Welcome new Dancer!

You are now a part of a great activity, rich in heritage and dedicated to the enjoyment of its participants.

Square dancing is the American folk dance. It was born in the days when our country was young, carried westward by our pioneer forefathers and is a treasured heritage of our American culture.

In the 1930’s, Lloyd "Pappy" Shaw introduced western square dancing to thousands of Americans with exhibitions by his students from the Cheyenne Mountain School in Colorado. Since then, square dancing has become a favorite leisure time activity for millions of dancers around the world. It has kept pace with many of the styles, types of music, and technological advances of our society while remaining wholesome, family fun

Square dancers pride themselves on being friendly and courteous on and off the dance floor to both dancers and non-dancers alike. It is good square dance manners to join the nearest square needing a couple. Introduce yourself (A stranger is just a friend whom you haven’t yet met). Listen to the caller. After a tip, applaud the caller and thank your fellow dancers. And most important, "Have Fun and Smile".

Our colorful apparel identifies us as square dancers. Proper attire at dances is very important. Men should wear long sleeve western-style shirts and neckwear. Women should wear a dress or skirt and blouse with a petticoat. Footwear should be comfortable and of a type which will not damage the dance floor. Look Special. Feel Special. Be Special.

One of the most enjoyable parts of square dancing is visiting clubs, meeting other dancers and hearing new callers. Before visiting another club, it is suggested that you call or write first as dancing schedules and locations are subject to change. Information on clubs may be found in most area and state publications or the National Square Dance Directory.

Most dancers and clubs belong to area or state square dance organizations. Many dancers also belong to special interest national and international organizations such as National Square Dance Campers, Lloyd Shaw Foundation, Overseas Dance Association, etc. Ask your caller or Club President about your area organization.

There are over 200 area, state, regional, national and international newsletters, magazines and directories available to dancers. In addition, hundreds of specialized instructional and informative publications have been printed. Information on publications and organizations may be found in the National Square Dance directory. The publication with the largest distribution is the American Squaredance Magazine, which is published monthly.