The Square Dance Class
Students and experienced dancers called “angels” gather once per week at the dance hall to learn and practice new dance “calls”. Square Dance calls are directed movements spoken or sung by the “caller” in time with
Square Dance music.
You start with the very basic calls, and will sometimes learn between three and five new calls each class. You will also practice calls learned in previous weeks. You will gradually build up experience and your list of learned calls will grow.
Our callers can weave the many calls together in new and unique ways so that each lesson is varied and interesting. The angels are there to provide guidance and to help you if you have trouble.
Everyone who square dances “has trouble” and forgets a specific movement or call. You should never worry about this as it is a natural part of square dancing. Even the experts who have years of experience will make mistakes.
Angels and Getting Help
Every new student will be paired with an “angel sponsor”. While any angel can and is very willing to help, you will have your own special “angel sponsors”. Sponsors will be an experienced club member who you can turn to for questions, special help, or just general support. You do not have to dance in the every week with the same angel sponsors, and you will want to mix it up anyway and meet and dance with other dancers.
The Class “Mechanics”
The class which begins in January with most clubs although there are many clubs offering lessons throughout the year. The classes generally meet for approximately 2 hours every week. See specific club page for the exact times. Most classes will last approximately 18 week . If you miss a week because of travel or illness, you have several options. You can just return the next week, and can be “caught up” with reviews held during the beginning of each class.
The average class costs $5 per person per lesson. During the frequent breaks, you will meet new people and have great conversations.
Once you have almost completed the first two “levels” of square dance calls (known as BASIC and MAINSTEAM), Many clubs offer “New Dancer Dances” where you will have a chance to learn and practice your growing collection of mastered square dance calls. These dances will be special dances in which the callers will NOT call anything you have not already learned.