What is square dancing?
Well, the quick response would be,"Square dancing is fun and friendship, set to music." But that doesn't give you much information you can put to use, so let me try a different tact. Square dancing is movement by groups of 4 couples with each group arranged in a square. Their movements are set to music and directed by a caller.

"Modern Western Square Dancing" is also called "American Square Dancing". The "Universal Call Definitions" are defined by "CALLERLAB International Association of Square Dance Callers". CALLERLAB members have documented and negotiated an international agreement on the definition of all the calls we use. Calls are taught the same way in California as they are in New England - or "old" England, Germany, Japan, and everywhere worldwide. Calls are all in English!

Who square dances?
All sorts of people. Married couples and singles, college students, teenagers, senior citizens, and everyone in between. The primary benefit of square dancing is the social interaction between people. Square dancers look for opportunities to dance, and there are many. We dance at our club the second and fourth Fridays each month. We visit other clubs to dance with them and their caller. Guests are always welcome at Fiddlin' Owls. There are thousands of modern western square dance clubs in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world. AND THEY ARE ALL DANCING TO THE SAME SET OF CALLS ... IN ENGLISH!

Do I have to listen to country music all the time?
Yep. Such country greats as Aretha Franklin and the Beatles! We dance to a wide variety of music, from country, to traditional folk, to show tunes, to 60's rock and roll, to disco. I'll bet you never knew people square dance to "Pink Cadillac", did you?

I don't have a partner. Is that a problem?
Yes and No. Some clubs focus on "singles", some clubs focus on "couples", but our club has both. There is usually a shortage of the "other gender" on the dance floor, so a partner cannot always be guaranteed. You will find that, with a partner, you will have more dancing time than if you are "solo." If you do have a partner, bring him or her along! If you don't already have a partner to dance with, recruit one. They'll thank you for it.

Is square dancing good exercise?
Absolutely, although most of us forgot about the exercise benefit as soon as we started dancing. To keep it from being too healthful, we take breaks, socialize, and eat goodies. In spite of this, you should wear what you would wear for some vigorous walking; comfortable shoes or boots are a must. Square dancing is not the best way to break in a new pair of boots! The top two activities to retard the "aging" process are square dancing and bridge. Both allow you to learn and to exercise your mind, but square dancing has the advantage of all that good physical activity.

When and where else are Square Dances held?
Beginner groups are usually formed in the fall each year. New dancers can enjoy dancing with these groups, while learning the steps and moves. These groups usually meet on a week night, from 7:30 to 10:00. Some clubs might have the classes during the day or on Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00. To find a night and location convenient to you, see our class flyer page, our calendar, or check the Metro Atlanta Square Dance Association pages, or Georgia State Square Dancers Association, Inc. pages, for a group near you.