I've graduated the
Midwest Caller College
01/18/25
Who
Square dancing is for everyone! Young, or old, amature or experienced, we're here to make this activity accessible toall.
Square dancing is a great way to get out of the house for some exercise and make new friends. It is a vibrant community activity that brings people together in a way that's been forgotten in this generation.
What
If you can walk and follow instructions, you can square dance. You'll just need to know some simple terms, or "calls," to get started.
Where
A dance form that involves a group of couples executing dance figures that involve the interaction of the dancers as called by a caller to music. Usually involving four couples that start and end in a square formation. Whereever you are, square dancing is surely nearby.
There are square dance clubs throughout the United States and across the globe, so getting started is easy! Once you find a club near you, they'll help you find a beginner's course. It's an excellent opportunity to dance alongside newbies and seasoned dancers alike as you learn basic calls and work on the fundamentals of square dancing.
Once you've finished your beginner's course, you're ready for the big time! You will be able to dance at numerous clubs and events throughout the United States and abroad.
Why
From making new friends to getting your 10,000 steps in, there are tons of reasons to get in the quare.
When you think of square dancing, you're probably not thinking about the benefits you can gain from it—but there are so many! The main advantages you receive as a square dancer can be split up into three primary categories: physical, mental, and social
How
This is not the square dancing you remember from middle school. Get ready for a whole new experince.
How do you start square dancing?: Start your square dancing journey by heading to a beginner class. Find one near you by contacting an organization in your area!
Benefits of Square Dancing
The benefits of square dancing are as varied as the music genres you'll hear on any give night, but we like to break it down into three main categories: mental, physical, and social. Square dancing can help you.
Meet new friends & hang out with old ones
Stay in shape with low-impact exercise
Have fun while staying active
Keep your mind sharp
Take part in an inclusive, accessible activity
Enjoy a variety of music
Is there a dress code?
Absolutely NOT! We want you to come as you are. Whether you feel like donning full western attire or throwing on jeans and a t-shirt, you're welcome here.
What kinds of music do you play?
Contrary to the square dancing you might have seen on TV, we don't just play Western music. We dance to everything from hip hop to rock! If it has a great beat and a solid tempo, it's probably on our playlist.
Is it hard to learn to square dance?
Think of square dancing as learning a new set of vocabulary words. The moves are easy with low-impact steps, and after learning the terms, you'll look like a pro!
Myths about square dancing
You can only square dance to country music.
While most people think of country music when they think of square dancing, the truth is, you can square dance to almost any song! As long as the song's beats per minute (bpm) fall into the correct range, it'll work for a square dance.
You're likely to hear anything from Bruno Mars and Madonna to Journey and Fleetwood Mac! Of course, country music is still popular at events, but today's square dancing means breaking tradition and listening to various genres, including pop, rock, R&B, funk, and more!
You have to wwear specific outfits to go square dancing.
Many square dancers still wear traditional attire to our events, but our rule of thumb is to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in! Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, and sweatshirts are all welcome at our events. Just come as you are and dance like no one's watching—you're more than welcome here!
Square dancing is an old person's activity
Lots of older folks love square dancing and have been participating for years. However, we see square dancers of all ages at our events! We're joined by families with young children, teens, young couples, and middle-aged folks - every age group enjoys square dancing. Young or old, able-bodied or disabled, single or in a group, square dancing is fun for anyone!
Jim Corder
I started square dancing in 1978 when my mother
tricked me by inviting all the high school girls
from her club the Sun Downers. A beautiful
red head came up to me and said: "If you come to
lessons, I'll be your angle!" Of course I went.
College years came and I stopped dancing.
Years later I wanted to dance once again when two
couples, in full western attire, walked by. I asked
them where they danced.
In 2016 I wanted to be a caller. So, I hosted a
class in my church, graduated 16 students.
The pandemic hit. That stopped everything.
When it was over, my job had me working all over
the world.
In 2024 I was talking to a caller
Tom Davis,
and said that I would
like to be a caller. He handed a flyer and said
that the Midwest Callers College was happening
only 2 hours away. The Caller College was being taught by:
Jack Pladdys,
and
Tom Davis.
At the graduation ceremony, the student had to call (sing) their tip (choreography) to a room full of dancers that you didn't know and they had never seen your tip. If the students could dance to your tip, you passed.
