courtesy turn

English

Noun

courtesy turn (plural courtesy turns)

1. (dance) A square dancing and contra dancing move in which the man puts his arm around the waist of the woman and turns her around by moving backwards while she moves forward.
   • 1969, Square Dance, volumes 24-25, page 40:

     In the beginning, the Eight Chain thru is taught with smooth arm-around-waist courtesy turns at each end.

   • 2015, Simon J. Bronner, Encyclopedia of American Folklife, page 266:

     Many of the calls associated with square dance are also heard in contra dance, but the latter is often associated with more courtesy turns (in which the gent moves backward, allowing the lady to turn around) and less swinging.

   • 2015, Anne M. Pittman, Marlys S. Waller, Cathy L. Dark, Dance a While, page 546:

     Women meet in center, clasp right hands, pass right shoulders, and give left hand to opposite man. Man puts his right arm around woman's waist and turns her with a courtesy turn.