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For Our Members…
A Versatile Program of Square Dance Venues
Designed for Every Dance Level
- from Novice ...
- to Accomplished Plus Dancer ...
- to Those Looking for a Special Challenge
There is one thing that all members of SaddleBrooke Squares have in common
…
We Love to Dance!
SaddleBrooke Squares Square Dancing Club is committed to providing an
opportunity to dance to all members and developing members at all levels.
From our classes, with innovative teaching techniques
that build square dancers out of rank beginners and provide a solid foundation
to past dancers looking for a full review …
To our “Club Level” workshops and dances,
where experienced Plus-level square dancers enjoy challenging workshops
and festive Plus dances at a lively pace, tune up for dancing at festivals,
and occasionally get a rush from a “hot hash” …
To our “High Level Plus with DBD” dances,
where you may find yourself dancing "DBD" (dancing by definition)
and executing well known calls from unusual starting points, while dancing
at a significantly more spirited pace …
To our “Party Nights” where everyone
in SaddleBrooke Squares (class included) mixes and mingles, laughs and
dances, all with one goal in mind … to just have fun.
“To Just Have Fun” … that is the overall goal of our
club. Perhaps the following table will help you decide for yourself which
of the dance venues best fits you, where you will be the most comfortable,
and where you will have the most fun.
To have fun is
the only real reason to square dance in the first place. So...
- If you feel you need more instruction to achieve that goal, it's available.
Go for it.
- If you're having fun where you are, don't feel pressured to move to
a different level. This isn't a contest and it isn't a school, where
you're expected to go from grade to grade in order to graduate. When
you find your level of maximum enjoyment, you have arrived at your personal
destination.
- Attempting to dance at a level beyond your current ability increases
the pressure on you, decreases the fun, and ultimately slows your advancement
if you try to prematurely jump ahead before gaining the solid foundation
that you’ll need for further progress. Dancing
in a venue beyond your ability is not fair to you or your fellow club
members in the square.
Where do you fit? Check out the table below to see if you can place yourself.
Need help? Talk to Larry, Bonnie, or a club officer.
There’s a Place for Everyone
Square Dance Classes and Reviews
| If you are … |
You may benefit from … |
Notes … |
| (1) Brand new to Square Dancing |
Square Dance Classes – |
Meets Tuesday @ 5pm beginning in October * |
| (2) Somewhat familiar with the calls but haven’t
danced much in the last 3 months and can’t remember exactly
how to do all of the calls. |
Square Dance Classes –
Come join our classes and have all the same rights and privileges
as brand new dancers, including full support
from experienced Teaching Assistants dancing with you in your
square & coaching you on breaks. |
Meets Tuesday @ 5pm beginning in October *
Plan to attend all the lessons, in order,
starting with Mainstream Lesson #1. Sign up with Bonnie. |
| (3) Familiar with the Mainstream calls but never
had the opportunity to take or complete the lessons for Plus. |
Square Dance Classes –
You’ll be given a chance to review each of the Mainstream lessons,
which are the foundation for Plus level dancing. Immediately following
Mainstream, experienced Teaching Assistants will be there to dance
the Plus calls with you and coach you as you complete the Plus lessons.
|
Meets Tuesday @ 5pm beginning in October *
Plan to attend all the lessons, in order,
starting with Mainstream Lesson #1. Sign up with Bonnie. |
| (4) Returning from a summer away from dancing and
would like a quick review of the calls. |
Tweeners –
An 8 lesson "fast-forward" refresher program that reviews
all Mainstream and Plus calls, followed by ongoing reviews of selected
calls. Ideal for someone who hasn’t danced in awhile, or for
anyone seeking an overall review. |
Starts in September and again in January, then continues Sundays
@ 5pm throughout the season.*
Check the calendar for current scheduling |
Club Level Dances and Workshops
| If you are … |
You may benefit from … |
Notes … |
| (5) Comfortable with all Plus & Mainstream
calls but are hesitant whether you can handle the “Club Level”
Plus dances. |
Club Level Workshops & Dances –
If you are having trouble with just a
couple of the calls, be sure to attend the Plus Workshops and review
the videos on this Website.
