Contra Dances by Cary Ravitz





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Sep 2024 - New dance Starbright, back by request Jubilation Permutation

Aug 2024 - New dance Jaded

Jan 2024 - New contra tune Hunting the Buffalo Break

Sep 2023 - New contra tunes Cyantic, Elkhorn Creek

Jun 2023 - New contra tune The Winter Sparrow

Mar 2023 - Added Astray variation

Feb 2023 - Restored Wildflowers A,B, Streetsboro Daisies

Jan 2023 - New dance Rats

Astray   on   YouTube   Amazon   astray cr

Thanks to -

Cary Ravitz
859-263-5087
caryravitz_at_gmail.com   (replace _at_ with @)

Last modified 6:06 PM, 24 Sep 2024 - File size 305K - Count 170886 - sitemap - robots

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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.

I have tried to highlight the progressions with phrases like "and turn to face new neighbors" and "to meet new neighbors". This implies that subsequent figures are done with the new minor set.

I have added a note wherever a dance is reentered improperish with lady on the left.

I use "half sashay" for two dancers to trade places with a side step. Clockwise or counter-clockwise is specified. Be sure not to read "roll away" where there isn't one.

I use "sashay around" for two dancers to walk around each other with side steps. Clockwise or counter-clockwise is specified.

A sashay around done by couples on both sides of a set of four, while facing directly across the set, is referred to as a "mad robin". A half sashay done by couples on both sides of a set of four, while facing directly across the set, is referred to as a "1/2 mad robin".

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

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. 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.

"Push off", done within a hey, means push off in the middle and trade roles in the hey. Dancers that push off generally stay facing across the set. If you start on the left, you push off back and to the right. If you start on the right, you push off back and to the left.

Gyspy is a two dancer contra figure - walk around the other dancer eye to eye. Generally 4..8 counts followed by a swing or 8 counts to go 1+1/2 around. In a figure name, gypsy is used to add eye to eye -gypsy star, gypsy waves (and the common flourish, gypsy hey).

I use the following formations.


Further instructions to start may include - face across, do-si-do 1+1/4 to a wavy line across.
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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.

These next rules are more loosely followed.

And these are some artistic rules.

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Across Nottingham A     Cary Ravitz     11-2013

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

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


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

A less dizzy start of B2 for either version - gents start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner, from initial positions, turn the star 1 for gents 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 gent trade places)

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


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

In typical push offs, you push off with a same role 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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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 - With partners, gents lead a zigzag right and left around neighbors to face new neighbors (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners allemande right 3/4 (3).
- Gents allemande left 1 (5).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16) (or balance and swing).


Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

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

YouTube, MRD, 2
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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).
- Gents 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 meet new neighbors (8).
 
B2 - Ladies allemande left 1 while gents 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 gents half sashay (4).
- With neighbors, gents lead a zigzag left and right around your shadow to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Gents allemande left 3/4 (4).
- Partners swing (12).


Be alert on the ends.

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

YouTube
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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 gent and lady 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, gents and ladies reenter the dance separately.

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

YouTube, Facebook
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Around the Sound     Cary Ravitz     8-2009

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward, neighbors gypsy 1/2, and gents take neighbors back to the side (opposite the gents' home side) (2+4+2).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Gents 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 7/8, ending with gents in the middle (8).
 
B2 - Gents look for a new neighbor gent to allemande left 3/4 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 gents 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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Astray     Cary Ravitz     12-2018

Becket

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Circle right 3/4 (8).
 
A2 - With partners, ladies lead a zigzag right and left around neighbors to face new neighbors (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
B1 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


Also known as "NEFFA! Say NEFFA Again!".

Alternate B1 (taken from Adrift) - circle left 3/4 (8), partners allemande right 3/4 (3), gents allemande left 1 (5).

YouTube, 2, MRD, 2
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At the Swell     Cary Ravitz     9-2019

Reverse improper contra (from proper contra, twos cross)

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
B1 - Ladies allemande right 1 (6).
- Partners swing (10).
 
B2 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin 1+1/2 places to the right, to form a diamond (8).
- Take hands, balance, and spin 1+1/2 places to the right, and turn alone to face new neighbors (8).


The Petronella spins are directly to the point 1+1/2 places around the circle.

Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

MRD
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Atomic     Cary Ravitz     4-2021

Rotating singlet (for one couple), Becket phantom set, lady on the right, facing across

A1 - Forward to the middle (3).
- Gent roll to face your partner while ladies quarter sashay to the left (2) (half of gents roll away and ladies half sashay).
- Back up to face your partner across the set (3).
- Do-si-do (8).
 
A2 - Balance, go forward to the middle, push off while rotating counter-clockwise 90 degrees, back up to progress one place around a diamond.
- Balance, go forward to the middle, push off while rotating counter-clockwise 90 degrees, back up to progress one place around a diamond.
 
