Basic Part 1
Forward and Back
Links: Define – Standard – Analyze – Module – Other
Choreography for Patter Teaching with Singing Call Options:
Teaching Tips:
Forward and Back (from Facing Lines)
A.) Remind dancers to retain hand holds with the ones beside them.
B.) Ends can pat palms of their hands together.
C.) Look at the dancers across from you.
D.) A “Charleston” dance move; step forward touch, back touch.
More teaching suggestions:
— Teach Forward and Back first from a circle of at least eight dancers and emphasize the use of eight beats of music.
— When it is first used from Facing Lines explain that in Modern Square Dancing this application usually has only four beats.
— “Lines Forward and Back” is also used as a signal from the caller to any square that has broken down that it can get started again by making normal Facing Lines and joining the sequence in progress.
Global view: Dancers move forward and back and always return to their starting point.
Quick quote: For a circle of at least eight say “forward, 2, 3, touch, back, 2, 3”.
Teaching Standard Applications:
64-Beat Sequence:
Circle Left (16), Circle Right (16)
Forward and Back (8)
Circle Left (8), Circle Right (8)
Forward and Back (8)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Be Creative:
Circle Left, Ladies Forward and Back
Circle Right Gents Forward and Back
Circle Left, those wearing blue Forward and Back
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From a Square:
Heads Circle Left 3/4 and turn alone (half around) to face the outside two,
Each Four Circle Left 3/4 to make facing lines (girls in the center),
Lines Forward and Back,
Girls Circle Left for 8 beats and Circle Right for 8 beats
Lines Forward and Back,
Each 4 Circle Right 3/4 and centers turn alone (half around)
Centers Circle Right 3/4 to home
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *