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Patricia Wahle's Dancer Survey

Here's what everybody said. My apologies for any time I misinterpreted some's handwriting or sentence fragments. All typos are my own. I didn't record the information about occupation and other interests and places danced, because those responses were in general too long for me to enter all the information that I received from the hand-written surveys. :-s I tried to include some statistical information like age, gender, single or married, whether or not they have kids in the house, and what level they dance. The people are sort of listed in categories by age. I kept the Nebraskans and the internetters in two separate groups. I'd like you to meet some of my friends:

A lady who is 28 completed my survey at a mainstream dance. She said she started dancing when she was 6 because her dad was a caller and she liked music. Her dancing activity slowed down quite a bit in high school and college because of marching band, but she came back when she graduated. She now dances about once or twice a week because it's fun and she likes to see friends and get exercise. The music and dancing also make square dancing fun for her. She is single.

Another lady who is 31 and completed the survey at a mainstream dance has just recently started dancing. She danced before and started again when she found a new club. She says it's a lot of fun and she likes the fact that she gets to meet many people at square dances. She also likes that it is something fun to do for the whole family. Her husband convinced her to take lessons. They have one kid.

Another young lady who is 9 started dancing just this year says she likes it because it is a lot of fun and makes her happy.

A 15 year old boy who started dancing last year filled out my survey at a mainstream dance and says that he dances about three times a week. His grandpa convinced him to take square dance lessons.

A young lady who is 17 filled out a survey for me during plus lessons. She started dancing in 10 years ago because her family danced. She stopped dancing for a while when the teen club folded, but started square dancing again recently because she wanted to square dance again. The thinks it's fun and likes the fact that it makes you think. What makes square dancing fun for here is the people.

Another particularly young gentleman filled out a survey for me at a mainstream dance. I couldn't quite make out his age. I'll leave his responses as he wrote them. He started dancing last year and dances about 3 times a week. In response to the survey question "Why do you square dance?" he responded because "I wont to" and he says that what makes square dancing fun for him is the "pepolpl". The reason I quoted his responses is because when I read his responses they sounded very familiar. We could dwell on the differences between him and some of the other square dancers, but that leads me to the question, which is more important, what a person feels, or how he spells that?

One lady who is 32 started dancing when she was 12 and her parents took her to lessons. She dances at least through the plus level. She dances about once a week because it is fun and good exercise, but said she doesn't dance as much as she used to. She says the people are what makes square dancing fun for her. She is married with 2 children.

A 33 yr. old man said his mom and dad convinced him to learn to square dance 20 years ago. He dances 3-4 times a week for the friendship and for the feeling of "being successful" at it. He spreads his dance time between Mainstream, Plus, and a little Advanced. He is married with 2 children.

A 33 yr. old woman said her mom convinced her to square dance 8 years ago. She dances about 3 nights a week for the fellowship, fun, and friends. The friends and the challenge are what makes square dancing fun for her. She filled out this survey at a mainstream dance. She is single.

A 35 yr. old man was invited by a friend to take square dance lessons 11 years ago. He dances about once a week for the friends, fun, and exercise. What makes square dancing fun for him is the people. He also filled out this survey at a mainstream dance. He is single.

Another man who is 35 started dancing 3 years ago because of some friends of his. He filled out this survey at a mainstream dance. He dances once a week for fun and entertainment. He is single.

A 38 yr. old man started dancing as a college freshman because he thought it would be like contra dancing, which he had enjoyed previously. He dances once or twice a week for the social interaction and because it's fun. What makes square dancing fun for him is "a square that thinks." He dances up through the Advanced level. He is married with no children.

One advanced dancer who is 38 said that he started dancing 15 years ago because he had square danced in elementary school and noticed the square dances that are listed in our local newspaper and thought it would be a good way to meet people. He dances once a week, but says he certainly doesn't dance as often as he used to. He square dances because most of his friends dance. A good caller and a good square make square dancing fun for him. He also thinks it's fun when everything happens on the beat. He commented that we need more variety in square dancing, primarily from the callers, because most are predictable. He is single.

Another 38 yr. old advanced dancer also started dancing 10-15 years ago. He dances 3-4 times a week because it is fun. What makes square dancing most fun for him is that it is challenging. He is married. He dances Advanced.

A 38 yr. old female advanced dancer also started dancing 15 years ago. She dances 3 times a week for the challenge and the social contact. What makes square dancing most fun for her is the friendships, laughter, and lively music. She is married with one child.

A 40 yr. old man who dances advanced said that he started dancing 21 years ago at a barn dance at a dairy farm west of Norfolk, NE. He dances anywhere from 1 to 4 times a week, depending on what his work schedule allows. He likes the different people, the challenge of some callers, and the travel. He says it makes a good escape from reality. He is single.

Another young lady who's under 40 started dancing 3 years ago when her fiancee dragged her to lessons. She dances 1-2 times per week. She likes to meet people who share the same hobby as she has. She filled out the survey at a plus dance. She is married with no children.

One woman in her 40's started dancing 18 years ago. What convinced her to square dance were the county fair and a man. She stopped dancing once when she moved and lost her partner, but began dancing again for the social aspects. She dances 1-3 times a week. She enjoys the social aspects and the exercise. The people are what makes square dancing most fun for her. She is single with one cat. :)

A woman who is 41 said she started dancing 22 years ago because she was dating a caller and liked dancing in general. She stopped dancing when she married a man who did not dance, but started again for the fellowship when her husband died. She likes square dancing because it allows you to feel accepted no matter what is your status in life. She dances about once a week. She likes the fact that square dancers have a circle of friends everywhere in the world immediately, and she likes it because you are allowed to be childlike. What makes square dancing most fun for her is the people and the laughter, even when you make mistakes.

