Teaching Resource for TURN THRU
Updated: August 2026
Links: Standard – Analyze – Module – Teach – Other – Extend
CALLERLAB Program: Plus
Teaching order: After Ping Pong Circulate
Recently taught calls: Acey Deucey, Cloverleaf
Background: Turn Thru was written in 1964 by Wayne Moyers from Fort Worth, Texas. Turn Thru was listed in the 1972 Sets In Order Extended Basics Program of American Square Dancing. Moved to Plus in 2026.
Definition:
Starting formation: Facing Dancers
Command examples:
— Turn Thru
— Swing Thru; Turn Thru
— Girls Turn Thru
— Squared set: Heads Turn Thru; Separate, Around 1 to a Line
— Heads Square Thru 4; Spin The Top; Turn Thru; Courtesy Turn
Dance action: In one smooth motion, dancers Step To A Wave (but use forearm styling), Right Arm Turn 1/2, and Step Thru.
Ending formation: Back-To-Back Dancers
Turn Thru is defined to begin with a Right Arm Turn. If the caller wants the action to begin with a Left Arm Turn, then the command to use is “Left Turn Thru.”
Left Turn Thru: In one smooth motion, dancers Step to a Left-Hand Wave (but use forearm styling), Left Arm Turn 1/2, and Step Thru ending as Back-to-Back Dancers.
Timing: 4
Styling: Similar to Allemande Left. Use normal forearm position. Men’s free hand in natural dance position. Woman’s skirt work desirable for free hand.
Comment:
Turn Thru is always a 180 degree turn. From an Alamo Ring, if the desired action is to get everyone to their Corners, the proper call would be an Arm Turn, not a Turn Thru.
Facing Couple or Ocean Wave Rule: The Ocean Wave Rule applies to Turn Thru and to Left Turn Thru.
Link to Taminations: Taminations Turn Thru