Hemphill's Dances
Monday by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Neighbor allemande right once and a half
Men allemande left once and a half
A2 Partner Gypsy, then swing
B1 Circle left 3 places
Neighbor swing
B2 Right left thru
Star left
Almond Joy Proper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Hands four balance and petronella twirl + to face new neighbors
Hands four balance and peronella twirl + to face a new foursome
A2 These four circle left 3 places and pass thru up and down
Meet your partner and swing
B1 Give and take, gents take your neighbor back and swing
B2 Long lines
Couple 2 swing in the center, end facing up
Applying Maliza's Magical Mystery like Motion to a proper dance has interesting results. At the end of A1 THe 1st corners have traveled in their direction of progression 2 places while the 2nd corners are right where they started the dance. In A2 your shadow is across the set from you, circle left 3 places until you are on the side with your shadow, then pass you shadow by right, up and down the set to meet your partner. At this point dancers are across from their new neighbors.
The Arcadian Fling by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Long lines forward, gents roll neighbor away with half sashay
Gents pass left shoulders start half a hay, ladies richochet
A2 Partner gypsy and swing
B1 Down the hall in lines of 4, middle gent turn both ladies and come back
B2 Invert the line and swing your neighbor
B1: The "Invert the Line move is a fun way to enter a swing as long as there is a lady on the left and gent on the right end of the line of 4. Gent 2 makes an arch with neighbor as they bend the line to cross the set, Lady 2 on the left end bends the line and leads her neighbor thru the arch to cross the set. For the couple passing thru the arch the transition into a swing is like a circle left then swing. The Couple making the arch can have some fun with twirls out of the arch into a swing.
And Away We Go Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Down the hall in lines of 4
Turn as couples and come back
A2 Bend the line into a circle, balance and petranella twirl
Neighbor swing
B1 Left hands across star once around
Next neighbor allemande right once around
B2 Ladies allemande left 1 1/2
Partner swing
Assembly Line improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Couple 1 swing in the Center (8)
Down the hall in lines of 4, turn alone
A2 Up the hall and Bend the line
Couple 2 swing, end facing up
B1 Next neighbor balance and swing
B2 Promenade
Partner right hand balance and box the gnat
Back in Circulation Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Ring balance and spin to the right (petranella)
Neighbor swing
A2 Long lines
With next neighbors circle left 3 places
B1 Partner allemande right 1 1/2 to a long wavy line
Balance the wave & Box circulate
B2 Balance the wave & box circulate
Partner swing
Backsliding Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Ladies chain with a courtesy gate*
Circle right 3 places, slide right
A2 Next ladies allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Scoop your partner, star promenade and butterfly twirl
B2 Balance n a circle, Gents roll you neighbor away with a half sashay
Partner swing
End effect, Gents wait out on right, be ready to" slide right" back into the dance at end of A1. You slide out of the dance with gent on right so stay the way you are when you exit
*A1Courtesy Gate: Gents step to the right, turning your right shoulder to the center as the lady chains across and take the ladies left hand in your right, then gate the lady around the outside in a counterclockwise loop. Lady will travel the same basic path as the courtesy turn. It really provided nice momentum for the circle right.
The Beaver Slide Glide by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Promenade across the set
Right hand star 3 places
A2 Next neighbor balance and swing
B1 Down the hall in lines of 4 (6), middle gent turn both ladies (4) Back up the hall (6)
B2 Invert the line and swing your partner
B2: The "Invert the Line move is a fun way to enter a swing as long as there is a lady on the left and gent on the right end of the line of 4. The 2's make and arch as they bend the line to cross the set, The lady on the left bends the line and leads her partner thru the arch to cross the set. For couple 1 the transition into a swing is like a circle left then swing. Couple 2 can have some fun with twirls out of the arch into a swing
Beneath the Stars Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 (Slide left) Circle left 3 places
Neighbor swing
A2 Long lines forward and back
Right left thru then roll the ladies away
B1 Right hand star 3 places,
Gents reach back below, twirl partner, Left hand star 4 places,
B2 Gents reach back below, twirl partner and swing
A Becket Full of Butterflies Becket By Jim Hemphill
A1 Pass thru across and California twirl
Ladies allemande right once around
A2 Scoop your partner, star promenade then butterfly twirl
Partner swing
B1 Slide left, circle left 3 places
Neighbor swing
B2 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Scoop your partner, star promenade and butterfly twirl
Teaching notes: A2 Have the ladies scoop their partners with their arm higher up and instruct the gents to keep their right arm down low. Having the ladiesarm above the mans makes the transition from butterfly twirl into a swing much smoother
The Big Bicep becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Circle left 3, step to an ocean wave (ladies by the left in center)
Balance forward & back, step forward
A2 Next neighbor allemande right 1/2, men left 1/2, partner right 1/2, ladies left 1/2 (double swing thru)
Neighbor swing
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Partner pull by right, ladies allemande left once around
B2 Partner balance and swing
The Bothersome Bug Becket by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Partner left hand balance and swat the flea
Star left 3 places
A2 Next neighbor box the Gnat then swing
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Partner swing
B2 Long lines forward and back
Right left thru with a courtesy fling
Caller's note: In B2, The Courtesy fling is a variation of the courtesy turn. The move begins like a regular courtesy turn. Gents will turn til they are facing up or down the set, then send the ladies out while keeping the left hand grip. Ladies turn out to face the gent, so the move ends with ladie and gent holding left hands facing each other on the side of the set rather than side by side facing the center as in a normal courtesy turn
Boxer's Rebellion improper by Jim Hemphill 9-15
A1 Neighbor right hand balance and box the gnat
Gents allemande left 1 1/2 to a short wavy line
A2 Balance right and left, Partner box the gnat
Ladies allemande left 1 1/2 while gents orbit (clockwise half way)
B1 Partner gypsy and swing
B2 Circle left 3 places
Neighbor do si do 1 1/2
Breaking Trail Becket by Jim Hemphill 3-16
A1 Circle left 3, pass thru up and down
Next Neighbor allemande right half way, centers (gents) pass left, 1/2 hey
A2 Neighbor gypsy and swing
B1 In a ring balance and spin to the right (petranella)
Partner left hand balance, pull by, neighbor pull by right
B2 Partner balance and swing
The Bug Breakdown Becket by Jim Hemphill 8-15
A1 Neighbor right hand balance and box the gnat
Star right 3
A2 Next neighbor left hand balance and swat the flea
Star left once around
B1 Neighbor gypsy and swing
B2 Circle left 3, Partner swing
Butterfly Bonanza improper By Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor allemande left 1 1/2
Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
A2 Ladies scoop your partner, star promenade and butterfly twirl
Partner swing
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Scoop your neighbor, star promenade and butterfly twirl
B2 Ladies chain, then roll the ladies away
Right hand star 3 places
Teaching notes: A2 Have the ladies scoop their partners with their arm higher up and instruct the gents to keep their right arm down low. Having the ladies arm above the mans makes the transition from butterfly twirl into a swing much smoother.
Butterflies Gone Wild improper
A1 Ladies start a right hands across star, gents drop in behind your partner
Gents roll back, scoop your neighbor and butterfly twirl
A2 Ladies pull by right, gents butterfly twirl your partner
Ladies cross & swing your neighbor
B1 Long lines forward, Ladies, take your partner back and swing
B2 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Scoop your neighbor as you go by, star promenade then buterfly twirl
A1: Gents roll over your left shoulder, keep your right arm out as you do and scoop the neighbor trailing you into a butterfly twirl. A2 Gents, as the ladies pull by right, you move right and turn so right side is facing in, ladies slip your left arm around the gents waste and butterfly twirl B2 The progression, as you butterfly twirl Gents you send the lady off on the right diagonal to meet her next neighbor lady to start the right hand star. Gents continue their turn another quarter turn and after your partner passes in front of you, reach out right hands across star with your next neighbor gent and fall in behind your partner. Note, in the hands across star the ladies will travel about 5 places and the gents about 3. Wait out on the ends normal improper.
Cabin Fever Contra Cure improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Ladies Gypsy 1 1/2
Partner swing
A2 Ladies chain
Left hand star
B1 Next neighbor balance & swing
B2 Long Line
Pass thru across, turn alone, circle left 2 places*
*As dancers pass across, ladies do a sort of half gypsy with your partner as you pass him to flow smoothly into the circle
Cape Girardeau Jive by Jim hemphill improper
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Ladies chain with a courtesy fling
Partner pull by left and allemande right your shadow once around back to your partner
B1 Partner balance and swing
B2 Right left thru, lady roll left
right hand star 3 places
Caller's note: A2: The Courtesy fling is a variation of the courtesy turn. The move begins like a regular courtesy turn. Gents will turn till they are facing up or down the set, then send the ladies out while keeping the left hand grip. Ladies turn out to face the gent, so the move ends with lady and gent holding left hands facing each other on the side of the set rather than side by side facing the center as in a normal courtesy turn
B2 Stress that ladies roll away to the left and end up on the left side of their partner and lead into the right hand star.
