Learn to Square Dance

Track II Squares will be offering square dance lessons again in the spring of 2014. The following list of questions are intended to provide information about this fun filled activity. Please join us in the spring!

Q: What is square dancing?

A: A "Square" consists of eight people; one couple on each side of the square. A caller instructs the moves that the dancers are to make following the beat of the song. Square dancing can be done to any music that has a steady count of four beats. If you can count to four, you can square dance.

Q: How do i learn to square dance

A: Track II Squares will be starting a new class in the spring. Classes will begin at 7:30pm and end at 9:30pm. Lessons will be $4 per person. Our caller, Dave Wolfhope, is an excellent teacher who makes square dancing a lot of fun. Experienced club members will join in the dancing to assist and accelerate learning.

Q: Can I come and watch a dance sometime to see if I would like it?

A: Yes! Please stop by and visit. Track II Squares dances on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30pm at the address of 216 WPA Road, Salix, Pennsylvania. If you would like to contact us or need directions, please click on the contact/directions button on the left for information.

Q: Do I need a partner for the lessons?

A: No, If you do not bring a partner , A club member will dance with you or there may be others that need a partner. Two women can dance together also, one can learn the boys part (if you can't convince your husband to learn).

Q: I felt as though I had two left feet when I tried ballroom dancing. Is there a chance for success at square dancing?

A: Absolutely! Square dancing is quite a bit different from other types of dancing you may have tried. There are no patterned steps and no fancy footwork is required. It's more like walking in time with the music as you form moving patterns with the other dancers. If you can walk, you can square dance!

Q: What kind of music is used in square dancing?

A: Just about any kind! Much of the appeal of square dancing relates to the music. It can be done to any style of music ranging from country and western, rhythm and blues, rock, gospel, classical or oldies from the 50s or 60s if you prefer. You can even dance to some of the old favorite Christmas Carols.

Q: Are special clothes required for square dancing?

A: No, not unless you want to wear them. Some dancers wear square dance clothes and others wear casual clothes. Some women even wear the mid-calf prairie skirts. Long-sleeved shirts are preferred for men, and western-style shirts are very popular. Try to wear comfortable shoes with non-sticky soles.

Q: Will I be ready to dance with the club after lessons are over?

A: Absolutely! In fact, you will be dancing from the very first lesson. Square dancing is definitely an activity in which you "learn by doing". After learning a sufficient number of calls, students will be invited to dance with the club members after the time set aside for lessons. He will limit the calls to those that you already know.

Q: Is there alcohol at square dances?

A: No, Square dancing is an alcohol free activity. There is usually a special "wine and Cheese" night once a year where club members enjoy some wine and cheese "After" the dancing is over. Sometimes the club members will get together after the dance to socialize or enjoy a beverage, but alcohol is not permitted during the dance.

Q: Is square dancing a senior's only activity?

A: Absolutely not! All ages are welcome. Square dancing can be an activity that the whole family can enjoy. Dancers range in age from the teens well into the 80s. There are many seniors dancing because they began 30-40 years ago and they are still active.

Q: Why should I learn to Square Dance?

A: Because it is a heck of a lot of fun! Aside from fun and fellowship in a smoke-free, alcohol-free environment, square dancing has the benefit of being a low impact activity but great aerobic exercise. Mayo Clinic encourages square dancing because it burns a lot of calories, strengthens bones, and helps the cardiovascular system. It also may help to relive stress! While dancing, you are listening to a caller and following instructions leaving little time to worry. Square dancing involves constant movement along with quick directional changes. These factors work together to help keep your body in shape. It has been referred to as the "perfect exercise" because of the positive effects of continuous physical movement but with none of the negative effects. It is also a great mental exercise because you must quickly recall and execute the caller's instructions as you move from one formation to another.

Q: After I complete the lessons and join the club, will i be able to dance in other cities?

A: Yes! All calls are standardized and are used around the world. The international language of square dancing is English. There are clubs all over the United States where you can dance. Also, there are conventions that you can attend and dance with people from all over the United States.