B1 - Pass right to start a hey - partners pass right, loop left, partners pass right, small loop left - ending in the middle (16).
 
B2 - Balance and swing in the middle, end where you started the swing, facing down, lady on the right (16).
- The phantom set rotates 90 degrees, so you are now on the side, facing across.


MRD
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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 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partner swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (7).
- Pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (2).
- 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).
- Ladies allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Neighbors swing (12).
 
A2 - Gents allemande left 1 while ladies pause and then follow your neighbor to cross the set (6).
- Gents 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, gents push off (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off, gents finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


The figure at the start of A2 is the same as gents 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 new neighbors (8).
- Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right (8).
 
A2 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8) (or allemande right 1+3/4).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Ladies pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors swing (8) (or allemande right 1+1/2).
 
B1 - Pass through across (4).
- Neighbors California twirl(4).
- Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16) (or balance and swing).


I replaced 1/2 hey with pass through across, California twirl - easier and less rushed.

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 gents and two ladies see-saw, two gents 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 new neighbors (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four (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 new neighbors (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four (4).
- Ladies chain across (8).
 
A2 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, gents push off (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off, gents finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).


YouTube, MRD
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Breakup Breakdown     Cary Ravitz     12-1999

Improper contra
Complex

To start, face across.

A1 - Pass through across (4).
- Neighbors balance and swing (12) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
A2 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (8).
- Star left 1 and turn to face your original neighbors (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
B2 - Neighbors do-si-do (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
- Face across and look for new neighbors.


YouTube, MRD
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Butterflies     Cary Ravitz     4-2001

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Gents allemande left 1/2 (2).
- Gents 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 (gents go forward, ladies go backward) to put the gents in the middle (6).
 
B1 - Gents allemande left 1/2 (4).
- Partners swing (12).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors do-si-do (8).


A2 might be noted as gents 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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors swing (8) (or allemande right 1+1/2).
 
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 - Gents allemande left 1 (6).
- Gents keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl while shifting one place to the right to face new neighbors (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 gents 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, gents push off (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off (8).
- Gents start a hands across star left and ladies join in behind partners. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for gents and 1/2 for ladies and turn to face new neighbors (8) (ending facing up and down, ladies on the right).
 
B2 - Ladies start a hands across star right and gents join in behind partners. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for ladies and 1/2 for gents (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), gents 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 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners allemande right 1+3/4 (or swing) (8).
 
B1 - Gents start a hands across star left and ladies join in behind partners. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for gents and 1/2 for ladies and turn to face new neighbors (8) (ending facing up and down, ladies on the right).
- Ladies start a hands across star right and gents join in behind partners. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for ladies and 1/2 for gents (8).
 
B2 - Ladies turn in and partners gypsy and swing (16).


I traded the circle and gents 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 - gents 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.
- Gents 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 gents turn in place to reverse the clover (2).
- Turn the clover clockwise 3/4 (6).
- Drop hands to break the clover and gents switch to a back hold with your partner.
- Promenade to meet new neighbors (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, ladies on the inside. The one gent and two lady are together, facing up and the two gent and one lady are together, facing down. Gents' left hands are behind their neighbor's back and right hands are across their front. Ladies' hands are crossed in front. Everyone is facing counter-clockwise to turn the clover.

Then the clover shifts. Ladies slide back to back and gents 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. Gents' 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 to face new neighbors (8).
 
B2 - 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 ladies, single progression for gents
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).
- Gents' 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 - With partners, circle right 3/4 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors gypsy 1+1/2 and turn to face new neighbors (8).


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 - Gents allemande left 1 while ladies pause and then follow your neighbor to cross the set (6).
- Gents keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl while shifting one place to the right to face new neighbors (10).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, gents push off (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off, gents finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


The figure at the start of A2 is the same as gents 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 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Gents 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 to face new neighbors (8).
 
B2 - Ladies allemande left 1+1/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).


Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

This variation on Cows are Watching by Bill Pope and Judy Goldsmith swaps the gents' and ladies' 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 gent trade places)

To start, face across.

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


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

In typical push offs, you push off with a same role 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 gent and two lady half sashay clockwise (gent in front of lady) (4).
- Neighbors sashay around clockwise (starting with twos walk forward and right) (8).
- The two gent and one lady half sashay clockwise (gent in front of lady) (4).
 
B1 - Ladies allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Gents start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for gents and 1/2 for ladies and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors do-si-do (8).


In A2, the one gents 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.

To make the dance easier, you can change the progression (B2) to 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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Daisy Chain     Cary Ravitz     10-2008

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 partners roll away with a half sashay (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, gents chain by the right hand (8) (gents are on the right).
 
