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A SIMPLE SQUARE |
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task even easier. But lacking them, you can put any four couples out on the floor and make things clear enough by-moving them around.
The Positions
A set of dancers or a square is composed of four couples, each standing on one of the sides of an imaginary square, or towards one of the four walls of the room and each couple facing the center of the square (or the opposite couple). Where space is crowded this imaginary square need be only eight or ten feet across. But it is better, especially with beginners, to allow ten or twelve feet across for each square.
In each square and throughout the dance the lady's position is always to the right side of her partner. If this rule of always putting the lady on the right is carefully followed much confusion in learning can be avoided. In fact, the position of the lady gives her the name by which she is designated in the call. For each man the lady on his right is his "partner," the lady on his left is his "corner," the lady across from him is his "opposite," and the lady to the right beyond his partner is the "right hand lady," though she seldom figures in the calls. For each lady, likewise, the man on her left is her "partner," the man on her right is her "corner," the man across from her is her "opposite," and the man on the left next beyond her partner is the "left hand gent."
Each couple is numbered according to the side of the square on which they are standing, and they always return to this same or "home" position after each promenade or special maneuver. The couple standing nearest to and with their backs to the head of the hall is called "first couple." The couple to their right is called "second couple," the couple opposite them is "third couple," and the couple standing on their left is called the "fourth couple." The head of the hall is usually that end of the hall nearest the orchestra. If the orchestra is located in the middle of one of the sides, the caller should announce before the first dance begins which end of the hall is considered the "head." Since the "first couple" stands nearest the head of the hall they are sometimes called "head couple." And, of course, the "third couple" is called "foot couple." In this case the "second and fourth couples" are called "the sides," without differentiation between them. |
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