Frequently Asked Questions!
WHY IS SQUARE DANCING SQUARE?
Square Dancing is a process of 8 people forming geometric formations in sequence including parallel lines, circles, boxes of four and much more. A square is the formation that the dancers begin and end with. Thus, the name Square Dance.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR SQUARE DANCE… COSTUMES?
Times, they are a-changin! So the saying goes. Today, modern square dancing is pretty casual. Dancers wear what's comfortable or convenient. It's not uncommon to see shorts, sandals, Hawaiian shirts, jogging outfits or jeans. Pretty much what you might wear in public. I suspect you ladies are picturing the puffy dresses with the crinolines or petticoats underneath and don't forget the fancy underwear. Or for the men, long sleeve western shirts with bolo or string ties. Yep! We still wear them sometimes. Mostly because they are fun to dance in and showy but casual comfort is becoming the norm
WHAT EXACTLY IS SQUARE DANCING?
Sorry about the long answer. At its essence, Modern Square Dancing is four couples (8 people) situating themselves in a sequence of geometric symmetrical formations such as squares, circles, parallel lines, parallel boxes of four and many more. It’s called “dancing” because of how the dancers get from formation to formation, not any special footwork. The “how they get there”, or movements the dancers make are well defined and referred to as calls. The caller announces the calls in a manner that is just in time for the dancer to execute the move as they finish the previous call. Keep in mind that the dancers may be in any formation for only a moment so they experience the activity as relatively constant movement, not the formations they establish. No one knows what the caller might call next so the sequences never become routine.
However, the most striking thing about Square Dancing is the social aspect which mostly occurs when the dancers take a break - about every 15 minutes. Perhaps because they are in close contact with each other or have a common experience of learning to dance, the ice is broken and conversations pop up even with the introverted among us.
However, the most striking thing about Square Dancing is the social aspect which mostly occurs when the dancers take a break - about every 15 minutes. Perhaps because they are in close contact with each other or have a common experience of learning to dance, the ice is broken and conversations pop up even with the introverted among us.
WHAT IF I DON’T CARE FOR COUNTRY MUSIC?
Again, like so much else, times have changed. Old-time fiddle and banjo tunes have given way to any type of music with a strong dance-able beat. Genres include, but are not limited to pop, rock, easy listening, show tunes, salsa, classical, old and new country. Variety is now the norm. Each caller may have his or her own favorites, including some country and folk songs, but most work hard to provide a diverse musical experience.
CAN I COME WITHOUT A PARTNER?
Absolutely. In fact, singles, couples and families are welcome (12 years or older please). There are usually volunteer experienced dancers standing by to insure all new dancers have a partner. A significant portion of the Square Dance community are singles. Since the majority of them are women, some choose to learn to dance the “man’s” or left-hand part. Either way, you are welcome.
I HAD TO SQUARE DANCE IN SCHOOL… I DIDN'T MUCH LIKE IT.
Once again, like so much else, times have changed. Square Dancing is not the same as it was in elementary or middle school. Sure, some of the calls are the same (do-si-do, promenade, circle left, ...) but there is more to it than you were likely exposed to. You may have had a bad experience with a bad teacher, or worse yet, as preteens many of us thought members of the opposite sex had “cooties.” As grown-ups we are better at conquering our inhibitions in order to have fun! Plus, you’ll meet some of the friendliest people around.
ISN'T SQUARE DANCING FOR OLD PEOPLE?
Modern Square Dancing hit its peak in the 1970's when it became popular with young adults. As the promotion and popularity declined many people continued dancing and naturally aged. This aging demographic became self-fulfilling and fueled the spread of the myth of this being an "old people" activity. The reality is that Square Dancing started as a young and exciting activity, and it still can be. There are some young vibrant dancers in the Square Dance community but, young or old, most are quite fit, physically and mentally, thanks to years of dancing. If you want to make sure there are people your age to dance with, your friends are welcome too.
I HEARD IT TAKES ALONG TIME TO LEARN TO SQUARE DANCE?
In the interest of full disclosure, it can take many years to learn to dance at the most advanced levels. BUT, the instruction classes being offered here are for the beginning level and will take 14 - 16 weekly two-hour classes.
MY HUSBAND OR WIFE DOES NOT LIKE TO DANCE.
It seems to be a common story that men (or sometimes women) are dragged kicking and screaming to Square Dance classes the first time but are chomping at the bit to come back for the second class.
MEN AND DANCING
ADVICE FOR MEN
MARCHING BAND VS SQUARE DANCING
MEN AND DANCING
ADVICE FOR MEN
MARCHING BAND VS SQUARE DANCING
I HAVE TWO LEFT FEET.
We strongly encourage all dancers to bring all their feet no matter how many or what combination of left and right they are!
Unlike most dancing, Square Dancing is done primarily with the hands - not the feet. Movement on the floor is basically walking to music (or not). If you can walk on the beat it’s a bit more fun, but it’s no biggy. Additionally, if you get confused, other dancers will help guide you to the right place. Square Dancers are very forgiving and realize that everyone makes mistakes – they certainly have. In fact, mistakes are often a source of fun and laughter.
