"anything" call-that-starts-with-circulateThis construct is usually referred to as the "anything concept" even though, unlike most concepts, it has no name of its own that is spoken when it is used. And "anything" is misleading, because depending on what that "anything" is, it is spoken different ways. But the general idea is that the "anything" replaces the Circulate at the beginning of the named call.Only calls which have as their first part (all 8) Circulate can be modified in this way. As a practical matter, at C-2 and C-3A, this means: Coordinate, Motivate, Percolate, and Perk Up. If the Circulate is to be replaced by some other kind of circulate, it is usual to leave out the word "Circulate". For example "Split Motivate" means Split Circulate then Finish Motivate; "Trade Percolate" means do a Trade Circulate then Finish Percolate. If the Circulate is to be replaced by some kind of Counter Rotate, then the word "Rotate" is typically omitted. For example, "Counter Perk Up" means Counter Rotate then Finish Perk Up; "Split Counter Coordinate" means Split Counter Rotate then Finish Coordinate. If the Circulate is to be replaced by any other call, then it is common to include the connector "er's". For example, "Walk Out to a Wave er's Motivate" means Walk Out to a Wave and then Finish Motivate. This "er's" is not strictly required, but many callers always include it, to make clear where the name of the replacement call ends, to make clear that this combining construct is intended, and to avoid what might otherwise seem like ambiguous cases. References:
1/4 (or 3/4) MixThis is a three-part call, usually starting from a box:
Note that although this is very similar to Swing and Mix, for this call the first turn is defined to be by the right. (Of course this can be changed by the addition of "Left" or "Any Hand".) There is also 3/4 Mix, which is the same except that the first turn is 3/4. References:
1/4 (or 3/4) the DeuceyThis normally starts in parallel waves and ends in parallel waves of the same handedness.
References:
1/4 (or 3/4) Wheel the Ocean/SeaThese are variations on Wheel the Ocean/Sea, starting from a two-faced line rather than a box. For the 1/4 variation, starting in a left-handed two-faced line, each half of the line does an As Couples 1/4 Left (1/2 Wheel Around). For the 3/4 variation, starting in a right-handed two-faced line, each half does an As Couples 3/4 Left (Wheel Around 1 1/2). Then the rest of the call is the same as for Wheel the Ocean/Sea - belles cross, or belles walk beaus dodge.Note that for these variations everybody does the initial turning action, the same amount, either 1/4 or 3/4. References:
3x1 Checkmate/TransferThese are variations on Checkmate the Column and Transfer the Column. In the original versions of those calls, the first two dancers in the column do one action, and the last two do another action. In the "3x1" versions, the first three dancers do the first action, and just the last dancer does the other action.For 3x1 Checkmate, the first three dancers circulate four spots and face in, becoming a couple of three. The last dancer in the column circulates three spots, faces in, and circulates to become an outfacing end. For 3x1 Transfer, the first three dancers walk around the other side of the square and face in, and then "extend" to the remaining (#4) dancers who have met and done a Cast Off 3/4. Since there is only one dancer coming from the center to do the "extend" with three from the outside, only the center dancer of the outside three actually meets somebody, in the center of the forming line – the other two just walk forward to become trailing ends. Those who meet in the center meet with right or left hands according to the handedness of the original column, which is also the hand by which the #4 dancers have just done their Cast Off 3/4. Note that both 3x1 Checkmate and 3x1 Transfer end in "3 and 1 lines", but of different types. A 3x1 Checkmate ends in lines with the three dancers who are facing in the same direction all together in a group. A 3x1 Transfer ends in line with a mini-wave in the center. Other combinations are also possible, e.g., 1x3 Transfer (from columns of four) and 2x1 Checkmate (from columns of three), but not as commonly used. However 1x1 Transfer is commonly used starting in A-2 under the names Box/Split Transfer, and 1x1 Checkmate is commonly used in C-3A under the names Single/Box/Split Checkmate. References:
AlongMost commonly from a tidal wave, but sometimes from other kinds of tidal lines:
The very common combination "Swing Along" means Arm Turn 1/2 and then Along. Note that this variation can be done from facing lines. Notes on dancing with phantoms: If you start on the very end, you simply walk around the outside and stop as a lead end. Otherwise your first priority needs to be to understand what kind of Hinge you are doing – it's possible that it will be a Partner Hinge, but in the case of a tidal wave it's simply turning 1/4 by the left if you are in a right-handed tidal wave and vice versa. Then, if you started in the very center you should expect to be doing the Peel Off (because the Circulate will make you #1 in your column of three), and if you started anywhere else you should expect to be meeting somebody and trading. References:
Alter and CirculateFrom parallel waves:
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Bias CirculateFrom parallel waves:
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Bounce somebodyThis is a two-part call, starting from a two-faced line:
The result will be some kind of 2x2 box, with the facing directions depending on which dancers were designated. References:
Breaker n/callNormally from parallel columns or magic columns:
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Catch nThis is a three-part call, starting with facing couples:
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Catch call nThis is a three-part call, starting with facing couples:
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Chain the SquareStarting from an eight-chain, all right pull by. Then the new ends Courtesy Turn and Veer Left to become the trailing couples of parallel two faced lines. Meanwhile the dancers who came into the center from opposite directions meet and do a Courtesy Turn, with the original beau turning the original belle until the original belle is facing 180 degrees from his/her original direction, and walk forward (or As Couples Extend) to become leaders of those same two-faced lines.There are different ways of describing how the dancers who meet in the middle do their Courtesy Turn:
Many people find this call difficult to do with phantoms, especially if they are starting on the end. Here are some hints to keep in mind:
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Checkpoint call by callFor Checkpoint, the dancers are considered as two separate groups.The first group consists of the "the centers of each side". Common cases are a tidal wave, in which case this means the centers of each wave (considered together as a wave of four), and point-to-point diamonds, in which case this means the centers of each diamond (considered as a box of four). But it doesn't have to be four dancers – for example, from ordinary columns if the centers hinge to form a center wave, it is just the two dancers at the end of that wave. The second group is everybody else (again commonly four dancers, but not always). The dancers in the first group do the first call, and take positions on the outside of the resulting formation. The remaining dancers do the second call and end in the center. References:
