Swing Your Partner
Choose your partner and do-si-do! Use Crayola® Sidewalk Paint to create a squared set to help you learn basic square dance moves.
1. Want to learn how to square dance? Ask your teacher to help you find a section of concrete or asphalt on which you may safely paint a squared set. Crayola Washable Sidewalk Paint will wash off with a garden hose or rain. Test a small area to make sure the paint does not stain the surface. Do not use the paint on surfaces less than 6 months old.
2. Square dancing’s name comes from the square formation used while dancing. Although the squared set is an imaginary set on the floor, you can learn new moves easier if you paint it to get you started.
3. Paint the squared set. To find the correct size for your square, gather 8 friends. A pair of dancers stands in the middle of each side of this large square. Everyone stands with their arms outstretched so that the couples can touch fingertips at the square’s corners.
4. Use one color of Sidewalk Paint to make four smaller squares, one on each side of the larger square. Use a different color to paint a circle for each member of the couple.
5. Mark the positions. The dancers with their backs to the music are couple number 1 in Position 1, or the head couple. The dancers across the square from this couple are also called head couples, but they are in Position 3. The side couples, or couples number 2 and 4, are in Position 2 and Position 4. Use another color of paint to label the positions. Air-dry the paint.
6. Dance! Now you are ready to dance. Stand in your starting positions. A caller (or use a recording) calls out the steps for the dancers to perform. Dancers continue to perform each called movement until the caller gives another direction. Here are a few basic moves.
7. Honor your partner by facing each other. Bow if you are a boy and curtsey if you are a girl. Now honor your corner by turning to the person on the other side and bow or curtsey again.
8. Circle to the left and circle to the right by joining hands and moving in either direction in a circle. You may walk, skip, or do the shuffle step (lift your heels and slide forward on the balls of your feet).
9. To perform the do-si-do, stand face to face with your partner. Walk forward past your partner’s right shoulder. Then step to the right and walk backward past your neighbor’s left shoulder. You should end up face to face.
10. An allemande left is executed by stepping forward and grasping your corner’s left arm with your hand. You keep walking forward in a half circle until you are in your corner’s starting position. Now pull gently with your left arm and move past your corner’s left shoulder. When you face your partner, you may drop hands.
11. The right and left grand is a circular movement. Partners start by facing each other. Give your partner your right hand and gently pull forward past your partner. Drop your hand and give your left hand to the next dancer in line. Move by each dancer alternating with your right and left hand, until you meet your partner again.
12. There are many more square dance moves such as the courtesy turn, weave the ring, right-hand star, and the pass thru. Research more square dance moves and practice them on your squared set. You may use your squared set over and over, but do not leave the paint on the surface longer than 2 weeks. To remove, wash surface with the water pressure from a garden hose.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.
Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.
Outdoor Crafts—Choose safe outdoor areas, away from traffic and dangerous equipment. Close adult supervision is required.
Sponges and Foam—Sponges, foam, and other expandable materials should not be used with children 3 years old and younger.
- Invent your own square dance steps. Use the squared set to come up with invented steps for the caller.
- Research dance steps such as the fox trot or other line or circle dances. Use Sidewalk Paint to paint the steps or formations for these dances.
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