What is Square Dancing?
Square dancing is a form of folk dance characterized by four couples arranged in a square formation.
Key Features:
- Formation:
- Dancers form a square with four pairs of partners.
- Two couples are designated as head couples and two are designated as side couples.
- The couples have numbers starting with couple #1 who have their back to the caller. Couple #3 is directly across from couple #1. Couples #2 & #4 are the side couples.
- Calls: A caller directs the dance by announcing specific movements and sequences.
- Movements: Dancers perform a variety of figures and patterns, often involving intricate footwork and coordination.
- Music: Typically accompanied by lively music.
Cultural Significance:
- Square dancing has roots in European folk traditions and has evolved in the United States.
- It is often associated with community gatherings and social events like Desert Valley Squares.
Variations:
- Different styles exist, including traditional, modern, and competitive square dancing, each with unique characteristics and rules, but at Desert Valley Squares, we focus on social square dancing and fun!
Levels of Square Dancing
Square dancing has several recognized levels that indicate the complexity of the calls and movements involved. These levels are standardized by organizations such as the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (IAGSDC) and the Callerlab.
Below you’ll see the different levels of square dancing. All our club members dance at the Mainstream / Social Square Dance level or are currently learning.
Some of our current club members dance at the Plus and Advanced levels. These levels require a lot of practice, time, and dedication.
These levels are not for everyone and some of our dancers prefer to stay at the Mainstream / Social Square Dance or Plus levels.
You decide how far you want to go! After all, we are a very social group who love to dance but also socialize!
Each level builds on the previous one, requiring dancers to master the calls and formations before progressing.
Mainstream / Social Square Dance Level
- You’ll learn all the basic calls like Allemand Left and Do-Si-Do.
- There are approximately 70 calls at this level.
- Designed for beginner dancers and those with some experience.
- This level allows you to go to most other clubs and dance with no worries.
- All our club members know this level of dancing and this level is danced most often during our weekly sessions.
Plus Level
- You’ll further your skills with increased complexity with around 50 additional calls.
- You’ll get introduced to more intricate formations and movements.
- Understanding all of the Mainstream / Social Square Dance calls is a must before moving to this level.
- Many of our current dancers dance at this level.
Advanced Level
- Ready to really show off your skills then Advanced Level will prepare you.
- It consists of two sub-levels: A1 and A2.
- Level A1 includes about 40 calls, while level A2 adds around 30 more.
- The main focuses are on advanced techniques and formations.
- Some of our dancers dance at this level or are currently learning.
- This level of dancing is as far as our organization teaches and dances.
Challenge Level
- Even though we do not teach or dance at this level, we can guide you on where you can learn once you get to this level.
- This level is divided into C1, C2, C3, and C4.
- C1 has about 30 calls, C2 adds more complexity, and C3/C4 involve highly intricate movements.
- Designed for experienced dancers seeking a significant challenge.