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Square Dancing

Square Dancing. Miss Brown CSU Teaching Dance 16 November 2011. History. Official American folk Dance June 1, 1982 Early settlers of the eastern seaboard Wanted no association with their mother countries Therefore, two types of square dancing French quadrille Appalachian big set.

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Square Dancing

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  1. Square Dancing Miss Brown CSU Teaching Dance 16 November 2011

  2. History • Official American folk Dance • June 1, 1982 • Early settlers of the eastern seaboard • Wanted no association with their mother countries • Therefore, two types of square dancing • French quadrille • Appalachian big set http://www.wku.edu/kentuckyfolkweb/KYFolklife_Brady.html

  3. History • Appalachian big set • Involves square dancing in circles of four • Came before the square of eight we know today • French Quadrille • Circle of eight • Danced with visiting couples

  4. History • Appalachian big set and French quadrille • Combined to form western square dancing • Because the dance was performed farther west as our country was settled. Review this link for differing styles: http://www.cdss.org/sd-styles.html

  5. Teaching Suggestions • Start with the simplest move, then add the next simplest and see what variations you can do. Add a third move when appropriate, never teaching too many at one time. • The caller should strive to be the best possible square dancer before teaching others. • Moves should be taught, taught again, and reviewed in succeeding sessions to ensure that the dancers know them.

  6. Teaching Suggestions • Reinforce in a positive manner. • Start with a big circle for teaching the early moves. • To keep the dancers’ attention, mix the squares regularly in the beginning. • Learning time should be fun time, full of discovery and excitement at each session. Don’t just say that square dancing is fun—show it!

  7. Teaching Suggestions • If possible, callers should avoid using cue cards; this allows them to keep their eyes on the dancers. • Use costumes, scenery, and square dance songs to stimulate interest and a deeper under- standing of the history and people who began this type of folk dancing. • Teach the dance by phrases rather than by counts. This is less confusing to the dancers. • See Page 183 for more

  8. Square Dance Calling • Square dancing is directed by a caller. • There are two basic calls in square dance: • the patter call • the singing call

  9. Square Dance Calling • Patter calling • In the patter call, the caller directs the dancers through many formations that eventually bring them back to their home positions. • Patter calling presents an element of surprise to the dancers. • They don’t know what sequence the caller is following and this challenges their skills.

  10. Square Dance Calling • Singing Call • usually has seven choruses, all of which are sung • They have an opening figure, a main figure done by two head couples for two verses, a break, a main figure done by two side couples for two verses, and an ending. • See page 183 for more information

  11. Square Dance Calling • When making up calls, think about eight moves at eight counts a piece for a total of 64 counts. • This is the usual length of a chorus in your music. • When starting out, it is always good to start with the phrase “honor your partners and honor your corners.” • If students cannot complete their moves in eight counts, just wait until everyone has caught up before you make the next call.

  12. Square Figures • Square has four couples facing center • Females are on the right side of the males • Remember, this can be gender neutral by using two differing colored jerseys, scarves, hats and so forth.

  13. Gender Neutral Square • The colors do not have to be apparent as blue and pink.

  14. Square Dance Video • http://youtu.be/p-wDn9QRjJ0

  15. Review of Positions • http://www.sca.org.au/del/ddb/sections/english_country_dance4.html

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