Here are some of my dances for you to look at. To print or download a PDF of the dance description, click the pdf links.
Moon Shadows pdf
by Bob Olson – 2017
Music: Call It a Night Julie King ©1994 32 bars 3/4
Recorded on Contra-intelligence by KGB Audio
Formation: Longways Duple Minor
Count in (steps)
A (12) 1st corners (M1 & W2) R-hand turn approx. 1-1/2.
(12) Cast around neighbor & back to place.
(12) 1st corners (M1 & W2) R-shoulder back to back, turning out when left shoulders meet. while 2nd corners (M2 & W1) orbit.
(6) Circle 4-hands to left halfway round
(6) Partners 2-hand turn halfway.
B (12) 1st corner position (M2 & W1) R-hand turn approx. 1-1/2.
(12) Cast around neighbor & back to place.
(12) 1st corner position (M2 & W1) R-shoulder back to back, turning out when left shoulders meet. while 2nd corner position (M1 & W2) orbit.
(12) Circle 4-hands to left once round.
A simplified alternative version for those that can’t take long strides:
Half Orbits: count in (steps)
A (12) 1st corners (M1 & W2) R-hand turn approx. 1-1/2.
(12) Cast around neighbor & back to place.
(12) M1 & W2 R-shoulder B-2-B, turning out when left shoulders meet
while W1 & M2 orbit half way, to others place
(12) Circle 4-hands to left once round
B (12) 2nd corners (W1 & M2) R-hand turn approx. 1-1/2.
(12) Cast around partners & back to place.
(12) W1 & M2 R-shoulder back to back, turning out at end
while M1 & W2 orbit half way, to others place
(6) Circle 4-hands to left halfway round.
(6) Neighbors 2-hand turn halfway
A Welcome Dream pdf
by Bob Olson – 2016
Music: O’Carolan’s “Welcome” 32 bars 5x 3/4
Formation: Longways DM
Count in Beats (steps)
A (6) Set into center of set
(6) Turn single R.
(12) Partners two hand turn.
(6) Circle L 1/2 way with hands.
(6) Turn single L.
(6) Taking 4-hands, Into center (3 steps) & balance in.
(6) Balance back raising hands, 3 steps back letting go hands.
B (12) Partner back-to-back. (long, 6 out 6 back)
(6) Gypsy partner 1/2,
(6) Turn single L
(24) 4 changes Right and Left (6 steps / side)
April Nights pdf
Bob Olson – 2019
Tune: April Waltz (AABB) 3/4
Recording: Perpetual E-Motion X5
Longways DM
Count in beats (steps)
A1 (6) 1s cast down one place, 2s leading up bars.
(18) Full fig. 8, start 1s crossing down as new 2s (below) cast up on outside.
A2 (12) 1s and original 2s (above) mirror back to back 2s split 1s
(12) 1s long cast (come close) back up to the top, 2s moving down bars 3&4.
B1 (6) No-hands circle left 1/2 round more (2 places) [progressed improper]
(6) Turn single left – into
(12) Partner L-shoulder gypsy once round
B2 (12) 1s cross up cast down (1/2 fig. 8) while 2s cast down and lead up
(12) 1s lead up cast down, while 2s cast down and cross up (1/2 fig. 8).
