Tag Positions

 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 start with Tag Positions.  The first step in understanding tag positions is to create a dance space.  We use a tool called a matrix to define the space.  A matrix is a space that is four dancers by four dancers - a square.  When you are standing at home in a squared set you and your partner occupy the center two positions of your side of the square.  From a squared set there is one position (unoccupied) either to your immediate right if you are a girl, and to your left if you are a boy.  There are also four positions (unoccupied) in the center of all the dancers. 

 From a squared set we ask the heads to star thru, putting you in a double pass through formation.  Now the heads occupy the center four positions that were vacant in the center of the set.  This is zero tag.  If the centers extend (the tag) to an ocean wave, we end in quarter tag - the position from which you can do Ping Pong Circulate, Chain Reaction and a number of other calls.  The center wave is between the center sets of positions down the exact middle of the set.  The outsides still occupy the center two positions of your side of the square (since you haven’t moved yet!). 

 Now we ask everyone to extend (the tag).  We end with parallel ocean waves, from which you can Swing Thru and do lots of other calls.  This is half tag - you have done two quarter tags to get here.  These waves fall between the outside row of positions and the inside row of positions parallel to the sides of the square.  The width of the ocean wave should not exceed the matrix - there is plenty of space.  The temptation here is to begin to pull the waves apart during calls that work with the individual waves - enlarging the square and creating timing problems with the calls. 

 If you would extend (the tag) again, we end up with two people on each side stepping into the center two positions on the sides of the square facing out, and four people forming an ocean wave down the middle of the square.  This is three quarter tag.  Again, the wave falls right down the center of the square and is parallel to the sides of the square.  Be careful here, when extending to the outside positions that you don’t stretch the square and create unneeded space in the formation.   

A final extend (the tag) puts you in four quarter tag, which is (much) more commonly recognized as completed double pass thru.  You now occupy a two (people) by four (people) area of the matrix parallel to the heads of the square. 

 Remember, the matrix is a tool to help you in the dance.  Use it to identify your position and orientation within the square.  Breath out (spread out slightly) to do the calls, then breath in to the original size and shape of the square when the call is complete.

John Oldfield