Royal City Squares

Royal City Squares Modern Square Dancing A (brief) History of Square Dance

Square dancing began its transition from traditional to modern in the1950’s.

Callers discovered that they could move everyone at the same time and create more interest. Then the Square Thru was introduced in 1955, and other moves quickly followed. Soon we had 16 basics, and then 20, and then 32, and then –well, now there are a LOT of moves, and several levels of dancing. Meanwhile, the development of the electronic amplifier aided the transition, since it permitted the cal

ler to manage large crowds. It was no longer necessary to shout, use a megaphone, or have a caller in each square. Square dance records, particularly the small, easy to manage 45 RPM discs, eliminated the need for live music. Dave still uses that format today, although many callers now use computers and CDs. In 1974, an organization named CALLERLAB, The International Association of Square Dance Callers, held its first convention. It has met every year since. CALLERLAB's aim is to promulgate the principles of fun and friendship established by early leaders and to standardize square dance terms, timing, and styling. The Royal City Square Dance Club was founded in 1962. It is a part of 2 larger organizations: the Toronto and District Square and Round Dance Association (T & D) and the South Western Ontario Square and Round Dance Association (SWOSDA). They in turn are part of the Ontario Square and Round Dance Association, which is part of the Canadian Square and Round Dance Society. You can find square dancers everywhere! Not only here in Canada, but around the world, and wherever you go, if there are modern square dances, they are called in English, so you can visit a club in, say, Denmark, and you will be able to dance.

12/07/2025

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406 Paisley Road
Guelph, ON
N1H2Y3

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A (brief) History of Square Dance Square dancing began its transition from traditional to modern in the1950’s. Callers discovered that they could move everyone at the same time and create more interest. Then the Square Thru was introduced in 1955, and other moves quickly followed. Soon we had 16 basics, and then 20, and then 32, and then –well, now there are a LOT of moves, and several levels of dancing. Meanwhile, the development of the electronic amplifier aided the transition, since it permitted the caller to manage large crowds. It was no longer necessary to shout, use a megaphone, or have a caller in each square. Square dance records, particularly the small, easy to manage 45 RPM discs, eliminated the need for live music. Dave still uses that format today, although many callers now use computers and CDs. In 1974, an organization named CALLERLAB, The International Association of Square Dance Callers, held its first convention. It has met every year since. CALLERLAB's aim is to promulgate the principles of fun and friendship established by early leaders and to standardize square dance terms, timing, and styling. The Royal City Square Dance Club was founded in 1962. It is a part of 2 larger organizations: the Toronto and District Square and Round Dance Association (T & D) and the South Western Ontario Square and Round Dance Association (SWOSDA). They in turn are part of the Ontario Square and Round Dance Association, which is part of the Canadian Square and Round Dance Society. You can find square dancers everywhere! Not only here in Canada, but around the world, and wherever you go, if there are modern square dances, they are called in English, so you can visit a club in, say, Denmark, and you will be able to dance.