Beckett’s Reel – as published in Zany Contras and Other Stuff by Chris Kermiet

Beckett’s Reel

I believe it’s good to go back and do some of the more traditional *^{see footnote} New England contras at our dances. Many of the older contras are great dances. And it would be a shame if we lost touch with this part of our dance heritage. I frequently try to program one of them when I call a dance. So I thought I should include one in this book, too. The one I’ve chosen is Beckett’s Reel (*). I’m also including one of my own variations. [...] The basic progression in Beckett’s Reel is often confusing. The diagonal right and left through, followed by the right and left through with the new couple across the set, is disorienting for some dancers. Therefore, I recommend that you teach it carefully, and that you use a moderate New England tempo for this dance. With a fast tempo, it becomes frantic. Also, the dance is not forgiving at all if someone makes a mistake. I’d recommend walking through it twice. Make sure all the new dancers are not in the same set. You may download a copy of the dance notes (pdf).

A1: With your corner, allemand left & partner swing (16).

If you, make a long line up and down the hall, your corner is the lady next to you. At the ends of the set, your corner is across from you. You will have the same corner throughout the dance.

A2: Ladies chain (16).

For the ladies chain over & back, a courtesy turn, rather than a twirl, is a good idea here, as it helps everyone to be facing on the diagonal for the next figure.

B1: On the left diagonal, right and left through (8);

At the ends of the set, if you are not facing someone on the left diagonal, just wait there for 8 counts. This is very important.

B2: Left hand star (8); And a right hand star the other way back (8).

With this same couple you just did the right and left through with.