When was the last time you saw a C3 floor execute this call without significant help? Dancers get just as tired as callers of seeing the same mistakes over and over.
Rob says:
"Dancers screw it up" is not usually a great reason to remove a call. It's very easy to dance if taught correctly.
Thomas says:
The call is hard for the dancers since the ends need to wait for the centers.
Diagonal Boxes are useful from 12-matrix and split phantom formations. Just because they can be awkward from a 2x4 doesn't mean they're awkward everywhere.
Sue says:
I agree with Vic on this and frequently use them in phantom setups.
The same result can be achieved by using "Own" (or other existing terminology), and it seems unnecessary to make the dancers memorize this specific "Own" combination.
Also, the name is not particularly suggestive of the dance action.
Coop says:
Own the centers couple up by walk and dodge is a LOT more words.
Sue says:
Ends work Stable, (All) Couple Up is another option. This may be a matter of personal taste, but the definition just jumps out at me as pointless and better called other ways. I'm not necessarily in favor of dropping all calls that can be called some other way.
Rob says:
I think this call does add value, as it's a quick and easy way to turn a wave into a 2-faced line, which isn't provided by many other calls.
Thomas says:
Don´t need this call. Dancers don´t remember which part to do.
To me, these concepts fit naturally on C3B with Secondly, Thirdly, etc. Some examples can be difficult, but they can also provide the right level of difficulty for emphasizing teamwork skills. However, I do admit that they can be somewhat redundant, as callers could use other terms such as "Initially & Thirdly", if that is what they want.
Rob says:
"Random" and "Reverse Random" and their new versions "Oddly" and "Evenly" have been on the C3B list for a very long time. I think they go nicely with the other parts concepts.
Flows poorly or is equivalent to Split Recycle in most cases.
Rob says:
I agree that most uses are either better called as Split Recycle or are awkward. Really the only useful application is a couple facing out, which overflows for the belle.
this call is quite useful, and it would be cumbersome to have to call it via the 'Own' concept.
Sue says:
I like this call. It can be called from any arrangement of facing directions, including any t-bones, and always moves the dancers one spot clockwise, so they never end on the same spot as another dancer. Also, the name is at least reasonably intuitive.
Thomas says:
It gives variety since it can be done from any box.
I do use these, and I like having a complete set of split phantom formations. This adds to the variety of calls we can use from split phantom lines/columns/boxes. This is one of the key ways that C3B is more challenging and more interesting than C3A.
Rob says:
I disagree that they are limited usage. I think these go nicely with the introduction of split phantom boxes.
We don't need it from a choreography point of view, and they are difficult for orientation in a formation of 8 people. On the other hand, they are great in Split Phantom formations.
Vic says:
Trapezoids are very useful from Split Phantom formations.
Sue says:
I agree with Vic on this and frequently use them in phantom setups.
Rob says:
I agree with Vic, and trapezoids are very commonly used.
Too many callers are too optimistic and call very difficult shape-changers and blow up the floor.
A hard concept due to shape-changing and overlapping 50%.
Coop says:
A hard concept. It'd be better to have quadruple lines working on C3B.
Sue says:
This concept can be hard, but there are also many easy examples, similar to the way Split Phantom concepts are used at C3A. I'm not in favor of dropping this concept just because a few callers may use it with poor judgment. And I certainly don't expect any lack of judgment to be suddenly improved if we replace Triple Lines Working with Quadruple Lines Working instead.
Rob says:
This concept has always seemed out of place, because we don't introduce other new triple concepts at this level (while we do introduce quadruple formations), and also don't allow triple columns or boxes. I would support removing it entirely and just leaving all of the "working" concepts to C-4.
Thomas says:
I think we shall keep Triple Lines/Waves Working. If quadruple formation is added, triple formation will be used by callers also. Even if it is not on the list.
it's up to the caller to provide good usage of "Z"s. Distorted box formations (such as Diagonal Boxes, Trapezoids, and "Z"s) are useful for identifying dancer spots within phantom formations.
Sue says:
I agree with Vic that distorted box concepts are in general quite useful to provide variety in combination with a series of split phantom calls. However, among the distorted box concepts, Z's are my least favorite, as it is often quite difficult for dancers to find the Z's in a square where even one dancer is out of place. This tends to result in a lot of tedious cuing.
Rob says:
I agree with Vic. I think that Z's are interesting specifically because they add challenge to identifying the formation. Also since Z's are introduced originally at Plus, it's nice to finally have some additional application for them other than just things like "Peel the Top".
Thomas says:
it is different, I would keep it.
Concepts to Add to C3B ?
Quadruple Columns Working (Right/Left),
Quadruple Lines/Waves Working (Forward/Backward),
Quadruple Boxes Working (Forward/Backward/Right/Left) ID: 12
Adding to C3B does not include the directions 'Together', 'Apart', 'Clockwise' or 'Counter Clockwise'.
A logical extension to what dancers already know.
Easier than Triple formations working, since there's no 50% overlap to deal with.
An obvious extension of quadruple boxes and split phantom C/L.
Coop says:
I'd like to remove triple working and add quadruple working.
Sue says:
I understand the temptation to add these concepts, as I do enjoy using them at C4 and they provide a lot of variety. But I don't think they are appropriate for the typical C3B dancer. The argument that Quadruples are easier than Triples is over-stated. This can be true for some calls and some dancers, but other dancers simply have much more trouble keeping track of their position in a larger setup.
