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TRADITIONAL OR OLD TIME SQUARE DANCING.
Mention Square Dancing to a non-dancer and immediately they think of the Old Time or Traditional Square Dancing
that took place over 40 years ago.
The old time dancing with the squeaky fiddle, tunes like “Turkey In The Straw” men dressed in overalls and work boots, ladies in floor length gingham dresses, combined with a little brown jug, vigorous swinging, skipping, hopping, jumping, foot stomping hillbilly affair is no longer a part of the activity.
The old time dances like “Dip For The Oyster”, “Birdie In The Cage”, “Dip & Dive”, are all considered traditional square dancing, and there is nothing wrong with that, as it is part of the Square Dance heritage.
However, today we are not living in the 18th century, and like everything else in the world Square Dancing has gone from the barn to the recreation centre, just like going from a model “T” Ford to today’s finest Cadillac.
Unlike the old time dance, the modern counterpart does not need to memorize dance routines, Instead he/she learns the basic moves, known as the mainstream program which the caller/instructor molds into dance patterns that can be changed at any given point and time.
Therefore there is no longer a set of prearranged dance routines.
Today’s square dancing is a challenge for the mind (mental exercise) and physical exercise for the body.
Today the activity concise of 7 different dance programs that offers the dancer numerous opportunities to keep active.
These programs are the Mainstream Program, Plus Program, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 Programs, as well as Challenge 1, 2 & 3.
Today the activity takes place in school gyms, community center’s, church halls, recreation facilities, and some dance clubs have gone as far as to built their own facilities complete with air conditioning and the very best in sound equipment built especially for caller and leaders.
The dance music used today is top of line modern day music, (still produced on vinyl but also produced on CD’s and mp3’s) that ranges from the old classic tunes such as “Pearly Shells”, Tips Of My Fingers” through the Elvis era and into today’s
“Hot New Country Music” from artist like Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, George Strait,
Toby Keith, Josh Turner, Reba and many others.
Modern square dance programs today are standardized, it a learn here – dance in every country in the world as the dance moves and styling are the same worldwide, and called in English, since the founding of Caller lab –”the International Association of Square Dance Callers” – back in 1971.
Today there are also numerous dance events for the dancers to attend. The Canadian National is set for Montreal on July 13, 14 & 15 2006 and in 2008 it will be held on July 17, 18 & 19 in London, ON, as well the annual Toronto & District Square & Round Dance Association Convention held at Brock University on Mothers Day Weekend.
The United States hold their annual National Conventions every year but in different states. Australia, Germany and Japan also hold Annual Square and Round dance Conventions, as well as Hawaii and other islands.
So you can see, the square and round activity has gone from the traditional way to the Modern way and for many good reason including health benefits.
If you can walk – you can enjoy the many health benefits of
“The New Generation of Square Dancing”!
Today’s square dancing is co-operative, not competitive, which gives the dancer more opportunity to relax and enjoy the activity.
It’s a gentle activity that treats the body with great respect and is a beneficial; all purpose mental and physical activity.
Dancing - like walking is the simplest and easiest form of exercise imaginable, and people at any level of physical ability can dance with little risk of injury.
Regular dancing will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.
Routine dancers – (once or twice) a week will benefit from increased energy levels, more stamina, better sleep, and lower stress levels.
Two hours of dancing a week, with a five-minute break every 15 minutes can help maintain flexibility, increase mobility and build strength and endurance.
It’s easy to learn and all one needs is a good pair of comfortable soft-soled shoes.
Canadians of any age and weight can use dancing as a great way to keep active and healthy.
Dancing helps with mobility in the joints, it stimulates muscles, pumps blood through your heart and lungs, and it can help you lose body fat by burning off calories.
With its natural pleasures and range of benefits, dancing occupies a special place in the world of healthy living.
The New Generation of Square Dancing can play an important role in keeping you feeling and looking good!
IT THE PERFECT “50+” EXERCISE PROGRAM!
A Modern Square Dance Party?
It’s a unique worldwide recreational activity that provides FUN! FITNESS and GOODTIMES, as well as mental and physical exercise.
It’s easy to learn and a Professional Caller – Instructor, teaches all dance moves.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
“Dust off your dancing shoes and come on up to Modern Square Dancing”!
“DANCE FOR THE FUN OF IT”!
For more information call 705-445-1739
or email – deanfisher@can.rogers.com
“DISCOVER”
THE NEW GENERATION OF SQUARE DANCING
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