Folk Dance Party
This type of event introduces many dance forms with a wide variety of music and rhythms to provide recreational entertainment. The popularity of the dance forms used are regional but may include Polkas, Waltzes, Mixers, Contras, Line Dances, Clogging, Two Stepping, and occasionally an easy Square Dance. Sometimes live music is used. Teaching is usually brief. No extended classes are needed. Show up and learn the dances.
Community Dance Party
This type of dance is usually more involved than the basic Folk Dance. There can be as many as six lessons needed to get a group up and running. As many as 24 fundamental square dance moves are used, interchanged with a wide variety of dance forms such as Quadrilles, Contra Dances, Trio Dances, Sicilian Circles, Mescolanza Dances, and Round Dance Mixers. It can be the basis of obtaining new dancers into the full Modern Square Dance activity at a later time. Handbooks are available on this dance program and are highly recommended.
Square Dance Party
A Square Dance Party is first and foremost a square dance yet it differs from an ordinary square dance in two ways; (1) most of the participants probably have never danced before and (2) there is no expressed interest to continue on a regular basis. The primary goal is to provide entertainment with a few very basic calls and let them experience fun and fellowship. A variety of music is suggested to overcome the stereotyped “hay” sound non-dancers think is used at square dances. The choreographic complexity should be minimal. The dancers should walk away with a very positive impression of square dancing as a recreation. This dance is not the same as a first session for new dancers joining square dancing.
Introduction to Square Dancing
The main objective of an Introduction to Square Dancing is to get prospective new dancers motivated to join the modern square dance activity. It is usually the first session of a teaching period that might have between 20-48 hours of training. Information should be provided regarding expectations. Members and club officers should be introduced. The entertaining role of the caller now includes an educational teaching role. A set of lesson plans should be followed. History, heritage, and styling are taught along with the steps that lead to a square dance clubs destination dance program. Notice, the term to describe a new dancer is not student, class member, or greeny. It is felt these names are a turn off and discourage involvement. Keep in mind that the new dancer still has to be rewarded with fun! All work and no play makes for a laborious dance experience. The caller still has to sell the activity and leave the dancers wanting more! Many handbooks are available assisting the teaching side of modern square dancing and are highly recommended.
