WATCH THE WALLS!

Ending up facing the correct way.

How do you execute the call and make sure that you are facing the right direction?  How do you know how far to turn?  Do you remember ladies chain three-quarters?  From a static Square (squared up set) you simply have to count the boys as you go around.  Now you are in Ocean Waves, Eight Chain Thru (facing couples with the center couples back to back), Columns and Trade By and various tag positions as you continue on with your lessons.
One reason that counting the boys as the Ladies Chain Three-quarters works is that it is the same as counting the walls.  Each Square Dancing Call Definition gives specific instructions to how far to go, which direction to turn, and how far to turn.  A squared up set, as you remember from your very first lesson is a set of four couples with one couple facing each of the four walls in the room.  For Swing Thru, those who can turn one-half by the right and then those who can turn one-half by the left.  Each wall is one-quarter, so one half is two walls.  In other words, each arm turn ends with you facing the opposite wall to the one you started.  For star thru, the boys turn one-quarter (wall) right, and the girls turn one-quarter (wall) left.
Runs and Folds and Trades require a change in facing direction also.  All three require turning two walls (one-half) - or the wall opposite the one you were facing.  Wheel and Deal is a two wall call (turn one half).  Actually, all of the 'wheel' calls ( Wheel around, Wheel and Deal, Flutterwheel - boys only), Reverse the Flutter - girls only, Ferris Wheel and Single Wheel) are all two wall turns except Wheel Thru on the Advanced List which is a one wall (1/4) call.
Sweep a Quarter is a one wall.  Touch 1/4 is always one wall to the right - Except Left Touch 1/4 (which must be called as left and requires a turn of one wall to the left).
Keep squared to the walls!  If the call requires you to slide together and trade (the ends part of Mix), do not turn toward the center as you are sliding together.  If you do and then turn two walls you will have turned three walls and have a diamond instead of a line.  From couples promenade, don't stop, heads wheel around:  Align your set with the walls as soon as is convenient (within two or three calls at most).  It will help you further along in the set.  If you happen to break down, pair up and get into standard (boys left and girls right) facing lines (or Eight Chain Thru at the upper levels) squared to the room.
Calls that require single dancers to turn can be more confusing than moving within a specific formation.  Peel off, for example.  The turning direction depends on position within the formation as well as requiring a two wall turn.  One wall turns (1/4) are sometimes difficult because they are over so soon.  A quarter is only one wall and happens in about two musical counts - which is not very long.  Lin likes to count three wall turns (3/4) as two walls and one wall more.  If this works for you - use it!
When is it ok to ignore the walls?  On circulates, watch the person in front of you in your own circulate path.  You may be moving forward only, or forward and 'round the corner'.  On Thars - please pay no attention to the man behind the curtain or to the walls.  Thars turn, which makes it impossible to turn according to the walls!

John Oldfield