Feedback is welcome! I would love to hear about your experiences, suggestions, or requests. If you have a video of one of my dances in action, please send it to me or post it on my Facebook page.

Contra Dances by Roni

• Max’s Mixed Messages – Posted 6/3/2019 – Larks orbit in both directions
• Double Negative – Posted 7/18/2018 – Larks RH Chain, Robins LH Chain, stars
• That’s Not How We Do It – Posted 1/7/2018 – Larks RH Chain, Robins LH Chain, RSA
• Complexity Swing – Posted 5/25/2017 – L/R diagonal half hey, Challenging
• Synchronized Swimming – Posted 12/25/2016 – Dolphin Hey, Star
• Swimming at Pinewoods – Posted 12/25/2016 – Dolphin Hey, X Trail
• Lisa’s Petting Zoo – Posted 8/22/2016 – Indecent Becket, Robins walk around P
  • The Petting Zoo Express – alternate version
• Just to See You Smile – Posted 8/22/2016 – Larks LH Chain
• Surf the Ocean – Posted 5/23/2016 – Progress from wave to wave, orbits
• The Wrong Way – Posted 5/23/2016 – Left Petronella, unusual Chains
• A Spin and a Stroll – Posted 5/23/2016, revised 8/22/16 – RO into walk

Max’s Mixed Messages (Intermediate)

Max’s Mixed Messages (Becket, CCW) by Roni Wiener
[Starting position: Becket (suggest circle right 1/4)]

A1  (8) Long lines, on the way back Larks roll the Robins away 
       (8) Larks lead 1/2 hey by Right while Robins slide Right, pass N by L (partial 1/2 hey), and begin Robins ALL Right x1.5
A2*  (8) Larks orbit 1/2 CCW (left shoulder to center, intersect) while Robins finish ALL (end on other side of set) 
        (2) Walk forward (along set) passing N by L to NN (6) NN Swing
B1   (8) Larks lead 1/2 hey by Left while Robins slide Left, pass P by R (partial 1/2 hey), and begin Robins ALL Left x1.5 
        (8) Larks orbit 1/2 CW (right shoulder to center, intersect) while Robins finish ALL (end on other side of set) 
B2   (16) Partner Balance and Swing or RSA and Swing

Teaching Notes:

• This is a reverse progression dance. Getting into Becket with circle right 1/4 (instead of left) will make the 1s progress down the hall). 
• This dance likes space! Stretch the lines before you start.
• Intersecting the orbits will provide a better flow and timing. Larks pass left shoulders in the first orbit, and right shoulders in the second orbit. 
• End effects: Dancers need to wait in Indecent formation (Lark on right, Robin on left) and will join back in during A2 for the NN Swing.

Background information:

• This dance was written for Max Newman from the Stringrays at the GODS 2019 weekend. Max mentioned that it can be confusing to remember which way to orbit, and wondered if any dances had orbits in both directions, which would be extra confusing! I wrote the dance that evening and called it the next day 🙂

Double Negative (Intermediate)

Double Negative (Becket, Indecent) by Roni Wiener
[Starting position: Becket, Larks on Right]
A1   (8) Star R x 1 [hands across, Robins drop out]
        (8) Larks RIGHT HAND chain [To N]
A2   (8) Star L x 1 [hands across, Larks drop out]
        (8) Robins LEFT HAND chain [to P]
B1   (8) Half a hey [Robins lead by L]
        (8) Partner Swing
B2   (8) Right and Left Through
        (4) Balance the ring (2) Pass Through (2) Robins lead R (cw) along set to NN 

Teaching Notes:

• For Left Hand chains, I suggest explaining the direction for the courtesy turn using an ALL right, then turning it into a courtesy turn
• The Larks are doing a Right Hand chain, which traditionally is done by Robins 
• For slower dancers, you can skip the ring balance in B2
• Style tip: Dropping out of the star by pushing away and looping over L/R shoulder to face back in creates a beautiful flow

Background information:

• The Double Chain Series: This dance is part of a series I wrote after a callers discussion about Larks Right Hand chains. I thought it would be interesting to have a dance with both a Larks RH chain and a Robins LH chain. I wasn’t sure if any existed, so I wrote a few.
• This choreography also reflects my efforts to promote dances that reverse or eliminate repetitive moves such as circling to the left. Variety and balance help reduce the uneven strain on dancers’ bodies.

