DEFINITION: The Ends Circulate while the Centers Trade. (My comments: From Diamonds: The points Circulate in their 4-person box, while the Centers of each diamond Trade.)
STARTING FORMATION: Parallel waves, two-faced lines or any formation where the centers can Trade, and the Ends can Circulate and not become centers.
TIMING: 4 steps.
STYLE:
DEFINITION: If started from a Thar star, the handholds forming the center star are released as each dancer and the adjacent outside dancer Arm Turn one-half. Those now in the middle Star three-quarters (walking forward), while the new outsides move forward one-quarter around the perimeter of the circle to join hands with the same person again in a Thar Star formation.
If started from a Right & Left Grand Circle, everyone turns by the right halfway with the person they are facing, then completes the call as above (new centers Star left three-quarters, etc.)
STARTING FORMATION: Right and Left Grand circle, Thar Star, Wrong-Way Thar.
TIMING: 10 steps.
STYLE: The initial arm turn one half is a forearm turn. The star portion is performed using standard star styling utilizing palm star hand positioning. Outside dancers moving forward have hands in natural dance position, ready to assume appropriate position for the next call. Ladies may use skirt work.
DEFINITION: The term "... and Roll" can be added to any call which, by definition, causes one or more dancers to have turning body flow to the right or left as they complete their portion of the call. It is an instruction to those dancer(s) to turn individually, in place, one quarter (90 degrees) more in the direction of body flow determined by the preceding command.
Note that if "... and Roll" is added to a call, which by definition, has some dancers walking in a straight line at the completion of their portion of the call, those dancers will do nothing for the "... and roll".
STARTING FORMATION: Various
TIMING: 2 steps.
STYLE: At the completion of the movement preceding the roll (anything), release all handholds and allow the established momentum to set the direction for the solo turn in place. Arms are returned to natural dance position and ready to assume appropriate position for the next call.
DEFINITION: This call can be used in three ways:
(1) If only some of the dancers are directed to Spread (e.g., from a static square, Heads Star Thru & Spread), they slide apart sideways to become ends, as the inactive dancers step forward between them.
(2) If the (Anything) call finishes in lines ore waves (e.g., Follow Your Neighbor), the centers anticipate the Spread action by sliding apart sideways to become the new ends, while the original ends anticipate the Spread action by moving into the nearest center position.
(3) If the (Anything) call finishes in tandem couples (e.g., Wheel & Deal from a line of four), the lead dancers slide apart sideways, while the trailing dancers step forward between them.
STARTING FORMATION: Various
TIMING: 2 steps.
STYLE: All dancers blend into the appropriate hand position and styling designated by the formation resulting at the conclusion of the call (e.g., ocean wave styling after the call "Follow Your Neighbor and Spread").
DEFINITION: Each right-hand dancer does an exaggerated Zoom action, moving into the position previously occupied by the right-hand dancer behind him, to finish facing in the same direction as when he started the Zoom action. (The net result is the same as if the right-hand dancer had done a right face U Turn Back & Box Circulate twice). The left-hand dancer follows ("Chases") the right-hand dancer by doing a Box Circulate two positions. The call finishes in a Box Circulate formation.
STARTING FORMATION: Couples Back to Back.
TIMING: 6 steps.
STYLE: All dancers have arms in natural dance position. Ladies' skirt work optional. Right hand dancer uses flowing motion rather than an abrupt turn around. When two couples (e.g., the heads) do chase right in the center of the square, it is important for those doing the zoom motion to keep the action tight and avoid bumping into the outside dancers. At the same time, those, not involved in the chase right, move, if possible and comfortable, away from the center to allow more space for the action.
DEFINITION: All dancers single file Circulate once and a half. The center six (three adjacent pairs) Trade. The very center two dancers then release handholds and walk diagonally outward to the end of the forming lines. The two lonesome dancers walk ahead, moving in a quarter circle, to become the other ends of the forming lines.
STARTING FORMATION: Columns
TIMING: 8 steps.
STYLE: The center six dancers (three adjacent pairs) use hands up position for trading action. After the very center two dancers release handholds and move forward, all dancers join hands with a couple handhold. No time allowed for skirt work.
