Ocean Wave Family
Ocean wave is a formation of three or more dancers
holding adjacent hands and with each dancer facing in an opposite direction to that of the
adjoining dancer(s).
- MINI WAVE is an ocean wave consisting of two dancers.
- RIGHT HAND WAVE: An ocean wave with an even number of dancers is a right-hand wave if the end dancers
and the dancers adjacent to them have right hands joined.
- LEFT HAND WAVE: An ocean
wave with an even number of dancers is a left-hand wave if the end dancers and the dancers
adjacent to them have left hands joined.
-
ALAMO STYLE WAVE: Alamo style is a formation
of an even number of dancers in a circle holding adjacent hands and with each dancer
facing in an opposite direction to that of the adjoining dancers.
The Ocean Wave Family groups together two of the simplest calls
that relate to the formations of Mini-Waves, Ocean Waves, and Tidal Waves.
Note: "Ocean Wave" refers to a 4-dancer formation.
See "Appendix A: Formations: 4-Dancer Formations".
Terms such as "Wave of 3" or "Wave of 6" must be used for similar formations
with other numbers of dancers.
Step to a Wave
Starting formationsFacing Dancers
Command examples
Step To A Wave
Step To An Ocean Wave
Make a Wave
Dance action
Dancers walk forward a small step and join right hands.
Ending formation Right-Hand Mini-Wave
Timing2
Styling Dancers should finish using Hands Up position
with all adjacent dancers.
(See "Additional Detail: Styling: Arms and Hands";
however, also see "General: Standardization".)
Balance
Starting formation Mini-Wave
Command examples
Balance
Balance forward and back
Allemande Left In Alamo Style and Balance
Heads Square Thru 4; Step To A Wave; Balance
Dosado To A Wave and Balance, go forward and back
Dance action
Each dancer steps forward on one foot, using moderate tension in their
connection with adjacent dancer(s), and pauses while bringing the other
foot forward and touching it to the floor without transferring weight.
Each dancer steps back on the free foot and pauses while touching the other foot beside it.
Ending formation Mini-Wave
Timing4
StylingDancers maintain handholds throughout the call.
Dancers should go forward no farther than shoulder-to-shoulder.
Step to a Wave
Starting formationsFacing Dancers
Dance action
Dancers 1/2 Pass Thru (i.e. walk forward a small step and make a mini-wave).
Ending formationRight-hand mini-wave
Timing1
Styling
Dancers should use hands-up position. Forward distance between dancers should
be determined by the arm position of the dancer which is extended forward and
bent slightly at the elbow. Care should be taken not to pull down on the partner's arm.
Calling Tip
Usually called from facing couples ending in a right-hand ocean wave.
Wave Balance
Starting formationsMini-Wave, Ocean Wave
Dance action
Each dancer steps forward and pauses while bringing the other foot forward and
touching it to the floor without transferring weight. Each steps back on the
free foot and pauses while touching the other foot beside it.
Ending formation
Same as starting formation
Timing4
Styling
Hands should never come behind the shoulders. Step forward touch, step back touch.
Or, as a pleasing variation, use a two-step (step, close, step, hold) forward
and a two-step (step, close, step, hold) back. Hands may be used to resist
forward motion to prevent stepping through too far.
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Usually Step To A Wave is called from Facing Couples, ending in a Right-Hand Ocean Wave.
Dancers can also be asked to step to a left-hand wave (e.g., Step To A Left-Hand Wave).
The Ocean Wave Rule does not apply to this call.
The Facing Couples Rule requires certain dancers to add Step To A Wave prior to some calls. See General: Conventions and Rules: Facing Couples Rule.