First Steps in Square Dance
Your Journey Begins With These Foundational Moves
Square dancing is more than just a dance—it's a social experience, a piece of living history, and most importantly, incredibly fun! If you're taking your first steps into this wonderful world, you're in the right place.
Let's break down the essential moves that will have you do-si-do-ing with confidence in no time.
Circle Left & Right
The most fundamental move in square dancing. Dancers join hands and move in a circle, first to the left, then to the right, following the caller's direction.
How to Do It:
Join hands with adjacent dancers, take smooth side steps in the called direction, and maintain even spacing in the circle.
Forward and Back
A simple movement where all dancers move toward the center of the square, then back to their original positions.
How to Do It:
Take four steps toward the center, pause briefly, then four steps back to place. Keep your movements crisp and coordinated.
Do-Si-Do
The classic square dance move! Two dancers face each other, move forward passing right shoulders, then back to back, and return to position.
How to Do It:
Face your partner, walk forward passing right shoulders, continue moving around each other back-to-back, and return to your starting position.
Allemande Left
A graceful move where you take your corner's left hand, walk around each other, and return to your original position.
How to Do It:
Find your corner dancer, join left hands, and walk in a small circle around each other before releasing hands and returning home.
Swing Your Partner
The most romantic of square dance moves! A gentle, turning dance with your partner using the classic ballroom dance hold.
How to Do It:
Take your partner in dance position (right hands on waist, left hands joined), and turn together in a clockwise direction.
Promenade
A lovely couple's walk around the square. Partners stand side-by-side, holding hands in "skater's position," and walk together around the circle.
How to Do It:
Partners stand side-by-side, right hands joined over left hands, and walk smoothly around the square as directed.
Tips for Your First Dance
Listen to the Caller
The caller is your guide. They'll walk you through every move and help you stay on track.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be on your feet and moving. Comfort is key to enjoying your dance experience.
Don't Worry About Mistakes
Everyone was a beginner once! Laugh it off and keep dancing.
Smile and Make Eye Contact
Square dancing is social. Connect with your fellow dancers and enjoy the community.
Ready to Join the Dance?
Most communities have beginner square dance classes that welcome new dancers with open arms. It's the perfect way to learn in a supportive, fun environment.
