MODERN AMERICAN SQUARE DANCING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
IS SQUARE DANCING HARD TO LEARN?
No - With most other dance forms you have to learn where to place your feet. It is just so hard to concentrate "the left foot goes here - now the right foot here - followed by the left foot over there". With Square Dancing you don't have to worry about that. Square dancing uses walking steps - now what could be more natural than that?
CAN I SQUARE DANCE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD?
Yes - In fact, square dancing is done in just about every country on this planet. What's more - because the terminology is a language all of it's own - the words used to cue the sequences are the same everywhere. So - you may not be able to talk with dancers in a foreign country - but you can dance with them. Besides - you all share a language that goes beyond the spoken word - "fun and friendship".
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN?
It does take about 6 months to reach a standard where you can join others who are already dancing. But there is a similar lead-time required with many other hobbies and sports before you can become involved with other clubs. However - with square dancing - you are actually dancing and enjoying yourself right from day one.
IS THERE MORE?
Square dancing offers several programs for those who really want to "challenge themselves". It is your choice - you can either learn the "core movements" and occasionally attend clubs that just dance for recreation - or you can learn more and make it into a regular activity. There is no pressure.
"WHAT IF I'VE GOT TWO LEFT FEET?"
It doesn't matter. You can walk can't you? Well that's all you need to do. Square Dancing concentrates more on listening to the calls given to you and following the directions given. And by the way - you must know how to smile.
"DO I HAVE TO DANCE WITH THE SAME PERSON ALL NIGHT?"
No - because in each bracket (or tip) - you will actually be dancing with 8 other people. And you are constantly changing partners!
"WHAT IF I'M VERY SHY? - I DON'T KNOW HOW TO ASK SOMEONE TO DANCE"
Don't worry - you won't have to. You just get into the round-up and you will end up dancing with 4 other people from the opposite sex before you know it.
DO YOU HAVE ANY COMPETITIONS?
No. Square dancing works on a win-win scenario. It is a team effort between:
a. The 8 dancers in each square.
b. The caller and all the sets being called to.
ARE THERE ANY REGIONAL DIFFERENCES?
Actually, very little. The moves and programs danced are all standardized. There may be one or two styling differences, but they are easy to adapt to.
I DON'T HAVE A REGULAR DANCE PARTNER CAN I STILL COME?
In most clubs it doesn't matter - we match you up with a partner. But you better check first with each club just as a courtesy.
Use your browser's 'Back' button to return to where you started or Go directly to: Cupar OK Square Dance Home Page. Contact us for further information or if you have questions, comments or suggestions for improvement of this web site: [email protected] This web page was created by Gene Turner for Cupar OK Square Dance Club. Last updated - July, 2004