A man who is 45 said his sister convinced him to square dance 6 years ago. He dances 2-3 times a week to get exercise. What makes square dancing fun for him is watching people. He filled out the survey at a mainstream dance. He is single.

A 45 yr. old man started dancing 15 years ago because he had friends that were already square dancing. He stopped square dancing for a while because of work, but came back again for the fun and new friends he get square dancing. He dances as often as his work allows him to and likes the music and the other people. He thinks that given the opportunity and the right state of mind, most people like the fun family atmosphere, non-drinking, no swearing best time of their life, that they get from square dancing. He filled out the survey at a mainstream dance. He is married with 2 children and one grandchild.

A 44 yr. old woman said she started square dancing 20 years ago because it looked like fun. She stopped square dancing for a while because of an incident that happened to her children who were learning to square dance. She dances 3 or 4 times a week for the fun, the people, the exercise, and the concentration. She dances at least through plus.

A lady who is 45 says she started dancing 14 years ago because she loved to dance. She stopped dancing for a while when the moved and because they had a son with cancer. They started dancing again because they needed to start living again after their son died. She dances almost once a week for the socializing, fun, and friends, and because it's something for her and her husband to do as a couple. What makes square dancing most fun for her are good friends and having a night out together. She says square dancing is one of the best socializing activities she's ever done.

A lady who is 47 said the started dancing 3 years ago for the non-smoking environment and because of friends. She dances 3-4 times a week for the fun, friends, exercise, and non-smoking environment. What makes square dancing most fun for her is meeting new people, and dancing to a caller who enjoys what he does. She is divorced with two children.

A man who filled out my survey at plus lessons said that he started dancing 22 years ago to meet people. He met his current wife when he was angeling lessons. He stopped dancing for a while when their kids had other activities, but started again for the exercise and fun. He dances every other week for the fun of meeting people. They have children and grandchildren. Their youngest child is now 17.

A woman who is 48 also filled out my survey at plus lessons. She started square dancing 10 years ago to meet people. She stopped dancing for a while because of work and children's activities, but started dancing again now that the kids are grown and their work schedules have changed. She dances once a week to get out of the house. What makes square dancing fun for her is the people. She is married with children and grandchildren.

One man who is 49 said other square dancers convinced him to square dance last year. He dances 4 nights a week because he likes to dance and it's great for tension. What makes square dancing fun for him is the people. He thinks everyone should try it. He has children and grandchildren.

One 49 yr. old lady said a friend convinced her to square dance 3 years ago. She enjoys it mostly for the friends. She has children and grandchildren.

A man who is 49 started dancing 5 years ago for the friendship. He dances 3 times a week for fun, fellowship, and exercise. What makes square dancing fun for him is that square dancers are "all nice people." He has children and grandchildren.

One woman who is 50 said she started dancing 19 years ago because of the friendly people at dances she had watched and because the music wasn't "corny country." She dances up through Advanced and dances 3-4 times a week because it is fun. What makes square dancing fun for her is the people, and "the challenge to do it right, and the joy of the success when we do." She said she loves to dance and loves to succeed at it. She is married with three grown children. ... and she's my mom. :)

One man who is 49 said he learned to square dance 19 years ago because he had seen and done some dancing as a youngster. He dances through Advanced and dances 3-4 times a week because he enjoys the activity and the people. What makes square dancing fun for him is the cooperation of the people and how much they *love* to see you at each dance. He is married with three grown children. He's my dad. :)

Another man who filled out this survey at a plus dance said he started square dancing 23 years ago because he loved to dance. He stopped dancing for a while when he and his wife couldn't find anyone to watch the kids. Now he dances 2 or 3 times a week because he loves it. What makes square dancing fun for him is that the people are friendly. He has children and one grandchild.

A nun who is 52 says she started dancing 12 years ago because she enjoyed dancing and there was a dance partner available. She stopped dancing when she had hurt her back and didn't have a partner. She started dancing again when she found another partner. She dances twice a week because she enjoys dancing and moving to the music, for the fun-loving people, and for the exercise. What makes square dancing fun for her is the people and the challenge. She filled out this survey at a plus dance. She likes the challenge of both round and square dancing, but thinks the level of challenge at mainstream is declining and wishes something could be done about that.

One woman who is 50 said a friend talked her into square dancing 17 years ago. She dances once a week because she enjoys the fellowship. What makes square dancing fun for her is the people. She is married and filled out this survey at a plus dance.

A man who is 50 said some friends convinced him to square dance 23 years ago. He stopped dancing because of the kids, and started dancing again when the kids were grown. He dances about every other week for the fun, exercise, and nice people. The music, exercise, and good people make square dancing fun for him. He filled out the survey at a plus dance. He is married.

A man who is 52 started square dancing this year. When he attended the first lesson, he found that it was lots of fun and felt great. He dances 2-3 times a week because it is fun, makes him feel good, and is good exercise. What makes square dancing most fun for him is the music, the dancing, and having fun with nice people.

One man who is under 55 said he started dancing 4 years ago because his wife danced. He dances on average 1.5 times a week. He dances for the exercise, because he enjoys being with his wife, and because there is no alcohol and no tobacco. The choreography, music, and exercise make square dancing fun for him.

One man who is 55 said his wife and his boss convinced him to square dance in 1966. He stopped dancing for a while because he lost interest, but started dancing again 4 or 5 years ago when he was looking for something to do that was good exercise. He now dances 3-5 times a week and dances through Advanced. What makes square dancing fun for him is the new friendships that have formed. He and his wife have 2 grown children and no grandchildren.

One woman who is 52 said she started dancing in 1966 because her husband needed a partner. They stopped dancing because of their children, but started dancing again because they remembered it was fun and wanted exercise. She dances up to Advanced and dances about 5 times a week for the challenge and the friends.