A2 - With your shadow (across) and the neighbor that you chained with, star left 3/4 (8).
- On the right diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
B1 - With your partner (across) and the neighbor that you finished the chain with, ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Ladies allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).

B1 is a bit rushed. You can substitute right and left through across, ladies allemande right 1+1/2.

MRD, 2
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Dance and Dream     Cary Ravitz     1-2014

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16) (or do-si-do and allemande right 1+1/2).
 
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 gents fall in behind your neighbor. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for ladies and 1/2 for gents (8).
- Gents turn in and partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Gents start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for gents and 1/2 for ladies and turn to face new neighbors (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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors do-si-do (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Shadows allemande right 1+1/2 and turn to face your partner (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
B2 - Partners 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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Gents chain across by the left hand to a mirror courtesy turn (8) (ending with gents on the left).
- Star right 1 (8).
 
B2 - Gents 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 - Gents chain across by the left hand to a mirror courtesy turn (8) (ending with gents on the left).
- Star right 1 (8).
 
A2 - Gents 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 and turn to face your partner (8).
- Partners 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) (or do-si-do and allemande right 1+1/2).
 
A2 - Circle left 1 (8).
- Hands across star left 1 (8).
 
B1 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across and turn to face new neighbors (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 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey and turn to face your shadow (8).
- (With your shadow and neighbor) star left 3/4 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors do-si-do (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Balance (4).
- California twirl to face your partner (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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Darlene's (Delirious) Dream     Cary Ravitz     1-1997

Becket, counter-clockwise

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

A1 - Circle left 1/2 (4).
- Neighbors roll away with a half sashay (across) (2).
- Pass through up and down to meet your shadow (2).
- With your shadow and neighbor circle right 3/4 (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors allemande left 1+1/2 and turn to face new neighbors (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Star left 3/4 and turn to face your partner (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.
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Darlene's Roll     Cary Ravitz, Darlene Underwood     4-2021

Rotating singlet (for one couple), Becket phantom set, lady on the right, facing across

A1 - Forward to the middle (3).
- Ladies roll to face your partner while gents quarter sashay to the right (2) (half of a roll away with a half sashay).
- Back up to face your partner across the set (3).
- Do-si-do (8).
 
A2 - Balance and Petronella turn (8) (moving one place around a diamond).
- Balance and Petronella turn (8).
 
B1 - Allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Big loop out and back (8).
 
B2 - Balance and swing in the middle, end where you started the swing, facing down, lady on the right (16).
- The phantom set rotates 90 degrees, so you are now on the side, facing across.


MRD
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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.
- Gents pass left to start a hey (diagonal) (16).
 
A2 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Circle left 1 (8).
- Hands across star left 1 (8).
 
B2 - Gents 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 (gents 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 gents 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).
- Hands across star left 1 (8).
 
B2 - Gents keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face out of the diamond (8).
- Gents look for the gent 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 gents 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 neighbors (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four (4).
- Pass through across (4).
- Partners allemande right 3/4 to a wave across with gents 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 - Gents 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 - Gents start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your neighbor. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for gents and 1/2 for ladies and turn to face your shadow (8).
- Shadows allemande right 1+1/2, ending in wavy lines on the sides with gents facing in (8).
 
B1 - Balance right and left and slide right with a Rory O'More spin to face your partner (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Gents start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for gents and 1/2 for ladies and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors do-si-so (8).


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

MRD
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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 gents are in the middle and gents turn to face a new neighbor gent (8).
- (New neighbor) gents 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 and ladies turn to face a new neighbor lady (8).
- (New neighbor) ladies allemande left 1+1/2, ending with everyone 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 gents are on the side.

No one is ever out at the top. For odd length lines, at the bottom, gents and ladies 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, gents roll away and ladies half sashay into a butterfly whirl hold (3).
- Butterfly whirl 3/4 so that gents are in the middle (3).
- Gents take left hands, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl while shifting one place to the right to face new neighbors (10).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, gents push off (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off, gents finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


MRD
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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 and turn to face your shadow (8).
 
A2 - (With your shadow and neighbor) star right 3/4 (8).
- Gents turn in and neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Shadows do-si-do (across) and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- (With your shadow and neighbor) star left 3/4 and turn to face your partner (8).
 
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.

YouTube, 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 gents are in the middle (8).
 
B1 - Gents look for a new neighbor gent to allemande right 1+1/2 while ladies allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Star left 7/8 with the handy group of four and turn to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners 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 neighbor lady to allemande right 1+1/2 while gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Star left 7/8 with the handy group of four and turn to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners 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 (gents 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 7/8, ending with ladies in the middle (8).
- Ladies look for a new neighbor lady to allemande right 3/4 while gents walk to meet your partner (4).
 
