Frequently Asked Questions
Is square dancing hard?
A: Most beginners feel that old-time square dancing is pretty easy. All you need to do is learn a few simple moves like "do-si-do" and "swing yo' partner". You can jump in and learn while dancing, or come early for the 7:30 intro to learn all you need to know. No fancy footwork is required and the caller tells you everything to do.
I'm so shy, what happens if I come to the dance all by my lonesome?
A: It's a friendly scene - if you come all by yourself you'll meet new people who like to dance and have fun.
Square dancing? Ha ha! Isn't that the hokey cheeze we done in grade school PE?
A: Well now that you made it through puberty try it again, my friend. No puffy costumes required here, but for the full desired effect you must be willing to get hog wild.
What kind of clothes should I wear?
A: Wear something comfortable that expresses your personality. To say we're an informal bunch is an understatement. Just make sure your private parts are covered and you are wearing some sort of shoes.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
A: You ought to wear soft-soled shoes. Shoes with smooth, thick leather soles or are preferred. Some tennis shoes or dress shoes with rubber soles could be okay if they have smoother, non-sticky soles. Please avoid wearing boots, tap dancing shoes, soccer cleats, ice-skates, or any other kind of footwear that will scuff the floor. Sandals usually don't work too well. Bare feet present a high risk of pain and disfigurement, which may or may not be to your liking.
What's the difference between contra dancing and old-time square dancing?
A: The two styles of dance are pretty similar and there is a lot of overlap in the crowds that attend each. Square dance callers tend to focus on traditional southern dances that can often be traced back through the centuries. Most contras are modern dances composed within the last 15 years that have been optimized to keep dancers walking through figures continuously, up and down a big line. In old-time square dancing it is common for the caller to improvise calls on the fly, allowing for a dynamic interaction between the caller and the dancers. Contra dances are highly repetitive, which some people like because they can trance out as they move and up down the line. Old-time squares also have more "space" in the figures for dancers to express themselves with freestyle footwork.
At a typical square dance there will be more variety in dances, often including squares, half-sets, round dances, reels, waltzes, two-steps, and other regional dances that defy categorization. Most contra dances focus on long-line dances with occasional waltzes.
Old-time square dances feature string bands playing straight-up, hard-driving, old school banjo and fiddle music. Contra dances have more variety in the types of bands that play, but tend towards a more modern mix of Celtic, New England, and Old Time music, and often have keyboards and percussion in addition to fiddles
Should I go to the square dance or contra dance this month?
A: Go to both! You can never dance too much. Either is better than TV! Square dance beats (Spongebob) square pants any day.
What's the difference between old-time square dancing and modern western square dancing?
A: "Modern western square dancing" evolved after WWII and has a strong focus on performance and exhibition. Western squares often involve costumes, pre-recorded music, club membership, and difficult dance figures that people actually practice. Old-time squares are more informal and party-like and always have live string band music.
What is that shuffling step-dancing people are doing?
A: It's called flatfoot, buck, or clog dancing. It's a traditional freestyle dance that used to be common throughout the southeastern U.S. Ask anyone who is doing it to show you a basic step and they'd be happy to oblige, I'm sure. You can also ask any of the dance organizers for some instructions. If you want to get serious you can join a local a clogging group like Apple Chill Cloggers or Cane Creek Cloggers.
What should I do after the square dance?
A: Join fellow dancers and musicians at the late-night dance party / jam session. Directions are provided at the dance. What you do after the party is your own bidness.
How can I learn to call dances?
A: Calling old-time squares is a skill that is becoming more rare as time passes. We are very supportive of anyone who wants to develop this skill and learn the old calls and dances. Most callers will be happy to share any patter, calls, or dances with you.
How can I learn to play old-time music?
A: If you got the time and money you can check out any of the numerous workshops around the region (Swannanoa Gathering, Mars Hill, etc.). Come to a square dance and the musicians there (both in the band and dancing) will be happy to give you info about jams, events, and lessons in the area.