DEFINITION: As the centers begin to Trade, the ends Crossfold. Upon completing their Trade, the centers release hands and step straight forward forming an ocean wave or mini-wave with the dancers they are facing. If the Trade leaves the original centers facing no one, they step forward and remain facing out.
STARTING FORMATION: Two-faced line, parallel lines of four, inverted line or lines.
TIMING: 6 steps.
STYLE: If starting formation is a two-faced line, center dancers use hands up position for trading action and blend into normal mini wave styling. If starting formation is parallel lines of four that results in centers facing no one, that couple joins hands with a couple handhold.
DEFINITION: The centers of the diamond do a Diamond Circulate to the next position in their diamond, while the points slide together and Trade. Ends in a line or wave.
STARTING FORMATION: Any Diamond.
TIMING: 6 steps.
STYLE: From a normal diamond formation, all dancers blend into a couple handhold. If starting formation is a facing diamond, all dancers blend into hands up position as required for ocean wave basic.
DEFINITION: Each dancer moves forward to the next position in his diamond, changing his original facing direction one-quarter toward the center of the diamond. Points become centers and vice versa. If the call is directed to facing diamonds, all must pass right shoulders.
STARTING FORMATION: Any diamond.
TIMING: 3 steps.
STYLE: It is important that dancers maintain diamond formation as they move diagonally from one position to the next. Center dancers of diamond blend into hands up position as in ocean wave. Dancers at the points maintain arms in natural dance position. Ladies may utilize skirt work.
DEFINITION: Those who can start by joining right hands with the facing dancer and pulling by. Each dancer moves ahead around the circle and gives a left hand to the next, pulling by, and a right hand to the next, pulling by. Regardless of the starting formation, as the movement progresses, the formation converts to a circle.
STARTING FORMATION: Double Pass Thru, Dixie Grand Circle, Quarter tag, or any formation where at least 2 dancers can start.
TIMING: 6 steps.
STYLE: Styling is similar to the description for the basic right and left grand. Dancers use handshake hold for alternating pull by movements, releasing hands as dancers pass each other. Skirt work is not recommended.
DEFINITION: Everyone releases handholds, steps forward and turns a quarter in to face the adjacent dancer, and does the (Anything) call (e.g., Right & Left Thru, Star Thru, etc.).
STARTING FORMATION: Any 4 dancer Ocean wave only.
TIMING: 2 steps for the explode portion.
STYLE: A handshake hold is used as the dancers right hand pull by. For position orientation (in explode the wave), hands are joined in a couple handhold at the completion of the call. In all other "explode and ..." figures, follow the styling suggestions for each of the "and ..." figures used.
DEFINITION: Everyone releases handholds, steps forward and turns a quarter in to face the adjacent dancer, and right hand pull by that person, to end as couples back-to-back.
STARTING FORMATION: Any 4 dancer Ocean wave only.
TIMING: 6 steps.
STYLE: A handshake hold is used as the dancers right hand pull by. For position orientation (in explode the wave), hands are joined in a couple handhold at the completion of the call. In all other "explode and ..." figures, follow the styling suggestions for each of the "and ..." figures used.
DEFINITION: All dancers release handholds (if necessary), step forward and form an Ocean Wave with the couple you are facing. If the Extend leaves dancers facing no one, they remain facing out. If the starting formation is right-handed, dancers Extend to a right-handed formation; if the starting formation is left-handed, dancers Extend to a left-handed formation. From a Double Pass Thru formation, dancers Extend to a right-hand Quarter Tag formation. From a Quarter Tag formation, dancers Extend to parallel waves. From parallel waves, dancers Extend to a 3/4 Tag formation, from a 3/4 Tag formation, Extend to a completed Double Pass Thru formation.
STARTING FORMATION: Double Pass Thru, Parallel Ocean Waves (1/2 Tag), any Tag (1/4 or 3/4) formation.
TIMING: 2 steps.
STYLE: All dancers move forward smoothly during extending action. Dancers utilize previously described styling for resulting formations at the completion of the call (e.g., ocean wave styling, couple handhold for double pass thru formation, etc.)
DEFINITION: The centers of the diamond do a Diamond Circulate to the next position in their diamond, while the points Run ("Flip" 180') into the nearest position and join hands to become the centers of the forming wave or line. When "flipping" a facing diamond, the points always take the inside path, and the centers always take the outside path.
