Square Dance

Square dance is a fun group dance from the United States. Four couples stand in a square shape to start. A person called a caller shouts out the moves the dancers should do. The dance moves quickly, and everyone laughs and smiles while they dance.

How It Works

In a square dance, four pairs of dancers stand facing each other. The caller tells them what to do, saying things like 'swing your partner' or 'do-si-do.' The dancers must listen carefully and follow the calls. The music is played by a band with a fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Each dance is different because the caller picks new moves.

History of Square Dancing

Square dancing began hundreds of years ago from old European dances. People brought these dances to America, where they mixed and changed. In the 1800s, square dancing became very popular in the country and on farms. Today, kids still learn square dances in school. Many American states call square dance their official state dance.

Fun Facts

• Square dance is the official state dance of 19 U.S. states.
• A good caller can think of hundreds of different calls.
• Most square dances are done to lively country or bluegrass music.

Did You Know?

The move called 'do-si-do' comes from a French phrase that means 'back-to-back,' which is how the move is done.