Definitions of Square Dance Calls and Concepts -- Peel Off [Plus]

From an applicable 2 x 2 (usually a Mini-Wave Box or Tandem Couples) or a "Z". EN: 10

As one movement, Leaders flip 180° away from the center of the 4-dancer formation and step forward if necessary as the Trailers step forward if necessary and U-Turn Back by turning away from the center of the 4-dancer formation. EN: 20

A Non-T-Bone starting formation always ends in a Line. EN: 30

Notes:

The words 'step forward if necessary' mean that you may need to step forward so that the ending formation is centered and compact, with each dancer ending on a center-axis of the original 4-dancer formation. I.e., a non-T-Bone starting formation always ends in a Line; a T-Bone starting formation usually ends in a Diamond. EN: 40
Everybody turns 180° away from the center of the 4-dancer formation. This is important in case the caller adds a Roll [Plus]. Everybody can Roll after a Peel Off. Our definition uses the words 'as one movement...' precisely so that everybody can Roll. EN: 50
From a non-T-Bone starting formation, be sure to grab hands after the call in order to establish a Line of 4. Think about grabbing hands with your resulting partner as soon as you can (when you hear the command Peel Off, the Leader can immediately start to reach back with their outside hand; and the Trailer, with their inside hand, can start to reach forward across their body to grab hands with the Leader). EN: 60
Leaders become Ends, Trailers become Centers. EN: 70

From a R-H Mini-Wave Box:


before Peel Off		after

From Tandem Couples:


before Peel Off		after

From a L-H "Z":


before Peel Off		after

From a R-H "Z":


before Peel Off		after

From a T-Bone 2 x 2:

(used only at C1 or above) EN: 80


before Peel Off		after

More notes:

Peel Off can also be thought of as a 1/4 Out; As Couples Roll. EN: 90
Peel Off can also be called from formations where the active dancers are not in a Box. For example, from Twin Diamonds, the command could be Points Peel Off. In this case, use the center of the set (or the center of the 4-dancer formation, if any) as the center point from which to do the Peel Off. In other words, imagine that you have a box, with the center of the box being toward the center of the set. EN: 100

Points Peel Off:


before Points Peel Off		after

Peel The Top [Plus] (Melvin Roberts 1973):

From an applicable 2x2 or "Z". Leaders Peel Off as Trailers Step Forward if necessary; all Fan The Top. A Non-T-Bone starting formation ends in a Wave. EN: 538

Trail Off [A2] (Jim Gammalo 1962):

From an applicable 2 x 2 (usually a Mini-Wave Box or Tandem Couples) or "Z". As one movement, Leaders step forward if necessary, run (180° toward the center of the 4-dancer formation) & veer out as the Trailers step forward if necessary and Trade (passing left-shoulders if facing the same direction). A Non-T-Bone starting formation always ends in a Line. In particular, a Mini-Wave Box ends in a Two-Faced Line, and Tandem Couples end in a One-Faced Line. Trail Off is a Cross Peel Off. EN: 348

Peel & Trail [A2] (Lee Kopman 1966):

From an applicable 2 x 2 or "Z". Leaders Peel Off as Trailers Trail Off. A Mini-Wave Box ends in a Wave; Tandem Couples end in a One-Faced Line. EN: 346

Peel To A Diamond [C2] (Bill Trench 1973):

From an applicable 2 x 2 or "Z". Leaders Peel Off as Trailers Extend if necessary and Hinge. Ends in a Diamond. EN: 723

Single Peel Off [C4]:

From a Couple or Mini-Wave. U-Turn Back by turning away from your partner. EN: 724

Peel The Deal [C4] (Vic Andrews 1963):

From a Mini-Wave Box, Tandem Couples, or applicable "Z". As one movement, Leaders Peel Off and Roll and Step Ahead as Trailers follow the Leaders in Tandem (i.e., Step Ahead, Peel Off, & Roll). Ends in a Single Double Pass Thru (Zero Tag) formation. Cheat: Tandem 3/4 Out. EN: 725