Chisel ThruThis is a three-part call, starting from facing lines:
References:
call and Circle fractionThis is a generalization of "Swing and Circle fraction"; the specified call replaces the Swing Slip.If the specified call can be done by just the centers, then it is done by just the centers; otherwise it is done by all the dancers. Either way, it is then followed by the outside six moving around the outside, with the direction determined by the ends of the center formation. As with Swing and Circle, the whole action is repeated based on the given fraction (with the default being four times). Note that the direction that the outside six are to move can change, if the given call changes the facing direction of the centers; for example "Mix and Circle 3/4". References:
Circle fraction to a WaveThis is a two-part call, starting with facing couples:
Note that although the name of this call is very similar to "Single Circle to a Wave", they differ in two important ways: (1) The circling action is done by four dancers (facing couples) rather than two dancers, and (2) the default turning amount is 1/4, rather than 1/2. References:
CounterMost commonly done from a 3/4 tag, this is a call where the ends and centers act independently.The ends separate from each other and meet an end from the other side the square, Touch 1/2, and Step and Fold, to become ends of parallel lines The centers Cast Off 3/4 and then Counter Rotate. They most commonly start in a wave, but could also start in a mini-wave box or a line. Note that the type of Counter Rotate will vary with the starting formation, specifically:
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Couple UpThis is Split (or Box) Circulate followed by the leads U-Turn Back. If you are already a trailer after the circulate, you don't do anything more. So at the end, everybody is a trailer. Most commonly this means you will be in facing couples, but if the starting formation is t-boned then the ending formation will be t-boned as well.The same idea of the leads doing a U-Turn Back can be combined with other kinds of circulates. The convention is to give the name of the type of circulate (leaving out the word "circulate") followed by "Couple Up". For example, "Trade Couple Up" means do a Trade Circulate and then the leads U-Turn Back. References:
Crazy callThe Crazy concept indicates that the named call should be applied multiple times, alternately "on each side" and "in the center". Without a fraction (also referred to as "full Crazy"), the named call is done four times: (1) on each side, (2) in the center, (3) on each side again, (4) in the center again.If the named call is circulate or counter rotate, neither the "box" nor "split" modifier is used, since it's understood that it is going to be done by four dancers. So from parallel waves or columns "Crazy Circulate" means Split Circulate, Centers Box Circulate, Split Circulate, Centers Box Circulate. A fraction can be added to change the number of times the call is done. For example, "1/2 Crazy Scoot Back" means each half does a Scoot Back, then the center box does a Scoot Back. The modifier "Reverse" means to start with the centers rather than each side. For example, from an hourglass "1/2 Reverse Crazy Flip the Diamond" means that the center diamond does a Flip the Diamond and then the two resulting diamonds each do a Flip the Diamond. If the call changes the overall formation, then who makes up "each side" or "in the center" may change. For example, in a 1/2 Crazy Follow Your Neighbor from parallel waves, after the first Follow Your Neighbor it is the dancers in the new center box (the original trailers, not the original centers) who do the second one. If there are two ways to divide the overall formation, the one that makes sense for the given call is used. If that doesn't help – the primary examples being "Counter Rotate" and "Recycle" – then do it in each box. References:
Criss Cross the ShadowThis is a variation on Cast a Shadow in which all the dancers do some kind of "crossing" action. From parallel lines:
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Criss Cross Your NeighborFrom a mini-wave box, the trailers do a Cross Your Neighbor and Spread (ending as ends of a wave) while the leaders 1/2 Box Circulate and Cross Run (becoming centers of a wave). If you started in a right-handed box you should expect to find yourself in a left-handed wave, and vice versa.References:
Cross and WheelFrom parallel lines consisting of couples (e.g, two-faced lines, lines back to back):
"Single Cross and Wheel" is the same action done by individual dancers, starting from a box: Hinge followed by Step and Fold. Note: These two calls are part of a larger family of calls, distinguished by whether their names includes the words "Grand", "Single", and/or "Trade". References:
Cross BackFrom a box, leaders U-Turn Back while the trailers pull by with the outside hand. If you started in a right-handed box you should expect to find yourself in a left-handed box, and vice versa.References:
Cross Concentric callThe dancers are considered as two separate groups, the centers and the outsides. Each group does the named call:
References:
Cross CounterThis is a variation on Counter. Normally from a 3/4 tag:
The combination "Scoot and Cross Counter" from a 1/4 tag is common, and means to do a Scoot Back and then a Cross Counter. As with Scoot and Counter, the direction that the ends go is not affected by the handedness of the center wave, and they always meet with right hands unless the "Left" modifier is added. References:
Cross RambleCross Ramble is like Ramble except everybody goes to the other side. The ends do a Cross Cast Back instead of a Cast Back. The centers all do a Cross Fold to face, rather than a Single Wheel. (This puts them facing the same person as for a Ramble, but at the other end of their original wave.) Everybody then does a Slide Thru, just as for Ramble.References:
(Grand) Cross Trade and WheelFrom parallel lines consisting of couples (e.g, two-faced lines, lines back to back), Cross Trade and Wheel is:
Grand Cross Trade and Wheel is the same except that more people trade:
Note: These two calls are part of a larger family of calls, distinguished by whether their names include the words "Grand", "Single", and/or "Trade". References:
Delight/DilemmaNormally from a 3/4 tag:
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DetourThe centers Counter Rotate 1/4, while the ends 1/2 Zoom and Hinge.References:
Dodge callThe dancers are considered as two separate groups, the centers (who must be in some kind of 2x2 box) and the outsides:
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Drift ApartUsually from parallel lines, but also possible from other 2x4 formations:
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Drop directionNormally called from a diamond, the centers walk forward as if they were doing an Extend from a 1/4 tag formation, becoming the leaders in a box. The others turn 1/4 in the named direction and move to occupy remaining spots of the box. Depending on the direction given, those dancers might end up as either leaders or trailers - they might also be t-boned to the original centers.Note that the ending spot for the original points is determined entirely by the handedness of the original centers – it does not depend on the named direction. References:
Ease OffUsually from a 2x4 with ends in line orientation, the ends Zing while the centers circulate (in the center) and then Face In. If the starting formation was any kind of parallel lines, the result is beginning double pass thru.References:
Exchange the Boxes/DiamondsTo perform an "Exchange", dancers in two adjacent similar formations circulate, first in their own formation, and then in the adjacent formation. The total number of circulates for a full Exchange is equal to the number of positions in a single formation of that type. Dancers circulate in their own formation until they reach their "exchange point", which is the point in their normal circulate path when they are closest to, but not facing away from, the center of the overall formation. Their next circulate is into the other formation, crossing over to the spot in that formation which corresponds to the one where they would have gone for a normal circulate. Once they have crossed over into the other formation, they stay to the outside of any dancers who are still circulating in their original formation, but finish at the end of the call on the footprints of the original formation when possible.For Exchange the Boxes, the dancers may be in either column orientation or line orientation, but in either case the "exchange point" is when a dancer becomes a trailer in the center, and in either case the crossing over is a diagonal circulate in the center box. For Exchange the Diamonds, the "exchange point" is when a dancer reaches a very center position, and the crossing over is like an Interlocked Diamond Circulate. References:
Expand the ColumnAlmost always from some kind of parallel columns:
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Explode the TopFrom general lines:
Note that because the first part is Explode, this call can be used from different kinds of lines, and this first part can also be modified using concepts (e.g., "Initially As Couples Explode the Top"), so there is no simple rule for the part each dancer plays based on their positions in the starting formation. But once you have done the Explode, your position in the facing lines will be enough to tell you where you are going to end up, assuming the caller does not further modify the call. References:
FancyFrom parallel columns:
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FascinateUsually from parallel two-faced lines:
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Fascinating callUsually from parallel waves or two-faced lines:
When starting from parallel waves, the call will be one that is normally done from a wave. Common cases include Recycle, 2/3 Recycle, Linear Cycle. Step and Fold. The most common cases (including all those mentioned above) turn the line/wave into some kind of box, and because the action is done concentrically the long axis of the box must be perpendicular to the resulting center line and the ending facing direction of these dancers does not matter. So, for example, Fascinating 1/2 Tag, Fascinating 2/3 Recycle, and Fascinating Linear Cycle all end in some kind of diamonds. However, Fascinating can also be used with calls that turn the two-faced line or wave into something other than a box, such as another line with the same orientation (e.g., Fascinating Cross Roll), a line with the other orientation (e.g., Fascinating Lockit), or a diamond (e.g., Fascinating Switch to a Diamond). In all such cases the dancers doing the named call must end entirely outside the four dancers who end up in the center line/wave. References:
File to a LineFrom any kind of columns:
For the variation "Magic File to a Line" the centers do two Magic Column Circulates; the ends just slide apart as usual. (In this case the centers part is not equivalent to a box circulate.) References:
Flare Out to a LineAlmost always from parallel two faced lines:
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Follow to a DiamondFrom a box of four, the trailers Follow Your Neighbor and Spread to become the ends of a four-person formation, while the leaders Box Circulate 1 1/2 to become the centers.From a mini-wave box, the result is a diamond. From a typical t-boned box, the result is a wave. References:
Follow Your LeaderFrom parallel waves:
Note that everybody starts out moving and turning in the same direction as for Follow Your Neighbor, and that the result is parallel columns of the same handedness as the original waves. References:
The GamutFrom parallel lines:
This is often combined with another call spoken as a prefix. The most common case is "Swing the Gamut", but combinations like "Boys Run the Gamut" are also fairly common. References:
Grand Chain EightThere are three formations from which this is commonly called. There are various definitions listed in the references which work from all three positions, but the cases feel different enough that many dancers simply learn them as if they were three different calls:
Hints when dancing with phantoms:
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Grand (Swing and) MixGrand Mix is a variation of Mix done from a line of 8. For the first part, everybody except the very ends does a "Grand Cross Run", which means the centers of each half do a normal Cross Run (in their own half) while the very centers do a Cross Run in the center wave; the very ends just slide in one spot as somebody runs around them. The second part is a "Grand Slip" (i.e., Triple Trade).Grand Swing and Mix is a three-part call, starting with a Swing and then the two parts of Grand Mix. Grand 1/4 (or 3/4) Mix is also a three-part call, normally starting in right-handed columns; the first part is right arm turn 1/4 (or 3/4) then the remaining two parts are the parts of Grand Mix. References:
Here Comes the Judge / Sock It to MeThese calls are applied to a four-person line with both ends facing the same direction. For "Here Comes the Judge", the end belle "circulates" (does an Ends Trade or Loop 2) to the other end of the line, while everybody else flips over one spot toward the vacated end. "Sock It To Me" is the mirror image of that, with the end beau going to the opposite end. Note that although the way the relevant end is identified is different, the action itself is the same as for the call Out Roll Circulate.These calls are most commonly applied to back-to-back lines, in which case the result is facing lines. But regardless of the type of line, everybody ends facing the opposite wall from when they started. References:
the Hinge/Lock/TopThese are combining forms, with "Lock" being a short-hand for Lockit and "Top" being a short-hand for Fan the Top. They can be added to the end of many calls, and "Hinge" and "Lock" can also be used to start a combination. Examples: "Lock the Hinge", "Hinge the Top", "Beau Hop the Lock".Note that there are many calls whose names end with "the Top" – in some cases the action of the call ends with a Fan the Top, but in many other cases it doesn't (e.g., Relay the Top). A "the Top" at the end of a call should only be interpreted as meaning "add a Fan the Top" if the phrase doesn't have another meaning. The short forms "Lock" and "Top" are also sometimes used with the "Catch call n" construct, e.g., "Catch Lock 3". References:
Hocus PocusMost commonly from parallel lines or columns, but also from any other formation where it makes sense for the outsides and centers to do their parts:
For 1/2 Hocus Pocus, each outside dancer does just one O Circulate, and the centers do a Hinge. References:
somebody HopThis is a two-part call:
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Hubs/Rims Trade BackFrom lines or a thar, with "hubs" referring to the original centers and "rims"referring to the original ends:
The word "Back" can be replaced by the name of a call, in which case the designated dancers do that call rather than a circulate. References:
Initially/Finally concept callInitially means to apply the named concept only to the first part of the named call (and do the remaining parts normally). Finally means to apply the named concept only to the last part of the named call (and do the parts before that normally).Initially and Finally are often referred to as "meta-concepts" because they can be understood as modifying a concept. So in "Initially Tandem Swing Thru", the "Initially" can be thought of as modifying the concept "Tandem", creating a different concept "Initially Tandem", which then gets applied to the call Swing Thru. But it also works to just think of it as "taking two arguments", a concept and a call. Either way, the meaning is that the first part (half by the right) should be done Tandem, then the rest (half by the left) should be done normally. The named concept is most commonly something defined specifically as a "concept" (e.g., Tandem, Stable, or Once Removed). But there are several other kinds of call modifiers that can be selectively applied to either the first or last part of a call in the same way:
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InletFrom parallel waves or certain cases of parallel 3x1 lines:
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Interlocked Little/PlentyFor Interlocked Little, the centers, instead of starting with a Step and Fold, start with a "Step and Cross Fold", which is like a Crossfire except that the enters of that line don't trade. Because they don't trade, they typically have to make a conscious efort to wait until the ends have gone past them before stepping forward.The outsides part is the same as for a regular Little or Plenty. Interlocked Scoot and Little/Plenty is Interlocked Scoot Back followed by Interlocked Little/Plenty or Left Interlocked Little/Plenty, depending on the handedness of the scooting action. References:
Interlocked Scoot BackFrom a 1/4 line (two-faced line between facing couples), do a Stretched 1/4 Tag Extend (to form waves), all Trade, then a Stretch Extend so that the centers are back in a two-faced line.References:
Invert the Column fractionNormally from parallel columns: The dancers turn away from the center of the formation and walk, single file, in the direction opposite the way they started. Each dancer follows the one immediately in front, as if they were doing part of a Tandem Peel Off.For a full Invert the Column, everybody ends up in a column again facing the other way, with the #1 dancer in the #1 position again, and since there is nobody remaining in the original column everybody slides together to form parallel columns again. Left-handed columns become right-handed columns and vice versa. If a fraction is given, only that fraction of the original column performs this action, with the remaining dancers moving forward but remaining in their original columm, far enough to make a compact formation. For example, from columns of four Invert the Column 1/2 means that just the first two dancers of each column "invert"; when they line up with the remaining two dancers they form a mini-wave box of the opposite handedness, on each side. The overall result from parallel columns of four is parallel waves of the opposite handedness. For "Invert the Column 1/4" or "Invert the Column 3/4", the resulting formation on each side is a 3x1 tandem-based triangle. This call can also be applied to parallel columns of other sizes. For example, from columns of three "Invert the Column 1/3" means that just one dancer in each column "inverts", leaving two in the original column, and the result on each side is an ordinary tandem-based triangle. "Cross Invert the Column" means that rather than doing the "invert" action on their own side, those dancers go to the other side of the whole formation, as if they were doing a Tandem Trail Off instead of a Tandem Peel Off. References:
the KThe centers Trade while the ends U-Turn Back away from the center. This can be applied to any four-person or eight-person formation that has centers and ends; if the eight-person formation consists of two four-person formations that themselves have centers and ends (e.g., a tidal wave), then it is done in each four-person formation.Note: The turning direction for the ends matters if the call is fractionalized (1/2) or followed by Roll. From facing lines, the combination "Cross the K" means Cross Trail Thru followed by the K. References:
Keep BusyFrom parallel two-faced lines:
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Kick OffThis is related to Run, and has the same feature that two dancers are involved but only one is designated. The designated dancer does a Run and Roll, while the person who wasn't mentioned does a Partner Tag. You should expect to find yourself in tandem with the other person, with the person who was designated ending up as the trailer.References:
Latch On fractionThis is a two-part call:
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Like a call"Like a" is a concept that means "do the last part of". So "Like a Shazam" means U-Turn Back. The most common usage is "Like a Couple Up", which means that just the leads U-Turn Back. Note that in general this is different from "Finish", which means "do all but the first part of", but in the case of a two-part call they would be the same.Lines call ThruThe dancers are considered as two separate groups, the outsides and the centers:
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Link UpNormally from parallel two-faced lines:
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Little MoreThis is the same as Little except that the centers, after doing their Step and Fold, add a Box Circulate.References:
Locker's ChoiceThis is a three-part call, from parallel waves:
"Choice" is just the last two parts of this. You may hear it given as a separate call, or combined with some other call instead of Lockit, e.g., "Spin the Top ers Choice". Note that "Finish Choice" is just the very last part of this: centers Hinge while ends Step and Fold. References:
