Modern Square Dance is an activity for groups of eight. At the start of each dance these four couples stand on the lines of an imaginary square facing each other forming the so called “square”. Hence the name: Square Dance.
What makes square dancing unique is that people perform individual dance moves as directed by the caller. It’s spontaneous, as dancers don’t know what the next call is going to be.
A wide variety of music is used in square dancing these days, from traditional country western songs to Broadway show tunes and World music. Anything with a steady beat is fair game.
But of course this dance is not for eight persons only. Most of the time several squares are dancing at the same time, but independently of each other. A caller cues the dancers through a sequence of steps to the beat of the music, all movements smoothly flowing into each other.
While dancing the dancers constantly change their positions and their partners until, at the end of a sequence, they are (or should be) back where and with whom they have started. The order in which the specific dance movements, the calls, have to be danced is up to the caller, so the dancers don't know what the next call will be, making every dance a new challenge for each group of eight dancers.
This is what makes Square Dance a dance full of fun and variety, that stimulates your concentrativeness and reactions. The fact that you are not only dancing with one partner, but with a new partner for each dance and with three other couples in a square makes it easy to get to know the other dancers. Best conditions for singles and those of you who like to dance but your partner doesn’t.
Modern Square Dancing is an activity for groups of eight, but you don't need to bring anyone to learn! Couples, singles, and people of all ages can take square dance classes!
A beginner typical square dance class lasts about 12-15 weeks, covering approximately 50 calls. Each lesson is progressive, so what you learn this week will be based on what you learned last week! And your Square Dance Caller is not only responsible for teaching you how to Square Dance, but also to make your lessons fun and exciting so you're itching to come back next week!
Northwest Indiana offers multiple 12-week beginner square dance classes throughout the year! Currently, classes are being held in Hebron, Valparaiso, and Laporte. Classes in Crown Point & Highland are currently being explored!
All planned lessons in the area are 12-week courses:
Wrong Way Squares Winter Class
Mondays in Hebron, IN, starting in January
Wrong Way Squares Summer Class
Mondays in Valparaiso, IN, starting in June 1st, 2026
Star Righters Fall Class
Sundays in Laporte, IN, starting Aug. 16th, 2026
Wrong Way Squares Fall Class
Mondays in Hebron, IN, starting Sept. 21st, 2026
Now you can attend any Mainstream square dance event WORLDWIDE!
Click here to check out our events page!
Click here to check out local modern square dance clubs in NWI!
You can email dance@squaredancenwi.com, or you can call or text (219) 237-8369.