[Callers] How to explain the charms of square dances (was More on Programming)

[Rich Sbardella via Callers]

At all the traditional square dances I have attended in recent years,
squares are just part of the program.  Big circles are quite popular and
there are countless possibilities.  Many if not all of the dances danced as
visiting couples are danced in big concentric circles.  I often include a
contra or a wholeset when I call at such square dance venues.  Much of the
crowds are 20 somethings and the old time music is excellent.  Not a bad
possible future.
The wildness and chaos often serve to energize these events.
Rich
Stafford, CT

On Sat, Jun 27, 2015 at 9:38 AM, Tom Hinds via Callers <
callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Yes you are correct, pointing out the benefits of squares is a much better
> option than telling them to stay home.  I included that comment in hopes
> that callers might consider being less afraid of what dancers think.  I
> have no illusions that others would say that to a dancer.
>
> One aspect that makes squares attractive is the changing patterns.  For
> myself and others, dancing choreography that wasn't walked through is very
> enjoyable.  And changing the pattern doesn't have to be challenging.
>
> For partner changing squares there's a certain satisfaction/challenge in
> performing the choreography well as a group and ending with your partner
> again.  Picking the correct square for this is crucial-not too easy and not
> too hard.
>
> Some people enjoy dancing squares to music where the phrasing is less
> distinct.  It's hard for me to describe but it's like dancing without
> holding back.  Or could it be described as charging ahead?  Perhaps some of
> you can describe this gooder than I can.  This works well with driving old
> time music.
>
> Although I don't enjoy the visiting couple type square, I understand that
> there are a number of groups who enjoy these types of squares with very
> fast music.  In central Virginia there're getting large turnouts.  I'm told
> that most of these dancers are young and not contra dancers.  I often hear
> of other groups in the country where young dancers are discovering
> squares.  Is this the future?
>
> T
>
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