square dance faq
learn to square dance
If you can walk briskly and enjoy a good laugh, you’re already a great candidate for square dancing. Lessons are led by callers who teach “calls” — the building blocks of square dance movement. The first few are easy to learn, so you’ll be dancing real squares on night one. Each week brings new calls and a review of previous ones, gradually building your skills and confidence.
You’’ll dance with seven others in your square, working together to follow the caller’s cues. It’s teamwork set to music — and that music is anything but predictable. Modern square dancing features everything from pop hits like Uptown Funk or Call Me Maybe, to classics such as Thrillers and Ghostbusters. You might also hear show tunes, classical pieces, country, or even K-Pop. While the caller selects the music, dancers’ energy and preferences help shape the playlist.
Q: When and where do you dance?
A: See our CALENDAR page for information about where and when we dance. Lessons are held on Tuesday evenings starting in September and January. See our LESSONS page for more information.
Q: Why lessons? Can’t I just go to a dance?
A: You need to learn a collection of calls and be able to respond to them. To function as a member of the team you have to learn the language. Luckily the lessons are fun. Mastering something is fun and during each lesson you also get to dance what you have learned so far. Our LEARN TO SQUARE DANCE pages have more information about lessons.
Q: Can I attend club dances or lessons without a partner?
A: Absolutely! We have plenty of experienced dancers who look forward to dancing with you.
Q: What if I can’t dance?
A: No dancing ability is required. Square dancing is basically walking to music. If you can walk on the beat it’s a shade more fun, but no one will ever notice if you don’t. Square dancing is perfect for people who hate flailing away on a dance floor.
Q: I'm a guy, and I'm not sure if Square Dancing is for me? Similarly, I'm trying to get my significant other to try Square Dancing. How can I persuade them?
A: Check out our FOR AND BY MEN page which provides advice for men who may be hesitant to try Square Dancing.
Q: What kind of music can I expect?
A: Today’s square dance music is wonderfully eclectic. As long as the song has a strong beat and the right tempo, it’s fair game. You might hear pop hits like Call Me Maybe or tunes by Bruno Mars, Pink, and Meghan Trainor. Classics like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird are crowd favorites too. Depending on the caller, you could also dance to classical, K-Pop, country, show tunes — even Broadway ballads or movie themes. Every caller brings their own musical flavor, so no two dances sound the same.
Q: What about those puffy dresses?
A: Ah yes, the crinolines — once the iconic look of square dancing. These days it’s all about comfort and personal style.You’ll see everything from jeans and t-shirts to polo shirts, prairie skirts, and more. Wear what makes you feel good and lets you move easily. Just be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes — your feet will thank you.
Q: How many calls do I have to learn in order to square dance?
A: You need to be proficient at 50 calls in order to attend a square dance. With weekly lessons, most people are able to learn the calls in about 18 weeks. The first 50 calls are referred to as ‘Social Square Dancing,’ or SSD for short.
Q: What are the names of the 50 SSD calls?
A: Click here for a list of calls taught in Beginning Square Dance Lessons
Q: Is there an app for these calls?
A: Sure is! An app called Taminations, available for iOS and Android as well as online displays the various calls as both animations and with definitions. Start with the SSD level.
Q: Is it possible to drink alcohol and square dance?
A: Square dancing is an alcohol-free activity. The only drinking we encourage is water, and plenty of it, to stay hydrated.
Q: Can kids learn to square dance?
A: Kids are fast learners and take to square dancing like the proverbial duck to water. We welcome children 10 and over, when joined by an adult, to take lessons.
is square dancing a good match for you?
Here’s a short quiz to help you decide.
Yes/No I am up for the challenge of learning something new.
Yes/No I enjoy interacting with other people.
Yes/No I want to keep my brain sharp.
Yes/No I want to be more active.
Yes/No I am able to walk briskly for 15 minute stints.
Yes/No I enjoy games and teamwork.
Yes/No I am willing to invest 17 weeks of learning so I can open the door to a lifetime
If you answered YES to these questions, congratulations: you have what it takes to be a square dancer!