The Chester Circling Squares will be starting classes September 6, 2005 at the Chester YMCA from 7:30-9:30pm. Classes last
twenty weeks. During that time, students will learn the first level of square dancing, called Mainstream. After “graduating” from
lessons, students will be able to go to any square dance club in the region, state, country, or world and participate in this great activity.
It is a very exciting time to start square dancing in the Carolinas region. Charlotte, NC is hosting the 56th National Convention. Any
students graduating by March 2006 the opportunity to attend the Pre-Convention dance April 2006 and be seasoned dancers by the
Convention in June 2007!
Dress
Beginner classes are conducted in a very casual atmosphere, so dress is also casual. You can wear slacks, jeans or even shorts. Club
dances are usually, but not always, somewhat more dressy than lessons. Men often wear a long-sleeved western shirt; women usually
wear full skirts and crinolines, but a “prairie skirt” is also considered appropriate attire. You should always wear comfortable shoes.
See the photo album for
examples of square dance attire and our recent exhibition at the Kick-Off Celebration for the Chester Park Center Of
Literacy Through Technology in Chester, SC.
Where to Dance
Regular club dances, such as those sponsored by the Chester Circling Squares are not the only places to dance. There are festivals,
conventions, camping square dances and parties in addition to dances scheduled by local area clubs. In June, the National Square Dance
Convention will be held in San Antonio, Texas with over 10,000 participants expected. As at any convention, dancers fill hotels and
campgrounds in and around San Antonio, Texas; shuttle buses transport them to dances and to numerous other activities. Participants
come from around the world, dancing as much as 12 hours a day at all levels – Beginner to Challenge.
WHAT IS SQUARE DANCING...WHY SQUARE DANCE?
(10 Good Reasons To Square Dance)
SQUARE DANCING IS "FUN"
SQUARE DANCING IS "HEALTHFUL"
SQUARE DANCING IS "RECREATION" .
SQUARE DANCING IS "AN AMERICAN HERITAGE"
SQUARE DANCING IS "INFECTIOUS".
SQUARE DANCING IS "THE GREAT EQUALIZER".
SQUARE DANCING IS "FRIENDSHIP IN MOTION, SET TO MUSIC".
SQUARE DANCING IS A "FORM OF SELF EXPRESSION"
SQUARE DANCING IS "A FORM OF COMMUNICATION OF EMOTIONS".
SQUARE DANCING IS "BOTH PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL".
