Many people have heard of Do Si Do, Allemande Left, and Swing Your Partner, but only a square dancer knows what it means to Slip the Clutch or Box the Gnat. If you’re still in the dark, read on—these are names for but a few of the 68 movements in mainstream square dancing.
In square dancing, eight people form a square with two people on each side, then dance a series of movements as “called” by a square dance caller. This social activity provides people fun, friendship, and exercise—you can definitely work up a sweat while square dancing! Easily learned by all ages, it often becomes a lifelong, enjoyable, healthy activity for both singles and couples.
The history of square dancing in Comox Valley
The Comox Valley has its own square dance club, the Ocean Waves, which has evolved over the last 70 years. A club called the Co-Ho-Downers was formed in the early 1950s under the direction of caller Leo Auterson. The Co-Ho-Downers morphed into the Comox Valley Squares, which was then renamed the Ocean Waves in 1977 remains an active not-for-profit club of 48 members to this day.
Ocean Waves’ volunteer directors, elected each year, oversee the operations. They rent halls, set up lessons, plan dances, establish themes and programs, and hire a caller, whose job is to put the dancers into action. Their current caller is Fran Archambault, who uses her East Coast singing talent, and humour, to keep dancers on their toes.
The art of square dance calling
The caller is the cornerstone of square dance. Like a choir director conducting singers, a caller leads dancers through the music, moving people around in a sequence. Each move is called before the last one is completed, so the dancers have to listen carefully, because the caller can repeat or change the directions at will. Some callers work off a pre-written script of predetermined calls, while others can stand in front of a hall and start calling moves on the spot while watching the dancers. These callers can manipulate dancers around the square like pieces on a chess board. It’s an amazing talent to observe!
Most callers gradually develop their skills through exposure to dancing, mentorship by seasoned callers, and/or attending a short-term “caller school” with professional instructors. They are typically paid to teach lessons and call at dances, but they also tend to put in a huge amount of their own time as volunteers. Many callers constantly seek out new music, and some create their own choreography. Because each caller has a unique style and their own repertoire of music, and it’s good for dancers to be exposed to different voices, clubs often invite out-of-town callers to special events.
Square dancing traditions and etiquette
Square Dance functions are dry events. There is no alcohol served before, during, or after dances. It’s challenging enough to remember moves without liquor added to the mix!
The typical square-dance attire of women in crinolines and men wearing bolo ties is easily recognizable. The dresses and crinolines were designed to flare out with every turn and twirl, creating a whirlwind of colour as the dancers move around. It is a beautiful sight. However, times change, and present-day society is more casual; therefore, all types of dress are now acceptable. The club members are just happy to have people dance, no matter what they wear.
Celebrating 70 years of square dancing community
This year the Ocean Waves celebrate 70 years of square dancing in the Comox Valley. Through the dedication of members, this club has weathered the ups and downs of the economy, an aging population, and the pandemic, only to come out the other end smiling—and stronger.
During the summer, you may see members of Ocean Waves dancing at public events around town. Don’t be shy about asking them questions: they love to talk about dancing almost as much as they love to dance.
Join the Waves
With its motto of “dance in a square and make a circle of friends,” Ocean Waves is a great place to meet people. Not only can you cultivate friendships within the club, you can also travel the globe and dance anywhere you go. No matter what country you visit, the moves are the same and called in English.
In early September, the club offers two free lessons for people wanting to try it out before committing to a series of 12 lessons (September through December). After completing the series, new dancers can participate in dances at the beginner level on Vancouver Island and in Powell River. If they wish, students can then do 12 more progressive lessons between January and April before graduating with a certificate in Mainstream Square Dancing—having learned all 68 basic movements.
For more info visit
comoxvalleyoceanwaves.ca or call Bob Chalmers at 250.871.4341
