HI everyone.  Here is what we covered in the review. Good work!  Kirk.

1.Circle to a Line
 
Each group of facing couples moves to their left. The couple facing the outside wheel around to face the opposite direction (to face in) as they move to what will be the left hand side of the line.  The couple facing in slides back to their right to the end of the line, allowing the other couple to take their position on the left hand side of the line.
 
Taminations:
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b1%2Fcircle_to_a_line&name=Circle%20to%20a%20Line%20Simple%20Style%20from%20Eight%20Chain%20Thru&level=true&title=Circle%20to%20a%20Line%20Simple%20Style&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares:
Mainstream Lesson #4
 
 
2.Separate around 1 to a line
 
The designated dancers (e.g., heads or sides) turn back-to-back and start walking forward in opposite directions around the outside of the square away from each other until the meet the dancer closest to them (their corner), circle around the corner to join hands with the dancer that was immediately across from them and join hands in the middle of the line.  The non-designated dancers will slide apart to allow the designated dancers to join the new line in the middle.
 
Taminations:
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b1%2Fseparate&name=Heads%20Separate&level=true&title=Heads%20Separate&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares:
Mainstream Lesson #12
 
 
3.Separate around 1, come down the middle
 
Same as “separate around 1 to a line”, except that the designated dancers join hands and come down the middle between the other two dancers in line to meet the other designated dancers in the centre.  The non-designated dancers slide apart to let the designated dancers come down the middle.
 
Taminations:
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b1%2Fseparate&name=Heads%20Separate&level=true&title=Heads%20Separate&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares:
Mainstream Lesson #12
 
 
4.Split two and around 1 to a line
 
The designated dancers (e.g., heads or sides) move forward between the two inactive dancers (splitting them). The inactive dancers move apart to let them through then move back together.  The designated dancers take their position at their respective end of the line. All dancers are then in two lines facing each other.
 
Taminations:
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b1%2Fsplit_the_outside_couple&name=Split%20the%20Outside%20Couple&level=true&title=Split%20the%20Outside%20Couple&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares:
Mainstream Lesson #13
 
 
5.Wheel and Deal
 
From a right hand two faced line (dancers in the center of the line are holding right hands):
 
Each couple steps forward and then wheels 180 degrees clockwise toward the center of the line, with the original center dancers acting as the pivots about which the couples turn. Couples end up facing each other.
 
From a left hand two faced line (dancers in the center of the line are holding left hands):
 
Each couple steps forward and then wheels 180 degrees counter clockwise toward the center of the line, with the original center dancers acting as the pivots about which the couples turn. Couples end up facing each other.
 
From outward facing lines:
 
The couple on the left side of the line steps forward. Then the couple on the right hand side of the line wheels 180 degrees toward the center of the original line, with the original center dancers acting as the pivots about which the couples turn. The couple of the left hand side of the line wheels in clockwise behind the couple on the right hand side of the line. The couple that started on the right ends in front of the left hand couple.
Taminations:
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fwheel_and_deal&name=Wheel%20and%20Deal%20from%20Lines%20Facing%20Out&level=true&title=Wheel%20and%20Deal&animnum=2&action=ANIMLIST
 
 
 
 
Saddlebrook Squares:
Mainstream Lesson #6
Mainstream Lesson #12 (outward facing lines)
6.Double Pass Thru
 
Dancers move forward as couples until all dancers have passed the two other dancer couples coming against them. Dancers pass right shoulders.
 
Taminations:
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fdouble_pass_thru&name=Double%20Pass%20Thru%20from%20Single%20Column&level=true&title=Double%20Pass%20Thru&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares:
Mainstream Lesson #13
 
 
7.First Couple Left, Next Couple Right
 
Dancers, with each couple working as a unit, walk forward in an arc in the indicated direction. The center couple walks forward before taking the second direction given.
 
If the couples are asked to go in opposite directions (e.g., First Couple Go Left, Next Couple Go Right), they should move in a tight circle in their specified direction for half a circle. At this point they will be facing another couple and the ending formation will be Facing Lines. The other couple in their line will be the couple that started facing the same way immediately ahead of or behind them.
 
