Teaching Resource for CENTERS IN
Links: Standard – Analyze – Module – Teach – Other – Extend
CALLERLAB Program: Mainstream
Teaching order: After Single Hinge and Couples Hinge
Recently taught calls: Eight Chain Thru, Pass to the Center, Allemande Thar group
Background: “Centers In” is number 67 in Burleson’s Encyclopedia and is immediately followed by “Centers Out”. The implication of such low numbers is that these calls were already in use before 1970 when Bill Burleson first published the Encyclopedia. No creator name is listed for these calls in Jay King’s Handbook. “Centers Out” was included in the 1976, 1980 and 1984 Mainstream Lists but it was not listed in 1988.
Definition:
Starting formation: Completed Double Pass Thru, Eight Chain Thru. More generally, a Couple with their backs to the center of the set, each center dancer directly looking at an outside dancer.
Command examples:
— Centers In
— Put Centers In
Dance action: Without changing facing direction, the outside dancers step away from each other to make room for the center dancers, who step forward to end between them.
Ending formations: Various. From Completed Double Pass Thru, Lines Facing Out. From Eight Chain Thru, Inverted Lines with Ends Facing.
Timing: 2
Styling: As center dancers step between the outside dancers they take hands with them, as appropriate (couple handhold if facing the same direction or Ocean Wave styling if facing opposite directions).
Comment: While Centers In appears to create extra space in the center, either the next call or square breathing (see “Additional Detail: Dance Action: Square Breathing”) will reduce or eliminate that space.
Facing Couple or Ocean Wave Rule: Neither rule applies
Link to Taminations: Taminations Centers In