Antonio’s Maggot pdf
by Bob Olson – 2018
Music: Dancing Vivaldi (Double Violin Con. Op.3, No. 8 arranged by Van Kaynor)
Recording by The Moving Violations on Elasticity – ABCD 32 bars 5x
Formation: Longways duple minor
A 1-4: Neighbors R-shoulder siding
A 5-8: Partners L-shoulder siding
B 1-8: Partners back to back
B 5-8: Neighbors back to back
C 1-8: starting with neighbor 4-changes circular hey
D 1-2: 1st corners change
D 3-4: 2nd corners change
D 5-6: Partners change
D 7-8: 3/4 cloverleaf turn-single in (to end facing new set and neighbor)
Butterfly Meadow pdf
By: Bob Olson – 2017, Rev. 2020
Music: The Butterfly – 24 bars (AABBCC) 9/8
Recording by Roguery on ‘Impropriety V1’ ~115 ppm
Formation: Longways duple minor – 1s improper
Counts in beats (steps)
A1 1-4 (12) Set & turn single
A2 5-8 (12) Circle left
B1 1-4 (12) Gate neighbor, lady forward man backs up, end facing partner
B2 5-8 (12) 1/2 pousette (CW, women push)
C1 1-4 (12) 1/2 draw pousette (CW, men push)
C2 5-8 (12) 2 changes, without hands
Devotion pdf
By: Bob Olson – 2018
Music: Miss Fetherston (Carolan’s Devotion) 40 bars 3/4
Recording: Miss Fetherston ~120 BPM (1.05x speed)
Formation: 3 Couple longways
Counts in beats (steps)
A1 (6) Step right and honour
A1 (6) Step left and honour
A1 (12) Partners R-shoulder gypsy
A2 (24) Circle hands-6 to left once round
B (6) 1s & 2s 1/2 Mad Robin, (M1 in)
B (12) 1s & 3s Mad Robin, (W1 in) 2-3-1
B (6) 1s & 2s 1/2 Mad Robin, (W1 in) 1-2-3
(12) 1s & 2s 1/2 pousette, (M1 – W2 push)
(12) 1s & 3s 1/2 pousette, (W1 – M3 push) 2-3-1
(24) Mirror hey for three on sides 2s split 3s
Every’s Maggot pdf
By: Bob Olson (2020)
Music: Doctor Who Pirate Jig by Martha Stokely (2006) 6/8
Recording: Doctor Who Pirate Jig, Childgrove, Wanderlust
Longways Duple minor
Count in (steps)
A1 (4) Partner change L-shoulder (ending close) [1/2 gypsy]
A1 (4) Turn single-R
A1 (4) Partner change R-shoulder (ending close) [1/2 gypsy]
A1 (4) Turn single-L
A2 (16) Single file circle left (CCW all home)
B1 (4) Neighbor (On sides) change L-shoulder (ending close) [1/2 gypsy]
B1 (4) Turn single-R
B1 (4) Neighbor change R-shoulder (ending close) [1/2 gypsy]
B1 (4) Turn single-L
B2 (4) 2nd corners change by left
B2 (4) 1st corners change by right
B2 (4) Partners R-hand turn 1/2
B2 4) Partners set R&L
Farewell to Innocence pdf
Bob Olson – 2017
Tune: Farewell Marian, blue book AABA 32 bars 6x 3/4
Recording: Bare Necessities
Longways 6 Couples
A1&A2 1-16: Mirror hey for 6
B 1-2: 1s lead down as 6s lead up to meet in center.
