How is round dancing learned? Round dance steps are broken down into phases. Each phase has a list of steps, movements, and figures associated with it. Phase I and II are the beginner phases. The rhythms learned at these phases are the two-step and the waltz. Phase III introduces dancers to a variety of rhythms - jive, quickstep, foxtrot, rumba, tango and cha. Round dancing can be learned through lessons or video instruction. Videos can be purchased through Roundalab, The International Association of Round Dance Teachers.
Lessons are taught by learning a complete dance. Commonly called a teach, the steps used in the dance are taught first, then gradually put together into a sequence. Then the sequences are put together until the entire dance has been taught. Teaches can also be offered prior to a square dance.
All round dances are cued from a cue sheet, basically a list of all the steps in their proper sequence for that particular dance. This is very different from square dancing in which the individual calls are taught and drilled so that dancers can dance the calls in any order by any caller, as in a hash or singing call. With practice, round dancers can apply that same theory and basically dance to any round dance containing the steps learned. For example, once you have learned all the Phase I and Phase II steps, you can dance to any dance that is rated Phase II.
How do you find lessons?
- Phone 1-877-Y-I-DANCE ( 1-877-943-2623 ), a free number to locate round dances and lessons.
- Approach the cuers at a square dance or convention and ask them about lessons. Even if they aren't giving lessons, they are usually more than happy to point you in the direction of someone that is giving lessons.
Resources:
Information
- What Exactly is Round Dancing? - This wonderful article not only defines and describes round dancing but also gives a bit of history as well.
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