Embedded Files
Welcome to the revised and streamlined Mainstream call list. This top section lists all of the current calls using the new list numbering system. Below it, you will find the blog from last year's class - in reverse chronological order. Check out the 2026-27 mainstream class blog (coming in September, 2026) for calls listed as they are taught.
*0. Couple designations: #1 (Head couple) closest to caller, with backs to caller; #2 (Side couple) to the right of couple #1; #3 (Head couple) to the right of couple #2; #4 (Side couple) to the right of couple #3. Couples #1 and 3 face each other, likewise couples #2 and 4.
*0. Home position: Four couples arranged in a square facing in, aligned with the caller and usually the walls of the dance hall. Dancers dancing the men's part are on the left in each couple.
*1 a. Arm Turns: Turn designated dancer by the indicated arm to next call; let go. The turn is 180 to 360 degrees. ARM TURNS – same as ALLEMANDE LEFT. [video] [animation]
*2. Bend The Line: Couples, as a unit, turn 90 degrees to face center. Like folding a piece of paper. Each end moves forward to meet the other end. The centers need to back up a little to accommodate. This creates new lines facing in. As a couple, you will ALWAYS be facing the other couple that was in your line. BEND THE LINE – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*3. Box The Gnat: This is one of the few moves that actually require a boy and a girl. With the person you’re facing join Right hands (by the fingertips. Boys palms up girls palms down). Raise the joined hands Girls turn left face under the forming arch, boys step across behind the girls. Both end in the others starting position and facing direction. Right hands joined. BOX THE GNAT – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*4. California Twirl: With the joined hand of your partner, raise hands to form a momentary arch. Turning towards each other the girl goes through the arch (under) while the boy steps across behind her to become a couple facing the opposite direction. CALIFORNIA TWIRL – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*5 . Cast off 3/4: In a mini-wave using your joined hands, turn 3/4. In a line the center dancers walk forward using the ends as a pivot 3/4 or 3 walls or 5 steps. CAST OFF 3/4 – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
*6 . Centers In: Couples with backs to center of the set step in between the outside couples. CENTERS IN – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
*7 a. CIRCLE LEFT/RIGHT: Dancers join hands to create a circle and step in the direction specified. The call, CIRCLE, by itself, means that dancers step to the left. [video] [animation]
*8 a. Couples Circulate: As a couple move to the next couples place in the square; if you are looking at someone’s back step straight ahead; if you are looking out of the square as a couple move around the corner to the place of the next couple. COUPLES CIRCULATE – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*8 b. Named Dancers Circulate: Named dancers can be boys, girls, centers or ends. The indicated (active) dancers move along the circulate path to the next position. NAMED DANCERS CIRCULATE – 4 steps. [video] [animation] (ENDS)
*8 d. Single File
Circulate: In a column, each dancer moves to the next spot on the circulating path. SINGLE FILE CIRCULATE – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*8 e. SPLIT/BOX CIRCULATE: From any formation that consists of two four-person boxes, Split Circulate means that the dancers should circulate in each box. The circulate path is entirely within each box -- no dancers move from one box to the other. The most common case is parallel waves. For a Split Circulate, to get to the next spot in their circulate path, the leaders in each half of each wave flip over into the other spot in their own half of the wave. The trailers simply walk forward without turning, into the spot in front of them. [video] [animation]
*8a. Couples Circulate: Directed couples change places with the other couple. You may be facing opposite directions or you may be facing the same direction. Every TRADE includes a reversal of facing direction. COUPLES – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
*9. COURTESY TURN: The man takes the lady's left hand in his left hand while the lady places her right hand in the small of her back. The man places his right hand in the lady's right hand. Working as a couple, they turn toward the left, with the lady walking forward and the man backing up, until they face the center of the formation. [video] [animation]
*10. Dive Thru: Inside couple raise joined hands to form an arch while the outside couple ducks through the arch into the center. The archers step forward and immediately CALIFORNIA TWIRL to face back in. DIVE THRU – diving couple, 2 steps; couple facing out, 6 steps. [video] [animation]
*11. DOSADO: Facing dancers move forward and to the left, slide to the right moving back to back, and then back up to end facing each other. [video] [animation]
*12 b. ALLEMANDE LEFT: Dancers face their Corners and (gently) holding left forearms, arm turn until they see their original partner, then let go of their Corner and step forward. [video] [animation]
*12. Double Pass Thru: Couples in tandem (one behind the other), individually pass by two people. DOUBLE PASS THRU – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*13. Extend: From an OCEAN WAVE across the center of the square, those in the wave step straight ahead and form a new wave with the outside dancers. The centers (those in the original ocean wave) stay centers; those on the outside (ends) stay ends. For smooth dancing all dancers move forward half the distance toward those they are facing. EXTEND – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
*15. First Couple Go Left / Right, Next Couple Go Left / Right: A directional call, first couple wheels as a couple to the left; the next couple wheels as a couple to the right to all end facing the opposite direction. Listen closely. It can be the opposite, first right, next left. FIRST COUPLE GO LEFT, NEXT GO RIGHT – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
*16. Flutterwheel: With the couple you face, the Right hand dancers step forward for a right arm turn, picking up the opposite dancer and bringing them back with them. FLUTTERWHEEL – 8 steps. [video] [animation]
*16. Reverse Flutterwheel: With the couple you face, the Left hand dancers step forward for a left arm turn, picking up the opposite dancer and bringing them back with them. REVERSE FLUTTERWHEEL – 8 steps. [video] [animation]
*17 . Fold: Designated dancer steps forward turns to stand in front or behind the nearest dancer; the other dancer stands in place. FOLD – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
