- What is DC Lambda Squares?
- DC Lambda Squares is a nonprofit square dance club primarily (but not exclusively) for gay men and lesbians of all ages. The club is a member of the International Association of Gay Square Dance ClubsŪ (IAGSDC), a Lesbian and Gay Organization, whose membership includes more than 60 other local clubs in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. (There are more than 7,000 square dance clubs around the world.) It attracts singles as well as couples.
- What is square dancing?
- Square dancing is America's folk dance and is the official state dance in 17 states, including Virginia. It has its roots in older dance forms including the polka, jig, minuet, reel, quadrille and cotillion. Dancing is performed by following a caller because the dances are not memorized. Instead they consist of a series of combinations of basic movements that are arranged by the caller. Music is not limited to country/western dancing and can include old favorites, folk tunes or pop.
- Eight people form a square of four couples. In straight square dancing, this is always male/female and each gender performs the calls in a specified way. But in gay square dancing, the only criteria is that a square has eight persons in four couples. Therefore, men and women can (and do) dance with the same as well as the opposite sex. Those who dance the traditional male role are called "leads," and those who dance the female parts are called "follows." This is usually confusing to straight square dancers since they are used to seeing just the male/female versions.
- Why square dance?
- Square dancing is undergoing a revival in America and gay men and lesbians are forming square dance clubs in increasing numbers. As exercise, it's a great way to achieve a cardiovascular workout; as a form of socializing, gay men and lesbians can meet in a stress-free, smoke- and alcohol-free, non-bar environment. Club members feel a special fellowship toward one another which other develops into lasting friendships.
- How does one square dance?
- In order to dance in a square dance, one must follow a caller who directs the dancers in a series of calls which, in turn, consists of a series of steps. Square dancers begin by learning these calls through classes. This is a cumulative effort; missing classes can put dancers behind in the calls and can cause a square to break down or to miss a call.
- Do I need experience?
- No. We teach. People who have never danced at all are invited to join during the beginning of classes in September each year. Most of us knew nothing about square dancing before joining the group. We remember what it was like for us when we were learning. The teaching is gentle, encouraging, supportive and fun.
- Must I bring a dance partner?
- No. But you can. Both singles and couples are welcome.
- Who dances which part?
- You decide whether you want to dance the traditional "woman's" or "man's" role. Women dance with women, men dance with men, and women with men.
- We recommend beginners pick one role or the other and stick to it during the first months to minimize confusion.
- When and where are the dance classes held?
- Classes for those learning to square dance are held from September through December on Monday nights in Scott Hall at the National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Can I try it without obligation?
- Yes. "Open House" dances are held several times a year for people with little or no experience to get a taste of how much fun it is.
- If you attend one or me first-nighters, you will be under no obligation to join the club. Contact us for more information on our next scheduled first-nighter.
- Are both women and men involved?
- Yes. Our membership includes lesbians and gay men. We encourage everyone in the gay and lesbian community to join.
- By the way, we do not discriminate, on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. Your straight friends are welcome to dance with us too, as long as they are comfortable dancing with people of the same sex.
- What does it cost?
- The Mainstream class lasts one semester (Sep - Dec) and costs $75. Regular club dues are $70 for spring and fall semesters, and $50 for the summer. If you pay annually, your dues are $155.
- You do not need to be enrolled in a class to come dance on club nights, but you do need to have graduated from a Mainstream program or be able to dance it. The per-night fee for those who are not currently paid club members is $8.00. Of course, anyone is welcome to come socialize with us on any club night. Summer dancing also is scheduled as need and interest dictate.
- When can beginners join?
- Beginners are welcome at the "Open House" dances held several times a year and at the first few classes each September.
- There are over 60 calls to learn between September and the December break. Each week's learning builds on the previous week's. Accepting beginners after September would make learning to dance difficult for everyone.
- Would I have to attend regularly?
- Yes. Letting students come irregularly would frustrate everyone. Each week new calls are learned. We stress the importance of regular attendance so that everyone can have a good time.
- Do I need a costume?
- Unlike in straight square dancing, in which most clubs require that members wear special square dance clothing--men wear long-sleeved, western-style shirts, and women wear petticoats and crinolines or, in some clubs, prairie skirts, no particular costume is required for gay square dancing.
- However, those who choose to dance the traditional "man's" role sometimes wear bandannas around their necks to help callers and other dancers tell who's dancing which role. This is not a requirement, but is recommended for beginning dancers.
- What's the history of DC Lambda Squares, Inc.?
- A gay man discovered country and western and square dancing when he attended a gay rodeo. He returned home so enthusiastic, he formed the DC Lambda Squares in September of 1981.
- At the beginning, the group did contra dances and big circle dances rather than square dances. As time went on, the group evolved into its present form, which does "modern western" square dancing using the Callerlab system of standardized calls.
- The club is run by a board of directors elected by the membership. DC Lambda Squares is a member of the International Association of Gay Square Dance ClubsŪ (IAGSDC), a Lesbian and Gay Organization, and the non-gay Washington Area Squaredance Clubs Association (WASCA).