From The Old To Modern Square Dance

How Square Dancing Once Was

How Square Dancing once was.

Posted by Mike Gormley – Square Dance Caller / Round Dance Cuer on Tuesday, May 1, 2018

I would like to make note that this video represents the transition of the original square dancing (before amplification) to the now modern Square Dancing. As a result of no modern technology, calls were more prompted, and involved 16, 32 and 64 beat routines simply because the prompter (now caller) had to yell at the top of his lungs to be heard over the crowd noise.

As a result of amplification, the caller could be heard without the yelling aspect of it, and the calls became shorter and quicker and more numerous. In the late 70’s, there were thousands of calls that were developed. As a result of this, Callerlab.org was organized and narrowed the list down to a max of around 120 calls through “Plus level”. Most clubs are Mainstream in the US. One does not need to learn all 120 calls to be Mainstream dancer.

Also not apparent in the Video, as is with most videos of Square Dancing on YouTube, is the social aspect of the activity. Friendships are developed and we look forward to gathering at the local Square Dance just to be with friends. This is the real draw to Square Dancing! A side benefit of course, is the exercise of body, mind and spirit. (and partake in the treat/food table in the back of the room)

It is human nature to view something like this and convince yourself that you can’t Square Dance. Take note, that most people Square Dancing now once thought the same thing. Are you really any different than someone who dances now? (Old metaphor) How does one eat an elephant? One bite at a time. (Oh come on… we eat cows, don’t we?)

We enjoy traveling to other clubs in various towns locally. On a broader basis, there are Festivals to attend to around the World depending on your resources. An RV is a favorite for those so inclined. be sure to youtube “Square Dancing” and you may see the difference.

If you are interested in this activity, you might visit my web site, CallerDave dot com.

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