RULE #1: Come and have fun!
- Be on time for club and classes. One late couple or person may mean the three other couples or seven people might sit out until you arrive. The Caller leans heavily on the first and last dances or “tips” to pace the evening.
- Try not to leave early. Leaving early may leave the impression that you didn’t have a good time. There are certainly understandable reasons for occasionally leaving before the end of the dance, but as a general rule, try to avoid doing so.
- Personal care. This is very important to square dancing. Make sure to apply a good anti-perspirant and wash your hands before coming. You are going to sweat, and if you smell offensive, nobody will desire to partner with you. Don’t forget to sweeten your breath with a mint or gum before hitting the dance floor. (Garlic, onion, or cigarette breath can be offensive.) Freshening your clothes after a dance will keep outfits from smelling musty. Airing a dress before the dance will also help.
- Form a square quickly. When the Caller announces “square your sets”, join the nearest square that needs a couple. When looking for a square, raise your hand as you move across the dance floor. If your square is not full, raise your hand with as many fingers extended as couples are needed. If two or three couples are squared up, but do not have a hand up, they are waiting for someone who has promised to dance with them.
- Good listening. Square dance is based on listening to calls and cues. When announcements are being made, it is best not to be a distraction. Pause for a moment and give your full attention – that way you won’t miss anything. While resting on the sidelines, try to keep chatter down, so those who are watching the dance to learn can hear the calls that are being made.
- Courtesy. Introducing yourself and your partner to others in the square if you do not know them helps everyone feel more comfortable. Thank your square after the tip. Fancy kicks and twirls may interfere with what everyone else is doing – use good judgment. Leaving a square before the tip is over – unless it is an emergency – will inconvenience the other dancers. If possible, recruit someone to take your place before stepping out.
- Cooperation. Square dancing is an activity where everyone is responsible for creating a happy atmosphere. A square is made up of eight individuals working as a unit to make the tip a success. No one person is there to show off individually, but instead to do their part to help the square run smoothly. Wrecks happen from time to time. You will find dancers to be good-natured when this happens – it’s just part of the fun. Smile and try to catch up again. If you are more advanced, be patient with beginners – remember, you were once in their shoes.
- Manners count. Part of square dancing is behaving like Ladies and Gents. Bad language, crude jokes, and racial slurs have no place at the dance.
- Friendly conduct. Dancers often congratulate each other after a tip by hugging. However, some people are not comfortable with touching. If a handshake is offered, don’t insist on a hug. One arm, or side-to-side hugs are preferable to a full hug.
- Take it easy. Square dancing can be strenuous exercise. If your feet hurt or you are too tired to dance, sit out for a tip. Remember, if your heart is beating really fast, never sit down right away unless you are about to pass out. Walk to the bathroom or refreshment table, pace around the sideline, and let your heart slow down gradually before you sit. Over time, your endurance will increase.
- Have a good time. Come to the dance determined to create a pleasant atmosphere! Leave your cares behind and enjoy the event. Petty gossip, jealousies, and fault-finding have NO place at the dance – those conjure up negative negative feelings. Always be gracious to visitors and new members.