If someone tells me to rotate then I will turn on the spot :-)
The move is called Box Circulate. It doesn't make sense to me to use
"rotate" instead of "circulate".
When you are calling then using instructions such as Men Cross, Ladies Turn
(or just Circulate once they have got it) is obviously useful.
One trick that I have seen at MWSD when teaching is to get everyone to look
at the feet of the person whose place they are moving to. You have to step
into the footprints of that person, i.e. don't turn if you are moving
forwards.
I usually start with a circle left one place, then circle left one place
without hands, then circle left one place following the person in front,
then that again. That gets them back to where they started and then I get
them to make mini-waves (just two people) and teach the move. But the idea
of starting using stars instead of circles is good - I might try that next
time.
I also use this little dance to familiarise people with the move. With just
two couples in a set it is much easier to see where you are going!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Little Boxes by John Sweeney
Two Couples; Scatter Mixer
A1: Circle Left (your orientation when you stop is irrelevant)
Balance the Ring; Men Roll the Ladies (Partner) Right to Left with a
Half Sashay
A2: Balance the Ring; Men Cross - don't turn - make Mini-Wave with
Neighbour - Right hand to Right hand
Balance the Wave (F/B); Box Circulate CW
B1: Balance the Wave (F/B); Box Circulate CW
Neighbour Swing - this is your new Partner
B2: Promenade find New Neighbours - make Circles of Four
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Note: Balancing Forward & Back (rather than Right/Left) is much better for
Box Circulates as it gives you the momentum for the forward movement. With
good momentum it is also much easier to throw in a spin as you cross the set
:-).
Happy dancing,
John
John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802
940 574
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