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Pat-a-Cake Polka
Formation: Couple, Concentric circles of men and women (men on the inside facing partner), OR you can start couples scattered throughout the room, to get more space, especially for a lively crowd. Old-time style (non-mixing couple dance) or can be used as a mixer.
Difficulty: 1
Style: English
A: | Face along circle to man's left and take inside hands or ballroom hold. Using outside foot (men left, women use right) tap heel, toe, heel, toe; chassé 4 steps round circle. |
Face the other way and repeat - heel & toe twice with other foot; 4 steps round circle to man's right. |
B: | Clapping with partner: R R R, L L L, both both both, knees or round the back (man round woman's waist, woman behind man's heads) [Note: when calling I find it hard to describe the the timing right - helps to hear the band play the music before calling]. |
Right arm turn partner once round, slide left to new partner. |
Another version of B2: 3 bars polka stepping or whatever moving once round, then W move fwd to pass on in 4th bar.
If you're using the scattered-couples setup instead of a circle formation, in B2 couples just polka round; or if preferred, yet another version of B2: couples say goodbye and rush off to find new partners in time for A1.
Music: Music: 16-bar schottisches or polkas. Can accelerate gently.
Thumbnail: Heel & toe x2, go forwards; repeat the other way; clapping; move on.