Bend the Line – Teaching

Basic Part 1
Bend the Line

Links:   Define Standard Analyze Modules Other Extend

Choreography for Patter Teaching with Singing Call Options:

Teaching Tips:

Bend the Line
A.) Each half of the line must turn 1/4 to face.
B.) Fold in the center like closing a book or a fence gate.
C.) Must have hands joined to form a line before it can bend.
D.) Take hold of new near hands quickly when finished to establish the new formation.
E.) Centers always back up; ends always walk forward.
F.) Action can be taught from Sicilian Circles. Promenade couples two by two then teach them to bend to face.
G.) Action can be taught from a Squared Set, having couple #1 split #3, around one to form a line on one side of the square. Then have them bend in the middle to face.

More teaching suggestions:
— To avoid confusion when called to a Tidal Line, the caller should specify the bending group (e.g., “Each Four Bend the Line” or “The Line of 8 Bend the Line”).

Quick quote: “Turn as a couple to face the other end of your line”

Teaching Standard Applications:

From Lines Facing Out:
Head Ladies Chain and Rollaway,
Heads Pass Thru and Separate around 1 to Line,
Forward and Back, Pass Thru,
Bend the Line, Forward and Back,
Each Four Circle Left 3/4, Pass Thru,
Patter: Allemande Left, Promenade
Singer: Swing Corner, Promenade (half)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Heads Lead Right, all Veer Left,
Ladies Chain Down the Line,
Go Up and Back, Pass Thru,
Bend the Line, Go Up and Back,
Ladies Chain across & Rollaway, Circle Left,
Patter: Rollaway, Allemande Left, Promenade
Singer: Allemande Left, Come back and Promenade
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

From Two-Faced Lines: (more examples after Circulate)
Heads Lead Right, Veer Left,
Bend the Line and the Gents Dosado,
Two Ladies Chain across,
Forward and Back,
Each four Circle Left 1/4 and Pass Thru,
Patter: Allemande Left, Promenade Partner
Singer: Swing and Promenade
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Heads Circle Left 1/4 and Veer Left,
Heads Veer Right, All Veer Right,
Bend the Line, Two Ladies Dosado,
[Two Gents Dosado],
All Eight Circle Left,
Patter: Two steps to home.
Singer: Corner Swing and Promenade.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

From Tidal Two-Faced Line:
Heads Lead Right and Veer Left,
Chain Down the Line and Veer Left,
Each Four Bend the Line and the Gents Dosado,
[Ladies Dosado,] With Your Opposite Pass Thru,
Patter: Allemande Left, Right and Left Grand
Singer: Swing and Promenade