*18. SIDES FACE GRAND SQUARE: This call takes 32 beats of music to complete. The Side couples individually turn and directly face their partners. All dancers will EITHER backup three steps OR go forward three steps. On the fourth beat, all dancers face IN. (They turn towards the person next to them. That person could be nearly adjacent OR six feet away.) Then, dancers repeat this action moving forward or stepping backward until they return to their home position. This is beat 16 of the call and is the halfway point. Here, dancers DO NOT TURN. Instead, dancers reverse direction and repeat the action of three steps and turning IN (towards Center) until they get home. [video] [animation]
*19 a. Half Sashay: Half Sashay is not a Rollaway. No turning is involved during the call. Give a slight tug on each other to start the movement. Dancers exchange places without changing facing directions. Dancer on the right side steps to the left while the dancer on the left steps back, side steps to the right, then steps forward, ending as a couple. [video] [animation]
*19 b. Rollaway: Dancer on right steps forward and rolls to face dancer on left and continues to roll to the left side of the other dancer, a 360-degree turn. Use your hands to steady the dancer doing the roll. In a circle, unless stated otherwise, the ladies do the ROLLAWAY. ROLLAWAY – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*19 c. LADIES IN, MEN SASHAY: In any circle of boy/girl couples with the boy on the left and girl on the right circling left, the girls step forward, the boys step to their left and the girls step back to a new empty place. If the dancers are circling right, it is the opposite. Can also be done from a line. [video] [animation]
*20 a,b. Single (Couples) hinge: A hinge is half of a Trade. From a mini-wave formation, each couple turns 90° around the center of the couple in a half-trade. The ending formation is a wave of 4 dancers [video] [animation]
*21a. LADIES CHAIN: Ladies gently shake right hands and pull by. The lady then offers her left hand to the man in front of her and dancers blend into a Courtesy Turn. Ends with Facing Couples. [video] [animation]
*21b. Two & Four Ladies Chain 3/4: Same as above except the turn is 3/4. Can be called with other fractions. TWO & FOUR LADIES CHAIN 3/4 – 10 steps. [video] [animation]
*21c. Chain Down The Line: Starting position is a two-faced line with the girls in the center holding right hands; girls trade with the right hand (the star part); offer their left hand to the boy for a COURTESY TURN; while girls are trading boys take a step to their right to be in correct position for COURTESY TURN. = 8 steps. [video] [animation]
*22. Lead Right: Directed couples (Heads, Sides), with a couple handhold, will walk forward as a couple to face the couple to the right. = 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*23 a. Ocean Wave: A 3 or 4-dancer line where the dancers are facing in alternating directions (in, out, in, out). Common is a RIGHT HAND WAVE. Less common would be a LEFT HAND WAVE. A mini-wave is 2 dancers facing in opposite directions. OCEAN WAVE – this is a formation. Step to a wave: Move to a wave formation. [video] [animation]
*23 b. Dosado to Wave: After a DOSADO, step slightly to the left and forward, touch RIGHT hands (centers touch LEFT hands too) to end in an OCEAN WAVE. DOSADO TO WAVE – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
*23 d. Alamo Ring: A circle of 8 dancers forming an OCEAN WAVE. Dancers have alternating facing directions (in, out, in, out, etc.) ALAMO RING – this is a formation. [video] [animation]
*23 e. "Balance". In the formation, rock forward and back (equivalent to 2 steps). Call can be used with Ocean Wave, Thar and Alamo Ring formations. [video]
*24. Pass The Ocean: Facing couples PASS THRU, Face your partner and Step to an OCEAN WAVE. PASS THE OCEAN – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*25. Pass Thru: With person you are facing step ahead passing right shoulders. STOP as soon as you pass by. End back to back. Same as 1/2 DOSADO. PASS THRU – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
*26 PROMENADE: Dancers hold right hands, the man steps forward and to the left (toward the center of the square) and the lady turns to face the same direction as the man. While holding right hands, both dancers hold left hands UNDER their right hands, and then dance back to the MAN's home position. [video] [animation]
*26 a Couples Promenade 1/2: As a unit, designated couples walk in a circular path half way around the center of the set. Couples not promenading move to the center until promenading couples have passed behind them, then return to their positions. Illustrations are for "head couples promenade 1/2" [video] [animation]
*26 c. Star Promenade: Dancers in the star put their arm around (or join hands with) the indicated dancer and continue walking together until the next call. STAR PROMENADE – 4 couples full around 12 steps; with backout at home – 16 steps. [video] [animation]
*27 . Recycle: from a wave formation, the ends fold in front of the opposite pair of dancers(cross fold) while the centers follow the adjacent end, adjusting to finish side-by-side in Facing Couples. Do not hold hands during this call. [video] [animation]
*28 b. Weave the Ring: Same as RIGHT AND LEFT GRAND without hands. Hint: pass same shoulder as the hand you would be using. WEAVE THE RING – 10 steps. [video] [animation]
*28 c. Wrong Way Grand: Same as RIGHT AND LEFT GRAND except in opposite direction. Still starts with the right hand. WRONG WAY GRAND – 10 steps. [video] [animation]
*28a. RIGHT AND LEFT GRAND: Dancers face their partner if necessary. The men face promenade direction and ladies face reverse promenade direction. Everyone gently shakes right hands and lightly does a pull by with their partner. Dancers continue moving forward alternating hands with the dancer in front of them until they meet their original partner. The original partner is dancer number 5. [video] [animation]
*29. Right & Left Thru: From facing couples, give a right hand to the opposite dancer; pull by and join left hands with the one alongside. Finish with a COURTESY TURN to face the couple with which you are working. RIGHT & LEFT THRU – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
*30. Cross Run: Designated runner steps forward moving in a half circle across the center line to end in designated open position. Ends become centers and centers become ends. The runee without turning around slides into the open position. CROSS RUN – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
*30. Runs: Boys, Girls, Ends, Centers: Designated dancers move forward and around another dancer as directed. This always results in a change of facing direction (180 degrees for the runner). The person being run around (runee) slides sideways to the vacated spot of the runner. BOYS, GIRLS, ENDS, CENTERS RUN – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*31 . Scoot back: from a box formation, in-facing dancers step forward and join adjacent (right) forearms, turning 180° to end in the position vacated by the dancer who was facing out. Meanwhile, each out-facing dancer performs a Run into the position vacated by the adjacent dancer who was doing the forearm turn. The final positions are identical to those from a Partner Trade. [video] [animation]
