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Benefits of Square Dancing
Square dancing helps keep you
fit -We all know that
exercise is good for you. But isn't there a form of exercise
that is also fun and doesn't seem like hard work? Yes there
is - it's called square dancing. Square dancing is the
perfect exercise. It combines the positive aspects of
intense physical exercise without the negatives. Square
dancing is a low impact activity that helps keep the body in
shape. As with regular exercise, square dancing can lead to
a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and improved
cholesterol profile. Many square dance movements can
strengthen your weight-bearing bones and help prevent or
slow down loss of bone mass (osteoporosis), burns off
calories, and can even add years to your life.
Square dancing
is a mental challenge
– Reacting quickly to the square dance caller keeps you
mentally on your toes. And while concentrating on the moves,
you escape from your worries and pressures.
It's a
different type of dancing
-Though many men avoid dancing in any form, in actuality,
square dancing presents very few negative elements. Though
square dancing is dancing in the sense of partners,
trappings, and music, it's actually like precision
drill-stepping performed with partners. Instead of a drill
sergeant, there is a "Caller" who sings directions set to
the music of popular songs. Following the Caller’s
directions, the dancers’ moves are all coordinated. This
contrasts with ballroom dancing or swing dancing, where men
are under pressure to provide a capable lead.....and many
would simply like to avoid that scene. In square dancing,
the dancers’ responsibility is to simply follow the "calls"
and be where they are supposed to be at the moment they are
supposed to be there. Novices can walk there; energetic
dancers can boogie there - according to your mood at the
moment.
Square dancing
is easy to learn -One
of the first things we learn as children is how to walk. In
next to no time you don't have to think about how to do it -
you just do it. You don't worry about where your feet go -
it's automatic. With most dance forms you then have to learn
to place your feet in specific arrangements - you have to
learn to walk in a different way which is unnatural. Not so
with square dancing. Square dancing is based upon walking in
defined directions for defined distances - which is exactly
what walking is. And since walking is one of the most
natural things we do - square dancing becomes so easy to
learn.
Square dancing
is entertainment -The
caller is there to entertain you - to make dancers forget
about your day to day worries. And it works! No matter how
tired you are from a long day's work, once you start
dancing, you become energized again and forget your
troubles. You'll find yourself dancing to many different
types of music, including country & western, rock, jazz,
sing-a-longs, and gospel.
It’s teamwork
– Your team of eight dancers depend on one another to keep
the dance moving.
Square dancing
is sociable and just plain fun!
- Square dancing involves a social
component that solitary fitness endeavors do not. You are
given the opportunity to develop strong social ties which
contribute to self-esteem and a positive outlook. Many
people have made life-long friends at square dances. –And
you’ll find that some married couples first met at a square
dance. Cultural background does not make a difference. In
fact, square dancing breaks down many barriers between
cultures. And talking about fun . . . just ask any square
dancer how much fun they have!
You can dance
at any level you desire
-- challenging or easy - Square dancing has a selection of
programs available to match your time and commitment
desires. If you wish to attend easy dances - there is a
program for you. If you wish to delve further into
challenging dance routines - there is also a program for
you. And several programs exist between those two extremes.
Square dancing
is universal - No
matter where you go in the world, square dancing is the
same. The movements have been standardized and are called in
the same way. The dance programs used are all standardized,
and no matter where in the world you learn - you can still
dance the same in other parts of the world. Your Square
Dance family truly includes the whole world!
Square Dancing
is as traditionally American as Apple Pie
-It's clean, fun and
generally safe, and people of all ages are involved. An
evening of this entertainment is inexpensive. You'll find
yourself interacting with everyone from teenagers to the
elderly... and you'll find you all have something in common! |