Charlie Pergrossi

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:

Why Do People Love to Square Dance - Square Dancing is fun! It's great physical and mental exercise. There's a friendly atmosphere at Square Dances, so naturally, Square Dances are a great place to meet people and make new friends.

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 so 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.

Entertaining - The caller is there to entertain you - to make dancers forget about the day to day worries of the world. Ask any square dancer how much fun they have.

Music - Square dancing uses many different types of music, including country and 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.

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.

Learning to Square Dance - Square Dance Lessons are offered annually by local square dance clubs. In North Central Florida, Mainstream Lessons begin in the fall of each year. Each lesson lasts approximately two hours. You'll be surprised at how easy it is!

Square Dance All Over the World - Once you learn the basic Square Dance calls, you can square dance any where in the USA or any where in the world where Square Dances are held. You can dance in Japan, the Philippines or Europe and the calls and moves will be the same. And, no matter where you dance, the calling will be done in English!

Square Dance Activities - There are regularly scheduled Square Dances in Chiefland, Gainesville, Lake City, Live Oak, Ocala, and throughout the state. There are also Square Dance Weekends, National and State Square Dance Conventions, Square Dance Cruises, and Square Dance Camping Organizations. Come join the fun. Call about lessons today!

Age is not an issue. People who square dance include all age groups and backgrounds. Young children, retired 'seniors' and a lot of folks in the middle are active in square dancing.

Round Dancing is ...

What is round dancing? It is choreographed couple dancing. The dancing is performed in a circle that moves around the dance floor in one direction. A dance cuer (similar to a square dance caller) directs the dance, so that the dancers don't have to memorize the dance choreography. All the dancers perform the same steps at the same time, moving in the same direction. As in ballroom dancing, there are different rhythms, such as two-step, waltz, tango, jive, cha.

How is round dancing learned? Round dance steps are broken down into phases. Each phase has a list of steps, movements, and figures associated with it. Phase I and II are the beginner phases. The rhythms learned at these phases are the two-step and the waltz. Phase III introduces dancers to a variety of rhythms - jive, quickstep, foxtrot, rumba, tango and cha. Round dancing can be learned through lessons or video instruction. Videos can be purchased through Roundalab, The International Association of Round Dance Teachers.

Lessons are taught by learning a complete dance. Commonly called a teach, the steps used in the dance are taught first, then gradually put together into a sequence. Then the sequences are put together until the entire dance has been taught. Teaches can also be offered prior to a square dance.

All round dances are cued from a cue sheet by a 'Cuer' (not caller), basically a list of all the steps in their proper sequence for that particular dance. This is very different from square dancing in which the individual calls are taught and drilled so that dancers can dance the calls in any order by any caller, as in a hash or singing call. With practice, round dancers can apply that same theory and basically dance to any round dance containing the steps learned. For example, once you have learned all the Phase I and Phase II steps, you can dance to any dance that is rated Phase II.

How do you find lessons? Approach the cuers at a square dance or convention and ask them about lessons. Even if they aren't giving lessons, they are usually more than happy to point you in the direction of someone that is giving lessons. You can ask any square dancer caller as they will have the information for you.

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