Modern square dancing is an intellectually stimulating, physically invigorating, health enhancing, socially engaging activity. Here is why…
It is a world-wide community comprised of millions of dancers all sharing the love of the dance and having fun. And, it is universal the world over. This feat is accomplished by having one square dance language, English, and one set of standardized choreography.
Learning opportunities are usually in the fall and again in January/February. Not only are they fun, the attendees quickly meld into a group of friends enthusiastically sharing the common experience. The new dancers may well establish long lasting friendships extending beyond the dance floor.
Dance clubs are virtually everywhere. A dancer who has mastered a series movements is welcomed and can dance anywhere in the world, period! Adding to the joys of dancing is the fact that it is good for you. The list below is some of the health benefits of dancing:
- Improve posture & balance
- Increased stamina and flexibility
- Reduce stress and tension
- Build confidence and skills
- Opportunities to meet people
- Help fend off illnesses (Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression)
- Dancing can burn as many calories as walking or riding a bike.
- Exercise from regular dancing can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol profile.
When you attend your first Beginner Series, you will learn a group of basic movements (termed calls) that are then used to form dances. Think of it this way. There are only thirteen notes in the musical scale but composers arrange these notes to form thousands of songs. In much the same way, a caller arranges the basic calls to form different dances.
Square dancing is a group dance for eight persons. This group of eight is coined a square. In a square, two dancers, typically a couple, align themselves on each of the four sides facing into the center of their group. There are no set patterns for a dance. The dancers have learned a number of moves which the caller then puts together to form the dance. The caller “calls” out these moves and the dancers execute the “calls”. The dancers do not know which moves will be called next.
Dress is always causal when learning, or you can throw or your cowboy boots and western duds if you want. We are a pretty casual club, especially during the summer when many dancers just wear shorts. The traditional attire is still worn at big conventions or clubs specials, but they are never required.
Dancing is easy on the wallet. All this fun and entertainment costs less than the price of a movie.