Swing into Fun: A Beginner’s Guide to Square Dancing

Square dancing is a vibrant and social folk dance with roots stretching back centuries. It’s a fantastic way to exercise, meet new people, and immerse yourself in American culture. Despite its seemingly complex patterns, square dancing is built on a foundation of simple steps and calls that anyone can learn. This guide provides a comprehensive introduction to square dancing, covering everything from basic movements to etiquette, ensuring you’ll be twirling with confidence in no time!

What is Square Dancing?

Square dancing is a group dance performed by four couples arranged in a square, with one couple on each side. A caller guides the dancers through a sequence of movements, typically set to lively music, such as traditional fiddle tunes, country, or even modern pop songs. The beauty of square dancing lies in its collaborative nature; everyone works together to execute the calls correctly, creating a sense of shared accomplishment and enjoyment.

Why Square Dance? The Benefits are Numerous!

Before we dive into the steps, let’s explore the myriad benefits of taking up square dancing:

* **Physical Activity:** Square dancing provides a moderate-intensity workout, improving cardiovascular health, flexibility, and coordination. You’ll be surprised how quickly you break a sweat while having fun!
* **Social Interaction:** It’s a highly social activity, offering opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. You’ll form friendships and build a sense of community.
* **Mental Stimulation:** Memorizing and executing dance calls challenges your brain, enhancing cognitive function and memory.
* **Stress Relief:** The rhythmic movements and social interaction can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
* **Cultural Enrichment:** Square dancing is a cherished part of American heritage, allowing you to connect with traditions and history.
* **Accessibility:** Square dancing is generally accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Many clubs offer beginner classes and cater to dancers with varying abilities.

Getting Started: Finding a Square Dance Club

The easiest way to learn square dancing is by joining a local square dance club. Here’s how to find one:

* **Online Search:** Use search engines like Google or Bing to search for “square dance clubs near me.” You can also try variations such as “square dancing lessons” or “folk dance groups.”
* **Community Centers:** Check with local community centers, recreation departments, and senior centers. They often host square dance classes or have information about nearby clubs.
* **Dance Organizations:** Look for regional or national square dance organizations. They typically have directories of affiliated clubs.
* **Word of Mouth:** Ask friends, family, or acquaintances if they know of any square dance clubs in your area.

When choosing a club, consider the following:

* **Beginner Classes:** Look for clubs that offer beginner classes specifically designed for newcomers.
* **Level of Dancing:** Square dancing is often categorized into levels, such as Basic, Mainstream, Plus, Advanced, and Challenge. Start with Basic or Mainstream classes.
* **Club Culture:** Visit a few different clubs to see which one feels like the best fit for you. Observe the atmosphere, the people, and the teaching style.
* **Schedule and Location:** Choose a club with a schedule and location that are convenient for you.

Essential Square Dance Terminology

Before we get to the dance steps, it’s important to understand some basic square dance terminology. Don’t worry, it will become second nature with practice!

* **Caller:** The person who announces the dance calls.
* **Square:** The formation of four couples in a square.
* **Heads:** The couples facing the caller (usually designated as couples 1 and 3).
* **Sides:** The couples perpendicular to the heads (usually designated as couples 2 and 4).
* **Corners:** The dancers diagonally across from you in the square.
* **Partner:** The person you came to the dance with.
* **Opposite:** The person across from you in the square.
* **Do-Si-Do:** Partners face each other, pass right shoulders, move around each other back-to-back, and return to place passing left shoulders.
* **Promenade:** Couples walk side-by-side, counter-clockwise around the square.
* **Allemande Left:** Dancers face their corner, take left hands, and walk around each other, turning to face the center of the square.
* **Right and Left Grand:** Dancers face their partner, give right hands, pull by, and then give left hand to the next person, continuing around the square alternating hands until you meet your partner again.
* **Swing:** Partners join right hands then left hands, and swing around each other. There are many variations of the swing; the basic is a “buzz” swing.
* **Dosado (also spelled Do-Sa-Do):** This is a variation of Do-Si-Do, but generally considered to be a more graceful movement.
* **Star Through:** Two dancers facing each other reach forward with their right hand to grasp the other dancer’s right hand. They then walk past each other pulling on the right hand and turn to face the direction from which they came.