That’s Not How We Do It (Intermediate)

That’s Not How We Do It   (Becket, Double Progression) by Roni Wiener
A1   (4) Balance the Ring (4) Larks Roll away P along set
        (8) Larks RIGHT HAND chain [To N]
A2   (8) Larks RSA (right should around) x1
        (8) Neighbor Swing
B1   (4) Balance the Ring (4) Robins Roll away N along set
        (8) Ladies LEFT HAND chain [to P]
B2   (8) On Right Diagonal Half a hey [Robins lead by L]
        (8) Partner Swing

Walkthrough Notes:

• For Left Hand chains, I suggest explaining the direction for the courtesy turn using an ALL right, then turning it into a courtesy turn

Background information:

• The Double Chain Series: This dance is part of a series I wrote after a callers discussion about Larks Right Hand chains. I thought it would be interesting to have a dance with both a Larks RH chain and a Robins ​LH chain. I wasn’t sure if any existed, so I wrote a few.
• This choreography also reflects my efforts to promote dances that reverse or eliminate repetitive moves such as circling to the left. Variety and balance help reduce the uneven strain on dancers’ bodies.

Complexity Swing (Advanced / Challenging)

Complexity Swing (Becket, CCW) by Roni Wiener
[Recommended start – top couple “out” (slide left)]
A1*  (4) Balance the Ring (4) Move one space right [Petronella], face NN
        (8) Star Right x1
A2   (8) On Left Diagonal, 1/2 a hey, Larks lead by Left [with Shadow 1]
        (8) Neighbor Swing
B1   (8) Right & Left Thru [with Shadow 2, may be on slight Right diagonal]
        (8) Star Left x 1
B2   (8) On Right Diagonal, 1/2 a hey, Robins ​lead by Right [with Shadow 1]
             [Larks only go 1/4 (pass Left with Shadow 1) and Right Shoulder Round with other Lark
              to return to Partner]
        (8) Partner Swing

Walkthrough Notes:

• This is a challenging dance and is very unforgiving of mistakes, definitely not recommended for inexperienced dancers.
• Please use the attached detailed instructions to increase your chances of a pleasant experience  🙂 The dance flows beautifully if dancers know where to go.
• At a minimum, please point out both shadows as they help keep the dance together. Explaining the end effects is also highly recommended.
• End effects: You are never really out of the dance. Key points: If there’s no couple on the diagonal for a hey, don’t go anywhere. On the ends, your partner and shadow will temporarily become your neighbor. After the partner swing, wait with the Larks on the Right and the Ravens on the Left. 
• Other tips: Better with longer lines, I recommend encouraging dancers to participate in the walk-through and avoid jumping in or switching lines
• A video of the dance is now available! Captured by Dave Pokorney at CDH 2019. Note that in the video Will mentor called a modified version with a Larks ALL right instead of the RSA. 

​Background information:

• This dance was written for Dennis Franklin, who wanted a half hey on both diagonals, a smooth flow, and “as much complexity as you can fit in a dance.”
• The name “Complexity Swing” is a humorous reference to Becky Hill’s “Simplicity Swing,” which, unlike this dance, is a great choice for less experienced dancers.
• Danced for the first time at Almost Heaven 2017, called by George Marshall.

Synchronized Swimming (Intermediate)

Synchronized Swimming by Roni Wiener
[Dolphin hey – can sub hey for 3]
A1   (16) Dolphin hey, Gent1 leads passing Lady2 by L
        [Gent2 completes star and loops over R sh to pass R with P]
A2   (16) N Balance and Swing
        [or RSA and Swing] 
B1   (8) Circle L x3/4
        (8) Partner Swing
B2   (8) Ladies Chain to N
        (8) LH Star x1 [except for Gent1, who starts DH after 7/8]

Walkthrough Notes:

• Tips for teaching the Dolphin Hey:
  • Start by asking Gent 1 to step between Couple 2 and face Lady 2
  • Lady 1 tacks on behind Gent 1
  • Teach hey for 3, Gent 1 starts passing Lady 2 by Left
  • Teach dolphin hey (alternating leads)
  • Remind people they should end up where they started, and give option of just doing hey for 3
• Progression: Gent1 needs to come out of star ready to pass a new Lady2 by the left, Lady1 follows Gent1. Gent2 needs to finish the star (cross the set) before turning back to pass Lady2 (Partner) by R
• End effects: None. Dancers need to remember they are re-joining in a new role for the dolphin hey.

