Why Square Dance?
Fun - That is the entire purpose of square dancing. There are no judges, no rating, grading or scoring. No one is a winner but more importantly, no one is a loser. Everyone dances just for the joy of moving to the music together. All types of music are used. If it has a good strong beat it can be a square dance. The cost of square dancing is kept as low as possible so it can be enjoyed by everyone.
Friendship - Square dancing is done by all sorts of people who have nothing else in common other than their love of the dance. 'Shop talk' is never a problem at a square dance because people have so many different back grounds.
Family - Ages 10 -100 - Everyone dances together. Children who are too young to dance can come and play in the dining area. A safe, bright, clean environment. Singles welcome, partners are encouraged, but not required. This is a life long activity.
Focus - Engage your brain cells to follow the calls. Simon Says, to music, in teams, with everyone moving together. The dances are not memorized, just the calls are learned. The sequence of the calls is changing all of the time. Your next move depends on the call and where you are in the square. You must be completely focused on the dance to complete the action.
Footsteps - 9 to 10,000 steps in an evening. Low impact aerobics with arm movements. Laughter is good for your lungs. This is a lot more fun than just walking around the block. The turning and arm movements increase balance.
Frequency - There is a dance every Friday & Saturday night in the Spokane Area. With 22 clubs in the area somebody is always doing something. Square dance around the world. Calls are always in English. Smiles are universal.
Fun - Smiles issued at the door. Laughter required. No penalty box, no time out, no one is counting errors. Your mind must be completely in the dance. A mini-vacation for your thoughts, just dance.
Dance seems to be the ultimate frivolity, how did it become a human necessity?
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The Mission of the Spokane Area Council
1. To promote a spirit of friendship and tolerance among people through dance and fellowship;
2. to assist in the formation and development of square, round and folk dance groups;
3. to represent square, round and folk dancing activities as wholesome and recreational to the highest standard;
4. to promote square, round and folk dancing functions to the general public;
5. to encourage mutual cooperation and the exchange of ideas among all dancers in the Spokane Area Council;
6. to inform member clubs of Spokane Area Council activities and events;
7. to provide Spokane Area Council representation to the State Federation of Washington.
