The "Short" Boston differs from the "Long" Boston only in measure. It is danced in either 2/4 or 6/8 time, and the first movement (in 2/4 time) occupies the duration of a quarter-note. The second and third movements each occupy the duration of an eighth-note. Thus, there exists between the "Long" and the "Short" Boston the same difference as between the Waltz and the Galop. In the more rapid forms of the "Short" Boston, the rising and sinking upon the second and third movements naturally take the form of a hop or skip. The dance is more enjoyable and less fatiguing in moderate tempo.
The "Open" Boston contains two parts of eight measures each. The first part is danced in the positions shown in the illustrations facing pages [8] and [10], and the second part consists of 8 measures of the "Long" Boston.
In the first part, the dancers execute three Boston steps forward, without turning, and one Boston step turning (towards the partner) to face directly backward (1/2 turn). 4 measures.
This is followed by three Boston steps backward (without turning) in the position shown in the illustration facing page [10], followed by one Boston step turning (toward the partner) and finishing in regular Waltz Position for the execution of the second part.
The "Dip" is a combination dance in 3/4 or 3/8 time, and contains 4 measures of the "Long" Boston, preceded by 4 measures, as follows: