ABOUT SQUARE DANCING

HISTORY OF MODERN WESTERN SQUARE DANCE

American square dance evolved from European folk dances: English, French, Irish, Scottish, Scandinavian and Spanish dances all influenced the evolution of square dancing. Initially there were many local and regional variations in American square dance, but, as the popularity of many decreased, western “cowboy dancing” became the image of square dancing. The music and dress of square dancing also evolved: from the fiddler playing country music to any music with a good beat, and from cowboy and country girl attire to pretty much any comfortable casual dress, square dancing has changed. Modern Western Square Dance was born after World War II; by the 1950’s it was clear that square dance needed a universal set of standards.

Callers and groups of callers began working to establish a standard set of calls and terminology. Callerlab was formed between 1971 and 1973 by a number of well-known and respected callers to coordinate and regulate the art of modern western square dance, to develop and implement a single consistent standard for square dance and to support, encourage and develop professional standards for callers. Their website, http://www.callerlab.org, defines expectations for callers and provides a wealth of information about square dancing. More recently The Square Dance History Project has digitized square dance music, movies and memorabilia. They offer several hundred square dance videos from as early as the 1930s on their website: http://www.squaredancehistory.org/

BENEFITS OF SQUARE DANCING

Square dancing provides a unique combination of physical, mental and social benefits. The American Heart Association tells us that a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can

  • Lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s, several types of cancer, and some complications of pregnancy
  • Better sleep, including improvements in insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea
  • Improved cognition, including memory, attention and processing speed
  • Less weight gain, obesity and related chronic health conditions
  • Better bone health and strength; improved balance, with less risk of injury from falls
  • Fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Better quality of life and sense of overall well-being

That’s two and a half hours of square dancing a week, which is equivalent to walking six to eight miles while burning 1000 to 2000 calories. And having fun at the same time! Or you could mow the lawn for two and a half hours per week.

In addition, academic studies at institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC, the University of Illinois Urbana, Ohio State University and Colorado State University have shown that square dancing also provides mental health and social benefits that you don’t get from mowing the grass.

When you learn to square dance, you learn a number of difference figures, or patterns; at a dance the caller will direct the dancers to do these figures in different combinations and starting from different positions. The challenge is to interpret and follow the caller’s lead; it’s like solving puzzles while you exercise. Square dancing is a uniquely beneficial activity because of this combination of physical and mental exercise. Memory, concentration and cognitive ability can all be improved, and it’s a good way to relieve stress as well.

Remember, you will be dancing with seven other people, and everyone must coordinate and cooperate to the caller’s directions. When it all comes together there is a wonderful flow and rhythm; when it doesn’t, we all have a good laugh, go back to our starting positions and start again.

Square Dancing is great way to meet people in relaxed, supportive social atmosphere. You will always be dancing with seven other folks, so you don’t need a partner to square dance. Come by yourself or come with a group of friends; whether you are a student in class or a guest at our dance, the Orange Coast Lariats will make sure that you have a place in a square. When you square dance you never know who you are going to meet.  Lifelong friendships are formed, and sometimes even more than friendships can result. 

So square dancing is fun, challenging, healthy, friendly … and maybe even addictive! Visit the Orange Coast Lariats and see for yourself.

LINKS

* Advanced level square dance clubs