Can be done as a group dance or as a couple dance. Traditionally, it starts out as a couple dance and then changes to a group dance.

The basic step is four running steps starting with the R foot. These steps are small and flat-footed, and there is a slight down motion on the R foot and a small up motion on the L foot.

As a couple dance, couples do the basic step in various patterns. These include, but are not limited to:

• holding both hands and running in small circles to L and then to R
• hooking elbows and running around each other
• go towards each other and then away from each other
• Hold inside hands. One partner turns towards free hand and goes under it until he or she faces partner. Then raise joined hands for the other partner to go under. Then they repeat the turn changing parts.

At some point the leader starts gathering up the other couples and the dance becomes a group dance done in a circle. At this point, the leader can initiate variations such as

• going around in one direction while people have their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them, then changing direction.
• clapping while running around in either direction
• holding waist of person in front of you, while going in either direction

Again, these are only suggestions. The leader can improvise other hand and arm postions.

The dance usually ends by having the leader break the circle, and snaking the line around until the music ends. This is usually done while holding the waist of the person in front of you.

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  Bob Shapiro
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  URL: http://www.folkdancenotes.com/