Square dancing has been bringing neighbors together in this Schuylkill County community for generations. If you've ever tapped your foot at a summer fair or watched eight dancers spin through a figure and thought, I want to try that—this guide is for you. Whether you're brand new or brushing off boots you haven't worn in years, here's everything you need to know to get started in our local square.
Where Square Dancing Fits in Lake Wynonah
Lake Wynonah isn't just a scenic private community nestled in the Pennsylvania hills—it's a place where front-porch culture still matters. Square dancing fits that spirit perfectly: it's social, low-pressure, and open to all ages. Many of our residents grew up with the tradition, while newcomers discover it at seasonal picnics, clubhouse socials, and the occasional outdoor hoedown near the lake.
The style you'll find here draws from Appalachian and Pennsylvania Dutch influences, with lively fiddle-forward music and callers who know how to keep a floor laughing through a missed turn.
What to Know Before You Step Onto the Floor
Do You Need a Partner?
Not necessarily. Most local events welcome singles and will rotate partners so everyone gets a chance to dance. That said, arriving with a friend or spouse can ease first-night nerves.
What Does It Cost?
Beginner nights at the Lake Wynonah Community Center typically run $5–$8 per person, with annual membership dances priced slightly higher. Check the community bulletin board or the Lake Wynonah events page for the current schedule.
What Should You Wear?
Comfortable shoes with smooth soles are essential—rubber grips can catch on wooden floors. Many dancers eventually invest in traditional square dance attire (full skirts, petticoats, bolo ties), but jeans and sneakers are perfectly acceptable for your first night.
Key Steps Every Beginner Should Know
These four figures form the backbone of most beginner-level dances. Practice them at home, and you'll feel far more confident when the caller starts singing out.
1. The Basic Step (Honor Your Partner)
Stand with feet together, knees slightly bent, weight balanced. On the caller's cue, step forward on your left foot, bring your right foot together, and pause—then step back on your right, bring your left foot together, and pause. This "step-together-pause" rhythm underlies every figure you'll learn. Keep your frame relaxed and your eyes up.
2. Do-Si-Do
Face your partner. Walk forward, passing right shoulders without touching. Continue around each other, then back up left shoulders to return to your starting position. The move takes about eight beats. Keep your eyes up and smile—it's part of the tradition.
3. Swing Your Partner
Join right hands with your partner and walk a small circle clockwise, then switch to a two-hand hold and turn counter-clockwise in a closer dance position. The swing should feel light and balanced; let momentum do the work.
4. Promenade
Take your partner's right hand in your right, left hand in left, and walk forward together. In a square formation, you'll typically travel counter-clockwise around the ring. Keep your joined hands at a comfortable shoulder height and move as a unit.
Tips for Success on the Floor
Listen first, move second. The caller is your guide, and their instructions arrive a beat or two before the action. Focus on the next figure, not the one you just finished.
Mistakes are part of the choreography. Even experienced dancers miss a cue now and then. The square works together to get everyone home—laugh it off and keep going.
Practice the rhythm anywhere. You don't need a partner to internalize the timing. Step through basic figures while listening to square dance music in your kitchen.
How to Join the Local Scene
The Lake Wynonah Community Center hosts beginner-friendly square dances on the first Friday of most months, September through May. These evenings start with a 30-minute walkthrough of basic figures, followed by a full dance with a live or recorded caller. Seasonal events—like the summer picnic dance held near the beach area—draw larger crowds and often feature local musicians.
For dancers ready to explore beyond the neighborhood, the Pennsylvania Square Dance Federation maintains a statewide calendar of festivals, lessons, and caller showcases.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Leave your perfectionism at home, wear comfortable shoes, and show up ten minutes early to meet the caller. Whether you grew up in this lake community or just moved in last month, there's a square waiting for you. We'll save you a spot.
