Mainstream
Spin Chain Thru
Links: Define – Standard – Analyze – Module – Other – Extend
Choreography for Patter Teaching with Singing Call Options:
Teaching Tips:
Spin Chain Thru
A.) This is a “mantra call” – 1/2, 3/4, 1/2, 3/4.
B.) Describe the “spin” action as an ends and adjacent centers trade and then new centers cast 3/4. Then the new wave will “chain down the wave”.
C.) Always starts with ends and adjacent centers (unlike Swing Thru, which always starts with the right hand).
D.) Those that begin in the center only do the first part.
E.) Some people have to stand still for parts of this call, which is the hardest thing to do in square dancing.
F.) All of the actions are Trades and Casts with someone else, you’re never moving or turning alone.
G.) If you are moving and using one hand, change your focus of attention to your other hand next.
H.) The initial trailing ends facing in will be the ones chaining thru the very center.
More teaching suggestions:
— It is helpful to practice completing Spin Chain Thru in 16 steps.
— Avoid implying that Spin Chain Thru always begins with a right hand turn. One walk-through from Left-Hand Waves will help dancers better understand the “end and adjacent center” part of the definition.
Quick quote: “End and Center 1/2, Centers 3/4, Very Centers half, Centers 3/4”
Teaching Standard Applications:
Boys active in the center:
Heads Lead Right, Slide Thru (or Star Thru),
Forward and Back, Pass the Ocean,
Spin Chain Thru,
– – – -, – – – -,
Swing Thru,
Patter: Swing Thru again, Boys Run, Ferris Wheel, Centers Star Thru, Home
Singer: Swing and Promenade (half)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heads Pass the Ocean, Extend
Spin Chain Thru,
Girls Circulate One,
Boys Run, Bend the Line,
Star Thru, Pass Thru, Trade By,
Patter: Allemande Left, Promenade
Singer: Swing and Promenade
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heads Square Thru Four,
Spin Chain Thru,
Girls Circulate Two,
Swing Thru, Boys Circulate,
Patter: Girls Cross Run, Left Allemande
Singer: Girls Trade, Swing, Promenade
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heads Pass the Ocean, Extend,
Spin Chain Thru,
Girls Circulate Two,
Men Run, – Bend the Line,
Slide Thru, Pass Thru,
Patter: Allemande Left, Promenade
Singer: Swing and Promenade
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Girls active in the center:
Head Ladies Chain,
Sides Pass the Ocean, Extend,
Swing Thru, Spin Chain Thru,
– – – -, – – – -,
Patter: Girls Run, Bend the Line, Box the Gnat, Slide Thru, Left Allemande
Singer: Swing and Promenade
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heads Pass the Ocean, Those Ladies Trade,
Extend, Swing Thru,
Spin Chain Thru,
Boys Circulate One,
Patter: Boys Run, Promenade (short)
Singer: Girls Circulate, Swing and Promenade
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heads Lead Right, Swing Thru,
Spin Chain Thru,
Boys Circulate Two,
Patter: Swing Thru, Spin the Top, Slide Thru, Allemande Left
Singer: [ Box the Gnat, Grand Right and Left ]
Swing and Promenade
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Both genders active:
Heads Square Thru Four,
Spin Chain Thru,
Girls Circulate (0, 1 or 2),
Spin Chain Thru,
Boys Circulate (same as the Girls),
Patter: Spin Chain Thru, Girls Circulate Two, Turn Thru, Allemande Left, Promenade
Singer: Swing and Promenade (2 is longest)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Classic Figure with a Right-Hand Lady Progression:
Heads Square Thru Four,
Spin Chain Thru,
Girls Circulate Two,
Turn Thru, Left Allemande
Patter: Promenade Partner
Singer: Pass One, Swing the Next, Promenade