2 - Neighbors gypsy and swing (16).
 
B1 - Pass through across (4).
- Circle left 1 (8).
- Pass through up and down (4).
 
B2 - Ladies allemande left 1 while men orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Partners swing (10).

In place of the mad robin, you can use men roll away and ladies half sashay (3), ladies step forward and right to start a 1/2 mad robin (3).

MRD
 


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Wilderness Whirl     Cary Ravitz     10-2017

Becket

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies allemande right 1/2, men face clockwise (3).
- Neighbors butterfly whirl 1+1/4 (clockwise, men forward, ladies backward) to face across (5).
 
A2 - Men pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Men allemande left 1/2, ladies face counter-clockwise (3).
- Partners butterfly whirl 1+1/4 (counter-clockwise, ladies forward, men go backward) while shifting to the right one place, to face a new couple (5).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

MRD
 


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Winter Wind     Cary Ravitz     12-2011

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Long lines go forward and back and partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- Circle right 3/4 (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, as in Petronella (8).
- Take hands, balance, spin one place to the right, and turn alone to face a new neighbor (8).
 
B2 - (With new neighbors,) star right 3/4 (8).
- Men turn in and partners swing (8).

FB, MRD
 


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Woven Waves     Cary Ravitz     5-1999

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Ladies walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Ladies stay in place while men walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4) (there are now interlinked wavy lines).
- Balance (4).
 
B1 - Men drop left hands and ladies drop right hands to form a gypsy star.
- Men go forward and ladies go backward to turn the star 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors do-si-do (8).

I suggest that dancers look into their partner's eyes during the wavy line balances (rather than looking in the direction of the balance).

In A2, men taking (right) hands below the ladies' hands makes the eventual transition to a swing easier (a good tip from Jackie Green).

Also see Gypsy Star.

YouTube (I'm playing fiddle), 2, 3, MRD