Square Dance Basics

A square dance set consists of four couples, with each couple facing each other.

The square formation is the most common and basic formation in square dance.

The promenade is the basic step in square dance, where couples walk forward and backward, exchanging places with each other.

A do-si-do is a move where dancers turn to face their partner while holding hands and walk around each other.

A star promenade is a move where dancers move forward and back, exchanging places with the couple across from them.

A swing is a move where dancers swing their partner around while holding hands.

An allemande left is a move where dancers join hands with their partner and turn clockwise.

A right and left grand is a move where dancers move forward and back, exchanging places with the couple to their right.

A left and right grand is a move where dancers move forward and back, exchanging places with the couple to their left.

A cross trail is a move where dancers move forward and back, exchanging places with the couple diagonally across from them.

A reverse cross trail is a move where dancers move forward and back, exchanging places with the couple behind them.

A forward and back is a move where dancers move forward and back, exchanging places with the couple in front of them.

A right and left thru is a move where dancers move forward and back, exchanging places with the couple to their right and then to their left.

A left and right thru is a move where dancers move forward and back, exchanging places with the couple to their left and then to their right.

A trade by is a move where dancers move forward and back, exchanging places with the couple diagonally across from them and then back to their original positions.