An Online Guide to Square Dancing

Everyone loves to get up and shake-a-leg every now and then. From the age of toddlers to the age of grandparents, dancing brings about pleasure and entertainment. It not only entertains the audiences, it brings about gratification for the performers as well. Dancing is enjoyed all across the globe and it is a major highlight and function in societies and communities of the human race.

One dance in particular that bears its roots in the United States is that of square dancing. Square dancing began as immigrants came to this country, bringing with them their customs and traditions, which included song and dance of their native homelands. For instance, people from the Appalachian Mountains introduced to Western society, mountain dances. Settlers from Great Britain who migrated to the United States bought with them country dances called Contras and Reels. There were mixed dances, marches and couple dancing; all introduced into mainstream societies in America as American Folk Dance.

American Folk dance is a mixture of dance steps involving style, timing and form as dancers moved to the beat of music while they danced in a circle, square or in a line formation. Another great distinction of square dancing is the fact that with this style of country dance, which is sometimes called the cowboy dance or the clodhopper; the music and dancing are accompanied by a “caller”. This person always announces to the dancers the dance moves, telling them which direction to go and what moves to make so that all the dancers are moving in unity and doing the same steps at the same time. Here is a sample of what you might hear a caller say at a square dance.

Ace of Diamonds, Jack of Spades,
Meet your partner & all promenade.

Or

Grab that filly and give her a spin
Twice around with your haunches in.

History of Square Dancing

Square dancing actually started during the 17^th century. During this era, dancers were doing such things as the Morris Dance and the Quadrille, which are more of the traditional square dance style. Traditional style of square dancing is most often accompanied by an acoustic band. When you hear this type of music, the tone and beat are usually jigs and country music that make the dancers shake-a-leg.

It was the French who created the Quadrille, and to this very day, the word is that the Quadrille is the grandfather of modern square dancing today. You might think that square dancing is outdated and not popular, but you will be surprised to find out just how popular and fast this old style of folk dancing is making a comeback.

The Quadrille is a square dance involving 4 couples dancing to country music while moving to the phrases of the caller announcing their moves. When it comes to square dancing, in the 17^th century, you could find these shindigs taking place in barns, town halls or anywhere there was a public gathering place to socialize. It was not uncommon to find dancers kicking up their heels in one’s kitchen, dancing to the sound of a fiddle being played.

• Square Dance History in the United States. On this page, the article explains how square dancing began as an American institution. Information also includes how Henry Ford restored the popular dance in the 1930’s.
• Dos and don’ts of Square Dancing According to the Florida Federation of Square Dancers, there are rules to abide by when participating in a square dance. This website points out the things you can and cannot do when dancing on the dance floor, or when you are attending a hoe down.
• Benefits of Square Dancing The information found on this page show how beneficial and healthy square dancing is. It also shows how the discipline and work out (dance steps) tones one’s mental state.
• Square Dance Etiquette Square dancing is meant to be pleasurable and entertaining. On this page, you will learn what square dancing is all about. The short article explains in detail the correct behavior that is expected when square dancing.
• Square Dance Patters If you have ever been to a traditional square dance, besides the dancers being the hit of the show; another important participant is the caller who yells out instructions to the dancers. The information found on this page gives examples of phrases that the caller uses at a square dance.
• History of Square and Round Dancing The information provided on this page tells he difference between square dancing and round dancing. Other information found here are the kitchen junkets, telling where square dances used to be held long ago.

Types of Square Dancing

Square dance, as the name states, one style or type of square dancing is performed with four pairs of dancers who are dancing in a square formation. It is in this square shape that the dancers whirl around to music. They move around the square, stopping only where they began the first step.

Square dancing can be either modern or traditional. With modern, dancers can be entertained with different types of music. You will find modern square dancers dancing to pop music, rock and roll or perhaps hip hop, because in essence, the style of modern means the dance does not necessarily have to have structure. It all depends upon the caller, who can go however and whichever way he wants to take the callings. Unlike the modern, traditional square dancing techniques are more organized, where dancers perform in a ballroom manner.

The main aspect of modern square dancing is that the dancers must be able to follow the directions of the caller. Dancers must work well with their partners because this style of dance takes teamwork. However, with traditional, the dance steps and the calls are more standard and structured. With traditional square dancing, dancers will not be dancing the gig to hip hop music.

