- Era: 1910s
Among the variations listed for the half and half in the 1914 collection Dance Mad is an interesting waltz which, unusually for the half and half, involves stepping on all five beats of the bar rather than on the usual first, fourth, and fifth beats. It doesn't have a name; the description is simply labeled "Sixth Figure" and is one of eight figures credited to "Quinlan Twins." For lack of any better name, I refer to it as the five-step variation.
Background information and basic traveling steps for the half and half may be found in my previous post here.
The five-step is simple both in conception and execution: on the first three beats of the bar, do a half-turn using the usual step-side-close sequence of the waltz of the era, ending with either the lady or gentleman facing line of dance. On the fourth and fifth beats, take two walking steps along the line of dance. Repeat to complete the turn. The full sequence:
1 Step (along line of dance)
2 Side (along line of dance)
3 Close (turning to face along/against line of dance)
4 Step (along line of dance)
5 Step (along line of dance)
(repeat to complete turn)
The original description specifies a right turn starting with the gentleman stepping backward along line of dance with his left foot, but there is no particular reason it can't be done in a reverse waltz as well. It is even possible to use the same pattern in a "pursuit" waltz (backing the lady or backing the gentleman).
While the five-step is not particularly difficult for anyone accustomed to the waltz of the era, filling in what would ordinarily be two beats of holding does make the half and half busier and less "swoopy" in feel.
Source for the five-step variation for the half and half:
Dance Mad, [edited] by F. Leslie Clendenen, St. Louis, 1914
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