What is Square Dancing?  It’s essentially eight people dancing as a group. Four couples standing in a formation resembling a square. It’s a great social activity that’s fun and easy to learn and a great way to meet new people and make new friends.  You’re dancing and interacting with everyone in your square and through the evening forming new squares with other dancers in the dancehall. There’s a professional instructor “caller” that teaches classes, plays the music and calls out the movements / choreography, so you don’t have to memorize songs or make up routines, no stress, no anxiety, just fun!

Why is it called Modern Square Dancing?  We call it modern because we’ve dropped a lot of the traditional rules and requirements of the traditional square dance clubs of the past. Most notable the dress code where men were required to wear long sleeve shirts and women were required to wear skirts or dresses. Comfortable casual clothing is now the style for most dances and dressing up for special events is common, though generally not a requirement.  Music is now upbeat and current; Pop, Rock, Top 40, New Country, Bluegrass an occasional Rap and even some Classical. As long as it’s fun and has a good beat and tempo.

Why do you have to specify the club is LGBTQ+ / All Inclusive?  Though our society has come a long way in celebrating diversity, we know there are individuals out there that don’t share our same openness and acceptance. By designating our club as LGBTQ+/All Inclusive, we’re stating up front that everyone is welcome regardless of; age, race, religion, gender / gender identity, sexual orientation / preference. It should be known by all attending that no judgment, prejudiced attitudes, slurs, jokes or anything other than total openness and acceptance will be tolerated.

Do I need a partner to square dance?  All are welcome here; singles, couples, families (children 10 or older w/parent or guardian), teens and youth groups. If you’re attending as a single person, we have a rotation program to ensure you’re able to dance. We encourage everyone to bring as many friends, family, coworkers and neighbors as possible.

Do I have to dance as my identified gender?  No! Males can dance as female, females can dance as male and you can switch as you like. Men can dance with men and women can dance with women. It actually makes you a better dancer if you can dance the position of either gender. Though there are certain calls that may say boys or girls or men or women do certain things, you’ll do it as the gender you’re dancing, not your physical gender.

What if I’m not coordinated, feel like I can’t keep with the beat or dance well?  You don’t need any special dance experience or skills: If you can walk you can square dance. Unlike most forms of dance, what’s important is to move around the floor in the patterns with the other dancers to the cues from the caller. Exactly how your feet get you there or where your arms are doesn’t matter that much. The caller will teach you the steps, patterns and hand placement as needed. You’ll learn quickly as the patterns are repeated often. By the end of the very first class, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the new patterns and movements you’ve learned and even some complex patterns you can perform. In short, if you’re moving in the directions the caller is telling you, you’re dancing!

What should I wear?  Think comfortable! Low smooth-soled shoes and loose comfortable clothes. Shoes with a suede or leather non-marking sole perform well on our hardwood floor, but tennis shoes are fine as well. If you tend to be cold, bring a sweater or something you can easily take off as you dance and warm up. The dancehall may seem cool when you arrive, but when you start moving you’ll warm up quickly.

Is square dancing good exercise?  Yes! It’s a great physical and mentally stimulating activity. Each evening of dancing is equivalent of walking several miles. As you’re leaning the patterns (calls), you’re actively focusing only on the evenings activity, thus giving your mind and body an escape from daily stressors.

Is it expensive?  No! Compared to any other form of entertainment, exercise or sport, it’s probably the best priced activity you can participate in with other individuals that includes music, dancing and lessons. There’s no upfront expense for special clothing or equipment and a night of lessons and dancing typically runs between $5 to $10 per person. The first two open houses are free to everyone.

Is there drinking or smoking in the dancehall?  No. The hall is a smoke/tobacco, alcohol and drug free facility. Any tobacco use would be outside the building. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the building. With that said, we’re not the “adult beverage” police, so we’re not going to do a breathalyzer test on you when you arrive. However, we respectfully ask if you’re  going to have something before the dance, please do so in moderation.

Please contact us for any additional information or clarity of any topic.