Planning a Square Dance Party
Square dancing is possible just about any time or place that people get together. It provides a great opportunity for your guests to get to know each other, participating in a team-like activity.
Where Can You Dance?
Who Can Participate?
How Long Does It Last?
How Much Space Is Needed?
One square of eight people needs about 8 feet per side or 64 square feet. Sixteen dancers (two squares) will need a dance floor of about 128 square feet.
Is it possible to have a square dance for a large group of people?
Yes! Every year, for example, the National Square Dance Convention fills a major venue (such as the Long Beach Convention Center in 2009) for four days of fun and enthusiastic square dancing. Closer to home, San Diego's Golden Hall (10,000 square feet) has hosted some large square dance events.
What To Wear?
Sound and Music
The caller provides the music and sound system. No need to rent a public address system or hire a band to play all the tunes needed. The caller also provides the necessary BMI/ASCAP licensing for public performance of the music. That's one less thing to worry about.
Each caller has their own music style: traditional, new wave, popular, etc. Talk to your caller about what kind of atmosphere you would like to create.
Themes and Special Considerations
Be sure to let the caller know if this is a special occasion: birthday party, anniversary, company picnic, or other celebration.
Other Considerations
Where Can You Dance?
- Back yards.
- Garages.
- Recreation centers.
- Banquet halls.
- Convention centers.
- Schools or Churches
- Fire stations (with plenty of advance notice).
- Aircraft carrier flight deck (it's been done! USS Kearsarge, 1956, San Diego Bay, kickoff event for the 5th annual National Square Dance Convention)
Who Can Participate?
- If you like to move to music, you can square dance.
- No previous experience necessary.
- No need to be graceful or stylish.
- No uncomfortable clothes.
- Grade School & College Classes.
- Singles & Couples.
- Everyone else!
How Long Does It Last?
- 1 to 3 hours to fit your schedule.
How Much Space Is Needed?
One square of eight people needs about 8 feet per side or 64 square feet. Sixteen dancers (two squares) will need a dance floor of about 128 square feet.
Is it possible to have a square dance for a large group of people?
Yes! Every year, for example, the National Square Dance Convention fills a major venue (such as the Long Beach Convention Center in 2009) for four days of fun and enthusiastic square dancing. Closer to home, San Diego's Golden Hall (10,000 square feet) has hosted some large square dance events.
What To Wear?
- Comfy, loose-fitting clothes.
- Low heeled shoes (walking shoes are great).
- No special costume necessary.
Sound and Music
The caller provides the music and sound system. No need to rent a public address system or hire a band to play all the tunes needed. The caller also provides the necessary BMI/ASCAP licensing for public performance of the music. That's one less thing to worry about.
Each caller has their own music style: traditional, new wave, popular, etc. Talk to your caller about what kind of atmosphere you would like to create.
Themes and Special Considerations
Be sure to let the caller know if this is a special occasion: birthday party, anniversary, company picnic, or other celebration.
Other Considerations
- Beverages & Snacks. (You should inform your caller if alcohol will be served.)
- Chairs for dancers (during breaks).
- Table & Electrical Outlet for the sound system.
- Allow a half-hour before and after for setup and tear-down.
