Updated January 27, 2012

Round Dance Clubs

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What Is Round Dancing?

    Round dancing is best described as choreographed ballroom dancing for couples.  It is a social, non-competitive activity where all the dancers progress as couples counter-clockwise in large circles around the hall. On the dance floor, choreography is directed verbally by a round dance cuer, enabling all couples on the floor to dance the same steps at the same time.  Each choreographed routine is set to a particular piece of music.

    Round dancing uses a cuer so that dancers don't have to memorize a vast list of dance sequences.  Instead, the dancers learn the individual movements presenting them with much more variety because they can then participate in most round dances simply by following the cuers instructions.

    The aspiring round dancer gets started in the activity by joining a club that offers new dancer sessions.  They receive instruction, workshop review and dance in a fun atmosphere that's also a smoke and alcohol free environment.  The dance season usually runs from September through to April.  Many square dance clubs incorporate round dancing into their programs because it is seen as a complementary dance form where couples can have a break from their squares to enjoy a few  moments of dancing together.

    There are six levels of accomplishment in round dance instruction, called phases.  They progress from beginner through easy, intermediate and advanced.  The music enjoyed in round dancing is mostly popular instrumentals and vocals from the easy listening category to golden oldies from the 1950's.  The tunes include Broadway show themes, swing, rock and western.

    The easy level of round dancing emphasizes rhythms in 2-step and waltz. As one makes the transition to the intermediate level, the fox-trot, quickstep, tango, rhumba, cha cha and jive are introduced.  As in any other activity, the dancers control how far they want to go.

    Round dancing is a world-wide activity and English is the international language, although most clubs are in North America.  An international association of round dance teachers, called ROUNDALAB, maintains the syllabus, instruction standards and the introduction of new steps and rhythms.