Most squares are formed using a male/female partnership. If you are solo, there is sure to be someone to match up with. Frequently throughout a night of dancing, couples will switch partners making for an interesting change of pace.
Square dancing requires no fancy footwork. It is more like walking in rhythm and forming patterns with other dancers.

Dance moves are lead by a caller. The singing caller speaks or sings the next moves to be made by the dancers, usually within the lyrics of a recognizable song making for a more relaxed dance. The patter caller strings together all sorts of dance moves by surprise in a fast and spontaneous manner making this type of calling more lively.

The clothing is joyous as well. The women wear short dresses made wide with petticoats and the men wear checkered shirts, cowboy hats and boots.

Square dancing is great for “children” of all ages and ability. So, grab your partner and do-si-do!

Square dancing has been in man’s history for centuries; beginning with the first form, the ‘Irish Jig.’ The dancing and music is lively, and just a lot of fun for couples and groups. Couples enjoy the interaction between themselves and other couples as they dance their routine of steps and movements.

Today the type of square dancing depends on the style of music and the event; the theme could be Traditional country, Pop or Broadway theater productions. The groups of dancers will wear brilliant, colorful outfits that match the theme of the songs and music.Additional information can be found at http://www.fitsugar.com/3140976. Broadway has welcomed these innovative, exciting, creative new dance performances using the new pop music. The performances appeal to all, both the young and older adults. Many of these groups travel the country and perform at various events and festivals.

Dancers using Traditional Country music, or the new Pop; will wear matching outfits. The women wear frilly, loose skirts with thick crinolines to match. Some of these groups will even wear clogging shoes, which are made and look a lot like tap shoes. Those dancing with clogging shoes reveal intricate feet, knee and leg movements, using the taps on the shoes to create uni-some sounds. Usually fast paced fiddle and guitar playing is used for the dancing.

Olde Time Square dancing consists of the couples holding hands with each other while forming a circle. The dance steps are in uni-some, with the couples obeying a dance callers instructions. For instance, “into the middle, back to the outside, dose-doe with your partner, dose-doe with your neighbor on the left, do the same with the right, shuffle to the left, shuffle to the right, shuffle in a circle.’

Dr. Lloyd Shaw, a man largely regarded as single-handedly keeping square dance interest alive in the early part of the twentieth century, worked for the Cheyenne Mountain schools of Colorado throughout the early 1900s. During that time he developed an appreciation for square dance, its history and particularly the caller’s art, later taking to travelling, documenting dancing and calls, writing books and eventually giving hugely popular seminars on his chosen subject.

Graduates of Pappy Shaw’s master classes started classes of their own, keeping the web of knowledge and interest growing. It’s likely the founding fathers of Callerlab felt Dr. Shaw’s benevolent shadow upon them when they convened almost twenty years after his death to create the charter for The International Square Dance Caller Association.

The garb worn during the dancing has changed a bit as well. While some of the more classic square dancing rituals are still performed in the wide ruffled skirts and cowboy boots, today’s square dancers can also be found wearing dungarees, jeans and mini skirts.I was looking for more information and found it here.

Square dancing is still filled with tons of fun, and a way to enjoy the company of others with like interests. Many locations throughout the United Sates have square dance clubs where single dancers get to gether to meet, congregate, dance and have fun. All this, and some really sophisticated sound systems makes square dancing a favorite among young and old alike.

Whether the individual is rich or poor, old or young, square dancing is a great way to meet new people and have fun without needing a lot of cash. It is a pasttime that has been a weekend favorite since the time of the original colonies, and remains to be a favorite pasttime today.

There are some basic dance moves to get started; as you progress you can learn the more advanced moves. Circle, everyone in the square joins palms as they move in a circle. Do-si-do, partners circle each other with arms crossed in front of chest. Promenade, join right hand with partner’s right hand and join left hand with partner’s left hand and walk in the circle with the rest of the square.

Square dancing reflects a western era gone past. For men, long sleeved western shirts with slacks. For ladies, a western shirt with a full ruffled skirt. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you will be on your feet for long periods. Some couples like to match their outfits by color and/or pattern.

Manners are prevalent in square dancing. When the song begins, be prompt on the dance floor and do not leave in the middle of a song. By doing so, you may disrupt the other couples in your square. Thank the caller and those who danced with you in your square. Above all, have fun. Many friendships are formed through square dancing.