Square Dancing - An Early American Heritage

Square dancing has its roots in England and France. The earliest New England settlers would get together on Saturday evenings for community dancing and share in movements from their native countries. As a result, different forms of square dancing evolved. A wooden floor, music and somebody to call out the moves (known as a caller) was all that was needed to enjoy this lively dancing.

With the spread of square dancing throughout the country and all the different forms that developed, it became evident that the caller's commands needed to become standardized so that square dancers could dance anywhere with a consistent set of commands. Thus, the organization called CALLERLAB was established in the mid 1970s.

Square dancing is accomplished with four couples forming a square and stepping, spinning, turning, or changing partners based on commands from the caller. It can be done with as few as one square of couples, or as many squares that a dance floor will comfortably hold. Typically country western music is played for square dancing. Square dancers are known for their festive clothing.

Levels of proficiency were established in the 1970s based upon knowledge of various square dancing steps. In order to get into many square dancing clubs, a dancer may need to demonstrate the steps required to be at a given level. Though the popularity of square dancing has decreased since the 1970s, it is truly one of the earliest forms of dance and an American heritage. You can search online to find a square dancing club near you. Clubs offer classes as well as host dances.