Unlike most dancing, Square Dancing is done primarily with the hands - not the feet. Movement on the floor is basically walking to music (or not). If you can walk on the beat it’s a bit more fun, but it’s no biggy. Additionally, if you get confused, other dancers will help guide you to the right place. Square Dancers are very forgiving and realize that everyone makes mistakes – they certainly have. In fact, mistakes are often a source of fun and laughter.
IS SQUARE DANCING HARD TO LEARN?
Not particularly but different people learn differently and at different speeds. Like classroom teachers, Square Dance callers/instructors learn various techniques to impart the information. The foundational skills are walking, listening and knowing the difference between left and right – most people have mastered those already,
Modern Square Dance has many levels of difficulty. These classes are for the beginning stage – about 50 calls.
Modern Square Dance has many levels of difficulty. These classes are for the beginning stage – about 50 calls.
WHY CLASSES? CAN’T I JUST GO TO A DANCE? I LEARN FAST…
Wish it were so, but no. Today’s Square Dancing has world-wide standardized calls. There are the names of the moves – sort of the Square Dance language – and how to execute them. Plus, classes are fun and making new friends is good too. Keep in mind you are dancing and interacting with 7 other people in your team (square) that are there to dance and though Square Dancers are very forgiving, there comes a point of annoyance with too many errors.
DO I HAVE TO HOLD HANDS WITH STRANGERS?
Only for a short while, soon they will be the hands of your friends! Square Dancing is a very social activity, but it is much more wholesome than the kind of dancing you would find at a nightclub. It is customary for each dancer to greet all of the other dancers in the square with a handshake. You will touch hands with other dancers to form arches or stars, pull dancers by with a handshake, and possibly “promenade” holding the lady's and gentleman’s hands in a prescribed way. During instruction it may seem like you are touching for an awkwardly long time, but once you are dancing, they are just momentary handholds.
IS IT MUCH OF A WORK-OUT?
Yes! Square Dancing shares the same benefits as low-impact aerobics. It burns as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bike - 200 to 400 calories every 1/2 hour. It boosts stamina, helps bones to stay strong, and improves heart health. An evening of dance is equivalent to 7,000+ steps (several miles). It improves flexibility, muscle tone, coordination, and memory.
There are mental and emotional advantages as well. It’s an activity that uses both sides of the brain - a proven workout for the mind. Most Square Dancers also do a lot of laughing, and we all know laughter is great medicine.
The best benefit, though, is that Square Dancing turns exercise into a fun and an enjoyable social experience.
There are mental and emotional advantages as well. It’s an activity that uses both sides of the brain - a proven workout for the mind. Most Square Dancers also do a lot of laughing, and we all know laughter is great medicine.
The best benefit, though, is that Square Dancing turns exercise into a fun and an enjoyable social experience.
WHAT IF I’M NOT IN VERY GOOD PHYSICAL SHAPE?
It’s easy to start slow. We dance for two songs at a time, the equivalent of about a 10-minute walk. There is naturally a short break after every two songs to form new squares, so you can sit down, catch your breath, use the restroom, get a snack or drink, or socialize. If you need a longer break you can sit out the next set and watch until you are ready to dance again. As with any new exercise, check with your doctor first.
WHAT IF I MISSED THE STARTING DATE OF CLASS? OR I MISS A CLASS?
These classes will stay open to new dancers for the first two weeks. After that you are welcome to come to the class and check it out. If you have some previous dance experience you still might be able to "catch up" at the instructor’s discretion.
All the calls taught each week are emailed to you so you can practice or study them. If you have to miss a class, this will help you know what to work on to stay current. Additionally, you will receive a link to an animated demonstration of the calls.
All the calls taught each week are emailed to you so you can practice or study them. If you have to miss a class, this will help you know what to work on to stay current. Additionally, you will receive a link to an animated demonstration of the calls.
CAN I COME AND VISIT A CLASS? OR A DANCE?
Yes, absolutely! You're welcome to have some of refreshments that are provided as well. We'd be glad to visit with you and answer any questions you may have.
CAN WE BRING OUR KIDS?
Yea but! (I know, here it comes, right). You will probably be dancing most of the time and it could be difficult to watch them. However, my wife and I often brought our kids along with a bag of coloring books, toys and electronic games. If they are about middle school age, perhaps they’d like to join in.
WHAT IS A "TIP"? IS THERE A CUSTOMARY AMOUNT?
Not that kind of "tip". It is a set of two, back to back, pieces of music. The first is "patter" or “hash” with a strong, danceable beat but no particular melody and no words to the music. A caller tells the dancers what moves to do and dancers stay with the same partner throughout the song... pretty much. The second piece is a “singing call" with the caller singing to the music interspersed with announcing the calls. In a singing call, you usually change partners throughout the dance (ladies progress around the square and your "corner" usually becomes your next partner).
IS ALL SQUARE DANCING THE SAME?
No, Modern Square Dance evolved from folk and Old Time Square Dancing, into a multi-level sophisticated program. Where Old Time Squares is a single program with about 25 calls (dance steps), Modern Square Dance has 10 programs with over 500 calls. The instruction classes being offering are for the beginning level or about 50 calls over 14-16 weeks.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
The people! Brain candy! Laughs! Stress relief! The workout! Sometimes. some mighty good refreshments! Square Dancing is the total package of great social, intellectual and physical activity.
But most important, it’s JUST PLAIN FUN!!!
But most important, it’s JUST PLAIN FUN!!!