End Effect, Couples out at end should wait out with lady on left until shadow allemande in A2, swing your partneer after the shadow allemande and re-enter the line with the lady on the right
Catch Me if you Can improper
A1 Short wave balance right and left (Neighbor left, centers right hands), Center 2 slide right, partner swing
A2 Ladies Chain
Ladies allemande right 1 1/2 to short wave
B1 Bal. R & L, center 2 slide right
Neighbor swing
B2 Circle left 3
Balance the circle & petranella + to face new neighbors*
* A modified petranella, gents don't travel as far across the set as you spin, ladies angle a little outset as they spin and join left hands with next neighbor, gents join rights in center
Catch the Contra Bug Becket by Jim Hemphill 8-15
A1 Neighbor R. hand balance & box the gnat
Star right 3 places
A2 Next neigbor Left hand balance & swat the flea
Ladies allemande right once around
B1 Scoop your neighbor up high* star promenade then butterfly
and swing your neighbor
B2 Gents allemande left 1 1/2
Partner swing
* Ladies scoop the gent up around the shoulders, gents keep your right arm down below the ladies left arm as she scoops you up. This will make the transition from butterfly to swing easy.
Caveman Becket By Jim Hemphill
A1 Give and take, Gents take your neighbor back and swing
A2 Give and take, Gents take your partner back and swing
B1 Right Left thru, then roll the ladies away
Right hand star 3 places
B2 Next men allemande left 1 1/2
Scoop your partner as you go by, star promenade then butterfly twirl
Cavewoman #8 Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Give and take, ladies take their neighbor back and swing
A2 Give and take, ladies take their partner back and swing
B1 Ladies allemande right once around
Scoop your partner, star promenade* then butterfly twirl
B2 Next men allemande left once around
Scoop your partner star promenade the butterfly whirl
*Progression happens in B1, ladies as you star promenade, don't go a full half, you want to angle a bit to the left as you star promenade so your partner can allemande left with the next neighbor gent out of the butterfly whirl.
The Celestial Butterfly improper By Jim Hemphill
A1 Right hand star 3 places
Gents turn out, scoop your partner and buttrfly twirl
A2 Ladies pass right shoulders start half a hay, gents allemande right in the middle
Neighbor swing
B1 Circle left 3 places
Partner swing
B2 Ladies chain across the set
Partner right hand balance, pull by right, neighbor pull by left (square thru 2)
Teaching notes A1 Gents do a quick loop over their left shoulder, keep that right arm they were starring with out as they do to scoop their partner into a butterfly twirl. A2 ladies cross in a normal half hay, gents allemande right when they meet in the middle and go back to swing neighbor.
Chain Slinger Square figure by Jim Hemphill
Side couples forward and back
Head couples right left thru
Head ladies chain
Head couples go right out to the sides & circle left 3 place
Facing up & down the hall right left thru*
Ladies chain back between the same two
Rings of four balance, sides arch & sling the heads thru
Everybody swing you know who.
*When the sides are the actives it will be Facing acrossthe hall right left thru
Chance Dance Scrambled Eggs improper (Cooked up with the breakfast crew Chance Dance 2015)
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Chainsaw promenade left
And back to the right
B1 Gents allemande left 1 ½
Partner swing
B2 Hands four balance and petranella
Hands four balance and California twirl
(Cooked up with the breakfast crew Chance Dance, the All you can Eat Contra Dance Weekend)
Chance Dance Contra by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Circle left
Partner swing
B1 Ladies gypsy, lady #1 (or #2) pick a guy then all swing
B2 Ladies chain
Star left 4 places
This dance was written and called at Chance Dance 2011 in Cape Girardeau, MO.
Teaching notes B1 ladies go into the center to gypsy an undetermined amount. Caller needs to identify the decision making woman quickly. Emphasize to the women that they have to live with their decision, they become what they chose, 1 or 2 and need to progress with the guy they picked (or swing with) The guys progress normally thru the line and need to help their current partner remember which way to progress.
Chased by Butterflies by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 (slide left) Circle left 3 places
Neighbor swing
A2 Long lines forward and back
Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
B1 Ladies scoop partner star promenade then butterfly twirl
Men pass left shoulders, start 1/2 hey
B2 Partner Gypsy and swing
Chasing Butterflies by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Circle left 3 places and pass thru to the next
Neighbor swing
A2 Men allemande left once and a half
Scoop your partner as you go by, star promenade then butterfly twirl
B1 Ladies Chain
Ladies allemande right once and a half
B2 Partner balance and swing
Chasing Chickens by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Neighbor do si do
Ladies allemande left 1 1/2 while men orbit (clockwise)
A2 Neighbor allemande right 1/2, Men allemande left 1/2 and swing your partner
B1 Ladies do si di 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B2 Promenade across the set
Partner right hand balance, pull by right, neighbor pull by left on to the next
Chasin Around th Basin by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Right left thru
Circle RIGHT 3 places
A2 with partner zig right, zag left, with next neighbors circle left half way
Neighbor swing
B1 Gents chain (or gents pull by left, partner allemande right once around
Gents gypsy once around
B2 Partner balance and swing
Chocolate Smoothie by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Ladies allemande right 1 ½
Scoop P, Star Prom, Butterfly
A2 Gents past left/ ½ hey
P swing
B1 Gents Al L 1 ½
N swing
B2 Promenade
Left hands across star once around
Note: In B2 have gents loop to their right coming out of the Left star to better position themselves to be scooped in A1.
A Circular Affair by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Give and take, ladies take N back & swing
A2 Circle left 3 places, zig left, zag right (with neighbor)
circle right 3
B1 zag right, zig left (with shadow)
Circle left 3 places
California twirl
B2 Partner balance and swing
The Coffee Grinder Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor Right hand balance and box the gnat
Partner right hand balance and box the gnat
A2 Gents allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B1Long lines forward, Ladies roll a new neighbor away with 1/2 sashay
Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
B2 Partner balance and swing
Cosmic Contra by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Circle left three places, pass thru to next neighbors
Ladies allemande left 1 1/2 while men orbit
A2 Neighbor balance and swing
B1 Pass thru across and California twirl*
Gypsy star turn three places
B2 Partner gypsy and swing
* Have dancers keep joined hands as they complete the California twirl and extend those joined hands into the center. Gents take right hands across, Ladies left hand across so you are facing your partner in the gypsy star, ladies back up.
Counter Revolution Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Ladies chain
To the Right circle 3 places, slide right
A2 Circle right 3 more places
Neighbor see saw
B1 Ladies pass right to start 1/2 hey
Neighbor swing
B2 Give and take, gents take your partner back and swing
End effects, Wait out with ladies on left, be ready to slide in to your right, opposite of a normal becket
Crashing Waves by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Right left thru with a courtesy fling
See saw once around then pass left shoulders to an ocean wave with the next
B1 Balance left then right, (4) Gents swing thru, neighbor by the left, gents by the right, (4)
Partner swing
B2 Ladies chain with a courtesy fling
Neighbor pull by left, allemande right the next down the side once around and back to your neighbor
Caller's note: The Courtesy fling is a variation of the courtesy turn. The move begins like a regular courtesy turn. Gents will turn til they are facing up or down the set, then send the ladies out while keeping the left hand grip. Ladies turn out to face the gent, so the move ends with lady and gent holding left hands facing each other on the side of theset looking in their direction of progression rather than side by side facing the center as in a normal courtesy turn.
Cross Eyed by Jim Hemphill Cross corner formation (Line up proper then have ladies trade places)
Setup, have dancers identify next neighbor by facing in their direction of progression. Ladies will be face to face with next neighbor, gents will look past current neighbor to next neighbor.
Dancers start facing in direction of progression,
A1 Gents allemande left 1 1/2 to long wave while ladies (next n.) allemande right 1 1/2 to long wave (1's facing in, at this point everyone has next neighbor by right hand)
My 8 count call is something like
"A1 Same gents left, next ladies right allemande 1 1/2 until 1's face in, long wavy line"
Balance right and left, allemande right 1/2**
A2 Couple 2 in, 1/2 ricochet hey
Couple 2 cross, neighbor swing
B1 Circle left 3 and swing partner (Something easy!)
B2 Ladies chain, gent 1 roll your neighbor away
Left hand star turn 3 places (Hands across might be best)
Setup, have dancers identify next neighbor by facing in their direction of progression. Ladies will be face to face with next neighbor, gents will look past current neighbor to next neighbor.
Dancers start facing in direction of progression.
