|
|
|
What Square Dancing Is "Square Dancing is Friendship Set to Music" This kind of sums up Square Dancing for those who have gotten into it. It is also great fun and great exercise. We'd love to have you join us. If you can walk, you can Square Dance! Square Dancing: Square dancing has been a part of the United States culture for over 200
years. It is
recognized as a true representation of the country’s fold traditions
and remains a popular pastime today due to
its health and social benefits. The History of Square Dancing Square dancing has a colorful history. It
began in New England when various immigrant
groups brought their national folk dances with them.
At the end of the 18th century, when settlers came into the Ohio Valley
and founded Kentucky they realized they could not dance their dances
in a big circle on the Green for fear of hostile Indians.
They were restricted to their log cabins, so they danced inside with four
couples in a square formation. Today, 31 states, including Missouri, have designated square dancing as
their State Folk Dance. Americans
have even introduced square dancing overseas where
it has been received enthusiastically in 50 countries.
This wholesome recreation is now enjoyed by millions of dancers
throughout the world and square dance calling is always in
English. Wheelers and Dealers
have a German couple (living in Germany)
who are members of the club! The Benefits of Square Dancing Square dancing is a healthy pastime. The
American Heart Association supports square dancing as a lifelong
activity. According to the
Mayo Clinic Health Letter, researchers attached pedometers to square dancers and
found that each person covered up to five miles in a single
evening. A doctor in Tulsa, Oklahoma put “cardio packs” on 16 dancers for an
evening and found that each 20 minute square dance tip had the same
beneficial effects on the heart as running a mile! But the major benefit is that it is just plain fun and give you the
opportunity to develop strong social ties that contribute to self-esteem and
positive out look. What is Square Dancing? Easy to Learn: If
you can walk, you can learn to square dance.
It is based upon walking in defined
directions for defined distances. Entertaining: The
caller is there to entertain and to challenge mentally, thereby making the
dancers forget about the day-to-day worries of the world. Music: Square
dancing uses many different types of music, including country and western, rock,
jazz, gospel and even light classical. Interactive: The
dance pattern is directed by a caller. Dancers
must listen to the caller to find out what to do next.
Callers also have to get a feel for the mood and ability of the dancers.
This two-way interaction truly makes square dancing unique. Fun: Ask
any square dancer how much fun they have. May
reluctant
husbands turn
into avid square dancers! Friendship: Square
dancers consist of a wide variety of backgrounds and
professions, but they all have one thing in common:
FRIENDLINESS! One gets a
whole different feeling about people when they are in the same square. Challenging or Easy: Square
dancing has a selection of programs available to match your interest and
ability. Fancy or simple.
Easy or challenging. You chose! Mentally Stimulating: Square
dancing exercises not only the body, but
also the mind. Team-based: You
are working together in perfect harmony with seven other people. Breaks Down Barriers: There
are no age, race, or faith limitations. A
wide variety of people are found at square dances. Special clothes: Traditional
square dance attire is not
necessary. Come
Join Us! The Wheelers and Dealers Square Dance Club always welcomes those who want to
learn more about square dancing. Our
club is made up of people of all ages, both couples and
singles.
Let us know you are coming to our lessons.
|