An man who is 49 said a friend convinced him to square dance 2 years ago. He dances on average 3 times a week or more. He dances for exercise and friends. He says its the friends that make it fun. He commented that he dances mainstream, plus, advanced, rounds, and advanced rounds. He is single.

One woman who says she's you-know-about-49 said she started dancing 2 years ago because her brother and sister-in-law danced. She dances 2-3 times a week for the exercise and friends. The friends are what makes square dancing the most fun for her. She dances plus and is married with children and grandchildren.

A woman who is 52 said she started dancing 19 years ago when some good friends invited her and her husband. They dance 2-3 times a week for the friendship, exercise, and good music. She says she enjoys all aspects of square dancing. What makes square dancing most fun for her is the good friends, a good caller, and good music. They have children and grandchildren.

A 54 year old man said his parents convinced him to square dance when he was 15. He stopped square dancing for a while because of college and other interests, but started back again because of the friends. He dances once a week or more for the fun and fellowship. What makes square dancing fun for him is meeting people and making friends. He filled out this survey at a mainstream dance. He is married with grandchildren.

A lady in her 50's said she started dancing 11 years ago because of some friends of hers who square danced. She filled out this survey at a mainstream dance. She dances every week for the enjoyment and exercise. What makes dancing most fun for her is the friends and fellowship. She is married, her children are grown, and she has grandchildren.

A lady who is 55 said demonstration dances convinced her to square dance 4 years ago. She dances once a week because it's a great way to have fun without drinking. What makes square dancing most fun for her is the fun people. She filled out the survey at a mainstream dance. She is married with children and grandchildren.

A lady who is 54 says she started dancing 6 years ago as a way to meet new people. She's done some form of dancing all of her life. She dances 4-6 nights a week because she loves to dance. What makes square dancing most fun for her is meeting new people and traveling. She says she met her boy friend at a square dance and they are now enjoying dancing everywhere together. She is single.

A woman in her late 50`s says she came back to dancing after not dancing for a while. Her husband was out of town a lot due to his job and there were no single clubs at that time in her area. After her husband died, she started to square dance again for something to do. She dances 4-5 times a week for fun and exercise. What makes square dancing most fun for here is the people associated with the clubs and their friendliness. She is single with children and grandchildren.

Another woman in her 50's said she started square dancing after seeing some advertisements 7 years ago. She dances every other week for the exercise and the people.

A man in his 50`s said some friends convinced him to start square dancing 22 years ago. He dances once a week for the fellowship with friends. What makes square dancing fun for him is the challenge and friendships. He is married with three children.

One woman who said she was "50ish" said she started dancing about 13 years ago when she saw an advertisement for lessons and had known people who danced. She has never stopped dancing, but danced less frequently after her divorce, and increased frequency after remarriage. She now dances about once a week because she enjoys the exercise, music, and friendly people, and she likes the fact that there is no smoke and no alcohol. She is married with children and grandchildren.

A woman in her 50's said her husband convinced her to square dance 12 years ago. She dances about twice a month for the fun and the exercise, and for the socializing. What makes square dancing most fun for her is meeting all the good people. She says that most of their social life is done with square dancers. She and her husband have children and grandchildren.

One man who is over 55 says he has been dancing for 11 years and dances once or twice a week because it's challenging and for the friends, fun, and exercise. The friends make square dancing fun for him. He is married with children and grandchildren. His comment was that we need more good callers like Mike Hogan (the caller at the plus dance where he filled out his survey).

A couple in their 50's said that a friend convinced them to dance 9 years ago. They dance 2-3 times a week for friendship, health, and fun. They can't think of anything they would rather do. What makes square dancing fun for them is the exercise and the friendship set to music. They feel that there is no better way to meet nice people and make new friends. They don't think anyone should pass up the opportunity to learn square dancing without trying a few lessons. They have children and grandchildren.

A 49 yr. old woman started dancing in 1969 for fun and friendships. She dances 3 times a week. The people make square dancing fun for her. She is married and they dance at least through plus.

A 53 yr. old man says a friend convinced him to dance in 1969. He dances about twice a week to be with friends. He filled out thesurvey at a plus dance.

One lady who filled out my survey at a plus dance said she started dancing 12 years ago because her parents did it, and some friends asked. She dances once a week to have fun and meet new people. What makes square dancing fun for here is the music, the callers, and the people. She is married.

Another woman who filled out my survey at a plus dance said she has been dancing since 1987 and dances 3 times a week. She dances for friendship and recreation, and because it's fun. What makes square dancing fun for her is the caller and all the dancers. She is married with children and grandchildren.

A man who is over 50 said he started dancing last year. He dances once a week for recreation. What makes square dancing fun for him is the good people. He has children and grandchildren and filled out this survey at a plus dance.

One woman who is 59 started square dancing 13 years ago because a friend begged her to start. She dances 1-2 times a week because she enjoy's the friends. The fact that it keeps the mind working makes square dancing fun for her. Sh dances plus and is married with 2 grown children.

One 60 yr. old man said he started dancing 24 years ago for the pretty girls. He dances 3 to 4 nights a week for the exercise and pretty girls. The challenge makes square dancing fun for him. He filled out this survey at a plus dance. He is married with children.

One woman who is 60 said she started dancing 19 years ago because she always enjoyed dancing and thought it would be a good social activity. She square dances about once a week to be with friends and for the mental and physical activity. What makes square dancing fun for her is the people, the challenge, and the relaxation of it. She is married with children.

