why square dance?
Modern Square Dancing is a unique and inexpensive recreational activity that offers fun, mental and physical fitness as well as fellowship. Here are some positive ways becoming a square dancer can impact and enrich your life.
GOOD FUN
Natural movement - With most dance forms you have to learn to place your feet in specific arrangements. Not so with square dancing. Square dancing is based upon moving in defined directions for defined distances - which is exactly what walking is. Since walking is one of the most natural things we do - square dancing becomes a fun extension of something you’ve done most of your life.
Entertainment - The caller entertains dancers with a variety of creative call sequences and a wide range of music, including rock, jazz, sing-alongs, gospel, country & western - and everything in between.
Stress Relief - Directed by a leader giving commands, you become so focused on the “task at hand” that your troubles are forgotten, at least for a couple of hours. While square dancing you can escape from all the worries of the day and just have fun.
Exhilaration - Eight people dancing together in quick time for a common purpose is exciting. Successful completion of the series of moves offers unparalleled elation.
Non-competitive - There are no “winners/losers/champions,” but dancers experience a feeling of achievement for ”Team Effort” as they work through the sequences successfully.
Wide range of programs. Square dancing has a selection of programs, or dance levels, to match your time and commitment desires. If you wish to attend easy dances - there is a program for you. If you wish to learn ever more challenging dance routines - there is also a program for you.
good for your mind
“Thinking person’s activity.” - Square dancing requires you to use both sides of your brain through “cross-lateral” movements which are movements that cross from one side of your body to the other. These are great exercises for your brain, memory, and coordination.
Learning - First you stretch your brain by learning the calls.
Dancing - Then while dancing, the interaction with the caller and the other dancers to complete a movement successfully keeps the mind sharp and focused.
Challenging - All square dancing engages your brain by asking you to react quickly to commands. (Like ‘Simon Says’ for adults!)
Mind/body connection - Dancers react to calls as they are given. This forces the body and brain to be tightly coordinated. Studies have shown that activities involving simultaneous physical and mental activity keep the brain healthy.
Energizing - No matter how tired you are from a long day’s work, once you start dancing, you become energized again.
good for your body
Exercise - Square dancing is a good moderate, low-impact exercise.
Steps and Miles - The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommends 10,000 steps per day to maintain physical fitness. Square dance students can log up to 3,000 steps per class. It is estimated that at a typical dance you can expect to clock 9,000 to 10,000 steps or about three to five miles per evening, providing the right amount of movement for many people.
Positive impact - Square dancing can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol profile. Dancing strengthens weight-bearing bones and may help prevent or slow down loss of bone mass (osteoporosis).
Calories - Dancing burns between 200 and 400 calories every 30 minutes of dancing. That’s equivalent to walking or riding a bike.
Balance - Studies have shown that adults who have a history of activities such as dance, tend to have less incidents of falling as they get older.
Healthy Environment - Square Dance club sponsored dances are smoke and alcohol free.
Suited to you - The level of exertion is up to each participant. Although everyone walks at a brisk pace, you can rev it up for a high intensity workout or take it easy for a relaxing, yet beneficial workout.
fellowship - good for your well being
Social component - Independent fitness endeavors lack the social piece found in square dancing.
Social ties - Dancing and socially connecting with others contributes to your self-esteem and a positive outlook on life.
Universal - You’ll find square dancing all around the world. The movements have been standardized and are called in English. Square dancing breaks down many barriers between cultures. Your Square Dance family truly includes the whole world!
Like a family - People of all ages are involved. Square dancing can be enjoyed by children (usually age 10 or older), teens, and adults through seniors able to move at a sustained quick pace. Some areas have groups specially designed for youth dancers and “handicapable.”
