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Top 10 Square Dancing Benefits

Alamande left and do-si-do, swing your partner, round she goes! The American Square Dance is a important part of our cultural history. Square dancing is good, old-fashioned fun and a lively way to spend time, and there are many benefits to this activity.

Square Dancing is an Americanized version of the medieval court dances of Old England, and of the various folk dances that are part of many European cultures. What has distinguished Square Dancing from most other folk dances is the use of a caller to help direct the steps of the dancers. Typically, groups of couples are arranged around a circle or square shape, with the steps moving them around the circle and back and forth with other partners. A caller has music and a microphone, and directs people through a variety of routines and steps. You can dance one number, or you can dance all night!

It's fantastic fun, and as a pastime Square Dancing offers tons of health benefits. It also can provide social and emotional benefits for the rest of your life.

1) The music is the best! Often it is performed live, with lots of fiddles filling the room with music, but recorded tunes might also be used. It is lively, toe-stomping music, and it fills dancers with energy and a carefree attitude. Music is a great benefit to our spirits and to the lasting health of our brains.

2) It's easy. This is a great benefit to beginners. Square dancing is MUCH easier than line-dancing or prescribed dance routines, because a caller helps you through the steps. The steps are simple, and you will quickly catch on even if you enter the dance not knowing the difference between a do and a si-do. If you mess up, you'll quickly catch up by watching your group.

3) Movement is great for your body. While it's not strenuous-which means that most people can do it-it does get you moving and provides some cardio strength building. The health benefits are some of the most important benefits to older square dancers. The music and the fun can make you forget you are getting a workout, but your blood is pumping, your limbs are moving and your lungs are getting fresh air pushed throughout your body.

4) It's addicting, which means you'll be back again and again to reap it's benefits. Exercise is not much of a benefit if you don't do it! Square dancing, however, has great appeal and a social connection, so it is common for dancers to make it a weekly or bi-weekly activity.

5) People who are embarrassed by free-style dancing often find

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