Definitions of Square Dance Calls and Concepts -- Offset Column | Line

Offset Column | Line | Wave Formation [C2]
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An Offset FORMATION is a formation which has been divided into two equal sub-formations that have been shifted some amount relative to the dividing line.

An Offset Column looks like this:


If you are here...		work as if you were here.

Offset (Parallel) Columns look like this:


(12-Matrix) Offset Columns (50% offset)		(16-Matrix) Offset Columns (100% offset)		In either case, work as if you were here.

An Offset Line | Wave looks like this:


If you are here...		work as if you were here.

Offset (Parallel) Lines | Waves look like this:


(12-Matrix) Offset Lines \| Waves (50% offset)		(16-Matrix) Offset Lines \| Waves (100% offset)		In either case, work as if you were here.

In Offset Lines | Waves, Centermost dancers should reach forward or backward (if possible) to touch hands with the adjacent dancers in their distorted Line. This helps identify who is working with whom.

CONTRAST THE FOLLOWING


This is the starting formation for each of the following:


after Offset Columns Circulate		after Offset Waves Circulate

Other formations can also be offset:


Offset Diamonds		imagine you are here


Offset Butterfly		imagine you are here

At C2, the caller generally restricts Offset FORMATION calls to easy calls which are not shape-changers. If the given call is a shape changer (that is, you are unable to end on the same set of footprints because the original 2 x 4 has rotated by 90°), then retain the Shear Line and the Shift Direction. See Appendix A for a discussion on Shape-Changing.