B2 - Partners swing (16).


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, gents 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, gents 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 (gents 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, look for your partner to do-si-do.

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 new neighbors (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 gent 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 gents 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, gents 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 to meet new neighbors (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. Gents face down and ladies 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 turn to face new neighbors (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Circle left 1/2 (4).
- Gents step forward and right to start a mad robin (6).
- Ladies pull to start a 1/2 poussette (6).
 
B2 - Gents take left hands and ladies take right hands to make a gypsy star.
- Ladies go forward and gents go backward to turn the star 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).


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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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).
- Look for new neighbors.
 
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).
- Look for new neighbors.


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 and turn to face your second shadow (8).
- Second shadows allemande right 1+1/2 and turn to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners 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, with partners, gents 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).
- Gents 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 - Wrist hold star left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors allemande left 1+1/2 and turn to face new neighbors (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

To start, face across.

A1 - The two gents and one ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, one gents and two ladies push off (8).
- Continue the hey, the two gents and one ladies push off, one gents and two ladies finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
A2 - Ladies half sashay counter-clockwise (ones in front of twos) (3).
- Gypsy counter-clockwise for four 1+1/4 (10).
- Gents half sashay counter-clockwise (twos in front of ones) (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, then Becket, and then back to proper.
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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 gents are in the middle (8).
- Keep hands in the star and gents take hands in a long wavy line in the middle.
- Gents balance right and left and ladies balance left and right (4).
- Gents slide right and ladies slide left with a Rory O'More spin (4).
 
B1 - Gents balance left and right and ladies balance right and left (4).
- Gents slide left and ladies slide right (4).
- Hands across star left 7/8 and turn to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners 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 - Gents allemande left 1 (6).
- Gents keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl while shifting one place to the right to face new neighbors (10).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, gents push off (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off, gents 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 - Gents walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Gents stay in place while ladies walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4) (ending with interlinked wavy lines).
- Balance (4).
 
B1 - Ladies drop left hands and gents drop right hands to form a gypsy star with new neighbors.
- Ladies go forward and gents 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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Heart of Glass     Cary Ravitz     10-2000

Becket

A1 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors swing (8) (or allemande right 1+1/2).
 
A2 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Gents 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 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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Interstate 64     Cary Ravitz     2-2014

Becket, counter-clockwise
Complex

A1 - Right and left through across and look on the left diagonal for second neighbors. (8).
- (With second neighbors) ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Look straight across (or slightly to the right) for third neighbors.
 
A2 - (With third neighbors) ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Ladies start a hands across star right and gents fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for ladies and 1/2 for gents and turn to face your second neighbor (8).
 
B1 - Neighbors 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 and look on the left diagonal for second neighbors. (8).
- (With second neighbors) ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Look straight across (or slightly to the right) for third neighbors.
 
A2 - (With third neighbors) ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Hands across star right 3/4 (gents are in front of partners) and turn to face your second neighbor (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
B1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Gents 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), gents roll away and ladies half sashay (4).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off (8).
- Circle left 1 (8).
 
B1 - With neighbors (across), ladies roll away and gents half sashay (4).
- Partners swing (12).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, gents push off (8).
- Face new neighbors.


While this dance seems repetitive at first glance, gents and ladies 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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Jaded     Cary Ravitz     8-2024

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Gents start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your neighbor. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for gents and 1/2 for ladies (8).
- Ladies turn in and partners gypsy left (6).
- Turn alone in place clockwise (2).
 
B1 - Partner balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off (8).
- Continue the hey, gents finish an ordinary hey, ladies push across, and all face new neighbors (8).

The push across is similar to a push off, but instead of pushing to the right and back, the push is to the left (across the set) and back, and spin to face a new neighbor.

Easy A2 - circle left 3/4 (8), partners allemande right 3/4 (3), gents allemande left 1 (5) (from Adrift).

MRD, 2
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Jan's Reel     Cary Ravitz     7-2014

Becket

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet new neighbors (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four and partners roll away with a half sashay (4).
- Circle right 3/4 (8) (ending 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 (gents do not move) (4).
- Gents go forward and right to start a mad robin (eyes on neighbor) (6).
 
B1 - Gents pass left (4).
- Neighbors swing (12).
 
B2 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).

MRD
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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, gents 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.

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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 and turn to face new neighbors (6).
- Neighbors 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 gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey / gents allemande left 1+1/2.

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Jubilation Permutation     Cary Ravitz     5-2008

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B1 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors do-si-do (8).


This is a variation of Jubilation by Gene Hubert in which the partner allemande is replaced by a swing and the gents start the hey. And I used my preferred progression (B2).

Also see Jubilation Variation.