B 3-4: W1 & M6 change , W6 & M1 change
B 5-6: continue leads to ends (6s up – 1s down)
B 7-8: 6s & 1s cast (to 3rd & 4th place, improper)
while 2s+3s move up and 4s+5s move down
A3 1-4: All set, turn single
A3 5-8: Partner back to back
Note:
Start order: 123456
1st Progression: 236145 Improper
2nd Progression: 365214
3rd Progression: 654321
4th Progression: 541632
5th Progression: 412563
End: 123456
Floating on a Cloud pdf
Bob Olson – 2018
Music: Umbra, Dave Bartley ©2015 32 bars Umbra pdf 3/4
Recording: Umbra, Roguery, Seattle Ball 2017 Audio
Formation: Longways Duple Minor
Count in beats (steps)
A1 (6) (start chevron) 1st corners change by right
(6) fallback to neighbors place while 2nd corners cast
(12) 1/2 straight pousette, 2nd corners push partners
A2 (6) (start chevron) 2nd corners change by left
(6) fallback to neighbors place while 1st corners cast
(12) 1/2 straight pousette, 1st corners push
B1 (24) Four Changes with hands: start with neighbor right hand, 6 steps per hand
B2 (6) All circle 1/2 round, CW, no hands,
(6) Turn single left
(6) Partners cross L-shoulders to own side, progressed
(6) Turn single right
Fuzzy Thinking pdf
Bob Olson – 2016
Music: Aislin’s Jig by Ruth Anne Fraley (2004) AABBCC 6x 9/8
recorded by Roguery on CD “Impropriety Vol. 1” ~118 bpm
Formation: 3 Couple
A (6) All Set advancing
(6) Turn single Right
(12) Partner turn R-hand around
[Men end facing up]
BC (48) Mens short sheepskin hey
A (6) All Set advancing
(6) Turn single Left
(12) Partner turn L-hand around
[Women end facing up]
BC (48) Women’s short sheepskin hey
The Green Muse pdf
Bob Olson – 2018
Music: Pernod Waltz by Johnny Cunningham (1984) 3/4 Music – pdf
Recording: Bare Necessities, Arranged
Duple Minor longways
A1 1-4: All circle left Half round, balance the ring
5-8: 1st corners gypsy once round
A2 1-4: All circle left Half round, balance the ring
5-8: 2nd corners gypsy once round
B1 1-4: 1st corners take right hands balance forward and back, California Twirl
5-8: 2nd corners take right hands balance forward and back, California Twirl
B2 1-4: Partner Back to Back
5-8: Partners R-hands balance forward and back, California Twirl
Video: https://youtu.be/jShfeEkk9UY
High Expectations pdf
By: Bob Olson – 2017
Music: Trail’s End by Dave Bartley (2003) 32 bars 3/4
recorded on Seattle Ball 2016 CD
Formation: Longways duple minor
A 1 – 2: 1s lead down, 2s cast up.
A 3 – 4: 2s turn single up as 1s turn out to start up into
A 5 – 12: Double figure 8, 2s crossing down
A 13 – 16: Partners L-shoulder gypsy once round.
B1 1 – 2: 1st corners cast while 2nd corners loop in to neighbors place
B1 5 – 8: 1st corners pass L-shoulder, figure 8 round 2nd corners.
B2 1 – 2: (new) 1st corners cast while 2nd corners loop in to neighbors place.
B2 5 – 8: 1st corners pass L-shoulder, figure 8 round 2nd corners.
Limbic Resonance or (Resonance) pdf
By: Bob Olson – 2017
Music: The Dancing Betty (lively) from Impropriety Vol. ll
AABB (32 bars) x5 (~105 BPM)
recorded by Roguery on CD “Impropriety Vol. ll”
Formation: 4 Couple Longways Becket
Fig. 1
A1 1 – 8: Women cross, R-shoulder round opposite to figure 8 around men, end home
A2 1 – 8: Men cross, L-shoulder round opposite to figure 8 around women, end home
B1 1 – 2: Men change R-shoulder
B1 3 – 4: Women change R-shoulder
B1 4 – 8: Circle 4-hands to left once round
B2 1 – 4: Ends 3/4 gate middles to end in line of 4 across
B2 5 – 8: Set and turn single
Fig. 2
A1 1 – 8: top couples 1/2 fig. 8, turn R-hand back to place
A2 1 – 8: bottom couples 1/2 fig. 8, turn R-hand back to place
B1 1 – 8: All circle left once round
B2 1 – 4: Ends 3/4 gate middles to end in line of 4 on sides
B2 5 – 8: Set and turn single
Note: The set will continually change between longways (fig. 1) and across (fig. 2).
Limbic Resonance is an idea that our brain chemistry and nervous systems are affected through empathy with those closest to us.
