What do I need to know about square dancing?
October 7, 2011 3:14 PM Subscribe
Should I be as terrified as I am of square dancing?
This is sort of a ridiculous situation....I was asked out on a square dancing date by someone who has only done it one time before. I've never done it, am totally clumsy (but cool with that), and agreed to go because it is something new and what the heck is the worst that could happen? Well, now I'm sort of panicking. What should I expect? What actually *is* the worst thing that could happen? It's at a local bar in an urban area with live music....and that's really all I know about it!
This is sort of a ridiculous situation....I was asked out on a square dancing date by someone who has only done it one time before. I've never done it, am totally clumsy (but cool with that), and agreed to go because it is something new and what the heck is the worst that could happen? Well, now I'm sort of panicking. What should I expect? What actually *is* the worst thing that could happen? It's at a local bar in an urban area with live music....and that's really all I know about it!
Square dancing is a lot of goofy, silly fun, and it's really enjoyable -- it's kind of like miniature golf, in that you're all there to have a good time and not take it too seriously. (Unless you're in with a group of serious square dancers, but I don't think you're going to get that at a bar.)
posted by BlahLaLa at 3:24 PM on October 7, 2011
posted by BlahLaLa at 3:24 PM on October 7, 2011
Ha, are you going to the Tractor on Monday night? They start off with beginner stuff, so show up at the start so you can work up to the harder stuff later on without being totally overwhelmed right off the bat. I am terribly clumsy and hadn't been to a square dance since eighth grade when I agreed to go on a first date with someone who was something of a regular, and it was totally fun. The Tallboys are a fun band to see live, if you decide you don't want to dance the whole time! And beer helps. A lot.
posted by adiabat at 3:26 PM on October 7, 2011
posted by adiabat at 3:26 PM on October 7, 2011
Best answer: Is it at the Tractor Tavern here in Seattle? I've been to that more times than I can remember. It is super-fun, the people there are super-nice, and usually it is the first time for maybe 25 to 50 percent of the crowd. Most of the people are young, and everyone is there mainly to have a fun time rather than to pursue some high level of ability.
All the dances are called. This means there is a caller who will tell you what to do as you slowly practice the dance, and then will tell you the instructions again as you go through the dance. Square dancing has a minimum emphasis on footwork or fine motor control. Mainly being where the caller just told you to go is the most important thing. If you have a sense of rhythm, that's great, but I've danced with many people who don't seem to and they do just fine and still have fun.
It gets warm in there! I recommend wearing cool clothing. A skirt is probably helpful. Comfortable shoes are a must. Some people really like to dress up, but no one is judging your clothing choices.
It's best if you show up near the beginning, as adiabat says. You will still have a good time even if you don't—you'll just find the experience a little more chaotic.
This is absolutely the best place anywhere for a first introduction to any kind of folk dancing. Have a great time!
posted by grouse at 3:32 PM on October 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
All the dances are called. This means there is a caller who will tell you what to do as you slowly practice the dance, and then will tell you the instructions again as you go through the dance. Square dancing has a minimum emphasis on footwork or fine motor control. Mainly being where the caller just told you to go is the most important thing. If you have a sense of rhythm, that's great, but I've danced with many people who don't seem to and they do just fine and still have fun.
It gets warm in there! I recommend wearing cool clothing. A skirt is probably helpful. Comfortable shoes are a must. Some people really like to dress up, but no one is judging your clothing choices.
It's best if you show up near the beginning, as adiabat says. You will still have a good time even if you don't—you'll just find the experience a little more chaotic.
This is absolutely the best place anywhere for a first introduction to any kind of folk dancing. Have a great time!
posted by grouse at 3:32 PM on October 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks!
Adiabat and grouse - Yep, the tractor! I'm glad to hear about your specific experiences there! Google wasn't helpful in describing the atmosphere/skill level required.
This is all really good to hear...this is a second date and while I really am totally cool with my clumsiness and trying something new, I also don't want it to be a disaster. I have a picture in my head of really serious square dancing people being really, really annoyed with someone messing them up and me getting yelled at and being embarrassed...ridiculous, I know. I really don't want to spend the entire weekend getting myself all worked up and nervous about this, so I appreciate all the info.
Thanks again!
posted by jengineer at 3:36 PM on October 7, 2011
Adiabat and grouse - Yep, the tractor! I'm glad to hear about your specific experiences there! Google wasn't helpful in describing the atmosphere/skill level required.
This is all really good to hear...this is a second date and while I really am totally cool with my clumsiness and trying something new, I also don't want it to be a disaster. I have a picture in my head of really serious square dancing people being really, really annoyed with someone messing them up and me getting yelled at and being embarrassed...ridiculous, I know. I really don't want to spend the entire weekend getting myself all worked up and nervous about this, so I appreciate all the info.