One couple who's ages are 61 and 64 said that friends convinced them to square dancing in 1960. They stopped dancing for a while while they were raising children, but returned to square dancing when their family was grown because they remembered the fun of it. They dance about twice a month for the fun, friends, and exercise. They both say friends are what makes square dancing fun. They have been married for 40 years have 5 grandsons. They filled out surveys at a plus dance.

A woman who is 59 said some friends convinced her to dance 32 years ago. She dances 2-3 times a week for relaxation, fun, and friends. The friends are what makes square dancing the most fun for her. She filled out the survey at a plus dance. She and her husband have children and grandchildren.

A lady who is 60 said she started dancing 25 years ago. She said she stopped dancing for a while because of her kids' activities when they were in Jr. High. She dances about every other week for the exercise, social activity, and meeting new people. The friendliness is what makes square dancing most fun for her. She filled out the survey at a plus dance. She and her husband have children and grandchildren.

One woman who is 60 said she started dancing 13 years ago because she "married a square dancin' man!" She usually dances 1-3 times a week because it's her exercise plan. What makes square dancing fun for her is the people. She says "only 'super folks' have this hobby." She and her husband have children and grandchildren and dance at least through plus.

A man who is 60 said he started dancing in 32 years ago because his in-laws danced. He dances 2-3 times a week for relaxation and mixing with people. He filled out the survey at a plus dance. He is married with children and grandchildren.

A man who is 59 said he started dancing 24 years ago because it looked like fun and he enjoyed dancing. He stopped for a while because of his job and a change in hours worked, but started again because he missed dancing and work changed so he was able to get back. He dances between 3 and 6 nights a week. He says he likes to square dance for mental and physical health. He says the great friends arewhat makes square dancing fun. He dances plus.

A man who is 61 and started dancing in 1965 said he quit dancing for a while because he got burnt out--he and his wife were officers for a small club and had to go for banners when they had other things to do. They started again last year as snowbirds in Apache Junction, Arizona. He dances between 1 and 5 times a week for exercise and because he gets to meet lots of nice people. The people he meets and the challenge make square dancing fun for him. He and his wife have one grandchild. He filled out the survey at a plus dance.

A couple who are 63 and 64 said a neighbor convinced them to square dance in 1958. They stopped dancing for a while because of the children and their activities. Now they dances twice a week for fun. They say the people are what make square dancing fun. They dance plus.

A woman who is under 65 and started dancing in 1951 because it is fun to dance said she had to stop for a while for health reasons, but came back to square dancing in 1966 because she loved to dance. She dances at least every other week because it is good exercise, is fun, and she loves the people. She says the callers and the people make dancing fun for her. She is married and has grandchildren.

One advanced dancer said he started dancing 10 years ago. He dances about 5 nights a week because he is a club president and to be with friends. Meeting new people makes dancing fun for him. He and his wife have children and grandchildren.

A man who is 60 says his wife convinced him to square dance in 1967. He stopped square dancing for a while because he was burned out from Mainstream. He started again because of the Advanced level square dancing. He dances twice a week for the mental challenge. The fact that it's relaxing makes it fun for him. He is married with children and grandchildren.

A man in his 50's says he started dancing 14 years ago because he and his wife had fun dancing and it was challenging. He and his wife dance 3 times a week for fun with friends, exercise, and because it keeps them going as a part of various groups. He says the different people they meet and the challenging aspects of Advanced dancing make square dancing fun for him. They have 3 children.

A woman who is over 60 says convinced her to square dance in 1967. She stopped dancing for a while because she got burned out. She started back again because she needed the enjoyment of dancing and friends and exercise. She dances a little over twice a week for the exercise, friendships, and laughter. She dances Advanced and says it's a great challenge. She says it's fun because it is relaxing after a hard day at the office. She and her husband have children and grandchildren.

An Advanced dancer who is 62 said friends asked her and her husband to dance in 1942. They had to stop dancing for a while because of working nights, but started again because they missed the dancing and the fellowship. They dance 3 times a week for fun, fellowship, and exercise. She says the people make square dancing fun for her. She and her husband have grandchildren.

An advanced dancer who is 58 started dancing 5 years ago. He says he dances 3 times a week for the fun of it. He is single.

A lady who is 60 says that friends convinced her to dance 10 years ago. She and her husband dance 5 nights a week because the really enjoy it. She says the friends are what makes it fun. She dances Advanced.

A couple who are 54 and 55 say that another square dancer convinced them to square dance 25 years ago. They dance 4-6 nights a week for fun. He also mentioned relaxing. She says the fellowship is what makes it fun, and he says it's the fellowship and the exercise. They dance Advanced.

An advanced dancer who is 57 says her sister convinced her to square dance 3 years ago. She dances on average 3-4 times a week to socialize and for exercise. She says it's lots of fun and keeps the mind awake. She says what makes square dancing fun for her are the fun clean people and lifelong friends from near and far. She is married with children and grandchildren.

A 50 yr. old lady says her husband wanted to square dance 14 years ago because he had done so in high school. She dances once or twice a week, but used to dance 3 or 4 times a week. She says she enjoys it because of the good fellowship and great exercise. The says the *fast* music and the people are what makes it fun. She says "our best friends are our square dance friends." She dances Advanced. Her children have all danced at one time, but do not dance now. Her children don't have children of their own yet.

One Advanced dancer said he's been dancing for 18 years. He stopped square dancing for a while because of family committments but now dances at least once a week. He says the enjoyment, fellowship, and exercise are what makes it the most fun. He is single and has children.

A 61 yr. old woman said she started dancing 33 years ago because she wanted to. She dances once or twice a week because she likes it. What makes square dancing fun for her are dancing, expressing oneself through dancing, the friendship, and the round dancing. She is married with children and grandchildren. She filled out this survey at a plus dance.