On Marion’s Deck pdf
Bob Olson (2020)
Tune: Farewell Marian, In Barnes, AABA 32 bars 6x 3/4
Recording: Bare Necessities
3 Couples, Longways
Count in Beats (steps)
A1 1-8 (24) Crossover hey (mirror-image – 1s cross down)
A2 1-8 (24) Crossover hey (mirror-image – 1s cross back)
B1 1-8 see Note for steps*
(12) 1s down the center to bottom While 2s & 3s, cast one place up,
(12) 1s turn single down While 2s & 3s turn single up,
A3 1-2 (6) All set,
3-4 (6) Turn single,
5-8 (12) Partner back to back.
*Note: B1 is done with two sequences of:
(6) 2 waltz steps folded by
(6) 2 hesitation waltz steps {step, touch, hold}
Spread out. Keep the set BIG.
On the Wing pdf
Bob Olson – 2018
Music: All the Birds in Ballard by Marni Rachmiel 3/4
Recording: Wergeland, Bartley, Seattle Ball 2016 Audio
Longways triple minor, double progression
A1 1-4: 1s cast as 2s lead up
5-8: 1s cross and cast Man down Woman up to middle of ends
While 2s & 3s R-shoulder Gypsy partner once round
A2 1-8: L-shoulder hey for 3 on ends, M1 & M3, W1 & W2 start
B1 1-8: L-shoulder hey for 3 on sides, M1 & L2, W1 & M3 start
B2 1-4: 1s cast as 3s lead up, 1s cross
5-8: All R-hand turn partner once round
One April Day pdf
By: Bob Olson – 2018
Music: April Waltz (AABB) 3/4
Recording by Perpetual E-Motion ~ 94%
Formation: Longways DM
Count in beats (steps)
A1 (12) 1s long cast (come close) down one place, 2s leading up bars 3&4.
(12) 1s and next 2s (below) 4-hands (R-hand star) once around.
A2 (12) 1s and original 2s 4-hands (L-hand star) circle once around.
(12) 1s long cast back up to the top, 2s moving down bars 3&4.
B1 (6) No-hands circle left 1/2 round more (2 places) [progressed improper]
(6) turn single left – into
(12) L-shoulder gypsy partner once round
B2 (12) 1s, 1/2 fig. 8 above (original 2s)
(12) 2s,1/2 fig. 8 blow (original 1s)
* Or – B2 (24) Full double figure 8, 2s cross down as 1s cast up
Partners pdf
By: Bob Olson – 2018
Music: Partners (32 bars x6) 3/4
recorded by Roguery on CD “Impropriety Vol. IV” (32 bars x7)
Formation: Longways 3 couple
Count in beats (steps)
A (24) Circle hands-6 to left once round, thus:
[2 waltz steps, 2 single steps, 2 waltz steps, 2 single steps]
A (12) Partners R-shoulder gypsy once round
A (12) Partners R-shoulder back to back
B (12) 1s cast to 3rd place while 2s & 3s L-hand turn once round moving up – into…
B (24) Circle hands-6 to right once round, as above in A
B (12) Partners L-shoulder swirly siding.
Seven Years of Joy Rev. 2018
Music: Seven Years, played AABBCC (48 Bars) X3 3/4
Recording
Circle Mixer
A1 1-4 Face partner, Set twice
A1 5-8 Turn R-hand once round
A2 1-4 Face neighbor, Set twice
A2 5-8 Turn neighbor L-hand once round
B1 1-4 Face partner R-shoulder gypsy once round (Hey for three)
B1 5-8 Face neighbor L-shoulder gypsy once round
B2 1-8 Repeat B1,
Double progression:
C1 1-2 Face partner, set,
C1 3-4 All make a wide cast BACK one place (6 long steps),to end facing original neighbor.
C1 5-8 Turn two-hands.
C2 1-8 Repeat. (Women always end facing CW, Men CCW.)