Thanks again!
posted by jengineer at 3:36 PM on October 7, 2011
I have a picture in my head of really serious square dancing people being really, really annoyed with someone messing them up and me getting yelled at and being embarrassed
I have never seen something like that happen here, even when people mess it up to the point where the whole dance falls apart. When that happens most people just laugh and pick things back up. Do not worry about this.
posted by grouse at 3:42 PM on October 7, 2011
I have never seen something like that happen here, even when people mess it up to the point where the whole dance falls apart. When that happens most people just laugh and pick things back up. Do not worry about this.
posted by grouse at 3:42 PM on October 7, 2011
I did it in 5th-6th grade or so with lots of cute girls. As stated by lunasol, square dancing is really very simple in nature depending on the dj. The fact that it is at a bar at all screams every person who is drunk and a beginner will be rumbling on the dance floor.
You surely can pull this off...
posted by Bodrik at 4:07 PM on October 7, 2011
You surely can pull this off...
posted by Bodrik at 4:07 PM on October 7, 2011
Often the more experienced dancers will gently steer n00bs in the right direction, handing them off or giving a friendly little nudge to set them on the right course. It's good-natured and really does help avoid tangles and crashes.
This is also a great excuse to wear your biggest poofiest skirt/dress and petticoat and twirl like you're 6 years old again!
posted by Quietgal at 4:11 PM on October 7, 2011
This is also a great excuse to wear your biggest poofiest skirt/dress and petticoat and twirl like you're 6 years old again!
posted by Quietgal at 4:11 PM on October 7, 2011
I was an awesome square dancer in 5th grade. That should give you a sense of the skill required. They taught entire classes of 5th graders and we were all awesome. It'll be fun and you'll do fine.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 5:30 PM on October 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 5:30 PM on October 7, 2011 [1 favorite]
I am the sort of person who does a Hip Hop exercise video and my Hip Hop looks more like Hoe Down. I'm a klutz. Plus, I had a life-long aversion to gym class. That said, my favorite part of every school year from kindergarten through fifth grade was doing the square dancing unit in PE.
The hardest part is discerning your left from your right; otherwise, listen to the caller and give yourself over to the experience. Don't forget to stay hydrated -- it may seem like lightweight cardio, but you'll be moving quite a bit. I can't tell you how envious (of you) and nostalgic I am right now! Have a wonderful time.
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 6:02 PM on October 7, 2011
The hardest part is discerning your left from your right; otherwise, listen to the caller and give yourself over to the experience. Don't forget to stay hydrated -- it may seem like lightweight cardio, but you'll be moving quite a bit. I can't tell you how envious (of you) and nostalgic I am right now! Have a wonderful time.
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 6:02 PM on October 7, 2011
I've been contradancing, and it was fun and no one got mad. That said, everyone was like, "you'll get the hang of it," and I totally didn't get the hang of it. But it was still fun (they did some square dancing in the middle of the night and it was similar in spirit to the contradancing).
posted by stoneandstar at 7:40 PM on October 7, 2011
posted by stoneandstar at 7:40 PM on October 7, 2011
Not done square dancing, but I've done other folk-type dancing like it (Irish set dancing); and I guarantee that what's going to happen is that you'll all gather into groups, the MC will announce the name of the next dance, and then everyone in each of your groups will all huddle around the one person who actually knows how to do that dance, while they tell you "Okay, first when he says 'allamande left,' here's what that means...."
But then after you start, you'll have about 30-50% of the people in your group still mess up. sometimes you, sometimes someone else, but people will go the wrong way, step on each other's feet, fall over, spin out of control, run into each other, get confused and stand paralyzed like deer in headlights, grab the wrong partner, etc. I also guarantee, however, that seeing that no one else really knows what's going on either will make you relax and you will have a blast.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:50 PM on October 7, 2011
But then after you start, you'll have about 30-50% of the people in your group still mess up. sometimes you, sometimes someone else, but people will go the wrong way, step on each other's feet, fall over, spin out of control, run into each other, get confused and stand paralyzed like deer in headlights, grab the wrong partner, etc. I also guarantee, however, that seeing that no one else really knows what's going on either will make you relax and you will have a blast.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:50 PM on October 7, 2011
I went for the first time a few months ago. They should definitely start off easy, and then gradually ramp up the difficulty. Difficulty here would be more complicated sequences and where one couple is doing something completely different than the others, like dancing down between them in a line.
I was also a bit worried that the experts would get annoyed, but, to be honest, they know what they are getting into. They are there because they want to hang out with a large enthusiastic group of newbies. There are other events where everyone already knows the steps, where they can get annoyed. Also, as the evening goes on, new people tend to get bored and go drink, so it naturally works out.
I had a blast!
posted by smackfu at 8:00 AM on October 8, 2011
I was also a bit worried that the experts would get annoyed, but, to be honest, they know what they are getting into. They are there because they want to hang out with a large enthusiastic group of newbies. There are other events where everyone already knows the steps, where they can get annoyed. Also, as the evening goes on, new people tend to get bored and go drink, so it naturally works out.
I had a blast!
posted by smackfu at 8:00 AM on October 8, 2011
Newcomers are usually welcome. You can always ask if a dance is appropriate for new dancers. Arrive promptly, as teaching is generally at the start of the dance. You can learn a few terms 1st, if that will help.
posted by theora55 at 2:37 PM on October 8, 2011
posted by theora55 at 2:37 PM on October 8, 2011
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posted by lunasol at 3:23 PM on October 7, 2011