This is dance #217 in The Caller's Box, a contra dance database.

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Contra Clovers

by Cary Ravitz

Permission: full

FormationBase: Duple Minor - Becket
Progression: Single
Direction: CW

Figures:

A1

(8) In long lines, go forward and back

(8) Ladies chain to neighbor

A2

(8) Circle left 1

(2) Form two-leaf clover

(6) Two-leaf clover counterclockwise 3/4

B1

(2) Trade two-leaf clover

(6) Two-leaf clover clockwise 3/4

(2) Promenade clockwise around the major set to N2 (Drop hands to break clover; form promenade position with partner)

(6) N2 women do-si-do

B2

(4) Partner balance

(12) Partner swing

Calling Notes:

Forming two-leaf clover:
Keep hands held together.
Face neighbor
Men raise right hand, women left hand
Women turn clockwise 1/2 while sliding to neighbor's left

Trade the clover:
Keep hands together
Women slide back to back while men turn in place to reverse clover


"In the initial two leaf clover all four people are in line across the
set, women on the inside. The one man and two woman are together,
facing up and the two man and one woman are together, facing down.
Men's left hands are behind their neighbor's back and right hands are
across their front. Women's hands are crossed in front. Everyone is
facing counter-clockwise to turn the clover.

Then the clover shifts. Women slide back to back and men turn around
in place counter-clockwise, with no raised hands. This puts partners
together, facing clockwise.

As the clover ends, ones are facing down, twos are facing up. Men's
right arms are behind their partner's back, ready to start a back hold
promenade to the next couple.

The two leaf clover is an old square dance figure that I borrowed for
this dance. I do not know its origin."
Appearances: website Ravitz