Definitions of Square Dance Calls and Concepts -- Hourglass Formation

An Hourglass FORMATION can be set up from Parallel Lines with the Centers in a Mini-Wave, by having the Centers do a 1/2 Circulate. EN: 10


Hourglass FORMATION		Typical facing directions within an Hourglass EN: 20

An Hourglass FORMATION consists of a Diamond inside of a Box. Dancers in the Diamond are the Centers of the Hourglass; dancers in the Box are the Ends (or Points) of the Hourglass. EN: 30

Hourglass Circulate [A2]:

From an Hourglass. The Circulate path of an Hourglass consists of 8 spots. Move forward to the next position in the Hourglass, moving from a Diamond position to a Box position or vice-versa. Change your facing direction (by 90°) if and only if you are moving to or from the Point of the Center Diamond. If the Circulate does not involve dancers ending on the same spot, then Hourglass Circulate ends in an Hourglass. EN: 377

From a R-H Hourglass:


before Hourglass Circulate		after

From a Facing Hourglass:


before Hourglass Circulate		after

Cut The Hourglass [A2] (Tim Ploch):

From an Hourglass. Points slide together and Trade as Centers Hourglass Circulate. Usually ends in Parallel Lines. EN: 378

Flip The Hourglass [A2] (Tim Ploch):

From an Hourglass. Outsides flip in (Phantom Run) as Centers Hourglass Circulate. Usually ends in Parallel Lines. EN: 379

Switch To An Hourglass [A2] (Sandy Knowles 1975):

From Parallel Waves (or applicable Parallel Lines). Centers Run as Ends do your part Hourglass Circulate (Lead Ends 1/2 Circulate as Trailing Ends Veer Inward to end in a Mini-Wave with their opposite). Ends in an Hourglass. EN: 382

Squeeze The Hourglass [C1] (Dave Hodson 1976):

From an Hourglass. Points slide together and Trade as Very Centers Trade and slide apart. The Point of the Center Diamond does not move. Ends in a Galaxy. EN: 380

Unwrap The Hourglass [C2] (Jim Rager 1976):

From an Hourglass. Trailing points walk straight ahead while moving slightly inward to become #1 in a Column. Other dancers do Hourglass Circulates until reaching the trailing point's starting position and then walk straight ahead to form Columns. EN: 381

Relocate The Hourglass [C2] (Tim Ploch):

From an Hourglass. Very Centers Arm Turn 3/4 as the Others Counter Rotate 1/4. EN: 383

Reverse Flip The Hourglass [C4]:

From an Hourglass. Those in the Diamond flip away from the Center of the set as the Others Hourglass Circulate. A normal Hourglass ends with a Center Wave between two Mini-Waves (i.e., like a Thar, but with some dancers further from the Center). EN: 384