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Jubilation Variation     Cary Ravitz     3-2006

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16) (or do-si-do and allemande right 1+1/2).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B1 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Ladies chain across and turn to face new neighbors (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 gents 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 gents 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.

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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) (or allemande right 1+1/2).
 
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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).


Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

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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 (gents 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 to meet new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors do-si-do (8).


When the gents 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 ladies joining in as they finish the 1/2 hey. This makes a nice blending between the hey and star.

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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 - Gents 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 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8) (or right and left through across).
- Hands across star left 3/4 (gents are behind partners) and turn to face new neighbors (8).


Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

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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 gents face in and ladies face out to form wavy lines at the sides (8) (ending with your shadow in your right hand) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- Balance right and left and slide right with a Rory O'More spin to face your partner (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
B2 - Partners 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), gents going forward, ladies backward, to face in, gents on the right (4).
- Gents step forward and left to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
- With new neighbors, ladies step forward and right to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
 
A2 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Gents 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) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- Gents push off, ladies 1/2 hey passing right in the middle (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


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Maliza's Magical Mystery Motion     Cary Ravitz     12-1996

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Gents 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 new neighbors (8).
- Take hands, balance, and spin one place to the right (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


Reenter with ladies on the left (but it doesn't really matter).

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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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
 
A2 - March single file in the path of a circle left 3/4 and make a wave across, gents in the middle, one gents facing down, one ladies facing up (8).
- Balance (4).
- Gents 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 - Gents 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 - Gents 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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
 
B2 - Hands across star right 3/4 (8).
- Gents 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 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Gents 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 to meet new neighbors (4).
 
B2 - Ladies allemande left 1 while gents orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Partners swing (10).


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

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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 gents' left, gents roll away and ladies half sashay (4).
- With second shadows, to the gents' left, gents 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 gents 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 to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right, and gents 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 to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners 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 gents 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 gents walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4) (there are now interlinked wavy lines).
- Ladies balance left and right while gents balance right and left (4).
- Gents slide right with a Rory O'More spin while ladies back out (4).
 
B1 - With the handy gent, gents 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, gents push off (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (8).


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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 (8).
 
B1 - Ladies walk straight across the set (2).
- Partners swing (14).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Balance (4).
- California twirl to face new neighbors (4).


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

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

Passion Breakdown B - alternate version, can be medleyed.

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Passion Breakdown B     Cary Ravitz     2-2008

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16) (or do-si-do and allemande right 1+1/2).
 
A2 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Gents step forward and right to start a mad robin (8).
 
B1 - Gents walk straight across the set (2).
- Partners swing (14).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Balance (4).
- Pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (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 new neighbors (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- 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) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
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 - Gents 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 new neighbors (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- Take hands, balance, and spin one place to the right, and turn alone to face your partner (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
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.

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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).
- Gents' 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 new neighbors (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- 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) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Partners swing (8).


Be alert on the ends.

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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 to face your partner (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.

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Queen Lea's Frolic     Cary Ravitz     11-2019

Improper contra

A1 - Ladies allemande left 1 (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
A2 - Gents step forward and right to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
- Ladies pass left to start a 3/4 hey, ending on the side with your partner (12).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Pass through across (4).
- Partners California twirl (4).
- Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (8).


MRD
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Rachel's Roll     Cary Ravitz     1-2015

Becket

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Gents pass left (4).
- Neighbors swing (12).
 
B1 - Circle left 1/2 (4).
- Gents 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).
- Gents 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 new neighbors (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four (4).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
A2 - Partners allemande left 1 (4).
- Hands across star left 3/4 (8).
- Gents (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 gents 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 gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Hands across star left 3/4 with the handy group of four (8).
 
B1 - Next gents 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 and turn to face your partner (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


This dance has multiple individual progressions. Be alert on the ends.
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Rats     Cary Ravitz     1-2023

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Circle left 1 (9).
- With partners (across) ladies roll away and gents half sashay (3).
- Partners California twirl to face a new couple (4).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Gents turn back and partners swing(8).


This dance might be somewhat dizzy.

The B1 timing is mushy.

MRD
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Real to Surreal     Cary Ravitz     7-2014

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

To start, one gent and two lady do-si-do 1+1/4, two gent and one lady allemande right 1+3/4, to a wave across, twos in the middle, gents facing down.

A1 - Neighbors allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Ones allemande left 1 while twos orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Same role neighbors allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Twos allemande left 1 while ones orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
 
A2 - Neighbors gypsy and swing (16).
 
B1 - Gents 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, gents facing down, ladies facing up (4). In the spin the one gents and two ladies move forward and to the right and the two gents and one ladies move forward and to the left.


After the circle and pass through, the one gents 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 to meet new neighbors (with your partner, ladies on the left) (8).
- Partners do-si-do 1+1/4 (8).
 
