calls / figures / moves
of level basic

The individual calls or figures are the main components of square dance, just as are the formations: Any figure starts with some formation, and in some (generally different) formation it will end.

Aiming for the figures of the mainstream level? Generally (as with us) it will be schooled together with the basic level in a single class.

Note: Informations being contained within the followings are standardized by the CALLERLAB. (From there the always up-to-date definitions list document can be downloaded in PDF form.) Nevertheless those are contained accessably at several places, even within the web, (cf. e.g. the resources mentioned at links).

Square up!

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
(none)	This is just the prompt of the caller, to assemble in static squares for dancing.	static square

Bow to your partner / corner

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
static square	Square dancers have polite manners. At the beginning and at the end of each dance they honnor to their partner and to their corner.	static square

Couple number 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
static square	No Call. – The pair with its back towards the caller (Callerlab definitions), towards the stage (e.g. at specials), towards the public (e.g. at demos), respectively towards the banner of the club (in our club eves, as our caller likes to bop around), gets the number 1; from there on it will be counted counter-clockwise (if seen from above). Heads = couples no. 1 + 3 Sides = couples no. 2 + 4	static square

Circle (left) / Circle right / Reverse

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) static square,  B) infacing circle of 8,  C) facing couple,  D) facing dancers	The addressed dancers step up, form a circle, connect hands, and move along the circumference. If the direction was not mentioned explicitely, to the left is understood. The movement terminates either by the next call only, or an additional instruction like "half way", "home", ... is needed. Reverse refers to an actual circling movement and reverses its direction. Sometimes this call, if intended for 2 dancers only, also is specified as Single Circle.	A+B) infacing circle of 8* or an inside circle of 4,  C) facing couple,  D) facing dancers * If endorsed with "home" then instead: static square.

Forward and back / Into the middle and back

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) static square,  B) infacing circle of 8,  C) facing parallel lines	The addressed dancers take 3 small steps towards the center of the set ("flagpole center"), then back again. For facing lines just 1 step straight ahead will be used instead, then back again. The call "forward and back" applied to normal lines at the same time is used as re-entrance call for squares, which have been "broken down".	A) static square,  B) infacing circle of 8,  C) facing parallel lines

Do sa do  &  Do sa do to a wave

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing dancers, mini-wave	One step ahead with slight offset to the left, passing right shoulder to right shoulder. Next step ahead with slight offset to the right, now being back to back. Then stepping backward with slight offset to the right, passing left shoulder to left shoulder. Finally stepping backward with slight offset to the left, now being face-to-face again. This orbit around each other is performed smoothly, not jerky. During the whole figure the line of sight does not change. If endorsed with to a wave, then a further step ahead slightly to the left will be taken. According to the Ocean Wave Rule, if danced out of a mini-wave, the first step will be omitted. Variation: Especially at demos or specials experienced dancers replace the fixed line of sight, as required by the rules, by an Hi de ho.	facing dancers; at "to a wave": mini-wave

Left do sa do  &  Left do sa do to a wave

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing dancers, left hand mini-wave	As before, just reverses the direction of orbitting. Thus one steps ahead towards left shoulder to left shoulder first (continental right-of-way). Note: Before 2003 "left do sa do" also was called "seesaw". Now that call is restricted to "seesaw your partner / the corner" (which, in contrast to "left do sa do", will be danced steping forward only).	facing dancers; at "to a wave": left hand mini-wave

Swing

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing dancers (boy & girl), mini-wave (boy & girl), normal pair	First both dancers approach each other slightly offset to the left, until the right feet and right hips connect. There they use a ballroom hold. Next, by use of the outer foot each, this formation rotates ahead around the inner foot connection ("scooting"). The number of turns either will be explicitely given, else usually it is 1 within the sequel of the dance. At the end there might be more, corresponding to the reminder of the musik. Without a twirl at the end: Finally, the boy will stop at his end position, while the girl turns on until she reaches the position besides him. Variations: If no subsequent call was given for some couple or the next call requires a promenade, then the swing could be executed with a twirl at the end: The man, having reached his final position, raises his left hand above the head of the lady. By guiding her with his right hand at her waist, he leads her into one and a half full clockwise rotation around her axis. (The additional full rotation ("twirl") is the decision of the lady. It requires more time, more space, and more body control. Category: "Gimmicks".) Starting with normal pairs this figure will be danced only with the endorsement "... your partner". Then the addressed dancers will have to turn towards each other first.	normal pair: either facing in (e.g. static square) or suiting the next call (e.g. couples promenade).

Couples promenade / Wrong way promenade

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
couples promenade, static square, right and left grand	Out of the couples promenade formation it just will be moved on along the circular path by the given amount (e.g. "one quarter") or up to the given position ("home"). Else all keep walking until the next call. From the static square all respectively only the addressed couples ("Heads" / "Sides") turn as a pair one quarter around the center of the couple and move (if nothing else was directed) counter-clockwise (when seen from above) respectively clockwise (for "wrong way promenade") along the circular path (if necessary around the others). The inactive dancers give space and do a forward and back (if nothing else was directed to those). Out of the right and left grand formation each pair of facing dancers blends into a "normal pair", which looks into the according direction. Then as above. If endorsed with a finalization (e.g. "one quarter", "home") the active couples then additionally turn towards the center of the set.	couples promenade, static square; for only 2 active couples also any other formation with "couples facing in on the outside of the set", according to the cycling extend.

