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Table of Contents
So tell me about Square Dancing. What's it like?A group of eight people, generally four men and four women, dance together as a group. They follow the instructions of a "caller", who calls out movement after movement by name. The dancers (who generally don't know what movements are coming next) execute each of these movements, flowing from one to another in graceful patterns, while the caller weaves in portions of well-known songs. As the dancers increase in skill, the tempo of the music increases and the complexity of the figures can grow tremendously. Why should you try Square Dancing? It is Universal - No matter where you go in the world square dancing is the same. The movements have been standardized and are called in the same way, regardless of language. The dance programs used are all standardized and no matter where in the world you learn - you can still dance the same in other parts of the world. You may not be able to converse with some of the other dancers you meet - but you can interact with them. Easy to learn - One of the first things we learn as children is how to walk. In next to no time you don't have to think about how to do it - you just do it. You don't worry about where your feet go - it's automatic. With most dance forms you then have to learn to place your feet in specific arrangements - you have to learn to walk in a different way which is un-natural. Not so with square dancing. Square dancing is based upon walking in defined directions for defined distances. Which is exactly what walking is. And as walking is one of the most natural things we do - square dancing becomes so easy to learn. Low stress physical exercise - We all know that exercise is good for you. But it all seems like hard work, isn't there a form of exercise that is also fun and doesn't seem like hard work ? Yes there is - it's called square Dancing. Entertaining - The caller is there to entertain you - to make dancers forget about the day to day worries of the world. Music - Square dancing uses many different types of music, including country & western, rock, jazz, sing-a-longs, gospel. Interactive - The dance pattern is directed by a caller. The sequences are generally made up "on the spot". Dancers have to listen to the caller to find out what's next. Callers also have to get a feel for the "mood of the dancers" and respond as required - know when to call something exciting and know when to call something more mellow. This two way interaction truly makes square dancing unique. Fun - Ask any square dancer how much fun they have. Friendship - Many people have made life-long friends at square dances. Many married couples first met at a square dance. And cultural background does not make a difference. In fact square breaks down many barriers between cultures. Challenging or easy - Square dancing has a selection of programs available to match your time and commitment desires. If you wish to attend easy dances - there is a program for you. If you wish to delve further into challenging dance routines - there is also a program for you. And several programs exist between those two extremes. Mentally stimulating - Square dancing can not only exercise the body - but also the mind. Team based - You are working together in harmony with 7 other people.. Breaks down barriers - There are no cultural barriers. People from all parts of the world with all sorts of different ideologies meet on the dance floor. Square dancing helps to promote universal peace and co-operation throughout the world. There are no losers - Everyone works together during the dance - the 8 dancers in the set work together with each other and with the caller. No-one competes - otherwise it doesn't work. As a result - there are no losers. So what makes it fun?Dancers tell about many different aspects that they enjoy: they tell us that while they're dancing, they leave the cares of the world behind and focus on the the beat of the music and the movements being called. It's great exercise: after a fast dance, it's not unusual to see dancers fall into chairs out of breath (but with a huge grin on their face). Sometimes dancers will be amazed at the complexity of the patterns called and wonder how the caller will ever get them out of it -- only to have the caller make one or two simple twists and (surprise!) watch everything fall into place. I have two left feet when I try to dance. Is there any hope for me at square dancing?Absolutely!. Square dancing is considerably different from other types of dancing you may have tried. There is no fancy footwork to contend with. It’s more like walking in rhythm and forming patterns with the other dancers. Throw in some swinging and twirling, and some optional flourishes, and you will have a ball. Does it really count as exercise?Studies have shown that square dancing does have a positive impact on health. Check out this letter from the Mayo Clinic, and this article published on WebMD. The American Heart Association says aerobic dancing is good for your heart, and suggests that fast walking may be better than aerobic dancing for people over 40. Since square dancing is a cross between fast walking and aerobic dancing, it's sure to be perfect! Back to TopI don't know if I can move that quicklySure you can. Up until November 2001, the oldest square dancer in the country lived in Park Ridge, Illinois. Unfortunately, Tony passed away -- at the age of 101! He was still dancing twice a month. Here's an article written about him as he reached his 100th birthday. Back to TopI remember doing Square Dancing in grade school!So do we. Trust us -- real square dancing is very different from the
elementary (pun intended) levels taught in some schools. This is adult-level
entertainment. If there's "square" dancing, then is there "round" dancing?American folk dancing has several components, of which square dancing is just
one. Round dancing is ballroom-style movements choreographed in set pieces to
popular music.
Contra ("traditional") dancing is more like the popular image of square
dancing, with more whoopin', hollerin', foot-stomping fun. Line dancing is
another (perhaps the most popular) part of American folk dancing. Many square
dancers are familiar with all four of these styles -- in fact, the larger square
dance conventions will have separate halls for all four styles, and dancers will
drift from one to another based on their moods.
Do I have to wear special clothes?
Will people get mad at me when I mess up and cause the whole square to stop dancing (break down)? As in many sports, square dancing is a group activity, where participants strive to be in the right place at the right time so the moves will be smooth. The more experienced dancers are very supportive and will guide and direct the beginners. However, squares do "breakdown", and dancers go back to their "home" positions to wait for a new starting point. The most common response from the group is a lot of good-natured laughter, and perhaps a comment from the caller about a "train wreck". Everyone is always gracious and helpful to a new dancer. I have other questions. Who can I ask? Drop us a note, and we'll get back to you! Let us know what else should be on this page, and we'll get the question answered for everyone. Copyright © 2006 Kennesaw Square Dealers. All rights reserved.
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