Taminations:
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Ffirst_couple_go&name=First%20Couple%20Go%20Left%2C%20Next%20Couple%20Go%20Right&level=true&title=First%20Couple%20Go%20Left%2C%20Next%20Couple%20Go%20Right&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares:
Not included
 
8.Ocean Wave (right hand and left hand)
 
Dancers walk forward a small step and join right hands. Unless a left hand wave is called, it will be a right hand wave the dancers step to. 
 
Right hand ocean wave: The couples on either side of the wave are holding right hands. Dancers in the middle of the line are holding left hands.
 
Left hand ocean wave: The couples on either side of the wave are holding left hands. Dancers in the middle of the line are holding right hands.
 
Taminations:
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Focean_wave&name=Step%20to%20a%20Wave%20from%20Facing%20Couples&level=true&title=Step%20to%20a%20Wave&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares:
Mainstream Lesson #7
 
 
9.Swing Thru
 
Swing Thru: Those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the right; then those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the left.
 
Left Swing Thru: Those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the left; then those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the right.
 
Ending formation is an Ocean Wave
 
Taminations:
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fswing_thru&name=Swing%20Thru%20from%20Right-Hand%20Wave&level=true&title=Swing%20Thru&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares:
Mainstream Lesson #7
 
 
10.Swing Thru Alamo Style
 
Dancers start in a square position and do an Allemande Left but continue the Arm Turn until the men are looking toward the center of the square and the women are looking out. Maintain the left handhold and join right hands with the adjacent dancer to form an Alamo Ring.
 
Taminations:
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Falamo_style&name=Allemande%20Left%20to%20an%20Alamo%20Ring%20from%20Static%20Square&level=true&title=Allemande%20Left%20to%20an%20Alamo%20Ring&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares:
Mainstream Lesson #11
 

Hi everyone.  Here are the 3 figures we covered in Lesson 11.  Remember that you are invited to the Country Cousins Christmas Dance on Saturday December 8 at 8 pm!


1.Box the Gnat
 
Dancers join and raise their right hands to make an arch; these hands remain connected throughout the call. In one smooth motion dancers Pass Thru and turn around:

• The woman turns left and goes under the arch.
• The man turns right and walks forward around the woman.

At the end of the call, each dancer will be standing in the other’s original position and they will again be facing.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fbox_the_gnat&name=Box%20the%20Gnat%20from%20Facing%20Couples&level=true&title=Box%20the%20Gnat&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m03.htm
 
 
2.Single Hinge / Couples Hinge
 
Hinge is a half Trade of adjacent dancers. 
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=ms%2Fhinge&name=Hinge%20from%20Right-Hand%20Box&level=true&title=Hinge&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m12.htm
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m13.htm
 
 

1. Touch 1/4

 
In one smooth motion, Step To A Wave and Turn 1/4 By The Right.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Ftouch_a_quarter&name=Touch%20a%20Quarter%20from%20Facing%20Couples&level=true&title=Touch%20a%20Quarter&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m09.htm

Good work on Lesson 10 . Here is what we covered:

1.Trade By
 
Centers Pass Thru while Outsides, who must be Couples facing out, Partner Trade.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Ftrade_by&name=Trade%20By%20from%20Trade%20By&level=true&title=Trade%20By&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m12.htm
 
 
2.Centers In
 
Without changing facing direction, the outside dancers step away from each other to make room for the center dancers, who step forward to end between them.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=ms%2Fcenters_in&name=Centers%20In%20from%20Completed%20Double%20Pass%20Thru&level=true&title=Centers%20In&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m13.htm
 
 

1. Cast off 3/4

 
Used after the call “put centers in”. From a line that is created after Put Center In,  each half of the line works together: each couple, as a unit, turns away from the center of the line for 3/4 of a circle (270 degrees).
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=ms%2Fcast_off_three_quarters&name=Cast%20Off%20Three%20Quarters%20from%20Right-Hand%20Two-Faced%20Line&level=true&title=Cast%20Off%20Three%20Quarters&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m14.htm
 