At the end of B2 ladies look outside of their current star to take right hands with their next neighbor while the same gents transition from left star to left allemande
**Timing in A1, take (2) for the 1/2 allemande and (2) for the first quarter of the richochet hey so the 2's can meet with a bang at the top of the phrase and lengthen the partner swing
Cupid's Hey improper (very) by Jim Hemphill
A1 Ladies cross (4) push your partner in poussette (6), Start Cupids hey (6),
A2 Partner Gypsy and Swing
B1 Circle left 3
Neighbor swing
B2 Right left thru
Mad Robin
Teaching notes: : A1 The Poussette is only about a third of the way around, gents are backing, ladies moving forward to start, clockwise around the other couple. As couples come back towards center in poussette, drop hands as ladies backing across pass each other. Cupid's hey; While maintaining the face to face orientation of the poussette, looking cross set at your partner, couples slide to the side, ladies left/gents right so ladies pass each other face to face, gents will see the back of their neighbor as they slide by in front. Couples then step ladies back gents forward and slide to the side, ladies right/gents left so gents pass face to face, then continue across into a gypsy with your partner. The Progression at the end of B2 The counterclockwise mad robin with current neighbors ends with ladies moving forward, they continue forward and poussette in A1 is with next neighbors.
Dalliance Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Slide left, ladies chain
Mad Robin (ladies in 1st, counterclockwise)
A2 Ladies gypsy once around
Neighbor swing
B1 Long lines forward & back
Gents cross, push your partner in a poussette then pull her back across the set
B2 Partner swing
B1 Gents pass straight across, take 2 hands with partner then push forward, ladies back a step or 2 before sliding gent right, lady left past the other couple, then gents pull, ladies push across the set and swing at home. It's a long, close to 16 count swing.
Dalliance in the Deli Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Long lines forward & back
Gents cross, push your Neighbor in a poussette then pull her back across the set*
B2 Neighbor swing
B1 Left hands across star 4 places
Next ladies allemande right 1 1/4, gents loop right
B2 Partner balance and swing
A1 Gents pass straight across, take 2 hands with neighborr then push forward, ladies back a step or 2 before sliding gent right, lady left past the other couple, then gents pull, ladies push across the set and swing at gents home. It's a long, close to 16 count swing. Couples are revolving clockwise around each other in the poussette
Inspired by David Notman's Romance in the Grocery Aisle which used the poussette/swing combination.
Dancing Rabbits Proper By Jim Hemphill
A1 Right left thru across
2nd corners allemande right 1 ½
A2 Partner balance and swing
B1 Slide left, circle left 3
Neighbor swing
B2 Right Left Thru
2's half figure 8 above the 1's
A1 Right left thru is from proper with 1st corners courtesy turning 2nd corners
Written for the Gender Free Contra Culture Weekend at the Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, 2013
The Dorsett Exchange by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 men allemande left once and a half
Partner pull by right 1/2, ladies allemande left once around
B1 Partner gypsy and swing
B2 Ladies chain
Ladies pass right shoulders start half a hay, on to next
Inspired by the hey for cars on Dorsett Road at the I-270
Dance All Day by Jim Hemphill 4 facing 4 Inspired by Rick Mohr's Dance all Night
A1 Lines of 4 forward give and take, gents take neighbor back and swin
A2 Ladies chain back to Partner
Ladies in for a right hand star, turn 3 places not to far
B1 Left to your corner left allemande
Right to your partner, right lef grand, pull on by around the ring
B2 Meet your partner balance and swing
The Don of the Dance Becket
A1 Ladies Chain
Star Left once around
A2 Next neighbor right hand balance & Box the gnat
Gents forward to start 1/2 ricochet hey
B1 Melt down into a swing with your neighbor
B2 Gents cross 1/2 pousette
Earthshine Reel by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Partner balance and swing
A2 Down the hall in lines of 4
Turn as couples and come on back
B1 Bend the line circle left 3 places
Neighbor swing
B2 Next neighbor allemande left 1 1/2
Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
Early Exit by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 2's arch, 1's dive thru, balance in a ring with next neighbor
Ladies allemande left 1 1/2
A2 Partner balance and swing
B1 Circle left 3 places
Neighbor swing
B2 Down the hall in lines of 4, turn alone
Up the hall, bend the line.
The Easily Led Lad Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Slide left ladies chain
Ladies pass right, 1/2 hey
A2 Neighbor balance and swing
B1 Long Lines forward and back
Pass thru across and California twirl
B2 Gypsy star* turn 3 places )Ladies backing)
Partner swing
* Have dancers keep joined hands as they complete the California twirl and extend those joined hands into the center. Gents take right hands across, Ladies left hand across so you are facing your partner
A Fond Farewell by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Give and Take, gents take your partner back and swing
B1 Right left thru then roll the ladies away
Right hands across star 3 places
B2 With next neighbor Left hands across star 4 places
Past neighbor gypsy
Freebird indecent by Jim Hemphill
A1 Partner left hand balance, pull by left, neighbor pull by right
Next Neighbor allemande left 1 ¼ to a short wave
A2 Balance right & left, centers slide right to your partner & swing
B1 Circle left 3, neighbor swing
B2 Long lines
Star left once around
Going Our Opposite Waves by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Ladies pull by right and allemande left neighbor 3/4 to long wavy line (Ladies facing in)
Balance right then left, slide right
A2 Next neighbor balance and swing
B1 Partner right hand balance, pull by right, neighbor pull by left
With the next, right hand star 3 places
B2 Partner gypsy and swing (slide left)
Teaching notes: Before getting into becket formation have dancers look to their next neighbor, and then look beyond to the neighbor after that (future neighbor) ID that future neighbor as the first person you will swing in the dance. A1 Dancers have their next neighbor in their right hand in the long wavy line and slide past to the future neighbor for the balance and swing, then travel back to the next neighbor in B1 with the square thru 2. B2 Ladies give the gents a little tug on the right arm, gents turn in over their right shoulder to start the gypsy.
Going My Way? Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 On left diagonal, ladies hook right elbows, turn 1 ½
Scoop new neighbor, star promenade and butterfly
A2 Gents hook left elbows, turn 1 ½
Scoop your partner, star promenade and butterfly
B1 Ladies gypsy once around Partner swing
B2 Long lines
Right left thru with a courtesy turn
Groundhog Daze by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Shadow Gypsy once around
Partner Swing
A2 Circle left 3 places
Balance the circle, 1's arch, 2's dive thru
B1 Next neighbor balance and swing
B2 Long lines forward and back
Ladies allemande right 1/2, partner allemande left 3/4
Gypsy in the Hey by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Men pass right shoulders start 1/2 hey
Neighbor swing
A2 Right Left thru
Ladies pass right shoulders start 1/2 hey, men gypsy in the middle
B1 Partner balance and swing
B2 Neighbor right hand balance and box the gnat
Right hand star 3 places
Note: To progress out of the star right the ladies should loop over their left shoulder and look for their partner to pass left to enter the hey wih the next.
Gypsyland improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Gypsy star turn 3 places (gents by right, ladies by left, turn clockwise)
Balance the star, gents pull by
A2 Next neighbor gypsy and swing
B1 Gents allemande left
Partner swing
B2 Slide left, circle left 3
Balance the circle & California twirl
Gyrations improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Gents do si do
Neighbor do si do
A2 Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
Partner swing
B1 Circle left 3
Neighbor swing
B2 Long Lines
Right hands across star once around
Hand to Hand by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Give and take, gents take partner back and swing
B1 Promenade across
Ladies chain
B2 Mad Robin (Ladies in first, counterclockwise)
Partner right hand balance and pull by right, neighbor pull by left to next (Square thru 2)
Hazelnut Proper by Jim Hemphill
A1 2nd corners chain
2nd corners allemande right 1 ½ to a short wavy line (he he she she)
A2 Balance right and left, center2 slide right (as in rory o’moore)
Partner swing
B1 circle left 3 and swing your neighbor
B2 Right left thru
1’s half figure 8 above
Heads will Roll Square dance by Jim Hemphill
Heads forward and back,
Sides Right left thru across the track
Heads pass thru, separate, go around 1 to Lines at the sides
8 go forward and 8 go back
Sides roll the heads away, Everybody swing your partner
4 Gents pass left, cross ways hey*, opposite pass right, ladies pass left, if you all make it home, swing away
* cross ways hey is like half stars or grand chains without hands and that is how I teach it, have gents star left half way, allemande opposite right 1/2, ladies star left 1/2. Now do it without hands.
