The dance form we use at the Wilde Bunch is called "Modern Western Square Dance" or "Modern Square Dance", also known in some circles as club squares. The Wilde Bunch, as an LGBTQ+* club, has some special styling and are know for our high energy dancing.
Q: What is modern square dancing?
A: Square dancing is a fun, easy to learn social dance with eight people dancing as a group. The group dances to music while moving in formations called out by a "caller". What makes it so fun is that you aren't just dancing with one person all night, nor with a whole room of people. Seven others are just enough to interact with and have a good time. Since the choreography is called out during the songs, you don't have to memorize entire songs, just the calls. That means you aren't expected to make up a fun routine for your partner on the spot, as with ballroom dancing and the choreography is left to the professionals!
Q: Do I need a partner to square dance?
A: You can come with a partner, or come as a single. If you don't have a partner, we have a partner rotation so you can be teamed up with an experienced dancer (hold up your hand and someone will come to you).
Q: I can't dance; I'm too uncoordinated.
A: You don't need any special dance experience or skills: if you can walk you can square dance (we have had some wheelchair dancing in the past!). Unlike most forms of dance, what is important is to move around the floor in patterns with the other dancers to the cues from the caller. Exactly how your feet get you there or where your arms are doesn't matter much at first. The caller will teach you the steps to the pattern you need to know. You'll learn quickly because the patterns are repeated often. By the end of the class, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the new moves you learned and even the complex patterns you can perform.
Q: I hate country music! Isn't square dancing all country music?
A: Square dance is done to a wide range of recorded music from classic square dance music to top contemporary songs of today. We dance to rock, pop, country, marches, world music, top radio hits, and even an occasional rap song!
Q: What should I wear?
A: Wear low, smooth-soled shoes, and loose, comfortable clothes. No traditional square dance attire is required. Most of our dancers come in casually dressed.
Q: Is it good exercise?
A: Square dancing is great physical exercise. Each night of dancing is the equivalent of walking several miles. It's also great mental exercise, too, as you learn the calls and put them into practice as the caller cues them.
Q: Isn't square dancing for old people?
A: Modern Square Dancing hit its peak in the 1970's when it became popular with young adults. As the popularity declined (lost its fad status), many people continued dancing and naturally aged. This lead to an aging demographic, which became self fulfilling as the myth of this being an "old people" activity spread. The reality is that square dancing started as young and exciting, and it still can be. Some clubs cater to high energy dancers, while others cater to a slower elderly crowd. LGBTQ+* square dancing started in the early 1980's during the growing popularity of Gay Rodeo events and Country Western dancing, and has expanded and influenced Modern Square Dancing in many wonderful ways.
Q: I'm cutting back on spending. Is it expensive?
A: The first month of class is free! If you enjoy the free classes and want to continue, then a 5 month session is $50 -- that's just $10 a month (yes: about $2.25 per class!!!). Once you have learned the calls and go to dances, they typically run $4 to $6 for two hours of fun, exercise, and snacks! A full Wilde Bunch membership (after you finish the class session) is $18 a month or $216 a year.