 
4.Ferris Wheel
 
Each Couple Steps Forward. Out-facing couples do their part, Wheel And Deal. In-facing Couples form a momentary Two-Faced Line in the center, and without stopping Wheel And Deal.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fferris_wheel&name=Ferris%20Wheel%20from%20T-Bone%20Couples&level=true&title=Ferris%20Wheel&animnum=3&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m08.htm
 
 
5.Zoom
 
Lead dancer walks in a full circle, turning away from the center point, and ending up on the spot of the trailing dancer. The trailing dancer walks forward to take the spot of the lead dancer. It is important that the lead dancers initiate the roll out movement with a slight forward motion to allow sufficient room for the trailing dancers to step forward comfortably.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fzoom&name=Zoom%20from%20Right-Hand%20Box&level=true&title=Zoom&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m08.htm
 
 For those wishing to use the Taminations or Saddlebrook Squares websites to look ahead, here is what we will cover in Lesson 11:

• Box the Gnat
• Hinge/Couples Hinge
• Touch 1/4
• Circulate (waves/columns)
• Tag the Line

Good work on Lesson 9.  Here is what we covered:

1.Run (boys run, girls run, ends run centers run, centers cross run, ends cross run)
 
Each runner (designated dancer) must have a non-runner (slider) either to the right or to the left, and these dancers work together.
 
The runner and non-runner (slider) exchange places: the runner walks forward in a semicircle into the non-runner's spot (ending with the opposite facing direction), while the non-runner slides into the runner's spot without changing facing direction.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Frun&name=Boys%20Run%20from%20Facing%20Couples&level=true&title=Boys%20Run&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m07.htm
 
 
2.Swing  Thru
 
Right Swing Thru (which is normally the case): Those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the right; then those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the left.
 
Left Swing Thru: Those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the left; then those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the right.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fswing_thru&name=Swing%20Thru%20from%20Right-Hand%20Wave&level=true&title=Swing%20Thru&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m07.htm
 
 
3.Swing Thru – to an Alamo style wave
 
Dancers start an Allemande Left but continue the Arm Turn until the men are looking toward the center of the square and the women are looking out. Maintain the left handhold and join right hands with the adjacent dancer to form an Alamo Ring.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Falamo_style&name=Allemande%20Left%20to%20an%20Alamo%20Ring%20from%20Static%20Square&level=true&title=Allemande%20Left%20to%20an%20Alamo%20Ring&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m11.htm
 
 
4.Pass the Ocean
 
The 3-part definition is smoothed out. The left-side dancers walk in a forward arc to the right to their ending position. The right-side dancers walk forward to join left hands (hands up styling) and turn 1/4 with each other.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fpass_the_ocean&name=Pass%20the%20Ocean%20from%20Facing%20Couples&level=true&title=Pass%20the%20Ocean&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m07.htm
 
 
5.Extend
 
Walk forward from one formation to the next. Where possible, handedness is maintained.  See number 2 (1/4 tag) at Taminations site.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fextend&name=Extend%20from%20Right-Hand%20Wave&level=true&title=Extend&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m07.htm

For Lesson 10, we will cover:

• ​Zoom
• Centers In
• Cast off 3/4
• Ferris Wheel
• Trade By

 

 Lesson 8 recap.  Here's the figures we covered:

• Split Two and around 1 to a line
• Double Pass Thru
• First Couple Left, Next Couple Right
• Ocean Wave
• Swing Thru

I've provided a brief description of each figure below, along with links to the Taminations website and the Saddlebrook Squares website.  

In Lesson 9 (November 18), we will cover these figures:

• Run
• Cross Run
• Pass the Ocean
• Extend
• Zoom

Great work by all!  and thanks to the Angels.  See you Sunday night.  Kirk.
 