**The Alamo break, high energy and lots of fun
(8) Gents to the center, turn back to a ring
(4) Alamo balance, (2) turn by the left, (10) and swing
The Alamo break works for ladies to the center except turn by the right, or you can alternate who goes into the center and turn the one you just swung and swing the next. b
Here There and Yonder 4 facing 4 by Jim Hemphill
A1 Gents Star left half way
Swing your diagonal neighbor (that gal over yonder) end facing up & down the hall
A2 Right left thru
Ladies grand chain back to your partner
B1 Corner do si do, face partner with a right hand
Right left grand around the ring
B2 Meet your partner, balance and swing
Hey, How are you? Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Slice left, push straight back
Gents pass left, 1/2 hey, ladies allemande left about half way
A2 Neighbor balance and swing
B1 Right left thru
Ladies pass right 1/2 hey, gents allemande right about 1/2 way
B2 Partner balance and swing
Hey-ja Vu by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Long wave balance right and left, slide right
Next neighbor swing
A2 Men pass left shoulders start 1/2 hay,
Original neighbor swing
B1 Give and take, Ladies take your partner back and swing
B2 Ladies chain
Star Left 4 to a long wave
Hello Goodby Butterfly by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Ladies start right hand star across, Gents drop in behind your partner, then turn 3 places
Gents roll back and butterfly whirl the neighbor girl*
A2 Ladies pass right shoulders, 1/2 hey
Neighbor swing
B1 Circle left 3
Partner swing
B2 Long lines forward & back
Ladies pull by right, neighbor butterfly whirl*
*This dance uses a couple of alternative entries into a butterfly whirl. Gents drop hands and turn over your left shoulder in a tight loop, keeping that right arm extended and pluck the lady following you (neighbor) out of the star and butterfly whirl, ladies get that left arm ready as the gent rolls back.
**As ladies pull by right, Gents take a step right turning your right shoulder into the center and moving your right arm back so ladies can slip left arm around to butterfly whirl position. Progression takes place by gents sending their neighbor off out of the butterfly whirl on a slight right diagonal to their next neighbor lady. Gents then continue to turn counterclockwise another quarter turn or so to be ready to hand across star behind your partner
Hey Man, Chain by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Long lines forward and back
Men chain (Pull by right, give left to partner, ladies give your partner a courtesy turn)
A2 Gents pass right start half a hey
Partner swing
B1 Balance in a circle, gents roll partner away with a half sashay
Gents chain
B2 Gents pass right start half a hey
Neighbor swing
Hey Breaker by Jim Hemphill Proper
A1 Neighbor allemande right 1 3/4
2nd corners pass left shoulders start 1/2 hey, 1st corners richochet
A2 Partner gypsy and swing
B1 Circle left 3 places
Neighbor swing
B2 Couple 1 Right hand balance & Box the gnat
Partner right hand balance pull by right, neighbor pull by left to next (Square thru 2)
Teaching notes A1Have dancers allemande right slowly until gent 2 and lady 1(2nd corners) are in center. Emphasize to Gent 1, lady 2 (1st corners) to pay attention to the path their feet are traveling as they allemande right. that is the same path hey will travel again as they do the richochet hey.
Heyllamande by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Long lines forward, on the way back, gents roll neighbor away with 1/2 sashay
Men allemande left 1 1/2 to an ocean wave
A2 Balance right and left, ladies swing thru to new wave
Balance right and left, gents swing thru
B1 Partner gypsy and swing
B2 Circle left 3
Neighbor swing
Infinity Continued Becket reverse (Counterclock) progression
A1 Long lines forward and back
Ladies dance in (4), Allemande Right 1/2, Allemande left 1/2*
A2 Next neighbor balance and swing
B1 Ladies chain (to shadow)
Left hands across three places (6), Ladies push off, gents pull by (2)**
B2 Partner gypsy and swing
The Inversion Reel by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Down the hall in lines of 4 (1's between the 2's)
With neighbor, turn as couples and come back
A2 Invert the line and swing your neighbor
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Partner swing
B2 Slide left circle left 3 places
1's swing in the center, end facing down
B1: The "Invert the Line move is a fun way to enter a swing as long as there is a lady on the left and gent on the right end of the line of 4. Gent 2 make and arch with neighbor as they bend the line to cross the set, The lady on the left (lady 2) bends the line and leads her partner thru the arch to cross the set. For couple 2 the transition into a swing is like a circle left then swing. Couple 1 can have some fun with twirls out of the arch into a swing. If lady 1 holds her partners hand and follows thru the arch she twirls right into the neighbor swing.
Invertro Flirtilization by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Down the hall in lines of 4, middle gent turns both ladies, right hand high, left hand low and up the hall you go
B1 Invert the line, 1's arch, lady 2 lead thru and swing your partner
B2 Circle left 3 places
Balance the circle and California twirl
B1: The "Invert the Line" move is a fun way to enter a swing as long as there is a lady on the left and gent on the right end of the line of 4. The 1's make and arch as they bend the line to cross the set, The lady on the left bends the line and leads her partner thru the arch to cross the set. For couple 2 the transition into a swing is like a circle left then swing. Couple 1 can have some fun with twirls out of the arch into a swing.
The Itchy Bug Reel by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Neighbor left hand balance and swat the flea
Left hand star once around
A2 Next neighbor right hand balance and box the gnat then swing
B1 Circle left 3 places
Partner swing
B2 Long lines forward and back
Balance in a circle and petranella twirl
I've Got your Shadow Cornered Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 On the left diagonal, Give and take, ladies take your neighbor back and swing
A2 Long lines forward and back
Gents allemande left 1 1/2
B1 Partner allemande right 1/2, shadow 1 allemande left once around
Partner allemande right 1/2, shadow 2 allemande left once around
B2 Partner balance and swing
John's Joy Ride Becket by Jim Hemphill (sort of, the dance strings together 2 of my favorite sequences from John Coffman's dances "Honeycomb" and "Alternating Currents")
A1 (Slide left) Circle left 3 places
Gents pass left start half a hey
A2 Neighbor gypsy and swing
B1 Right left thru
Gents roll ladies away w/ 1/2 sashay, ladies roll gents away w/ 1/2 sashay
B2 Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
Partner swing
Teaching the Ladies curl into a hey: after circling left 3 places, drop hands with partner. Ladies are going to continue in a clockwise circle, but a much smaller circle, circling around the neighbor gent that is following. Gents help her do this by guiding her across in front of you with your left hand, sort of like a roll away except you don't change hands. Ladies then pass neighbors right shoulder and gents start into the center to pass left shoulders for the half hey
Kimmswick Reunion improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Long wave (gents face out) balance right and left, slide right
Next neighbor swing
A2 Paartner right hand balance, pull by right, neighbor pull by left
Swing the one you meet
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Partner swing
B2 Ladies chain
Star left 4 places to a new long wave.
La Poussette Peculiar Proper by Jim Hemphill
A1 1/2 Poussette (clockwise)
2nd corners swing in the center
A2 Down the hall in lines of 4
Turn alone and come back
B1 Invert the line and swing your partner (1's arch as they bend the line, lady 2 leads the end of the line thru the arch as they cross the set)
B2 Long lines forward, 2's roll away with 1/2 sashay
Circle right 3
The progression, as you complete the circle right 3, drop hands with current neighbors, take 2 hands with partner and start the clockwise poussette with next neighbors.
A Last Goodbye improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Last neighbor allemande left once around*
Neighbor swing
A2 Right Left thru
Ladies Chain
B1 Balance in a circle, gents roll your neighbor away with 1/2 sashay
swing your partner
B2 Slide left circle left 3
Neighbor do si do once around, turn to face last neighbor
*Have dancers turn their back on current neighbor to face what would be previous neighbor to start the dance
Lavender and Gold Becket
A1 Give and take (gents take)
A2 Right left thru
Left diag. Ladies chain
B1 Long Lines
New N, Right hand balance & Square thru
B2 Partner balance and swing
Written for Peggy and Kin Lavender's 50th wedding anniversary
Left Out Star by Jim Hemphill Improper
A1 Partner left hand balance and pull by left, neighbor pull by right
(With next neighbors) men allemande left once and a half
A2 Partner balance and swing
B1 Long lines forward, ladies take your neighbor back and swing
B2 Ladies chain
Left hand star 3 places
The Long and Short of It by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Short wave balance right and left, neighbor allemande right 3/4 to a long wave
Balance right and left, slide right
A2 Next neighbor balance and swing
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Partner swing
B2 Ladies chain
Balance in a circle then slide across to an ocean wave*
* Gents give your partner a little tug with your left hand, ladies sashay across to the right in front of your partner and catch left hands in center as gents sashay left, take neighbors right in your right.
Macadamia Nut by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Ladies start a full richochet hey
A2 Ladies cross and gypsy partner
Swing partner
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B2 Right left thru
Mad robin (Ladies in first, counterclockwise rotation)
THe progression: As the mad robin is completed, dancers look in direction of progression. Ladies would be moving inward and right, continue in this direction to start the richochet hey with next lady. Similarly the gents will be moving back and to the left, continue in this direction and pass your next neighbor outside before looping into the clockwise richochet hey.
