The square dance is not an original American dance form.  It is a dance enjoyed by couples in sets of four and other times the entire couples group unites to perform.  It is a strenuous activity performed to western style music.  A caller announces the different sequences the dancers engage in.  Square dancing is a group activity and participants should be schooled in the sequences or they will disrupt the rhythm of the dance.

During the 1960’s and 70’s square dancing was more popular than it is today.  Then the dancers formed clubs, which met regularly and sported western style costumes.  The womens attire usually consisted of full colorful skirts with lots of ruffles and the men wore string ties with plaid shirts and jeans.  Fiddles and guitars dominated the music and a caller interjected dance commands to the rhythm.  Most callers were colorful and just as entertaining to listen to, as was the dance to participate in.

The reels of early settlers were carryovers from the mother countries.  Reels and the Irish jigs are precursors to the square dance.  It may be true that today children are exposed to square dancing in elementary school, yet in the 1940’s and 50’s it was the high school gym classes that taught the dance to combined girl/boy classes only once a year for a period of a week.  This was due perhaps to the fact that earlier grades did not have supervised play activities.  

Igosquaredancing.com will enlighten the newcomer about this dance form.  It is not a “Dancing with the Stars” menu but it is enjoyable to watch.  Square dancing is not for the faint of heart.  It is a strenuous activity and only those looking for fellowship and fun will make it a choice entertainment.  This webmaster shares with readers a knowledge of past and present square dancing history.  Visit this website to learn more and then look for a local organization to join.