Basic Square Dance Movements and Calls: The Building Blocks

Now, let’s learn some of the fundamental movements and calls that form the basis of most square dances. Practice these steps until you feel comfortable with them.

**1. Circle Left/Right:**

* **Call:** “Circle Left” or “Circle Right”
* **Action:** All eight dancers join hands to form a circle. On “Circle Left,” walk to the left (counter-clockwise). On “Circle Right,” walk to the right (clockwise). Keep the circle smooth and even, and maintain a comfortable pace.
* **Tips:** Keep your arms relaxed and your shoulders down. Avoid pulling or pushing on your neighbors.

**2. Do-Si-Do (or Dosado):**

* **Call:** “Do-Si-Do your partner (or corner)”
* **Action:** Face your partner (or corner). Walk forward and pass right shoulders with that dancer. Without turning around, back away from them, passing left shoulders as you return to your original position.
* **Tips:** Keep your eyes on the person you’re doing the Do-Si-Do with. Maintain a consistent distance and avoid bumping into them. You can “flirt” with your eyes a little during this step, but keep it friendly and respectful.

**3. Allemande Left:**

* **Call:** “Allemande Left your corner”
* **Action:** Face your corner dancer. Extend your left hand and grasp their left hand. Walk around each other in a complete circle, ending up facing the center of the square.
* **Tips:** Maintain a firm but gentle grip. Keep your arm bent and your body upright. This step is often followed by a Right and Left Grand.

**4. Right and Left Grand:**

* **Call:** “Right and Left Grand”
* **Action:** After the Allemande Left, face your partner. Extend your right hand and grasp their right hand. Pull by them, moving to the next dancer. Extend your left hand and grasp their left hand. Continue around the square, alternating right and left hands with each dancer you meet, until you meet your partner again.
* **Tips:** Keep moving in a counter-clockwise direction. Don’t stop or pause as you move around the square. Be aware of the other dancers and avoid collisions. When you meet your partner again, you will often promenade.

**5. Promenade:**

* **Call:** “Promenade”
* **Action:** Your partner is on your right side. The man offers his left arm to the woman so that she can hold it with her right hand. The man’s right hand goes to the woman’s waist (or as close as comfortably possible) and the woman’s left hand holds his right hand. The couple walks side-by-side in a counter-clockwise direction around the square until the caller says “Home”. If the caller does not say “Home”, the couple keeps walking around to their original position.
* **Tips:** Maintain a comfortable pace and avoid cutting off other couples. Keep your posture upright and your head held high. Smile and enjoy the music!

**6. Swing:**

* **Call:** “Swing your partner”
* **Action:** Face your partner. There are different styles of the swing, the basic is a “buzz” swing where the man places his right arm around the woman’s waist and the woman places her left arm over the man’s right shoulder. Clasp left hand to right hand to create a secure hold. The man walks backward while pulling the woman around with him as they rotate around each other. There are many different variations of the swing step, too many to mention in this tutorial.
* **Tips:** Coordinate your movements with your partner. Maintain a good posture and avoid leaning too far forward or backward. Communicate clearly with your partner to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable swing.

**7. Star Through:**

* **Call:** “Star Through”
* **Action:** Two dancers facing each other extend their right hands forward and grasp the other dancer’s right hand. They then walk past each other pulling on the right hand and turn to face the direction from which they came. This can happen with just two dancers, or with all four couples in the square.
* **Tips:** Maintain a good posture. Communicate with your partner. Be prepared for other instructions after the Star Through has been completed.

**8. Right and Left Through:**

* **Call:** “Heads (or Sides) Right and Left Through”
* **Action:** The designated couples move across the square to the opposite couple. They give a right hand to the opposite dancer and pull by them. The dancers then give a left hand to the other member of that couple and pull by them. Then face the outside to turn and each dancer takes the hand of the dancer that is nearest them and turns as a couple. The result is that each couple has exchanged places with the couple that was opposite them.
* **Tips:** Listen carefully to whether the Heads or Sides couples are being called. Pay attention to the other dancers to avoid collisions. Be prepared for other instructions after the Right and Left Through has been completed.