A man who is 61 yr. old said his wife convinced him to square dance 33 years ago. He dances once or twice a week because he enjoys the exercise and the social part of square dancing. Variety makes square dancing fun for him. It also makes it fun when people are not taking things too seriously. He and his wife have children and grandchildren. He filled out this survey at a plus dance. He says we need to place emphasis back on mainstream clubs, which is the only place *new* dancers can begin.

One 63 yr. old woman says she started dancing in 1959 because her parents danced. She stopped dancing in 1975, but started dancing again in 1985 because of the friends. She dances once a week because she enjoys the music and it is good exercise. What makes square dancing fun for her is the friends and the people. She also said she enjoys new challenges. She filled out this survey at a plus dance. She is married with children and grandchildren.

A lady who is 63 filled out my survey at a mainstream dance. She started dancing 3 years ago for the company and exercise after losing her husband. She dances between 1 and 4 times a week for the good commaradary and exercise and to dispel lonliness. The people make square dancing most fun for her. She likes the fact that square dancing is a good clean pass time with no smoking or drinking. It is good to meet many people and make friends, and it is an inexpensive and fun recreation for all ages. She knows square dancers from ages 9 to 89 and plans to dance as long as she is able.

One woman under 65 said she started square dancing 11 years ago because she wanted something to do and a way to meet people. She dances twice a week for the fun and exercise and to be with friends. The friends and challenge of learning new maneuvers are what makes square dancing fun for her. She is married with children and one grandchild, and filled out this survey at a plus dance.

A woman who is under 65 says she started dancing 21 years ago. She and her husband were round dancers first, and when they went to the square dances to dance the rounds, everyone was having so much fun, they decided to take square dance lessons the following year. They dance 4-5 nights a week, but use to dance 6-7 nights a week. They dance at least through Plus. When their kids were younger, they square danced for a family outing together. Now she square dances because of the fun, fellowship, exercise, and expense, and *mainly* for meeting so many special people. The people are what makes square dancing fun for her. She and her husband have grown children and grandchildren.

A lady who is under 65 attended lessons in 7 years ago because a friend had two free coupons for lessons and she has always loved to dance. The usually dances 2 times a week for the sheer enjoyment, and for the good exercise and great fellowship. What makes square dancing most fun for her is the people involved and the dancing. She is single.

A man who is 66 started square dancing 7 years ago for a social activity. He dances 2 times a week for recreation and socializing. What makes square dancing fun for him is that it is group fun and provides exercise. He is married with children and grandchildren. He filled out the survey at a plus dance.

Another man who filled out this survey at a plus dance said his wife convinced him to square dance in 1959. He stopped dancing for a while, but started again for the friends. He dances once a week for friends, exercise, and the fun of dancing. What makes square dancing fun for him is the friendly atmosphere. He is married with children and grandchildren.

A woman who is under 65 and filled out this survey at a plus dance said she started dancing 11 years ago. She dances 1-2 times a week for the friends, exercises, fun, and new challenges. The friends make square dancing fun for her. She is married with children and grandchildren.

A 65 yr. old man said he started dancing 13 years ago friends asked he and his wife to take lessons. He dances about 1-2 times a week because he enjoys the people and for the exercise. He says he especially likes a challenging caller. He filled out the survey at a plus dance. He and his wife have two grown children.

One woman who filled out my survey at a plus dance said she started dancing 6 years ago because they had gone to a square dance many years before and decided they would like to learn, and many years later, they did. She and her husband dance about 3 times a week for the exercise and the people they meet. The people she meets makes square dancing most fun for her. She has children and grand children.

A 65 yr. old man said he tried square dancing 1970 and decided to learn 6 years ago when the children were reared and raised. He and his wife dance about 3 times a week for fun, relaxation, exercise, and the enjoyment of associating with their square and round dancing friends. The congeniality of his dancing friends and the expertise of the callers and cuers make dancing fun for him. He dances plus, and he and his wife (of 42 1/2 yrs) have children and grand children.

A man who is 66 said he started square dancing in 1959 for fun. He stopped dancing for a while when he got burned out, but started again when he "married a kid"--she's 49. He says he dances whenever his feet will move. He dances for fun and exercise. He has grandchildren. He dances plus.

A man that is 65 says he started square dancing in 1948 for something to do without drinking. He did stop dancing for a while because of the children, but now dances 3 times a week for exercise and fun. He says its the most fun he's ever had. The people are what he says make it fun. He and his wife are Advanced dancers and have grandchildren now.

A man who is over 70 and filled out this survey at a mainstream dance said that friends convinced him to square dance in 1949. He dances 2 or 3 times a week for fun, exercise, and friends. He says he is a heart patient and square dancing is just great fun and exercise for him. He also says it's great mind training. He is widowed and has two children that have danced at one time. He has two grandchildren, also.

A woman that is in the 70+ age category and filled out this survey at a mainstream dance said that she did old fashioned square dancing when she was in her teens and started modern square dancing 6 years ago after she retired. She dances 2 or 3 times a week because she loves to dance and for the great people. She says that what makes it fun is that it builds up self-esteem to be able to do the maneuvers, and that the friendships make it fun. She is divorced with 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren.

A man who dances Plus and is 65 said that the western clothes were part of what convinced him to square dance when he started in 1956. He says he dances once a week for the exercise. The people are what makes square dancing fun for him. He and his wife have both children and grandchildren.

One plus dancer said that she saw an add in the newspaper about lessons at the Y.M.C.A. and started square dancing in 1960. She dances 3 or 4 times a week for the exercise and social interaction. She says the music and the people are what make it fun. She and her husband have 2 children and one grandchild. She said she is between 65 and 70.