direction Loop nThe dancers do a Run in the indicated direction passing by the indicated number of matrix spots, not including the starting spot. Those spots may be occupied by real dancers or not; unlike with Run, if there are real dancers they don't move.The direction is most often "Left" or "Right", but can also be "In" or "Out" relative to the center of the set. Note that n indicates the number of spots to skip past. "Loop 2" means to pass two spots, ending in the third. Moving to the immediately adjacent spot would involve passing no spots, so that would be a "Loop 0". References:
Mini ChaseFrom a box with all leaders, the belles do their part of Shakedown while the beaus do their part of Partner Tag.This is almost always done from back-to-back couples, in which case you will find yourself in a right-handed box, holding right hands with the person with whom you started as a couple (same as if you had done a Chase Right with that person). References:
Once Removed callThe dancers are consider as two group, according to their location in planes/slices perpendicular to the long axis of the overall formation. The dancers in each set of alternating planes are considered to be one group, and each group does the named call, ending back in alternating planes/slices.This concept can be applied to formations of many different shapes. But the most common cases are 2x4 (e.g., parallel waves or columns) and 1x8 (e.g., tidal wave). In the case of a 2x4, each group will be a 2x2 box. In the case of a 1x8, each group will be a 1x4. This concept can also be applied to a formation with fewer than eight spots, as long as they can be grouped into slices perpendicular to the long axis of that formation. For example, in a wave there are two groups each consisting of a couple; in a two-faced line there are two groups each consisting of a mini-wave. The resulting shape of each group, after doing the named call, does not have to be the same as the starting shape; for example a box might change to a line or vice versa. However, cases where the shape does not change are often easier to do, and in many such cases it is possible for each group to basically do the call as usual, just spread out among the planes/slices that belong to their group. In more difficult cases, a variety of methods are used to achieve the end result. In particularly difficult cases, it may be necessary for the dancers of each group to assemble together on one side of the square, do the call, and then reposition themselves back into alternating planes/slices. References:
Open Up the ColumnThis is very similar to Transfer the Column – for #3 and #4 in the column the action is exactly the same as for Transfer the Column.The first dancer in the column goes toward the center around the outside (like a Trail Off), while the second dancer walks forward and turns away from the center (like a Circulate followed by a Peel Off). Because this is happening with both columns, they will each be moving toward somebody coming from the other column; before they meet they all Face In and Extend with the dancers who had been turning 3/4 in the center. The key to doing this with phantoms is to understand that the handedness of the "Extend" is the same as the handedness of the starting columns. This can be confusing to the #2 dancer, because he or she doesn't have have very far to "walk back" after doing the "Peel Off". In fact, the #2 dancer ends up, in terms of matrix spots, in the spot in front of where he/she started in the column, facing in as the end of a wave. But if you just remember the handedness, and walk into a spot that will put you in that kind of wave without passing the center of that wave, you will always be in the correct spot. The combining form "Open Up and" works the same way as "Transfer and" – the dancers going around the outside just form a couple facing in, while the others move forward to form a compact formation and do the named call. References:
OutletFrom a generalized 1/4 tag:
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Patch somebodyThis is a two-part call, starting from a couple or mini-wave:
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Peel Chain ThruNormally from a 3/4 tag or trade by:
Note: If the centers start in left-handed wave, the "Fan the Top" will be done from an inverted line; everybody does their part, with the centers of each half doing a push cast and the ends of each half crashing to the same spot, and the result will be a parallelogram. References:
Peel (or Trail) to a DiamondFrom an appropriate box of four or Z, the leaders do their part of Peel Off (or Trail Off) while the trailers step forward and Hinge.From a non-t-bone starting formation, you should expect to find yourself in some kind of diamond. From a mini-wave box, Peel to a Diamond ends in a facing diamond, while Trail to a Diamond ends in a regular diamond. References:
Perk UpFrom parallel lines (normally waves):
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Plan AheadMost commonly from facing lines:
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Polly WallyFrom general columns:
The result will be some kind of parallel lines. Note that the action for the ends, because it involves each dancer turning around 180 degrees while sliding over, has a feel similar to Turn and Deal or Turn to a Line. (It is, in that respect, equivalent to Reverse Turn to a Line.) Like those calls, if the two dancers start facing the same direction, they will end as a couple facing the opposite direction. If they start as a left-handed mini-wave, they will end as a right-handed mini-wave, and vice versa. By contrast, the those who start as centers always end as a couple facing out. References:
Quick callMost commonly from a 1/4 box or parallel columns:
Typically, the result will be a 2x4. However, the ends might be t-boned to the centers, e.g., consider "Quick 1/2 Tag". Also depending on where the phantoms end up in the formation that results from the call, the real dancers might be offset from the centers. Quick Stap is the original call and means "Quick Ah So". This almost always starts from a 1/4 box, and in that case always ends in ordinary parallel columns. Hints when dancing with phantoms: The intiial action for #2 and #3 does not depend on the facing direction of anybody else; if you are #2 you know that you should press out, and if you are #3 you know you should circulate. If you are #1 you can assume that the person behind you will be pressing out to meet you – which also means that you will be starting the call as a couple. The only time you need additional information is when you are #4, because your part will depend on the facing direction of the dancer in the spot you are facing. If there is a real dancer facing you, then that dancer will be moving out beside you to do the call. If there is a real dancer next to you standing as #1 in that column, you can assume that dancer will be doing the call, and you can simply circulate. If both you and the person next to you are facing in (or you don't know which way the person next to you is facing), then you need to use whatever other information you have to decide whether the centers are in a left-handed box or a right-handed box; it will almost always be one or the other, so if there are real dancers in any of those spots that will tell you what you need to know, otherwise you will need to rely on what you can remember about how the previous call ended. References:
