Teaching Resource for TRADE – COUPLES
Links: Standard – Analyze – Module – Teach – Other – Extend
CALLERLAB Program: Basic Part 2
Teaching order: After (Named Dancers) Trade
Recently taught calls: Wheel Around, Thar Family, Box the Gnat
Background:
The term “Trade” was suggested in 1965 by Lloyd Litman of Parma, Ohio. The idea was in use for some years before that under a variety of names. “Wheel Across” was used by Tony Widmar from Ottumwa, Iowa in 1962. Wheel Across was the same as a Couples Trade. “Dixie Twirl” is a variation still used in Contra Dancing for a center arch version of a Couples Trade from a line of four dancers who are all facing one way.
Definition:
Minimum number of dancers needed: Four
Starting formations: Two-Faced Line, One-Faced Line, and non-adjacent Couples as described below
Command examples:
— Couples Trade
— Center 4, Couples Trade
— Center Couples Trade
— Outside 4, Couples Trade
Dance action: Couples, each working as a unit, Trade
Ending formations: Two-Faced Line, One-Faced Line, and non-adjacent Couples as described below
Timing: Two-Faced Line, 6; One-Faced Line, 8; with additional beats for non-adjacent couples
Styling: Each couple maintains their handhold. From a Two-Faced Line, center dancers also maintain their handhold.
Comments: Two Couples may Trade only when they are facing the same or opposite directions. Additionally each Couple must be directly to the right or left of the other, but they do not need to be adjacent. If there are four Couples that are directly right or left of one another, then the dance action is completed separately by each outside Couple with the nearby inside Couple.
Callers may use helping words, e.g. “Couples Trade by the right”.
See comments for 36.a. Trade.
Facing Couples or Ocean Wave Rule: Neither rule applies.
Link to Taminations: Taminations Trade Family