WHAT IS SQUARE DANCING?
By Jeff Garbutt
The question
is sometimes asked - what is square dancing ? Well I suppose the technically
correct answer would go something like: "Square dancing is a dance form where
groups of 8 people working as a team perform routines as directed by a person
known as a caller".
But of course the technical definition doesn't
really do it justice. So let's explore a bit more about what goes in to make up
the entity called the "Square Dance Movement".
To me, square dancing is
many things:
Universal - No matter where you go in the world
square dancing is the same. The movements have been standardized and are called
in the same way, regardless of language. The dance programs used are all
standardized and no matter where in the world you learn - you can still dance
the same in other parts of the world. You may not be able to converse with some
of the other dancers you meet - but you can interact with them.
Easy
to learn - One of the first things we learn as children is how to walk. In
next to no time you don't have to think about how to do it - you just do it. You
don't worry about where your feet go - it's automatic. With most dance forms you
then have to learn to place your feet in specific arrangements - you have to
learn to walk in a different way which is un-natural. Not so with square
dancing. Square dancing is based upon walking in defined directions for defined
distances. Which is exactly what walking is. And as walking is one of the most
natural things we do - square dancing becomes so easy to learn.
Low
stress physical exercise - We all know that exercise is good for you. But it
all seems like hard work, isn't there a form of exercise that is also fun and
doesn't seem like hard work ? Yes there is - it's called square
Dancing.
Entertaining - The caller is there to entertain you - to
make dancers forget about the day to day worries of the world.
Music -
Square dancing uses many different types of music, including country &
western, rock, jazz, sing-a-longs, gospel.
Interactive - The dance
pattern is directed by a caller. The sequences are generally made up "on the
spot". Dancers have to listen to the caller to find out what's next. Callers
also have to get a feel for the "mood of the dancers" and respond as required -
know when to call something exciting and know when to call something more
mellow. This two way interaction truly makes square dancing
unique.
Fun - Ask any square dancer how much fun they
have.
Friendship - Many people have made life-long friends at
square dances. Many married couples first met at a square dance. And cultural
background does not make a difference. In fact square breaks down many barriers
between cultures.
Challenging or easy - Square dancing has a
selection of programs available to match your time and commitment desires. If
you wish to attend easy dances - there is a program for you. If you wish to
delve further into challenging dance routines - there is also a program for you.
And several programs exist between those two extremes.
Mentally
stimulating - Square dancing can not only exercise the body - but also the
mind.
Team based - You are working together in harmony with 7
other people.
Breaks down barriers - There are no cultural
barriers. People from all parts of the world with all sorts of different
ideologies meet on the dance floor. Square dancing helps to promote universal
peace and co-operation throughout the world.
Web page:
http://www.jeff.garbutt.com/
Extract is from:
http://www.jeff.garbutt.com/page2.htm
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