RallyMost commonly from a 1/4 or 3/4 tag:
From a 1/4 Tag, Scoot and Rally ends in a tidal wave of the same handedness as the original center wave. References:
Reach OutFrom a box of four, the trailers 1/2 Box Circulate and flip away (like a Run outward) to become the ends of a four-person formation, while the leaders Box Circulate 1 1/2 to become the centers.From a mini-wave box, the result is a wave. From tandem couples, the result is a one-faced line. From a typical t-boned box, the result is a diamond. References:
RecoilThis is a simple two-part call, starting from facing couples or other appropriate box. The action is simply:
References:
Relocate (the formation)The very centers Cast Off 3/4, while everybody else does a Counter Rotate 1/4.This is traditionally called with the name of the overall formation – originally "Relocate the Diamonds". However some callers will simply say "Relocate", especially in cases where the overall formation doesn't have a common or convenient name. References:
Reshape the TriangleFrom either a wave-based or tandem-based triangle, all move to the next position keeping their same shoulder toward the center (as for a triangle circulate) but with those moving to the base positions taking on a facing direction to create the other kind of triangle.If the dancers in the base positions had been facing head walls, the dancers now in those positions will be facing side walls, and vice versa. References:
Reverse Cut/Flip the DiamondFrom a diamond, "Reverse Cut the Diamond" means that the centers trade and spread, while "Reverse Flip the Diamond" means that the centers flip outward (like a phantom Run). In either case, the points do a Diamond Circulate to become centers of a line.Note that the term "reverse" in these calls can be thought of as applying to the roles of the centers and points (which ones do the Diamond Circulate) and to the direction that the centers go (outward rather than inward). References:
Reverse Cut/Flip the GalaxyFrom a galaxy, "Reverse Cut the Galaxy" means that the centers (the dancers in the box) trade and spread, while "Reverse Flip the Galaxy" means that they flip outward (like a phantom Run). In either case, the points (the dancers in the outside diamond) do a Galaxy Circulate to become centers of a line.Note that the term "reverse" in these calls can be thought of as applying to the roles of the centers and points (which ones do the Galaxy Circulate) and to the direction that the centers go (outward rather than inward). References:
RippleRipple consists of a series of trades along a wave (or other line), starting with the designated dancer and starting toward the center. "Ripple the Wave" means to continue the trading until the far end of the wave. "Ripple n" means to stop after n trades. In a tidal wave the action is done in each half, unless the modifier "Grand" is added or n is specified and would require crossing the very center.References:
Rotary callThis concept is a generalization of the call "Rotary Spin". Those who come into the center, after stepping to a left-handed wave, do the named call (instead of Cast Off 3/4). Those coming to the outside still do a Courtesy Spin and Roll. The ending formation will depend on the named call; common examples are "Rotary Mix" which ends in right-handed diamonds, and "Rotary Switch to a Diamond" which ends in an hourglass.References:
Rotate fractionFrom a box with all dancers in couples, each couple turns 1/4 (as a couple) to have their left shoulder toward the center of the box, forming a left-handed two-faced line, then turn that line the given fraction (e.g., for 1/4 do a Couples Hinge, for 1/2 do a Couples Trade).Other ways of thinking about the direction of the initial turn:
References:
Scatter CirculateAlmost always from some kind of parallel lines:
References:
Scoot/tag ReactionScoot Reaction is normally called from parallel waves: Scoot Back, centers to a Wave (resulting in a 1/4 tag), followed by Chain Reaction.tag Reaction, where "tag" is taken from the same set used in combinations like "tag Back" and "tag Your Neighbor", means do the corresponding tagging call to the 1/2 Tag position; Scoot Back to a Wave, Chain Reaction. For example, "Flip Reaction" means Flip the Line 1/2, Scoot Back to a Wave, Chain Reaction. Other calls that would also end in 1/4 tag if the final extend were omitted (i.e., if "centers to a Wave" were added) can also be combined with "Reaction" this way. This includes variations on Scoot Back (e.g., "Scatter Scoot Reaction", "Scoot Chain Thru Reaction") and calls like Transfer the Column. References:
Scoot the DiamondThis is a three-part call, starting from a 1/4 tag:
For "Finish Scoot the Diamond", if you are an end be careful to note the handhold in the center to decide which way to turn. References:
Sets in MotionFrom parallel lines, or a t-boned 2x4 with the ends facing as if they were in lines:
References:
ShazamThis is a simple two-part call, normally starting from a mini-wave:
References:
Single callSingle is a concept that creates a "half-sized" version of a call, working with half as many dancers (2 instead of 4, or 4 instead of 8). The basic idea is already present at lower levels, and its general application can be very tricky so is reserved for C-4, but it is commonly applied to several specific calls at C-3A.For most of these the meaning should be obvious – there are just fewer people doing the same action. In a few cases there are separate descriptions later on this page, as indicated by links.
Note that there are some calls whose names begin with the word "Single" that do not fit this pattern, e.g., Single Circle to a Wave, Single Rotate. In addition, the two-word phrase "Single File" has a different meaning. References:
Single Cross Trade and WheelThis is a three-part call, starting from a box:
"Single Cross and Wheel" is the same but without the second part: Hinge followed by Step and Fold. Note: These two calls are part of a larger family of calls, distinguished by whether their names include the words "Grand", "Single", and/or "Trade". References:
Single File callSingle File is a concept that can be applied to some calls which would normally be done from a box, to turn them into a call done instead from facing tandems. It is applied at C-3A to facing Recycle and Recoil.From facing tandems, to do a Single File Recycle the leaders do the part that would normally be done by the beaus – they step forward to meet each other, right-shoulder to right-shoulder, and U-Turn Back (to their right), ending up holding left hands with each other. Meanwhile, the trailers veer to their left to become the ends of the resulting wave. Single File Recoil is Single File Recycle followed by Step and Fold. Note: "Single File" is also applied with a similar meaning to Dixie Style to a Wave and its variations, to make clear that they are to be done by facing tandems, even though that starting formation is already allowed by those calls. References:
Single Polly WallyThis is the Single version of Polly Wally, starting from a generalized single column of 4, rather than generalized parallel columns of 4.
