Lessons, Workshops, Demonstrations & Exhibitions in the WASCA Area
Square Dance
In general, when the term "square dance" is used on this website, it refers to Modern Western Square Dance (MWSD). There is also a form called Traditional Square Dance that is more akin to English country dance. All but one of the WASCA square dance clubs dance MWSD. One of the WASCA clubs does dance Traditional Square Dance and that form only. All of the lessons, workshops, demonstrations and exhibtions currently listed on the site are for "square dance". Click Square Dance Lessons to find many of the square dance classes in the WASCA area. We know that there are others that we have not gotten the information on. We suggest you contact our local association of square dance callers to see if there are any addtional classes: National Capital Area Square Dance Leaders Association (NCASDLA).
Round Dance
Round dancing is related to square dancing in a general sense, but more closely resembles ballroom dancing. The difference is that a standard choreography has been developed for a number of songs and all dancers dance that pattern. In square dance there is a caller who tells the square how to move. In round dance there is a "cuer" who tells the couples which part of the choreography is coming up next. So, in round dance, "cues" replace square dance calls. Round dancing is usually learned from experienced cuers. Click Round Dance Lessons to find many of the round dance classes in the WASCA area. We suggest you contact our local association of round dance cuers to see if there are any additional classes: Round Dance Teachers Association (RDTA).
Clogging
Clogging can be very much like square dancing, but it also can be more like line dancing and a whole host of other dance styles. You may also want to talk with one of our member clubs that do clogging. Click Clogging Lessons to find a listing of all of the WASCA clogging clubs as they have lessons at each of their sessions. Click on The National Clogging Organization, Inc. to find much more information on clogging.
Demonstrations & Exhibitions
A picture is worth a thousand words--nothing shows the public what square dancing is like better than actual square dancing. WASCA recognizes this fact and encourages and supports clubs in scheduling performances of square dance routines for any organization that requests it. WASCA member clubs have performed on numerous occasions at civic events, such as parades; schools; retirement centers; and other venues to showcase an activity that we all love so well.
One such example is the annual NBC 4 Health & Fitness Expo. WASCA has supported this popular area event several times in the past. The most recent example is the 13th Annual Expo that was held on January 16, 2006 at the Washington Convention Center. Click 2008 NBC 4 Health & Fitness Expo to see WASCA's participation in the schedule for that event. The next Expo is Jan. 13-14, 2007, and we anticipate that WASCA will be contacted once again to put together a group of dancers to demonstrate square dancing. Click 15th Annual NBC 4 Health & Fitness Expo for details on the upcoming Expo.
Demonstrations are one of the main ways that the local clubs recruit dancers for a class. Many of the WASCA Clubs; the local callers, cuers, or instructors in the area; and officers of the WASCA Board of Directors can recruit a "demonstration team" for special events, such as parades, local arts, or other events. Two of WASCA's member clubs, the Capitol Squares and the Shenandoah Valley Squares Exhibition Team, were organized to only do exhibitions. Click on the Alphabetical Listing for clubs' contact information, NCASDLA for callers, RDTA for cuers, or the WASCA Board of Directors (Vice President, Square Dance Liaison, Round Dance Liaison or Clogging Liaison) to find someone to help your club organize and provide a demonstration.