English Country Dance continues to evolve, bringing joy and connection to dancers around the world. Meet “Wink,” a captivating longways dance choreographed by Renée Camus on October 18, 2022. Set to the spirited traditional Irish slip jig “Wink and She’ll Follow You,” this dance offers an engaging experience for intermediate dancers and above.
Unveiling “Wink”: Inspiration and Creation
Camus, a seasoned choreographer, drew inspiration from the Whirligig’s rendition of “Wink and She’ll Follow You.” This lively tune, in D mixolydian, immediately sparked her imagination. Initially considered for another project, the music’s unique rhythm and charm led to the creation of “Wink.” Notably, Chris Sackett and Brooke Friendly’s dance “The Potter’s Wheel” provided further inspiration, particularly for the dolphin hey figure incorporated in “Wink.” Camus also acknowledges Brooke Friendly’s guidance in crafting inclusive, non-gendered instructions, making the dance accessible to all.
Instructions for the English country dance Wink, outlining the A1, A2, and B sections with detailed steps for each part.
“Wink” Dance Structure and Steps
“Wink” is structured in an AAB format, making it relatively easy to learn while offering rewarding complexity in its movements. The dance is designed for duple-minor longways sets and is considered intermediate level. Here’s a breakdown of the figures:
A1:
- Corners Cross and Turn: First corners initiate a “Hole in the Wall” cross while second corners perform a right turn single. This is followed by the second corners executing the “Hole in the Wall” cross as the first corners turn single right.
A2:
- Partners Poussette and Cloverleaf Turn: Partners engage in a half poussette clockwise. Subsequently, all dancers perform a cloverleaf turn single, ending in an improper position but returning home.
B:
- Dolphin Hey and Progression: First couples initiate a right-shoulder Dolphin Hey with the second couples. The lead dancer of the first couple (left-file dancer) crosses down, with their partner tucking behind to start the hey. Then, the first couples lead down the center and turn away from each other, progressing to new positions. Simultaneously, second couples move up the outside, continuing into a half figure-8 down, seamlessly transitioning from the hey. First couples balance forward and back during bars 7-8, concluding in progressed and proper positions, ready for the next repetition.
Teaching Tips for a Smooth “Wink”
To ensure a delightful experience with “Wink,” keep these teaching notes in mind:
- Leisurely A Sections, Intentional B Section: The A parts allow for relaxed execution of turn singles and crosses, while the B section requires more precise timing and intention, especially the entry into the dolphin hey and the subsequent figure-8 for the second couples.
- Poussette Flexibility: In A2, if partners are slightly apart after the cross/turn single from A1, it’s perfectly acceptable to begin the poussette without waiting to reconnect, maintaining the flow of the dance.
- Maintain Set Density: A tighter set is beneficial for timing. If the set becomes too wide, dancers may find it challenging to maintain the rhythm.
- Embrace Decisiveness: “They who hesitate are lost” is a playful motto for this dance, encouraging dancers to be confident and prompt in their movements.
“Wink” Gains Popularity in the Country Dance Scene
Since its creation, “Wink” has resonated within the English country dance community. It’s a testament to the dance’s appeal that it was published in the Spring 2024 edition of the CDSS Newsletter. Furthermore, esteemed dance teachers like Joanna Reiner Wilkinson and Anna Rain have incorporated “Wink” into prestigious dance events, including Lady of the Lake, advanced workshops in Boston, and NEFFA. Anna Rain is also featuring “Wink” at the Playford-to-the-Present Ball in 2024, highlighting its growing recognition and enjoyment among dancers.
Sheet music excerpt for the tune “Wink and She’ll Follow You,” a traditional Irish slip jig in D Mixolydian, ideal for accompanying the English country dance Wink.
Experience the Charm of “Wink”
“Wink” offers a refreshing and engaging addition to the repertoire of English country dances. Its blend of traditional inspiration with creative choreography makes it a rewarding dance to learn and perform. We encourage you to download the instructions and music, gather your fellow dancers, and experience the delightful steps of “Wink” for yourself! Explore more captivating English country dance choreographies by Renée Camus to further enrich your dance journey.