Promenade inside

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
static square	Named dancers (men or women) take a step forward, if needed turn into the desired direction (promenade: to the right, wrong way promenade: to the left), then walk on a full circuit, and finally return onto their place, facing in again. Promenading men often like to clapp hands with the passed ladies. Promenading ladies alternatively might like to do skirt-walk (weaving their petty-coats).	static square

Single file promenade

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
couples promenade, static square, columns	Out of the couples promenade formation only with the supplement "put the ladies (men) in the lead". Then all move on, one after another. From a static square all or just the addressed dancers ("Men" / "Ladies") step up, then turn as single person about one quarter, and move counter-clockwise (if seen from above) on a circular path (if nothing else was determined) resp. clockwise (for a "wrong-way promenade") – if applicable inside of the inactive dancers. Out of the columns formation again all move one after another (quite as for column circulat) but broaden their path towards a circle at the same time.	indian style (if all 8 were activated)

Star promenade

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
star	The active dancers of the central star (e.g. men, heads) "pick up their ..." e.g. partner or corner (as was determined explicitely). In the center the star or packsaddle connection remains. The outer free arm grasps around the waist of the advised dancer while passing and takes that one along. The outer one then likewise grasps around the waist of the inner one (thus humorously also: "flab test"). Variation: (out of a static square) "Head men make a star" → "pick up your partner" → "she picks up her corner" → "he picks up his partner" → "all bend the big line" (ends in: normal lines).	star promenade

Allemande left

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
static square, circle (of 8, facing in), right and left grand, alamo ring (men facing in), thar, left handed ocean waves, lines (all in / all out / inverted ones with ends facing), trade by, 8 chain thru, left handed 3/4 tag	According to their starting formations the dancers turn towards each other up to 90° in place. Then they step ahead with a slight offset to the right, connect with the left forearms, and, walking foreward, turn this formation about one half – if nothing else was said, respectively unless otherwise required by the following figur. Up to the potentially first needed "face (the addressed dancer)" this call corresponds to the base version of left arm turn. Variation: Following a "allemande left your corner" also an "allemande right your partner" might be called. That one will be danced accordingly with a connection of the right forearms. Thus the turning direction likewise will be reversed. Some times in a singing call just before an "allemande left" from a circle of 8 a hinting Now! can be callt. Experianced dancers might flourish at this call with a fast full right turn at place. (Category: "Gimmicks")	right and left grand

Right arm turn / Left arm turn

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing dancers, mini-wave	If necessary the dancers step up slightly offset, in order to connect to that forearm hold, as was determined. Walking foreward, they turn this formation about one half – if nothing else was said, respectively unless otherwise required by the following figur. Out of a mini-wave fractions might specify the rotation angle: 1/4 = 90°, 1/2 = 180°, 3/4 = 270°, full = 360°; from facing dancers implicite advices ("to a ...") would be allowed only.	mini-wave

Right pull-by / Left pull-by

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing dancers	Dancers give the specified hands and then pull-by each other.	dancers back-to-back

Right and left grand / Wrong way grand

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
right and left grand, 8 chain thru, trade by plus ends face in. According to the Ocean Wave Rule also: wrong way thar, (right-handed) ocean waves. Further any formation, which allows to get accordingly directed by at most a quarter turn on place.	Right and left grand: (As seen from above:) men go counter-clockwise, ladies clockwise. Alternatingly they they give the same hands and pull-by: right pull-by → left pull-by → right pull-by → left pull-by. Wrong way grand: The sequence of hands remains the same, but the direction on the circular path gets interchanged for men and ladies. Variations: For a "left and right grand" the direction on the circular path remains original, but the sequence of hands becomes: left → right → left → right. (With resp. to the application of theOcean Wave Rule the starting formation accordingly should be left-handed mini-waves). For a "right and left grand, some go right, some go wrong" the sequence of hands remains original, but some men go counter-clockwise, some go clockwise.	right and left grand

Weave the ring

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
right and left grand	The action is similar to the (normal) right and left grand, but there are no hand contacts (i.e. rather a sequence of pass thru / step thru than of pull-by). Variation: Deviating from the definition some experianced lady-dancers like to flourish this action by an additional twirl in those 2 moments when they are on the outside. Both for orientation and drive, those should be guided by the momentary partner with the required hands.	right and left grand

Right hand star / Left hand star

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing couples, static square, circle (of 8, facing in)	The designated dancers step ahead, slightly offset against the mentioned direction. Then with the mentioned hand they connect into a star- or a pack-saddle handhold. Within that star formation any dancer moves foreward turning it around about one half – if nothing else was said –, so that each dancer faces his starting position with opposite line of view. The distance traveled may be specified explicitely by fractions of a full turn (1/4 = 90°, 1/2 = 180°, 3/4 = 270°, full = 360°), or could be given implicitely by means of the following call. Variations: The definition allows stars of 3 or more dancers (e.g. "head-girls lead right" → "star left with the sides"). Surely, most often those will be 4.	right hand star resp. left hand star. (Appropriate to the next call a small adjustment might be required.)

