How to Dance Modern Western Square Dancing

Square dancing is a traditional country dance in which four couples form a square while listening to a caller who guides them through the routine. In modern square dancing, each dance starts with a series of tips to teach you the steps before you dance them. Great for beginners, modern square dancing can help you get into shape, meet new people and have fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Join a class or a square dance club. You can go to a national square dance convention or a local barn dance and the feeling of fun and friendship is the same.
2. Learn the list of dance steps along with the rest of the dancers, such as the Dosado and Promenade. Choose your partner or find one when you get there--you'll probably change partners later anyway.
3. Listen to the caller guide you through the steps and movements. Follow his or her lead to complete the modern square dance.
4. Dance specific moves such as the Dosado. Stand facing the middle of the circle with your partner at your side. Men, turn toward your partner, and move forward, circling around her without turning around, until you face her. Women do the same, ending to face the men in the circle.
5. Continue learning moves such as the Promenade. Join hands with your partner, facing each other in the circle. Walk around the circle in a counterclockwise direction at the same time as the other couples. Stop when you get full-circle, listening to the caller direct you to the next step.
6. Follow the modern square dancing dress code. Guys wear Western style long-sleeved shirts and cowboy hats and boots. Girls wear gingham or polka-dot dresses with puffy sleeves and multiple colors and layers. Modern square dancing still usually requires traditional wear, but many groups are beginning to set their own dress codes.
7. Get in shape by having fun dancing. Use modern square dancing as a form of exercise no matter what your age, shape or gender. Spending a night dancing is a great way to work out your body and enjoy it at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• Start slow--try a class before committing to a group. Find out if square dancing is for you and once you fall in love with it you can add more events to your schedule.
• Purchase or make your own outfits for the square dances. Shop at Western clothing stores to find the best checkered shirts and dresses, boots and buckles.