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From Parallel Lines with the Ends in Tandem or from Promenade (in which case designated dancers act as Leaders in Parallel Two-Faced Lines).

Adjust as necessary to end in Parallel Lines.

The following illustrates the Ends part of Cast A Shadow:   before Ends Cast A Shadow       after 1/2 Zoom   after Cast Off 3/4   after Spread to become Ends of Lines (done)
From Parallel Two-Faced Lines:   before Cast A Shadow       after Ends 1/2 Zoom as Lead Centers 1/3 Cloverleaf as Trailing Centers Extend   after Ends Cast Off 3/4 as Lead Centers complete the Cloverleaf as Trailing Centers Arm Turn 1/4   after Original Ends Spread as Original Centers step into the vacated space (done)
From Parallel Waves:     before Cast A Shadow   after	From Parallel 3 & 1 Lines:     before Cast A Shadow   after
From Promenade: (see note below):       before Heads (lead) Cast A Shadow   after Heads Step Forward as Sides bend in behind   after Cast A Shadow (done)

• Ends remain Ends, Centers remain Centers.
• Cast A Shadow converts Parallel Two-Faced Lines into Parallel Waves and vice-versa.
• Ends meet with original outside hands.
• The Ends' part is
  1. 1/2 Zoom (Lead End flip away from the Center & Extend as Trailing End 1/2 Circulate to meet with original outside hands);
  2. Cast Off 3/4 (think "half, then a quarter more");
  3. and Spread (allow enough space for two dancers).
• Out-Facing Centers (the "Shadowers") should make a wide arc for the Cloverleaf so at not to interfere with the Ends. Out-Facing Centers end in the near center position.
• In-Facing Centers Extend to join inside hands, Arm Turn 1/4 with each other, wait for about two beats to allow the Ends to finish their Cast Off 3/4, and then Extend. Be sure to use only one hand for the Extend & Arm Turn 1/4. We have frequently seen overly-excited dancers step forward, join both hands, whoop and kick, and then forget which way to turn and consequently have no idea where they belong.
• When Cast A Shadow is called from Promenade, the designated Couple (Leaders) should continue Promenading until they are squared off to a wall and then Step Forward as the others bend in behind them to form Parallel Two-Faced Lines; then everyone Cast A Shadow. Executing the call in this manner guarantees that the ending formation (Parallel Waves) is squared off to the walls.

  How to dance Cast A Shadow from Promenade:

  1. If you are designated, identify yourself;
  2. Square off to a wall;
  3. Do the call.
• If all Centers start facing out, they do a Cloverleaf. If all Centers start facing in, they do their part of the call (danced as a Pass Thru & Partner Tag).
• It is considered inappropriate for the caller to call Cast A Shadow from formations in which the Ends start facing or back-to-back.
• Cast A Shadow has a tendency to expand the size of the square. Therefore, after completing the call, tighten up your formation.

Variations:

• Ends Cast A Shadow But Don't Spread
• Cast A Shadow, Trailing Centers Cast 3/4

Criss Cross The Shadow [C2] (Ross Howell 1974): From Parallel Lines with the Ends in Tandem or from Promenade (in which case designated dancers act as Leaders in Parallel Two-Faced Lines). Ends 1/2 Zoom & Slide, Cast Off 3/4 and Spread as Out-Facing Centers Cloverleaf and Slither as In-Facing Centers Cross Extend, Arm Turn 1/4, & Extend. Adjust as necessary to end in Parallel Lines.

Relay The Shadow [C1] (Lee Kopman 1975): From a Tidal Wave, Facing Lines, or other applicable formations. Arm Turn 1/2; Center 6 Cast Off 3/4 as Very Ends Counter Rotate 1/4; resulting Center Wave Arm Turn 1/4 & Spread (to become Ends of Parallel Waves) as Others do the Centers part of Cast A Shadow (Leaders Cloverleaf as Trailers Extend; Arm Turn 1/4; Extend). Ends in Parallel Waves.

Shadow The Column [C4] (Jack Lasry): From Columns. #1 and #3 dancers act as Ends while #2 and #4 dancers act as Centers of Parallel Two-Faced Lines, and all Cast A Shadow.

Shadow To A Diamond [C4]: From applicable Parallel Lines. Ends Cast A Shadow as Lead Centers Run & Extend (making a wide arc as in Cast A Shadow) as Trailing Centers 1/2 Circulate & Trade. Ends in Twin Diamonds. The Centers' part of Shadow To A Diamond is an exaggerated Peel & Trail.

Shadow formation anything [C4]: From applicable Parallel Lines, applicable Twin Diamonds, or other applicable formations. Outsides Cast A Shadow But Don't Spread (1/2 Zoom, Cast Off 3/4) as Centers do the anything call. Formation is the name of the center formation. For example, from Twin Diamonds, a Shadow Wave Spin The Top has the Ends Cast A Shadow But Don't Spread as the Center Wave does a Spin The Top.

CALLERLAB definition for Cast a Shadow

Choreography for Cast A Shadow

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