HERMON – Eight people, two on each side of a square, respond to instructions given to them by a “caller.” It’s lively, energetic and a lot of fun, in addition to an excellent source of exercise. Although there are several skill levels of square dancing, the moves are standardized throughout the world. You could say that you have “square” friends every place you travel.

American square dancing originated in New England. After working hard all week building new homes and tending the fields, the first settlers would gather in the community center on Saturday nights to socialize, relax and dance.

Because the settlers had many distinct backgrounds, so did their dances. It was difficult for any one person to remember such a wide variety of dance moves.

However, in every group there always was one “loud, extroverted Yankee” who had a knack for remembering the dance styles. So the settlers would let him “prompt” them in case they happened to forget which dance moves came next. In due course, this extroverted Yankee soon became known as the “caller.” As the pioneer population spread, so did the dances. Today, national square dance conventions draw up to 42,000 dancers from every state and many countries.

The Levi Rounders Square Dance Club wishes to increase its membership. The club, which has been in existence for more than 20 years, provides members with opportunities to:

. Take classes – beginners as well as experienced dancers.

. Attend dances where attendees will have the opportunity to meet members from other clubs in the area.

. Socialize, make friends and exercise.

Weekly lessons will start 6:30-9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, at the Lynde Lodge, Route 2 in Hermon. The cost of each lesson is $4 a person. For new students, the first two lessons are free. On the first Saturday of every month, October through May, the club holds a chemical- and smoke-free dance. Dance admission fee is $10 per couple, payable at the door.

The dances not only furnish fun and enjoyment, they provide an opportunity for club members to practice the dance moves and skills they learned in class. Current square dance attire is modern and not at all folkloric. Today’s square dance music includes oldies, country, pop, rock, gospel and even Christmas music.

Square dancing is not difficult. Participants learn a group of basic steps – calls – that are then used to form dances. Think of it this way – there are only eight notes in the musical scale, but these notes are arranged to form thousands of songs.

More information may be obtained from Doug and Mavis Plenge at 848-2595 or Per and Cindy Lee, 848-4910.