Macho Man by Jim Hemphill Indecent (1's cross over)
A1 Men gypsy once around and step to partner
1/2 Poussette with partner, (ladies forward, men back)
A2 With next neighbors, start a mad robin (clockwise rotation men into center 1st)
Men pass left shoulders start half a hey, ladies richochet in the center
B1 Partner gypsy and swing
B2 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
Teaching notes: The progression occurs with the poussette in A1, the clockwise rotation of the Mad robin is just a continuation of the motion from the poussette, having dropped hands with partner, with gents continuing forward and to their right into the center while ladies continue back and to the left. have the ladies remember the path they are traveling. During the 2nd half of A2, the ladies will essentially repeat what they did in A1 only this time when they meet in the middle push off each other while the men will do half a hey. Tell the ladies to turn towards their partner as they push off nad it flows nicely into the gypsy.
Mad about You improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Mad robin (clockwise)
Ladies pass left 1/2 hey, gents ricochet
A2 Partner Gypsy and swing
B1 Gents Pass left, 1/2 hey, Ladies ricochet
Neighbor swing
B2Right Left thru
Mad robin (counterclockwise)
The progression occurs at the end of B2. Ladies will be moving forward and to their right and gents back and to the left as they complete the mad robin. Have dancers continue moving in this same direction to flow right into the clockwise mad robin with next neighbors.
Written for my lovely wife Mariah on our 22 anniversary..
The Mad Robin's Happy Ending By Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Right left thru on the left diagonal
Ladies start a mad robin
A2 Ladies cross and swing your neighbor
B1 Balance in a circle then ladies roll your neighbor across
Circle right 3 places
B2 Men start a mad robin
Men cross and swing your partner
B1: Men trade places across the set by having their neighbor lady roll them from ladies left to right hand.
Mad Robin Migration by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Ladies chain
Mad robin with neighbor (counterclockwise
A2 Mad robin with new neighbor (clockwise)
New neighbor swing
B1 Long lines forward and back
Ladies pass right, half a hay, men allemande right in the middle back to partner
B2 Partner balance and swing
The Magic Box Becket
A1 Ladies chain
Partner Right hand balance and box the gnat
A2 Right left thru, courtesy turn someone new
Ladies pass right, 1/2 hey
B1 Neighbor balance and swing
B2 Gents allemande left 1 ½
Partner swing
End effect. Wait out regular improper and re-enter the dance in the 2nd half of A1 with the partner box the gnat. You will then be ready to pull past your partner and courtesy turn a new neighbor back into the line.
The Martyred Monk Proper Becket (Line up proper then turn 1 place left so 2 gents are above 2 ladies, same side of set as your partner)
A1 1st corner chain across
Start a mad robin (1st corners in 1st) then step to the wave (1st corners in center join rights, left to same sex neighbor)
A2 Balance right and left, centers slide right,
Partner swing
B1 Slide left circle left 3
Neighbor swing
B2 Ladies chain, gent 1 roll your partner away
Long lines forward and back
May the 5th Be With You Proper by Jim Hemphill (written MAY 5TH 2013, the day after dancing MAY The Fourth Be With You by Jim Saxe and using the same sex right left thru idea.)
A1 Right left thru across
Mad robin (2nd corners in 1st) then step to an ocean wave
A2 Balance right and left, slide right
Partner swing
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B2 Right Left thru
Couple 1 half figure 8 above the 2's
Note A1 1st corners will give the 2nd corners a courtesy turn after the right left thru. 2nd corners continue moving forward out of the courtesy turn into the middle to start the mad robin. Take the Mad robin once around and just a little more so 2nd corners step back into center and take right hands, turning to face up and down and taking same sex neighbor in left hand in an ocean wave.
Meet for a Swing by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Circle left 3 places then pass thru to the next
New neighbor right hand balance, pull by right, partner pull by left (square thru 2)
A2 New neighbor balance and swing
B1 Ladies chain
Ladies gypsy once and a half while, men orbit right (counterclockwise) across the set
B2 Partner balance and swing
Mini Grand Swing improper by Jim Hemphill
Missionary Men By jim Hemphill Proper Becket (Proper formation then turn 1 place left)
A1 Circle left 3 places, pass thru to next
Neighbor allemande right once around to an ocean wave,
A2 Balance right and left, Center couple allemande left 1/2 and swing your partner
B1 Circle left 3
Neighbor swing
B2 Long lines forward and back
Ladies chain, gent 1 roll your lady away with 1/2 sashay
Teaching Notes: Make sure dancers ID themselves as 1's or 2's.
A1 The wave will be he-he-she-she, gent 1, lady 2 by the left in the center
Mountain Men Proper By Jim Hemphill
A1 Long lines forward and back
Gents make the mountains, ladies pass thru and turn to the right*
A2 Star right 3 places, partner swing
B1 Circle left 3 places and swing your neighbor
B2 Right left through
Couple one half figure 8 around couple two
*Gents line arches joined hands, gents and ladies both pass across the set, passing your partner on the right then turning to the right once across. This sequence doesn't take the full 8 counts of music, flow right into the star right for a longer partner swing in A2.
My Hungarian Gypsy Star Becket By jim Hemphill
A1 Slice left and push back*
Pass thru across then California twirl
A2 Gypsy sar** turn 3 places
Neighbor swing
B1 Long lines forward and back
Pass thru across then California twirl
B2 Gypsy sar** turn 3 places
Partner swing
*A1 Dancers advance on left diagonal to meet next neighbors then push back to end up straight across the set from these new neighbors.
**Have dancers keep joined hands as they complete the California twirl and extend those joined hands into the center. Gents take right hands across, Ladies left hand across so you are facing your partner. It helps those backing up to have dancers join their outer hands as they turn the gypsy star.
November Nights improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Men do si do
Ladies allemande left 1 1/2
A2 Partner balance and swing
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B2 Promenade across
Long Lines forward and back
A nice easy yet fun dance inspired by Bob Dalsiemer's May Day, but without the swing that ends mid phrase.
Office Mayhem improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Long wavy lines (gents face out) balance right and left, slide right
Next Neighbor swing
A2 Partner right hand balance, pull by right, neighbor pull by left to the next
Allemande right 3/4, gents allemande left 1 1/2
B1 Partner swing
B2 Ladies chain
Star left 4 to a new long wave
Notes In A2 you pull past the new neighbor to your original neighbor and allemande right. The timing from A2 to B1 is a bit blurry. The Left allemande 1 1/2 extends slightly over the end of A2 into B1 so you have a long 14 count partner swing in B1
Orbiting Gypsies by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Long lines forward and back
Star left 3 places
A2 Next neighbor gypsy then swing
B1 Ladies chain
Ladies gypsy once and a half in the middle, Men orbit to the right across the set
B2 Partner balance and swing
Caller's note: Dancers out at the top and bottom will re-enter the dance with the lady on the left side
Over the River Falls Indecent (2's cross over) by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor gypsy once around
Gents pass left shoulders, 1/2 hey, ladies richochet
A2 Partner gypsy and swing
B1 Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B2 Promenade
Left hands across star 3 places (6), Gents pull by ladies push off (2)*
*When ladies push off, have them loop over right shoulder to their new neighbor who will be approaching from behind.
The Partner Push by Jim Hemphill Proper
A1 Men allemande right 1 1/2 while ladies do si do once around
Couple 2 start a richochet hey (16)
A2 (Richochet hey continues)
2's cross, neighbor swing
B1 Give and take, gents take partner back & swing
B2 circle left 3
Couple 2 swing in the center, end facing up
I'm undecided whether I like the full richochet hey that crosses A1 into A2 or a half richochet hey in A1 and Neighbor gypsy and swing in A2
Passing Peggy Becket By Jim Hemphill
A1 Slide left circle left 3 places
Neighbor allemande right 3/4, Men pass left shoulders, partner allemande left, Men pass right shoulders
A2 Neighbor swing
B1 Long lines forward ad back
Ladies pass right, partner allemande right, ladies pass left neighbor allemande left,
B2 Ladies pass right and partner swing
Dedicated to Peggy Lavender who makes our dances fun by scheduling great music and interesting callers. She enjoys the Georgia Rang Tang. n this dance the gents do the Rang and the ladies do the tang
Patterson Promenade Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Promenade across
Gents allemande left 1 1/2
A2 Neighbor balance and swing
B1 Long lines forward and back
Next two ladies allemande LEFT
B2 Partner gypsy and swing
Written for and called ath the 1st ever contra dance in Patterson MO
Pecan Pie Proper By Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor do si do to a short wave
Balance right and left, Neighbor allemande right 3/4 to a long wave
A2 Balance right and back, box circulate
Partner swing
B1 Circle left 3
Neighbor swing
B2 Partner right hand balance and box the gnat
Couple 2 swing in the center, end facing up, 1's face down
Playground improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 (zag right) Circle RIGHT 3
Partner see saw once & a bit to a wave (left w/ partner, ladies in center right hand)
A2 Bal. R & L, centers slide right
Neighbor swing
B1 Balance in a ring, gents twirl your partner under and swing
B2 Long lines
Circle left 3, zig left
In B1 gents draw your partner to your side to swing, an underarm twirl for the ladies works nicely.
The dance has all the ingredients of a playground, a slide, swings and a see saw, thus the name.
