La Bastringue is an easy mixer of French-Canadian origin.
Single circle, facing in, all holding hands, Follow on the right.
Part I - In and Out (8 bars): Both starting right foot, walk three steps forward into the center and touch closed (1, 2, 3, 4). Then walk three steps back out and touch (5, 6, 7, 8). Repeat (1, 2, 3, 4 / 5, 6, 7, 8).
Part II - Circle Left, Circle Right (8 bars): Facing to the left, circle left with four two-steps (1-and-2, 3-and-4, 5-and-6, 7-and-8). Then, facing to the right, circle right with four two-steps (1-and-2, 3-and-4, 5-and-6, 7-and-8).
Part III - Turn and Swing (8 bars): Lead gives the the Follow on his left an outside turn under left-to-right hands (1, 2, 3, 4), then take closed position for a buzz-step swing (5-and-6-and-7-and-8-and-1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and-5-and-6-and-7-and-8-and).
Part IV - Promenade (8 bars): Opening out to half-closed position (or taking crossed hands) and facing LOD, promenade with eight two-steps (1-and-2, 3-and-4, 5-and-6, 7-and-8, 1-and-2, 3-and-4, 5-and-6, 7-and-8), then turn to face in at the end, retaking hands in a single circle.
Repeat from the beginning.
There are many different recordings of the tune, "La Bastringue."
© 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.
Home About Dances Manuals Search