*32 a. Separate: Active couple turn your back on your partner and move away from each other around the set and around as many people as directed by the caller. = 2 + steps, determined by the distance traveled. [video] [animation]
*32 b. Separate Around 1 (or Around 2) to a Line: Move around the number of dancers indicated by the call and stop to make lines, usually of 4 dancers. AROUND 1 TO A LINE – 8 steps, AROUND 2 TO A LINE = 10 steps. [video] [animation]
*33 . Slide Thru: With the dancer you are facing pass thru, boys turn 1/4 right and girls turn 1/4 left. ALWAYS! If a boy is facing a girl they end up as partners side by side. If a boy is facing a boy they end up holding right hands in a mini- wave. If a girl is facing a girl they end up holding left hands in a mini-wave. SLIDE THRU (box of 4 dancers) – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*34 . Spin the Top: End and adjacent center dancer turn half; new centers of the wave CAST 3/4 and ends move up 1/4. SPIN THE TOP – 8 steps. [video] [animation]
*35. Split Two: Designated or active dancers go as a couple between the two dancers in front of you and carryout next call. The other dancers or inactive dancers slide apart to let them through and then slide back together. = 2 steps + the next call. [video] [animation]
*36. Square Thru, 1-4: Starting position is any two couples (BG, GB, GG, BB) facing each other; start with right hand walk by and turn one quarter in (toward center of foursome); left hand walk by and turn one quarter in; continue the given number of hands until the last one; last hand walk straight ahead; there is no turn. SQUARE THRU, 1-4 – 4 dancers full around – 10 steps. [video] [animation]
*37. LEFT-HAND STAR/RIGHT-HAND STAR: Dancers place the designated hand into the center of their formation. This is a Star. Then, dancers maintain the Star and move forward as directed. [video] [animation]
*38. Star Thru: Starting with facing dancers (boy & girl), boy’s right hand and girl's left hand form a momentary arch. The girl ducks through the arch while the boy slides past the girl crossing behind her. Each turn a quarter in the direction of their joined hands. End as a couple side by side. = 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*39. Sweep One Quarter: At the end of a sweeping turning motion continue sweeping one quarter more in the direction you were moving. SWEEP ONE QUARTER – 2 steps. (AFTER FLUTTERWHEEL) [video] [animation]
*40. Swing: Dancers step toward each other in ballroom dance position; leaning back slightly, walk forward around each other; the boy ends facing the direction of the next call; the girl rolls out to dance position on his right side. SWING – 4-8 steps at callers discretion. [video] [animation]
*41. Ferris Wheel: From a Two Faced Line; The couples facing IN step straight forward till the centers can touch adjacent hands (forms a new two-faced line in the center) then they do half of a Couples Trade and Bend The Line to face the adjacent couple. The OUT-FACING couple (with an imaginary adjacent couple) does half of a Couples Trade and the Bends to face the Center of the set. FERRIS WHEEL – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
*41. Swing Thru: Those that can, TURN HALF BY THE RIGHT (TRADE RIGHT) then those that can, TURN HALF BY THE LEFT (TRADE LEFT). SWING THRU – 6 steps. Left Swing Thru: Those that can, TURN HALF BY THE LEFT (TRADE LEFT) then those that can, TURN HALF BY THE RIGHT (TRADE RIGHT). [video] [animation]
*42 a. Tag the Line-In, Out, Right, Left : Drop hands, face center of the line pass (right shoulder) all the people (2) and listen for the next command, In, Out, Right, Left or something else. TAG THE LINE-IN, OUT, RIGHT, LEFT – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
*42 b: Half Tag: Like tag the line, except the dancers stop walking forward when the original center from each side of the line meets the original end from the other side. If started from a four person line, the ending is a right hand box circulate formation; from longer lines the ending is a right hand column formation. [video] [animation]
*43. Touch 1/4: With the person you are facing, touch right hands and with hands joined turn one quarter. TOUCH 1/4 – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
*44 a-c. Trades: Boys, Girls, Ends, Centers: Directed dancers change places with the identified person. The person you are trading with may be next to you or somewhere in your line. Every TRADE includes a reversal of facing direction. If you meet someone pass right shoulders. BOYS, GIRLS, ENDS, CENTERS – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*44 d. Partner Trade: Directed dancers change places with their partner. Every TRADE includes a reversal of facing direction. PARTNER – 4
*45. Trade By: Couples in the center facing each other PASS THRU while the outfacing dancers do a PARTNER TRADE to face in. TRADE BY – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*46 a. ‘U’-Turn Back: One of the self-explanatory calls, turn around in place to face opposite direction. If you have a partner beside you it is friendlier and nicer to turn toward your partner, sometimes this is left and sometimes it is right. = 2 steps. [video] [animation]
*46 b. Backtrack: Designated dancers roll out (away from center) and walk around the set in opposite direction until next call; the others continue in the direction they were going. BACKTRACK – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
*47. Veer Left/Right: Moving as a couple, slide left or right as directed, maintaining facing direction with a small forward motion as well. = 2 steps. [video] [animation]
*48. Wheel & Deal: From lines with all four dancers facing out, the right hand couple wheels toward the center of the line to end in front of the other couple; the left hand couple wheels toward the center of the line to end behind the other couple. From two faced lines, both couples wheel toward the center of the line to end facing each other. WHEEL & DEAL – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
*49. Wheel Around: Done by a couple. As a unit, they turn to their left half way around (180 degrees) to face the opposite wall. A common use of Wheel Around is when couples are promenading. The caller will ask either the heads or the sides to Wheel Around and face the other couples, using words like "Heads Wheel Around and make lines". [video] [animation]
*50. Zoom: With two couples in tandem, the lead couple rolls away from each other 360 degrees to take the place of the trailing couple; the trailing couple steps straight forward into the empty spot. Couples can be in tandem facing in or facing out. ZOOM – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
Welcome to the 2025-26 Lessons Blog! Each week I'll add the new calls introduced at the prior lesson, and also include any announcements of interest to Square dance students. I will also try to send out new entries by email, but the web version you have here includes links for animated or video illustration of each call.