Adding to C3B does not include 'Middle Half' nor a generalized 'First / Last {fraction}'.
Useful with many of the 4-part calls on C3B (e.g. First Half Tandem, Reset) and also with some calls that do not have parts (e.g. First Half As Couples, Wheel Around).
I have taught this at several C3B dances, and several callers have taught this at AACE C3B workshop sessions. It has generally been well-received.
Extension of, and more useful than, secondly/thirdly/fourthly
Rob says:
This is an easy extension that most dancers understand even without much workshopping.
Thomas says:
Easy to understand. Have tried it on lower levels with good result.
Nthly Use <CallOne> For <CallTwo> means do <CallTwo> but replace part <N> with <CallOne>.
E.g., Thirdly Use In Roll Circulate For Swing The Fractions.
Use - this is English and rather than saying Substitute... also can help with 2ndly, 3rdly...
Add - same reasons as above
This is fairly self-explanatory, and perhaps should even be C3A.
Rob says:
"Use" is really the C-1 "replace" concept just with different wording. I would suggest putting these on C-1 since "replace" already exists there and "use" does not add any new functionality, and "add" is a simple extension to that. I would definitely not put them on C-3B because it duplicates the "replace" concept across two levels for no benefit.
From Tidal Line: Center 6 Trade; Outer 4 Counter Rotate as Center 4 Trade; Outsides any shoulder Pass In as Very Centers Trade.
A nice way to get from tidal to 1/4 Tag.
Parts are not well-defined.
Fun - dancers yell "six - four - two".
Sue says:
Personally, I don't enjoy this call, and I think we have many better suggestions for addition. Also note that there is a "But" variation that does not follow the standard rules. ("But" means the centers replace the last TWO parts)
It is easy to learn, has 4 parts, and can be used with any of the parts concepts.
Sue says:
This particular set of parts consistently works well with a wide range of commonly used concepts. For example, any of the concepts Initially, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally, Oddly, or Evenly can be used with "Tandem" or "Centers" on this call.
Rob says:
This is a very nice, short, multi-part call that would be useful to use with all of the "part" concepts at C3B (and much less annoying than change the wave/centers).
From a Tidal Line (or other applicable formations).
1) Very Centers (Grand) Cross Run around everyone possible;
2) Trade
3) Very Centers (Grand) Cross Run around everyone possible;
4) Trade
A 4 part call, simple definitions and lends itself to modifications well.
Works well with parts and can give interesting results.
Coop says:
After calling and dancing this call a lot in the last 2 years, I've decided I really do not like dancing it and will be calling it very rarely going forward. Again just my opinion, but dancing it is yucky.
Sue says:
I agree that the unmodified call is somewhat tedious for the dancer, but the opportunities for use with fractions, meta-concepts, and generous/stingy are really outstanding. That makes it a reasonable fit for C3B, and a good topic for a vote.
Rob says:
It is useful as a multi-part call, but it also can be quite disorientating. I would prefer to leave this at C-4.
Those with handholds Trade & Spread (if Cut) or Flip Away (if Flip) as
the others "Z" or 3 By 1 Triangle Circulate. Usually ends in a Line.
A logical extension of Reverse Cut/Flip The Diamond.
Vic says:
I've been using these calls at C3B for a long time, and dancers always knows what to do.
Sue says:
Add note that part of this proposal becomes moot if Z's are dropped entirely.
Rob says:
I agree with Vic, at least for Zs. I think it is less common (and less useful) to use with 3 by 1 triangles, but there's nothing wrong with generalizing "reverse flip".
(for each part, Centers take the outer path as Ends take the inner path)
A popular C4 call.
From a Wave, 3/4 Run Wild is very nice, and ends in a Mini-Wave Box.
Sue says:
I'm not opposed to adding this, but please note it has some tricky applications. 3/4 is popular, but it is not a 4-part call. From some formations, dancers who feel like they are ending on the same spot need to take left hands because they are taking an outside path.
Rob says:
Also note that 3/4 Run Wild from a 2FL ends in offset miniwaves, which is a more difficult application. There are no other calls at this level that end in such a fashion.
From a generalized tandem: Leaders Single Shakedown (right roll to a wave & roll) as Trailers Single Reverse Split Swap (do your part touch then 1/4 left).
Many individual Single calls are C3A now, including Single Shakedown.
Since Shake and Rattle is C3B, C3B is the logical level for Single Shake and Rattle.
Split The Difference (4-part call) means a Split Circulate The Difference.
Sue says:
Split the Difference is usually laughed at as a pointless call. The Difference by itself is ok, but we already have quite a few calls defined as a series of arm turns, so this doesn't add much in terms of variety.
Rob says:
I agree that this feels more like a "time wasting" call, especially since the normal version is a zero. I think given the annoying number of calls like "change the wave/centers" at C3B we don't need to add another one.
Good call to use with initially/finally/reverse order
Vic says:
This call has the unusual property that dancers need to re-evaluate after the hinge. The call can be done from an isolated line/wave or an isolated box, in which case the counter rotate is done within the group of four. However, from a 2x4, dancers end up working within their original 1x4, not their 2x2.