1.Split Two (and around 1 to a line)
 
The active or directed dancers move forward between the two inactive dancers (splitting them). The inactive dancers move apart to let them through then move back together.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b1%2Fsplit_the_outside_couple&name=Split%20the%20Outside%20Couple&level=true&title=Split%20the%20Outside%20Couple&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m13.htm
 
 
2.Double Pass Thru
 
Dancers move forward until all dancers have passed two other dancers. Dancers pass right shoulders.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fdouble_pass_thru&name=Double%20Pass%20Thru%20from%20Single%20Column&level=true&title=Double%20Pass%20Thru&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m13.htm
 
 
3.First Couple Left, Next Couple Right
 
Dancers, with each couple working as a unit, walk forward in an arc in the indicated direction. The center couple walks forward before taking the second direction given.
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Ffirst_couple_go&name=First%20Couple%20Go%20Left%2C%20Next%20Couple%20Go%20Right&level=true&title=First%20Couple%20Go%20Left%2C%20Next%20Couple%20Go%20Right&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
 
4.Ocean Wave (Step to), right hand and left hand
 
Dancers walk forward a small step and join right hands (for a right handed Ocean Wave – which is normally the case).
For a left handed Ocean wave, dancers walk forward  a small step and join left hands.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Focean_wave&name=Step%20to%20a%20Wave%20from%20Facing%20Couples&level=true&title=Step%20to%20a%20Wave&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m07.htm
 
 
5.Swing Thru
 
Right Swing Thru (which is normally the case): Those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the right; then those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the left.
 
Left Swing Thru: Those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the left; then those who can turn 1/2 (180 degrees) by the right.
 
Taminations website
https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/#link=b2%2Fswing_thru&name=Swing%20Thru%20from%20Right-Hand%20Wave&level=true&title=Swing%20Thru&animnum=0&action=ANIMLIST
 
Saddlebrook Squares website
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m07.htm
 

A pair of sharp-eyed dancers noticed that the explanation of "Circle to a Line" in my Lesson 7 blog used the figure that we have learned called "California Twirl".

There are 2 methods of Circle to a Line.   The easier method, which does not use a California Twirl, is best described as a slide to a line.  In this case the couple on the inside circle behind the outside dancers, just as we've done, and slide to the left.  The outside dancers slide to the right.  Much simpler.

See Circle to a Line at 1:25 of the video at this site (Saddlebrook Squares)
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m04.htm

Another great class.  We started with a review of figures learned in Lesson 6, then started in on several new figures.  What did we learn?

• Circle to a Line
  • Each group of facing couples Circle Left 1/2 (180 degrees). The left-side dancer in the new outside couple releases the left handhold and slides sideways to the left to become the left end of a One-faced Line (which faces the line formed by the other four dancers). All other handholds are maintained. The other dancers continue circling, gradually blending into the One-Faced Line by unwinding the circle. The final dancer replaces the unwinding action with a forward and left-turning twirl, walking under an arch made with the adjacent dancer, similar in action to a California Twirl.
    
• Separate (around 1 to a line, and around 1 and down the middle)
  • Separate around 1 to a line: The designated dancers (e.g, heads) turn back-to-back and start walking forward in opposite directions around the outside of the square away from each other until they meet another dancer.  The sides then step apart to let the head dancers step in between to form a line.
    
  • Separate around 1 and down the middle: The designated dancers (e.g., heads) turn back-to-back and start walking forward in opposite directions around the outside of the square away from each other until they meet another dancer. The sides then step apart to let the head dancers step in between and then proceed into the middle as a couple.  The side couples then slide together.
    
• Wheel and Deal
  • Each couple works as a unit. Wheel and Deal is danced as one smooth motion, even though the descriptions below break the motion into two parts.
    From a Two-Faced Line: Each couple steps forward and then wheels 180 degrees toward the center of the line, with the original center dancers acting as the pivots about which the couples turn. Couples end facing each other.
    From a One-Faced Line: The couple on the left steps forward. Then each couple wheels 180 degrees toward the center of the original line, with the original center dancers acting as the pivots about which the couples turn. The couple that started on the right ends in front of the other couple.
    
