square dance faq
learn to square dance
As long as you can walk at a brisk pace and like to laugh, you are a good candidate for learning to square dance. Dance instruction is given by an experienced teacher/caller. At square dance lessons you learn calls which are a movement or group of movements used during square dancing. The first few calls are simple moves that everyone can learn in a few minutes, so the class is doing true Square Dancing the first night. As the weeks go by, the level of dancing progresses to slightly more challenging moves. Each week new moves are added and previously taught calls are reviewed. Together with seven other people in your square, your goal is to execute the calls as they are presented by the caller. It’s literally teamwork set to music.
Speaking of music, today’s square dance uses a wide variety of tunes. We’ve danced to hits such as Shut Up and Dance, Uptown Funk, Call Me Maybe or Blurred Lines, as well as classic hits such as Thriller or Ghostbusters. We’ve also danced to show tunes, classical and traditional music. Although the music is chosen by the instructor, the response of the students influences those choices.
Q: When and where do you dance?
A: See our CALENDAR page for information about where and when we dance. Lessons are held on Tuesday evenings starting in September and January. See our LESSONS page for more information.
Q: Why lessons? Can’t I just go to a dance?
A: You need to learn a collection of calls and be able to respond to them. To function as a member of the team you have to learn the language. Luckily the lessons are fun. Mastering something is fun and during each lesson you also get to dance what you have learned so far. Our LEARN TO SQUARE DANCE pages have more information about lessons.
Q: Can I attend club dances or lessons without a partner?
A: Absolutely! We have plenty of experienced dancers who look forward to dancing with you.
Q: What if I can’t dance?
A: No dancing ability is required. Square dancing is basically walking to music. If you can walk on the beat it’s a shade more fun, but no one will ever notice if you don’t. Square dancing is perfect for people who hate flailing away on a dance floor.
Q: I'm a guy, and I'm not sure if Square Dancing is for me? Similarly, I'm trying to get my significant other to try Square Dancing. How can I persuade them?
A: Check out our FOR AND BY MEN page which provides advice for men who may be hesitant to try Square Dancing.
Q: What if I don’t love Country Music?
A: Well, yes, you may hear some country music at a dance. But it’s today’s country. You’ll also hear all sorts of tunes. Callers are always looking for catchy new music. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen has the perfect beat for square dancing, as do hits by artists such as Bruno Mars, Pink and Meghan Trainor.
Q: What about those puffy dresses?
A: Ah, the crinolines. That did used to be the standard look at square dances. These days, though, people wear whatever they like. You’ll see Hawaiian shirts, polo shirts, t-shirts, jeans, short skirts, prairie skirts - whatever works for you. Good walking shoes come highly recommended!
Q: How many calls do I have to learn in order to square dance?
A: You need to be proficient at 50 calls in order to attend a square dance. With weekly lessons, most people are able to learn the calls in about 18 weeks. The first 50 calls are referred to as ‘Social Square Dancing,’ or SSD for short.
Q: What are the names of the 50 SSD calls?
A: Click here for a list of calls taught in Beginning Square Dance Lessons
Q: Is there an app for these calls?
A: Sure is! An app called Taminations, available for iOS and Android as well as online displays the various calls as both animations and with definitions. Start with the SSD level.
Q: Is it possible to drink alcohol and square dance?
A: Square dancing is an alcohol-free activity. The only drinking we encourage is water, and plenty of it, to stay hydrated.
Q: Can kids learn to square dance?
A: Kids are fast learners and take to square dancing like the proverbial duck to water. We welcome children 10 and over, when joined by an adult, to take lessons.
is square dancing a good match for you?
Here’s a short quiz to help you decide.
Yes/No I am up for the challenge of learning something new.
Yes/No I enjoy interacting with other people.
Yes/No I want to keep my brain sharp.
Yes/No I want to be more active.
Yes/No I am able to walk briskly for 15 minute stints.
Yes/No I enjoy games and teamwork.
Yes/No I am willing to invest 17 weeks of learning so I can open the door to a lifetime
If you answered YES to these questions, congratulations: you have what it takes to be a square dancer!