Subj : Welcome To Square Dancing
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri Jun 04 2021 00:03:04

  Would you like to be a part of a worldwide hobby that is:

* Friendly, holsum, and fun for the entire family
* A good source of exercise and fellowship with others
* Good clean fun (alcoholic beverages are prohibited)
* Done worldwide by dancers of all backgrounds and ages
* Cheaper than going to a movie or most other activities
* Held in a United States city for their yearly national convention

  If so, welcome to the world of square dancing!!

  Modern western square dancing originated with Lloyd Pappy Shaw and his
Colorado Dancers in the 1940's, and even though it has undergone many
changes over the years, it can still trace its roots back to that.

  In highlighting the points above, the activity is perfect for either
individuals, or families of all ages. We do NOT allow the consumption of
alcoholic beverages before or during a square dance, and that's a hard
and fast rule, worldwide. If dancers wish to go out and drink after a
dance, that's their business...but, many clubs will order dancers who
show up drunk to leave the premises.

  Most dances will last 2 hours, with breaks between the "tips", so one
doesn't run themselves ragged. But, if one dances each "tip", it's
equivalent to a 4 mile walk. A "tip" is defined as a "patter call"
(square dance calls to music), followed by a "singing call" (a song
customized with square dance moves within it). There is food and
non-alcoholic drink at the dance, so one can grab a quick snack or drink
between the tips.

  Dancers come from all backgrounds, countries, races, jobs, incomes,
etc...but ALL come together as one on the dance floor...especially since
all the calls are done in ENGLISH. In fact, many of the callers around
the world speak their native tongue, but speak English while calling a
square dance!! Both clubs for married couples and single square dancers
exist across the country, and around the world. In my dancing over the
last 14 years, I've seen people as young as 2 to as old as 85 dancing.

   But, square dancing isn't as expensive as one might think. As with
all hobbies, you put as much into it after you graduate from classes as
you want. Many classes will have a "recycled shop" one evening of the
classes, where students can purchase "recycled" square dance apparel,
at good prices...usually much cheaper than brand new apparel. Square
dance attire usually consists of long sleeve style western shirts and
long pants (slacks or jeans) for the men, and either square dance
dresses or prarie skirts for the ladies. New dancers won't have to worry
about having this attire until they are finished with the classes.
During the class, you can dress "casual", in whatever feels comfortable,
as long as it's "decent".

  Some dancers prefer to dance just with their local area clubs...while
others will travel across the country or around the world to dance with
big time festivals. The National Square Dance Convention (R), dubbed as
"The World's Greatest Square Dance Event", has been held in a different
United States city every year since 1951, when Riverside, California
hosted the first convention. The convention is always held in the 4 days
preceding and including the last full weekend of June. Besides square
dancing, there's:

* Round dancing (similar to ballroom dancing)
* Line dancing
* Contra dancing
* Clogging
* Dancing for youth and single square dancers
* Dancing starting around 10am, and lasting until 12 midnight (you don't
have to dance continuously...see related message that is posted routinely
in this message area ).
* Vendors that provide square dance apparel, badges, and accessories
* Educational panels where one can learn more about different aspects of
the hobby

  There are also plenty of places to get food and non-alcoholic drink at
the convention site, with many other restaurants usually nearby.

  Although attendance has declined over the years, attendance has ranged
from nearly 40,000 dancers at the NSDC in Anaheim, California in 1976,
to nearly 22,000 dancers at the 1994 NSDC in Portland, Oregon.

  The Single Square Dancers hold their national convention (the
Labor Day Dance-A-Rama (DAR), held by Single Square Dancers USA) each
year over the Labor Day Weekend, again in a different city. I haven't
danced with as many of these as I have with the NSDC, but these are
mainly for single square dancers. The NSDC has both singles and couples.

  I hope to see you at the classes, and dance with you on the dance
floor someday.
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
 * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

.