B1 - Partners allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Gents allemande left 1 while ladies orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Neighbors allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Ladies allemande left 1 while gents orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16).


Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

This is an inverted version of Reel to Reel.

A1 can be danced as gents pass left, neighbors swing.

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Reddie to Roll     Cary Ravitz     12-2016

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Neighbors swing (8) (or allemande right 1+3/4).
 
A2 - Circle left 1 (8).
- Turn to face new neighbors and circle right 3/4 (8).
 
B1 - Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, gents push off (8).
- Continue the hey, ladies push off, gents finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


DVA, 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 to meet new neighbors (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 gents 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.

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Reel Time     Cary Ravitz     8-1997

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Long lines go forward and back (8).
- Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8)
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Star left 1 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- 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 (gents in front of ladies), 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).
- Gents allemande left 1 while ladies orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Partners allemande right 1/2 (2).
- Ladies allemande left 1 while gents 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 to meet new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors do-si-do 1+1/4 (8).


B1 can be danced as gents pass left, partners swing.

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).

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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 - Gents 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 to meet new neighbors (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.

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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 - Gents 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 to meet new neighbors (4).


For the reverse improper version, reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

MRD, 2
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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 (gents are in front of neighbor ladies) (8).
- Ladies turn in and partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Hands across star left 3/4 (gents are behind partners) and turn to face new neighbors (8).


Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

MRD
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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, gents roll away and ladies half sashay (8).
- With your shadow and first neighbor (across), 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 new neighbors (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
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) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16) (or just swing).


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

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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).
- With your shadow and neighbor (across), right and left through across (8).
 
A2 - (With your shadow and neighbor) star left 3/4 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Shadows allemande right 1+1/2 and turn to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners 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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).


Roll Around B - alternate A1.

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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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).


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

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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 to face your partner (8).
- Partners gypsy 1+1/2 and turn to face your shadow (8).
 
B1 - Shadows allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey and turn to face your partner (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.

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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 newcouple (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 - With your second neighbor and partner (across), star left 1 and turn to face your original neighbor (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - With your neighbor, on the left diagonal, walk forward to meet a new couple (4).
- Take hands with your second shadow and face your neighbor.
- Back up to along the right diagonal (4) (ladies are now on the left).
- With your second shadow and second neighbor (across), star left 1 and turn to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and 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.

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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 gents in the middle (4).
 
A2 - Balance (4).
- Gents 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 and turn to face new neighbors (4) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- Neighbors 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 gents slide right two places and spin to face your partner (4).
 
B2 - Partners gypsy and swing (16) (or just swing).


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Snake in the Garden     Cary Ravitz     7-2008

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
A2 - With new neighbors, gents allemande left 3/4 to a long wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Gents 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

To start, face across.

A1 - Ladies allemande right 3/4 to a long wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Ladies back out while gents walk forward to a long wavy line in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
 
A2 - Gents 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).
- Face across and look for new neighbors.


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Soaring Storks     Cary Ravitz     12-2013

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors allemande right 1+1/2 (8).
- Gents 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 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Gents start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for gents and 1/2 for ladies and turn to face new neighbors (8).


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Solstice Special Variation     Cary Ravitz     6-2014

Improper contra

A1 - Ladies allemande left 1 (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
A2 - Gents step forward and right to start a mad robin (8).
- Gents 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 to meet new neighbors (8).


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

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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).
- Gents step forward and right to start a mad robin (6).
- Ladies pull partners to start a 1/2 poussette (6).
 
B1 - With new neighbors, gents pull partners to start a 1/2 poussette (6).
- Gents step forward and left to start a mad robin (6).
- Gents 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) gents pull partners to start a 1/2 poussette (6), gents pass right (4). This works well, but I prefer it as noted here.

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.

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Southern Summer     Cary Ravitz     8-2016

Improper contra

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


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

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

MRD
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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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).


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

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Starbright     Cary Ravitz     9-2024

Becket

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Circle right 3/4 (8).
 
A2 - Gents step forward and left to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
- With new neighbors, ladies step forward and right to start a 1/2 mad robin (4).
- Hands across star right 1 (8).
 
B1 - Ladies chain across to your partner (8).
- Star left 1 (8).
 
B2 - Ladies turn out and partners gypsy and swing (16).


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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 to meet new neighbors (8).
- 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.

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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, wrist hold star right 3/4 and make wavy lines at the sides with gents facing in (8).
 
A2 - Balance right and left (4).
- Slide to the right with a Rory O'More spin to face new neighbors (4) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Wrist hold star right 3/4 and make wavy lines at the sides with ladies facing in (8).
- Balance right and left (4).
- Slide to the right with a Rory O'More spin to face your partner (4).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16) (or just swing).


