Many of the people who come to The Villages go to the squares in the evenings where they enjoy the free entertainment. As they watch the groups of line dancers, sometimes they are inspired to go to classes so they will be able to join in.
Despite what you may have seen, flip-flops are not appropriate footwear for the squares OR IN CLASSES. You are a danger to yourself and others if your shoes do not have backs or straps, or if you dance in heels when you're not used to it. Some instructors will ask dancers to leave class if they are wearing backless footwear (an option is to dance barefoot, but you'll only do that once).
Anybody can dance on the squares!
You can do any dance YOU know on the squares. Find a vacant spot (sometimes easier said than done, LOL), and do the easy dances you learn in introductory classes (see suggestions below).
It may be fun to go with a couple of friends from class. Don't try to join in the established groups unless you know what you're doing. They have been dancing together for a long time. Instead, find a spot off to the side and do the dances YOU know. Make a list and take it with you. Listen to the song being played and check your list, then pick a dance that will work to the song. You don't have to start at the beginning of a song--jump in on the beat whenever you're ready. If you're doing the easiest dances you know, it's likely that some other new dancers in the audience will come up and follow you. Welcome them with a smile and coach them if you can--pretty soon, you'll have your own little group!
Once you are very familiar with the the beginner steps and turns, you can seek out the classes where the instructors focus on dances done on the squares, and you can join the groups dancing with their instructors.
In general, dances with few or easy turns are good choices. The outdoor surfaces are very rough, so you should be mindful about picking your feet up rather than trying to slide the way we can do when we're inside. That's why, as much as I would enjoy it, I forego dancing on the squares in the hope that my knees will last longer.
How many dances do you need to know?
You don't have to do lots of different dances to start with--the "audience" won't know the difference if you rotate 4-5 <g>.
Below is a list of good starter dances taught regularly that will work to lots of different music. Click on the dance to open a Learn With Lisa instructional video.
AB Alright, Already by Connie Nielsen
ABieber by Ross Brown
And It Goes Like This by Sue Hutchinson
Booty To The Floor AB by Lisa McCammon
Cut A Rug by Jo Thompson
Every Once In A While by K. Sholes
First Steps by Lisa McCammon
Gloria (AB) by Rosie Multari
Good Morning by Szymanski & Holloway
It's A Beautiful Day by Monika Mickein
Rumba Hips by Rick Wilson
Second Step Blues by Lisa McCammon
Stings Like AB by Peter Metelnick & Allison Biggs
Who's Been Sleepin' In My Bed by Linda Pink
