I was asked in an e-mail about resolving from boxes rather than two faced lines….
Although there are a number of techniques available the query was that there are generally two options….
* Option1…key couple is paired up and on the outside – they are facing a couple (box formation) * Option 2..key couple is paired up and on the outside – they are facing a couples back (double pass thru formation) – from here a pass thru takes you to the box.
I would like to point out first that these are two separate resolution formation techniques…one is a box and the other is a double pass thru. Do not refer to them both as box resolutions. Although that may be clear in your mind now, as you grow in your knowledge it may confuse you later on.
I like to look at it this way…
* The hardest part of the whole thing is getting the key couple paired up and on the outside (regardless of whether it is a box or a double pass thru). No matter how you do it that will always be the key to success. Remember this:
1. If the key couple is paired, then the opposites are paired….the square is already 50% resolved.
2. If the key man is looking at his corner the square is not 75% resolved. (you know where the key couple is, (you put them there). You know where his corner is (you put her there). Now there are only two options….the corner lady has her partner or she doesn’t.
a. If she does not have partner (centres are not paired)…allemande left
b. If she does have partner (centres are paired) swing thru, turn thru allemande left
Please note that there are other ways to get out of that box but just focus on remembering those ones at the start. If you follow those simple guides at the beginning, then when you sight call you will know that you will be right 75 percent of the time, and in reality you are only looking at one person at the end…does the corner lady have her partner.. Do not worry about all the other variations and resolutions….get to that point and make it yours. You can add more techniques once you know you can resolve a square. Once you know you can do it, a lot of stress is gone. Add more once you know you can do that.
Now back to the problem I was asked about.
The query was, “I can get them to boxes with no problem but am always finding the key couple in the middle rather than on the outside. I seem to be repeating pass thru right and left thru to sort them out. Is there a better way without having long modules”?. (COMMENT: although it was not said in the question, I assume that from the resolution this caller prefers to set them up in double pass thru formation to resolve)
The answer is of course there is. There are many options available to you such as:
* SQUARE THRU 3, PASS TO THE CENTRE. * CENTRES PASS THRU, SWING THRU, BOYS RUN, COUPLES CIRCULATE, FERRIS WHEEL.. * AND THE LIST GOES ON.
But, the question was without having to remember long sequences or modules…How about one movement – often the most underused move in square dance calling is often the easiest solution. That movement is of course ZOOM.
Have a look at the following sequences:
* Heads Square thru 4, Right & Left Thru, Veer left, Couples Circulate, Ferris Wheel – (I now want to resolve and a quick look shows that my key couple is on the inside again) -- ZOOM (Now they are on the outside.) I can resolve – centres square thru 3 (ZB) or centres right and left thru pass thru (ZB) * Heads Tch ¼, boys run, right and left thru, veer left, couples circulate, bend the line..( want to resolve so I am now going to get to my double pass thru formation again), pass thru, wheel and deal, (Damn the key couple is on the inside again….) – ZOOM, I can resolve – centres square thru 3 (ZB) or centres right and left thru pass thru (ZB)
Once you get used to this, then you can start branching out and expanding on your technique….the zoom is a handy movement for resolution if this is your chosen resolution technique. Once you get used to it you can add variations such as:
Heads Promenade 1/2, Square Thru 4, Right & Left Thru, Veer Left, Ferris Wheel, (they are on the outside but now I want to play with the zoom) -- ZOOM,(I am deliberately putting my key couple on the inside do I can call this known resolution) Double Pass Thru, Leaders Trade, (ZB)
Do not throw away a simple underused movement like zoom because it is sometimes difficult to make singing calls with it. Use it in your patter to put your key couples where you want (inside or out) and you will find this simple technique adds a variation to your dance that pleases the dancers. It is a simple movement but it remains fun to dance.
Hope that answers the question.
As always…good luck and have fun.