How to Promenade in Square Dancing

Square dancing is a uniquely American tradition, and is one of the first types of dancing learned by most school children. There are two basic types of square dancing, Modern Western and American. Each type is based on the same model of four couples facing each other in a square. From the square, all square dancing moves begin and end. One essential move is the promenade. This move is a walking move used to lead dancers to and from their original positions.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Stand couples in four pairs facing each other to form a square. The size of the square will depend on space and how many other square dancers are present.

2. Join inner hands. This can be done by simply joining hands, cross over hands or by the man putting his arm around the woman and joining the other hand in front.

3. Walk forward around the circle in a counterclockwise direction. Most promenades are once around and include all four couples in the square dance.

4. Stop at the gentleman's home position when the circle has been completed.

5. Listen to the caller for specific directions while promenading. A caller might call a heads only or sides only promenade or to promenade half of the circle.

6. Turn to face the center of the square. Keep hands together until the caller gives another square dance call.

Tips & Warnings

• Listen carefully for the callers instructions.
• Understand that all promenades move counterclockwise.