Teaching Resource for BEND THE LINE
Links: Standard – Analyze – Module – Teach – Other – Extend
CALLERLAB Program: Basic Part 1
Teaching Order: After Veer and before Circulate
Recently Taught Calls: Ladies Chain, Do Paso, Lead Right
Background: The first use of Bend the Line in modern square dancing was in 1957 by Bill Hansen from West Covina, California.
Definition
Case 1: One-Faced Line, Two-Faced Line (4 dancers)
Minimum number of dancers needed: Four
Starting formation for the minimum number needed: One-Faced Line, Two-Faced Line
Command examples:
— Bend the Line
— Each Side, Bend the Line (from a Tidal Line or Tidal Two-Faced Line)
Dance action: Each half of the line, working as a unit, turns 90 degrees to face the center of the formation.
Ending formation: Facing Couples
Timing: 4
Styling: As ends move forward, the centers back up, equally. Use a couple handhold. In the event a new line is formed, immediately join hands in the new line.
Comments: From a Tidal formation it is helpful, but not necessary, to say “Each Side”.
A couple on the outside of the set (e.g., after a Couples Circulate 1 1/2) can be asked to Bend the Line. In this case, they assume the other half of their line is towards the center of the set and, working as a unit, turn 90 degrees to face the center of the set.
Case 2: Tidal Line (8 dancers)
Starting formation: Tidal Line
Command examples:
— Line of 8, Bend the Line
— Bend the Big Line
— Work 4 By 4 and Bend the Line
Dance action: Same as for Case 1 of Bend the Line
Ending formation: Facing Lines
Timing: 6
Styling: Retain handholds in each half of the line. As the very ends move forward, the very centers back up, equally. Adjust to Facing Lines at the end.
Comments: From a line of 6, the call “Lines of 6, Bend the Line” is also acceptable.
Attempts to get dancers to bend lines of 2 dancers (e.g., Bend the Little Bitty Line) are considered very unusual and should not be used.
Facing Couple or Ocean Wave Rule: Does not apply
Link to Taminations: Taminations Bend the Line