Comprehensive Guide: Introduction to Square Dancing for Beginners and Kids

A Kid's and Beginner's Guide to Square Dancing

Square dancing, a cherished tradition steeped in European roots including English country dances and French quadrilles, along with African American call-and-response traditions, is a lively form of folk dance. Characterized by dancers forming a square formation with one couple per side, this activity has a centuries-old history dating back hundreds of years. It remns popular today as an enjoyable way to stay fit and active.

Traditional versus Modern Western Square Dancing

Square dancing comes in two primary forms: traditional square dance offers simple repetitive steps led by the caller, making it beginner-frily without requiring extensive prior knowledge. On the other hand, modern western square dance employs a more diverse range of intricate steps and utilizes two distinct types of calls; a hash call spoken rhythmically to initiate dancing, followed by a sung call, which is set to music.

Diverse European Square Dancing

Notably, various countries have their own unique styles. Traditional English country dances are performed in square formations as well. Similarly, the Franccedil;se dance from Germany mirrors the French quadrille with a faster tempo, while Dutch dancers partake in the lancier, featuring jumps and hops for an added fun element. Scandinavian cultures also embrace squares in their folk dances like the Swedish hambo or Norwegian halling.

Basic Square Dancing Calls

Let's explore some fundamental calls to get you started:

• Allemande Left: Partners face a corner with another dancer, grab hands, then walk around each other, returning to original positions.

• Circle Left: All dancers join hands in a counter-clockwise circle.

• Do-Si-Do: Couples face each other and then pass around back-to-back before rejoining their starting spots.

• Grand Right and Left: Dancers form a circle with one half of each couple moving clockwise while the other moves counter-clockwise, taking turns to touch each person's hand as they pass by.

• Promenade: Partners hold hands and walk in circles until returning to their original positions.

• Swing: Swing your partner or swing your corner; dancers embrace ballroom-style then whirl around together.

Glossary of Square Dancing Terminology

Let this guide help you navigate the language:

• Caller: The person leading the dance by giving instructions

• Corner: The individual standing perpicular to and adjacent to you

• Figure: A sequence of specific movements

• Head Couple: The couple facing or at the back of the caller

• Partner: Your counterpart on the same side as you are

• Sashay: Moving sideway in a sliding step

• Side Couple: Dancers positioned perpicular to the caller

• Tip: One complete round of square dancing

Teaching Square Dancing for Adults

For adult learners, clarity and patience are crucial. Begin with basic calls by demonstrating without music until each step is mastered. Encourage questions throughout the learning process. As skills improve, introduce tunes; ideally, an eight-person square should have ample time to practice, allowing them to hone their abilities while enjoying social interactions.

Teaching Square Dancing for Kids

Engaging children in square dancing requires fun. Simplify explanations with playful analogies like viewing Grand Right and Left as a snake game where two snakes weave around each other. Pick upbeat music that the kids can easily dance along to, helping them develop rhythm and coordination. Prse their efforts to keep them motivated.

Square Dancing Resources

To delve deeper:

• Square Dancing 101 for beginners

• Health benefits of square dancing

• Top ten surprising facts about square dancing

• A demonstration video showcasing square dancing

• Brief history behind the dance form

• Instructional material designed for kids

• Fun facts tlored for children's understanding

• Overview of the history and evolution of square dancing

• Basic guide on how to square dance, including twelve essential calls

• Insights into health advantages gned from engaging in square dancing

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