A new twist on an old tradition, modern square dancing is the perfect way to have fun and exercise too.

Modern square dancing is a worldwide activity. Square dance calls are standardized and are called in English in all countries. Once dancers have learned the calls, they can dance at any club or square dance event anywhere in the world.

Square dancing is good exercise for your body and your brain too.  Square dance movements raise the heart rate like any good aerobic exercise should. They also loosen up and tone the muscles, but not so severely as to cause injury.

Regular exercise can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol profile. Why go to the gym when you can square dance and have fun and fellowship as well as exercise?

Modern square dance is quite different from the traditional square dancing you may be familiar with.

There was a time, not too many years ago, when square dancing was limited to only a very few moves, and those could usually be learned in an evening of dancing. This phase of the activity is what many people refer to as traditional square dancing.

Modern square dancing is derived from the traditional style.

The dances were broken down into 'moves' that were given names. This way the dancer doesn't have to memorize the complete dance, just learn the moves. The moves can be choreographed in many different ways to make each dance interesting and fun to do.   Dancers learn a series of moves, and those moves are choreographed and then called by the caller. There is no pre-determined dance - it changes all the time! Dancers never know which move will be called next, so they must have quick recall of the moves they have learned. This is where your mind gets some exercise!

Traditional square dancing is usually done to live fiddle music jigs and reels. Modern square dancing can be done to a variety of recorded music. Music choices include new and old country, classic rock, easy listening and classical tunes! You can dance to any genre of music.

There are no competitions in modern square dancing, and no exams. It is done strictly for the fun, fitness and friendships that evolve. There are various programs within the square dance activity, each program encompassing an increasing number of calls. Dancers may choose to continue learning new moves or remain at the level accomplished.

Anyone can learn to become a square dancer by joining a square dance club where the basic moves are taught.

Further information: Canadian Squares and Round Dance Society, www.csrds.ca/csrds-dance.htm; United Square Dancers of America, www.usda.org; www.dosado.com.