You’ve heard the lively fiddle music, the cheerful calls, and the sound of laughter from the dance floor. Maybe you’ve seen it in an old movie or caught a glimpse at a local fair. Square dancing often seems like a charming, albeit mysterious, relic of the past. But here’s a secret: it’s alive, well, and thriving in communities all over, and it’s one of the most welcoming social activities you can ever try.
If you’ve ever been curious but didn’t know where to start, consider this your official invitation. This is your beginner’s roadmap to finding your footing, do-si-do-ing with a partner, and becoming part of a wonderful tradition.
What Exactly Is Modern Square Dancing?
Forget any preconceived notions of cheesy costumes or forced school gym classes. Modern square dancing (often called "Modern Western Square Dance") is a vibrant, social, and intellectual activity. At its heart, it’s a puzzle set to music.
Eight people form a "square" (four couples, each consisting of a "corner" and a "partner"). A "caller" then instructs the dancers, using a specific vocabulary of calls, to move in a sequence. The joy isn't in memorizing a routine; it's in listening, reacting, and working together with the seven other people in your square to execute the calls smoothly. It’s part dance, part game, and 100% social fun.
Don't have a partner? No problem! One of the best things about square dancing is that you absolutely do not need to bring a partner. Clubs are used to having "singles" come out, and you'll rotate throughout the evening, dancing with everyone in your square.
Your First Steps onto the Dance Floor
Feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness is perfectly normal. Here’s what you can expect as a brand-new dancer.
Step 1: Find a Club or Beginner Class
A quick search for "square dance club near me" is your best starting point. Most clubs run "beginner" or "mainstream" classes that start every year, typically in the fall. These classes are designed for people with zero experience. They move at a comfortable pace, teaching you the calls step-by-step.
Step 2: What to Wear
For your very first night, comfort is key. Wear clothes you can move in comfortably. For shoes, avoid rubber-soled sneakers that grip the floor (they can be hard on your knees when turning). A smooth-soled shoe or a low-heeled cowboy boot is perfect, but any comfortable shoe will work for night one. The classic petticoats and bolo ties come later, if you decide you love it!
Step 3: Learn the Lingo (The Bare Minimum)
You’ll learn all the calls in class, but knowing these three terms will help you walk in feeling confident:
- Partner: The person you are currently dancing with.
- Corner: The person next to you who is not your partner. In the setup of a square, gentlemen have a lady on their left (partner) and a lady on their right (corner).
- Home: Your starting position in the square.
The two most famous calls you already know? Do-Si-Do (passing back-to-back with another dancer) and Promenade (walking as a couple around the circle).
Step 4: Embrace the Community
Square dancers are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. They remember what it was like to be new. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m brand new and might mess up!” They will be thrilled to help you through the calls. The social aspect is just as important as the dancing itself.
Why You'll Fall in Love With It
Beyond the fun and the music, square dancing offers some incredible benefits:
- Mental Workout: It’s often called "chess on the dance floor." You’re constantly listening, processing spatial relationships, and reacting. It’s a fantastic cognitive exercise.
- Low-Impact Exercise: You’ll be walking, turning, and weaving for a full evening without even realizing you’re exercising.
- Social Connection: In our digital age, it’s a real, live, face-to-face community. You build friendships and laugh—a lot.
- Accessible to All: It’s not about perfect rhythm or fancy footwork. If you can walk and listen, you can square dance.
The Golden Rule: There are no mistakes in square dancing, only opportunities for a do-si-do! If you get lost, just smile, get back to your home position, and get ready for the next call. Everyone has been there.
Answering the Call
Taking that first step into a hall can feel daunting, but it’s a step into a welcoming and joyful world. You’re not just learning a dance; you’re joining a community. So, find a local club, take a deep breath, and get ready to allemande left into your new favorite hobby.
We’ll see you on the dance floor!
