Opening means making the whole circle bigger
This sequence is a freely arranged participatory dance, not a traditional dance with a fixed name. When opening up, the circle keeps its shape: Everyone continues facing the center, releases hands if necessary, and moves a little outward. No one turns away, goes through the center, or looks for a new partner. The small backward movement makes the circle bigger; the following forward movement brings it back to its original size.
The complete round lasts 16 counts. Each number corresponds to an even musical beat. You count from one to four four times, rather than calling out one long sequence of numbers. The fourth beat is always a tap: The free foot touches the floor without taking any weight. This leaves that foot available for the next block. When stepping sideways, place your feet next to each other, not crossed over.
Choose music where you can hear the beats even without loud calling. The selection Carnival songs by level of movement offers a helpful guide. The chorus does not have to end exactly with the round: Repeat the movement according to the counts. A brief group start prevents one half from already stepping sideways while the other is still waiting for its cue. So start only once everyone is facing the center.
