How does that old saying go? Oh, that’s right – it takes two to tango and eight to square dance. Well, that second half isn’t part of the original saying, but maybe it should be, especially now that square dancing is having a revival in the Richmond area.
When you think of square dancing, you likely think of cowboy hats, bandanas, and hoe-downs, which isn’t completely wrong. Now, picture that with a modern twist, including casual attire and top country songs, and you’ll see what square dancing in Richmond is today.
Richmond is home to several membership clubs for square dancing, like Tuckahoe Squares, which has comprehensive lessons, free community events, and a lifetime of dancing camaraderie. There are also community groups gaining traction, such as RVA Square Dance, which hosts a monthly square dance event at Studio Two Three in Manchester.
Whether you grew up here in Richmond or somewhere else across the country, there is a high chance that you had to take square dancing lessons in your elementary school physical education class. What was once a graduation requirement is now becoming one of our city’s favorite activities for residents of all ages.
All you need to bring with you is an open mind, a positive attitude, and your best dance moves. With the step-by-step choreography, live music, and fun atmosphere, you’re guaranteed to have a great time – even if you accidentally go right when the caller says “circle left.”
The Rise of Square Dance in RVA
Much of the recent success of square dancing in Richmond can be attributed to the attitude shifts we’ve seen post-pandemic. After being isolated, having limited social activities, and enduring periods of uncertainty, many people emerged with newfound adventurous mindsets. People were looking for new ways to get out there, make new connections, and live life to the fullest.
It’s not just anecdotal; this can be seen in the numbers. RVA Square Dance had to cap their February 2025 event at 200 attendees due to high demand. Similarly, Tuckahoe Squares has seen their membership double since reopening post-pandemic.
“I think after 2020, people are ready to be out and about again, and maybe being cooped up led to folks being more willing to go and try new things,” shares Adrienne Robertson, organizer and caller at RVA Square Dance.
Some dancers find their way into square dancing because they enjoyed line dancing but are looking for more interpersonal connections. Other dancers find themselves making square dancing a permanent part of their lives because it allows them to have a moment of calm, taking time out of their days to just be in the moment while listening to the caller and being in sync with their partners and other dancers to create something deeper than just a dance.
Whether you’re interested in going it solo, with friends, or with a partner, many modern square-dancing events in Richmond are breaking tradition and making the dance floor accessible for all. “I know the stereotype is dancing ladies and gents, but we actually do gender-neutral calling here [at RVA Square Dance],” says Robertson. “It makes no difference who you are, as long as you are ready to have a good time and be respectful of other folks. Instead of saying ‘ladies and gents’ when we do our instructions, we say ‘larks and ravens,’ so the partner on the left can remember ‘lark’ starts with ‘L’ and the partner on the right can remember ‘raven’ starts with ‘R.’”
Square Dancing Through History
As its popularity has ebbed and flowed throughout the years, square dancing continues to play a role in popular culture. The earliest documentation of square dancing dates all the way back to 17th-century England. Many of the cotillion-style dances that were performed in 18th-century France as well as many of the folk-style dances performed across Europe followed similar patterns to the square dancing we know today. These dances were performed by couples in specific formations, and everyone knew the right moves at the right time.
Since these dances were such an integral part of society and culture throughout these eras, it’s no surprise that when Europeans began to settle across the Thirteen Colonies, they brought their dances with them. This is why square dancing remains most popular in the areas of New England and Appalachia, even centuries later. In addition, square dancing is the official dance of 24 states across the country, spanning coast to coast.
Not only do we see the influence of traditional European dance styles on modern square dance, but we also see influence from both African American and Native American cultures. Where memorization was once crucial to a successful night of dancing, the introduction of the modern caller in the 1900s gave way to a more free-flowing style of movement.
At first, the music performed for square dancing was traditional folk music. This, of course, has evolved over the years as more cultures influenced the dance as it spread across the world. Now, in 2025, you’ll find a combination of that traditional folk music mixed with more modern tracks.
At Tuckahoe Squares, they dance to all genres of music, depending on the personality of the caller. “You may dance to ‘Home’ by Phillip Phillips, ‘Wagon Wheel’ by Darius Rucker, ‘Sunchyme’ by Dario G, or even the movie theme song from ‘Mission Impossible,’” says Patty Mason, co-president of Tuckahoe Squares. “Each caller’s personality comes out through the music they play and their choreography.”
Talking the Talk Before Walking the Walk
At your first square dance lesson or event, you’ll quickly notice some new terminology being thrown around. These terms covering formations, dance moves, and roles draw from the French and English languages. But together, they combine to create one universal square dance lexicon. So, no matter where square dancing takes you, you’ll always know which steps to take.
Some of the dance moves are straightforward, like “circle left,” which instructs all eight of the dancers to join hands and walk in a circle, going left. There’s also “allemande left,” “promenade,” and “weave the ring” to name a few. Don’t worry, when you take a class, you’ll get all these moves down pat, plus some.
Learning the roles of square dancing may come even easier than the moves themselves. The person announcing the dance moves is “the caller,” the person you’re dancing with is your “partner,” and the person on the other side of you is your “corner.” There are also “head couples” and “side couples,” which come into play when you’re doing moves such as “pass thru, separate, and go home.”
Tuckahoe Squares offers a 12-week program, which starts with a free open house where new dancers are paired with “angel” dancers who have just graduated the program and are ready to show you how it’s done.
“The class format is set up so that the new dancers are dancing the first night. For the Basic and Mainstream class, there are about 50 standardized moves (or ‘calls’) in square dance lingo that new dancers learn,” says Mason. “The calls are foundational and taught over the 12-week time frame so by graduation, a new dancer can travel to any club in the world and dance.”
If a 12-week commitment seems intimidating for your first time square dancing, you can always jump into an event with RVA Square Dance and take their 30-minute lessons prior to the full-group dance.
“We offer lessons before each dance to help people learn some of the more common terms and moves before they start,” says Robertson. “It can be helpful because then you have a little bit of the vocabulary and the community vibe beforehand, plus it’s a chance to meet other folks who have never tried it before, and you can lean on each other. We’ll have a quick lesson, then start off with a few easier dances and mixers to give folks a chance to travel around and dance with different partners.”
Getting Started with Square Dancing
If you’re on the fence or have prejudgments about square dancing, take a page from Mason’s book and just give it a try. It’s whole-heartedly a fun activity for everyone regardless of age, fitness level, or dancing experience.
“I was introduced to square dancing by friends who asked me to come to a square dance open house. I was probably like most people and had preconceived notions of what square dancing was. I figured I would just go to watch,” Mason shares. “Of course, they got me out on the floor to give it a try and within less than a minute, I was having fun and I was hooked.”
For many, Mason’s story is likely relatable. The reason square dancing is rising in popularity and is thriving here in Richmond is because of social media, word of mouth, and folks bringing their friends along, even if it’s just to watch at first.
“Square dancers are passionate about sharing their favorite pastime, and I encourage everyone to give square dancing a try,” says Mason. “We were all beginners and will help you to quickly learn how to square dance. I promise that you will leave with a smile.”
Once you try square dancing, you’ll see how fun it can be. The positive energy, welcoming atmosphere, smiling faces, and dynamic dance moves are addicting. You’ll find yourself leaving uplifted, and it wouldn’t be surprising if you’re at another square dance event very soon.
