Square DancingSquare DancingMiss BrownMiss BrownCSUCSUTeaching DanceTeaching Dance16 November 201116 November 2011

HistoryHistory

Official American folk DanceOfficial American folk Dance June 1, 1982June 1, 1982

Early settlers of the eastern seaboardEarly settlers of the eastern seaboard Wanted no association with their mother Wanted no association with their mother

countriescountries Therefore, two types of square dancingTherefore, two types of square dancing

French quadrilleFrench quadrille Appalachian big setAppalachian big set

http://www.wku.edu/kentuckyfolkweb/KYFolklife_Brady.html

HistoryHistory

Appalachian big setAppalachian big set Involves square dancing in circles of fourInvolves square dancing in circles of four Came before the square of eight we know Came before the square of eight we know

todaytoday

French QuadrilleFrench Quadrille Circle of eight Circle of eight Danced with visiting couplesDanced with visiting couples

HistoryHistory

Appalachian big set and French quadrilleAppalachian big set and French quadrille Combined to form western square dancingCombined to form western square dancing

Because the dance was performed farther west Because the dance was performed farther west as our country was settled.as our country was settled.

Review this link for differing styles:

http://www.cdss.org/sd-styles.html

Teaching SuggestionsTeaching Suggestions

Start with the simplest move, then add the Start with the simplest move, then add the next simplest and see what variations you next simplest and see what variations you can do. Add a third move when appropriate, can do. Add a third move when appropriate, never teaching too many at one time.never teaching too many at one time.

The caller should strive to be the best The caller should strive to be the best possible square dancer before teaching possible square dancer before teaching others.others.

Moves should be taught, taught again, and Moves should be taught, taught again, and reviewed in succeeding sessions to ensure reviewed in succeeding sessions to ensure that the dancers know them.that the dancers know them.

Teaching SuggestionsTeaching Suggestions

Reinforce in a positive manner.Reinforce in a positive manner.

Start with a big circle for teaching the early Start with a big circle for teaching the early moves.moves.

To keep the dancers’ attention, mix the To keep the dancers’ attention, mix the squares regularly in the beginning.squares regularly in the beginning.

Learning time should be fun time, full of Learning time should be fun time, full of discovery and excitement at each session. discovery and excitement at each session. Don’t just say that square dancing is fun—Don’t just say that square dancing is fun—show it!show it!

Teaching SuggestionsTeaching Suggestions

If possible, callers should avoid using cue If possible, callers should avoid using cue cards; this allows them to keep their eyes on cards; this allows them to keep their eyes on the dancers.the dancers.

Use costumes, scenery, and square dance Use costumes, scenery, and square dance songs to stimulate interest and a deeper under- songs to stimulate interest and a deeper under- standing of the history and people who began standing of the history and people who began this type of folk dancing.this type of folk dancing.

Teach the dance by phrases rather than by Teach the dance by phrases rather than by counts. This is less confusing to the dancers.counts. This is less confusing to the dancers.

See Page 183 for moreSee Page 183 for more

Square Dance CallingSquare Dance Calling

Square dancing is directed by a caller. Square dancing is directed by a caller.

There are two basic calls in square dance:There are two basic calls in square dance: the patter callthe patter call the singing callthe singing call

Square Dance CallingSquare Dance Calling

Patter callingPatter calling In the patter call, the caller directs the dancers In the patter call, the caller directs the dancers

through many formations that eventually bring through many formations that eventually bring them back to their home positions.them back to their home positions.

Patter calling presents an element of surprise Patter calling presents an element of surprise to the dancers. to the dancers. They don’t know what sequence the caller is They don’t know what sequence the caller is

following and this challenges their skills.following and this challenges their skills.

Square Dance CallingSquare Dance Calling

Singing CallSinging Call usually has seven choruses, all of which are usually has seven choruses, all of which are

sungsung They have an opening figure, a main figure They have an opening figure, a main figure

done by two head couples for two verses, a done by two head couples for two verses, a break, a main figure done by two side couples break, a main figure done by two side couples for two verses, and an ending. for two verses, and an ending.

See page 183 for more informationSee page 183 for more information

Square Dance CallingSquare Dance Calling

When making up calls, think about eight moves When making up calls, think about eight moves at eight counts a piece for a total of 64 counts.at eight counts a piece for a total of 64 counts. This is the usual length of a chorus in your music.This is the usual length of a chorus in your music.

When starting out, it is always good to start with When starting out, it is always good to start with the phrase “honor your partners and honor your the phrase “honor your partners and honor your corners.”corners.”

If students cannot complete their moves in eight If students cannot complete their moves in eight counts, just wait until everyone has caught up counts, just wait until everyone has caught up before you make the next call.before you make the next call.

Square FiguresSquare Figures

Square has four couples Square has four couples facing centerfacing center

Females are on the Females are on the right side of the malesright side of the males Remember, this can be Remember, this can be

gender neutral by using gender neutral by using two differing colored two differing colored jerseys, scarves, hats jerseys, scarves, hats and so forth.and so forth.

Gender Neutral SquareGender Neutral Square

The colors do not have The colors do not have to be apparent as blue to be apparent as blue and pink.and pink.

Square Dance VideoSquare Dance Video

http://youtu.be/p-wDn9QRjJ0http://youtu.be/p-wDn9QRjJ0

Review of PositionsReview of Positions

http://www.sca.org.au/del/ddb/sections/english_country_dance4.html