Is square dancing hard?
A: Most beginners feel that old-time square dancing is pretty easy. All you need to do is learn a few simple moves like "do-si-do" and "swing yo' partner". You can jump in and learn while dancing, or come early for the 7:30 intro to learn all you need to know. No fancy footwork is required and the caller tells you everything to do.
I'm so shy, what happens if I come to the dance all by my lonesome?
A: It's a friendly scene - if you come all by yourself you'll meet new people who like to dance and have fun.
Square dancing? Ha ha! Isn't that the hokey cheeze we done in grade school PE?
A: Well now that you made it through puberty try it again, my friend. No puffy costumes required here, but for the full desired effect you must be willing to get hog wild.
What kind of clothes should I wear?
A: Wear something comfortable that expresses your personality. To say we're an informal bunch is an understatement. Just make sure your private parts are covered and you are wearing some sort of shoes.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
A: You ought to wear soft-soled shoes. Shoes with smooth, thick leather soles or are preferred. Some tennis shoes or dress shoes with rubber soles could be okay if they have smoother, non-sticky soles. Please avoid wearing boots, tap dancing shoes, soccer cleats, ice-skates, or any other kind of footwear that will scuff the floor. Sandals usually don't work too well. Bare feet present a high risk of pain and disfigurement, which may or may not be to your liking.
What's the difference between contra dancing and old-time square dancing?
A: The two styles of dance are pretty similar and there is a lot of overlap in the crowds that attend each. Square dance callers tend to focus on traditional southern dances that can often be traced back through the centuries. Most contras are modern dances composed within the last 15 years that have been optimized to keep dancers walking through figures continuously, up and down a big line. In old-time square dancing it is common for the caller to improvise calls on the fly, allowing for a dynamic interaction between the caller and the dancers. Contra dances are highly repetitive, which some people like because they can trance out as they move and up down the line. Old-time squares also have more "space" in the figures for dancers to express themselves with freestyle footwork.
At a typical square dance there will be more variety in dances, often including squares, half-sets, round dances, reels, waltzes, two-steps, and other regional dances that defy categorization. Most contra dances focus on long-line dances with occasional waltzes.
Old-time square dances feature string bands playing straight-up, hard-driving, old school banjo and fiddle music. Contra dances have more variety in the types of bands that play, but tend towards a more modern mix of Celtic, New England, and Old Time music, and often have keyboards and percussion in addition to fiddles
Should I go to the square dance or contra dance this month?
A: Go to both! You can never dance too much. Either is better than TV! Square dance beats (Spongebob) square pants any day.
What's the difference between old-time square dancing and modern western square dancing?
A: "Modern western square dancing" evolved after WWII and has a strong focus on performance and exhibition. Western squares often involve costumes, pre-recorded music, club membership, and difficult dance figures that people actually practice. Old-time squares are more informal and party-like and always have live string band music.
What is that shuffling step-dancing people are doing?
A: It's called flatfoot, buck, or clog dancing. It's a traditional freestyle dance that used to be common throughout the southeastern U.S. Ask anyone who is doing it to show you a basic step and they'd be happy to oblige, I'm sure. You can also ask any of the dance organizers for some instructions. If you want to get serious you can join a local a clogging group like Apple Chill Cloggers or Cane Creek Cloggers.
What should I do after the square dance?
A: Join fellow dancers and musicians at the late-night dance party / jam session. Directions are provided at the dance. What you do after the party is your own bidness.
How can I learn to call dances?
A: Calling old-time squares is a skill that is becoming more rare as time passes. We are very supportive of anyone who wants to develop this skill and learn the old calls and dances. Most callers will be happy to share any patter, calls, or dances with you.
How can I learn to play old-time music?
A: If you got the time and money you can check out any of the numerous workshops around the region (Swannanoa Gathering, Mars Hill, etc.). Come to a square dance and the musicians there (both in the band and dancing) will be happy to give you info about jams, events, and lessons in the area.