Tucked between Reading and the rolling hills of Berks County, Kenhorst may be a borough of just 3,000 residents, but it sits within one of Pennsylvania's most active square dance regions. Whether you're a complete beginner or returning after decades away, this guide will help you master the fundamentals and find your place in the local square dance community.
What Is Square Dancing?
Square dancing is a social dance form where four couples arrange themselves in a square—one couple per side, all facing the center. A caller directs the dancers through choreographed moves using standardized terminology, typically accompanied by fiddle-driven music, country standards, or even modern pop adaptations.
Unlike freestyle dancing, square dancing relies on listening and responding. The caller's instructions come in rhythmic phrases timed to the music, giving dancers just enough warning to execute each move smoothly. This call-and-response structure makes it accessible for beginners while offering endless complexity for experienced dancers.
Essential Steps Every Beginner Needs
Dosado (Do-Si-Do)
Dancers advance toward each other, pass right shoulders, slide back-to-back (the defining feature of this move), then continue around to pass left shoulders before returning to home position. Throughout, you maintain visual contact with your partner as you circle around them—think of it as walking around an invisible post between you.
Common pitfall: Beginners often try to face their partner throughout, which causes collisions. Trust the back-to-back passing; it's what gives Dosado its smooth, flowing quality.
Promenade
Couples join hands in a promenade position (skater's stance, side by side) and walk forward together in the direction called—typically around the ring of dancers, to home position, or into the center and back out. The caller determines the pattern and when to release.
Allemande Left
Dancers take left hands with their corner—the person standing beside you to your left, not your partner—and walk around each other in a half-turn, ending facing back toward the center of the square. This distinction matters: in mainstream square dancing, "corner" and "partner" are specific roles that interchange throughout an evening.
Pro tip: If you're unsure who your corner is at any moment, look to your left. In a properly squared set, your corner is always there.
Finding Square Dance Opportunities Near Kenhorst
Kenhorst itself doesn't host dedicated square dance venues, but its location in southeastern Pennsylvania puts it within easy reach of established clubs and regular dances. The region's square dance community has deep roots, with several clubs active within a 20-minute drive.
Nearby Options to Explore
Berks County and Greater Reading Area
- Contact the Berks County Recreation Department for seasonal dance listings and community center programming
- Check Boyertown Area School District's adult education offerings—historically a channel for folk dance instruction in the region
CALLERLAB-Affiliated Clubs
- Many southeastern Pennsylvania clubs affiliate with CALLERLAB, the international association of square dance callers. Their club finder tool can identify active groups within your preferred driving distance
- Look for clubs advertising "mainstream" or "plus" dance levels—these indicate standardized curricula that transfer between clubs nationwide
Special Events
- The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau maintains listings of heritage dance events, including annual square dance weekends and festivals within Berks, Lancaster, and Lehigh Counties
Before traveling to any club, call ahead. Most welcome beginners on specific nights or offer dedicated newcomer sessions. Drop-in fees typically run $6–$10 per person, with annual club memberships often available at reduced rates.
Your First Dance: What Actually Happens
Before You Arrive
- Footwear: Wear comfortable leather-soled or smooth-bottomed shoes. Rubber soles grip the floor and strain your knees during pivots. Many dancers bring separate dance shoes to change into at the hall.
- Clothing: Layers work best. Halls vary in temperature, and you'll warm up quickly. Casual attire is standard for club nights; special dances may encourage Western wear or festive dress.
- Hydration: Bring a water bottle. Talking and dancing simultaneously dries you out faster than you'd expect.
Evening Structure
A typical club night runs 2.5 to 3 hours and includes:
| Segment | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-rounds | Optional round dancing (choreographed ballroom-style dances) for early arrivals |
| Plus tips | Advanced-level squares for experienced dancers, often first |
| Mainstream tips | Your entry point—squares called at the beginner/intermediate level |
| Breaks | Social time, refreshments, and chance to meet other dancers |
| Last tip | Often a "singing call" |