The numbers by each call name are assigned by the Association of Callers and Cuers, nationwide. Classes do not present calls in strict numerical order, so the numbers look random, but they will be useful if you want to look up a call somewhere. The animations are copied from the Taminations website [link] , which also has a mobile phone App I have sometimes used to do a quick reference check on a call I've forgotten. The videos are from "videosquaredancelessons.com", but there are many other sources of these. You could also search YouTube for the call you are wanting to see - I tried searching "box the gnat" and got 8 offerings.
These links are now one year old, but there can still be some bugs. Please let me know of broken or incorrect links. (reply to Dave.kalman13@gmail.com)
You can view last year's blog HERE (note that posts are in reverse chronological order). As always, the full list of calls covered in class so far this year can be found HERE.
Announcements:
We are now nearing the end of the class, and unless we run into a significant problem, we will hold graduation on 3/12/26. PLEASE get back to me ASAP if this date is not workable for you. We will have our regular classes on 2/26 and 3/5, to review, strengthen, and just have fun. ALSO, we will be hosting a LEVEL dance at the club on 2/27 - a great time to use your completed set of calls! 8-10 pm, free to Samenas students.
Graduation is a fun event that happens at the usual time and place for lessons, but with many more club members in attendance and with a program of presentations, games, cake, and even a bit of dancing planned. We will hand out packets of information about dancing in MBC and with the Samenas. Some years, the graduating students have planned their own bit within the program, putting on a skit or other entertainment, or offering recognition for help along the way. Let me know if you want to have some time for something like this.
Some photos from last year's event can be found here:
4/3/25 Mainstream Lessons Graduation: Stephen Cole, calling and instructing. Photos Slideshow
Strengthening Workshops continue on Thursdays in Mill Creek. Everyone that has learned ALL the MS moves is welcome to the workshop to continue strengthening their MS skills and build confidence dancing unusual formations.
Level Dances coming up:
February 27; Samena Squares, Juanita (Kirkland)
February 28; Rainbow Squares, Lynden (students Free) (Moves 1-12)
Sunday, March 1; Freewheelers
Friday, March 6; Whirlybirds - First Friday FunFest - No Experience
Saturday, March 7; Skagit Squares
Friday, March 13; Dudes & Dolls
Saturday, March 28; Sky Valley Whirlwinds
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Week 21 Calls: Stephen Cole, Instructing * 2/19/26
1/4, 3/4 tag the line: Similar to tag the line or half tag, with different numbers of steps moving forward: full tag = 4 steps, half tag = 2 steps, 1/4 tag = 1 step and 3/4 tag = 3 steps
MS 7 Shoot The Star: The same as ALLEMANDE LEFT using the existing forearm grip. Turn half and on to the next call SHOOT THE STAR – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
MS 4. Pass to the Center. Pass Thru. Those looking out of the square Partner Trade. [video] [animation]
MS 9. Centers In: Couples with backs to center of the set step in between the outside couples. CENTERS IN – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
MS 16. Spin chain thru: Four part call from Parallel Waves, Eight Chain Thru, or other applicable formations. (1) Arm Turn 1/2; (2) Centers Cast Off 3/4; ends wait unless given an additional call; (3) Very Centers Trade; (4) Centers Cast Off 3/4. Ends in Parallel Waves. [video] [animation]
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Week 20 Calls: Stephen Cole, Instructing * 2/12/26
37a. Alamo Ring: A circle of 8 dancers forming an OCEAN WAVE. Dancers have alternating facing directions (in, out, in, out, etc.) ALAMO RING – this is a formation. Often part of an alemande left call. [video] [animation]
37 b. Alamo Ring – Balance: In an Alamo Ring step forward a small step then step back. ALAMO RING – BALANCE – 4 steps. [video]
MS 3. Eight Chain Thru: With the one you are facing do a right hand walk by; left to the next; outfacing couples ALWAYS do a COURTESY TURN. Continue the number of hands indicated. Eight hands you end up exactly where you started. Can be any number of hands, 1-8. EIGHT CHAIN THRU – 8 hands = 20 steps, 4 hands = 10 steps. [video] [animation]
MS 17a. Tag the Line-In, Out, Right, Left : Drop hands, face center of the line pass (right shoulder) all the people (2) and listen for the next command, In, Out, Right, Left or something else. TAG THE LINE-IN, OUT, RIGHT, LEFT – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
117 b: Half Tag: Like tag the line, except the dancers stop walking forward when the original center from each side of the line meets the original end from the other side. If started from a four person line, the ending is a right hand box circulate formation; from longer lines the ending is a right hand column formation. [video] [animation]
Reviewed, also from new starting formations:
Couples trade (presented in week 12 as part of Ferris Wheel). [animation]
Slide thru (week 10) from out-facing lines
Cross run, cross fold, wheel around, scoot back
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Week 19 Calls: Stephen Cole, Instructing * 2/5/26
No new calls - all review
Variations introduced: left dosado; dosado to a left-hand wave; left swing through
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Week 18 Calls: Stephen Cole, Instructing * 1/29/26
11a. Half Sashay: Half Sashay is not a Rollaway. No turning is involved during the call. Give a slight tug on each other to start the movement. Dancers exchange places without changing facing directions. Dancer on the right side steps to the left while the dancer on the left steps back, side steps to the right, then steps forward, ending as a couple. [video] [animation]
MS 14. Fold:, cross fold. The designated dancer steps forward and walks in a semi-circle toward the adjacent dancer to end facing that position. The non-designated dancer is inactive and does not move. FOLD – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
Cross Fold: Designated dancers step forward and walk in a semicircle, passing both the center of the line and one dancer position, to end facing the position of the next dancer. Non-designated dancers are inactive and do not move. [video] [animation]
