How to Square Dance

Posted on February 22nd, 2009 by Carmelia

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No country dance is complete without the traditional square dance. Square dance is actually a dance that came from various traditions and cultures that were brought into the country by settlers. Polish up the different square dance steps before attending that country dance by learning them right here.

Dance steps in square dances are typically called “calls”, a call for each step. The call is supposed to guide you in what you’re supposed to do next, and each call can take from four to 32 counts each. There is typically an individual called the caller who will shout out these instructions.

Formation

Each “square” is made up of four couples, usually male and female in each. If the combination is not possible, the couple must agree who will perform the “girl” role.
The couples must stand in a square, facing the center, occupying one “side” of the imaginary square. The “head” of the square must be those occupying the “North” and “South” side of the square. The other two couples occupy the “West” and “East” side of the square.
Couple Number One are the couple on the “South” side of the square, and the counting goes on to the right. Couple Number Four must be the ones occupying the “West” side of the square.
Each corner is comprised of a boy from one couple paired with the girl on his left from another couple.
The couples must form a square formation, with everyone facing the center. The woman who is standing to her partner’s left side is in the man’s corner, while the man standing on his partner’s right side is standing on the woman’s corner.

Circle Family

All couples form a circle by linking hands with their partner and a person from another couple. Face slightly left or right, depending on the direction of the caller.
If the caller does not specify which direction to go in, the dancers go in a leftward direction.

Do Sa Do

This move will require only two couples to interact. In Do Sa Do, Couple One and Couple Three will interact while Couple Two and Couple Four are also paired accordingly.
The two couples advance forward until they are a few steps away from each other. Without turning, each individual must circle the the person they are facing to the left, right shoulders almost touching each other, backwards walk into the right, and back to their original position.

Forward and Back

Pairs must form a line, with all the boys on one side and the girls on the other.
Boys and girls must be facing each other, around four steps apart from each other.
Starting with the right foot, each must step forward to meet their partner. However, each step must be with the right foot only. The left foot must catch up with each step before the right foot makes another step.
After the third step, each one must step back from their partners again. This time, it is the left foot that must step backward, followed by the right foot. Step back three steps again.

Allemande Left

This dance step will involve some twirling with the person in your corner, so be prepared!
Turn to your left, reach out to your corner partner with your left arm and twirl with each other in a circle.
Once the circle is completed, let go at the point nearest to your original position and twirl back into position.

Promenade Family

Each couple must face their partner, forming a big circle with the other couples. The pair must then hold each other’s hand and do a twirl.
The couples must then form an X formation, with the men in the center and the girls outside. Still holding hands, all couples must then “promenade” or go around in a circle until they circle back to their original position.
The couples must simultaneously break the X formation and go back to the original square dance formation, everyone looking in the center.

These are just the most basic square dance steps. Feel free to mix them up, or learn more from square dance experts!