Background information:

• This dance was written in October 2016 after Gaye Fifer got me excited about writing dances with a dolphin hey at Pinewoods. Melissa came up with the idea of the star progression into the dolphin hey.

Swimming at Pinewoods (Intermediate)

Swimming at Pinewoods (indecent) by Roni Wiener
[Starting position: Indecent – Roll P away]
A1   (4) Balance the Ring (4) X trail Thru to NN
        (8) Ones (active couples) 1/2 Figure 8
A2   (16) Dolphin hey, Ladies lead passing Gent 2 by R

B1   (8) Balance the Ring, Spin to the R
        (8) Partner Swing
B2   (8) Circle Left x3/4
        (8) Neighbor Swing

Walkthrough Notes:

• Tips for teaching the Dolphin Hey:
  • Start by asking Gent 1 to step between Couple 2 and face Lady 2
  • Lady 1 tacks on behind Gent 1
  • Teach hey for 3, Gent 1 starts passing Lady 2 by Left
  • Teach dolphin hey (alternating leads)
  • Remind people they should end up where they started, and give option of just doing hey for 3
• Progression: Gent1 needs to come out of star ready to pass a new Lady2 by the left, Lady1 follows Gent1. Gent2 needs to finish the star (cross the set) before turning back to pass Lady2 (Partner) by R
• End effects: Dancers re-join in the middle of A1. Dancers need to remember they are re-joining in a new role for the dolphin hey.

Background information:

• This dance was written at Pinewoods on 8/10/2016, after Gaye Fifer requested a contra with a dolphin hey.

Lisa’s Petting Zoo (written 8/21/16) – Intermediate

Lisa’s Petting Zoo (BECKET, Indecent) by Roni Wiener
[Starts in Indecent Becket formation (Gents on the Right)]
A1   (8) 1/2 hey, Ladies lead by L
        (8) Partner Swing
A2   (8) Circle Left x3/4
        (8) Neighbor Swing
B1   (8) Mad Robin [Gents in front, Look at P]
        (8) Gents 1/2 hey by L while Ladies slide L, pass P by R (partial 1/2 hey), and beign LSA x1
B2*  (8) Ladies finish LSA x1 and walk around P by R shoulder
        (8) Long Lines

Walkthrough Notes:

• End effects: On the ends, dancers need to wait in Becket Indecent position to come back in (Gents on the Right, Ladies on the Left), and slide left to join the Long Lines in B2.
• A detailed explanation of B1/B2:
  • For the Gents role: Coming out of the Mad Robin, the Gents use their forward momentum to continue into a standard 1/2 hey, passing left shoulder in the middle and their partner by the right. It’s essential that the Gents complete the 1/2 hey and remain in place until the Long Lines. They are serving as posts for the progression. I recommend asking the Gents to note where the other Gent is standing before the hey.
  • For the Ladies role: Coming out of the Mad Robin, the Ladies use their momentum to slide left and pass their partner by the right (a partial 1/2 hey), then Ladies LSA 3/4 (until they have their R shoulder to their partner). Ladies walk around their partner (who is facing into the set) until the Ladies are standing to the left of their partner, also facing into the set, and take hands in long lines. 
• Experienced contra dancers may automatically “correct” the Indecent formation by attempting to put the Ladies on the right. Remind them that the Ladies are supposed to end the dance on the left.
• Notes on timing: dancers tend to rush the transition from the Mad Robin into the 1/2 hey because they have momentum. Encourage them to take their time and match the music. This will prevent early arrival and allow them to enjoy the flow of the choreography. Stretching the lines to create space for wide loops will also help. On the other hand, some dancers have said their favorite part of the dance is arriving early and creatively interacting with their partner during the Ladies walk. The timing for this dance works best with plenty of space. In crowded halls or with high energy dancers, you may want to consider replacing the Ladies LSA with an ALL L x2 or substituting the following alternate version:
• The Petting Zoo Express (BECKET, Indecent) by Roni Wiener
  [Starts in Indecent Becket formation (Gents on the Right)]
  A1   (8) 1/2 hey, Ladies lead by L
          (8) Partner Swing
  A2   (8) Circle Left x3/4
          (8) Neighbor Swing
  B1   (8) 1/2 hey, Gents lead by L
          (8) Gents Ricochet while Ladies slide L, walk in, and begin Ladies ALL L
  B2*  (8) Ladies finish ALL L x1+1/2 and walk around P by R shoulder
          (8) Long Lines

