CALLERLAB PLUS DEFINITIONS
© Copyright 1997, 2001-2023 by CALLERLAB Inc., The International Association of Square Dance Callers. Permission to reprint, republish, and create derivative works without royalty is hereby granted, provided this notice appears. Publication on the Internet of derivative works without royalty is hereby granted provided this notice appears. Permission to quote parts or all of this document without royalty is hereby granted, provided this notice is included. Information contained herein shall not be changed nor revised in any derivation or publication.
The objective of the Plus Program Definitions is to provide clear, concise, simple explanations of the terms and calls used in the Plus Program.
1. Starting Formations
Starting formations are listed for each of the defined calls. They are the most commonly occurring starting formations for the calls in use at the time these definitions were approved, but they are not necessarily the only possible starting formations, given the dynamic nature of the Square Dance Activity.
2. Facing Dancers
Facing dancers, unless otherwise specified, may be any combination of men and women.
3. Couples
Couples, unless otherwise specified, may be any combination of men and women.
4. Passing Rule
Whenever two dancers are walking toward each other and are about to collide, they pass right shoulders and continue.
5. Same Position Rule
Whenever two dancers are walking toward each other and are required to occupy the same position, they join right-hands in a mini-wave sharing that position.
6. Facing Couples Rule
Some calls, which normally start from Ocean Waves, can also be done when dancers are in facing couples (e.g., All 8 Spin the Top, Grand Swing Thru, Relay the Deucey, Spin Chain the Gears). In this case, the dancers first step into a momentary right-hand Ocean Wave and complete the call unless the caller specifically directs a left-hand call (e.g., Left Relay the Deucey), in which case the dancers step into a momentary left-hand Ocean Wave and complete the call.
The following calls cannot be done from facing couples; that is, a mini-wave or ocean wave (as stated in each call's definition) is required as a starting formation: Explode The Wave, Explode and ... (anything), Follow Your Neighbor, Ping Pong Circulate, Trade The Wave.
7. Ocean Wave Rule
Some calls that normally start from facing couples (or facing lines) can be done when the dancers are in an ocean wave (or a tidal wave (e.g., Load the Boat)). In this case, the dancers have already stepped forward toward each other and are ready to complete the remaining action of the directed call. For the sake of dancer comprehension and teaching purposes, it may be necessary initially to have the dancers back up into facing couples (or facing lines), then step back into the wave (or tidal wave) and complete the call.
8 Regional Styling Differences
CALLERLAB recognizes that regional differences in styling exist.
Center 4 Trade while the others Circulate.
ALL 8 SPIN THE TOP - Starting formation - Thar (stationary or in motion), Wrong Way Thar (stationary or in motion), Right & Left Grand Circle. TIMING-10 If started from a Thar Star or Wrong Way Thar, any motion is stopped, the handholds forming the center star are released, and each center dancer and the adjacent outside dancer Arm Turn one-half (180 degrees). 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 stationary Thar Star or Wrong Way Thar formation.
If started from a Right & Left Grand Circle, everyone turns by the right halfway (180 degrees) with the dancer they are facing, then completes the call as above (new centers Star left three-quarters, etc.). The ending formation is a stationary Wrong Way Thar.
From a Right & Left Grand
Circle, the command All 8 Left Spin The Top has everyone turn by the left
halfway with the dancer they are facing and complete the call as above, ending
in a stationary Thar Star formation. STYLING: The initial arm turn one half (180 degrees) 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.
(ANYTHING) & ROLL - Starting formation - Various. TIMING
- 2
The term "... & Roll" may 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".
STYLING: 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.
(ANYTHING) & SPREAD - Starting formation - Various. TIMING
- 2
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 or 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.
STYLING: 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").
CHASE RIGHT - Starting formation - Two Couples Back-to-Back.
TIMING - 6
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.
STYLING: 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.
COORDINATE - Starting formation - Columns.(at
Plus, Columns only) TIMING - 8
Circulate. Then 1/2 (Half) Circulate. The center six (three
adjacent pairs) Trade. The very center two dancers release handholds and walk
diagonally outward without turning, while the two lonesome dancers walk ahead,
moving in a quarter circle. From Columns, Coordinate ends in Two-Faced Lines. STYLING: 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.
CROSSFIRE - Starting formation - Two faced line, Parallel lines
of four, Inverted Line(s). TIMING - 6
As the centers begin to Trade, the ends Cross Fold. 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.
STYLING: 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.
CUT THE DIAMOND - Starting Formation - Any Diamond. TIMING -
6
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.
