The Killarney Kick is a unique mixer described by Lois Lunt in her 1961 book Mix 'Em and Match 'Em.
Every other couple facing along and against LOD, holding inside hands with partner, as in the Sicilian Circle.
Part I - Bleking, Back and Forward (8 bars): Bleking step, four times: extend outside heel (1), extend inside heel (2), extend outside heel (3), extend inside heel (4). (Note that to extend alternating heels, you will need to alternate dropping in place on the non-extended foot, so the weight is on your inside, outside, inside, outside). Then back four steps away from opposite (5, 6, 7, 8). Repeat the bleking step (1, 2, 3, 4), then return home with four steps forward (5, 6, 7, 8).
Part II - Step Kicks and Pivot Turns (8 bars): Step with outside foot (1) and kick across to outside (2), then step with inside foot (3) and kick across to inside (4). Then a quick paddle turn solo, rolling out away from partner: place outside foot to the side, then, keeping it in place, paddle around with the inside foot (5-and-6-and-7-and-8). Repeat with inside foot, kicking across to the inside and paddle turning in toward your partner (1, 2, 3, 4, 5-and-6-and-7-and-8).
Part III - Forward, Back, Pass Through, and Follows Change (8 bars): Forward and back, using two steps forward and two back (1, 2, 3, 4), then pass through opposite by the right shoulder with four steps forward to approach a new couple (5, 6, 7, 8). Then Follows alone forward and back diagonally with each other (1, 2, 3, 4), then change places, facing each other and turning halfway counterclockwise into each other's places (5, 6, 7, 8).
Repeat from the beginning with new opposites—and a new partner. This simultaneous mixing of both couples and partners is what makes this mixer unique.
The recommended music is "Rory O'More."
© 2019 Nick Enge
For more dance descriptions, see our three books on dancing:
The Book of Mixers: 100 Easy-Teach Dances for Getting Acquainted (2022) by Richard Powers and Nick & Melissa Enge,
Cross-Step Waltz: A Dancer's Guide (2019) by Richard Powers and Nick & Melissa Enge, and
Waltzing: A Manual for Dancing and Living (2013) by Richard Powers and Nick Enge.
For full-length teaching videos, visit: University of Dance.
For help crafting a life you love, visit: Project Quartz.
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