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

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Star's End     Cary Ravitz     3-2012

Becket

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- Hands across star left 7/8, ending with gents in the middle (8).
 
A2 - Gents allemande left 3/4 (4).
- Neighbors swing (12).
 
B1 - Gents step forward and right to start a mad robin (8).
- Star right 7/8, ending with ladies in the middle (8).
 
B2 - Ladies look for a new neighbor lady to allemande left 3/4 while gents 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) (or do-si-do and allemande right 1+1/2).
 
A2 - Right and left through across (8).
- Hands across star left 1 (8).
 
B1 - Gents turn alone and take right hands while ladies keep left hands to make a gypsy star.
- Gents 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 to face new neighbors (4).


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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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Hands across star right 3/4 (8).
 
B2 - Gents turn in and partners gypsy and swing (16).


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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 - Gents pass left (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Neighbors allemande right 1+1/2 and turn to face new neighbors (8).


B1 was originally gents allemande left 1+1/2, partners swing.

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Susan's Slide     Cary Ravitz     3-2011

Becket

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet new neighbors (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four (4).
- Pass through across (4).
- Partners allemande right 3/4 to a wave across with gents in the middle (4).
 
A2 - Balance (4).
- Gents 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 gents in the middle (4).
- Balance (4).
- Gents 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.

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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 new neighbors (8).
- Take hands, balance, and spin one place to the right, and turn alone to face your shadow (8).
 
A2 - (With your shadow and neighbor) star right 3/4 (8).
- Ladies turn in and neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Ladies chain across (8).
- Star left 1 and turn to meet your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


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

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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 your partner, ladies roll away and gents half sashay (8) (ending at home).
 
A2 - Circle left 3/4 and turn to your right to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


Reenter the dance with ladies on the left.

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Sweet Summer     Cary Ravitz     2-2012

Improper contra

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


B2 can be danced as right and left through across (7), partners half sashay counter-clockwise (gents behind ladies) (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 turn to face new neighbors (4) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- Neighbors gypsy and swing (4+8).
 
B1 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors do-si-do (8).


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Tara's Reel     Cary Ravitz     6-2014

Becket

A1 - On the left diagonal walk forward to meet new neighbors (4).
- Back up straight to form a set of four (4).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey, gents push off (8).
 
A2 - Gents pull partners to start a 1/2 poussette (hands with partners) (6).
- Gents 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 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off (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 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
 
B1 - Neighbors box the gnat (4).
- Gents pass left to start a 3/4 hey, ending on your home side with your partner (12).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


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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 gents take neighbors back to the side (the gents' 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 to meet new neighbors (8).
 
B2 - Ladies allemande left 1/2 (4).
- Partners swing (12).


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Through the Looking Glass     Cary Ravitz     10-2000

Becket

A1 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors swing (8) (or allemande right 1+1/2).
 
A2 - Gents pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
- Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Gents 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.

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Trillium     Cary Ravitz     7-2008

Becket

A1 - Gents allemande left 1 (6).
- Gents keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl while shifting one place to the right to face new neighbors (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.

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Toward the San Rafael Swell     Cary Ravitz     8-2019

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Right and left through across (8).
- On the left diagonal, only if there is someone there, ladies chain (8).
 
A2 - Ladies allemande right 1 (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin 1+1/2 places to the right, to form a diamond (8).
- Take hands, balance, and spin 1+1/2 places to the right, and turn alone to face your partner (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


The Petronella spins are directly to the point 1+1/2 places around the circle.

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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 - Gents 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 (across), ladies lead a zigzag left and right around your shadow to face your partner (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
B2 - Ladies allemande left 3/4 (4).
- Partners swing (12).


Be alert on the ends.

B1 plus ladies allemande can be danced entirely in B1 with a small zigzag.
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Valley of Fire     Cary Ravitz     12-2018

Becket, counter-clockwise

A1 - Right and left through across (7).
- Partners half sashay counter-clockwise (gents behind ladies) (2).
- Circle right 3/4 (7).
 
A2 - Neighbors allemande left 1 and turn to face new neighbors (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Ladies pass left to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


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

Also known as "Neffarious".

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Waiting for You     Cary Ravitz     6-2014

Improper contra

A1 - Ladies allemande left 1 (6).
- Neighbors swing (10).
 
A2 - Pass through across (4).
- Neighbors California twirl (4).
- Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Gents start a hands across star left and ladies fall in behind your partner. From initial positions, turn the star 1 for gents and 1/2 for ladies and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors do-si-do (8).


For B2 you can substitute circle left 3/4, pass through up and down, new neighbors do-si-do.

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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 face new neighbors (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Gents allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Partners swing (8).


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Wavefront     Cary Ravitz     9-2002

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors balance and swing (16) (or do-si-do and allemande right 1+1/2).
 
