How to Learn Square Dance Moves

Square dancing is performed by four sets of couples who position themselves in a square formation on the dance floor. In square dancing, there is a caller who announces what moves the dancers will perform, but doesn't participate. Here are some basic moves to get you started and just learn the other steps as you go.

Instructions

1. Face your partner and join left hands to "allemande left." Walk around each other and return to your starting positions. Join right hands to "allemande right."

2. Join hands with all dancers in a circle and walk to the left to "circle left." Walk to the right to "circle right."

3. Circle around you partner back to back and return to starting position to "do-si-do."

4. Perform the "forward and back" by taking three steps forward, "honor," and then return to starting position. "Honor" means the partners face and the ladies curtsy while the gentlemen bow.

5. Cross hands in skating position with the right arm over the left and walk counter-clockwise with your partner back to the staring position to perform the "promenade."

6. Take right hands and hop on the left foot and cross the right. Then hop on the right foot and cross the left. Repeat once and you have just performed the "balance."

7. Slide step when the caller announces "chasse."

Resources

• Information on square dancing and clubs.
• Lists and descriptions of square dancing movements.