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

Press direction -- [C1,C2]
(Lee Kopman)

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

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

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

Notes:

Non-designated dancers do not move or adjust in any manner.
Do not change your facing direction during this call.
'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.
The direction can be In, Out, Right, or Left. In and Out are relative to the Center of the Set.


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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

CALLERLAB definition for Press Ahead

CALLERLAB definition for Press In/Out/Right/Left

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

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