Tips for Safe Dancing

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Back to lessons CALLERLAB Tips New dancers should learn from their instructor Dance Etiquette (2) short versions displayed below on this page Dance Etiquette another slightly more detailed version

Reprinted and included here with permission of CALLERLAB, The international Association of Square Dance Callers. Additional information may be found at www.callerlab.org

Program-Related Subjects for New Mainstream Dancers

(Revised January 29, 2004)

This teaching checklist contains information that will benefit the new dancer. It is recommended by the CALLERLAB Mainstream Committee that this information be covered during the course of mainstream lessons.

There is nothing magic about the timing of this information. Often, the topic will be spontaneous as an opportunity arises. The objective is to weave this information into a set of lessons. Caller instructors are encouraged to avoid “long lectures”, instead presenting a bit of information at every lesson.

Caller instructors are encouraged to provide the newest version of “The Illustrated Mainstream Movements of Square Dancing” handbook to new dancers. This handbook provides definitions of the calls and illustrations of the maneuvers. The information can be very helpful to both new and experienced dancers. The 10 “Ground Rules” on the checklist are taken from this handbook. This handbook has been endorsed by CALLERLAB.

Mainstream Program-Related Subjects

1. Be a good listener.

2. Get into squares quickly.

3. Be a courteous dancer.

4. Be on time for class and club.

5. Be a thoughtful dancer.

6. Be a cooperative dancer.

7. Take it easy.

8. Be a friendly dancer.

9. You’re never through learning.

10. Enjoy yourself – have fun.

Emergency Call for Medical Aid – ECMA

If a medical emergency arises in your square, one person should go to the aid of the stricken dancer while the other six link hands and form a stretched-out circle around the fallen dancer. Their upraised hands are a signal to the caller to seek help for that square. Other dancers in the area should step away from the ring and help clear a path to the door.

Lost Squares

If a square breaks down, the fastest way to resume dancing is to form normal (he/she/he/she) facing lines and watch for the rest of the floor to reach this formation. The caller will recognize when the broken square is in lines, and will assist them by taking the rest of the floor to lines and then calling “Everybody Go Forward and Back” before the next call. Dancers must learn that this movement allows them to resume dancing, but they may not end up with their own partner at the end of the sequence. They should be instructed to finish the sequence with their “new” partner and corner and “fix” partners & corners as they return to home.

Dancers my form lines by the following:

1. Return to home position as soon as possible.

2. Then the head ladies will take their corner's hand and head couples will back out to form lines at the sides of the square.

3. On the caller's command, "EVERYBODY go forward and back", they enter into the dance pattern.

Styling

Every sport has recognized positions that protect the arms, shoulders, knees, hips and other joints. In square dancing, we call this styling. An emphasis on styling will lead to smoother dancing and timing. It will also protect the dancers from injury.

Dancers should be taught to dance upright and independently. They should not jerk, pull or push the other dancers, but move in a free & easy motion around each other, with handholds used only for balance. Encourage a palm-to-palm touch.

“The Illustrated Mainstream Movements of Square Dancing” handbook, endorsed by CALLERLAB, has styling & timing notations for all of the calls. It is important to focus on the recommended hand and arm positions to protect dancers from injury.

Club Dance Customs

Explain the basics of club dancing in your area. This might include admission fees, split the pot or raffles, banner customs, banner raids, participation awards (travel badges, friendship badges, etc), dance program levels, round or line dancing, and other topics.

Club Organization

Explain the organization of your area – the local federations of clubs, state organization, major dances sponsored by these groups, and national conventions and other dancing events.

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TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR SQUARE DANCING

I. Thou shalt square dance only for the fun which thee will find in it.

II. Thou shall not be a snob considering thyself too good to dance with any and all sitting out the mixers, or leaving a square lest thou be required to dance with those whom thou deemest unworthy of thy talents, for the gods of retribution are zealous gods, and will visit their mischief upon thee. and thou wilt be the one to goof the square.

III. Thou shalt be exuberant. but shalt act thy age. Do not offend others by thy high flung legs, and outflared skirts.

IV. Thou shalt go abroad and dance with other callers so thy opinions expressed as to merit of this one and that one are based on fact.

V. Thou shalt not let the stranger in thy midst sit on the sidelines and cool his heels, nor fail to speak to him.

VI. Thou shalt bathe diligently that the sweet aroma of soap and shaving lotion may assail the nostrils of thy associates.

VII. Thou shalt take care that the words of thy mouth are not scented with garlic or beer.

VIII. Thou shalt honor thy club and give thy loyalty, for if thou cants not do this, it were better to separate thyselt from it and join thyself to another whose methods, members and callers are more to thy liking.

IX. Thou shalt not kill thy club with bickering and fault finding.

X. Thou shalt not forget that thou were once a beginner.

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HERE IS ANOTHER VERION OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. TAKE YOUR PICK.

I Thou shalt book only two tips with thy Partner on Club night, that others may benefit from thy fine personality and great experience.

II Thou shalt not book thy tips more than two in advance, for thy club hath Guests that would like to dance with thee.

III Thou shalt swing thy partner with gentleness and grace, lest thee cause pain or embarassment to thy partner or thyself.

