Callerlab Basic & Mainstream Definitions
REVISED 4/98
This document is derived from the official Callerlab Basic and Mainstream Definitions.
It contains the official Callerlab definitions. It is copyrighted by Callerlab. This
document may not be reproduced for profit without permission from Callerlab.
The TeX/HTML version was produced by Rob French using HyperLaTeX. The TeX was
originally transcribed by Rick Heaton with some modifications by Stephen Gildea and Linda
Sperling. Our thanks to Callerlab for allowing us to publish this information on-line. The
TeX/HTML document was last updated September 12, 1995.
PREFACE
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the Basic/Mainstream call definitions is to provide clear, concise,
simple explanations of the terms and calls used in the Mainstream Program.
(1) STARTING FORMATIONS
Starting formations are listed for each of the defined calls. The smallest basic
formation has been listed. Multiples of this formation may be possible. For example, the
minimum number of dancers required to dosado is two. It is possible, however, to have four
dancers in a line facing four dancers in an opposite line ready for a dosado. In this
case, there are four multiples of the basic formation.
(2) FACING DANCERS
Facing dancers, unless otherwise specified, may be any combination of men and women.
(3) COUPLES
Couples, unless otherwise specified, may be any combination of men and women.
(4) PASSING RULE
Whenever two dancers are walking toward each other and are about to collide, they pass
right shoulders and continue.
(5) SAME POSITION RULE
Whenever two dancers are walking toward each other and are required to occupy the same
position, they join right hands in a mini wave sharing that position.
(6) FACING COUPLES RULE
Some calls, which normally start from ocean waves, can also be done when dancers are in
facing couples (e.g. swing thru, spin the top, fan the top, etc.). In this case, the
dancers first step into a momentary right ocean wave and complete the call unless the
caller specifically directs a lefthand call (e.g. left swing thru, etc.) in which case the
dancers step into a momentary left ocean wave and complete the call. Exceptions to this
rule are listed in the body of the definitions.
This rule also applies when calls which require two parallel ocean waves (e.g. spin
chain thru) are called with the dancers in an eight chain thru formation.
(7) OCEAN WAVE RULE
Some calls which normally start from facing couples can be done when dancers are in
ocean waves (e.g. right and left thru, box the gnat, square thru, slide thru, pass to the
center, etc.). In this case, the dancers have already stepped forward toward the facing
dancer and are ready to complete the remaining action of the directed call. For the sake
of dancer comprehension and teaching purposes, it may be necessary to initially have the
dancers back up into facing couples, then step back into the wave and complete the call.
This rule also applies when calls which normally start from two facing dancers (e.g.,
turn thru) are called from a mini wave.
DEFINITION OF STYLING TERMS
Arms in Natural Dance Position: Arms should be held slightly bent in comfortable
position in anticipation of the next movement.
Dance Step: Should be a smooth, effortless gliding
step in which the ball of the foot touches and slides across the surface of the floor
before the heel is gently dropped to floor. The length of stride should be fairly short
with the movement coming mostly from knees down. Dance step must be coordinated with the
beat of the music. In general terms, short gliding steps which utilize both ball and heel
of the foot make a comfortable dance step.
DANCING HAND POSITIONS
Couple Handhold: Inside hands joined. Men should always hold palms up, ladies palms
down. In the event of a same sex couple, the left-hand dancer turns palm up, right-hand
dancer turns palm down. Arms should be bent with hands held slightly higher than the
elbow. Forearms are adjacent and can be held close together in locked-in position for
wheel around type movement.
Forearm: The arms are held past the wrist but not past
the elbow joint. Each dancer places the hand on the inside of the arm of the person with
whom he is to work. The fingers and thumb are held in close. The center of the turn will
be at the joined arms, so, while turning, each dancer is moving equally around the other.
Handshake Hold: Use a comfortable handshake with
hands reached and touched at about average waist height. Thumb should overlap the back of
the opposite dancer's hand. It is important in right and left grand to release hands when
passing. Do NOT stretch or lean over to reach the next hand.
Loose Handhold: Hands revolve around each other
maintaining contact and a certain degree of security or stabilization. Slight pressure is
all that is required.
Hands Up: Hands are joined in crossed palm position;
i.e. opposing dancers place palms together with finger pointing up, then tilt hand out
slightly which will result in a crossed palm position. Thumbs are gently closed on the
back of the opposing dancer's hand. As the turning action starts, wrists are straightened.
Box Star/Packsaddle: Four men with palms down take the
wrist of the man ahead and link up to form a box.
Palm Star: Place all hands together with fingers
pointing up and thumbs closed gently over the back of the adjacent dancer's hand to
provide a degree of stabilization. Arms should be bent slightly so that the height of the
handgrip will be at an average eye level.
Posture: Dancers should stand erect and tall, shoulders
back. Often tall people have a tendency to stoop, but should not.
Pull By: The action brings two people toward each
other. Hands should be dropped before bodies cross a common plane.
Skirt Work: Ladies hold skirt in free hand about
waist high using very slight rhythmical flourish to move skirt in front and back, right
hand moving with left foot, left hand moving with right foot.
Promenade Ending Twirl: Man raises his right
hand holding the lady's right hand loosely as she twirls clockwise underneath, ending in a
squared up couples position.
STYLING FOR BASIC SQUARE DANCE CALLS
BOW (HONORS)
To Your Partner:
Men: Turn slightly to face your partner making eye contact. Place left hand behind back
or at left hip, palm out. Place right foot in front of left foot. The right foot should be
pointed toward the lady with the toe touching the floor. Man's right hand holds lady's
left hand. Both legs are straight, with weight on the back foot.
Ladies: Turn slightly to face your partner making eye contact. Left foot should be
pointed forward with toe touching floor, right foot in back. Right hand holds skirt toward
center of square, right arm bent at elbow. Place left hand in partner's right hand. Both
legs are straight with weight on back foot. [An acceptable traditional variation of
styling is that the men bow slightly from the waist as the ladies acknowledge with a
curtsy.]
To Your Corner:
Men: Right hand holding partner's left hand, turn slightly to face corner, making eye
contact. Place left hand behind back or at left hip, palm out. Place left foot in front of
right foot. The left foot should be pointed toward corner with toe touching floor. Both
legs are straight with weight on the back foot.
Ladies: Left hand in partner's right hand, turn slightly to face corner making eye
contact. Place right foot in front of left foot with the right foot pointed toward corner
and the toe touching floor. Both legs are straight with weight on back foot. An acceptable
traditional variation of styling is that the men bow slightly from the waist as the ladies
acknowledge with a curtsy.
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SILVER
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