The Double Helix
by Sue McKinnell 4X32 Strathspey for 4C (Set Dance)
	3C and 4C begin the dance crossed over
Bars
1-8	1C and 2C, 3C and 4C dance the helix: 1C and 2C, 3C and 4C set advancing to pass partners LS, pull RS back and dance back to place, cross RH with partners, and dance RH across halfway.
9-16	1C and 4C (in the center) dance a circulating knot: 1C and 4C turn partners RH to end 1C facing down on the men's side and 4C facing up on the women's side, dance down or up the side of the set and across to the diagonally opposite position. Then the men lead the women across to the other side and all turn halfway to the sides (this knot is danced as if each couple is the trailing couple in a regular knot).
17-24	2C and 4C, 1C and 3C dance ladies chain.
25-32	4C and 1C set, turn partners BH once round, then dance up or down and cross out the ends of the set and cast off or up 1 place; 4C crossing up between 2C and 1C crossing down between 3C. Ending order is 2, 4, 1, 3 with 1C and 3C on opposite sides.
Repeat.
Suggested music is The Old School Strathspey from 12 Scottish Country Dances by Mervyn Short.
At the 2013 Madison Ball, Lynn Litterer mentioned a figure she'd danced at a workshop earlier that day (the Helix) and asked if I could create a dance for which the name Double Helix would be appropriate. This is the first of several dances I came up with.
	03/13