IV Thou shalt wear thy club badge to all club nights and hoedowns, that thy name and thy club shalt be known to all dancers in the land.

V Thou shalt strive to dance in different squares, that those with two left hands or less experience shalt benefit from thy talent and thy help.

VI Thou shalt not get upset when thy square breaketh down, for thy smile, thy patience, and thy leadership shall restore order to thy square.

VII Thou shalt honor thy caller and harken to his voice, for thy success dependeth greatly on his words. Further, thou shalt not anticipate nor dance ahead of thy caller, for he is of fiendish nature and may deliberately foul thee up and make thee appear an idiot in front of thy fellow dancers.

VIII Thou shalt not partake of strong drink bebore or during the dance, lest thy mind become befuddled and thee ends up with thy foot in thine own mouth.

IX Thou shalt bathe diligently before the dance, thereby creating a pleasant aroma for thy partners and leaving the earthly smells to the factory and the barnyard. Thou shalt also take care that the words of thy mouth are not scented with garlic or beer.

X Thou shalt strive to observe these commandments, for thy reward shall be great. Many friends shall thee have, and thy name shall be listed among the finest people in the land.

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This is a slightly more detailed checklist of SQUARE DANCE ETIQUETTE

Never leave a square early. Your ability, or that of your fellow dancers, is no excuse. We all start at the same level and the only way to get better is to dance. If you become ill or an emergency arises advise the other members of the square and if possible try to find a replacement.

Don't dance over your own level of dance, unless invited. If you attempt to dance over you head without being invited you will only embarrass yourself and may upset the remainder of the square. If you haven't completed mainstream lessons don't expect to dance with those who have unless you are explicitly invited. If you are a mainstream dancer and a plus level tip is announced, sit out.

Male dancers please wear long sleeves. No one will deny they are warm; however, most will admit they don't enjoy grabbing a sweaty arm. Ladies should avoid wearing excessive jewelry. It hurts. Everyone is expected to wear a name badge.

Personal cleanliness is important in square and round dancing. If possible always shower or bathe. Use your deodorant, cologne or perfume and, don't forget to use something to sweeten your breath (mouth wash, chewing gum, etc.) Avoid eating garlic or other offenders before attending a dance.

In addition to applauding the caller and thanking your fellow dancers at the end of each tip you should personally speak to and thank the caller and or cuer before leaving the dance. If you are a visitor you should also make a point of speaking with a club officer.

Once a tip is underway, refrain from talking. It is frequently difficult to hear and your talking may very well prevent someone else from hearing a call. It is also extremely rude to talk while announcements are being made. Try to quiet anyone speaking to you. Give the speaker the same consideration you would want if you were speaking.

When the music starts, get on the floor. Don't make other dancers wait or the caller "beg" you to fill the square. Join the square nearest to you that needs a couple. It is considered "bad manners" to pass a square needing dancers in order to fill another. If you are looking for a square, raise your hand as you move across the 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 and do not have a hand up, it indicates that they are waiting for someone who has promised to dance with them. Do not try to square up with them without asking. Do not arrange squares more than once in an evening. It is best not arrange a square at all. Do not get on the floor and expect the caller to find you a partner.

Be on time and don't leave early. In square dancing, one late couple or person may mean that three other couples or seven people must sit out. By leaving early, you are telling the other dancers and caller that you did not have a good time at the dance. The "wind-down" tip is just as important as the first or middle tips. Plan to spend the complete evening when you come.

Always introduce yourself and your partner to others in the square if you don't know them. Thank them for dancing with you after the tip.

For some, square dancing can be a strenuous exercise. If you feel you are unable to dance, sit out. It is usually best to remove yourself from the dance area and return after the tip has started. Sometimes you can learn a great deal just by watching and listening. Be considerate. If another dancer is watching and listening, don't insist upon talking. Square dancing is a social event but not a place to socialize during tips or rounds even if you are not dancing.

CLUB SUPPORT

Square dance clubs are the backbone of Square & Round Dancing. While there are Round Dance only clubs, there are many more Square Dance clubs where Round Dancing is also a part of the activity. The point of this dissertation is that without the clubs, Square and Round Dancing will cease to exist. Therefore, it is important that all dancers belong to and participate in at least one club's well being. What I am attempting to say is really very simple: If you square or round dance then you should belong to a club and as a member of the club you need to support the club by 1.) Becoming an officer. 2.) Paying dues in a timely manner 3.) Supporting refreshment obligations. 4.) Attending club visitations. 5.) Attending club meetings and social activities.

Every club has to have money that they can count on to operate. Halls are expensive and getting more costly. Callers and cuers must be paid enough to meet their expenses and be compensated for their time. Some clubs charge admission for members as well as visitors. Others only charge visitors and club dues are the members admission to the function. You would never go to a movie, bowl, or play golf without expecting to pay. Compare the cost of nearly every other activity with the cost of square dancing and you will find that square dancing is a bargain.

At the end of the dance the hall usually must be swept and chairs have to be put away. Sometimes a kitchen must be cleaned up, and several other small chores must be accomplished. Responsible club members don't just walk out after the dance; they stay until all the work is done. Also, make it your personal responsibility to welcome, visit with, and say good-by to every visitor.

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