• Double Pass Thru
  • Dancers move forward until all dancers have passed two other dancers. Dancers pass right shoulders.
    

In Lesson 8, we'll cover the following figures:

• First Couple Left, Next Couple Right
• Split the Outside Couple
  
• Ocean Wave
  
• Run and Cross Run
  
• Swing Thru
  

Good work and see you on Sunday November 10.  Kirk Rockerbie

Well, that was good time. We reviewed some previous figures, and learned some new figures.  So what did we review?  

• Lead right and veer left
• Circulate (boys, girls, ends, centers, couples, all 8)
• Chain down the line
• Grand Square (sides face  grand square)
• Ladies backtrack

New figures we learned were:

• Trade (boys, girls, ends, centers, couples, partner)
  • Partner trade is the same as a California Twirl with no hands.  The couple must be facing the same direction.
    • All other trades occur when dancers are in a line, for example, with men on the ends and ladies in the center.  In this case, men move forward to take the position of the other man in the line. Ladies, who in the center, similarly move forward to take the position of the other lady.
• Right and Left Thru
  • Remember Pass Thru and Wheel Around?  Right and Left Thru achieves the  same result.  Couples are facing each other.  Each dancer extends his/her right hand and does a pull by, with the men given the ladies a courtesy turn to face the other couple.
• Flutterwheel/Reverse Flutterwheel
  • Couples are facing each other.  
    • Flutterwheel - the ladies extend their right arms and do a right forearm pull by, then using their left hands take the opposite man back to the ladies starting position.
    • Reverse flutterwheel - the men extend their left arms and do a left forearm pull by, then using their right hands take the opposite lady back to the mans starting position.
• Sweep 1/4
  • Used in conjunction with a Flutterwheel or Reverse Flutterwheel for now.  The couples sweep another 1/4 around in the direction they were travelling in.

For those dancers eager to see what we'll be learning in Lesson #7, here's the list of figures:

• Circle to a Line
• Separate
• Split Two
• Wheel and Deal
• Double Pass Thru
• First Couple Left, Next Couple Right

With Lesson#6 behind you, you are one-third complete of the course.  Congratulations and keep up the good work!  Kirk Rockerbie

https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/
​https://www.tamtwirlers.org/taminations/

Circulate
In the case of men, ladies, ends, centers and all 8 circulate, the general rule is that directed dancers will move forward along the circulate path to the next position.  For couples circulate, couples will move forward to the next position.  Here is a link to a video that lets you see real dancers perform  circulates.
https://www.videosquaredancelessons.com/lessons/m08.htm

Well that's lesson #5 tonight and everyone is doing great!  Tonight we reviewed Grand Square and Square Through (4 hands, 3 hands and 2 hands).  What did we learn tonight you ask?  Here's what we did:

1. Lead right and veer left, and Lead left and veer right.  In this example, the Head couples while holding hands with their partners turn out to the right to stand in front of and face the side couples on their right side.  When the caller says "veer left", the two couples step up and slide apart with the ladies joining right hands in the middle.  Lead left and veer right would have the head couples lead to the left and stand in front of the side couple on their left side.  When told to "veer right", the couples would step up and slide apart to allow the ladies in the center to hold left hands in the middle.
2. Circulate (mens, ladies, ends, centers, all 8 and couples). I will post detailed explanations of each of these on Monday Oct 22. In the meantime, you can visit Saddlebrook Squares and see the videos of dancers performing these figures.
3. Ladies backtrack. When in a single file promenade or couples promenade around the square, the ladies, when hearing 'ladies backtrack', will peel off to the right and promenade in the opposite direction of the men.  The caller might then say, for example, ' when you find your partner, swing and promenade".

I hope you had a great time tonight!  In Lesson #6 we will learn

1. Trade (mens, ladies, ends, centers, partners, couples)
2. Right and left through
3. flutterwheel 
4. reverse flutterwheel
5. sweep  a quarter

​