STYLING: From a normal diamond formation, all dancers blend into
a couple handhold. If the starting formation is a facing diamond, all dancers
blend into hands up position as required for ocean wave basic.
DIAMOND CIRCULATE - Starting formation - Any Diamond. TIMING
- 3
Each dancer moves forward to the next position in his diamond, changing
his original facing direction one-quarter (90 degrees) 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.
STYLING: 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.
DIXIE GRAND - Starting formation - Dixie Grand Circle, Double
Pass Thru, Quarter Tag, or any formation where at least two dancers
can start. TIMING - 6
Those who can start the call 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.
STYLING: 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.
EXPLODE AND ... (Anything) (From waves only) - Starting formation
- Any 4-dancer ocean wave. TIMING - 2 for the explode portion.
Everyone releases handholds, steps forward and turns a quarter in (90
degrees)
to face the adjacent dancer, and does the (Anything) call (e.g., Right
& Left Thru, Star Thru, etc.).
STYLING: In all "Explode and . . . " figures, follow the styling
suggestions for each of the "and . . . " figures used.
EXPLODE THE WAVE (From waves only) - Starting formation - Any
4-dancer ocean wave. TIMING - 6
Everyone releases handholds, steps forward and turns a quarter in (90
degrees)
to face the adjacent dancer, and right hand pull by that person, to end
as couples back-to-back.
STYLING: A handshake hold is used as the dancers right hand pull
by. For position orientation, hands are joined in a couple handhold at
the completion of the call.
FAN THE TOP - Starting formation - ocean wave or two-faced lines.
TIMING - 4 The centers of the line or wave turn three quarters (270
degrees) while the outside
dancers move forward in a quarter circle. The ending formation is at right
angles to the starting formation. Centers remain centers and ends remain ends.
STYLING: Center dancers use hands-up position and styling similar to that
of swing thru. End dancers' arms are in natural dance position and hands are
ready to assume appropriate position for the next call. FLIP THE DIAMOND - Starting formation - Any Diamond. TIMING -
3
The centers of the diamond do a Diamond Circulate to the next position
in their diamond, while the points Run ("Flip" 180
degrees) into the nearest
center 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.
STYLING: 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.
FOLLOW YOUR NEIGHBOR - Starting formation - Box Circulate. TIMING
- 6
From a Box Circulate: From a Single 1/2 Tags: All dancers do the Trailers part (Extend
and Arm Turn 3/4).
From a Right-Hand Box Circulate, Follow Your Neighbor ends in
a Left-Hand Wave. From a Right-Hand Single 1/4 Tag, Follow Your Neighbor ends in
a Right-Hand Wave. STYLING: Those Arm Turn 3/4 use a forearm
grip, blending at the end of the call into the usal handhold for an ocean wave.
GRAND SWING THRU - Starting formation - Tidal Wave, Ocean Wave
of Six Dancers. TIMING - 6
Those who can turn by the right one-half (180
degrees), then those who can turn
by the left one-half (180 degrees). 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
one-half (180 degrees), then those who can turn by the right one-half (180
degrees).
STYLING: Styling is specifically the same as described for the basic
swing thru.
LINEAR CYCLE Starting
formation - General Line (At Plus, this call is restricted to starting from Wave
only.) TIMING - 10-12.
This
is a three-part call. Part 1. The end and adjacent center
dancers Hinge.
Part 2. In one blended action, the Leaders Fold (behind the Trailers) as the Trailers begin a Double Pass Thru (or a Left Double Pass Thru if both mini-waves were left-handed before the Fold).
Part 3. As the dancers complete the Double Pass Thru, each pair of Tandem dancers Peel to their right or left depending on the handedness of their mini-wave before the Fold. The ending formation is Facing Couples.
STYLING:
The first part is performed using the standard styling for the Hinge. Then
dancers drop hands and dance with arms in natural dance position until
reconnecting in a couple handhold as the call is being completed.
LOAD THE BOAT - Starting formation - Lines of four, with centers
facing in, and the ends of each line facing the same (in or out) direction.
TIMING - 12
The end dancers move forward around the outside, passing right shoulders
with three moving end dancers, and turn one-quarter in (90
degrees) 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.
STYLING: The end dancers, while moving on the outside, leave enough
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.
Note. Everybody can
roll after a Peel Off. Dancers move in a smooth, continuous motion that cannot
be fractionalized. The center of the ending formation is the same as the center
of the starting formation. Two dancers who form a
Tandem and have a center to work away from can Peel Off as if in a box circulate
formation (e.g., the ends of waves or the points of diamonds). They finich as a
couple on a line midway between the original lead and trailing positions.