Pass thru

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing dancers, mini-wave	The addressed dancers move forward, passing at right shoulders. (Pass thru from a Mini-Wave corresponds to the Ocean Wave Rule.) Variation: If applied to a couple and an opposing single dancer, then that one passes between the others (while the couple moves as well). Note: Out of a left-handed Mini-Wave this call can not be applied. (Then an in-formal step thru could be called instead.)	dancers back-to-back

Half sachay

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
couple	The left dancer moves behind the right one onto his place, while that one takes a side-step to the left. Thereby both keep their line of sight. Variations: At "half of a half sachay" only the first half of the action will be done: the left dancer just moves backward to the right, the right one a smaller step to the left. They result in a tandem formation. At "half sachay once and a half" an additional "half of a half sachay" will be danced right after the first completed full "half sachay". (The "Half" is an integral part of the command name and can not be replaced by other fractions. Even so it might be dropped, shortening the call to sachay, which then still means the same thing.) At "half sachay wrong way" / "wrong way half sachay" the left dancers will do the side-step to the right, while the right dancer moves to the left behind the other dancer.	couple

Ladies in, men sachay

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
circle (of 8, alternating men and ladies)	From a circle left the ladies take a step towards the center. The men take a side-step to the left on the circular path up to the next gap. Then the ladies go back to their former places. The line of sight for all dancers will be towards the center throughout. The former motion along the circular path (circle left) now will be continued. From a circle right the men accordingly would side-step to the right on the circular path up to the next gap. Variation: For sure, this call could be changed into men in, ladies sachay likewise.	circle (of 8, alternating men and ladies)

Rollaway

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) couple, B) circle (of 8, alternating men and ladies)	Rollaway is nothing but a flourishing of the calls half sachay resp. ladies in, men sachay. Even so it was accepted as an own call of this program. Starting from a couple the dancer, which would just step to the side in front of the other, additionally will do a full rotation (360°). For a motion to the left it will be a rotation to the left, for a motion to the right it will be a rotation to the right. From a circle of 8, if nothing else was said, the ladies will be "rolled" likewise from the right to the left. Variations: * "Half of a rollaway" accordingly would end in facing dancers. * As extended application this call might be applied to a left-handed mini-wave as well. Then each dancer performs independendly the part of the right-hand person: the movement to the left with a simultanuous full turn. Accordingly those would end in a (right-handed) mini-wave. Note: Some times the older term of this call might be used: "Rollaway with a half sachay". That one means exactly the same figure (esp. no extra half sachay should be danced).	A) couple, B) circle (of 8, alternating men and ladies)

U-turn back

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
(single dancer)	An individual turn-back (180°) in place. The rotation direction is given in highest priority by a former rotation direction ("body flow"). Next priority would be: towards the momentary partner. If the dancer has no partner and does neither face towards the center of the set ("flagpole center") nor away from it, then he turns towards that center. Only in those remaining 2 cases the rotation direction is arbitrary. If there are handholds, those will be released, then the turn applies. Finally reconnect according to the new orientation.	(single dancer)

Backtrack

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
star- / couples- / wrong-way-promenade, indian style	The 4 outermost dancers individually turn away from the center 180°. All dancers then move on in their (possibly new) orientation along their circular path. Out of Single file promenade ("indian style") either 4 dancers can be designated (e.g. "men"), so that there will be again 2 concentric circles moving in opposite directions; or "all 8" could be addressed, resulting again in a single file promenade, but with reversed circulation.	(several, depending on starting formation and addressed dancers)

Separate

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
couple	The dancers of the active or addressed couples turn back-to-back. If necessary they head on a small amount on their path around the remaining dancers until they meet the first of those. Note: This call has its own right, even so it will be followed in most cases (as in the above animations) by Around 1 / 2 / 3 / 4!	Individual dancers, facing an (arbitrarily oriented) inactive dancer or (in the sense of the ocean-wave rule) already stand beside of.

Around 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 ...

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
Only after a separate	Moving on their path around the inactive dancers, their passed shoulders have to be counted according to the call. In case the active dancers pass at their right shoulders (without counting that one). The inactive dancers must counter dance, i.e. move a small amount towards the center to provide space for the actives on the outside; then they come back onto their positions. ... to a line: after the last shoulder they step in between ("squeeze in", at 1 or 3) an inactive couple (or a right/left handed mini-wave) or attach to their ends ("hook on the end", at 2 or 4). In any case they result in parallel lines. ... come down the middle or ... come into the middle: For "squeeze in" like before, just that the active dancers move on one step beyond, such that the inactive dancers can reconnect behind those, at their former positions. (This last action of "squeeze in" → "come down the middle" could be seen as kind an inward directed split two.) For "hook on the end" also like before, but the active dancers move on around that last person until any two of those, comming from different directions, will form an in-facing couple.	(according to the designations)

Split two

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
Any formation, where a couple or a tandem looks onto the front or back of an other couple or onto a (right or left handed) mini-wave.	Similar to a pass thru. Just that in this call both active dancers (couple or tandem) pass in between the inactive dancers (couple or mini-wave). The inactive dancers will have to let them go, i.e. steps apart and thereafter returns. Nobody changes the line of sight.	The inactive dancers end where they started. The active dancers end in the same formation of 2, but with their back towards the inactive ones.

