Square Dancing Miss Brown CSU Teaching Dance 16 November 2011

History Official American folk Dance Official American folk Dance June 1, 1982 June 1, 1982 Early settlers of the eastern seaboard Early settlers of the eastern seaboard Wanted no association with their mother countries Wanted no association with their mother countries Therefore, two types of square dancing Therefore, two types of square dancing French quadrille French quadrille Appalachian big set Appalachian big set KYFolklife_Brady.html

History Appalachian big set Appalachian big set Involves square dancing in circles of four Involves square dancing in circles of four Came before the square of eight we know today Came before the square of eight we know today French Quadrille French Quadrille Circle of eight Circle of eight Danced with visiting couples Danced with visiting couples

History Appalachian big set and French quadrille Appalachian big set and French quadrille Combined to form western square dancing Combined to form western square dancing Because the dance was performed farther west as our country was settled. Because the dance was performed farther west as our country was settled. Review this link for differing styles:

Teaching Suggestions Start with the simplest move, then add the next simplest and see what variations you can do. Add a third move when appropriate, never teaching too many at one time. Start with the simplest move, then add the next simplest and see what variations you can do. Add a third move when appropriate, never teaching too many at one time. The caller should strive to be the best possible square dancer before teaching others. The caller should strive to be the best possible square dancer before teaching others. Moves should be taught, taught again, and reviewed in succeeding sessions to ensure that the dancers know them. Moves should be taught, taught again, and reviewed in succeeding sessions to ensure that the dancers know them.

Teaching Suggestions Reinforce in a positive manner. Reinforce in a positive manner. Start with a big circle for teaching the early moves. Start with a big circle for teaching the early moves. To keep the dancers’ attention, mix the squares regularly in the beginning. To keep the dancers’ attention, mix the squares regularly in the beginning. Learning time should be fun time, full of discovery and excitement at each session. Don’t just say that square dancing is fun—show it! Learning time should be fun time, full of discovery and excitement at each session. Don’t just say that square dancing is fun—show it!

Teaching Suggestions If possible, callers should avoid using cue cards; this allows them to keep their eyes on the dancers. If possible, callers should avoid using cue cards; this allows them to keep their eyes on the dancers. Use costumes, scenery, and square dance songs to stimulate interest and a deeper under- standing of the history and people who began this type of folk dancing. Use costumes, scenery, and square dance songs to stimulate interest and a deeper under- standing of the history and people who began this type of folk dancing. Teach the dance by phrases rather than by counts. This is less confusing to the dancers. Teach the dance by phrases rather than by counts. This is less confusing to the dancers. See Page 183 for more See Page 183 for more

Square 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 call the patter call the singing call the singing call

Square Dance Calling Patter calling Patter calling In the patter call, the caller directs the dancers through many formations that eventually bring them back to their home positions. In the patter call, the caller directs the dancers through many formations that eventually bring them back to their home positions. Patter calling presents an element of surprise to the dancers. Patter calling presents an element of surprise to the dancers. They don’t know what sequence the caller is following and this challenges their skills. They don’t know what sequence the caller is following and this challenges their skills.

Square Dance Calling Singing Call Singing Call usually has seven choruses, all of which are sung usually has seven choruses, all of which are sung They have an opening figure, a main figure done by two head couples for two verses, a break, a main figure done by two side couples for two verses, and an ending. They have an opening figure, a main figure done by two head couples for two verses, a break, a main figure done by two side couples for two verses, and an ending. See page 183 for more information See page 183 for more information

Square Dance Calling When making up calls, think about eight moves at eight counts a piece for a total of 64 counts. When making up calls, think about eight moves 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 the phrase “honor your partners and honor your corners.” When starting out, it is always good to start with the phrase “honor your partners and honor your corners.” If students cannot complete their moves in eight counts, just wait until everyone has caught up before you make the next call. If students cannot complete their moves in eight counts, just wait until everyone has caught up before you make the next call.

Square Figures Square has four couples facing center Square has four couples facing center Females are on the right side of the males Females are on the right side of the males Remember, this can be gender neutral by using two differing colored jerseys, scarves, hats and so forth. Remember, this can be gender neutral by using two differing colored jerseys, scarves, hats and so forth.

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

Square Dance Video

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