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Square dancing is a social activity that combines musicality with the ability to draw figures using the entire body. Eight people re needed to comprise one square, hence the name “square” dancing. Hopefully, there is also a caller, who names the figures to be done next. He also inserts his own little patter into routines that everyone can follow.

The term “allemande left” instructs the dancers to face their corners and then left hand to left hand they turn each other around. Other moves include the “dosado,” the “star formation” and the “swing your partner.” None of the moves is difficult and in short order even newcomers are dosadoing like old pros.

There is a square dance etiquette you should observe whenever you dance, the first rule of which is to arrive at the dance spanking clean. With your arms around nearly everyone during the evening, and hands holding every other hand, you don’t want to offend anyone by arriving dirty and smelly, or with garlic breath.

You also don’t want to leave a square early, which leaves seven other people in the lurch. Don’t talk during a dance because that makes it difficult for the others in your square to hear the caller.

While dress is informal, it is usual for men to wear long sleeves so that women don’t have to grab sweaty arms as they are turned around the square. Women usually wear a swingy skirt and a peasant blouse with comfortable shoes, although not necessarily flats. However 4-inch stilettos are an accident waiting to happen.

If you are new to square dancing, don’t join a square that is advanced unless invited, and then only after informing the others of your newbie status. Don’t take it personally if they prefer to dance with someone at their level, as you will too someday.

Finally, try to hang around and help clean up at the end of the dance. Now is a good time to chat with the others as you each do your chores. Square dance people are friendly and it is possible to make new friends at every dance. Everyone is welcome!