Courtesy turn

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
normal pair*, facing dancers (man and woman) * "normal" is required for Basic and Mainstream only.	The woman places her left hand into the left hand of the man. The man places his right hand at the waste of the woman (or into her there offered right hand). Then the couple, working as a unit, turns around its midpoint, the man moves backward, the woman moves forward. Facing dancers blend into a normal pair as they perform this action. The amount of turning either is governed by the followings or has to be provided explicitely (whenever none applies or they would contradict):   * A couple that has other dancers behind it turns 180 degrees to end facing the other dancers.   * Dancers working on the outside of the set turn to end facing the center of the set.   * If an inactive, outside man is facing in, with an active woman coming towards him, then the couple turns to face the direction in which the inactive man had been facing. Notes: * This figure is not so often used as an autonomous call. It rather gets its account as a part within more complex figures (e.g. ladies chain, chain down the line, right and left thru, do paso and eight chain thru).  * Within higher levels, the action as such remains the same, just that, independent of sex, the dancer to the left will take over the role of the man ("Beau"), while the dancer to the right similarily will take over the role of the woman ("Belle").	Infacing couple (either with respect to the formation of 4 or of all 8) Cf. details.

Two ladies chain

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) normale facing couples, B) static square	The 2 (addressed) ladies step up slightly to the left, resulting in a momentary right-handed mini-wave, then do a pull by, and finally conduct a courtesy turn with the facing man at the opposite side. That one, by anticipating this action, meanwhile has moved slightly to his right. Variations: The call end ladies chain on the diagonal can be danced from those parallel lines, which have 2 infacing women diametrically opposite at the ends, and their adjacent center dancer is an infacing man. Then those 2 women change their places. Head (two) ladies chain 3/4 starts from a static square. Instead of the pull by the 2 ladies form a right-handed mini-wave (star of 2). Around this handhold they turn until they face the right-hand man. There they do the courtesy turn. Thus the head-men remain alone, and at both sides there will be each: man-lady-lady.	A) normale facing couples, B) static square

Four ladies chain

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
static square, circle (of 8 facing in)	All 4 ladies step up, slightly offset to the left, and form a momentary right hand star. Then they step up again, slightly offset to the right onto the opposite man, who meanwhile also has moved slightly to his right. Now those do a courtesy turn. Variations: The call all/four ladies chain across also is possible from normal lines. Again all ladies change places with the diametral opposites in the same manner. The call all/four ladies chain 3/4 is based on the obove, just that the momentary star turns on, passing the opposite man, and doing the courtesy turn with the next man.	static square

Ladies chain down the line

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
Any line, where the centers connect with their right hands, left hand ocean-wave, double track (For Basic and Mainstream additionally: Centers have to be women, Ends have to be men.)	Center dancers turn (as a star of 2) half way around their handhold, while ends adjust as necessary. Then the ends courtesy turn the centers.	facing couple

Do paso

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
right and left grand, thar, squared set, circle (of 8 facing in) In Variation also from: circle-four, eight chain thru (sachayed), left-handed parallel ocean waves (men at the ends)	Left arm turn with the partner until facing the corner, then step up and right arm turn with the corner until facing the partner again. If nothing else is specified, the figure ends with a courtesy turn the partner.	with subsequent call: thar / without subsequent call: squared set

Lead right / left

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
couple	The addressed couple, working as a unit, turns one quarter (90°) around the right / left dancer, like an opening door. If passing has to be considered, this has to be done at the outermost shoulder. If applicable, this should result in formations like facing couples or couples back-to-back. Esp. starting from a static square requires some small adjustments.	couple

Veer right / left

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) facing couple,  B) two-faced line (centers holding the respective hand),  C) respective mini-wave,  D) respective ocean-wave	The addressed couples or single dancers step up, slightly offset to the respective side, without changing their direction of sight.	A) two-faced line,  B) couples back-to-back,  C) dancers back-to-back,  D) couples back-to-back

Bend the line

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
line of 4, two-faced line	Both halves, working as a unit, each turns one quarter (90°) around their respective center towards the midpoint of the former line. Variations: From a grand tidal line with orientations 2-2-2-2 each half will work separately, thus resulting in a eight chain thru formation. – From a grand tidal line with orientations 4-4 the action remains indefinite. Supplemented by each side ... again each half works separately. Whereas when supplemented by line of 8 ... / all 8 ... or replaced by bend the big line, then either half of 4 dancers will have to work as unit, resulting in facing parallel-lines). From a tidal line of 6 with orientations 3-3 likewise either half works as unit. As a termination of a 2 couples promenade (without prior indication of expanse) this call can be used as well. There it applies onto the disconnected 2-faced line of promenating couples. Those will have to turn, working as a unit each, around their centers towards the center of the set.	facing couples

