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THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE:

F. William Chickering's Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Square Dance Behavior

1. Avoid drinking and drugs that may affect your reaction time and cause you to break down a square (or even cause serious injuries). Most clubs discourage drinking both before and during dancing, as the smell of alcohol on the breath can be unpleasant to others.
2. Start out Fresh. Shower, use deodorant, and brush your teeth. Avoid eating strong smelling foods like garlic right before dancing. This may sound corny, but it can make a big difference to your fellow dancers.
3. In most clubs, for each new tip dancers form new sets by squaring up randomly. It is considered unfriendly and discourteous to pass by a forming square to look for another.
4. At the beginning of a new tip, introduce yourself to dancers you don't know. Friendliness is one of the best aspects of square dance activities.
5. Rule: once in a square, under no circumstances abandon it. Exception: in a medical emergency or if someone is injured, of course you should use common sense. There is an accepted "emergency call for medical assistance": members in a square should surround the ill or injured person with uplifted arms to notify the caller or other persons in charge.
6. Help your set dance its best. Be friendly about it. If you see a need to direct a fellow dancer be sure that you are correct, and be gentle in your assistance. Think of the best interest of the group and take care not to hurt other dancers' feelings. Do not be too critical of others. This can ruin everyone's fun if it results in bickering or a condescending attitude. Remember, we all make mistakes and the next one might be yours. Be especially supportive of new dancers; without them our pleasurable pastime would die out.
7. Listen to the caller. Do not talk when the caller is talking or calling. Not only is it rude, but all dancers may need the information offered.