Background information:

• This dance was written on 8/11/2016 at Pinewoods, after Lisa won the “personalized dance” I offered at the CDSS auction during American Week. It was called the following evening by Gaye Fifer.

Just to See You Smile (written 1/24/16) – Intermediate

Just to See You Smile   Roni Wiener  (technically, this dance is Indecent, Reverse Progression)
[Starting position: trade places with Neighbor]
A1    (4) Balance the Ring (4) Spin or slide Right
        (4) Balance the Ring (4) Spin or slide Right
A2    (8) Star L x 1 [Ladies drop out and loop over Right shoulder]
        (8) Gents LH Chain [to Partner]
B1    (8) Mad Robin [Gent in front, look at N]
        (8) Partner Swing
B2*  (8) Half hey, Gents start with Ricochet (Ladies cross the set) 
        (8) New Neighbor Swing  

        Alternate (easier) B2:
        (8) Circle Left x3/4, Pass Thru to NN
        (8) New Neighbor Swing

        Alternate (no NS) B2: 
        (8) Circle Left x3/4, Pass Thru to NN
        (8) NN Inside hands Balance (4) Star Thru

Walkthrough Notes:

• Begin with a Swing or Star Thru with N to get into starting position
• Style tip: Dropping out of the star by pushing away and looping over R shoulder to face back in creates a beautiful flow
• For original B2: Gents never cross the set, they just ricochet (going in clockwise direction) and end up where they started. Ladies end up trading places. New Neighbors are on the left. 
• The alternate version of B2 is more suitable for newer dancers
• End effects: None. Dancers will join back in during B2.

Background information:

• This dance was written on 1/24/2016 at Snowball for my partner Melissa, and called for the first time at Pinewoods on 8/10/2016.
• The name of the dance refers to a country song about making sacrifices to make your partner happy. Like re-writing this dance 20 times  🙂

Surf the Ocean (written 5/21/16) – Advanced

Surf the Ocean (BECKET) by Roni Wiener
[Starts in short waves, Ladies by L in center, R to P]
A1   (4) Balance the wave (6) Ladies ALL L x1 while Gents orbit
       (6) N Swing
A2   (6) Give and Take to Ladies side [or Gents cross]
       (10) Partner Swing [12 count swing for alt version]
B1   (8) 1/2 hey, Gents lead by left
       (8) Gents ALL L x1 while Ladies orbit [R to N, form wave]
B2*  (4) Balance the Wave (12) “Surf the Ocean:”
        Everyone take 1 step forward, turn right, Gents lead loop R to NN, Ladies follow, Pass Thru to Ocean Wave

Walkthrough Notes:

• The recommended way to guide dancers into the starting position is circle Left 1 place to get into BECKET, then Pass Thru to Ocean Wave
  • This method makes the original #1 couples progress down the hall
• End effects: None. On the ends, people need to wait in Becket position to come back in, as if they were going to slide left to NN (the dance may feel like a reverse progression because the partner swing is not on the “home” side, but it actually progresses in a clockwise direction)
• Tips for “Surf the Ocean”: Walk the first part (loop to new neighbors) separately. After everyone has a new hands four, walk Pass Thru to Ocean Wave. During the dance, the moves will flow together but combining them during the first walkthrough is disorienting. A demo is helpful. It requires at least 8 people.
• Notes on timing: dancers tend to rush or shortcut the loop to new neighbors because they are used to single file promenade and they’re nervous about an unfamiliar move. Encourage them to loop wide and advise them that there’s plenty of time. This will prevent early arrival and allow them to enjoy the flow of the choreography.
• This dance requires space to orbit. Remember to stretch the lines and teach people how to intersect their orbits. In crowded halls with very high energy/advanced dancers, consider calling the alternate version Speed Surfing instead.

