By Paul Balliet
Composed 1993
| Source | B. Hill, P. Balliet and C. Kopp, "Twirling Dervish Returns" |
| Level | med (assigned by the editor) |
| Type | Contra |
| Formation | Becket |
| A1 | (8) (Same two) gents allemande left 1 1/2 (8) Neighbors promenade CCW in a big oval, along the set and across at ends Couples who are out must join the promenade else be out forever! |
| A2 | (4) Women turn back (out over right shoulder) (this is the progression) (12) New neighbors gypsy and swing |
| B1 | (8) Promenade home (until across from partner) (8) Ladies chain (to partner) |
| B2 | (4) Pass through across the set (12) Partners swing |
Author's Notes:
During the pass through, have the men walk ahead of their partner. This improves the transition into the swing.
The idea to progress in a promenade came from Gene Hubert's dance, "Gang of Four." I first called this at the 1993(?) "Balance and Swim," a favorite dance party thrown by Charlotte and Rich Cobos in West Virginia.
Fairport Harbor lies east of Cleveland along Lake Erie.
Editor's Notes:
Teaching tip (especially helpful for less experienced dancers): while dancers are swinging their new neighbor, mention that if you have your partner then you are about to be out. Otherwise such couples may attempt to join the ladies chain.
Calling tip: remind the dancers who are out to join the promenade. It can be difficult to recover if a couple forgets.
This dance is from American Country Dances On Line
All rights reserved by the author; used by permission.
Added to database 7/6/1998; last revised 3/2/2002; edited by Russell Owen