routines
Routines are created by stringing together manoeuvres or formations over time. Generally, I would differentiate routines from dances by their intent and scope. Routines are fairly short, simple and focussed; dances can be longer, more complex and expansive. Routines are intended for practise (like the musical etude) or just for private fun; dances, whether they are performed in public or not, are intended for display.

You could create a routine by simply combining any arbitrary set of manoeuvres or formations, but it would be a pretty lousy routine. A really satisfying routine is focussed. For example, it might use a single manoeuvre in a series of formations. Or it might combine a series of formations that have some common trait, like circular motion.

Here are a few examples that appeal to me. There are millions of possible routines, and if you find one that you like, please send a description or sketch to me; if I like it too, I’ll animate it and place it here with credits.

Click any figure to see an animation of that formation.

rotating H with pivots (end boats practise all four circles & both pivots; centre boat practises both pivots)