Polka Dots On Parade improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Gents do si do
Ladies 2 hand turn 1 1/2
A2 Ladies go down the hall, polka dots on parade
Turn alone and come back
B1 Find your partner balance and swing
B2 circle left 3
Neighbor swing
Polka Dots On Parade II Indecent (2's cross over) by Jim Hemphill
A1 Go down the hall in Lines of 4
Turn alone and come back
A2 Bend the line circle left 3, slide left
Circle left once around
B1 Partner do si do then swing
B2 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
Proper in Passing By Jim Hemphill Proper
A1 1's pass right shoulders, swing your neighbor
A2 Ladies pull by right, partner butterfly whirl*
Ladies pass right, 1/2 hey
B1Partner balance and swing
B2 circle left 3 and ladies roll your partner away w 1/2 sashay
2's arch, 1's half figure 8 thru arch
*As ladies pull by right, Gents take a step right turning your right shoulder into the center and moving your right arm back so ladies can slip left arm around to butterfly whirl position.
Proper Swingfest I Proper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor do si do 1 1/4 to an ocean wave
Balance right and left, Ends swing thru (Neighbor allemande right 1/2, centers allemande left 1/2)
A2 Partner gypsy and swing
B1 Give and take, gents take your neighbor back and swing
B2 Balance in a circle, 2's roll the 1's away with a half sashay
2's swing in the center, end facing up
Proper Swingfest II Proper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor do si do 1 1/2
Next neighbor allemande left 1 1/4 to an ocean wave
A2 Balance right and left, centers slide right
Partner swing
B1 Circle left 3
Neighbor swing
B2 Long lines forward & back\
2's swing in the center, end facing up
Proper Zest Proper by Jim Hemphill
A1 1st corners start a full richochet hey (clockwise)
A2 1st corners cross, partner gypsy & swing
B1 Circle left 3
Neighbor swing
B2 Partner Left hand balance, couple 1 swat the flea
Left hand star once around
Pulling Together *Becket (rev prog) by Jim Hemphill
A1 Ladies chain,
Mad robin (counterclockwise, ladies in front 1st)
A2 Partner right hand balance, pull by right, neighbor pull by left
Next neighbor swing
B1 Gents allemande left 1 ½
Partner pull by right, ladies allemande left once around
B2 Partner balance and swing
The Push Me Pull You Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Ladies cross, push neighbor into 1/2 poussette* (CCW)
Neighbor swing
A2 Gents cross, push partner into 1/2 poussette (CW)
Partner swing
B1 Lines forward, gents roll partner away
Star right 3
B2 Next gents allemande left 1 1/2
Scoop partner, star promenade, butterfly twirl.
Notes: This dance is great fun in a roomy hall, not so much in a crowded hall. A1 The lady pushes her neighbor back a step or 2 before sliding lady left, gent right past other couple, then lady pulls neighbor back across the set to swing on the side of the set the lady started from. Same process for the men in A2, cross, push your partner a step or 2, slide gent right, lady left then gent pulls partner back across. The partner swing will be on the opposite side of the set from the becket start position. In B2 have the ladies loop left out of the star right to be in better position to be scooped.
Push Me Pull You Two improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Ladies cross, push your partner to start 1/2 poussette then pull him back across the set and
Swing him around
A2 Gents cross, push your neighbor to start 1/2 poussette then pull her back across the set and
Swing her around
B1 Right left through
Left hand star once around
B2 Next neighbor do si do,
Face across, Mad Robin (clockwise)
Notes: A1 Ladies will swing their partner back on the side of the set they started from, likewise in A2 gents will swing their neighbor on the side they started A2 from (across from where they were at the beginning of the dance.
Rain Dance improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Circle Right once around
Circle left once around
A2 Balance the circle and Petranella twirl
Partner swing
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B2 Balance in a circle, gents roll yoour partner away w/ 1/2 sashay
Circle left half way, couples zig to the left, pass, zag to the right
I consider this dance a success. It rained over an inch after no rain for over a month the 1st time I called it.
Rainbow Connection backwards becket (From improper turn RIGHT 1 place)
A1 Long lines forward & back
2's make rainbows (arches) all pass across, turn right, single file promenade up & down
A2 With next neighbors star right 3 places
Neighbor swing
B1 Circle left 3 places, pass your partner
Shadow do si do
B2 Partner balance & swing
Written for a Pridefest dance and designed to be called positionally without reference to gendered terms.
Red Admiral improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Balance in a ring, neighbor swing
A2 Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
Scoop your partner, star promenad then butterfly whirl
B1 Gents see saw once around
Partner swing
B2 Circle left 3 places
Balance the circle & California twirl
Rick O'Shay's Hay improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Men start a full richochet hay, end in a wavy line with men in the middle by the right
A2 Balance right then left, men slide right and swing your partner
B1 Men allemande left once and a half
Neighbor swing
B2 Long lines forward and back
Right hands across star once around
Notes, B2 the progression, men should look into the next set for the next guy, ladies release the star and loop over left shoulder to enter the richochet hey with the next couple
Rick O'shay's Proper Hey Proper by Jim Hemphill
A1 2nd corners full richochet hey
A2 Step to an ocean wave, balance right and left, 2nd corners slide right
Partner swing
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B2 Partner right hand balance, Couple 1box the gnat
Right hand star once around
A proper version of Rick O'Shay's Hey. In A2 the wave will be he he she she, same sex neighbor by the left with 2nd corners in the center by the right
Rick O'Shay Broke my Hey improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor allemande right 1 1/4
Ladies pass left shoulders start 1/2 hey, Gents richochet
A2 Partner gypsy and swing
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B2 Right left thru
Left hand star 4 places
Teaching notes A1Have dancers allemande right slowly until ladies are in center. Emphasize to Gents to pay attention to the path their feet are traveling as they allemande right. that is the same path hey will travel again as they do the richochet hey, a clockwise circle on their home side of the set, with a high 5 to each other when they meet in the middle..
Rollercoaster Ride by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Circle left 3 places
2's arch, 1's dive thru, 1's arch, 2's dive thru
A2 New neighbor balance and swing
B1 Partner right hand balance, pull by right, neighbor pull by left to next
Next neighbor allemande right 1 1/2
B2 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Partner swing
Notes: In A1 dancers progress 2 places and then move back 1 place in B1. A Becket dance with improper progressions
Rollin With Rohde improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Circle left 3 places, gents roll your neighbor away
Partner swing
A2 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Scoop your neighbor as you go by, star promenade then butterfly whirl
B1 Balance in a circle, gents roll your partner away
Neighbor swing
B2 Right Left thru
Left hand star once around
Rolling Along Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Ladies chain
Long lines forward, ladies roll your neighbor away with 1/2 sashay
A2 Long Lines forward, gents roll your neighbor away to the next neighbor and swing
B1 Right left thru
Ladies chain
B2 Hands 4 balance in a ring, gents roll your neighbor away, Partner swing
Rolling in Catnip by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Long lines forward, (on the way back), gents roll Neighbor away with a half sashay
Gents pass left shoulders start half a hey, ladies richochet
A2 Partner gypsy and swing
B1 Circle left 4 places
Ladies chain
B2 Balance in a circle, gents roll your partner away w/ 1/2 sashay
Neighbor swing
Teaching notes A1 Gents let the tug of catching the lady at the end of the roll away pull you into the left shoulder 1/2 hey. Ladies do not cross the set, when you meetin the middle you push off with the other lady. Ladies path of travel will be a clockwise circle on the side of the set they started te dance on.
B2 Roll you partner away across the set and swing neighbor on the other side. This returns dancers to the side of the set they started on and at the end of the swing 2's are above the 1's for the progression. Emphasize gents roll a NEW neighbor away as A1 staarts again.
Rounding the Corners by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Long lines forward and back
Men allemande RIGHT 1 1/2
A2 Partner balaance and swing
B1 Promenade
Ladies chain
B2 Ladies allemande right once around
Neighbor swing
Run Rooster Run by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Gents, on the left diagonal pass right shoulders, swing your next neighbor
A2 Ladies chain
Left hand star 4 places
B1 Partner gypsy and swing
B2 Ladies allemande right once around
Ladies Scoop your partner star promenade and butterfly twirl
Sadie Hawkins Swap Meet by Jim Hemphill improper (A Contra Mixer of sorts)
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Long lines forward, ladies take your partner back and swing
B1 Ladies gypsy, lady 1 (or 2) pick a guy and everyone swing
B2 Circle left 3 places
Balance the circle and California twirl
Variation on the Chance Dance Contra, with a more foolproof progression that should allow gals or guys to pick a partner in B1.
