Frequently Asked Questions

Square dance is characterized by four couples, or eight dancers. The four couples are arranged in the shape of a square, with each couple forming one of the sides of the square. Two of the couples are referred to as the "head couples," with the other two the "side couples." Each dance begins and ends in the original square formation.

During a square dance, a "square dance caller" guides the dancers through a sequence of steps in time to the music. The caller directs the dancers using various “calls,” which are moves, steps, spins, turns, and partner changes. The caller is both entertainer and instructor.

The term "square dance" is usually associated with lively callers and dancers. A caller must create logical dance sequences, or calls, that match the expectations and abilities of the dancers. A "call" is the name of a specific dance movement. Square dance calls usually consist of between 4 and 32 counts, or steps. Call sequences may be longer or quite short.

Square dance originated from dances of the 17th century, mainly the quadrille and the Morris dance. Popular in England, France and Europe, square dancing also has roots in the United States. The square dance has been designated as the official dance of 19 states in the US.

What makes us NexGen-SD is our belief that Modern Square Dancing can be contemporary, challenging and fun. We are first and foremost, music lovers. Our love of music is very diverse. Checkout the examples on this website. NexGen-SD also strives for energetic and fluid movements utilizing many of the skills borrowed from ballroom dancing.

Modern Square Dancing has the same origins and shares some common elements with Traditional Square Dancing, Barn Dancing and Contra. However, each has evolved uniquely. Modern Square Dancing distinguishes itself from all of these in that the goal is to have all 8 people moving at the same time in interesting patterns that can vary all the time.

In Contra, you are taught a pattern that is repeated throughout the dance. Traditional Square Dancing and Barn Dancing frequently work with just 1 or 2 couples at a time (within a square) using repetitive patterns.

Like many things in life, you won’t learn Square Dancing in a single evening. Most people find the dancing that is an integral part of the lessons keeps them coming back. Some of the NexGen-SD dancers have enjoyed this activity for over 30 years, starting in their teens, while others are newer converts. We all enjoy learning and striving to be better and push ourselves, whether it be to another level or just to further our enjoyment of the shared fun of the dancing.

No previous knowledge of dance or music is needed.  If you can move, you can Square Dance.  The music is infectious and most people find that they walk in time to the music.  As they become more comfortable with the calls and movements, they find they are dancing.

Yes!

One Square Dancer we know is wheelchair bound and enjoys Square Dancing as much as anyone. There are other square dancers who are deaf as well as those who are blind who we have danced with.

All Square Dance Callers will accommodate handicapped dancers by fine tuning the dance to allow non-handicapped dancers to keep up with handicapped ones!

Intro Dances are free Introductory dances are designed to allow you to experience square dancing with minimal effort and cost. In as little as an hour you can learn the basic square dance calls and begin to enjoy dancing with your friends and others.

Wear whatever is comfortable and easy to move in.  If you dance with any amount of energy (and we hope you do), layer the clothes (depending on temperature/humidity). You may start out cold, but after 15 minutes, you might want to shed a layer.

Wear comfortable shoes.  Shoes should always be clean and dry.  During inclement weather, we suggest that you carry the shoes you want to dance in.

No!

Wear what makes you comfortable and allows you to move with ease. Traditional Women’s Square Dance attire was designed to enhance the movement of the dancer as she turns or spins.  This is a costume and is completely optional.

There is no dress code for the lessons and dances held by NexGen-SD.

There are many types of music one can Square Dance to. You will hear:  Pop, Country, Bluegrass, Gospel, Tango and Classical.

Check out some examples of music we enjoy dancing to here.

No! One of the great things about Square Dancing is that singles can come and be assured they will be able to dance.

One of the best things about square dancing is that it can be done at almost any age. Children as young as 7 or 8 will learn very quickly and thoroughly enjoy it. Adults of any age can learn and enjoy square dancing. Square dancing keeps you young!