The Country of Marriage

by Susan Kevra <>

A Becket formation contra.

Susan writes, "This dance was written for Bill Tomczak on our first anniversary, which was celebrated upon Bill's return from a two week trip to Czechoslovakia in 1992. The theme of departure, separation and return are suggested in the dance's storyline, for those who seek meaningful symbolism in a contradance! After a bunch of wandering around, you finally find your partner for a swing. The dance takes its name from a poem by Wendell Berry.

Suggested music: Beaumont Rag (particularly if Bill's playing it!)

A1

• Circle Left 3/4 and do-si-do neighbor
• women in center join left hands;
• join right with neighbor to a line of 4

A2

• Balance the line
• Women allemande Left once around
• Swing neighbor

B1

• Promenade (the dance originally called for a right and left through here)
• Gents allemande Right 3/4 to a fleeting long line
• Gents immediately turn Left with the next [the "zig-zag chain" mentioned below.]
• while women slide Left to meet partner for a

B2

• Balance & swing partner