Modern American Square Dancing
INTRODUCTION:
What image comes to your mind when you think about square dancing? If you're like most people you're probably thinking about a few farm folk in an old barn doing some crazy dance to a weird looking band playing "Turkey in the straw".
Well things have changed over the years. Square dancing has been slowly evolving and changing with the times. Sure we still do some things the same - but most things have changed.
Square Dancing in the new Millenium looks and feels almost nothing like it used to.
The music is different - we use all types of music - ranging from "Country and Western" music through to "Jazz", "Rock and Roll", through to "90's pop music".
The moves are different - sure we still have some of the old moves like "Dosado" - but we have a lot of newer more interesting moves which are designed to create interesting dance patterns.
To digress here a bit - Square Dancing shares a common heritage with the motor vehicle. Both Square Dancing and the motor vehicle were pioneered by Henry Ford. Just as the motor vehicle has evolved so much over the years - so has square dancing. In fact -comparing square dancing of the 1990's with square dancing in the 1920's is exactly like comparing a modern luxury car with a "Model T Ford".
And that's why we call it "Modern Western Square Dancing"
WHY SHOULD YOU TRY SQUARE DANCING?
It is Universal - No matter where you go in the world square dancing is the same. The movements have been standardized and are called in the same way, regardless of language. The dance programs used are all standardized and no matter where in the world you learn - you can still dance the same in other parts of the world. You may not be able to converse with some of the other dancers you meet - but you can interact with them.
It is Easy to learn - One of the first things we learn as children is how to walk. In next to no time you don't have to think about how to do it - you just do it. You don't worry about where your feet go - it's automatic. With most dance forms you then have to learn to place your feet in specific arrangements - you have to learn to walk in a different way, which is unnatural. This is not so with square dancing. Square dancing is based upon walking in defined directions for defined distances. Which is exactly what walking is. And as walking is one of the most natural things we do - square dancing becomes so easy to learn.
It is Low stress physical exercise - We all know that exercise is good for you. But it all seems like hard work, isn't there a form of exercise that is also fun and doesn't seem like hard work? Yes, there is - it's called square Dancing.
It is Entertaining - The caller is there to entertain you - to make dancers forget about the day to day worries of the world.
It is Music - Square dancing uses many different types of music, including country & western, rock, jazz, sing-a-longs, gospel.
It is Interactive - The dance pattern is directed by a caller. The sequences are generally made up "on the spot". Dancers have to listen to the caller to find out what's next. Callers also have to get a feel for the "mood of the dancers" and respond as required - knowing when to call something exciting and when to call something mellow. This two-way interaction truly makes square dancing unique.
It is Fun - Ask any square dancer how much fun they have.
It is Friendship - Many people have made life-long friends at square dances. Many married couples first met at a square dance. And cultural background does not make a difference. In fact square dancing breaks down many barriers between cultures.
It can be Challenging or easy - Square dancing has a selection of programs available to match your time and commitment desires. If you wish to attend easy dances - there is a program for you. If you wish to delve further into challenging dance routines - there is also a program for you. And several programs exist between those two extremes.
It is mentally stimulating - Square dancing exercises, not only the body - but also the mind.
It is Team based - You are working together in harmony with 7 other people.
It breaks down barriers - There are no cultural barriers. People from all parts of the world with all sorts of different ideologies meet on the dance floor. Square dancing helps to promote universal peace and cooperation throughout the world.
There are no losers - Everyone works together during the dance - the 8 dancers in the set work together with each other and with the caller. No one competes - otherwise it doesn't work. As a result - there are no losers.
Now you can keep physically and mentally fit the easy way (and have heaps of fun doing so). Join the many thousands who have discovered the amazing benefits of Modern Western Square Dancing.
In Summary, here are six great reasons why you'll be glad you tried it:
1. You'll find it's easy to learn - and lot's of fun.
2. It's a cheap night out
3. You'll enjoy making lots of friends.
4. You'll feel great after exercising mind and body.
5. You can dress to suit your budget.
6. Clubs in most major centres with a choice of nights.
Come along to a fun-filled beginner's class. There is bound to be one somewhere in your area. Come on your own or bring a friend.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MODERN AMERICAN SQUARE DANCING
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This web page was created by Gene Turner for Cupar OK Square Dance Club.
Last updated July, 2004