Alamo Style – Definition

Teaching Resource for ALAMO STYLE

Links:   Standard Analyze Module Teach Other Extend

CALLERLAB Program: Basic Part 2
Teaching order: After Ocean Wave Family
Recently taught calls: Thar Family and related calls, Box the Gnat, Trade Family

Background: The Alamo Style formation was part of an entire dance created in 1949 by Rickey Holden of San Antonio, Texas. According to the Handbook of Modern Square Dancing by Jay King it went like this:
– Allemande Left in the Alamo Style, right to partner and balance awhile,
– Balance in and balance out, turn by the right hand half about,
– Balance out and balance in, turn by the left you’re gone again,
– Balance forward and balance back, turn by the right on the inside track,
– Balance out, back to the land, turn by the left do a Right and Left Grand.

Definition:

Minimum number of dancers needed: Eight

Starting formation for the minimum number needed: Same as Allemande Left (#6)

Command examples:
— Allemande Left in the Alamo Style
— Allemande Left in Alamo Style and Balance
— Allemande Left in the Alamo Style, Right to Partner and Balance awhile

Dance action: Dancers start an Allemande Left but continue the Arm Turn until the men are looking toward the center of the square and the women are looking out. Maintain the left handhold and join right hands with the adjacent dancer to form an Alamo Ring.

Ending formations: Alamo Ring

Timing: 4

Styling: Bring both hands up at the same time, sliding smoothly out of the forearm grip of the Allemande Left, to blend into the same styling as Step to a Wave.

Comments:

Facing Couples or Ocean Wave Rule: Neither rule applies

Link to Taminations: Taminations Alamo Style