Definitions of Square Dance Calls and Concepts -- Press {direction} [C1,C2]

Press Ahead [C1]:: Designated dancers move one position forward. EN: 10

Press Back [C1V]:: Designated dancers move one position backward. Press Back is typically only used as a gimmick. EN: 20

Press In|Out|Right|Left [C2]:: As one movement, designated dancers move one position forward and one position toward the given direction. EN: 30

Notes:

Non-designated dancers do not move or adjust in any manner. EN: 40
Do not change your facing direction during this call. EN: 50
'Position' in terms of this definition refers to a spot that could be occupied by a dancer. Within a 2 x 4 there are eight positions. A Squared Set, Butterfly, or "O" is a 16-Matrix (4 x 4) formation, and one position refers to an adjacent spot within that rectangular grid. EN: 60
The direction can be In, Out, Right, or Left. In and Out are relative to the Center of the Set. EN: 70


before Press Right		after


before Press Left		after


before Press Ahead		after 1/2		(done)

Note that in the example above, dancers are completely offset after the Press Ahead. A common dancer mistake is to go only half-way. EN: 80

The following examples illustrate the differences among the similar calls Extend, 1/2 Press Ahead, and Step Thru. EN: 90


This is the starting formation for each of the following:


after Extend	after 1/2 Press Ahead	after Step Thru

Often callers misuse the term Extend when they mean to use Press Ahead or 1/2 Press Ahead. EN: 100


This is the starting formation for each of the following:


after As Couples Extend		after 1/2 Press Ahead

Curve direction [C4] (Dave Hodson 1985):

As one movement, Press direction while individually turning toward that direction. Direction can be In, Out, Left, or Right and is relative to the Center of the Set. EN: 646

Tip Toe [C4] (Lee Kopman 1980):

Designated dancers Press Ahead while holding onto the dancer in their partner's position, dragging that dancer with them. EN: 647

See also direction Loop n [C2] and Truck [C2].