What is Square Dancing?

   Well, the quick answer is: Square dancing is fun and friendship, set to music.
To elaborate, square dancing is danced by groups of 4 couples 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’. Calls are taught the same way in California as they are in New England - or ‘old’ England , Germany , Japan , and everywhere worldwide. Calls are always in English!

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Who Square Dances?

    All sorts of people: married or single, college students, teenagers, seniors, and everyone in between. The primary benefit of square dancing is fun and social interaction. Square dancers look for opportunities to dance, and there are many. Country Capers holds dances the first and third Saturdays each month. We visit other clubs to dance with them and their caller. Guests are always welcome at Country Capers.
   There are thousands of modern western square dance clubs through out the United States , Canada , and the world. AND THEY ALL DANCE TO THE SAME SET OF CALLS ... IN ENGLISH!

Do I have to Listen to Country Music all the Time?

    Depends on your definition of ‘country.’ Music can feature such artists as Aretha Franklin and the Beatles! We dance to a wide variety of music; country, traditional folk, show tunes, rock and roll, even disco. I'll bet you never knew people square dance to ‘Pink Cadillac’, did you? Remember, it’s all about having fun.

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I Don't Have a Partner. Is That a Problem?

    Not Really. Some clubs focus on ‘singles’, others on ‘couples’. A partner cannot always be guaranteed. You will find that, with a partner, you’ll have more dancing time than if you are ‘solo.’ If you do have a partner, bring them along! If you don't have a partner to dance with, recruit one. They'll thank you for it and the fun. If you come to lessons without a partner, the club has plenty of "Angels" who will make sure you dance.

Is Square Dancing Good Exercise?

   Absolutely, although most of us forget about that as soon as we start dancing. To keep it from being too healthful, we take breaks, socialize, and eat goodies. For your first few lessons you should wear comfortable clothes and shoes or boots.
   Square dancing is not the best way to break in a new pair of boots!
   Square dancing is one of the top activities to retard the ‘aging’ process. It allows you to learn and exercise the mind as well as the body, and it’s great fun.

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When and Where Else are Square Dances Held?

   There are multiple dances almost every Saturday evening in the Portland/Vancouver area. Most clubs host dances twice a month.
   Beginning dance lessons start in the fall each year. New dancers can enjoy dancing, while learning the steps and moves.
    Our classes are on Thursday nights, from 7:00 to 9:00 with a snack break around 8:00.
   Our first introductory lesson is on September 10th.

Where else can I find information?

Here are just a few websites that may be helpful.

The Portland Area Council DancePAC.org

Oregon Federation of Square & Round Dance Clubs squaredance.gen.or.us/

Square & Folk Dance Federation of Washington squaredance-wa.org/

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