Silk Slip pdf
By: Bob Olson – Rev. 2017
Music: Your Slip is Showing by Chris Sackett 9/8 (AABCC)
recorded by Roguery on CD “Impropriety Vol. V” 40 bars 3x ~124bpm
Formation: Longways for Three Couples
1 – 8: 1s cross R-shoulder cast, 1/2 fig 8 up pass R-shoulder to face 1st corners
while 2s lead up on 3-4
9 – 10: 1s change places with 1st corners R-shoulder, 1st corners pass R-shoulder to face next corner (2nd corners set for 2 bars)
11 – 12: centers & 2nd corners change places R-shoulder, 2nd corners
pass R-shoulder to face next corner, 1s set for 2 bars
13-14: Ones in to center
15-32: Repeat this fig. until 2s and 3s are back in original places
33-40: 1s cross R-shoulder and cast, as 3s lead up
1s 1/2 fig. 8 up end on own side.
Notes:
1. In the hey you always pass Right shoulder, always pass the same person going in, pass R-shoulder in center, always pass the same person going out. Each person will be in each corner and end where they started.
2. The whole sequence is done four times in 24 bars of music so the sequence goes across the music phrase.
Silver Surf – Rev. 2017 pdf
By: Bob Olson
Music: Silver September by Mik Lammers 7×32 3/4
recorded by Masquerade on the CD “An Enchanted Place”
Formation: Longways triple minor
A1 1-4: 1s 1/2 fig. 8 down
5-8: 1s cross and cast, 2s lead up on 7-8
9-16: Mirror hey on sides, 1s split 3s, 2s & 3s cast out.
B1 1-8: Diagonal Dolphin hey M1 followed by W1 start passing R-shoulder with M3
9-16: Diagonal Dolphin hey 1s start passing L-shoulder with W3
Starlight Rapture pdf
Bob Olson (2018)
Music: Felicity by Dave Brown 2002 3/4
Felicity sheet music: https://colinhume.com/abc.aspx?T=Felicity
Recording: Felicity, Bare Necessities, An Invitation to Waltz
Three couple set
A1 1 – 4: 1st lady set R. and L. to 1st man who then turns his back on her and casts down to the bottom of the set, the lady moving down the centre at the same time.
A1 5 – 8: 1st couple L.H. star all round with 3rd couple.
A2 1-4: 1st man sets R. and L. to 1st lady who then turns her back on him and casts up to place, the man moving up the centre at the same time.
A2 5-8: 1st couple L.H. star all round with 2nd couple.
B1 1-8: 1st couple cross down (as 2nd couple cast up) and pass outside the 3rd couple to start hey for three on sides.
B2 1-4: 1st man star L with 2nd and 3rd lady while 1st lady star R with 2nd and 3rd man.
B2 5-6: 1st couple cross down to bottom While 3s cast up.
B2 7-8: 2s &1s turn single up.
Thursday Afternoon pdf
Bob Olson (2020)
Tune: A Distant Flute by Marjorie Millner 32 bar 3/4
Duple minor
Count in beats (steps)
A1 1-4 (12) Star R-hand once round
A1 5-8 (12) Partners Back-2-Back
A2 1-2 (6) 1s lead down the center,
A2 3-4 (6) 1s wheel around (man backs) as 2s cast up to face down
A2 5-8 (12) 1s L-hand turn 2s to end progress and improper
(end with men facing out, women face in for)
B1 1-8 (24) Open Ladies-chain over and back
B2 1-4 (12) Star L-hand once round
B2 5-6 (6) 1s L-hand turn 1/2 way to end progress
B2 7-8 (6) 1s turn single right
The following dances are studies in triple tandem Dolphin heys. A triple tandem Dolphin hey has three couples moving as tandem pairs, all with lead changes at the ends as in a normal Dolphin hey. They are presented as thoughts on the concept.
Braided River pdf
By: Bob Olson – 2017
Music: Elocine by Bo Leyden 3/4
recorded by Roguery on CD “Impropriety V1” 32 bars 5x 133 bpm
Formation: Longways 5 Couple Set, 2s and 4s Improper
A 1-2: 1s lead down center, 2s cast up.