A man who said he's between 70 and 75 said he started dancing in 1960 after seeing an add in the paper. He dances 3 or 4 times a week for exercise and socializing. He says the music, the people, and the challenge are what make it fun. He and his wife have 2 children and 1 grandchild. He dances plus.

One man who is 67 and started dancing 25 years ago said he stopped dancing for 5 years when he retired and changed jobs. He came back to square dancing because he had enjoyed it. He dances 3-4 times a week and says the music and sociability are what make it fun. He also says smooth dancers make it especially fun. He and his wife have children and grandchildren. They dance plus.

A lady who is retired and dances plus says she started dancing in 1970 because she wanted some fun. She had to stop dancing for a while because of a work schedule, but started again now that she is retired and has the time. She says the music, the dancing, and the people are what make it fun. She and her husband have children and grandchildren.

A 73 year old man says his wife convinced him to square dance in 1962. They dance twice a week for the friendly people and the exercise. He says the friends are what make it fun. He dances plus.

A man who is 68 says his wife convinced him to square dance in 1956. He said he had to stop square dancing for a while because of family, but is now dancing again about 1 1/2 times a week. He says he dances for the fun, exercise, and good people. The caller and other friendly couples are what makes square dancing fun for him. He has children and grandchildren. He filled out the survey at a plus dance.

A man who is 70 said he started dancing in 1963 when he quit bowling. He dances at least once a week and says he just loves it. What makes it fun for him is meeting people and the exercise. He and his wife dance plus.

One man that filled out this survey at a plus dance says that his fiancee convinced him to square dance 10 in 1985. They dance approximately 2 times a week for recreation. He says the caller and the friends are what makes square dancing fun. He says his age range is 65-70.

A woman that filled out a survey for me at a plus dance said that she started dancing in 1982 because she was a lonely widow and her sister and brother-in-law offered to help with lessons. Her age is in the range 65-70. She is now re-married and dances twice a week on average for recreation and friendship. She says it's lots of fun and good exercise.

One man in his 70's said that he was drug to lessons in 1966. He now dances 3 times a week and says he and his have lots of good times square dancing. They dance for recreation and he says that meeting people are what makes square dancing the most fun. He filled out this survey at a plus dance.

A woman that is in her 70's said she started dancing in 1966 because it looked like fun and she wanted to dance with her brother and his wife. She and her husband dance 3 times a week for exercise, enjoyment, and friends. She says her many friends are what makes it fun. She dances plus.

One couple that is in their 70's say their daughter and her husband convinced them to square dance 23 years ago. They had to stop dancing for a while because of health reasons, but came back again because he liked it and she really enjoyed it. They dance 2-3 times a week because it's fun and for enjoyment and exercise. He says that what makes it fun is that it's relaxing if it's not too fast. She says that it's fun because she likes the people and the music. They say they've met a lot of wonderful people square dancing.

One man that filled out this survey at a plus dance says that friends convinced him to dance 15 years ago. He and his wife dance once a week for the exercise. He says the people are what make square dancing fun.

A woman that also filled out this survey at a plus dance says that she started dancing when she was 10 years old because her dad called squared dances. She stopped dancing for a while when her husband died, but remarried and started again. She dances 2 or 3 times a week for entertainment, exercise, and to meet people and socialize. She says that new calls keep it interesting.

One woman who is 65 says she started dancing in 1964 because her son belonged to a teen square dance club and kept insisting that they would enjoy it. A friend had also kept calling them for lessons. She and her husband dance about twice a week for exercise and the fellowship with the nice people. She says the people and going different places are what make it fun. She dances plus.

One man that is over 70 says it was probably a friend that convinced him to take square dance lessons in 1964. He dances 2 times a week because he enjoys the dance and the dancers. He says that constant change makes square dancing fun for him. He is married and they dance plus.

A couple that are 70 said that friends convinced them to square dance in 1962. They had to quit dancing in 1971 because of kids activities, but started again in 1979. They dance every week or two for fun and fellowship, and say the exercise and good friends make it fun. They dance plus.

An Advanced dancer who is 74 says he doesn't recall what convinced him to square dance in 1960. He says he dances 2-3 times a week for the exercise and to socialize. He says the companionship and challenge are what make square dancing so much fun. He and his wife are great-grandparents.

One man who is 68 says that he has been dancing since 1956. He did stop for a while when the kids were small, but now dances nearly 2 times a week for the exercise and social aspects of it, and because Advanced dancing helps keep the mind working. He says the people involved are what makes it fun. He and his wife have children and grandchildren.

One man who is 71 said that he started dancing in 1969 and had to sit out for 8 years because of physical health. He started dancing again when his health got better. He likes the fact that it's an activity that he can participate in with his wife without alcohol and that it requires cooperation rather than competition, so that everybody wins. He dances 2-3 times a week because it's fun. He says the music, friends, exercise, and learning are what make it fun. He and his wife are great-grandparents. They dance Advanced.

One woman that also dances Advanced said that her aunt and uncle took them to visit a club in 1952, which convinced her and her husband to start square dancing. They dance 3 or 4 times a week for friends, exercise, and fun. She says that what makes it fun are the friends and the music and the challenge, and that it's fun to learn new basics.

A woman who is 68 says that someone twisted her arm to get her to take square dance lessons in 1969. She had to sit out for a few years because of health problems, but now she and her husband are back dancing 2 times some weeks and 3-4 times other weeks. She likes the fact that when you square dance, you are square dancers, and you can forget everything else. She says it's fun because it makes her feel good. She and her husband are great-grandparents. They dance advanced.

One lady who is 66 says that she started dancing in 1956. She stopped dancing for a while when her kids were babies, but wanted to get at it again. She now dances twice a week and has made many new and lasting friends. She dances for the exercise and because it is lots of fun. She says the social part of it and being with friends are what make it fun. She and her husband dance Advanced.

