Basic Part 1
Arm Turns
Links: Define – Standard – Analyze – Module – Other – Extend
Choreography for Patter Teaching with Singing Call Options:
Teaching Tips:
Arm Turns
A.) Similar tips as Allemande Left.
B.) Do research on old dance routines like Sally Goodin’ and Arkansas Traveler for added variety.
C.) This action has no definitive ending. Dancers continue to turn until the next call is given.
More teaching suggestions:
— Demonstrate to dancers how to keep arms firm and springy to support and center the turning action. This is described as “giving weight”.
Also talk about fractional turns:
— In a quarter turn, face the wall that was off your shoulder.
— In a half turn, go where the person beside you was.
— In a three-quarter turn, go where the person beside you was and one-quarter more.
Quick quote: “Right/Left forearm turn”
Teaching Standard Applications:
Singing Call Break:
Circle Left (16)
Allemande Left, Turn Partner by the Right,
Left Allemande, Partner Dosado (and/or Swing),
Promenade
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Promenade Inside and Arm Turns:
Four Gents Promenade Inside once around,
Arm Turn Partner by the Right once and a bit,
Four Ladies Promenade Inside once around,
Pass Partner and Arm Turn Corner by the Right once and a bit,
then Ladies turn and Promenade with that corner
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ladies Back-to-Back:
Gents to the center and step right back,
Ladies to the center stand back-to-back,
Men Promenade Right around the outside,
Turn Partner Right Forearm,
Go to the corner for a Left Arm Turn,
Keep her, Men Turn and Promenade the set
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Fractions:
Head Men Right Arm Turn 3/4,
Left Turn that lady, and men go back to center,
In the Center Head Men Right Arm Turn 3/4,
Turn your opposite lady by the left,
In the Center Head Men Right Arm Turn 3/4,
All Allemande Left, come back and Promenade
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Fractions:
Head Ladies Left Arm Turn 3/4,
Right Arm Turn that gent, and ladies go back to center,
In the Center Head Ladies Left Arm Turn 3/4,
Turn your opposite gent by the right,
In the Center Head Ladies Left Arm Turn 1/2,
Swing your partner, and Promenade