A 3-4: 1s down outside, 3s lead up.
5-8: All couples L-hands once round.
9-16: 1s start passing R-shoulder with M3 for triple tandem Dolphin hey (1s, M3+W2, M4+W5 in tandem, diagonal hey with lead change), 1s finish in 3rd place.
B1 1-8: 1s start passing L-shoulder with W4 for triple tandem Dolphin hey (1s, W4+M5, W3+M2 in tandem, diagonal hey with lead change), 1s finish in 3rd place.
9-10: 1s cross down, 4s cast up.
11-12: 1s down outside, 5s lead up.
13-16: all couples cross left-shoulder (1/2 gypsy), turn single R.
The Squirrel Tree pdf
By: Bob Olson 2018
Music: Squirrels by Paul Hutchinson (2012) 32 bars AABB 3/2
Recording: Roguery, Impro. Vol. V (used at ~110BPM) ~110%
Formation: Three couple longways or Triple minor?
Bars (steps)
A 1-4 (12) 1s meet, cast to 2nd place (2s move up on 3&4)
A 5-8 (12) 1st man 1/2 figure-8 through 3rd couple round woman,
1st woman 1/2 figure-8 through 2nd couple round man.
1st man and 1st woman change ends passing R-shoulders.
A2 1-6 (18) 1st man hands-3 CCW with 2s 1½,
while 1st woman hands-3 CCW with 3s.
A2 7-8 (6) 1st couple pass R shoulder, go into middle facing up while w2 and m3 continue to ends of a line of six down the center.
B 1-8 (24) Triple tandem dolphin hey, w1 start right shoulder up with m2.
B2 1-2 (6) Gypsy partner right to proper sides,
B2 3-4 (6) 2s turn single left while 1s cast to 3rd place as 3s move up the center.
B2 5-8 (12) L-shoulder partner back to back.
Notes:
At the beginning of the dolphin hey the order from the top is w2, m2 (facing down), w1, m1 & w3, m3 (facing up).
Partners dance in tandem switching leads at ends.
Pepper Sauce pdf
By: Bob Olson – 2018
Music: Bobe’s Pepper by Chuck Corman 32 bars AABB 2/2
Recording: Bobe’s Pepper, Arranged x9
Formation: Longways TM
A 1-8: Crossover hey for 3 on sides (only 1s cross)
A2 1-8: 1s cross, cast to 2nd R-hand turn 3/4 to face up
– While 2s R-hand turn about 1 1/4 moving up to face down
– and 3s L-hand turn about 1 1/4 to face up
B1 1-8: Triple tandem dolphin hey, w1 start right shoulder up with m2,
– all end proper & progressed.
B2 1-3: All dance away from the set
B2 4-6: All loop left to face back in
B2 7-8: All dance back to the set
Notes:
At the beginning of the dolphin hey the order from the top is w2, m2 (facing down), w1, m1 & w3, m3 (facing up).
Partners dance in tandem trading leads at ends.
Bobe’s Pepper by Chuck Corman from The Moving Violations CD Elasticity.
The Wandering Mage pdf
By: Bob Olson – Rev. 2 – 2019
Music: The Last Mage by Mik Lammers 24 bars ABB 3/4
Recording: The Wandering Mage
Formation: Longways triple minor double progression
Count in beats (steps)
A (6) 1s cast down as 2s lead up
(6) 3s cast up as 1s lead down
(12) Gypsy partner once round plus a little to end in line
B1 (24) Triple tandem dolphin hey, m3 start right shoulder up with w2.
B2 (12) Gypsy partner right to proper sides, turn single left.
(6) Balance forward & back
(6) Big turn-single up.
Notes:
At the beginning of the dolphin hey the order from the top is m2, w2 (facing down), m3, w3 & m1, w1(facing up). Partners dance in tandem switching leads at ends.
