What is Modern Square Dancing?

 

The kind of square dancing we do is called “modern” square dancing. This type of dance is quite different from the traditional square dancing you may be familiar with. For example, our music choices include new and old country, classic rock, easy listening and classical tunes! We can dance to any genre of music.

 

The other main difference is that dancers learn a series of moves, and those moves are choreographed and then called by the caller. There is no pre-determined dance - it changes all the time! Dancers never know which move will be called next, so they must have quick recall of the moves they have learned. This is where your mind gets some exercise!

What is the difference between Old Time and Modern Square Dancing?

 

There was a time, not too many years ago, when square dancing was limited to only a very few moves, and those could usually be learned in an evening of dancing. This phase of the activity is what many people refer to as traditional square dancing.

 

Modern square dancing is derived from the traditional style. The dances were broken down into 'moves' which were given names. This way the dancer doesn't have to memorize the complete dance, just learn the moves. The moves can be choreographed in many different ways to make each dance interesting and fun to do. Modern square dancing can be done to a variety of recorded music. The traditional square dancing is usually done to live fiddle music jigs and reels.

 

There are no competitions in Modern Square Dancing, and no exams. It is done strictly for the fun, fitness and friendships that evolve. There are various programs within the square dance activity, each program encompassing an increasing number of calls. Dancers may choose to continue learning new moves or remain at the level accomplished. The Swinging Swallows Club teaches and dances the Basic, Mainstream and Plus levels of dance.

How do Modern Square Dancers learn the moves?

Anyone can learn to become a square dancer by joining a square dance club where the basic moves are taught. For Upper Ottawa Valley area, the Swinging Swallows are your local dance club.

 

What countries have square dance activities?

Modern Square Dancing is a worldwide activity. Square dance calls are standardized and are called in English words in all countries. Once dancers have learned the calls, they can dance at any club or square dance event anywhere in the world.

• Cardiovascular fitness Dancing is a safe way to exercise. The level of exertion is up to each participant. You can rev it up for a high intensity workout or take it easy for a relaxing, yet beneficial workout. Dancing regularly can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and an improved cholesterol profile.
  
  
• Body and brain boost. Square dancers react to calls as they are given. This forces the body and brain to be tightly coordinated. A number of the calls are memorized which keeps the brain sharp.
  
  
• Calorie burn Dancing burns between 200 and 400 calories every 30 minutes of dancing. That’s equivalent to walking or riding a bike. It is estimated that a typical square dancer can expect to clock about 3 to 5 km per dance evening.
  
  
• Sturdy bones The side to side movements of dancing strengthen weight-bearing bones, tibia, fibula, and femur, and help prevent the slow loss of bone mass
  
  
• Rehabilitation. Dancing is a way to get back in the swing of things if you are recovering from an injury. Dancing keeps your joints moving, and is nice alternative to jogging or other high-intensity activities.
  
  
• Healthy environment Modern square dances are smoke and alcohol free.
  
  
• Social Aspects Square dancing is a great way to meet people in a non-threatening, relaxed social atmosphere. You never know who you are going to meet. Lifelong friendships are formed, and many have met the love of their life.
  
  
• Marital Bliss If you’re dancing with your spouse/partner your relationship will benefit because of the common activity, experiences and friends. It’s a ‘night out’ together when you can enjoy each others’ company.
  
  
• Stress relief Since Square Dancing is led by a leader giving commands, you become so focused on the “task at hand” that your other mental worries are forgotten, at least for a couple of hours.
  
  
• Mental health. Studies at the Mayo Clinic have shown that activities that involve both physical and mental activity at the same time, and modern square dancing in particular, help to slow the onset of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
  
  
  To sum up, modern square dancing is just good, clean, healthy FUN!