Progressive Squares - introduction
This article from the Experimental Lab of Sets in Order magazine documents the introduction of progressive squares by Ed Gilmore. The article explains that he "developed an unusual collection of calls designed to move dancers from one square to another, across the hall and eventually back to their starting spot while utilizing normal basic material. The technique depends on the dancers following the calls regardless of how strange the situation may seem at the moment." Later, the author adds, "Like any other "gimmick" the progressive squares can remain popular as long as they are not overworked."
Exploding squares are a subset of progressive squares; in this category, everyone does a California Twirl from a squared-up set, making it feel like an explosion.
Tony Parkes comments: "Jerry Helt was well-known for such squares. He deliberately acted as if partners and squares should be reunited when they weren’t, then blamed himself for the error, and proceeded to resolve everything – just as a stage magician will pretend to fail in order to make the final success seem harder-won and more worthy of applause."
Subjects: Modern Western 1960 - 1974
Tags: Ed Gilmore, exploding squares, progressive squares
Item Relations
| This Item | is related to | Item: MWSD Progressive Squares - Mainstream |
| This Item | is related to | Item: Brian Hotchkies - MWSD Australia 2010 – Progressive Squares |
| This Item | is related to | Item: Mike DeSisto - Progressive Squares (MWSD) |
| This Item | is related to | Item: Don Armstrong - progressive squares |
| This Item | is related to | Item: Progressive Squares - Jerry Helt |
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This article from the Experimental Lab of Sets in Order magazine documents the introduction of progressive squares by Ed Gilmore. The article explains that he "developed an unusual collection of calls designed to move dancers from one square to another, across the hall and eventually back to their starting spot while utilizing normal basic material. The technique depends on the dancers following the calls regardless of how strange the situation may seem at the moment." Later, the author adds, "Like any other "gimmick" the progressive squares can remain popular as long as they are not overworked."
Exploding squares are a subset of progressive squares; in this category, everyone does a California Twirl from a squared-up set, making it feel like an explosion.
Tony Parkes comments: "Jerry Helt was well-known for such squares. He deliberately acted as if partners and squares should be reunited when they weren’t, then blamed himself for the error, and proceeded to resolve everything – just as a stage magician will pretend to fail in order to make the final success seem harder-won and more worthy of applause."