Hexagon Squares is a variation on normal square dancing in which six couples make up a set, rather than four. There are three head couples and three side couples, alternating. (This is different from some six couple setups with two head couples and four side couples.)
“East Coast” Hexes dance to normal calling and choreography designed for normal four couple squares. This means you can dance a hex in the back of the hall at a normal dance! (OK, if you can get six strange couples together who have had a chance to practice a fair amount in somebody’s basement and don’t mind people staring at them and breaking down a lot – both of which will happen!)
“West Coast Hexes” are called specifically for six-couple hex sets. Rules are a little different – weave the ring and right & left grand go past six people instead of four – but if the caller and dancers cooperate, you get back with your original partner. But you obviously need the whole floor to dance hex.
What limitations are there?
All normal, symmetrical calls should be doable. And every call will leave you in a position to do the next call. It is independent of level – all Mainstream and Plus should be OK, and at least most Advanced. Asymmetrical stuff – coordinate from 3-and-1 lines, or starting out with something unusually directional like “Couple number 1 only roll away” gets too weird too fast.
And (for East Coast do-it-in-the-back-of-the-hall), while you should always stay a head or side, you may not end up in your original home position, or with your original partner, or even in sequence. (And that’s assuming you do everything right!)
Are the rules any different?
Yes and no. You still pass right shoulders, and a square through still starts with the right and alternates hands. Four ladies chain across? The ladies still go in with a right hand, and still skip one man and go to the next. But that man isn’t straight across the square. You’ll end up with three-hand stars a lot. For those folks to “trade”, they don’t go 180 degrees – but just to the next position. Angles are funny – “facing couples” aren’t usually facing head on – you have to learn to adjust for that.
But it’s not like relearning every call. Once you get some general principles into your head, it all falls into place. (Sort of.)
Is it fun?
You bet! We’ve laughed more trying to do this stuff than you can imagine. It really helps to be an experienced dancer, and be able to see formations quickly and know the definitions of the calls – not just how to get there in a normal square. And be prepared to break down a lot and laugh about it!
How can I learn more?
One definitive document about (East Coast) hex squares was written by Clark Baker. You can find it here. It’s really required reading. In addition to several pictures, his paper has links to a collection of animations (on the web) created by hex dancers around the world. They help a lot in visualizing some of the calls. Look around his site for more “square games”.
Another excellent paper is Bill Eyler’s (West Coast) Hexagon Dancing. That includes some history and teaching experiences and suggestions.
AND – we plan to do a workshop on it at Midsummer
Mania! Come join us! We’ll start from scratch, but you’re likely
to be more successful if you’ve read
Here are some pictures that may help you see it better.
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