Merrilyn New Vogue Routine

merrilyn new vogue routine timing & music

The short answer: the Merrilyn is one of the entry-level New Vogue sequence dances, and one of the most popular at Australian social dances. It's built from Walks, a Side Close, Step and Pull, Swivels, Chassés, an Aerial, a Breakaway and the Rotary Chassé. In this routine episode Zoe and I dance it through, then I name every figure, count the timing in slows and quicks, and give you a tip for the Rotary Chassé.

What is the Merrilyn?

A New Vogue sequence dance. It's one of the entry-level New Vogue dances, but it's super popular at Australian social dances, so it's a great one to learn and dance along with us.

How do you count the Merrilyn?

Start with the 4-bar introduction. You can do a preparation step on bar four. Then the figures are counted in slows and quicks, starting slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. I count the whole sequence from 3:00 in the video.

What steps are in the Merrilyn?

From 2:00 in the video I name every figure in order:

2 Walks forward, Side Close, Step and Pull back: take hold and dance it twice.
Step and Swivel, Step across, Chassé to the side: also twice.
Step forward, forward, Lock behind into an Aerial
Walk back, walk back, Lock in front: then release the foot.
Breakaway: step forward, the lady turns to face her partner, then you both step back to break away and go into Ballroom hold.
Rotary Chassé: one, two, three.
Pivot and Heel Pull: the lady pivots, and you both finish with a Heel Pull.

Common mistakes

Rushing the Rotary Chassé. It's hard because of the speed, so the sideways action of the chassé and the direction of the step get lost.
Forgetting the exit from the Rotary Chassé: the lady pivots and both partners do a Heel Pull.
Starting the Walks straight away instead of dancing through the 4-bar introduction first.

Try this in your next practice

Take the Rotary Chassé on its own. Pay attention to the sideways action of the chassé and the direction you need to step back or forward, then add the exit with the Pivot and Heel Pull. When it feels comfortable, dance the full Merrilyn along with the timing section. If it's still a challenge, work through the technique with your coach.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Merrilyn a beginner dance?

Yes. It's one of the entry-level New Vogue dances, and one of the most popular.

Why is the Rotary Chassé so hard?

Speed. I call it the step of death, and it was challenging for me too when I first learned it. Focus on the sideways action of the chassé and the direction you step back or forward.

How many Rotary Chassés are in the Merrilyn?

Three, straight after the Breakaway, once you're back in Ballroom hold.

How does the Merrilyn end?

The lady pivots, and both partners finish with a Heel Pull.

Related lessons

Vaughan Liddicoat is a 4 time World Professional 10 Dance representative for Australia, an accredited coach and the founder of Ballroom Mastery. He has a passion for dance and wants to help you become the best dancer you can be and have an amazing time doing it.

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