Square Dancing in Exeter
Lessons start Tuesday 14th March 2023
What is Square Dancing?
Square
Dancing is gentle exercise, using a walking pace and usually danced with the
music rather than strictly in time to it. You can find
an example here
Square Dancing.
As the name suggests it is done by 8 people (4
couples) in a square. The dance movements are not
rehearsed and the sequences are not repeated – each move is announced
by a “caller” just before you have to do it. Moves
may be in circles of 8, in boxes of 8, lines of 8, boxes of 4, lines
of 4, two lines of 4 and many other formations. The
formation always starts and ends as a square of 8 people, but it
changes frequently throughout the dance. Part of
the pleasure of Square Dancing is the satisfaction of being ready for
the next move when it is called, which means being in the correct
place in the correct formation.
Physically it’s no more than a swift walk, but
mentally you have to keep your wits about you.
The Classes
Classes are led by Jeremy Child, an accomplished and fun caller. They are designed to teach you enough to enable you to go to a square dancing club, and are also fun in themselves!
So is it for you?
If you can walk and think at the same time,
enjoy a social occasion, and like to be challenged, then YES.
Where and When
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 2pm to 4pm, Countess Wear Village Hall, 28 School Lane, EX2 6LB (Near Tally Ho! pub)
Cost
This is a U3A session, so only £1 contribution to room hire is required, but you must join Exeter U3A if you want to come regularly.
Contact
Jeremy on 07969 297 633 / 01392 422119
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take?
It will take between 15 and 20 sessions to get to the stage where you can go to a Square Dance club.
Do I need a partner?
This sort of dancing is done in couples, but you
don’t need to bring a partner with you. The
tradition is that people swap partners after each dance.
Do I need to wear special clothes?
No. Anything comfortable is
fine, although sensible shoes without high heels are best.
Do I have to come every week?
No. The teaching approach
means you can miss sessions without being left behind, although we
recommend you come to at least half of them.
Do I have to come at the start of a set of
classes?
No. You can join at any time,
as the teaching programme is cyclical in nature.
Do I have to have done other dancing before?
No. Everything is taught from scratch, and no
previous experience is necessary.
What if I’m slow / quick to pick it up?
Will I get left behind / bored?
No. The teaching approach
allows people with different levels of ability and experience to dance
and learn together.