STARTING FORMATION: Any diamond.
TIMING: 3 steps.
STYLE: From a normal diamond formation, all dancers blend into hands up position as required for ocean wave basic. If the starting formation is a facing diamond, all dancers blend into a couple handhold.
DEFINITION: Dancers facing IN release hands with the person next to them (their neighbor) and step straight forward, join adjacent forearms with the one they meet and turn 3/4 to become Centers of a new wave. At the same time, dancers facing OUT "Follow" their Neighbors by moving forward in a 3/4 looping turn, turning toward their neighbor to finish adjacent to their neighbor as the Ends of the new ocean wave.
When done from right-hand boxes, the dancers facing in turn by the right hand and the dancers facing out loop around right-face, to finish in a left-hand ocean wave. When done from left-hand boxes, the dancers facing in turn by the left-hand and the dancers facing out loop around left-face, to finish in a right-hand ocean wave.
STARTING FORMATION: Box circulate.
TIMING: 6 steps.
STYLE: The facing in dancers use a forearm turn in the center, blending into hands up position as they meet their "neighbor" in the ocean wave. To enhance the flowing action of the dance, facing out dancers execute a flowing three quarter looping turn as opposed to an abrupt spot turn.
DEFINITION: Those who can turn by the right 1/2, then those who can turn by the left 1/2. If "right" is not specified preceding the command to Grand Swing Thru, it is understood to be a right-handed Grand Swing Thru. If Grand Left Swing Thru is required, it must be specifically directed--"Grand Left Swing Thru", in which case those who can turn by the left 1/2, then those who can turn by the right 1/2.
STARTING FORMATION: Tidal Wave or Ocean Wave of six Dancers.
TIMING: 6 steps.
STYLE: Styling is specifically the same as described for the basic swing thru.
DEFINITION: (For programs above plus, allowable formations include any formation in which the End and adjacent Center can single or partner Hinge. This is a three part call).
Part 1: The Ends and adjacent Centers, Hinge.
Part 2: Those facing Out fold behind those facing In and all dancers will then move forward in a Double Pass Thru action.
Part 3: If the Hinge is right-handed, Peel right; if the Hinge is left-handed, Peel left to end as facing couples. From a right-hand Hinge, all will pass right shoulders.
From a right-hand hinge, all will pass right shoulders. From a left-hand Hinge, all will pass left shoulders.
STARTING FORMATION: For plus program, Parallel Ocean Waves of 4 either Right or Left Handed.
TIMING: 10-12 steps.
STYLE: Arms in natural dance position. Similar to styling for individual components. Rejoin hands upon completion of move.
DEFINITION: The end dancers move forward around the outside passing right shoulders with three moving end dancers, and turn one-quarter in to stand beside the third person passed, facing the center of the set as a couple. Simultaneously, the center four dancers Pass Thru, turn their backs to their momentary partners, Partner Trade with their new partners and Pass Thru.
My note: When done from facing lines of four the ending position is an 8-Chain Thru formation. From lines of four with Ends facing Out and Centers In, the movement ends in a Static Square with two couples facing Out.
STARTING FORMATION: Lines of 4, with centers facing in, and the ends of each line facing the same (in or out) direction.
TIMING: 12 steps.
STYLE: The end dancers, while moving on the outside, leave room for the center dancers to work comfortably. Arms are held in natural dance position throughout the action, blending into the appropriate hand position for the next call.
DEFINITION: Each lead dancer turns away from the center of the starting formation, walks in a semicircle and steps forward to become an end dancer of the new line. Meanwhile, each trailing dancer steps forward and does a U turn back, turning away from the center of the starting formation to become the center dancer of the new line. From one couple following another, the ending formation is a line of four; from a Z, the ending formation is a two-faced line; from a box circulate, dancers may have to take one step forward to adjust to a two-faced line.
STARTING FORMATION: One couple following another, Box Circulate or Z-formation.
TIMING: 4 steps.
STYLE: Arms should be held in natural dance position and ready to assume appropriate position for the next call. It is important that lead dancers move slightly forward before starting the "peeling" motion.
DEFINITION: Lead dancers Peel Off as trailing dancers step straight forward and take adjacent hands; everyone does a Fan the Top.
