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The
fun starts at your very first lesson. Within the first
30 minutes, you will learn enough basic movements to do
a dance. After 10 lessons, you are invited to our
“halfway dance” where the dances will be called at your
level. After 20 lessons you will graduate from
Mainstream class, and can continue learning Plus
movements.
Square dancing happens in recreation center, dance
halls, resorts and cruise ships all over the world.
There is fun music from Oldies, Country, Disco and
Elvis. You cant help but sing along while you dance!
Square dancing is a mental and physical challenge. It is
dancing and it is thinking. Moving in rhythm to the
music keeps you physically fit. Reacting to the calls
keeps you on your toes. Each arm turn brings a surprise
and a different partner in the square, and as the
pattern concludes, all the moves bring you back to your
partner. You’re never bored!
Square dancing is good exercise too. A 1994 Mayo
Clinic study estimated that 30 minutes of square dancing
burns 200-400 calories! In one study, researchers
attached pedometers to dancers, and discovered that each
person covered five miles in a single evening! It also
improves cardiac health and promotes strong bones.
No partner? No problem! While square dancing is a
couples activity, there are many single dancers willing
to dance with you, both during lessons and at dances. If
you see someone you want to dance with, just ask!
Alcohol
and smoking are not allowed while square dancing.
Between dances, you can join in a line dance or do a
two-step or round dance. Experienced dancers are always
willing to help new dancers gain their confidence and
remember the moves. No one is judgmental or competitive
and everyone laughs off their mistakes.
There is no age limit in square dancing. It is a fun
activity for pre-teens and senior citizens and every one
in between. Square dancers are married, single and
widowed, students, housewives, professionals, business
owners and retired, tall, short, thin and wide.
There are very few physical limitations in square
dancing. You should be able to walk quickly backwards,
forwards and sideways, and be able to hear the caller
and music. Those with limited range of motion in arms or
shoulders just need to tell the other dancers not to
twirl or spin them.
What
do you wear? First and foremost, a comfortable pair of
shoes with leather soles is important. As you advance,
ladies might want to invest in a pair of dancing shoes
which can be ordered from local dance stores. Men should
wear jeans or slacks and a long sleeved shirt. Women can
wear a prairie skirt or broom skirt and short sleeved
blouse. Cotton is recommended, as you can get hot while
dancing. You can also buy used square dance dresses from
other members and local dance stores, or make your own.
Our club has an official club dress you can order if you
like. It is always fun to coordinate your dress with
your partners shirt or neckerchief.
Where do you dance? You can dance at your club's dances
and every other day of the week at other clubs in the
metro area. The calls are universal, so once you have
completed lessons, it is fun to visit other clubs and
learn to dance to other callers. And make even more new
friends!
Teacup Chains was formed in 1991. We dance on the first
and third Saturday evening in Edmond. There is a
workshop at 7:30 p.m., and the dance is from 8:00 to
10:00 p.m. There is a complimentary potluck meal
provided by the members, and everyone takes turns being
in charge of setting up and cleaning up the dance hall.
Dues are $15 per person per quarter. There is no
admission charge to attend the dance.
Lessons will begin in February at the MAC Center in
Edmond.
For information on lessons or dances call Scott and
Claudia Georgi at 405-755-7566.
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