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Hicks and Chicks Lessons

For the new beginner (and us old-timers too)

A Special Note About Lessons

Lessons began Sunday, September 11, 2011,

H&C Western Style Square Dance Lessons for fall of 2011: First lesson was on Sunday, September 11, 2011.  Lessons are on Sunday evenings, and as always, our first two lessons will be free.  

Lessons began on Sunday, September 11, 2011, and continued Sunday nights each week through Graduation Sunday.  Lessons are held at the Sunny Acres Barn and will be from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM each night.

If you are interested in taking  lessons this next fall, please contact us for information.

The first two lessons next year will be free.

Phone: Don & Sue at 419-947-6081

or e-mail to hicksandchicks@aol.com  or  webmaster@hicksandchicks.org

Graduation for Class Nov. 09 was Sunday Nov. 23, 2009

Square Dance lesson dates began Sunday, September 11, 2011.  The first two square dance lessons which were on Sept. 11 and 18 this year, was FREE.  The last few lessons will be workshops for all members.  There will be members (called Angels) at every lesson to help by being part of the square. There is always plenty of refreshments, which seems to be a big part of square dancing.

Bryan Fellows, the Hicks and Chicks Club instructor, will be calling the lessons, and he has plenty of good music and makes learning to square dance FUN. Bryan also gives lessons for other clubs, so if you miss a lesson in Marion, you can make it up at one of the other places.

Round Dance lessons are given through the Fall and Winter months.  three levels are being planned during the fall and winter at Mansfield, Ohio.  Phyllis Burdette will be cueing the round dance lessons.

If you would like to be contacted when the next set of square dance and/or round dance lessons will begin held, or for more information about square dancing, contact any Officer as listed in the "Officers" web page or an e-mail to HicksAndChicks@aol.com or any member of the Hicks and Chicks Club.  You are always welcome to come to and watch at any of our club dances at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is Western Square Dancing?            There are two types of Square Dancing.   Eastern, aka, Swap and Swing, Square Dancing is the type you most likely learned in High School.  In this type of dancing, the 1^st couple does the figures then the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th.  Eastern dancing is popular at community functions and pop-up dances.   Western Square Dancing (this is what our club dances) features all couples moving at once in various patterns.  There are many Western Square Dance calls; therefore lessons are needed in order to dance at dances featuring this type of dancing. 

How long to lessons last?            Beginning lessons for the Hicks and Chicks are being set.   Lessons will take the student through basic, mainstream and plus calls. 

 How much do lessons cost?            Cost depends on the number of students taking lessons.   The first two lessons are free in order to give folks an idea of what Western Square Dancing is all about.  After the first two lessons, the cost will be between $4.00 and $5.00 per person per lesson.

 What do you wear to lessons?            Dress is casual. Jeans and shorts are OK, and warmer clothing during the winter.  Wear comfortable shoes.  After lessons have progressed you may want to look into leather bottom shoes to help with dancing on the various floor surfaces. 

 When do you attend dances and what do you wear?            Dances that are structured for students start in December.  However, you may wish to try a dance earlier.  Your club can help you with that decision.  Dress is casual for students. Jeans and a dress top will work for most dances.  Once you graduate you will find there are more formal dances that require the ladies to wear long skirts or full western attire (the choice is yours) and the men to wear dress pants or jeans and western shirts.  Guidance is given as you go through Square Dance Lessons.

 Are there many clubs is this area?            Currently, there are several local clubs including several in Columbus.  Longer travels to clubs in the  Cleveland, Toledo and Akron area are also planned by the Hicks and Chicks.  Local clubs are in Tiffin (T-Squares), Mansfield (Johnny Appleseed Squares), Mt.Vernon (Dixie Squares) dancing in Fredericktown, Shelby (Cloverleafs) and Delaware (Lil’ Brown Jugs). 

 Have another question?  Ask one of the club members.  By the way, Club members that help with lessons are called Angels.  Join us for a fun time and you will learn why.

(Thanks to Sue for this Q&A section)

First Two Lessons Free, and Much More

More free dancing after completing lessons:      A student taking lessons will be invited to the Hicks and Chicks Christmas Dinner and Dance to get a first hand experience of a real western square dance. This will be called a Hi-Lo Square Dance, where every other tip will be called at the level for the student. This is the first opportunity for the student to dance in western wear, but it is not necessary.  The dinner and dance will be free to the student.  For the next three months, the first Saturday at the Hicks and Chicks will be Hi-Lo dances, and the student can dance at half price. Many other square dance clubs in Columbus and around the state have Hi-Lo dances.

By spring, you will be dancing at club level, and will be invited to join our Hicks and Chicks Club, or any other club you so wish.  The important thing is, to get you dancing so you can have fun and enjoyment like we do. 

After graduation, the 10 member clubs of the Central Ohio Council of Dance Clubs (COCDC), which the Hicks and Chicks Club is a member of, will give each graduating student a free pass to one dance at each of the member clubs, good for the remainder of the year.  This savings will exceed the cost of lessons, but, the important thing is, it will have you traveling with the club to other square dances in the area.   

Next years class members and caller;

To the Hicks and Chicks Square and Round Dancing Web Pages

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