Teaching Resource for BACKTRACK
Links: Standard – Analyze – Module – Teach – Other – Extend
CALLERLAB Program: Basic Part 1
Teaching Order: After Half Sashay Family and before Separate
Recently Taught Calls: Star, Pass Thru
Background:
Definition:
Backtrack is one of two calls in the Turn Back family. Both members of this family have the dancer turn around to end facing the opposite direction.
Minimum number of dancers needed: Eight
Starting formation for the minimum number needed: Promenade, Star Promenade, Single File Promenade, Wrong Way Promenade
Command examples:
— Promenade Single File; Ladies Backtrack
— Ladies Step Out And Take A Backtrack
— Gents Step Out And Take A Backtrack
— Ladies Roll Out And Backtrack
— Put the ladies in the lead, go single file; Ladies backtrack once around; Turn partner right a full turn
— Star Promenade; Ladies Backtrack, Left Allemande
— Promenade Wrong Way; Boys step out to the left and Backtrack twice around
Dance action: The designated dancers walk in a small 180 degree arc towards the outside of the set.
Ending formation: Various, depending on starting formation and who was designated.
Four dancers designated: Four dancers that did not do the backtrack continue starring or promenading single file in the center of the set and four dancers that did the backtrack will promenade single file in the opposite direction around the outside of the set.
Everyone designated: Single File Promenade
Timing: 2
Styling: If necessary, release the handhold. Continue with arms in natural dance position.
Comments: Backtrack requires a forward motion before the Backtrack and a forward motion (in the other direction) after the Backtrack.
The couples version of Backtrack (e.g., Promenade, Head Couples Backtrack) is no longer in use.
Facing Couple or Ocean Wave Rule: Neither rule applies to U-Turn Back.
Link to Taminations: Taminations Turn Back Family