STARTING FORMATION: Z-formation or Box Circulate.
TIMING: 6 steps.
STYLE: Lead dancers have arms in natural dance position and adjust hands to appropriate position for next call. It is important that dancers move slightly forward before starting the "peeling" motion. Trailing dancers use hands up position and styling as described in the basic swing thru.
DEFINITION: The movement starts and ends in a Quarter Tag formation. Each dancer Circulates, or moves forward one position along the path shown in Figure 1. The movement may also be called when there is a left-hand wave in the center. In this case, the path circulated along is as shown in Figure 2.
It should be noted that the Circulate paths are independent of each other. Therefore, it is possible for only those on the outside path (dancers numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 in Figures 1 & 2) to Ping pong Circulate or only those on the inside path (dancers numbered 5, 6, 7, & 8 in Figures 1 & 2) to Ping Pong Circulate.
STARTING FORMATION: 1/4 Tag
TIMING: 6 steps.
STYLE: Styling is the same as previously described for the basics pass thru and partner trade. Dancers in center use basic ocean wave styling. Outside dancers join hands in couple handhold.
DEFINITION: All Circulates in this definition refer to the ORIGINAL CIRCULATE PATH established by the ends of the original ocean waves. No dancer ever stops moving during this call; the pauses written into the definition (i.e., the action described as "half-circulate") are there for clarity of description and for teaching purposes only.
Each end and adjacent center dancer turn 1/2. The new centers of each ocean wave turn 3/4, while the others half circulate, forming a six-person wave and two lonesome dancers. The wave of six, working as three pairs, turns 1/2, while the others half-circulate. In the wave, the center 4 turn 1/2, while the other four dancers half-circulate. The wave of six, again working as 3 pairs, turn 1/2, while the others half-circulate. Finally, the center 4 of the wave turn 3/4 (becoming the centers of the new wave), while the outside 4 half-circulate to become the ends of the final waves.
STARTING FORMATION: Parallel Ocean waves.
TIMING: 20 steps.
STYLE: Basic swing thru styling is utilized for turning movements within the ocean wave formations. Circulating dancers do the circulate action with arms in natural dance position, blending to hands up ocean wave formation at the conclusion of the call.
DEFINITION: Facing dancers join both hands with each other and Circle Left 1/2. Without stopping, they drop hands with each other and individually Veer Left, blending into a right-hand mini-wave. If the caller directs "Single Circle 3/4 to a Wave", facing dancers join both hands with each other and circle Left 3/4, then continues to execute the rest of the call as above.
STARTING FORMATION: Facing dancers.
TIMING: 4 steps.
STYLE: In circling, the two dancers are slightly offset to the left so that their dance partner in the circle is more to their right than in front of them. Use smooth dance step, not buzz. When joining hands for circle, gents turn palms up, ladies palms down. Arms are bent comfortably at the elbows. Exert a small amount of pressure while circling. Blend into a hands up ocean wave position.
DEFINITION: Starts as in a normal Spin Chain the Gears -- Ends and adjacent centers turn 1/2, new centers turn 3/4, while the ends U-Turn Back, and the very two centers of the wave Trade. All form two left-hand stars (but before turning them, the out-facing point should raise a hand, indicating "follow me" -- they will be the "leaders of the exchange") and turn the stars 3/4. The "leaders of the exchange" will now lead the star out to the right, around the outside of the other star, like an S pattern, then into a monmetary column of four, single file through the sides position. The first three dancers in the momentary column Quarter right-face, as the fourth dancer does a Quarter left-face, and the original "leader of the exchange" Runs right, forming two parallel right-hand ocean waves (at the sides of the square; if started from a Box 1-4).
STARTING FORMATION: Ocean waves (right-hand, for ease of description).
TIMING: 26 steps.
STYLE: Same as in Spin Chain the Gears.
DEFINITION: Each end and adjacent center dancer turn 1/2. The new centers of each ocean wave turn 3/4 to form a new ocean wave across the set, as the other four dancers do a U-Turn Back (turning in toward the center). The centers of the wave Trade and then release hands with each other. Four dancers on each side of the square now form a four-hand star and turn the star 3/4, forming a new wave across the set. Centers of this wave Tade momentarily reforming the wave across the set. The two outside pairs of dancers of the center wave now turn 3/4 as the other four dancers turn back (turning away from the center).