(All 8 / [named dancers]) circulate

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
any parallel lines or any parallel ocean waves	All 8 (or just the addressed dancers) on their track move on one position:   * Trailing dancers will head for the position in front of them.   * Leading center dancers will walk on a small semi-circle onto the place of their center-neighbour, thus resulting in the opposite line of sight.   * Leading end dancers will walk on a large semi-circle onto the place at the far end of the line or ocean wave, thus resulting in the opposite line of sight.   * If necessary, the passing rule will apply. Variations: Even than being better specified as single file circulate, an circulate action out of columns might likewise be addressed as "(all eight) circulate". Many other orientations of individual dancers within their parallel lines positions (e.g. 2 T-bones, double pass thru etc.) could be thought of as starting formations. Though, those require experienced dancers, as those mix up this "all eight circulate" call with the single file circulate call. Some even make use of the application of the same position rule. (Several such applications can be found within the list of animations by Taminations.)	(depends on the individual orientations in the starting formation)

Couples circulate

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
two-faced line	Effectively this call is nothing than a sub-case of all eight circulate. Because the end dancer and the adjoining center dancer both have the same line of sight, they will remain neighbours throughout the whole action. Further, in that sub-case nobody is oncoming. Thus the couples even can keep their handhold.	two-faced line

Single file circulate

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
columns	In this call the 2 leading dancers walk on a small semi-circle onto their neighbours position, thus resulting in the opposite line of sight. All others will head for the position in front of them.	columns

Box circulate

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) box circulate,  B) facing couples,  C) couples back-to-back	Leading dancers in a small semi-circle move onto their neighbours position (within this box formation of 4), thus resulting in the opposite line of sight. Trailing dancers will head for the position in front of them. (In case the passing rule applies.) Note: This call for 4 dancers is used on the one hand within the definition of split circulate, there being applied onto both halves of the total formation of 8. On the other hand it can be applied directly onto the 4 center dancers ("center-box circulate").	A) box circulate,  B) facing couples,  C) couples back-to-back

Split circulate

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) columns,  B) parallel lines,  C) parallel ocean waves	In either case the columns / lines / waves will be split into halves and both thus produced boxes of 4 dancers on either side conducts the action box circulate on its own.	A) columns,  B) parallel lines,  C) parallel ocean waves

Right and left thru

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
normal* facing couples, (right-handed) ocean wave (men at the ends, ladies at the centers)* * for Basic and Mainstream required	First a right pull-by, then a courtesy turn.	facing couples

Grand square

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
static square	Within their own quadrant all dancers walk along the sides of a small square in both directions:  A) The addressed dancers turn as requested (e.g. "heads face, ...", "boys face your partner, ..."). Then they take 3 steps backward, turn a quarter (90°) towards the center of the set, next take in that direction 3 steps forward, turn a quarter (90°) towards the center of the set, take in that direction 3 steps forward again, turn once more a quarter (90°) towards the center of the set, and finally take in that direction 3 steps backward. At "Reverse" the sides of that small square will be run through in opposite direction: they first take 3 steps forward, turn a quarter (90°) towards the center of the set, next take in that direction 3 steps backward, turn a quarter (90°) towards the center of the set, take in that direction 3 steps backward again, turn a quarter (90°) towards the center of the set, finally take in that direction 3 steps forward, and for the last time turn a quarter (90°) towards the center of the set. B) In the meantime the not-addressed dancers start with the reverse-part (without the final turn), and at "Reverse" they will do the former part.	static square

Star thru

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing dancers (man and woman)	The man lifts his right hand up, the woman places her left hand into it. Both arms build an arch. As the dancers move forward the woman turns one quarter (90°) to the left under the arch, while the man turns one quarter (90°) to the right moving past the woman. (Finally they change to couples handhold.)	normal pair

California twirl

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
normal pair	The action resembles a star thru, just the starting formation, resp. the reference person differs – and so the rotation angle increases: The man and the woman raise their (already existing) handhold to build an arch. The woman does a half turn (180°) to the left under the arch. The man does a half turn (180°) to the right moving past the woman. Both have changed their places, their line of sight then is into the opposite direction. (Finally they change to couples handhold.)	normal pair

Walk around the corner

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
static square, circle (of 8, facing in)	Dancers face their corners, step up slightly offset to the left, resulting right shoulder to right shoulder. Then they turn this formation of 2 around their center half way round, still moving forward. Now they step up again, slightly offset to the right, resulting back-to-back with that corner dancer. Variation: Starting with a normal facing couples formation, the initial facing part becomes superfluous. The ending formation then is couples back-to-back. Note: In former times this call was referred to as all around your left hand lady, but those ladies then allways had to translate it into "all around your right hand man".	right and left grand

Seesaw

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
right and left grand	(In its usage according to this definition nowadays always preceeded by walk around the corner. – But cf. its former usage as a "left do sa do" as well.) Dancers step up to their partners slightly offset to the right, resulting left shoulder to left shoulder. Then they turn this formation of 2 around their center half way round, still moving forward. Now they step up again, slightly offset to the right, resulting back-to-back with the partner. Variations: Instead of the usual combination "walk around the corner" → "seesaw (your partner)" also sequences might be called like a "walk around your partner" → "seesaw the corner" or even a "seesaw the corner" → "walk around your partner", resp. "seesaw your partner" → "walk around the corner". (Within the last 2 cases the initial facing action of the "walk around ..." will be switched towards the before to be danced "seesaw".) In any case the orbitting of "walk around ..." will be around the right shoulders, and that of "seesaw ..." will be around the left shoulders. Either of these combinations results in a walked through "8".	right and left grand