One lady who is retired said that she just loves square dancing and dances 2, 3, or 4 nights a week. She says the people are what make it fun because they are all so nice and fun.

A 67 yr. old woman says that her husband was the one who got her into square dancing 19 years ago. She and her husband dance 4 nights a week. She says the people and the social exercise are what make it fun. She and her husband dance Advanced. She says she dances for her husband.

A man who is 71 started square dancing 19 years ago because an acquaintance at work talked him into it. He dances 4 nights a week. He says the people are what make it fun. He and his wife dance Advanced. He says he dances for his wife.

One lady who is in her 70's says some friends persuasion got her into square dancing in 1960, and that it had looked like fun. She dances once or twice a week for fun and exercise and because she enjoys meeting new people. She says that what makes it fun is the people, the music, and traveling to new square dance conventions. She and her husband are great-grandparents. They dance Advanced. She also says that it's a fun thing couples can do together and meet lots of new people.

A man who is 27 started square dancing 5 years ago because he was bored. He dances 1-2 nights a week and calls 3-4 nights a week because it's social and good exercise without being repetative and boring. A high-energy caller, a strong floor, and interesting choreography make square dancing fun for him. He and his wife do not have any children. They are from California.

A 28 year old graduate student started square dancing after he saw a poster on the MIT campus and thought it sounded fun. He dances 3-4 nights a week because it is fun. What makes it fun for him is partly the challenge at higher levels, but mostly because he likes the people he's doing it with. He says that many of his friends square dance, so it is fun socially beyond being fun to do. He says that the people are more important than the dancing, and "if I didn't like the people, I'd stop dancing." He is single.

A woman who is 23 started dancing 2 years ago at a college club. She says she has always been a dancer, but when her mother started square dancing 3 years ago, she thought it was really hokey, but her mother dragged her to a club one night and she thought it was neat stuff and wanted to learn. She found out it wasn't dumb, nor full of people old enough to be her grandparents, and that it looked challenging. She dances anywhere from 3-6 nights a week "because its bloody fun!!!!" She likes the mental challenge of dancing to Sybalsky. What makes it fun for her is 1) the whoop and holler aspect, where it's a great place to meet friends and have a lot of fun, and 2) the mental challenge of dancing DBD/APD with callers who are truly challenging (John Sybalsky and Rob French). She says figuring stuff out is lots of fun. She is single and from California.

A man who is 34 started dancing 23 years ago because his parents danced and got him and his brother interested in taking lessons given by the county. His brother dropped out, but he still dances once every couple months, in addition to his calling. He has stopped dancing at times for numerous reasons: when he moved to a different school, when he got too old for the teen club he was in, when he got a new girlfriend who didn't dance, and when he had a baby (who is now age 2). He square dances because he and his wife like to get out and dance together, because he likes moderate puzzle-solving, and because all the good times he had as a teen dancing just gave him an overall "good feeling" dancing. Square dancing is fun for him for numerous reasons: He likes some puzzle-solving, but not when it's too hard. He likes feeling like he is participating, like when he knows an Allemand Left is coming up. He likes the showmanship on the callers part, picking fun music that is not too much "whiny fiddle" stuff--he likes the 30s and 40s songs used in square dancing. He is from Virginia.

A man who is 35 started dancing 2 years ago because his wife had been dancing for several years before that and she seemed to be having a lot of fun. He dances about once a week for exercise and to spend time with the friends he's made square dancing. What makes square dancing fun for him is the chance to blow off steam physically while also exercising his mind. He and his wife don't have any children. They are from Portland.

A man who is 37 started dancing 8 years ago after 10 years of "nagging" by his then-wife and then-in-laws, who were former square dancers. He dances about twice a month, in addition to his calling. He square dances because of the people involved, who have become his lifelong friends. What makes square dancing fun for him is having a good time with nice friendly people, who care about him and who he cares about as well, in a wholesome and non-alcoholic environment. He is currently married and they have three children between them, ages 10-13, from previous marriages. They are from Louisiana.

A man who is 33 started square dancing 20 years ago after watching a square dance camping group dancing at a campground he was at. He and his brother took lessons in the afternoons, and his parents in the evenings. He now calls full time. He dances for the exercise and the friendship. The people and the whole activity in general make square dancing fun for him. He and his wife have a 2 year old. They are from Illinois.

A woman in her mid-30's says she started square dancing 13 years ago when some college friends got her to join a college club. She says she was very active in dancing, often dancing 3 nights per week, up until about 1992 or so. Then she started cutting back, mostly being bored, feeling like it was always the same old thing. Then she decided to try calling. Now she dances about once every 3 months, and calls at least weekly. She says that when she was an active dancer, she enjoyed the mental and teamwork aspects of challenge dancing. As a caller, she now enjoys thinking up new choreographic ideas. She also enjoys the challenge of getting the difficulty exactly right so that people will find it challenging but will still get it. She says the best part for her is seeing some interesting choreography she has never seen before. She is single and from California.

A man who is 30 started square dancing 10 years ago when he was also doing folk dancing. The leader of the folk dancing group was also a square dance caller and asked him to come see square dancing when they had a street dance. He dances about 2-3 times a week because it is fun and he meets nice people. The music, dancing, people, and a good caller make square dancing fun for him. He is single and lives in Germany.