STARTING FORMATION: Parallel Ocean Waves.
TIMING: 24 steps.
STYLE: Dancers turning in ocean wave formations use styling as previously described for the basics swing thru and spin chain thru. For star portions of basic, refer to styling as indicated by the basic star right. When turning into the star or out to the wave, use a flowing turn rather than as abrupt about-face. In star patterns, ladies' outside hands may be used to work skirts.
DEFINITION: The caller will specify two ladies to move to the center at the start of the call, e.g., "Head ladies center for a Teacup Chain". For the rest of the definition, these two ladies will be called the "specified ladies".
The specified ladies (both head ladies or both side ladies) move to the center and Star Right 3/4 to meet their corners for a Left Arm Turn. At the same time, the other two ladies move to the right around the perimeter of the square to their corners, and do a Right Arm Turn.
Following the Arm Turns, the specified ladies move around the perimeter of the square to their new corners for a Right Arm Turn, while the other two ladies go to the center and Star Left once and a quarter to meet their new corners for a Right Arm Turn.
The specified ladies then move to the center and Star Left once and a quarter to their new corners for a Right Arm Turn, while the other ladies move to their new corners (around the perimeter of the square) for a Left Arm Turn.
Finally, the specified ladies move to their new corners (their original partners) for either a Courtesy Turn or a Left Arm Turn leading into the next command, while the other ladies move to the center and Star Right 3/4 to meet their new corners (their original partners) for either a Courtesy Turn or a Left Arm Turn leading into the next command. Everyone finishes with his/her original partner.
If the caller desires the men to execute the ladies part and vice versa, as described above, the starting formation is a Static Square with the couples half-sashayed, or proceeding from everyone doing a Left Arm Turn with their partner. The proper call is the "Head/Side Men Center for a Teacup Chain".
STARTING FORMATION: Static square or proceeding from everyone doing a Left Arm-Turn with Partner.
TIMING: 32 steps.
STYLE: Center dancers turning in star patterns use hands up styling. All turns with outside dancers are forearm turns. When not leading into another command, a courtesy turn, as previously described, is used at the conclusion of the call. Outside dancers (usually the gents) dance with arms swinging naturally from one forearm turn to the next, being as graceful as possible in a movement that offers little other than pivot movements. Ladies may enhance the styling of this basic through skirt work with outside hand.
DEFINITION: Each dancer turns individually to face the center of the line and walks forward passing right shoulders with oncoming dancers. Lead dancers pass by two dancers and end facing out. Trailing dancers pass by one dancer and step to a right-hand ocean wave in the center of the set. Ends in a 3/4 Tag formation. If the call is done from any single line of four, it ends with mini-wave between two out-facing dancers.
STARTING FORMATION: Parallel lines of 4, Inverted line(s), two-faced line(s), 3 & 1 Line(s).
TIMING: 4 steps.
STYLE: Styling is similar to that previously described for the basic tag the line. Trailing dancers blend into hands up position for ocean wave or mini wave as dictated by starting formation.
DEFINITION: The dancers work in "tandem", that is, the trailing dancers follow the lead dancers. Those in the right "track" move single file to the left, counter-clockwise, staying to the inside of the dancers on the left "track", who move single file, clockwise, to the right on the outside. The movement continues as in a Double Pass Thru, until the dancers have reached parallel right-hand ocean waves.
STARTING FORMATION: Completed Double Pass thru position.
TIMING: 8 steps.
STYLE: As dancers are moving simultaneously in opposing direction, it is important for them to provide room for one another. Those on the outside must avoid crowding those in the center. All dancers hold arms in natural dance position, blending into a hands up ocean wave formation at the conclusion of the call.
DEFINITION: Dancers facing the same direction in the wave Trade with each other. Right hand Waves become Left Hand Waves and vice versa. Ends of the wave become centers and vice versa.
STARTING FORMATION: Any Four Dancer Ocean Wave.
TIMING: 6 steps.
STYLE: As in any trade, dancers first step slightly forward to clear the wave before turning toward dancer with whom they are trading. Assume hands up position in basic ocean wave styling.
Last Updated: November 20, 1997