This is a "shape changer", starting from a 1x4 and ending in a 2x2 box. (In this respect it acts the same way as a call like Right/Left Roll to a Wave, or from facing tandems Tandem Step to a Wave.) It is very important to understand this, since normally there will be at least two groups of four doing this at the same time – and in phantom formations potentially many more – in order to locate the resulting boxes in the correct places in relation to each other. Some examples:
Single Rotate fractionFrom a box, each dancer turns 1/4 to have their left shoulder toward the center of the box, then box counter rotate the given fraction.Other ways of thinking about the direction of the initial turn:
References:
Single ShakedownThis is the Single version of Shakedown, starting from dancers back to back instead of couples back to back. In one smooth motion: 1/4 Right, Hinge, Roll.Snap the LockFrom any kind of parallel lines:
Note: "Snap" means Partner Tag. The original centers do this twice, once with the ends, and then once with each other. References:
Something NewThe dancers in parallel columns form a 1/4 tag of the same handedness as follows:
The first two dancers become the outside couple. Their action can also be described as a Couple Up. The other dancers become the center wave. Their action can also be described as Circulate followed by Right/Left Roll to a Wave (with the direction matching the handedness of the columns). References:
Spin Chain the LineFrom a tidal wave, or facing lines:
References:
Spin the PulleyThis is most commonly called from a squared set, with either the heads or sides designated, but it can also be used from formations with two facing couples or a wave already in the center.
The "But" modifier specifies a replacement for the Peel Off; this might be another four-person call (e.g., "The Pulley But Peel to a Diamond" or an eight-person call (e.g., "Spin the Pulley But Transfer the Column"). References:
Split SwapThis starts from facing couples and is related to Swap Around. Actually everybody goes to the same spot as for Swap Around – the only difference is that they end facing a different direction. The beau does a 1/4 Right and Box Circulate while the belle does a Box Circulate and 1/4 Right. In either case, the action is considered to be one smooth motion, so it can't be fractionalized and everybody can Roll. You should expect to find yourself as a couple with the same person with whom you started, but half sashayed.References:
Split Trade CirculateFrom a box of four, the leaders do a Box Circulate while the trailers do a cross over circulate (within the box, to become leaders in the diagonally opposite spot).This call is most commonly used from a box consisting of one right-handed mini-wave and one left-handed mini-wave. But it can also be done from certain other kinds of boxes, such as facing couples (in which case is it equivalent to Cross Trail Thru) and back-to-back couples (in which case it is equivalent to Partner Trade). References:
Stable callStable is a concept that means to do all the actions of the call but without changing facing direction, i.e., remaining facing the same wall. Everything else is done as usual, and all the dancers end up in exactly the same spots – but because their facing direction may be different the ending formation is often very different (e.g., columns instead of lines).The ideal way to dance a call Stable is to actually stay facing the same wall, while following the same path as normal. Note that this means that what would normally be a right or left shoulder pass might become instead a slide nose-to-nose or back-to-back. This can be confusing at first, but usually easy enough for simple calls. For calls that are very complex, with lots of parts, it may not be possible to keep track of the actions doing it this way. An alternative method is "do the call, face the wall", i.e., do the call normally and then, at the end, turn to face your original direction if necessary. This, however, requires that you be able to remember that original facing direction. Also, if some dancers are using one method and others the other, they can easily confuse each other. So it is best to reserve this method for cases where it is really impractical to do it without turning. References:
Stack the LineNormally from a left-handed box, a right-handed box, or tandem couples – everybody does a 1/4 In, then the original leaders walk forward to become beaus, while the others slide over if necessary to become beaus (taking right hands with a person who walked forward). The result is normally a right-handed box.It is important in following this definition that dancers take note of whether they are leaders or trailers before they do anything else. (After they have done the 1/4 In it is too late, as they are all then trailers.) Another way of keeping track of what's going on is to note that dancers who start in tandem will end up in tandem, with the same person. Your tandem (and your place in it) will remain the same – the whole tandem just occupies a different pair of spots in the box. References:
StampedeUsually from a 3/4 tag, but could be from any formation with outside couples facing out and a wave in the center:
References:
Step and callThis is a generalization of Step and Slide (A-1) and Step and Flip (C-1). The centers step ahead while the ends do the named call. A common example is "Step and Squeeze".References:Strip the formationNormally from twin diamonds or an hourglass:
References:
Swap the TopStarting from facing couples, the belles walk directly forward to meet each other, then turn 3/4 by the left to become the centers of a wave. Meanwhile, the beaus do a Run 1 1/2 to their right, becoming ends of that wave.Note that this is related to Swap Around in that the beaus start by flipping to their right while the belles start by walking straight forward. References:
Swap the WaveSwap the Wave starts with a wave and results in back-to-back couples. The dancers whose left shoulders are toward the center of the wave step forward to become the belles. The other dancers walk to their right, around each other, turning to face the opposite wall, and step forward to become the beaus. This call is related to Swap Around, in that dancers end in the same positions they would for Swap Around, if they had started in facing couples that could have stepped forward to form the wave.Since the action feels slightly different from a right-handed vs. a left-handed wave, the action is often described separately for the two cases. From a right-handed wave, it is the centers who are stepping forward to become the belles, while the ends do what feels like a Tag the Line Right and then step forward to becme the beaus. From a left-handed wave, it is the ends who are stepping forward to become the belles, while the centers walk around each other by doing a Slip, and then step forward to become the beaus. References:
Swing Chain ThruThis is the same as Spin Chain Thru but with the 3/4 turns replaced with 1/4 turns:
References:
tag Chain ThruA tagging call will be identified using its standard combining form:
Note that this is just like "tag Back" except that the second part is a Scoot Chain Thru rather than a Scoot Back. Warning: There are many other calls that end with the words "Chain Thru", including many possible combinations based on finishing a Diamond Chain Thru. In general, you can't guess the meaning of these calls without learning each one. However, you can always recognize this kind of "tag Chain Thru" case by the fact that the first part of the name is a tagging prefix. References:
tag Your NeighborA tagging call will be identified using its standard combining form:
Note that this is just like "tag Back" except that the second part is a Follow Your Neighbor rather than a Scoot Back. The variation "tag Your Cross Neighbor" means to replace the Follow Your Neighbor with a Cross Your Neighbor. The variation "tag Your Criss Cross Neighbor" means replace the Follow Your Neighbor with a Criss Cross Your Neighbor. So, for example, "Flip Your Criss Cross Neighbor" means do a Flip the Line 1/2, then from the resulting box do a Criss Cross Your Neighbor. References:
Team Up
Note that the action for the centers is not necessarily the same as simply "beaus Run", because they might start t-boned. References:
Touch By fraction by fractionTypically from a beginning double pass thru formation, those directly facing Touch (step to a right-handed mini-wave) and then Arm Turn the first fraction and Spread, then the others move in and Touch and Arm Turn the second fraction.Instead of a second fraction, another call can be named to be done by those facing dancers, e.g. "Touch By 1/4 by Slide Thru". If only fractions are given, the ending position is normally either a two-faced line or a diamond. References:
Trade the DeuceyMost commonly from parallel lines, but sometimes from other formations:
References:
Travel ThruThis is a simple two-part call, normally starting from facing couples:
References:
Trip the SetNormally from parallel lines with the ends facing out, most commonly lines back to back:
References:
Triple PlayNormally from parallel columns, this has much in common with Transfer the Column:
Notes on dancing with phantoms: This is one of those calls that sounds complicated from a description of what everybody does but where the action required from each position is pretty simple. So it may be helpful, in preparing to dance with phantoms, to consider each position separately. The action for #1 is exactly the same as for Transfer the Column. The action for #4 is step forward, Trade, and then continue like #2 in Transfer the Column. The action for #2 and #3 is step forward, Trade, step forward again, Hinge, and Extend. References:
TruckTruck means to move one matrix position sideways (without moving forward or back). The direction is normally left for the boys and right for the girls. "Reverse Truck" switches this – the boys move one spot to their right and the girls one spot to their left.References:
Turn to a LineThis starts in a box of four and ends in a line of four. In one smooth motion, each leader faces right and each trailer faces left, forming a momentary tandem, they walk forward past the other two dancers and turn one more quarter in the same direction.The turning and walking forward and turning again is basically the same action as for Turn and Deal; the difference is that here the action transforms a box into a line rather than a line into a box. As with Turn and Deal, each individual dancer ends up facing the opposite wall, so if you start as a couple you will end as a couple, and if you start in a mini-wave you will end in an opposite-handed mini-wave. If you start in a right-handed mini-wave box, you will end in a left-handed wave, and vice versa. References:
Unwrap the formationThe dancers circulate and walk forward to form parallel columns as follows:
In the most common cases and with real dancers, the feel of this call is as if the other dancers are "following" the first dancer. However, this is not very helpful in the case of facing diamonds or similar formations, or when dancing with phantoms. In those cases it is usually more helpful to just concentrate on spots and where you started in the formation. You may also find it helpful to become familiar with where the people in certain starting positions end up, e.g., from a pair of diamonds or an hourglass the very centers will always end up as #4 in a column. References:
Vertical call"Vertical" is a concept that allows a call which would normally be done from facing tandems to instead be done from a box. The dancers in each pair (couple or mini-wave) all face toward the center (turning around 180 degrees as necessary) with one of them in the lead, according to the same rules used for Vertical Tag:
A common application of this concept is "Vertical Dixie Style to a Wave". Note that if the dancers are already in facing couples, the "Vertical" is not normally needed since this call already has built into it the idea of the belle going in front for that case. But adding "Vertical" allows this call (and its variations, like Dixie Diamond) to also be done from back to back couples and other kinds of boxes. References:
Walk Out to a WaveFrom parallel columns:
From ordinary parallel columns, the result is parallel waves of the same handedness. This is also sometimes called from beginning or completed DPT – the dancers all do their part, and the result is inverted lines. References:
Wheel the Ocean/SeaThis starts with couples in a box – normally either back-to-back couples or tandem couples. First, whichever couples are facing out do a Wheel Around (to their left) – after which the couples will be facing regardless of how they started. Then, for "Ocean" the belles cross, resulting in a right-handed box. For "Sea", the belles walk while the beaus dodge, resulting in a left-handed box. Note that only the couples that were facing out do the Wheel Around. If a couple is already facing in, they only do the second part of this call.References:
Wind the BobbinFrom columns:
The result is parallel waves, with handedness opposite that of the starting columns. Note that the first part for everybody is like the first part of Peel the Top, and the remaining action for the new centers is the same as Finish Spin Chain Thru. References:
Wrap to a formationFrom columns, #1 starting as if the lead point (for twin diamonds or an hourglass) or lead center (for galaxy or point-to-point diamonds) does three formation circulates (the first of which will feel like a 1/2 Column Circulate) to end in the very center (or, for a galaxy, the center of the outside diamond) while the others follow with a combination of column circulates and formation circulates to fill in the other positions.References:
Zip Code nThe centers 1/4 Out and then Run around the ends to face each other. The ends just slide in without turning to form a compact formation in the enter. This completes a "Zip Code 1".Any additional steps to reach n consist of, in alternation, Pass Thru or Ends Bend. So for "Zip Code 2" the ends (starting from the Zip Code 1 position) Pass Thru, putting them back to back. For "Zip Code 3" they then Ends Bend, putting them facing somebody again. The value of n can be 1/2 added to any odd number, in which case the last action is step to a wave. References:
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