This dance was written especially for the Winter Solabration. I wanted something Christmassy and different. Many of you will recognize that the first part of this dance is similar to Gay Gordons. It is crafted to use a medley of march-like Christmas tunes — Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Here We Come a-Wassailing, and Joy to the World. Please note the structure of these tunes. They all have an eight-measure (16 beat) first part, or A part, followed by a twelve-measure (24 beat) B part. Except in the case of Here We Come a-Wassailing, where the B part is only eleven measures long. It's NOT NECESSARY to add an extra measure to even it out. In fact, it sounds awkward if you do that. Dancers are used to this familiar carol, and will be ready to start after eleven measures. Trust me on this. And don't tell the dancers — it may just confuse them. The swing will be shortened by a couple of beats, but no one will notice. They'll just start in the right place. If you don't trust me, you can drop the middle tune, but I think it's a nice contrast with the others. (You can see it on the video.)
As in Gay Gordons, this is way easier to teach with a demo couple or two. Or with you teaching and showing it from the floor.
Download a pdf of the Christmas carol medley. Download a pdf of the dance notes.
