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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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