Teaching notes B1 ladies (or gents) go into the center to gypsy an undetermined amount. Caller needs to identify the decision making person quickly. Emphasize that they have to live with their decision, they become what they chose, 1's or 2's
The Scrambler by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Circle left 3 ande pass thru to next
Next ladies allemande left once around, Men orbit
A2 Partner allemande right 1/2, Men allemande left 1/2 and swing your neighbor
B1 Right left thru
Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
B2 Ladies scoop partner, star promenade, butterfly twirl then swing
The See Saw Slider Proper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor see saw once and a bit to an ocean wave (Neighbor left hand, 2nd corners join right hands in center, he he she she wave)
Balance right and left, center 2 slide right
A2 Partner balance and swing
B1 Circle left 3
Neighbor swing
B2 Right left thru
1's half figure 8 above 2's then on to next
The See Saw Surfer by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Slide left Circle left 3 places
Neighbor swing
A2 Ladies chain with a courtesy fling
Partner see saw once and a bit to an ocean wave
B1 Balance left then right, slide left
Balance right then left, slide right
B2 Partner balance and swing
SEMO Do Si Do by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Ladies do si do once around
Men Do si do once around
A2 Neighbor do si DO
Neighbor swing
B1 Circle left 3
Partner swing
B2 Ladies chain
Left hand star 4 places
Shiver Me Timbers improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Men hook right elbows turn once and a half
Partner swing
A2 Pass thru to an ocean wave, balance Right & Left,
Slide Right, Balance Right & Left again,
B1 Gents slide right, Neighbor swing
B2 Long Lines Forward & Back
Partner right hand balance and square thru 2
Silver Linings Becket (reverse progression) by Jim Hemphill
A1 Circle left 3 places and swing your neighbor
A2 In a ring balance and spin to the right (petranella)
Partner left hand blalnce, pull by, neighbor pull by right
B1 Partner balance and swing
B2 Slide left, ladies allemande right once around
Scoop your partner, star promenade and butterfly whirl
Written to celebrate 25 years of marriage to my lovely wife Mariah
Sister Swing Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Ladies, on the right diagonal allemande right 1 1/2
Swing your next neighbor
A2 Circle left 3
Shadow swing
B1 Gents dance in to a long wave in the middle, balance right & left
Gents Allemande right 1/2, with next left 1/2, with next right 1/2, step to your partner
B2 Balance and swing
Solstice Swing improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Gents allemande left 1 1/2
Scoop your partner as you go by, star promenade then butterfly
A2 Ladies pull by right, neighbor swing
B1 Balance in a ring, gents twirl your partner over and swing*
B2 Balance in a ring, ladies pass right shoulders to trade places
Right hands across star once around
* Gents bring your partner to your side of the set to swing, an underarm turn works nicely.
Special Delivery Becket (reverse progression) by Jim Hemphill
A1 Balance in a circle, With neighbor Nevada twirl to face a new couple
Left hands across star 3 places, ladies drop out, gents step to a long wave
A2 Balance the wave, gents turn right and swing a new neighbor
B1 Circle left 3 places
With neighbor half poussette (clockwise)
B2 With partner gypsy and swing.
Spin Blend Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Lines slice left and back (across from new couple)
Right left thru, roll the ladies to a wave*
A2 Bal right & left, ladies slide right
Neighbor swing
B1 Gents allemande left 1 1/2
Shadow allemande right 1 1/2 to long wave
B2 Balance right & left,, slide right
Partner swing
* Gents stop 1/4 turn short of a full courtesy turn so their left shoulder is to the center of the set then keep partners left hand and draw her across in front of you into the center where ladies join right hands
B1 After neighbor swing face across, gents, your partner is straight across, as you look to the right of her is your neighbor gent whom you will allemande left with, next to the right is your shadow whom you will allemande right. a
Starlight Reunion Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Left diagonal ladies chain
Ladies pass right shoulders start half a hey
A2 Neighbor* balance and swing
B1 Pass thru across and turn alone
Left hand star 3 places
B2 Partner gypsy and swing
Teaching note A2 balance and swing the new neighbor you just chained to.
Stars and Stripes Forever Indecent By Jim Hemphill and Mariah Fabry
A1 Long wavy stripes (lines, gents face in) balance right & left, slide right
Next neighbor swing
A2 Circle left 3
Partner swing
B1 Long stripes (Lines) go forward and back
Ladies chain
B2 Star left
Star right to a long wave
Stars of Fredericktown improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Star left
Star right
B1 Neighbor do si do
Neighbor swing
B1 Balance in a circle and petranella twirl
Partner swing
B2 circle left 3
Neighbor allemande right 1 1/2
The Square English Contra Dance by Jim Hemphill Proper
A1 Neighbor allemande right 1 1/4 to an ocean wave
Balance right and left, ends swing thru
A2 Partner gypsy and swing
B1 Circle left 3 places
Neighbor swing
B2 Couple 1 half figure 8 below the 2's
Partner right hand balance and square thu 2
Steam Train Indecent (2's cross over) (One of my favorites)
A1 Gents dance in to a long wave in the center, balance right and left
Gents allemande right 1/2, left 1/2 , right 1/2, step to your new neighbor
A2 New Neighbor balance and swing
B1 Circle left 3, pass thru up and down
Partner swing
B2 Ladies do si do 1 1/2
Neighbor (original) swing
Notes: In A1 the gents reel the line up or down the center of the set with the series of half allemandes to their next neighbor. Have dancers look past current neighbor to ID the next neighbor they will swing in A2. In B1 you will be reaching across to your shadow to form the circle and they may be slightly left diagonal after the neighbor swing. To ID your shadow, from indecent formation have dancers take hands in long lines and look at the couple on the Right diagonal. The person they would normally swing in that couple is your shadow.
This dance has some interesting end effects. They are fast paced and according to some fun, so don’t relax when out at the end.
Step in Time Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Hands four balance and Petronella twirl
Hands four balance, 2's arch, 1's dive thru
A2 Next neighbor balance and swing
B1 Gents allemande left 1 1/2
Pass your partner right, ladies pass left half a hey
B2 Partner balance and swing
Strolling with the Neighbor Becket By Jim Hemphill
A1 Ladies chain with a courtesy gate, face up and down, don't be late
Stroll around the track 2 by 2,
A2 Make an arch, ladies duck thru, swing that guy following you
B1 Promenade back the way you went, until ladies you see your gent then
Allemande right that lady he's with 1 1/2 back to your own
B2 Partners Balance and swing at home
A1 Courtesy gate, gents shift right and turn right shoulder to lady as she chains across, take her left hand in your right hand and gate her around til you are facing up or down with gents on the inside, ladies outside and go for a stroll. The return promenade in B1 the ladies are on the inside.
Sugar Hill Express Becket by Jim Hemphill (double progression)
A1 In a ring balance and spin to the right
Partner right hand balance, pull by right, neighbor pull by left
A2 Next neighbor balance and swing
B1 Partner right hand balance, pull by right, neighbor pull by left
Next neighbor swing
B2 Circle left 3 and swing your partner
Swallowtail Chase by Jim Hemphill Becket
A1 Ladies pull by right to butterfly whirl neighbor*
On right diagonal, next ladies allemande right 1 1/2
A2 Ladies Scoop partner, star promenade then butterfly whirl
Men allemande left 1 1/2
B1 Neighbor gypsy and swing
B2 Circle left 3
Partner swing
*As ladies pull by right, Gents take a step right turning your right shoulder into the center and moving your right arm back so ladies can slip left arm around to butterfly whirl position. Progression takes place by gents sending their neighbor off out of the butterfly whirl on a slight right diagonal to their next neighbor lady. Gents then continue to turn counterclockwise another quarter turn or so to be ready to be scooped by your partner
Sweet Melody improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Gents allemande left 1 1/2
Scoop your partner as you go by, star promenade and butterfly
A2 Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B1 Give and take, gents take your partner back and swing
B2 In a circle balance, ladies pass right shoulders to trade
Right hands across star once around.
Swingin and Slingin by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
Partner swing
B1 Circle left 3 places
1's swing in the center
B2 Down the hall in lines of 4 (1's in center)
Without turning around, line 0f 4 walk backwards up the hall, 1's arch and sling the 2's thru
The Sylvan Picnic by Jim Hemphill Proper
A1 Ladies gypsy 1 1/2, while men do si do once around
Couple 1 pass left shoulders start half a hay, couple 2 richochet
A2 Gypsy and swing neighbor
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Partner swing
B2 Circle left 3 places
2's swing in the center, end facing up
The Teaser Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Long lines forward and back
Ladies cross and tease your neighbor*
A2 Right hand star turn 3 places
Neighbor swing
B1 Left hands across star once around
Next ladies allemande right 1 1/2, gents loop right**
B2 Partner balance and swing
Notes * The tease: Gents, have the hard part, stay where you are and look pretty, Ladies cross straight to your neighbors andpast his right shoulder looping clockwise around "checking him out as you go". Ladies then cross back to where they started, forming a right hand star as they cross back, gents follow your neighbor into the star. Turn 3 places and swing on the gents home side.
