| Share page | Visit Us On FB |
|
of the West and Southwest |
41 |
||
|
ward, and gets his weight ahead of his feet, will be continually off balance, unable to reverse his direction instantly, and always a little behind the call and the movement if he has to rush to make up the time he has lost. Observe these few simple rules and you will dance easily, smoothly, in time and on time, and never have to hurry. Keep in time and you will be able to take your time.
The formal Quadrille uses a gliding, dancing "walk" with smooth, deliberate steps. It is beautiful but difficult to master. In the swings or turns, a smooth pivot step is used. This is another difficult movement. The formal Quadrille "chasse" is a smooth, sliding step, with no up-and-down motion and with very small steps directly to the side. These are the three special steps used in the formal Quadrille. They are the basis of the Eastern dance. In the West and the Southwest only the one step for all movements is used, and that step is yours, as you like, as long as you keep your feet on the floor. If you wish to pay attention to one point, watch your shoulders. Keep them level Forget your feet. Give your attention to your Partner, the music, and the call.
The Formation of a Square
Any Quadrille or Square Dance is danced from a formation of four couples facing inward, standing in a square of about nine feet with each couple facing one wall of the room. The couples are numbered "One," "Two," "Three," and "Four," with Couple One being the couple whose backs are to the caller and the music; Couple Two the next couple on the right; Couple Three facing the caller and music; and Couple Four the next couple on the right. Couples One and Three are also the Head Couples, and Couples Two and Four are the Side Couples. The Head Couples are also known as the "First Four" and the Side Couples as the "Side Four."
The lady standing at the gentleman's right side is always his |
|||