FAQ

I want to have a party with Square Dancing. What do I do?

Just give me a call. I bring the music and sound equipment for dancing, you provide a space, electricity and people.

I have small group of 25 people. Do you call for such groups?

Absolutely! If you have at least 20 people in your group we can make a fun program.

How do I bring this kind of program to my company?

Talk to your Human Resources or other person responsible for event planning. Suggest a Modern Square Dance evening as a fantastic team builder. Build the event around another, such as a holiday party or celebration for a major accomplishment. This is a great mixer for everyone and a way to get spouses/partners involved!

I have a large organization of over 1000 people. How would a square dance work for that number?
I work closely with the event planners in coordinating details of each dance. I bring all necessary sound equipment and music to accommodate any size group. You can have the Square Dancing be the focus of the program, or it can be intertwined with parts of a larger program.

I've Square Danced before - what's different about this?

Many people remember square dancing from their school days. Most often those were "traditional" square dances, set to old time music with repetitive patterns. Today's Modern Square Dancing is the "grown up" cousin of yesterday's art form: contemporary music, sophisticated choreography and intellectual challenge.

The leader/caller teaches individual calls rather than whole dances. The calls are strung together to create a dance. Each time you dance it can be different from the last time.

Modern Square Dancing is standardized throughout the world. All the calls are in English and are danced the same way, no matter where you are. Wherever you travel, you can find a square dance and friends!

What are classes/lessons about?

Learning to Square Dance is like learning anything else: a series of progressive lessons designed so that you learn the basic vocabulary of dancing the calls. Classes usually meet once per week for a set number of weeks. Dancers learn and practice the Square Dance calls during the lesson time.

Do I need a partner?

You need a partner while dancing, however, many Modern Square Dance groups don't require you to bring a partner. In these groups you can attend and find dance partners there.

What if I have two left feet?

No rhythm?No problem! Many people enjoy square dancing more than any other type of dance because it doesn't require any special footwork! If you can walk, you can square dance. All the movements are done with your hands and arms.

What if I'm gone a lot?

People have lives that keep them busy. During a lesson period it would be important to attend as many sessions as possible. But it is not mandatory to attend every week. If you think you have scheduling conflicts and are interested in taking a class, talk to the club caller.

What if I need extra review?

Callers are always happy to explain and review calls, both during a class and during breaks. If you need additional extra review due to an extended absence, you can talk to your caller and make special arrangements.

What do I wear?

The most important thing to wear is comfortable shoes. You may be familiar with traditional Square Dance attire: western shirts and slacks for men, full skirts with petticoats for women. Many people still enjoy wearing these costumes, though at lessons and club dances, people often dance in casual street clothes.

What if I'm hard of hearing?

Many people have special hearing requirements. Because Square Dancing requires the dancer to distinguish the call from the music and other background noise, some people have difficulty understanding. Fortunately, there is special equipment available that allows the caller's voice to be transmitted from his or her set. The dancer wears a special belt pack receiver and ear piece. He or she can then adjust the volume for the caller's voice.

What are clubs? Do I have to join?

Square Dance clubs are autonomous organizations formed for the single purpose of holding square dances. Clubs arrange for halls, produce advertising, hire callers, hold beginner classes and promote the dance form. While no one is required to join a club, being a member allows you to be part of a social group with a common interest.

What are people who enjoy square dancing like?

Square Dancers come from all walks of life: they're young and old; married and single; straight, gay, Black, White, Asian and all ethnicities. They all join together for the pure fun and enjoyment of the activity. Square Dancers are the friendliest and nicest people you'll ever meet. They're people just like you!