A2 - Pass through across (4).
- Neighbors allemande right 3/4 to a wave across with gents 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 to face new neighbors (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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Wavelet     Cary Ravitz     4-2021

Singlet (for one couple), improper contra phantom set, lady on the right, facing down

A1 - Down the hall (4).
- Turn as a couple (4).
- Come back up (4).
- Cast out and small loop back to face your partner across the set (4).
 
A2 - Allemande right 1+1/2 and end in a very short wavy line across (8).
- Balance right and left, slide right to take left hands (8).
 
B1 - Allemande left 1+1/2 (8).
- Big loop out and back (8).
 
B2 - Balance and swing in the middle, end where you started the swing, facing down, lady on the right (16).


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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 - Gents 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).
- Gents pass right to start a 1/2 hey across (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


 
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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, gents 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 and turn to face new neighbors (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Take hands in a circle, balance, and spin one place to the right (8).
- Star left 1 and turn to face your partner (8) (reenter with ladies on the left).
 
B2 - Partners 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.

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Whim's Gym     Cary Ravitz     9-2002

Improper contra

A1 - Neighbors do-si-do (8).
- Neighbors swing (8) (or allemande right 1+1/2).
 
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 to meet new neighbors (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, gents 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, gents go forward) (10).
 
A2 - Gents pass right to start a 1/2 hey, ladies push off (8).
- Continue the hey, gents push off, ladies finish an ordinary hey (8).
 
B1 - Partners balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (7).
- Pass through up and down to meet new neighbors (2).
- 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 meet new neighbors (2).
- Circle left 3/4 (6).
- Circle right 1 (8).
 
A2 - With neighbors, gents roll away and ladies half sashay into a butterfly whirl hold (3).
- Butterfly whirl 3/4 (ladies go forward, gents go backward) so that gents are in the middle (3).
- Gents 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).


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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).
- Long lines go forward and back and shadows roll away with a half sashay (8).
 
A2 - With your shadow and neighbor, circle right 3/4 and turn to face new neighbors (8).
- Neighbors swing (8).
 
B1 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Shadows allemande right 1+1/2 and turn to face your partner (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


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

There are three progressions in this dance. First, gents unprogress and ladies progress with first neighbors in the middle of A1. Then gents and ladies progress with a shadow in the middle of A2. And finally, gents progress and ladies 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     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 face new neighbors (8).
 
A2 - Neighbors balance and swing (16).
 
B1 - Gents allemande left 1/2, ladies face counter-clockwise (3).
- Partners butterfly whirl 1+1/2 (counter-clockwise, ladies forward, gents backward) (5).
- Ladies allemande right 1/2, gents face clockwise (3).
- Neighbors butterfly whirl 1+1/2 (clockwise, gents forward, ladies backward) (5).
 
B2 - Gents allemande left 1/2 (4).
- Partners swing (12);


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Wildflowers A     Cary Ravitz     7-2008

Becket

A1 - Circle left 3/4 and pass through up and down (8).
- New neighbors swing (8).
 
A2 - Gents allemande left 1 (6).
- Gents keep left hands, pick up your neighbor, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in (10).
 
B1 - Ladies chain across (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B2 - Partners balance and swing (16).


This is similar to Heart of Glass but modifies the entry to the star promenade to relax the timing.

Wildflowers B - inverted version, can be medleyed.

YouTube, MRD
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Wildflowers B     Cary Ravitz     7-2008

Becket

A1 - Gents allemande left 1 (6).
- Gents keep left hands, pick up your partner, star promenade across, and butterfly whirl to face in (10).
 
A2 - Ladies chain across (8).
- Ladies pass right to start a 1/2 hey (8).
 
B1 - Look for a new neighbor to balance and swing (16).
 
B2 - Circle left 3/4 (8).
- Partners swing (8).


Facebook (I'm playing fiddle), 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).
- Gents step forward and right to start a mad robin (6).
- Gents 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 to meet new neighbors (4).
 
B2 - Ladies allemande left 1 while gents orbit 1/2 clockwise (6).
- Partners swing (10).


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

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Wilderness Whirl     Cary Ravitz     10-2017

Becket

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


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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 gents walk forward to a wavy line in the middle (4) (there are now interlinked wavy lines).
- Balance (4).
 
B1 - Gents drop left hands and ladies drop right hands to form a gypsy star.
- Gents 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 to meet new neighbors (8).
- 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, gents 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
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Redirects -
Across the Ohio
Crosswalk
Dream of Spring
Enchanted
Finding Fire
Gypsy Waves
Laura's Lilt
Reeling from Love Again
Riding Whisky
Roadkill II
Run Around Susie
Serenade
Slip and Slide
Slipstream
The Squeaking Reel
Whitecaps
Winter Whirl
Winter Wind