Background information:

• This dance was written on 5/21/2016 at Almost Heaven, tested by a brave group of volunteers at dinner, and called by George Marshall the next morning, to the Millennial Narcissistic March by the Great Bear. Many thanks to everyone that participated in the process for your enthusiasm and willingness to experiment.
• My inspiration for the choreography was a desire to create a feel of free circular walking, a smooth flow punctuated by balances. I also wanted to watch people scatter from a wave in what appears to be random directions, only to magically re-emerge at a new wave. The left allemandes are designed to counteract the orbits and minimize dizziness.
• Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/4Z5HtJjjfhU

The Wrong Way (written Jan 2016) – Non-conventional

The Wrong Way (BECKET) by Roni Wiener
A1* (4) Balance the Ring (4) Spin LEFT, face NN
       (4) Balance the Ring (4) Spin LEFT
A2   (8) Star R x 1 [hands across, ladies drop out]
       (8) Gents RIGHT HAND chain [To N]
B1   (8) Star L x 1 [hands across, gents drop out]
       (8) Ladies LEFT HAND chain [to P]
B2   (4) Pass Through across the set [Alt: Half a hey, Ladies by L]
      (12) Partner Swing

Walkthrough Notes:

• This dance reverses the direction of traditional spins and chains. A humorous warning is recommended.
• The progression happens in A1, sliding right one couple before starting is recommended. Other suggestions on how to best begin are welcome.
• Spinning left is challenging for experienced dancers, teaching dancers to step in with their left foot first for the balance seems to help.
• Fully teach the reverse courtesy turn for the Left Hand Chain, even experienced dancers get confused. I suggest teaching it as an Allemande Right.
• Style tip: Dropping out of the star by pushing away and looping to face back in creates a beautiful flow
• End effects: Dancers will join back in during A1. On the ends, couples need to wait in Proper, non-Becket position (Gents on the Right) to join. 

Background information:

• This dance is part of a series of dances I wrote after a discussion about dances with a Gents Right Hand chain. I thought it would be interesting to have a dance with both a Gents RH chain and a Ladies LH chain. I wasn’t sure if any existed, so I wrote a few.
• On a related note, I like the idea of writing more dances that reverse or eliminate repetitive moves such as circling to the left. It’s good to create more balance to reduce the uneven strain on dancers’ bodies.

A Spin and a Stroll (written 01/23/16, updated 8/22/16)

A Spin and a Stroll BECKET  Roni Wiener
A1   (8) Circle L 3/4 into Short Wavy Line [Ladies take left hands in center, R to N]
        (4) Balance the wave [R&L*] (4) Slide R [as in R.O.]
A2  (2) Walk forward [to NN] (4) Next Neighbor Left Shoulder Round x3/4 (2) walk back into Short Wavy Line [Ladies take right hands in center, Left to N]
        (4) Balance the Wave [L&R*] (4) Slide L [as in R.O.]
B1   (2) Walk forward [to FN] (4) Former Neighbor Right Shoulder Round x3/4, walk back
        (10) Neighbor Swing
B2   (6) Give and Take to Gents side
        (10) Partner Swing, slide left to NN
        [*Always balance towards Neighbor first]

Walkthrough Notes:

• Teaching the balance as “towards your neighbor first” instead of Right or Left tends to produce better results
• Both wavy lines are with current Neighbors, all 4 dancers are in the same positions in both waves, but they face opposite directions in the second wave (as compared to the direction they each face in the first wave)
• End effects: Remind dancers to stay alert as they will be needed for the NN/FN interactions

Background information:

• This is the first dance I wrote!
• I wanted to walk forward out of a spin in both directions.
• I wrote this dance at Snowball 2016, and Frannie Marr literally took the just finished card out of my hand and called it. Thank you for your encouragement and support!