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A Kid's and Beginner's Guide to Square Dancing
Square dancing, a traditional American folk dance with roots in European dances such as English country dances and the French quadrille, as well as African-American call-and-response dances, is an engaging activity that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. Characterized by its square formation, where one couple occupies each side of the square, square dancing offers a fun form of exercise that improves balance and enhances mental agility through the need to follow the caller's instructions swiftly.
Traditional Square Dance vs. Modern Western Square Dance
Square dancing comes in two primary forms: traditional square dance and modern Western square dance. Traditional square dance features simple, repetitive steps led by a caller, making it beginner-frily as dancers don't require extensive knowledge to join in the fun. In contrast, modern Western square dance introduces a wider array of steps performed in an unpredictable order, incorporating both hash calls, spoken rhythmically, and sung calls, performed with music.
Variations and European Square Dancing
Square dancing has many variations across different cultures. The Dutch lancier, for example, includes jumps and hops, adding a playful element to the dance. In Scandinavia, dances such as the Swedish hambo and the Norwegian halling are also danced in square formations. English country dances and German Francs a quadrille-like dance are other examples of square dances with distinct characteristics.
Basic Square Dancing Calls
Allemande Left: Couples face their corner partners, take each other's left hands, walk around, and return to their original positions.
Circle Left: Dancers join hands in a circle and move counter-clockwise.
Do-Si-Do: Partners cross paths, pass right shoulders, and continue moving until returning to their starting points.
Grand Right and Left: Couples weave through the center of the square, turning clockwise or counterclockwise as instructed.
Promenade: Couples hold hands and walk in a circle before returning to their original positions.
Swing: Dancers face partners or corners and perform a traditional ballroom swing.
Touch a Quarter: Partners reach out right arms, touch palms, and then walk forward a quarter-turn.
Glossary of Square Dancing Terms
Caller: The person leading the dance by giving instructions
Corner: The dancer adjacent to you and perpicular to your position
Figure: A specific set of movements
Head Couple: Couples facing or with their backs toward the caller
Partner: Dancer on your side of the square
Sashay: A sliding step to the side
Side Couple: Couples opposite each other in the square
Teaching Techniques and Tips for Adults
When teaching adults, it's essential to provide clear instructions and be patient, allowing their progress to guide the pace. Begin with basic calls, demonstrating them without music before incorporating rhythm. Encourage questions to ensure comprehension. Once foundational steps are mastered, introduce music, starting with upbeat songs that the group will enjoy.
Teaching Techniques and Tips for Kids
Teaching children can benefit from a more playful approach. For example, expln grand right and left as a snake game where dancers slither in and out of each other's spaces. Use music immediately to provide a beat for learning rhythms, prse their efforts, and organize group dance events to showcase their progress.
Square Dancing Resources
SquareDancing101: A comprehensive guide
The Benefits of Square Dancing
Top Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Square Dancing
Square Dance Demonstration
A Brief History of Square Dance
Square Dance Instruction for Kids
Square Dance Facts for Kids
The Health Benefits of Square Dancing
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