Printer friendly version 
 Square Dance Resource Net  (Home)ArticlesCallers and CuersClubsEventsResourcesChoreographyMusicLyricsCeder Chest Definition BooksCeder Square Dance System  (CSDS)Square Rotation Program  (SQROT)Vic Ceder - Square Dance CallerDefinitions of square dance calls and conceptsMore square dance DefinitionsLists of square dance calls and conceptsFrequently Asked QuestionsSquare dance linksLos Olivos Honey BeesBande DéssineesChocolate BarsBeanie BabiesPokémon Trading CardsSend us feedback
Definitions of Square Dance Calls and Concepts
 
Definitions of Square Dance Calls and Concepts
 
 
 Definitions Main Page  |  FAQ  |  Ceder Chest Definition Books  |  Multilingual  |  administrator     
 Index -->  All Levels  |  Basic and Mainstream  |  Plus  |  A1  |  A2  |  C1  |  C2  |  C3A  |  C3B  |  C4  |  NOL  |  Def2 
 Definitions (Text Only) -->  Plus  |  A1  |  A2  |  C1  |  C2  |  C3A  |  C3B  |  C4  |  NOL  |  Old Calls  |  Experimentals 
 Dancing and Studying Hints  |  Tagging Calls  |  Calls with Parts  |  Shape Changing  |  Types of Distortions 
Find call: 

Grand Square [Basic]
   (author unknown)
BASIC:     

Language:
  
  
  
   view (admin)

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:

Sides Face, Grand Square:

  • 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!
  • 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!

before
Grand Square
(after Sides Face)
 
     
after
beat 4
 after
beat 8
 after
beat 12
 after
beat 16
(half-way)
 
     
after
beat 20
 after
beat 24
 after
beat 28
 after
beat 32
(done)

Notes:
  • Usually cued as 'Sides Face, Grand Square', but could also be cued as 'Heads Face...', 'Girls (or Boys) Face...'.
  • Join hands whenever you become a couple (side by side with someone)
  • 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.
  • Do not turn on beat 16.
  • 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.
  • Dance to the beat of the music. Take the full 32 beats.
  • Turn precisely 1/4 (90°) in place on beats 4, 8, 12, 20, 24, 28, and, if necessary, 32.
  • Each dancers traces a small square pattern on the floor.
  • The caller often says 'Reverse' right before beat 17. At this point dancers reverse the traffic pattern to end back home.
  • The caller can fractionalize the call. For example, Sides Face Grand Square go 10 beats to end in Facing Lines.

CALLERLAB definition for Grand Square

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
 
BASIC:     

full URL