From a Squared Set, after some dancers are instructed to face their partner.
Grand Square is a 32-beat figure that should be danced in time to the music.
Start moving on beat 1, and take a full 32 beats to complete the call.
Starting on beat #1 of an 8-beat phrase, proceed as follows:
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Sides Face, Grand Square:
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Heads' part:
Beats 1-4: | Forward 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face your partner; |
Beats 4-8: | Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face the dancer beside you; |
Beats 9-12: | Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; |
Beats 13-16: | Forward 3 steps, then pause (do not turn).
You may 'Patty-cake' with your partner if you'd like).
We're 1/2 way through. Now reverse it... |
Beats 17-20: | Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; |
Beats 21-24: | Forward 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; |
Beats 25-28: | Forward 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; |
Beats 29-32: | Backup 3 steps and pause. You're done! |
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Side's part:
Beats 1-4: | Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; |
Beats 5-8: | Forward 3 steps (to meet someone), then turn 1/4 to face in (as a couple); |
Beats 9-12: | Forward 3 steps to meet original partner, then turn 1/4 to face in; |
Beats 13-16: | Backup 3 steps and pause (do not turn). Now reverse it... |
Beats 17-20: | Forward 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; |
Beats 21-24: | Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; |
Beats 25-28: | Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; |
Beats 29-32: | Forward 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in. You're done! |
Notes:
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Usually cued as 'Sides Face, Grand Square', but could also be cued
as 'Heads Face...', 'Girls (or Boys) Face...'.
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Join hands whenever you become a couple (side by side with someone)
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Each turn 1/4 is always toward the center of the set. You must
turn 1/4 even if you think you are already facing the center of the set.
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Do not turn on beat 16.
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Grand Square ends in a Squared Set. Those who originally faced at the
start need to turn 1/4 on beat 32 to end as a couple.
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Dance to the beat of the music. Take the full 32 beats.
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Turn precisely 1/4 (90°) in place on beats 4, 8, 12, 20, 24, 28, and,
if necessary, 32.
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Each dancers traces a small square pattern on the floor.
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The caller often says 'Reverse' right before beat 17. At this point dancers
reverse the traffic pattern to end back home.
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The caller can fractionalize the call.
For example, Sides Face Grand Square go 10 beats to end in Facing Lines.