ALLEGORICAL REPRESENTATIONS:

Although the square is the foundation of the dance, a CIRCLE is more important to the spirit of square dancing because it is in the circle that all four couples join to become one. The motif of eight individual dancers united for a single purpose is represented by the eight segments of the ring and also by the eight stems and reeds growing from one plant. In the composition, the reed plant partners the duck, and initiates the dance with a BOW TO YOUR PARTNER. Objects appear both behind and in front of the circle as an indication of WEAVE THE RING. The lower portion of the ring is obliterated so that the ring actually can be seen as an arch with the cattails executing a DIVE THROUGH. And, speaking of cats, the cattails recall the sound effect “Meow” from the call MIX. The element of mystery of never knowing what will be called is represented by the shadowy mountains.

The pair of mountains is used to represent a side COUPLE, patiently waiting their turn to join in the patter. The slope of a mountain recalls the feeling of sashayed dancers “going up hill”. From behind the mountains come the rays of the sun, which of course, is a STAR. The rays touch upon elements of the ring to create the STAR PROMENADE. The duck is about to

PASS THE OCEAN---or perhaps PASS THE SEA if the duck dances. Advanced level, (The boat was overloaded and has already sunk.) The right mountain is in front of the left mountain to represent RIGHT OVER LEFT as the dancers thank their squares. The entire tableau is on a base of YELLOW ROCKS to represent the affection of the dancers.