Square thru 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing couples, (rechtshändige) ocean wave	A "square thru 1 (hand)" resp. "square thru 1/4" is nothing but a right pull-by. For any further "hand" resp. any further "quarter" (according to the call) there will follow a quarter turn (90°) in place, towards the center of the box, and another "pull-by" using alternating hands. – The definition asks furthermore that corners should be rounded off rather than pulling through and doing a square military turn. Seen that way, "square thru" resembles a right and left grand, just being danced in a box of 4 dancers, instead for all 8. Notes: * There is no call named "right square thru". Without further attribute this definition is meant always. Else a left square thru has to be addressed explicitely. * The Callerlab definition connects the turns to the former paths rather than to the following ones each. But then the differing last path depends on the call specification: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4. – The above description instead reduces this difference uniformly to the first one. Variation: This figure can also be started from a static square. But then the active dancers have to be addressed (Heads or Sides). Those addressed ones will have to step up before the first "pull-by" could be done. The ending formation here would be in case of "1" or "3" a formation from 2 T-bones, whereas in case of "2" or "4" the eight chain thru formation.	couples back-to-back

Left square thru 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing couples, left hand ocean wave	Same as square thru, just starting with a left pull-by. (Thus similar to a left and right grand). Variation: As already mentioned in square thru, this figure could start from a static square as well.	couples back-to-back

Circle to a line

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
eight chain thru	First each box of 4 dancers connect to a circle handhold and moves along the periphery half way round (circle 4 half way). Then the left end dancer and the right center dancer drop their connection, while all other handholds remain. That end dancer pulls on his chain by 4 towards the left. The others will follow on their circular path. Meanwhile the chain slowly is rolling out to a line. On the run both center dancers raise their handhold to an arch. That center dancer at the end of the chain twirls underneath towards his left, thus becoming the right end of his line of 4. (The movement of those 2 is somehow similar to an offset and sex-independent california twirl.) Hint: Especially for children square dance classes a naming of those 4 dancers of the box according to their different roles might help: The left center dancer will be the king, the right one accordingly the queen. Opposite to her (i.e. the left end dancer) will be the jester, and opposite to the king there will be the princess. After the semi-circulation the king releases the princess and leads his court society on to the left. While the chain is rolling out the jester is twirling the princess underneath their raised handhold.	parallel lines (all facing in)

Dive thru

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
eight chain thru (with center couples as normal pairs)	The center dancers raise their handhold to an arch. Such they move forward onto the positions of the end dancers. Meanwhile those end dancers duck under the arch and step up onto the center positions. The new end dancers use their still raised handhold for a final california twirl. Note: It is permissible for dancers making the arch to part hands momentarily if it is uncomfortable to reach over diving dancers. Variation: Its rare that this figure is applied to other facing couples with no well-defined end dancers. Then the respective roles have to be announced explicitely (e.g. "Heads Arch, Sides Dive Thru"). Again, those raising the arch, clearly have to be a "normal pair".	double pass thru

Wheel around

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
couple	Half turn (180°) around the handhold. The left dancer moves backward, the right one forward. Variation: At reverse wheel around the left dancer moves forward, the right one backward. Even if the result is the same, sometimes the "bodyflow" within a sequel of figures becomes more smooth using this variant.	couple (in die entgegengesetzte Richtung blickend)

Thar family

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
(diverse)	Allemande thar resp. wrong way thar are formations, not figures / calls. Sure, one could call "make a(n) ..." when the appropriate orientations of the individual dancers is already given and just a step up towards the counterpart is missing, possibly a slightly offset one. – In any case the thar (as a figure) will be rotated in the direction of the outside dancers till the next call. The most common figure is allemande left → to an allemande thar. There, after the "allemande left", follows a "forward 2", i.e. a right pull-by and an additional step up towards the 2nd oncoming dancer into a left armhold. Here follows a "swing in with a backup star", i.e. a left arm turn 1/2 (180°), building the "allemande thar". (According to the general further rotation rule, the ones, swinging in, then will move on backwards.) Common also is shoot the star → to another thar. Here again, just as above, after the "shoot the star" action follows a "forward 2" and a "swing in with a backup star". If a different number of hands is intended, it has to be mentioned explicitely (e.g. "go forward 3"). Notes: Often the "forward" is added assistively, sometimes even with the intended sequence of hands ("go right and left"). But be aware that this usage might follow different intends: either it just means the momentary direction of walking, or it relates onto the direction of right and left grand, which then, in that sense, also could be replaced by "backward", i.e. the direction within a wrong way grand.	allemande thar resp. wrong way thar

Slip the clutch

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) allemande thar,  B) wrong way thar	The armhold between ends and centers will be released (the centers keep connected). Now the centers reverse their rotation and move forward too (as the ends so far did and keep on doing).	2 concentric, contrarily rotating circles; each singular dancer moves forward; centers remain connected as a A) right hand star resp. B) left hand star

Shoot the star

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) allemande thar,  B) wrong way thar	The armholds at the center will be released. The individual A: left-handed / B: right-handed mini-waves make an arm turn around the remaining armhold, either as far as said explicitely (e.g. "full around"), else 1/2 (180°).	"1/2" resp. "full": same as starting formation;  "1/4" resp. "3/4": alamo ring