MS 19. Recycle: from a wave formation, the ends fold in front of the opposite pair of dancers(cross fold) while the centers follow the adjacent end, adjusting to finish side-by-side in Facing Couples. Do not hold hands during this call. [video] [animation]
MS 15. Dixie Style to Wave – from facing lines or facing couples, the right-hand dancer steps forward and to the left, forming a tandem. Lead dancers right pull by and left touch ¼ with the other trailing dancer. The new centers join right hands to become centers of a left hand ocean wave. [video] [animation]
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Week 17 Calls: Stephen Cole, Instructing * 1/22/26
MS 5a. Allemande Thar: At the end of any left arm turn the centers or designated dancers form a right hand star by joining hands on wrists (fireman’s carry) to form a back-up Star. ALLEMANDE THAR – this is a formation. [video] [animation]
MS 5b. Allemande Left to an Allemande Thar: Go right and left and the four boys Star. After the ALLEMANDE LEFT you give a Right hand to your partner and pull her by, take the next with a Left forearm grip and turning about half the four boys make a Thar Star (boys backing up and girls walking forward). ALLEMANDE THAR – to back up star 12 steps. [video] [animation]
MS 6. Slip The Clutch: In a Thar Star, the centers keep their star and let go of the outsides and start walking forward. The outsides let go of the centers and continue walking forward. Walk forward the designated distance to complete the next command. SLIP THE CLUTCH – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
MS 1. Cloverleaf: Turn away from partner, walk in 270-degree circle to face adjacent wall to where you started. Like a four-leaf clover or a highway cloverleaf. CLOVERLEAF – 6-8 steps from a completed DOUBLE PASS THRU. [video] [animation]
MS 4. Pass to the Center. Pass Thru. Those looking out of the square Partner Trade. [video] [animation]
Two other calls were presented earlier but not used recently (Backtrack, 10/23/25 and Zoom, 12/18/25) .
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Week 16 Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing * 1/15/26
no new calls this week; recent calls reviewed.
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Week 15 Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing * 1/8/26
MS 10. Cast off 3/4: In a mini-wave using your joined hands, turn 3/4. In a line the center dancers walk forward using the ends as a pivot 3/4 or 3 walls or 5 steps. CAST OFF 3/4 – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
MS 11. Spin the Top: End and adjacent center dancer turn half; new centers of the wave CAST 3/4 and ends move up 1/4. SPIN THE TOP – 8 steps. [video] [animation
MS 2. Turn Thru: With dancer you are facing, step forward do a right arm turn half, let go and step forward. You end up exactly where you started facing the opposite direction. TURN THRU – 4 steps [video] [animation]
MS 8. Single (Couples) hinge: A hinge is half of a Trade. From a mini-wave formation, each couple turns 90° around the center of the couple in a half-trade. The ending formation is a wave of 4 dancers [video] [animation]
21e. SPLIT/BOX CIRCULATE: From any formation that consists of two four-person boxes, Split Circulate means that the dancers should circulate in each box. The circulate path is entirely within each box -- no dancers move from one box to the other. The most common case is parallel waves. For a Split Circulate, to get to the next spot in their circulate path, the leaders in each half of each wave flip over into the other spot in their own half of the wave. The trailers simply walk forward without turning, into the spot in front of them. [video] [animation]
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Week 14 Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing * 12/18/25
MS 18. Scoot back: from a box formation, in-facing dancers step forward and join adjacent (right) forearms, turning 180° to end in the position vacated by the dancer who was facing out. Meanwhile, each out-facing dancer performs a Run into the position vacated by the adjacent dancer who was doing the forearm turn. The final positions are identical to those from a Partner Trade. [video] [animation]
43. Zoom: With two couples in tandem, the lead couple rolls away from each other 360 degrees to take the place of the trailing couple; the trailing couple steps straight forward into the empty spot. Couples can be in tandem facing in or facing out. ZOOM – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
MS 12. Walk & Dodge: In-facing or designated dancers walk straight forward; other dancers slide in to the empty space. WALK & DODGE – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
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Week 13 Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing
44 a. Flutterwheel: With the couple you face, the Right hand dancers step forward for a right arm turn, picking up the opposite dancer and bringing them back with them. FLUTTERWHEEL – 8 steps. [video] [animation]
47 b. Reverse Flutterwheel: With the couple you face, the Left hand dancers step forward for a left arm turn, picking up the opposite dancer and bringing them back with them. REVERSE FLUTTERWHEEL – 8 steps. [video] [animation]
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Week 12 Calls: Vance Morrison, instructing
42. Wheel and Deal (out-facing lines): (see 11/6 (Week 9) post for call description). This call can be done from out-facing lines as well. couples within a line pivot around the centerpoint of the line, with the right hand couple folding in front of the left-hand couple. [video] [animation ]
48. Ferris Wheel: From a Two Faced Line; The couples facing IN step straight forward till the centers can touch adjacent hands (forms a new two-faced line in the center) then they do half of a Couples Trade and Bend The Line to face the adjacent couple. The OUT-FACING couple (with an imaginary adjacent couple) does half of a Couples Trade and the Bends to face the Center of the set. FERRIS WHEEL – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
47. Touch 1/4: With the person you are facing, touch right hands and with hands joined turn one quarter. TOUCH 1/4 – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
21 d. Single File (Column) circulate: Designated dancers move forward to the next dancer position, following their General Column circulate path. A dancer looking out of the formation walks in a 180-degree arc and finishes in the next position on the other side, looking in. Others walk forward one dancer position. [video] [animation]
