Everything You Need to Know
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS MODERN SQUARE DANCING
Modern square dancing uses some calls of traditional Square dancing but there is so much more. More update music, more movement in the squares, more dynamics between couples.
WHERE DO YOU HOLD YOUR LESSONS?
Square dancing is taught all around the world, you can dance in any country and it will all be in English. there are teaching classes all around the Ottawa area.
DO YOU HAVE SPECIFIC TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS?
I have been calling in the Ottawa area for the last two seasons. I have had the privilege of taking caller classes with Joe Ubelecker in Peterborough in 2017.
by Wendy Vandermuelen
When you hear the term “Modern Square Dancing”, what do you picture? Most people block out the word “Modern” and picture what we refer to as “Traditional” or “Old Tyme” square dancing: cowboy boots, hay bales, and country music (mostly fiddles and banjos). Well, that is NOT what Modern Square Dancing is all about.
In Modern – or Contemporary – Square Dancing, yes, some of the calls are
the same, but only a few. In MSD, we like to have all the dancers dancing at
the same time. We do not use set dances, as in the old style (remember
“Birdie in a Cage” or “Dip and Dive”?); rather, dancers are taught steps and
it is up to the Caller to put the steps together in whatever sequence he/she wants. A good Caller will make sure the steps run together very smoothly. But nothing is memorized, so dancers don’t know what’s coming up next. Keeps you on your toes!
Also in MSD, we use a much bigger variety of music. We may not have the latest and greatest music from today's Top 40 Hits (although I - Wendy - do have some from last year's top 40!), but we have music that is much more than fiddles and banjos! For example, some of my music selections: I Lived (One Republic), Honey I'm Good (Andy Grammar), You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone (Anna Kendrick, ”The Cup Song”), Cheerleader (Omi) among many more. We can dance to just about anything, as long as it has a good, steady beat: current hit, alternative music, hip hop, Classic Rock, gospel, jazz, Classical – and, yes, we do still use country music, old or new! And we don’t just use it for background music. A friend that has known for years that I am a Caller was surprised to hear that I sing at dances! That’s another difference between Old Tyme and Modern. Yes, we sing! Some of my personal favourites are: Edge of Glory, I Will Survive, All That Jazz, (Pride) in the Name of Love, and Hey Soul Sister, to name a few. Really!
You really do need to see it in order to understand what it’s about. And don’t just assume you won't enjoy it. Until you try it, you really won’t know and chances are, you WILL enjoy it!
ABOUT SQUARE DANCING
RONALD GARDNER - SQUARE DANCE CALLER
DUNROBIN, ONTARIO
Whether you’re looking for a serious commitment or simply want to learn something new and have fun while doing it, there’s nothing more important than being in a dynamic setting of fun and friendship. I’ve am offering my Square Dance Caller services to people of all ages, and I’m here to give you the personalized attention you deserve so that you can reach your full potential.