Learn to Square and Round Dance
There are many, many reasons to learn to square and round dance! First, it’s a great way to spend time with current friends as well as make new friends. It’s a great physical and mental activity with proven health benefits. Plus, it’s just great FUN!
Click here for a square dance promotional video from Southern California that will give you an idea of what square dancing is all about these days. As the video suggests, it’s not your grandma’s square dancing!
Please join us at one of our dance lesson opportunities. We’d love to get to know you!
Beginning Mainstream Square Dance Lessons
Sagebrush Shufflers Mainstream Lessons
- Mainstream lessons begin September 4, 2024 at the Broughton room in the Crook County Library in Prineville.
- 6:15 pm Wednesdays and 3:15 pm Sundays.
- For more information contact Renea at 541-233-6522
High Desert Dancers Mainstream Lessons
- Mainstream lessons begin September 9, 2024 at the Pine Forest Grange in Bend
- 6:30-8:30 pm Mondays and Thursdays.
- For more information contact Kay Bithell at [email protected] or 541-382-7014
Redrock Squares Mainstream Lessons
- Mainstream lessons coming in January
- Details to come
- Location: Redmond Grange / 707 SW Kalama St / Redmond, OR 97756
- For more information contact Debbie Klug at [email protected]
Plus Square Dance Lessons
Fall ‘PLUS’ Lessons
- TBD
- Wed Nights 6:00 – 7:30pm
- $6.00 – New to Plus Level, $5.00 – Refresher Dancers
- For more information contact Jan at 541-279-3678
Round Dance Lessons
- Started Thursday, August15th (but still open for another week)
- Every Thursday from 5:30 – 7:00pm
- Pleasent Ridge Community Hall, 7067 SW Canal Blvd, Redmond, OR 97756
- For more information contact Jan at 541-279-3678
- No previous experience required
How can I get information about when the next classes start?
Throughout the year our Central Oregon clubs offer beginning square dance lessons. If you’d like to be contacted about upcoming lessons please complete the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Do women have to wear petticoats at dances?
No. Our Central Oregon clubs have a relaxed dress code at dances. Some ladies love the traditional look and feel of a flying petticoat as they dance. Others prefer to wear denim or peasant skirts or pants. At lessons we always suggest comfortable, casual clothing and shoes that slide easily.
What kind of music is played at square dances these days?
We dance to modern country, old school rock and roll, and pop music.
I don’t have a regular partner. Can I still take lessons?
Definitely. Club members volunteer their time to participate in lessons, and we always make sure that students without partners have one.
I’d like to try lessons, but I’m having a hard time getting my husband to come. Any advice?
Many of our male club members were once very reluctant students so we understand the problem. Here are some analogies that might help with your persuasive effort:
- Square dancing is like being in marching band at halftime and making formations. It’s about moving together and enjoying the music.
- Square dancing is like playing football or basketball. The caller (coach) calls the plays, and the dancers (players) execute them as a team.
- Square dancing is a moving puzzle that eight dancers in a square solve together.
I used to square dance but haven’t in a long time. Do I need to take lessons again?
If you were an accomplished dancer back in the day, visit a dance and try some tips. You may find that it all comes back in a flash. Also, there are some excellent and free online resources for review like Taminations and videosquaredancelessons.com. Of course, we’d love to have you as a star student if you feel the need for some review.
Can I come and see what a dance looks like?
Yes, please! Check the dance activities calendar on this website and find a dance close by. We’d love to have you visit.
What does “mainstream” mean?
A square dance program (or list) is a set of defined calls (moves) that are associated with a level of difficulty. The mainstream calls list is the beginning level for most square dancing. When students complete mainstream lessons they can dance with any of our Central Oregon mainstream clubs—High Desert Dancers in Bend, Red Rock Squares in Redmond and Sagebrush Shufflers in Prinefille. And, because the same mainstream calls are taught and danced throughout the the world, dancers can visit any mainstream club in the USA and be assured that they will be able to dance with that club successfully—a great perk if you like to travel.
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