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Week 11 Calls: Vance Morrison, instructing
35 b . Partner Trade (See Week 9 as well): Directed dancers change places with their partner. Every TRADE includes a reversal of facing direction. PARTNER – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
46. Trade By: Couples in the center facing each other PASS THRU while the outfacing dancers do a PARTNER TRADE to face in. TRADE BY – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
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Week 10 Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing
40. Pass The Ocean: Facing couples PASS THRU, Face your partner and Step to an OCEAN WAVE. PASS THE OCEAN – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
41. Extend: From an OCEAN WAVE across the center of the square, those in the wave step straight ahead and form a new wave with the outside dancers. The centers (those in the original ocean wave) stay centers; those on the outside (ends) stay ends. For smooth dancing all dancers move forward half the distance toward those they are facing. EXTEND – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
34. Box The Gnat: This is one of the few moves that actually require a boy and a girl. With the person you’re facing join Right hands (by the fingertips. Boys palms up girls palms down). Raise the joined hands Girls turn left face under the forming arch, boys step across behind the girls. Both end in the others starting position and facing direction. Right hands joined. BOX THE GNAT – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
MS 13. Slide Thru: With the dancer you are facing pass thru, boys turn 1/4 right and girls turn 1/4 left. ALWAYS! If a boy is facing a girl they end up as partners side by side. If a boy is facing a boy they end up holding right hands in a mini- wave. If a girl is facing a girl they end up holding left hands in a mini-wave. SLIDE THRU (box of 4 dancers) – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
8 c. Wrong Way Grand: Same as RIGHT AND LEFT GRAND except in opposite direction. Still starts with the right hand. WRONG WAY GRAND – 10 steps. [video] [animation]
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Week 9 Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing
31. Circle To Line: Starting with facing couples, in your foursome circle half way, the left hand dancer now on the outside of the circle drops hands with the girl on his left and continues to lead to his left, the other dancers unroll into a line of four. The girl on the end should walk forward to end of line under the arm of her partner. CIRCLE TO LINE – 8 steps. [video] [animation]
42. Wheel & Deal: From lines with all four dancers facing out, the right hand couple wheels toward the center of the line to end in front of the other couple; the left hand couple wheels toward the center of the line to end behind the other couple. From two faced lines, both couples wheel toward the center of the line to end facing each other. WHEEL & DEAL – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
45. Sweep One Quarter: At the end of a sweeping turning motion continue sweeping one quarter more in the direction you were moving. SWEEP ONE QUARTER – 2 steps. (AFTER FLUTTERWHEEL) [video] [animation]
Catch up calls: here are a few calls presented in previous classes that got overlooked in the blog when they were introduced:
16c. Chain Down The Line: Starting position is a two-faced line with the girls in the center holding right hands; girls trade with the right hand (the star part); offer their left hand to the boy for a COURTESY TURN; while girls are trading boys take a step to their right to be in correct position for COURTESY TURN. = 8 steps. [video] [animation]
21c. ALL 8 CIRCULATE: Starting formation - any 2x4 arrangement of dancers including lines, waves, and columns. Dancers in a column move forward one position on the column circulate path. Dancers in a wave or line move forward one position on the wave or line circulate path. Generally, left hand dancers circulate as a group and right hand dancers circulate as another group. [video] [animation]
35 b . Partner Trade: Directed dancers change places with their partner. Every TRADE includes a reversal of facing direction. PARTNER – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
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Week Eight Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing
39b. Cross Run: Designated runner steps forward moving in a half circle across the center line to end in designated open position. Ends become centers and centers become ends. The runee without turning around slides into the open position. CROSS RUN – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
33. Wheel Around: Done by a couple. As a unit, they turn to their left half way around (180 degrees) to face the opposite wall. A common use of Wheel Around is when couples are promenading. The caller will ask either the heads or the sides to Wheel Around and face the other couples, using words like "Heads Wheel Around and make lines". [video] [animation]
25. Double Pass Thru: Couples in tandem (one behind the other), individually pass by two people. DOUBLE PASS THRU – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
26. First Couple Go Left / Right, Next Couple Go Right / Left: A directional call, first couple wheels as a couple to the left; the next couple wheels as a couple to the right to all end facing the opposite direction. Listen closely. It can be the opposite, first right, next left. FIRST COUPLE GO LEFT, NEXT GO RIGHT – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
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10/23/25 - Week Seven Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing
11 b. Rollaway: Dancer on right steps forward and rolls to face dancer on left and continues to roll to the left side of the other dancer, a 360-degree turn. Use your hands to steady the dancer doing the roll. In a circle, unless stated otherwise, the ladies do the ROLLAWAY. ROLLAWAY – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
28. Walk Around The Corner: Dancers face their corners. Walking forward and around each other while keeping right shoulders adjacent, dancers return to their original position, with their backs toward their corner. This is NOT a DOSADO. WALK AROUND THE CORNER – 8 steps.
