Teaching Resource for OCEAN WAVE – BALANCE
Links: Standard – Analyze – Module – Teach – Other – Extend
CALLERLAB Program: Basic Part 2
Teaching order: After Trade Family
Recently taught calls: Wheel Around, Allemande Thar and related calls, Box the Gnat
Background:
The term “Balance” comes from Traditional Square Dancing and there are several versions. Jay King described the Balance (Western Style) as “Take one step forward and close or touch with the other foot, then step back and close”.
“Dos a Dos to a Wave and Balance” was used before the Swing Thru Family was created. Arm turns were called directionally, but there was no easy way to get the dancers out of the waves. Ocean Wave Balance and the Swing Thru Family were both listed in the first CALLERLAB version of the Extended Basic Program published in 1976.
Definition:
Minimum number of dancers needed: Two
Starting formation for the minimum number needed: Mini-Wave
Usual Starting formation: Ocean Wave or Alamo Wave
Command examples:
— Balance
— Balance forward and back
— Allemande Left in Alamo Style and Balance
— Heads Square Thru 4; Step To A Wave; Balance
— Dosado to a Wave and Balance, go forward and back
Dance action:
Each dancer steps forward on one foot, using moderate tension in their connection with adjacent dancer(s), and pauses while bringing the other foot forward and touching it to the floor without transferring weight. Each dancer steps back on the free foot and pauses while touching the other foot beside it.
Ending formation: Mini-Wave
Timing: 4
Styling:
Dancers maintain handholds throughout the call.
Dancers should go forward no farther than shoulder-to-shoulder.
Comments:
Usually Balance is called from an Alamo Ring or an Ocean Wave.
The Facing Couples Rule does not apply to this call.
Facing Couples or Ocean Wave Rule: The Facing Couples Rule does not apply to Balance.
Link to Taminations: Balance is not demonstrated.