Box the gnat

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing dancers (man and woman)	Man and woman both step up, give right hands, and raise this handhold above their heads. Then the woman turns 1/2 (180°) to the left under this arch, while the man makes a right semi-circle around the woman. Variation: Nowadays no longer used, but in earlier days there was a "left hand box the gnat" as well, then being called swat the flea.	facing dancers in interchanged positions

[named dancers] trade  &  couples trade

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) Any line (of 4), any ocean wave; B) couple or mini-wave; C) line of 4 or two-faced line	A) The addressed dancers ("ends", "centers", "boys", "girls") change places on a semi-circular path, resulting each in a reversed line of view. B) At a partner trade both neighbouring dancers change their places in the same way. C) At a couples trade the ends and their adjacing centers act as a unit. Those 2 units of a "line of 4" then do a "partner trade". Acting as units, the handhold of either couple will be maintained. Note: Those semi-circles should be formed economical, esp. the paths of 2 parallel starting formations should not intersect. If active dancers (of a single starting formation) would meet, the passing rule applies. In C) it furthermore applies to the couples acting as units.	(dependent on the activated dancers)

(Step) to a wave

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) facing dancers, B) facing couples, C) facing parallel lines	This call makes explicit, what is contained in the Ocean-Wave Rule: Step up, slightly offset to the left, connecting hands. Variation: At a step to a left hand wave the small offset would be to the right.	A) mini-wave, B) (right-handed) ocean wave, C) (right-handed) grand tidal ocean wave

To an alamo ring

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
out of an allemande left	In the sequence of calls allemande left → to an alamo ring the turn of the "allemande left" will be continued (approx. 3/4) until each individual dancer will be situated inbetween his partner and his corner. There the armconnection will be released and instead a weave-handhold at both sides will be taken.	alamo ring

Ballance

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) ocean wave,  B) left hand ocean wave,  C) alamo ring	Just as into the middle and back from 2 parallel in-facing lines this call too is kind of a "breathing time": each individual dancer takes a small step ahead and back again, without releasing the handholds. Note: Esp. in the cases A)+B) this call will serve for additional time, so that the dancers might realize the implicite application of the Ocean-Wave Rule.	A) ocean wave,  B) left hand ocean wave,  C) alamo ring

Swing thru / Left swing thru

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) ocean wave,  B) left hand ocean wave,  C) alamo ring	Swing thru: Those who can turn their right-handed mini-wave 1/2 (180°), stepping forward. In the new positions hands will be connected again. Then, again, those who can turn their left hand mini-wave 1/2 (180°), stepping forward. In the new positions hands will be connected again. At a left swing thru just the 2 parts will be interchanged: first the left turn (if applicable), then the right turn (if applicable). Note: In an application of the Ocean-Wave Rule for a swing thru instead of A) resp. for a left swing thru instead of B) alternatively facing couples would be allowed as starting formation.	A) ocean wave,  B) left hand ocean wave,  C) alamo ring

Run	(Animations:       )       (top)

Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
Any formatiopn of 2 adjoining dancers, if a shoulder of the addressed person points toward the other.	This figure has different actions for "activ" and "inactiv" dancers:  * The addressed ("activ") dancers ("Boys", "Girls", "Ends", "Centers") follow a small semi-circular path onto the place of their neighbour, thereby reversing the line of sight.  * The "inactiv" dancers step onto the place of their neighbour, without changing the line of sight. According to their relative orientation this action will be done by stepping ahead, to the side or even backward.	(depend on the starting formation and the activated dancers)

Cross run

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) line of 4,  B) two-faced line,  C) ocean wave,  D) left hand ocean wave	Similar to run, just that the semi-circle of the "active" dancers reaches beyond the midpoint of the line or wave onto the position of the far "inactive" dancer. For the "inactive" dancer all remain the same: he moves (keeping his orientation) onto the then freed position within his half. Note: The "active" dancers here additionally have to consider the passing rule, if necessary.	(depend on the starting formation and the activated dancers)

Pass the ocean

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing couples, ocean wave, left hand ocean wave	Pass thru → face in → step to a wave.	(right-handed) ocean wave

Extend

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) quarter tag,  B) left hand quarter tag (In Basic and Mainstream from those formations only)	The dancers of the ocean wave release their hand connections and take a step forward, towards the outside dancers. Each outside dancer will follow that dancer of the ocean wave, whom he is looking at the backside. Any oncoming dancers then will reconnect to 2 new parallel ocean waves.	A) right handed parallel ocean waves,  B) left handed parallel ocean waves

Wheel and deal

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) line of 4, B) two-faced line	The couple at the left of the line takes a small step forward (in a "two-faced line" these are both!). Then either pair, working as a unit, turns half way (180°) around the former center dancer.	A) tandem couples, B) facing couples

Double pass thru

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
double pass thru, also: quarter tag (in application of the Ocean-Wave Rule)	All tandems, working as a unit, pass with right shoulders. They only stop when the tandems will get back-to-back.	completed double pass thru

First couple go right/left, next couple go right/left

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
completed double pass thru	According to the call the "leading couple", working as a unit, turns in a small semi-circle to the right or to the left. Thereby the inner dancer nearly will work in place. Then this couple moves a small step ahead. Meanwhile the "trailing couple" moves first a small step ahead and turns thereafter similarily in the specified direction. If both couples have to turn into the same direction, then the second couple only turns 1/4 (90°), resulting in a all 4 couples promenade formation (which, as a total, keeps rotating up to the next call).	for different directions: parallel lines (all facing in); for same directions: (all 4 couples) promenade

