Tuesday - Chesapeake Squares - beginning July 5
Wednesday - Frederick County Promenaders - beginning September 7
Monday - Tom Thumb Squares - beginning September 12
Wednesday - Friendship Squares - beginning September 14
Check the calendar of events to find class details!
If you remember square dancing back in your school days, this is not it!
Modern, western square dancing is an intellectually stimulating, physically invigorating, health enhancing, socially engaging activity.
It is a world wide community comprised of millions of dancers all sharing the love of the dance and having fun. And, it is universal the world over. This feat is accomplished by having one square dance language, English, and one set of standardized choreography. The community is unlike any you may have experienced. We, and the entire dancing community, eagerly welcome all individuals, couples, and families wishing to try square dancing.
Learning opportunities can be a traditional class, an accelerated three-day course, or what is known as an ABC dance. These experiences are unique. Not only are they fun, the attendees quickly meld into a group of friends enthusiastically sharing the common experience. The new dancers may well establish long lasting friendships extending beyond the dance floor.
Dance clubs are virtually everywhere. A dancer who has mastered a series movements is welcomed and can dance anywhere in the world, period! The emphasis is on the word welcomed. It is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Adding to the joys of dancing is the fact that it is good for you. The list below provides are some of the health benefits of dancing:
· Tone your entire body
· Improve posture and balance
· Increased stamina and flexibility
· Reduce stress and tension
· Build confidence and skills
· 0pportunities to meet people
· Help fend off illnesses. (Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression)
· Dancing can burn as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle.
· The exercise from regular dancing can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol profile.
· The side to side movements of many dances strengthens you weight bearing bones (tibia, fibula and femur) and can help prevent or slow loss of bone mass (osteoporosis).
No matter which learning method you choose, you will learn a group of basic movements (termed calls) that are then used to form dances. Think of it this way. There are only thirteen notes in the musical scale but composers arrange these notes to form thousands of songs. In much the same way, a caller arranges the basic calls to form different dances.
Square dancing is a group dance for eight persons. This group of eight is coined a square. In a square, two dancers, typically a couple, align themselves on each of the four sides facing into the center of their group. There are no set patterns for a dance. The dancers have learned a number of moves which the caller then puts together to form the dance. The caller "calls" out these moves and the dancers execute the "calls". The dancers do not know which moves will be called next. Usually all dancers move together, although some calls are executed by just four people.
As a rule, Clubs dance twice a month with breaks through the summer. Most clubs dance in the evenings. Coffee and light refreshments are usually available to encourage socializing. Visiting multiple clubs in a month is common within the dancing community.
Dress is always causal when learning, and many times casual during dances. Each club decides on dress. The ladies may wear comfortable skirt to ensure freedom for moving. Prairie skirts are becoming more popular. The gentlemen wear a long sleeved shirt. Soft-soled shoes are a must for all.
Dancing is easy on the wallet. All this fun and entertainment costs less than the price of a movie.
One other thought, there are no competitions. Square dancing is recreational and done strictly for the fun of it.
Instruction for new dancers generally begins in September/October; some may start in January/February, others every 90 days. ABC dances can be joined anytime. Lookup an introduction dance today and get in on the fun and excitement. You'll thank yourself for the rest of your life. Click on the Free Introductory Dances item above to see opportunities in our federation. You may also send an email to president@marylandsquaredancing.com.
The Britsh Columbia Square and Round Dance Federation has developed a video titled Dancing Keeps You Young. Click Here to view the work.
So if you're tired of the treadmill and looking for a fun way to stay fit and healthy, it might be time to kick up your heels