**9. Ladies Chain:**

* **Call:** “Ladies Chain”
* **Action:** The ladies from the designated couples (Heads or Sides) move across the square and give their right hand to the opposite lady. They then give a left hand to the opposite man and he turns them as a couple. Then the ladies turn to face the center of the square again and do another Ladies Chain to return to their home position.
* **Tips:** Listen carefully to whether the Heads or Sides couples are being called. Pay attention to the other dancers to avoid collisions. The men need to turn the ladies quickly and efficiently so that the dance can continue at a brisk pace.

Putting it all Together: Sample Square Dance Calls

Once you’ve mastered the basic movements, you can start learning complete square dance calls. Here are a few examples:

**Call 1:**

* Heads (or Sides) Square Through
* Do-Si-Do the Corner
* Allemande Left your Corner
* Right and Left Grand

**Call 2:**

* Circle Left
* Allemande Left your Corner
* Right and Left Grand
* Promenade

**Call 3:**

* Heads (or Sides) Right and Left Through
* Dive Through
* Pass Through
* Swing your Corner

The caller will string together a series of these calls to create a complete square dance routine. With practice, you’ll learn to anticipate the calls and execute the movements smoothly and confidently.

Square Dance Etiquette: Being a Good Dancer

Square dancing is a social activity, so it’s important to be a good dancer and follow some basic etiquette:

* **Be on Time:** Arrive on time for classes and dances.
* **Dress Appropriately:** Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move freely. Many clubs have dress codes, so check beforehand.
* **Be Courteous:** Be respectful of other dancers, the caller, and the club’s facilities.
* **Listen Attentively:** Pay attention to the caller’s instructions and try your best to execute the movements correctly.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help:** If you’re unsure about a step, don’t hesitate to ask your partner or another dancer for help.
* **Smile and Have Fun:** Square dancing is meant to be enjoyable, so relax, smile, and have a good time!
* **Thank the Caller:** It is good etiquette to thank the caller after each tip (a sequence of calls). The caller puts a lot of work and effort into making the dance enjoyable for everyone.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Different Square Dance Styles

While the fundamental principles of square dancing remain the same, there are variations in style and complexity. Here are a few examples:

* **Traditional Square Dance:** This style typically features traditional fiddle music and calls with a strong emphasis on footwork and timing.
* **Modern Western Square Dance:** This style incorporates a wider range of music, including country, pop, and rock. The calls are often more complex and innovative.
* **Contra Dance:** While not technically square dancing, contra dance shares many similarities and is often enjoyed by square dancers. Contra dances are typically performed in long lines rather than squares.
* **Clogging:** Clogging is a type of folk dance that is often performed in conjunction with square dancing. Cloggers use their feet to create rhythmic sounds, adding another layer of complexity and excitement to the dance.

Tips for Success: Mastering Square Dancing

* **Practice Regularly:** The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Attend classes regularly and practice at home between classes.
* **Focus on the Fundamentals:** Master the basic movements before moving on to more complex calls.
* **Listen to the Music:** Pay attention to the rhythm and tempo of the music, as this will help you time your movements correctly.
* **Visualize the Movements:** Mentally rehearse the steps before you execute them.
* **Be Patient:** Learning square dancing takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away.
* **Have Fun!** The most important thing is to relax and enjoy the experience.

Conclusion: Embrace the Joy of Square Dancing

Square dancing is a rewarding and enriching activity that offers a multitude of benefits. It’s a chance to exercise, socialize, learn new skills, and connect with American heritage. So, put on your dancing shoes, find a local square dance club, and prepare to swing into fun! With a little practice and enthusiasm, you’ll be twirling and do-si-doing with confidence in no time. Get ready to experience the joy and camaraderie of square dancing – you won’t regret it!