No.148
Changing-Partner Dance: A Clapping Version
Japanese name: 交代式ペアダンス（手拍子版）
You can scroll an enlarged diagram from side to side. Press again to return to its original size.
Diagram key
- A
- Inner circle
- B
- Inner circle faces outward and stays in place.
- C
- Outer circle faces inward and moves when partners change.
- D
- 8 beats: sideways steps and marching
- E
- 8 beats: clapping and marching
- F
- 8 beats: outer circle moves clockwise to the next partner.
Materials
- Floor markers for the inner and outer circles
- Optional chairs for the inner circle
How to play
- In a separate area without fire or candle stands, make inner and outer circles with equal numbers. Face a partner: the inner circle faces out and the outer circle faces in. Leave comfortable space between neighboring pairs.
- For the first four of eight beats, the inner circle steps right and the outer circle steps left, closes the feet, steps back the other way, and closes the feet. March in place for the remaining four beats.
- For the next eight beats, stay facing your partner. Clap your own hands four times, then march in place four times while waving one hand. Do not clap hands with your partner or touch them.
- During the next eight beats, only the outer circle walks clockwise to the next partner position. The inner circle waits. Do not rush; check that everyone has arrived and is facing a new partner.
- Repeat the three eight-beat sections three times, then stop. Swap inner and outer roles if desired and complete one more sequence to finish. If everyone is seated, stay in place and wave to a neighbor on the signal.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: clap with the same adult partner. Younger primary school children: practise partner changes slowly. Older primary school children and adults: swap inner and outer roles. Seated participants may choose the inner circle.