Square Dancers know that Square Dancing is more than just going to the club dance. The beginner dancer is not aware of this. To help the new folks become aware of what's ahead and what to expect, we are providing information for you to help open the door to the world of Square Dancing.

You will soon learn that Square Dancers are the friendliest people in the world. When you visit other clubs, most of the dancers will treat you like a long lost friend. Square dancing is 'friendship set to music'. Be prepared to make new friends and have lots of fun.

As a newcomer to square dancing you undoubtedly have an uneasy feeling about how you should conduct yourself at a square dance class. You possibly wonder if you are going to experience difficulty learning. Well first, please be assured you have no reason for concern. Square dancing is easy and you will not have serious difficulty learning. Everyone in the class is a beginner, starting on the same base, and you will all learn together. The following comments may make it easier for you to understand a few basics concerning the square dance activity.

• SQUARE DANCING IS FUN! Your instructor will be doing his best to help you realize this from the very first night.
• Square dancing is a casual activity. You need no formal introduction to those you have not met. There are no strangers among square dancers. Just step right up to anyone and introduce yourself. In square dancing we are all on a first name basis. It's friendlier that way. Wear your "NAME TAG."
• Later you may wish to dress "western"; but for the classes, just dress comfortably.
• Square dancing is a close contact sport. Please use good judgement in your choice of jewelry, belt buckles, etc. Sharp or rough edges may scratch or catch on someone's clothing.
• On a very delicate subject - extra physical exercise or possibly the slight nervous tension of learning may cause perspiration. Use of deodorant is advisable, to avoid the embarrassment of body odors which may be offensive to others.
• On a personal note - the use of alcoholic beverages, just prior to or during a square dance, is not permissible.
• Gents - Remember! You have both strength and weight advantage over the ladies and you should always, even in your enthusiasm, be conscious that the ladies do not like to be handled roughly. Let them enjoy dancing too!
• IMPORTANT. Listen carefully to instructions and be sincere in your efforts to follow instructions. GOOD LISTENERS LEARN EASIER!
• If, during the class, you do not understand an instruction, do not hesitate to ask for an additional explanation from the caller.
• There is no reason to feel shy or embarrassed - just listen and follow instructions. Sooner than you think, you will be dancing to the calls.
• Square dancing is relaxing. Take it easy! You do not have to work hard at it, you have plenty of time. ENJOY YOURSELF!
• Please be on time for every class and HAVE FUN!

DANCE ATTIRE: Our Square Dance western attire is a costume and when we wear it, non-square dancers know we are Square Dancers. When we have the costume on, we should be alert to the fact that non-square dancers are judging all square dancers by the way we act. A badge (and name tag) is an important part of the square dance costume.

Prior to graduation men should wear long sleeve shirts. As you become more comfortable in class men should wear long sleeve western-style shirts. Women should wear a dress or a skirt and blouse with a petticoat and pettipants. Prairie skirts are also worn.

Footwear should be comfortable and of a type which will not damage the dance floor. Many men like to wear cowboy boots, but they are not required wear.

COURTESY: Square Dancers use Common Courtesy and several other courtesies. Drinking before or during a dance is not allowed. Square Dancers should bathe and use deodorant because square dancing can work up a lather and, since there is a lot of closeness, it's best to use breath mints. We introduce ourselves to those dancers in the square that we do not know and greet those you do know. Walking through a square or walking out of a square once you are part of it is a "no, no." Let everyone enjoy dancing with you, so don't form cliques and dance in the same set all the time. Don't criticize or ridicule anyone, including the caller. Don't be rough or push and shove dancers. Don't walk off the floor until the tip is completed even though the dancers are having trouble following the caller. Just keep dancing the allemande left, grand right and left, and smile! Do the mixers, so you can meet more dancers. Do smile and indicate that you enjoyed dancing in the set. Do thank everyone in the set at the end of the tip. Do thank and compliment the caller. By following these simple courtesies you, and everyone else, can have a nice evening of dancing.

DO'S & DON'TS OF SQUARE DANCING

• DO Smile even if you're angry with yourself for goofing. The others in the square might think you are frowning at them.
• DO Use deodorant and breath mints.
• DO Wear square dance clothes
• DO Wear name badges for all square dance activities.
• DO Try to be on time for the first tip and square up promptly when the music starts.
• DO Join the nearest square and introduce yourself to the others within the square.
• DO End each dance with a flourish, applause and thank each dancer in the set after a tip - and mean it.
• DO Be tolerant of new dancers.
• DO Change partners.
• DO Keep noise down.
• DO Participate in all activities.

REMEMBER good dancing ability is nice, but the greatest contribution you can make toward the enjoyment of a dance is: Friendliness, Good Humor, Cooperation and a real desire to have FUN.

• DON'T Criticize or ridicule anyone (including the caller).
• DON'T Have strong food or drinks before a dance.
• DON'T Walk away from a square or walk through a square.
• DON'T Hold a place for anyone in a square.
• DON'T Form cliques and dance in the same set all the time.
• DON'T Be rough or push or shove.

Square dancing is full of fun!

Thanks to USDA for much of this information