HEAD LADIES CENTER FOR A TEA CUP CHAIN
Head Ladies:
to center, R-H Star 3/4
L-H turn corner
R-H turn new corner (original opposite man)
to center, L-H Star 1 & 1/4
R-H turn new corner (next man)
L-H to original partner for a Courtesy Turn
Side Ladies:
R-H turn corner
to center, L-H Star 1 & 1/4
R-H turn new corner (original opposite man)
L-H turn new corner (next man)
to center, R-H Star 3/4
L-H to original partner for a Courtesy Turn
Ladies -- Important points:
Start with the R-H, and use alternating hands.
Head Ladies start to the Center, Side Ladies start with the corner.
Visit each man exactly once, progressing counter-clockwise through the men, starting with the corner, then opposite, then corner's opposite, and finally original partner.
Concentrate on progressing to the next man, rather than worrying about alternating hands (or how far to turn the star),
as handholds (and star turns) become automatic.
Men -- Important points:
Head Men always send the Ladies to the Center.
Side Men always send the Ladies to the Right.
Take whatever hand the ladies give you, and send them to their next destination. At some point, men use the same hand twice in a row.
Be sure to lead the Ladies. Don't be a wimp - send the ladies to their destination with a firm but gentle lead.
The final L-H turn (with original partner) blends into a Courtesy Turn to end in a Squared Set, everyone paired with original Partner.
Notes:
Dance to the beat of the music, and do not rush this call.
Teacup Chain takes a full 32 beats. If rushed, the movement becomes choppy (stop-and-go) as the ladies must wait for the other ladies to clear the center before they can move into the middle.
Ladies wearing a skirt or dress can use their free hand to hold their skirt out in a fan shape. This is called "skirt work", and adds to the flair of the movement.
Side Ladies Center for a Teacup Chain:
Side ladies do the Head ladies' part, and vice-versa.
All Four Ladies Center for a Teacup Chain:
All four ladies do the Head ladies' part. That is:
Four Ladies R-H Star 3/4;
L-H turn corner;
R-H turn new corner;
to center L-H Star 1 & 1/4;
R-H turn new corner;
L-H to original partner for Courtesy Turn.