8a. Right and Left Grand

Starting formations

Right and Left Grand Circle, Eight Chain Thru, Trade By plus the ends Face In

Any of the above in which some or all dancers have stepped to a mini-wave, or any formation in which dancers may conveniently turn up to 90 degrees so the men face promenade direction, women face wrong way promenade direction, and the formation is now one of the above.

Command examples

  • Right and Left Grand
  • Grand Right and Left
Dance action
If necessary, men turn up to 90 degrees to face promenade direction and women turn up to 90 degrees to face reverse promenade direction. Dancers blend into a circular formation as they Right Pull By, Left Pull By, Right Pull By, Left Pull By.
Ending formation
Right and Left Grand Circle
Timing
10
Styling
Hands are involved with alternating pull-by movements, no twirls. Arms should be held in natural dance position and the handhold position should be released as dancers pass each other. Men particularly should stand tall and resist the temptation to lean over and stretch out their hand to the next person. Just a comfortable extension of the arm and hand is all that is necessary.

8b. Weave the Ring

Starting formation
Right and Left Grand Circle

Command example

  • Weave The Ring
Dance action
Dancers do a no-hands Right and Left Grand.
Ending formation
Right and Left Grand Circle
Timing
10
Styling
Women work their skirt with both hands as they move around the square. Men hold hands in natural dance position. Dancers lead with their right shoulder as they pass the dancer on the right, then with the left shoulder as they pass the dancer on the left. Brief eye contact should be made as they meet each dancer. Attention should be paid to keeping the circle a reasonable size (i.e., not too large).

Comments

Some groups have flourishes which extend the timing to 16 beats requiring a phrased delivery.

Weave The Ring is best danced to a well timed delivery, often preceded by an Allemande Left. Surprise or variety in starting formations is not recommended. While the Ocean Wave Rule applies to this call, its application is also not recommended.

8c. Wrong Way Grand

Starting formation
Same as for Right and Left Grand, except with men facing wrong way promenade direction, women facing promenade direction

Command examples

  • Wrong Way Grand
Dance action
Same as for Right and Left Grand, except the men go in wrong way promenade direction and women go in promenade direction
Ending formation
Right and Left Grand Circle
Timing
10
Styling
Same as for Right and Left Grand