STYLING: 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.
PEEL THE TOP Starting formation - box circulate or Z-Formation.
TIMING - 6
The lead dancers Peel Off as the trailing dancers step straight forward
and take adjacent hands; everyone then does a Fan the Top.
STYLING: 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.
PING PONG CIRCULATE - Starting formation - Quarter Tag. TIMING
- 6
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.
STYLING: 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.
RELAY THE DEUCEY - Starting formation - Parallel Ocean Waves.
TIMING - 20
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 the adjacent center dancer turn one-half (180
degrees). The new
centers of each ocean wave turn three-quarters (270
degrees), while the others
half-circulate, forming a six-person wave and two lonesome dancers. The
wave of six, working as 3 pairs, turns ½, while the others half-circulate.
In the wave, the center 4 turn ½, while the other four dancers half-circulate.
The wave of 6, again working as 3 pairs, turns ½, while the others
half-circulate. Finally, the center 4 of the wave turn 3/4 (becoming the
centers of the new waves), while the outside 4 half-circulate to become
the ends of the final waves.
STYLING: 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.
SINGLE CIRCLE TO A WAVE - Starting formation - Facing dancers.
TIMING - 4
Facing dancers join both hands with each other and Circle Left halfway.
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 continue to execute the rest of the call as above.
STYLING: 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.
SPIN CHAIN & EXCHANGE THE GEARS
- Starting formation - Ocean Waves - TIMING - 26
Each end and adjacent center turn 1/2. New centers turn 3/4
to form a center Ocean Wave and the ends Flip In (180
degree inward turn similar to Ends Run). Very Centers Turn 1/2. Each half of the
square forms a four-hand star (a “gear”) and turns it 3/4.
Each Very Center dancer (one is #1 in the diagram) leads
those following them in their star (#2, #3 and #4) along a circular path around
the outside of the other star (the “exchange”). When #1 has gone 3/4 around and
#3 has gone 1/4 around, dancers #1 and #3 Flip In to join hands and become
centers of a wave while dancers #2 and #4 continue to move forward along the
circular path to join their inside hand with the dancer ahead to become ends of
the wave. The call ends in waves with the same handedness and in the same
location as the original waves.
STYLING:
Ocean wave and star turns use
standard styling.
As the Centers Turn 3/4 at the beginning of the call, the
other dancers pause slightly and then, as they Flip In, they bring the other
hand up to immediately join the forming star.
While turning the star and exchanging, each group of four dancers
are following a smooth S-like path. The exchange and formation of the waves is
one continuous action. Ocean wave and star turns use standard styling. As each
star forms (before turning the star), the dancer who will be leading the
exchange usually raises the outside hand to indicate "follow me". That hand is
held up for the star turn and through the exchange, and can be smoothly joined
with the inside hand of the following dancer when forming the ending waves
COMMENTS: The Facing Couples Rule applies to this call.
The 3/4 fraction to turn the star can be modified by the
caller, in which case a different dancer will be #1 and lead the exchange. STYLING:
Ocean wave and star turns use
standard styling.
As the Centers Turn 3/4 at the beginning of the call, the
other dancers pause slightly and then, as they Flip In, they bring the other
hand up to immediately join the forming star. COMMENTS: The Facing Couples Rule applies to this call.
The 3/4 fraction to turn the star can be modified by the
caller, in which case different dancers will be the Very Centers for the Turn
1/2. TEACUP CHAIN - Starting formation - Static Square, or proceeding
from everyone doing a Left Arm Turn with partner. TIMING - 32
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 three-quarters 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. 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
three-quarters 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 all
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".
STYLING: 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.
TRACK 2 - Starting formation - Completed Double Pass Thru. TIMING
- 8
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.
STYLING: As dancers are moving simultaneously in opposing directions,
it is important for them to provide moving 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.
TRADE THE WAVE - Starting formation - Any four-dancer ocean wave.
TIMING - 6
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.
STYLING: 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. TRIPLE SCOOT
- Starting formation - Columns. TIMING - 6
Dancers facing each other on a diagonal (three pairs) step
forward to join adjacent forearms, turn one-half (180 degrees) and step forward
to finish in a position vacated by the dancer who was originally adjacent to
them in the column. Meanwhile, the #1 dancer in each column Runs into the
position vacated by the adjacent #4 dancer who is doing the forearm turn. When
done from Right-Hand Columns, the dancers facing in turn by the right. When done
from Left-Hand Columns, the dancers facing in turn by the left hand.
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
ladies go to the center and Star Left once and a quarter to meet their
new corners for a Right Arm Turn.