** Gents as you come out of the left star loop over your right shoulder to meet your partner for the balance and swing.
Alternate B1,B2 I like this one best, but it is a bit more challenging
B1 Left hands across star
Next ladies pass left shoulders, 1/2 hey, gents ricochet**.
B2 Partner gypsy and swing
**Gents as you come out of the left star loop over your right shoulder to follow your new neighbor lady into the hey, when gents meet in the middle they push off in a richochet rather than crossing the set. Mens path of travel coming out of the left hands across is a clockwise circle on the side of the set.
Theera Free Spirit improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor allemande left once and a half
Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
A2 Ladies scoop your partner, star promenade, butterfly twirl then swing
B1 Circle left 3 places
Neighbor swing
B2 Ladies chain then roll the ladies away
Right hand star 3 places
Notes: A2 Have the ladies scoop their guy higher up, mid back or so, and have the men keep their arm down, below the ladies arm as they are scooped. This makes the transition from butterfly twirl to swing smooth and easy
Third Base Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Circle left 3
Neighbor swing
A2 Men allemande left 1 1/2
Scoop your partner, star promenade then butterfly twirl
B1 Ladies allemande right once around
Scoop your partner, star promenade then butterfly twirl
B2 Gents pass left 1/2 hey
Partner gypsy once around, gents lead on to the next
Notes: For those who lack the self control to stop short, you can do a short swing and slide left in B2, but please for goodness sake practice safe swing :)
Tornado improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor swing (8)
2's swing (8)
A2 Down the hall in lines of 4
2's turn as couple, 1's alone and come back
B1 Circle balance, 1's roll 2's away with 1/2 sashay
1's half figure 8 above the 2's
B2 1's balance and swing end facing down
Inspired by May the 4th Be With You by Jime Saxe
Trainride with a Pterodactyl Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Circle left 3 and step to a wave
Balance forward and back, step forward
A2 N. Neighbor allemande right ½, centers left ½, Partners right ½, centers left ½
Neighbor swing
B1 Long lines
Pass thru across & California twirl
B2 Gypsy star turn 3
Partner swing
Thanks to Mary Kate Portzman for the name of the dance.
Trip Through the Stars improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor balance & swing
A2 Gents allemande left 1 1/2
Partner swing
B1 Ladies chain
Star left
B2 Star right
Partner right hand balance & square through two
Twirling Girls by Jim Hemphill improper
A1 Neighbor twirl to swap and swing
A2 Long lines forward and back
Pass thru to an ocean wave, balance right and left
B1 Gents swing thru and swing your partner
B2 Ladies chain and on to the next
With next, circle right 4 places
Two Faces indecent By Jim Hemphill
A1 Short wave(Neighbor by left, center 2 by right) bal R & L, Centers slide right
Partner swing
A2 Bal in a circle & petranella
Bal in a circle & California twirl
B1 With next gypsy star 2 places
Neighbor swing
B2Left hands across star once around
Neighbor allemande left once and a bit to an ocean wave<
This dance starts from indecent formation (2's cross over instead of 1's), but the progression is improper so wait out with lady on right.
Two + Two Makes Three Proper
A1 2nd corners California twirl (4), pick up that other girl
3 circle left (8) Couple 2 arch high send Lady 1 back to her guy (4)
A2 Partners balance and swing
B1 Long lines forward give and take, gents take your neighbor back and swing
B2 Right left thru
Couple 1 have figure 8 above the 2's
A1 Gent 2 take lady 1's left hand in his right hand so as a couple you are facing gent 1, then do a California twirl to face lady 2, join hands in a circle of thre with lady 2 and circle left once and about a half more then couple 2 arch and send lady 1 thru. B2 To enhance the flow and give couple 2 something to do whie the 1's half figure 8, have couple 2 balance after couple 1 has passed between them the turn to face new neighbors.
A1 alternate call, 2nd corners are actually doing a move sort of between a California twirl and a star thru from square dance in that they are moving towards each other initially like the square dance star thru. I like the square dance patter and initially wrote A1 as below but changed it because more Contra dancers are familiar with Cal. twirl than star thru
A1 2nd corners star thru, pick up lady 2, 3 circle left is what you do,......2's arch high send lady 1 back to her guy
Under the Stars Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Balance the circle, gents underarm turn neighbor
Right handstar 3 places
A2 Next men allemande laeft once and a bit
Scoop your partner, star promenade then butterfly twirl
B1 Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B2 Circle left 3
Partner swing
A1 Gents turn lady in front, raise left arm in front and let woman turn under in front of you as you slide left, then bring ladies right hand down to place it on your right wrist to begin the star right
Up and Down and Around and Around Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Partner do si do and swing
A2 gents allemande left 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B1 Down the hall, turn alone and come back
B2 Circle left 3 places, slide left
With next neighbors circle left once around
Wave Goodby improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Long waves balance right and left, slide right
Next neighbor swing
A2 Long Lines
Gents allemande left 1 1/2
B1 Partner balance and swing
B2 Promenade
Right hand star 3 to a new long wave
Wave Goodby to Winter improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Wave of 4 bal forward & back, step forward to a new wave
Bal R & L, gents swing thru
A2 Partner gypsy & swing
B1 Ladies allemande right 1 1/2
Neighbor swing
B2 Circle left 4 places
Balance the circle then slide across to a wave*
Gents give your partner a little tug with your left hand, ladies slide across to the right and catch left hands in center as gents slide left, take neighbors right in your right.
Wave to your Neighbor improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 In long wavy lines balance right and left, slide right
Next neighbor swing
A2 Long lines forward and back
Pass thru to an ocean wave, balance right and left
B1 Gents swing thru (neighbor 1/2 by the right, men 1/2 by the left) and partner swing
B2 Circle left 3 place
Neighbor do si do once around, end gents facing out, ladies in, long wavy line
Teaching note: Generally an easy dance. In B2 some dancers will want to go 1 1/2 on the do si do. Emphasize the do si do is just once around, ending by taking your current neighbor in your right hand.
Wavyliscious improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Long waves balance right and left, slide right (waves - gents face out, neighbor by the right hand)
Next neighbor swing
A2 Circle left 3 and step to a wave
Balance right and left, gents swing thru
B1 Balance right and left, ladies swing thru
Partner swing
B2 Promenade
Star right 3 to a new long wave
Weave Well Enough Alone 4 facing 4 by Jim Hemphill
A1 Gents star left 2 places and swing the gal over yonder (diagonal neighbor)
A2 Ladies star Right half way, scoop you guy, star promenade 2 places back ome and butterfly whirl
B1 Corner allemande left once around
Partner pass by right and weave the ring,
B2 Partner balance and swing
Thanks Bob Green for the title.
The Weaving Wyandottes improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Circle left ½, as couples zig left, zag right (the progression)
With next neighbors circle right 3
B1 Partner twirl to swap and swing
B2 Long Lines
Balance and Petranella
B1 Twirl to swap, as dancers complete the circle right, drop hands with neighbors, make an arch with your partner, lady twirls thru the arch with a clockwise rotation and right into a swing
Where's Duke improper by Jim Hemphill
A1 Long lines forward and back
Circle left 3
A2 Balance the circle, Gents roll your neighbor away with a half sashay
Swing your partner
B1 Men allemande left 1 1/2 to an ocean wave
Balance right and left, Ladies swing thru, half by the right, half by the left
B2 Balance right and left, gents swing thru, half by the right, half by the left
Swing your neighbor
Whoever Is Right is Right improper* by Jim Hemphill
A1 Neighbor balance and swing
A2 Long lines
Couple 2 swing in the center (end facing down)
B1 Circle left half way, 1's in the center swing away
B2 Down the hall lines of 4
Put it in reverse, back up the hall, 1's arch, sling the 2's thru, balance and swing the next two.
*This dance works as long as couple 1 starts above couple 2. You will progress in the right direction irrigardless of which side you end a swing on. Designed for very beginners in a gender free calling environment.
Wild Hemp Becket by Jim Hemphill
A1 Right left thru
Ladies chain with a courtesy fling
A2 Pull by left, Next neighbor balance and swing
B1 Go down the hall in lines of 4, middle gent turn both ladies and return
B2 Invert the line and swing your partner
Caller's note A1: The Courtesy fling is a variation of the courtesy turn. The move begins like a regular courtesy turn. Gents will turn til they are facing up or down the set, then send the ladies out while keeping the left hand grip. Ladies turn rotating around that left hand connection to face the gent, so the move ends with lady and gent holding left hands facing each other on the side of the set looking in their direction of progression rather than side by side facing the center as in a normal courtesy turn
B2: The "Invert the Line" move is a fun way to enter a swing as long as there is a lady on the left and gent on the right end of the line of 4. The 2's make and arch as they bend the line to cross the set, The lady on the left, Lady 1, bends the line and leads her partner thru the arch to cross the set. For couple 1 the transition into a swing is like a circle left then swing. Couple 2 can have some fun with twirls out of the arch into a swing