Put on Your Dancing Shoes and Learn to Square Dance

Dancing has been part of how humans express themselves for centuries, and it’s still used to strengthen and celebrate communities all over the world today. Different dances may be used to share emotions or as part of important cultural traditions. One form of dancing that’s part of American culture is square dancing, which has been practiced during celebrations and social gatherings for generations. Square dancing is an amalgamation of steps and music from cultures all over the world, coming together in a melting pot of movement that mirrors American culture itself.

History of Square Dancing

The roots of square dancing can be traced back to at least the 17th century, when communal dances such as the English Morris dance and the French quadrille were popular. The quadrille was danced by at least four couples in a square or rectangle, giving modern square dancing its shape. In America, the quadrille blended with English, Irish, and Scottish dances as well as the music and dances of Native Americans and enslaved people. Black Americans were the first to begin calling out the steps to guide dancers, and this became a key element of square dancing. Many Americans today are familiar with the basics of square dancing thanks to the efforts of Lloyd Shaw, an educator in the 1930s and 1940s who led a nationwide push to include square dancing in school curricula in order to help preserve this piece of American culture. Today, this historical dance form is still practiced and enjoyed by people all over the country.

• Square Dance History in the U.S.: This website provides an engaging historical overview of square dancing’s evolution and cultural significance in America.
• Square Dancing Is Uniquely American: Smithsonian Magazine highlights square dancing’s multicultural origins, blending European, African, and Native American influences into a uniquely American tradition.
• What Is Square Dancing? Read a brief overview of this fun, dynamic form of dance here.
• A Swinging History of Square Dancing: Learn about square dancing’s roots in European folk traditions and evolution in America, including its promotion by Henry Ford.
• A History of American Square Dancing: Explore square dancing’s evolution in this article highlighting its adaptability and the development of the caller’s role.
• Past and Present of Square Dancing in Vermont: This page explores the enduring popularity and cultural significance of square dancing in Vermont.
• The History of Square Dancing: Some Surprising Facts! Learn more about square dancing’s history, its multicultural origins, its evolution across America, and various dance styles.

Types of Square Dancing

Square dancing is built around the core concept of four sets of dancers moving in a square formation at a caller’s instruction. There are two main styles: modern and traditional. Traditional square dancing is accompanied by live country or folk music and uses a limited number of moves in a specific order, making it easier for dancers to join in without needing prior instruction. Modern square dancing uses more complex sequences of moves and is often accompanied by recorded music. In either form, square dancing requires the ability to listen and adapt quickly based on the caller’s commands.

• Square Dancing: Seven Most Popular Square Dancing Styles: From traditional quadrilles to innovative singing squares, square dancing has evolved to include many variations.
• Square Dancing: This page offers a detailed exploration of square dancing, outlining its origins and development in the United States.
• Styles of Square Dancing: Find out more about different styles of square dancing here.
• Old-Time Traditional Square Dancing: Square dancing remains popular in the southeast and Appalachian regions today.
• An Online Guide to Square Dancing: This guide to square dancing covers its historical roots and modern adaptations, emphasizing its global appeal and the unique role of the caller in guiding dancers.
• Square Dancing 101: Read a concise guide to square dancing, featuring diagrams and step-by-step instructions for basic movements and patterns.
• American Music for Kids: Square Dancing: Watch videos that provide additional information on square dancing and its history and techniques.

Square Dancing Clubs, Organizations, and Callers’ Associations

Around the country and overseas, several institutions work to preserve and popularize square dancing. These organizations often host gatherings and instructional events to entice newcomers to join in the fun. They also provide resources for those interested in learning the art of calling; without callers who understand the different moves and how they work together, the dances cannot go on.

• Square Dancing in Northeast Georgia: This Georgia-based square dance club shares information on the development and significance of square dancing within the region, detailing its growth and transformation.
• San Diego Callers Association: Square dancing started becoming popular around San Diego in the 1940s, and this group carries on that legacy today.
• What Is the USDA? The United Square Dancers of America is the world’s largest square dancing organization, and this website offers insights into its mission and activities and how it supports square dancing communities.
• The Lloyd Shaw Foundation: Lloyd Shaw is known for his dedication to preserving and promoting traditional American folk dancing, including square dancing.
• CALLERLAB: This is the international association of square dance callers, which provides education for callers and promotes square dancing globally.
• The Connecticut Association of Square Dance Clubs (CASDC): Connecticut’s square dancing organization was established in 1964 and aims to support, enhance, and promote square dancing in the state.
• Single Square Dancers USA (SSDUSA): If you don’t have a partner, that’s not a problem, thanks to this national network that promotes square dancing for solo adults.
• Canadian Olde Tyme Square Dance Association: Canada has its own tradition of square dancing, and this group was founded in Toronto in 1954 to preserve and promote traditional Canadian-style square and couple dancing.

General Square Dancing Tips

It’s fairly easy to get started with square dancing once you gain an understanding of the basic moves, but it’s important to have good etiquette at all times to ensure that everyone can have a good time. This starts with avoiding drinking before you dance; you’ll need to be able to pay attention to the caller and coordinate your movements with other dancers without impairment. You should also approach the dance and your fellow dancers with respect. Get into a square quickly, and don’t talk during a dance; this can be distracting to other dancers trying to listen to the caller. Remember that dancing in a square is a cooperative effort, and do your best to work with the other dancers. And don’t forget to thank the caller and the other members of your square when the dance is done.

• Ground Rules for Square Dancing: Learn more about the rules of being a good participant in square dancing.
• Square Dance Etiquette: Square dancing etiquette helps to make sure that the dance goes smoothly and everyone can have a good time.
• Why Square Dance? This page explores the joys of square dancing, highlighting its fun, community, and health benefits, including mental and physical fitness.
• Top Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Square Dancing: Get to know some lesser-known facts about square dancing to heighten your appreciation of this form of dance.
• Square Dance Etiquette: This page emphasizes the importance of being friendly, courteous, and respectful in square dancing.
• The Do’s and Don’ts of Square and Round Dancing: Learn tips and best practices for square dancing that can ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all participants.
• How to Square Dance: This page covers foundational square dance moves and commands, which are essential for beginners to understand the basics of square dancing.
• Square Dancing and Your Health: Find out about the physical and mental health benefits of square dancing, such as improved cardiovascular health, better balance and coordination, and the social advantages of participating in a community activity.
• Health Benefits of Square Dancing: Square dancing is great exercise and great fun.
• Some Tips for New Dancers: This page has valuable tips that can help you strap on your dancing shoes and get started with square dancing.