What is Square Dancing?
Square dancing is the national folk dance of the USA. It's a lively, social form of dance where groups of eight people—organized into four couples—move together in a square formation. A caller guides the dancers by giving a series of rhythmic instructions (called “calls”), and everyone responds in real time, creating ever-changing patterns as they move with different partners.
Why Square Dance?
It is a wonderful activity that provides light aerobic exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction in a safe environment that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Using your mind to remember all the calls may help to keep the mind sharp. Socially, it's a great way to meet people. It's a great way to get you mind off of a stressful work day. And lastly, IT'S LOTS OF FUN.
I have two left feet. I can’t dance.
Think of square dancing as "walking set to music". The caller lets you know what move you are to make next. We will have experienced dancers in the squares with you during lessons. We refer to these dancers as "angels". The caller will do the teaching and instruct the movements to the square dance calls. The angels are there to help gently guide you. Our callers are professional dance instructors. They are excellent and a lot of fun!
When you're at a dance you will find that square dancers are very forgiving and that everyone makes mistakes. Most people just laugh it off and wait until they can get back with the call. When a square breaks down, the caller will notice you and set up the call so you can join back in the dance.
I had to square dance in school. Is it like that?
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.” Wipe out those junior high memories and create some new square dancing memories. It’s fun and you will meet some of the friendliest people around. There are several levels of square dancing: Mainstream, Plus, Advanced and Challenge. Calls get more complicated as you move up and more challenging. It keeps you sharp and alert and mentally focused on what’s coming next.
What type of music do you dance to?
We dance to a variety of music, anything with a four count beat can be used. We dance to modern music, pop music, oldies, county music & gospel music. We've danced to songs by the Beatles, Adele, Lee Greenwood, Elvis, Garth Brooks and Lady Gaga to name a few. There are singing calls and patter to all types of music.
Do I have to wear one of those puffy dresses?
No. The most important thing is comfortable shoes. Many people prefer leather soled shoes to make twirling and swinging easier, but it’s entirely optional. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts or anything comfortable is worn to lessons.
What expense is involved?
The lessons are very reasonably priced. After "graduating" lessons, club dance are about $9-$10 per person. Joining a square dance club is most cost effective if you plan to dance often with club dues being $20/month to $50/quarter.
What happens if I miss a lesson?
We will be be emailing all the calls taught each lesson night so you can practice or study those calls. If you have to miss a lesson, this will help you know which calls to study and work on to stay current with the lessons. There is an app that you can download to your phone or computer that shows square dance calls. There are also you-tube videos that show dancers performing the calls.
What if I don't have a partner?
No problem. There will be other singles at lessons that we can pair you up with. We also have "angels" at our lessons who are experienced dancers that can be your partner. If you are a single dancer we will rotate you during the evening so that you have an opportunity to dance with different people and want to make sure that you are comfortable.
Can I come and visit a dance?
Yes, absolutely! You're welcome to have some of refreshments that are provided. We'd be glad to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
I think I may have difficulties hearing the caller.
There is a system for those who need help overcoming background noise, reverberation, or distance from the sound source.