Definitions of Square Dance Calls and Concepts -- Grand Square [Basic]

Grand Square [Basic]
(author unknown)

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Language:

From a Squared Set, after some dancers are instructed to face their partner. EN: 10

Grand Square is a 32-beat figure that should be danced in time to the music. EN: 20

Start moving on beat 1, and take a full 32 beats to complete the call. EN: 30

Starting on beat #1 of an 8-beat phrase, proceed as follows: EN: 40

Sides Face, Grand Square:

Heads' part: EN: 50

Beats 1-4:	Forward 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face your partner; EN: 60
Beats 4-8:	Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face the dancer beside you; EN: 70
Beats 9-12:	Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; EN: 80
Beats 13-16:	Forward 3 steps, then pause (do not turn). You may 'Patty-cake' with your partner if you'd like). We're 1/2 way through. Now reverse it... EN: 90
Beats 17-20:	Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; EN: 80
Beats 21-24:	Forward 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; EN: 110
Beats 25-28:	Forward 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; EN: 110
Beats 29-32:	Backup 3 steps and pause. You're done! EN: 130

Side's part: EN: 140

Beats 1-4:	Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; EN: 80
Beats 5-8:	Forward 3 steps (to meet someone), then turn 1/4 to face in (as a couple); EN: 145
Beats 9-12:	Forward 3 steps to meet original partner, then turn 1/4 to face in; EN: 150
Beats 13-16:	Backup 3 steps and pause (do not turn). Now reverse it... EN: 160
Beats 17-20:	Forward 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; EN: 110
Beats 21-24:	Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; EN: 80
Beats 25-28:	Backup 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in; EN: 80
Beats 29-32:	Forward 3 steps, then turn 1/4 to face in. You're done! EN: 170


before Grand Square (after Sides Face)


after beat 4	after beat 8	after beat 12	after beat 16 (half-way)


after beat 20	after beat 24	after beat 28	after beat 32 (done)

Notes:

Usually cued as 'Sides Face, Grand Square', but could also be cued as 'Heads Face...', 'Girls (or Boys) Face...'. EN: 180
Join hands whenever you become a couple (side by side with someone) EN: 190
Each turn 1/4 is always toward the center of the set. You must turn 1/4 even if you think you are already facing the center of the set. EN: 200
Do not turn on beat 16. EN: 210
Grand Square ends in a Squared Set. Those who originally faced at the start need to turn 1/4 on beat 32 to end as a couple. EN: 220
Dance to the beat of the music. Take the full 32 beats. EN: 230
Turn precisely 1/4 (90°) in place on beats 4, 8, 12, 20, 24, 28, and, if necessary, 32. EN: 240
Each dancers traces a small square pattern on the floor. EN: 250
The caller often says 'Reverse' right before beat 17. At this point dancers reverse the traffic pattern to end back home. EN: 260
The caller can fractionalize the call. For example, Sides Face Grand Square go 10 beats to end in Facing Lines. EN: 270

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