Summary:

Bring together at least eight people from ages 8-98 from any religion or any culture. Add the international language of live music (a fiddle, a banjo, a bass, and a guitar) and a square dance caller. Let the music and dancing begin, followed by lots of fun and laughter!

Square dancing requires these eight people, a square, to work together as a team for 8-10 minutes, more than likely smiling and laughing the whole time. When the music stops, all shake hands and thank each other for the dance.

Each time a new square forms, new people are meeting other new people, then working together to do what the caller teaches as they dance. The dancing and music creates fellowship, friendship, and lots of fun, all the while keeping the American heritage of square dancing and fiddling alive.

Square Dance ABC is for everyone: youth, solos, couples and families. It’s called in English around the world in a relaxed social atmosphere wearing casual attire. Everyone is welcome; it’s a great American pastime! Participants only need to be able to walk and to listen to the directions--no prior knowledge of square dancing is required.

Having fun while meeting and working with new people erases differences. After they dance together, they will want to square dance often so they will keep reaping all the benefits: fun, fitness, fellowship, friendship, and laughter.

Our square dance committee will go to cultural festivals, churches, schools and other ethnic events and host ABC square dances. Everyone there will be asked to participate in the fun and fellowship that square dancing offers. A professional square dance caller will teach the calls as we all dance together in squares of eight people from all cultures and all faiths. The grant will pay for hiring the caller and the live band as well as the hall rent. We'll host numerous square dances at numerous events so everyone there gets to learn and enjoy modern American square dancing.