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(a)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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