A man who is 32 took lessons 4 years ago. His parents had taken lessons the year before, and they came back form the local singles club's dance where an announcement that men were needed for the class was made. He says his parents just mentioned it without expecting him to be interested. He says he had been interested in "this square dancing thing" his parents were doing, but never really considered taking lessons. His parents just happened to mention it at a time when he was in the mood to try something different. He dances 1-3 times a week because he enjoys the music, the entertainment, the people, and the "mental exercise." What makes square dancing fun for him is mostly the music, and listening to the ways that various callers interpret/perform different singing calls. He adds that many people seem to be turned-off about the length of square dance lessons, but that it is important to stress that lessons are not WORK--they're fun. He thinks that is we asked people to recall some of their most memorable times dancing, somewhere along the line they'd mention something that occurred during their lessons. He dances through A2 but still enjoys going to class level dances because the enthusiasm is so much higher there. He is from Massachusetts, He is engaged to someone he met through square dancing.

A family from Stockholm also filled out this survey. The parents started dancing 6 years ago, the child 3 years ago. The parents are 47 and 44, and their son is 15. They had seen a square dance show and liked it and decided to participate. The dance 2-3 times a week because it's fun and gives recreation and motion. What makes it fun is learning new things, the music, and that it is not a sport.

A man who is 45 started square dancing 4 1/2 years ago because he and his wife enjoy music and they always had a great time at the one nighters they went to. He calls or dances 4-5 times a week for relaxation and to give his brain a workout. He likes calling because he likes to perform and he likes to sing. Square dancing is fun for him when he has to think about what he is dancing. He dances DBD. He is married with 2 children and lives in Illinois.

A man who is 33 started square dancing 6 years ago because he liked the symbiosis between dancing and country music. He dances 3 times a week because it's fun and you easily find friends wherever you go. What makes square dancing fun for him is the dancing itself, especially if it's smooth and demanding, and he likes the after-parties afterwards. He is married, has no children, and lives in Germany.

A woman who is 34 says she and her husband started taking lessons 6 years ago when they first started dating. They started because his parents danced. She says he went "kicking and screaming," but after the first night of class, "was raging to go!" She says it's fun to be using her brain again learning something new. They dance 2-3 times a week because they enjoy the activity. She says its a nice way to spend an eventing, reasonably inexpensive for dancing exercise, eating, and fellowship, and because it is a clean, "non-bar-room" environment. She says it's a good source of exercise, and is an excuse for her and her husband to spend time together. What makes it fun for her is the people and the music, being able to dance successfully, watching people from all walks of life coming together in a common activity, and she enjoys dressing up. She is married with step-children ages 16-22 and lives in New Hampshire.

A woman in her mid 40's started square dancing 5 years ago when her girlfriend, who had already been through Mainstream, suggested that she take lessons. She dances a couple of times a week. She calls 3 or more times a week. She says she square dances because she likes it. She says that initially she liked the challenge of it and the game playing / team sport aspect of it, and she still likes that part of it when she dances at her highest level, which is C2. She says that she also enjoys dancing Basic through Plus to be with friends and for the social/physical activity. One of the things she likes about square dancing is that it provides 3 things in one activity: mental/gameplaying, physical activity, and a social activity. She likes the opportunity to dance all over the country and getting to know people from other cities. She is from New Mexico.

A man who is 42 says his parents got him involved in square dancing 10 years ago. He stopped dancing when his parents stopped, but now he and his wife are both callers. He dances for the combination of the physical activity, mental challenge (solving the puzzle), and the socialability of the activity. He says it's the only activity he can think of that incorporates all three of those aspects. The mental challenge is what makes square dancing fun for him the most. He and his wife have 2 teenage daughters, and are from California.

A man who is 37 started square dancing 7 years ago when he was looking for a social activity that would occupy one night a week with no business meetings, some sort of forced social interaction, and some exercise. He dances about three times a week because he has fun square dancing, interacting with interesting people, and is intellectually challenged by the choreography. The people and the challenge make square dancing fun for him. He is single and lives in California. He dances through C3, but dances some from all levels.

A man who is 31 says his parents convinced him to square dance 17 years ago. They had danced for many years (and still do--they even met while square dancing). His parents originally convinced him to start when he was a freshman in highschool because it was an activity that the whole family could do together. He says he was a bit reluctant at first, but after a few weeks, was completely caught up in it. He stopped for a while when he was in high school, mainly because of the cigarette smoke always present at the workshops, until the dance halls adopted a no smoking regulation. He says he stopped occasionally while in college, when the workload became great enough that he couldn't get his homework done if he went to the dances, but even then would go as much as he could and sometimes take work with him to work on between tips. He kept coming back because he enjoys it so much. He dances at least once a week. He dances because he enjoys the dancing and the interaction withother people. He also likes the "free" state of mind he's in while square dancing, when he doesn't have to worry about what to do next, he just responds to the callers' instructions. What makes square dancing fun for him is the social interaction and the teamwork, and to an extent, the patterns that the caller creates and moves the dancers through, but apparently not to as great an extent as the advanced and challenge dancers seem to enjoy. He is single and lives in California. He has danced through A2, but prefers to dance Plus. He also calls.

A man who is 40 started dancing as a kid with his parents, then dropped out for a while as a teenager when he had better things to do. He got involved again in Germany when he was assigned there with the Air Force. The reason he started was mainly because he liked country music and the people. He calls 4-5 nights a week. He says he dances primarily because of the people in the activity. He has made many friends over the years and shares many likes and dislikes with other square dancers. He says it's also just plain fun. He says that as a caller, he gets the most enjoyment out of being able to entertain the dancers and give them an enjoyable eventing. He says it's really nice to see the people with smiles on their faces at the end of the dance. His family status is "separated" with 3 sons. He lives in Germany.

A man who is 30 started square dancing 3 years ago when the founder of a club convinced him and a friend to partner up and take class together. He dances about twice a week for the fun and socializing. He is married, and his wife also square dances. They are from Virginia.

A woman who is 43 started square dancing 9 years ago. She was actually interested in international folk dancing, but sin