Metronella
By Rick Mohr; December 2023
Contra, Becket (right)
Level: Easy/Intermediate
| A1: |
Gents cross (passing right shoulders) and make a ring with new neighbors Balance the ring (4) Petronella turn (4) Balance the ring (4) |
| A2: |
Petronella turn (4) Balance the ring (4) Swing neighbor (8) |
| B1: |
Down the center, four in line (turn as a couple) (8) Return (bend the line to form a circle) (8) |
| B2: |
Circle left 3/4 (8) Swing partner (8) |
The structure of this dance echoes the classic dance Petronella, with figures more to the taste of modern urban contra dancers. So it had to be "Metro"nella.
The progression is unusual but not difficult. After the B2 partner swing gents cross the set passing right shoulders, and all look to new neighbors to form a ring and start anew.
Here are two ideas for handling the walkthrough:
- Start improper, with balance the ring. Teach the progression at the end, saying that it actually happens at the beginning of the dance. Then start the dance with balance the ring twice.
- Line up improper, everyone move one place to the right to make it Becket, and everyone shift left so you're across from the previous couple. Then teach the progression.
It's great to dance this to the actual Petronella tune if the band is up for it.