Square dance clubs
Square dance clubs are the primary form for organization within the recreational activity of square dancing, and more specifically western square dance. This article's focus is the western square dance club, and it is understood in the context of this article that when the terms "square dance club" or "square dance" are used it refers to the form of square dance called "western square dance".
Square dance clubs are primarily, but not exclusively, local in character. A square dance club is only as strong as its members, i.e. individual square dancers.
The club's primary goal is promoting and advancing square dance as a recreational activity. Typically clubs accomplish this goal through the following activites:
- Providing classes and other training opportunities to new, as well as experienced dancers
- Showcasing the activity through public performances
- Organizing dances
- Participation in other associations dedicated to the promotion and advancement of square dancing
- Providing employment and training opportunities to square dance callers.
Classes and training for dancers
Providing classes and training opportunties is the main activity for the majority of square dance clubs. This activity develops competent dancers, a core membership for the club, club solidarity and feeling, and a renewable base for the sustainability of the club. Most clubs start classes in September and/or January, although strategies are being developed for starting classes more often.
Public performance
This is one of the primary means to bring public attention to the club. Public performances may be those done in public areas (malls, fairs, exhibitions) or it may refer to televised performances.
Organizing dances
Dances provide the club's members, as well as members of other clubs, the opportunity to practise the skills learned in classes. It also gives the club an opportunity to showcase itself to the wider square dance community, provides dancers an opportunity to socialize and it provides employment for callers.
Participating in associations
Square dance clubs participate in square dance associations of regional, area-wide, national and special interest character, as well as non-square dance association and organizations.
Employment and training for square dance callers
Employment and training for square dance callers is a key means of securing competent dancers for the club, and for the activity as a whole.
This is not an exclusive list, and square dance clubs are constantly on the look out for new ways to achieve their goals. Associations, partnerships and other cooperative ventures have become increasingly more importance to square dance clubs.
Referenced By
Square Dance
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