However, if you find yourself on the dance
floor regularly “freezing” during a tip & not knowing
where to go, seriously consider taking advantage of the classes
(where you will have the full support of experienced Teaching Assistants
in your square) or our "Tweeners" program to help you
reinforce the basics, solidify your skills and bring the “fun”
back to square dancing. See (2) and (4) above. |
Plus Workshop –
where the Caller will work with the group on selected Plus calls
and provide variety designed to enhance your Plus level dancing
skills.
Meets Tuesdays @ 7pm.*
Club Level Dances –
Come for the sheer enjoyment and dance at a lively pace. Don't be
surprised by an occassional "hot hash" and some DBD ("dancing
by definition"), where you'll find yourself executing calls
from unusual positions.
Meets Thursdays @ 7pm.* |
| (6) Comfortable with all Plus & Mainstream
calls and the speed of execution at the Club Level sessions. |
Club Level Workshops & Dances – |
Plus Workshop –
where the Caller will work with the group on selected Plus calls
and provide variety designed to enhance your Plus level dancing
skills.
Meets Tuesdays @ 7pm *
Club Level Dances –
Come for the sheer enjoyment and dance at a lively pace. Don't be
surprised by an occassional "hot hash" and some DBD ("dancing
by definition"), where you'll find yourself executing calls
from unusual positions.
Meets Thursdays @ 7pm.* |
High Level Plus with DBD Dances
| If you are … |
You may benefit from … |
Notes … |
| (7) Comfortable at Club Level Dances but are hesitant
whether you can handle the “High Level” dances. |
Club Level / High Level – |
Come to the Club Level Workshops and Dances. Then give High Level
with DBD a try. If you’re able to keep up without assistance
from others in your square, then you’re ready for High Level
with DBD (next option below). If in doubt, ask Bonnie or Larry. |
| (8) Totally comfortable with Club Level dancing,
and looking for a REAL CHALLENGE. |
High Level Plus with DBD Dances – |
High Level Plus with DBD –
This dance is intended to be a challenge,
where only the most experienced Plus dancers will feel comfortable.
The Caller will "stack the calls," and you'll be expected
to keep up with the very spirited pace.
This is a true DBD ("dancing by definition") dance, where
you can expect to be executing lots of calls from unusual positions.
Meets Sundays @ 7pm * |
Where EVERYONE
Fits – Party Nights!
| If you are … |
You may benefit from … |
Notes … |
| (9) Wanting to mix and mingle with the entire club,
including class members and dancers of all levels. |
Party Night – |
Don’t miss the 3rd Thursday of every month @ 7pm.* This is
the place to get together with all your SaddleBrooke Squares friends
for fun and dance. Featuring Red Light/Green Light dances tailored
for Club & Class levels. |
Special Teaching Assistant Program
| If you are … |
You may benefit from … |
Notes … |
| (10) Looking for a new challenge, love to mentor
and teach new dancers |
Teaching Assistant (TA)
The Class Coordinator schedules TAs to serve on a rotating basis,
with unassigned periods designed to make sure you can enjoy your
own dances, free of all teaching assignments. |
A TA Selection committee handpicks Teaching Assistants from the
club at large. Criteria for selection include dance proficiency
at the Plus level, people skills, and a willingness and ability
to set up formations and walk class members through any of the calls
in the Mainstream and Plus Programs.
Additional considerations: number of TAs selected will depend on
size of class.
Note: The TA program is not a place to learn or polish
your own skills.
- To learn or review with all the benefits of class members, see
(2) above.
- If you’ve mastered the class and just need more floor
time, see (4) & (5) above. |
* Dance schedules subject to change. For schedule updates,
see Website calendar & Club
News.
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