The Hiawatha

(1903)

Introduction

This is a simple combination of two-steps and slow chassés, devised by George E. Rutherford of Poughkeepsie, NY in 1903.

The Position

Half closed position, both partners facing LOD.

The Dance

Part I - Two-Step Promenade (2 bars): Both dance two two-steps forward along LOD (1, and, 2, 3, and 4).

Part II - Slow Chassé and Two-Step (2 bars): Closing up to waltz position, step side (5), close (6) along LOD, and then half two-step around (7, and 8).

Part III - Slow Chassé and Two-Step (2 bars): Repeat Part II opposite: step side (1), close (2) along LOD, then half two-step around (3, and 4).

Part IV - Two-Step (2 bars): Dance one full turn of two-step (5, and 6, 7, and, 8). Repeat from the beginning.

Sources

Pittsburg Weekly Gazette. (1903, September 10). "New Dances for the Season." Pittsburg Weekly Gazette (Pittsburg, PN).

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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