Hand-to-Hand can be thought of as a "New Yorker in reverse". Partners alternate from left to right side-by-side position, but instead of taking a forward break, they take a back break. The turn on count one is taken in the opposite direction than that of the New Yorker.
As in the New Yorker, it will be necessary to release the hand that is farther away from your partner as you turn to side-by-side position. The free arm may then extend outward (as shown in video clip), or it may be held closer to the body when space is limited.
As tempting as it is to thrust the joined-hand through as you turn to side-by-side position, try to avoid this, as it diminishes the connection. The best position for the joined hand is hip-level.
Note when watching the video that the dancers remain facing each other until the very end of the chasse.
STEP#
COUNT
DESCRIPTION
NOTES
Begin
Open facing position.
Prep
1
Right foot side.
Release left hand hold on end of prep step.
1
2
Left foot back in side-by-side position.
1/4 turn to left between prep step and 1.
2
3
Transfer weight to right foot.
Begin to turn right.
3-5
4&1
Facing partner, chasse to left, LRL.
1/4 turn to right between 2-3. Regain left hand hold on 3, and then release right hand hold on end of 5.
6
2
Right foot back in side-by-side position.
1/4 turn to right between 5-6.
7
3
Transfer weight to left foot.
Begin to turn left.
8-10
4&1
Chasse to right, RLR.
1/4 turn to left between 7-8. regain right hand hold on end of 8. End in open-facing position, 2-hand hold.
STEP#
COUNT
DESCRIPTION
NOTES
Begin
Open facing position.
Prep
1
Left foot side.
Release right hand hold on end of prep step.
1
2
Right foot back in side-by-side position.
1/4 turn to right between prep step and 1.
2
3
Transfer weight to left foot.
Begin to turn left.
3-5
4&1
Facing partner, chasse to right, RLR.
1/4 turn to left between 2-3. Regain right hand hold on 3, and then release left hand hold on end of 5.
6
2
Left foot back in side-by-side position.
1/4 turn to left between 5-6.
7
3
Transfer weight to right foot.
Begin to turn right.
8-10
4&1
Chasse to left, LRL.
1/4 turn to right between 7-8. regain left hand hold on end of 8. End in open-facing position, 2-hand hold.
