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American Square Dances |
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hands. If it is reversed, a "see-saw" hold results, instead of the desired skating position which can only be obtained by joining the left hands over the joined right hands. Simply join right hands with your Partner, the lady pivoting in place to face in the same direction as the gentleman, at his right side, and at the same time, join left hands over the joined right hands, and dance directly into the Promenade movement.
The time required for the Promenade is sixteen beats of music for a complete circuit of the set. Eight beats are required for a half circuit.
Step right out in the Promenade, with your feet on the floor and your head and hands high, with a lifting, jaunty swagger, the gentlemen taking the ladies right on around the set in time with the music, and on time.
Often the caller will allow four or eight beats of music at the finish of a Promenade to "square" the sets. Simply bow to your Partner and face the center for the next call.
The Swings
Five different types of swings are used in the Western Square Dance. The Waltz Swing, the One Hand Swing, the Elbow Swing, the Two Hand Swing, and the Forearm Swing, which is used instead of the Elbow Swing between ladies or between ladies and gentlemen.
While any of these five types of swings may be used at the dancer's wish, the Waltz Swing is the type most often used, unless the call directs the dancers to use a specific swing, or the figure requires a particular type of swing. The Waltz Swing is danced in the ballroom position, except that the dancers are right side to right side, instead of face to face. Partners are not held too closely, and the shoulders must be well back in order to maintain balance. If either dancer leans toward his partner, all of his weight, plus the centrifugal force, which is considerable, will be placed upon the other person. |
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