Tag 

I was recently asked why “Quarter Tag” position was called Quarter Tag.  Tag (the call), Tag positions and Tag formations are an integral part of Square Dancing. 

 Let’s look at some of the Tag calls.

 One of the first Tag Calls you are exposed to is Extend the Tag.  The call is most often called as “Extend”.  As I discussed last month, Each Extend moves the dancers forward one Tag Position.  For example, Heads Pass the Ocean.  This yields a One Quarter Tag Position with an ocean wave down the center with the sides as a couple facing in.  If we Extend from here  (to parallel ocean waves) we have a Half Tag, then Extend again to a Three Quarter Tag. 

 The next Tag Call is usually Tag the Line which means the dancers individually face the center of their own (four person) line and pass by everyone, using right shoulders.  Its usage in Basic is often “Tag the Line, Face in / out / left / right”. 

 One Quarter Tag, Half Tag and Three Quarter Tag are all members of the Tag Family, specifically as part of Tag the Line which is implied when the calls are used: “Three Quarter Tag (the line)”.  These are most commonly called from lines facing in, lines facing out and two faced lines, although they can be called from an ocean wave.

 Partner Tag has been taken off of the Plus List.  However, Partner Tag is still used as part the definition for Horseshoe Turn - Ends Cloverleaf while the centers Partner Tag.  I should remind you here that there is no implied hand motion in the Tag calls.  You will sometimes find people using a right pull by instead of a Pass Thru during Partner Tag.  The hand motion, while not required, often serves to guide everyone through the call by maintaining hand contact.  All I can say is use the handhold if it helps you get where you are going. 

Vertical Tag is on the C-1 list.  There are three distinct starting positions:  a trailing couple, a leading couple and a mini wave.  There is a rule to govern each starting action:  in a trailing couple the belle steps in front of the beau to form a tandem (one dancer behind the other), in a leading couple they first do a Single Wheel to form a tandem, and from an ocean wave the leader folds to form a tandem.  After the tandem is formed the Tag part of the call follows regular tag rules - i.e.: Vertical Half Tag.  Use the Vertical concept to form the tandem, then Half Tag (the Line). 

Tag Back to an Ocean Wave is a Half Tag, the a Scoot Back.  In this C-1 call the Tag is the first part of a two part call.  Then, of course we have Vertical Tag Back, in which the first action is governed by the Vertical rules, then a Half Tag, then a Scoot Back.

John Oldfield