[video] [animation]
29. See Saw: Each dancer walks forward and around the partner keeping left shoulders adjacent, then steps forward to face the corner. This is NOT a DOSADO. SEE SAW – 8 steps. [video] [animation] (following call 28)
17. Do Paso: Turn partner by the left arm (let go) and corner by the right arm, (let go), COURTESY TURN partner to end at home or promenade. Can end in any other formation with a left arm turn like ALLEMANDE THAR. DO PASO – from start to finish of COURTESY TURN 12 steps. [video] [animation]
5 d. Star Promenade: Dancers in the star put their arm around (or join hands with) the indicated dancer and continue walking together until the next call. STAR PROMENADE – 4 couples full around 12 steps; with backout at home – 16 steps. [video] [animation]
12 b. Backtrack: Designated dancers roll out (away from center) and walk around the set in opposite direction until next call; the others continue in the direction they were going. BACKTRACK – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
13. Separate: Active couple turn your back on your partner and move away from each other around the set and around as many people as directed by the caller. = 2 + steps, determined by the distance traveled. [video] [animation]
13a. Separate Around 1 (or Around 2) to a Line: Move around the number of dancers indicated by the call and stop to make lines, usually of 4 dancers. AROUND 1 TO A LINE – 8 steps, AROUND 2 TO A LINE = 10 steps. [video] [animation]
13 b. Around 1 or 2 Into The Middle: Move around the number of dancers indicated by the caller and step into the middle of the square. AROUND 1 INTO THE MIDDLE – 8 steps; AROUND 2 INTO THE MIDDLE – 12 steps. [video] [animation]
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10/16/25 - Week Six calls: Stephen Cole, instructing
30. Square Thru, 1-4: Starting position is any two couples (BG, GB, GG, BB) facing each other; start with right hand walk by and turn one quarter in (toward center of foursome); left hand walk by and turn one quarter in; continue the given number of hands until the last one; last hand walk straight ahead; there is no turn. SQUARE THRU, 1-4 – 4 dancers full around – 10 steps. [video] [animation]
4. Swing: Dancers step toward each other in ballroom dance position; leaning back slightly, walk forward around each other; the boy ends facing the direction of the next call; the girl rolls out to dance position on his right side. SWING – 4-8 steps at callers discretion. [video] [animation]
20. Bend The Line: Couples, as a unit, turn 90 degrees to face center. Like folding a piece of paper. Each end moves forward to meet the other end. The centers need to back up a little to accommodate. This creates new lines facing in. As a couple, you will ALWAYS be facing the other couple that was in your line. BEND THE LINE – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
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10/9/25 - Week Five Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing
36 a. Ocean Wave: A 3 or 4-dancer line where the dancers are facing in alternating directions (in, out, in, out). Common is a RIGHT HAND WAVE. Less common would be a LEFT HAND WAVE. A mini-wave is 2 dancers facing in opposite directions. OCEAN WAVE – this is a formation. Step to a wave: Move to a wave formation. [video] [animation]
3 b. Dosado to Wave: After a DOSADO, step slightly to the left and forward, touch RIGHT hands (centers touch LEFT hands too) to end in an OCEAN WAVE. DOSADO TO WAVE – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
38. Swing Thru: Those that can, TURN HALF BY THE RIGHT (TRADE RIGHT) then those that can, TURN HALF BY THE LEFT (TRADE LEFT). SWING THRU – 6 steps. Left Swing Thru: Those that can, TURN HALF BY THE LEFT (TRADE LEFT) then those that can, TURN HALF BY THE RIGHT (TRADE RIGHT). [video] [animation]
39. Runs: Boys, Girls, Ends, Centers: Designated dancers move forward and around another dancer as directed. This always results in a change of facing direction (180 degrees for the runner). The person being run around (runee) slides sideways to the vacated spot of the runner. BOYS, GIRLS, ENDS, CENTERS RUN – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
32. Dive Thru: Inside couple raise joined hands to form an arch while the outside couple ducks through the arch into the center. The archers step forward and immediately CALIFORNIA TWIRL to face back in. DIVE THRU – diving couple, 2 steps; couple facing out, 6 steps. [video] [animation]
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10/2/25 - Week Four Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing
Comment from Stephen (from 2024): It seems like a large number of calls but they're ones that are easily combined. For those that missed, be assured that these will be easily reviewed.
New calls are shown below. To review past calls, see the prior emails or the Lessons blog on the Samenas website, HERE.
35 a. Trades: Boys, Girls, Ends, Centers: Directed dancers change places with the identified person. The person you are trading with may be next to you or somewhere in your line. Every TRADE includes a reversal of facing direction. If you meet someone pass right shoulders. BOYS, GIRLS, ENDS, CENTERS – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
18. Lead Right (Left): Directed couples (Heads, Sides), with a couple handhold, will walk forward as a couple to face the couple to the right (or left). = 4 steps. [video] [animation]
19. Veer Left/Right: Moving as a couple, slide left or right as directed, maintaining facing direction with a small forward motion as well. = 2 steps. [video] [animation]
14. Split Two: Designated or active dancers go as a couple between the two dancers in front of you and carryout next call. The other dancers or inactive dancers slide apart to let them through and then slide back together. = 2 steps + the next call. [video] [animation]
21. a. Named Dancers Circulate: Named dancers can be boys, girls, centers or ends. The indicated (active) dancers move along the circulate path to the next position. NAMED DANCERS CIRCULATE – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
21b. Couples Circulate: Directed couples change places with the other couple. You may be facing opposite directions or you may be facing the same direction. Every TRADE includes a reversal of facing direction. COUPLES – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
12a. ‘U’-Turn Back: One of the self-explanatory calls, turn around in place to face opposite direction. If you have a partner beside you it is friendlier and nicer to turn toward your partner, sometimes this is left and sometimes it is right. = 2 steps. [video] [animation]
11a. Half Sashay: Half Sashay is not a Rollaway. No turning is involved during the call. Give a slight tug on each other to start the movement. Dancers exchange places without changing facing directions. Dancer on the right side steps to the left while the dancer on the left steps back, side steps to the right, then steps forward, ending as a couple. [video] [animation]
22. Right & Left Thru: From facing couples, give a right hand to the opposite dancer; pull by and join left hands with the one alongside. Finish with a COURTESY TURN to face the couple with which you are working. RIGHT & LEFT THRU – 6 steps. [video] [animation]
5a. Couples Promenade 1/2: As a unit, designated couples walk in a circular path half way around the center of the set. Couples not promenading move to the center until promenading couples have passed behind them, then return to their positions. Illustrations are for "head couples promenade 1/2" [video] [animation]
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9/25/25 - Week Three Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing
Review week 1 and 2 calls, PLUS
24. Star Thru: Starting with facing dancers (boy & girl), boy’s right hand and girl's left hand form a momentary arch. The girl ducks through the arch while the boy slides past the girl crossing behind her. Each turn a quarter in the direction of their joined hands. End as a couple side by side. = 4 steps. [video] [animation]
10. Pass Thru: With person you are facing step ahead passing right shoulders. STOP as soon as you pass by. End back to back. Same as 1/2 DOSADO. PASS THRU – 2 steps. [video] [animation]
27. California Twirl: With the joined hand of your partner, raise hands to form a momentary arch. Turning towards each other the girl goes through the arch (under) while the boy steps across behind her to become a couple facing the opposite direction. CALIFORNIA TWIRL – 4 steps. [video] [animation]
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9/18/25 - Week TWO Calls: Vance Morrison, instructing
Review week 1 calls, PLUS
8b. WEAVE THE RING: Same as RIGHT AND LEFT GRAND without hands (can tap approaching dancer’s hand in passing). Hint: pass same shoulder as the hand you would be using.