• Types of Square Dancing This website looks at square dancing for what it really is; an activity which is set to music, as told by one dance club. According to the information found on this site, modern square dancing today is performed using all kinds of music, not just country.
• Modern Western Square Dancing The information given here is from an encyclopedia that explains Modern Western square dancing. This short article speaks about the caller and his role in the square dance. The article also discusses the different names associated with Western Square Dancing.
• Two Broad Categories of Square Dancing This informative article discusses two different types of square dancing. The article explains what square dancing is and the different styles of music used in the two different types of square dancing.
• Traditional and Modern Square Dance This is an informative site with information coming from an encyclopedia. The information covers a wide area of square dancing, including the comparisons in square dance calls as well as giving detailed information on the duties of the caller.
• Appalachian and Western Squares One form of square dancing is call the Quadrille, which is explained in this article. You will find information here on both the Appalachian and Traditional Western squares.
• Mountain Two-Step If you have ever wanted or wondered about square dancing in Virginia, this short article elaborates on the Virginia two-step and the Traditional Mountain Square Dance.

Square Dancing Organizations

All across the United States and internationally, there are organizations that sponsor square dancing specifically. From Alabama to Wyoming, these organizations have information on such things as square dancing history. The organizations sponsor annual square dancing conventions and give locations of area clubs and classes. Their criteria covers activities associated with traditional and modern square dancing. Some organizations hold beginner lessons for newbie square dancers wanting to learn the art form. If you want to get information on the types of dances being done at a square dance function, or you want to learn more about the art of “calling”, the organizations on this page will steer you in the right direction for the area that you live in. One particular organization, Single Square Dancers USA, caters to single square dancers. Like all square dancing organizations, their main goal is in promoting, educating and sparking interest in the traditional and modern forms of this style of dance, renewing and reviving the spirit of folk dancing.

• International Association of Square Dance Callers This is a website designed for the International Association of Square Dance Callers. The CALLERLAB is an organization which provides education, information and support to callers involved with square dancing.
• Alliance of Round, Traditional and Square Dance The Alliance of Round, Traditional and Square Dance Incorporated, is an organization that is affiliated with square dancing. This organization is mixed with different dance groups and agencies associated with folk dance, forming a unity between the groups of different dancers.
• United Square Dancers of America This is the website of a square dance organization that was formed in 1981. It is said to be the largest group in America that is associated with square dancing. This organization educates, promotes and encourages all things of square dancing nature. It encourages teamwork among such things as squared dancing clubs, councils and federations. You will find their mission stated on this link.
• Single Square Dancers USA The information found on this website comes from the organization called Single Square Dancers U.S.A. Its main purpose is promoting and bringing about interest in square dancing for everyone. You will find links on this page that deals with all things associated with square dancing.
• The Bucks and Does Single Square Dance Club In 1975, a new club opened in Central Ohio for single people who love square dancing. Situated in Columbus, Ohio, this club was originally created for single people. This website tells the story of why and how the club got its start.

General Sqaure Dancing Tips

Square dancing takes a special flare when one gets out there on the dance floor. For this style of dance, unlike hip hop dance, comes with great pride in presentation. You will not find authentic square dancers wearing indecent clothing. For instance, their dance attire is modest and not revealing. Clothing usually has a western cowboy feel for male dancers and the ladies will swirl around in frilly full skirts with petticoats. You will also find that male dancer’s attire also consists of long sleeve shirts.

While you dress the part for a country hoe down, remember too, square dancing comes with etiquette as well. For instance, it would be in bad taste to do any social drinking at a hoe down. It is believed that alcohol impairs one’s thinking, causing a dancer to lose concentration on the dance floor, which is so very important. Even though you are letting your hair down and having fun at the barn dance, bad behavior at a square dance is not looked upon favorably. So pay attention to how you behave.

• Square Dance Resources The information found on this link gives multiple resources on square dancing. There are learning aids and information on different organizations, including that of the Western Square Dancing.
• Square Dance Attire The information found on this site tells you how to dress for a square dance. They discuss things such as long sleeve shirts for men and petticoats for women.
• Introduction to Square Dancing This website introduces to the reader, square dancing. There are photo and much more information on the art of square dancing.
• General Dance Resources The information provided on this website has resources from different organizations associated with square dancing. Information on the CALLERLAB, Do-Sa-Do and Caller and Cuer DB can be found here.
• Square Dance Etiquette On this page, you will find general tips on how one should behave while square dancing. Good manners, respect and courtesy are very much a part of the square dancing scene.
• Square Dancing Behavior As suggested in this informative article that covers all aspects of etiquette and square dancing, one of the tips mentioned is that one should reframe from drinking alcoholic beverages at a shindig.
• Square Dancing Facts This website gives a brief history and summary on square dancing. The information includes how the original dance was done when there was a caller for each square instead of just one for the entire shindig like it is today.
• Square Dancing for Kids Learning to square dance can be fun for kids. On this webpage, the virtual teacher takes her students through the process of square dancing. She gives a step by step guide for dancing to the “San Antonio Rose.”

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