Basic

These first 50 or so calls of the Modern Western Square Dance (Club Dancing) program are taught over the period of 15 weeks. The Basic and Mainstream classes are taught by Bill Eyler on Monday nights at the ASDC. The class night begins promptly at 7pm.

The Basic lessons alternate with beginner's country western and mixer dances, and the Mainstream lessons. Full level Mainstream as well as full Basic may also be called. The building blocks of square dance are taught during this time - each call by the instructor (the caller) represents a move or set of moves done by the dancers. They form the repertoire that the dancers and caller will use to shape the dancing.

The Class Director oversees the class. The Basic dancers can refer to the CD as 'Mother'. The CD will take the names and other pertinent data of the new dancers, impart the necessary information about Gay square dancing, and give encouragement and hugs. The Basic class elects a member to represent them at Board of Directors meetings.

At the end of the 15 week period the Wilde Bunch celebrates the "Basically Wilde" class with a "Crossover" party, during which the BWs are put through their paces, fulfill the requirements to receive various fun dangles (kinda like scout badges), and have a chance at 'pay back'. The BWs are presented with their official Wilde Bunch badges. The Crossover night is usually a time for all those in the Wilde Bunch to get together and have a good time.

The new Wilde Bunchers can continue on to Mainstream or repeat the Basic class if they wish. They are able to vote at general membership meetings and run for board positions, participating as full members of the Wilde Bunch.

At this time there are three classes per year, one beginning in January, June and September. The first two nights are "Open Houses" that are free to everyone.

Written by Turtle-Bear

Updated Tuesday, April 3, 2007.

What do you need when you learn to square dance?

A sense of humor.
Expect to make mistakes - give yourself time and practice to learn at your own pace.
Take a deep breath and have fun!

You don't need:

Square dance experience.
Any other dance experience.
A dance partner.
Megabucks.

Who do I dance with?

The Wilde Bunch provides dance partners ("angels") for all Basic dancers. It is easier to learn with an experienced partner to help you. If you are here as a couple, we recommend you NOT dance together until you are more familiar with the calls.

Square Up:

On the first nights, a Wilde Buncher will ask you to dance and will take you up to a square. When you feel comfortable, feel free to ask someone to dance or just go into a square and raise a hand - someone will join you!

Boy or Girl?!?

Feel free to experiment with the dancing roles during the Open House to decide if you want to learn the Lady's or Gent's role.
But, once you decide, please stay in that role for the remainder of the classes - you will suffer less confusion.

What is a tip?

It is a block of dances, usually a "teaching call" and a "singing call".
Please remain in your square for the entire tip.
The caller will alternate between Basic and Mainstream so there will be time to sit out and socialize.

???????

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. See the Class Director or the Caller, or any Wilde Bunch member.

Thanks to Laura for the basis of the above! Edited by Turtle-Bear

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