16b. FOUR LADIES CHAIN 3/4: Same as FOUR LADIES CHAIN, except the turn is 3/4. Advance to the THIRD position before the courtesy turn. Can be called with other fractions. (This call can also be used for 2 Ladies, Heads or Sides).
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9/11/25 - Week One Calls: Stephen Cole, instructing
Home position: Four couples arranged in a square facing in, aligned with the caller and usually the walls of the dance hall. Dancers dancing the men's part are on the left in each couple.
Couple designations: #1 (Head couple) closest to caller, with backs to caller; #2 (Side couple) to the right of couple #1; #3 (Head couple) to the right of couple #2; #4 (Side couple) to the right of couple #3. Couples #1 and 3 face each other, likewise couples #2 and 4.
2. FORWARD AND BACK (squared sets): In a squared set for heads or sides, it is 3 steps and touch, then back 3 steps. [video] [animation]
2. FORWARD AND BACK (facing lines): Join hands in a line and move forward 1 step, touch and move back 1 step. [video] [animation]
1. CIRCLE LEFT/RIGHT: Dancers join hands to create a circle and step in the direction specified. The call, CIRCLE, by itself, means that dancers step to the left. [video] [animation]
11c. LADIES IN, MEN SASHAY: In any circle of boy/girl couples with the boy on the left and girl on the right circling left, the girls step forward, the boys step to their left and the girls step back to a new empty place. If the dancers are circling right, it is the opposite. Can also be done from a line. [video] [animation]
3. DOSADO: Facing dancers move forward and to the left, slide to the right moving back to back, and then back up to end facing each other. [video] [animation]
6. ALLEMANDE LEFT: Dancers face their Corners and (gently) holding left forearms, arm turn until they see their original partner, then let go of their Corner and step forward. [video] [animation]
"ALLEMANDE RIGHT": Technically, this call does not exist on any list. The "official" wording is simply, TURN PARTNER BY THE RIGHT. In class, it's easier to say, "TURN PARTNER BY THE RIGHT - IT'S AN ALLEMANDE RIGHT." This is an ALLEMANDE LEFT action done with the RIGHT FOREARM with the ORIGINAL PARTNER. [video] [animation]
5a. PROMENADE: Dancers hold right hands, the man steps forward and to the left (toward the center of the square) and the lady turns to face the same direction as the man. While holding right hands, both dancers hold left hands UNDER their right hands, and then dance back to the MAN's home position. [video] [animation]
15. COURTESY TURN: The man takes the lady's left hand in his left hand while the lady places her right hand in the small of her back. The man places his right hand in the lady's right hand. Working as a couple, they turn toward the left, with the lady walking forward and the man backing up, until they face the center of the formation. [video] [animation]
16a. LADIES CHAIN: Ladies gently shake right hands and pull by. The lady then offers her left hand to the man in front of her and dancers blend into a Courtesy Turn. Ends with Facing Couples. [video] [animation]
16b. FOUR LADIES CHAIN: Ladies make a right-hand star (fingertip-to-fingertip) and turn the star halfway. The ladies then offer their left hand to the man in front of them and dancers blend into a Courtesy Turn. [video] [animation]
9. LEFT-HAND STAR/RIGHT-HAND STAR: Dancers place the designated hand into the center of their formation. This is a Star. Then, dancers maintain the Star and move forward as directed. [video] [animation]
8a. RIGHT AND LEFT GRAND: Dancers face their partner if necessary. The men face promenade direction and ladies face reverse promenade direction. Everyone gently shakes right hands and lightly does a pull by with their partner. Dancers continue moving forward alternating hands with the dancer in front of them until they meet their original partner. The original partner is dancer number 5. [video] [animation]
23. SIDES FACE GRAND SQUARE: This call takes 32 beats of music to complete. The Side couples individually turn and directly face their partners. All dancers will EITHER backup three steps OR go forward three steps. On the fourth beat, all dancers face IN. (They turn towards the person next to them. That person could be nearly adjacent OR six feet away.) Then, dancers repeat this action moving forward or stepping backward until they return to their home position. This is beat 16 of the call and is the halfway point. Here, dancers DO NOT TURN. Instead, dancers reverse direction and repeat the action of three steps and turning IN (towards Center) until they get home. [video] [animation]
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