Challenge (c4) square dancing

[clarkmbaker]

To assist in the debate "Is Challenge Square Dancing really dancing" we created a video with 10 sequences, each at a different level. Check out the YouTube video "Square Dance patter tip with all dance programs".

I hope you agree that the calling and dancing was "dancing" with the potential exception of the harder C4 sequence.

[cajoboy]

I think a better name for challenge level is not dancing; it is square walking. Not much dancing going on; just people telling each other where to stand, then walk.

[SuperMattTO]

The real level snobs in square dancing seem to be the plus level dancers who don't approve of challenge level dancers for supposedly not having fun. Of course, they are enjoying the mental excercise. Otherwise, they would not do it.

[Foxwagon1]

How come challenge dancers never smile. I thought it was supposed to be fun.

[dancebear]

Good grief! I thought A2 was hard!

[shortyd999]

We use to square dance in elementry school and it does require you to remember a lot of different variation of movements. Its actually not that bad...Although I perfer Jsetting..LOL

[pimobius]

Doing challenge levels requires learning to think in a different way as well as have a highly developed memory. By the challenge 4 level, the dancers must have memorized so many movements and variations of movements that one is able to respond to immediately. The entire set has to be 'as one', and its really a gorgeous feeling to be able to dance to some callers...don't be afraid to try it!

[guitardude1000]

How the hell is this a dance. They are just walking and what the hell is C4 dancing!

CRAP!

[SaraCampbell0]

I don't dance this sort of dance however I have a friend in the US who does this. C4 dancing stands for challenge level 4. It consists of complex dance combinations that must be solved, much like solving a puzzle or code logic, and they must be solved as the dance is in progress. The dancers do NOT know know ahead of time what the choreography will be. If any one person does not solve their piece of the puzzle correctly, their 'square' is ruined.

[SaraCampbell0]

It doesn't flow as nicely as mainstream square dancing. LOL, perhaps it hurts the brain to have to think so hard so quickly!

Furthermore, the fact that you don't understand something is not a valid reason to ridicule it.

[jayhawker53]

On of the reasons that some people don't do this challenge square dancing is that there are people out there that look down on you because you either don't do it or they are new to it. These people need to just take a chill pill it's just square dancing! If you're going to get upset over something then get upset over something that's a lot more important than square dancing! Squared dancing is only a hobby. It isn't your job!

[SaraCampbell0]

LOL, the people I know that do this spend so much time at it that it may as well be their job! However, they are enjoying themselves, so that is alright.

[jayhawker53]

It sounds like they lead a very boring life. There is more to life than square dancing. If they spend as much time as you say they do, then they need to get a life. I enjoy square dancing as much as the next dancer. I don't let it run my life.

[SaraCampbell0]

Yes, but it does look like fun. Someday I may give it a go. At least I would have people to help me learn it.

I don't have time for it now...

[jayhawker53]

I only square dance for the exercise. It's good for your heart.

[jayhawker53]

HEy Sara,

I wouldn't want you in a square, b/c you seem to be one of those perfectionists that criticizes or finds fault with everything people do. Hey, it's just square dancing kid!

[SaraCampbell0]

It took you EIGHT MONTHS just to think of a THAT? I wouldn't want to dance with you either because you are too slow...

[CrazySquareDancer]

Nice Video. I love challange dance, too!

[daveeno]

Good show! What's the name of the hoedown?

[afaik1Ben]

This is great!! I want to learn C4 as fast as i can...

But probably im at a1-a2, but i live in germany and here are no c4 clubs or weekends! :(

See you guys at iPAC! ;)

[canegrace]

Vengo anch'io aspettatemi!

[61811250]

cool!

Thanks for posting