Square Dance Terminology 

You will hear many new terms here are the description on many of common terminology

Formations and Positions

• Square: The basic formation of four couples.

• Heads: The two opposing couples who face the caller or the front of the hall (Couples 1 and 3).

• Sides: The two opposing couples who are to the right and left of the head couples (Couples 2 and 4).

• Couple: Two people dancing together, it doesn't matter what gender is dancing either left or right  if       you are dancing on the left side of the couple you will do the Boys portion of a call, if you areon the         right you will do the Girls portion of the call. 

• Partner: The person on a dancer's right (for a man) or left (for a woman).

• Corner: The person on a dancer's left (for a man) or right (for a woman).

• Opposite: The dancer directly across the square from you.

• Home: A couple's starting position in the square.

General Terms and Concepts

• Patter Call: This is when the caller puts on a piece of music and calls a a series of calls. The caller may take this time to teach or review calls

• Singing Call:  Type of modern square dance call where the choreography is delivered by the caller in the form of song lyrics. Unlike a "patter call" which is more of a rhythmic chant or spoken set of commands, a singing call uses a popular or well-known melody, with the square dance calls carefully integrated into the words of the song.

• Tip: The time from when you square up until the caller stops calling, often a patter and singer. 

• Cuer: In modern round dancing (a related style), the person who cues the dancers' next moves. Unlike a square dance caller, a cuer's cues are often delivered in time with the music to indicate specific footwork and timing.

• Styling: The specific movements and grace notes that add to the aesthetic of the dance. This includes the way dancers hold their hands, their posture, and how smoothly they transition between calls.

• Levels: The different programs of square dancing (Basic, Mainstream, Plus, etc.) are often referred to as "levels," indicating the increasing complexity of the calls.

Square Dance Etiquette:

Square dance etiquette is a crucial part of the activity, as it's built on cooperation and community. The unwritten rules ensure everyone has a good time and the dance runs smoothly. Here's a breakdown of the key points of square dance etiquette:

Before and During the Dance

*  Avoid strong perfumes, colognes, or aftershaves, as some people have sensitivities.

* Attire: 

* Be on Time: Arrive promptly to get settled in. This prevents three couples from waiting for you to complete a square.

* Wear Your Name Badge: This is a hallmark of modern square dancing. It encourages friendly fellowship and makes it easy for dancers to learn names.

In the Square

* Join a Square Promptly: When the music for a new "tip" starts, don't wait to be invited. Look for a square that needs a couple and join it. It's considered rude to walk past a square needing dancers to find a different one.

*Never walk through a square even the one you are joining.

* Introduce Yourself: Greet the people in your square, especially new dancers.

* Know Your Position: When you "square up," be aware of whether you are a head or side couple, and what number couple you are. This is essential for responding to the caller's instructions.

* Listen to the Caller: Pay attention! Even if you know the call, someone else in your square might not. Don't talk over the caller or give unsolicited instructions to other dancers.

* Be Gentle with Handholds: Use a firm but not-too-tight grip. Be especially mindful during movements like a "swing" or a "courtesy turn" to ensure the other dancer is comfortable. Avoid "death grips" and remember the goal is to cooperate, not to compete.

* Overlook Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes—even experienced dancers. If someone "goofs," don't get frustrated. Smile, help them get back on track if you can, and keep the dance moving.

* Never Walk Out: This is the "cardinal sin" of square dancing. Leaving a square mid-tip ruins the dance for the other seven people. If you're feeling unwell, alert the other dancers and, if possible, find a substitute from the sidelines.

* Avoid "Over-Styling": While a little flair is fun, don't do excessive spins or exaggerated movements that can disrupt the square or endanger other dancers.

* Communicate with the Square: If a call breaks down, the dancers in the square should try to work together to fix it. This is where teamwork and communication are key.

* Thank Your Fellow Dancers: At the end of a tip, it's customary to applaud the caller and thank the other dancers in your square.