This isn't sissy gym class stuff! Square dancing is a great family activity. To get started, you need to contact your state's Square Dance Association. They can direct you to clubs that are giving lessons. If you can walk, you can square dance. Although I've seen wheelchair clubs, too! You will start out slow, learning 3 or 4 new moves each week. The classes are usually once a week for about 7 or 8 months. There are family clubs that have members aged 10 to 80. There are clubs that cater to specific groups of people whether single, married or gay/lesbian.

Members from clubs within an area visit each other to "steal" each others banner. Then the stolen banner has to be retrieved by the club that owns it. It's the best way to get to know people all over your state. You can even visit other states and know exactly how to do the dances! Everywhere you go, you will meet people with a common interest.

Square dancing is a great aerobic activity. Anyone that tells you otherwise hasn't danced! You can walk 7 to 10 miles in one night of square dancing. You are not required to dance every set. Each set consists of two songs. The first one is a pattern call. The caller makes up directions as he/she goes along and hopes it all comes out in the end. The second song is called a "singing" call. It is usually a popular song with square dance moves set but the caller is the singer.

Square dancing is cheap fun! A couple can usually dance for less than $10 each time they go to a dance and get free refreshments to boot! There is one cardinal rule for square dancers. No alcohol, onions or garlic before a dance.

And men..your wives will fall in love with you all over again if you learn to dance.

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