Square dancing is a vibrant and engaging form of folk dance that has captured the hearts of many across the globe. It offers a unique blend of camaraderie, coordination, and athleticism, making it a popular choice for social gatherings, community events, and fitness classes. If you’re just starting out in square dancing or looking to refresh your equipment, this guide outlines the essentials you need to enjoy this lively activity, along with the fundamental movements you’ll encounter on the dance floor.
Essential Square Dance Equipment
1. Comfortable Footwear:
The most important piece of equipment in square dancing is arguably a good pair of shoes. Look for shoes that provide support and allow for smooth gliding movements on the dance floor. Leather or suedesoled shoes are often preferred, as they offer the right amount of slide and grip.
2. Attire:
While not strictly necessary, wearing appropriate clothing can enhance your square dancing experience. Traditionally, dancers wear colorful, flowing dresses or skirts for women and comfortable slacks and buttonup shirts for men. The right attire not only adds to the festive atmosphere but also allows for ease of movement.
3. Handkerchiefs:
These small accessories are often used for both practical and decorative purposes. Handkerchiefs can enhance your traditional look and serve as a tool to signal or emphasize certain movements in a dance.
4. Square Dance Recordings:
Music is the heartbeat of square dancing. Having access to a collection of square dance tunes is essential for practice and enjoying the activity. Many square dance clubs provide their own music, but having recordings at home allows you to practice sequences on your own.
5. Square Dance Calling Guide:
A useful tool for both beginners and experienced dancers is a calling guide, which outlines the basic calls and movements in square dancing. Knowing these calls is crucial to following along as a dancer, especially when the tempo picks up.
Key Points of Movement
Square dancing is comprised of a series of movements based on various calls, and understanding these movements is key to successfully participating. Here are some fundamental movements to get you started:
1. Basic Positioning:
Every square dance begins with dancers forming a square formation. Dancers stand in pairs, with each couple facing the other couples. The four dancers will typically be labeled as ‘Heads’ (two dancers facing each other) and ‘Sides’ (the other two dancers).
2. Circle Left/Right:
This movement involves dancers joining hands and moving in a circular direction either to the left or right. It’s a fundamental part of many dance sequences.
3. DoSiDo:
In this movement, two dancers face each other, step to the right to pass backtoback, and then return to face each other. This call is all about timing and coordination.
4. Promenade:
A promenade involves couples linking arms and moving in a sideways or circular motion, often leading them around the square.
5. Allemande Left:
This call requires dancers to extend their left hand to each other and walk around in a circle before returning to their original position. It’s a great way to reset positions within the dance.
6. Swing:
One of the most fun and energetic movements in square dancing, the swing involves two dancers holding each other’s hands, pivoting, and moving in rhythm to the music, often resulting in a twirl or spin.
7. Grand Right and Left:
Dancers move around the square in a particular formation, extending right hands to meet the next dancer, moving back to the left, and trading partners. The rhythm is key in this fun, fastpaced movement.
Conclusion
Square dancing is more than just a recreational activity; it’s a communitycentered experience that encourages movement, rhythm, and social interaction. With the right equipment and a solid understanding of key movements, you’ll be able to dive into this joyful dance form. So lace up your shoes, gather your friends, and get ready to experience the fun and camaraderie that square dancing has to offer! Happy dancing!