Zoom	(Animations:       )       (top)

Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
Tandem	Besides the mere tandem formation also a reference point is essential. That one is either provided by a box formation or by the center of all 8 dancers. In all other cases that reference point has to be addressed explicitely (e.g. "Leaders go/work to the right"). * The leader turns 1/2 (180°) away from the reference point, then moves ahead just behind the trailer, turns 1/2 more in the same direction, getting onto the freed position of the trailer.  * The trailer moves – without changing his line of sight – onto the place ahead. Both dancers thereafter have the same line of sight as before. They just have changed places. Variations: * At least in a half of a zoom the direction of the turn becomes essential, as the dancers then will result accordingly in a (right handed) mini-wave or a left handed mini-wave. * In the sense of DBD this call also could be applied to different box formations, even when no tandems exist: any individual dancer just takes his part, depending of looking into or out of the box. (As this application already requires experienced dancers, an additional application of the Same Position Rule should not be taken into account.) As a gag a "zoom" willingly is being called from a facing couples formation: in fact that would be nothing but a pass thru! Cramped it would become within this extension when applied to parallel lines, all facing out: all dancers would have to do a 360° turn onto the position behind; so the center of the set will need space for 4 dancers. (Both boxes work independently, accordingly their dancers should not interact. The others should obey the Passing Rule.)	Tandem

Flutterwheel / Reverse flutterwheel

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing couples	Flutterwheel: Both right hand dancers step up, slightly offset to the left. There they do a right arm turn 1/4. Using their outer hands they now additionally connect to the so far remaining dancers, resulting in a momentary two-faced line. That one will turn on 1/2 (180°) in the same direction. There the arm connection at the center will be released and each couple turns to face the center: The right dancers will result in their former positions, the left dancers have changed places. For a reverse flutterwheel (also: "reverse the flutter") everything will be mirrored, i.e. the left dancers step up, slightly offset to the right; do a left arm turn 1/4, etc. Variation: From a static square furthermore an all 4 ladies flutterwheel resp. an all 4 men reverse the flutter would be possible. Instead of the "arm-turn" in the center this time a (corresponding) star would be used, and instead the momentary "two-faced line" clearly a star promenade formation occurs. Still each opposite partner will be picked up.	facing couples

Sweep a quarter (more)

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing couples	This call references onto the turning direction of the former call and continues that "body flow" in the sense of a circle of 4 about 1/4. (Even so the handholds will remain those of couples only, not the total connections of a circle.)	facing couples

Trade by

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) trade by,  B) any formation, where 2 couples face each other and the other couples face out	Couples facing each other: pass thru Couples facing out: (partner) trade Note: Ocean-Wave Rule could be applied to centers.	A) eight chain thru,  B) depends on the starting formation

Touch 1/4

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
facing dancers	Dancers step up, slightly offset to the right, connect to a (right handed) mini-wave, and turn this connection about 1/4 (90°). (Using the MS program even simpler: step to a mini-wave → hinge.) Variations: Other fractions like touch 1/2 etc. In left touch ... a left hand mini-wave would be formed resp. turned. – Nowadays no longer used variant: Curlicue.	mini-wave

Ferris Wheel

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
two-faced parallel lines	All couples take a small step ahead.  * The out-facing couples do their part of wheel and deal.  * The in-facing couples first build an own momentary two-faced line (the hand connection at the center is not required here), then they dance (in their formation of 4) an independent wheel and deal. Note: The action of the in-facing couples should not degenerate into a bend the line → sweep a quarter. Variation: From the rarely seen (nameless) formation, which in turn is formed from parallel two-faced lines by having a bend the line for the in-facing couples only, the "ferris wheel" would be allowed as well: each couple independently would dance its part. The ending formation then would be a "all couples in 2 T-bones" with the formerly out-facers at the ends.	double pass thru

continue with Mainstream program

Some general rules

Same Position Rule / Mini-Wave Rule

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
(heading for the same position)	No call. – This rule just tells, that 2 dancers, which are heading for the same ending position, there shall reposition to a right hand mini-wave.	(right hand) mini-wave

Passing Rule

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
(oncoming dancers)	No call. – This rule just tells, that 2 dancers, which are oncoming on the same track, should (if no other advice was provided) pass right shoulder to right shoulder (according to the british right of way).	(passing right shoulder to right shoulder)

Ocean Wave Rule / Facing Dancers Rule

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Starting formation	Figure definitions	Ending formation
A) facing dancers, B) facing couples, C) mini-wave, D) ocean wave	No call. – This rule just tells, that all, what could be danced out of the Facing Dancers formation, likewise could be danced out of the (right handed) Mini-Wave formation – the starting "step up" just would be dropped. And, the other way round, all, what could be danced out of the (right handed) Mini-Wave formation, likewise could be danced out of the Facing Dancers formation – just an additional "step up" would be put in front. Similarily the same rule applies to Facing Couples on the one side and Ocean Waves on the other.	A) mini-wave, B) ocean wave, C) facing dancers, D) facing couples

continue with Mainstream program

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