For me, the obvious problem with the do-si-do analogy is that mad robins can go in either direction, and if it's counterclockwise, it's the path of a see-saw instead of a do-si-do (and I don't teach see-saw if I can help it).
My experience is that the important parts are:
- It's a sideways sliding figure
- You're sliding around neighbor while looking at partner (or vice versa)
- You return to where you started
So this might sound like:
"Don't do it yet. We're about to do a sideways sliding figure called a mad robin."
(Maybe, add something about returning to starting place if it seems like it'll help this audience)
"You'll be looking at your partner the whole time but sliding sideways around your neighbor."
"It starts with, ravens slide to the right in front as larks slide to the left behind," (dancers are now moving)
"then larks slide to the right in front as ravens slide to the left behind." (continue moving)
"And you're back where you started."
Also, some people - some beginners, but also some experienced dancers - are not able to confidently move sideways while keeping their eyes on their partner, or maybe it's too much staring for them, so they do the motion without the eye contact. At my local dances I'd say this happens at least 1/3 of the time. Does this feel satisfying? No. Does it work fine? Yes. I've learned to manage my expectations.