Frequently Asked Questions
•  What is Square Dancing? A Square Dance is a country dance that starts with four couples facing one another in a square. Each dancer starts facing center. The couples are numbered and move counterclockwise through the square with steps and movements called out by a "caller" in time to the music. Partnerships change throughout the dance, as some square dance steps call for one partner to progress around the square while the other remains in position, or for both partners to move in opposite directions.

Square dancing is the most popular form of Folk Dance in America.
•  What is a Round Dance and how does it differ from a Square Dance? Round dancing, also known as choreographed ballroom dancing, is dancing to choreographed routines set to a piece of music. The cuer tells the dancers what figures come next just before they are to be executed, and the dances execute those figures in unison. Round dancing encompasses many rhythms: Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Rumba, Tango, and Waltz to name a few. Styles of ballroom dancing found in round dancing include Smooth, International, and Latin.

Unlike square dancing, round dancers dance as couples and do not change partners during a dance.
•  Who can dance with the Mavericks? A common phrase among square dancers is, "If you can walk, you can square dance." Normally, it's used on folks who claim they have 2 left feet and could never learn to square dance, but it is also the only restriction the Mavericks have for who can dance with them. Children and their grandparents are welcome, too. •  What does it cost?
  • For Beginner Lessons costs, see the Schedule and Events page.
  • Once you are a Mavericks Club Member: Club dues are paid by the year. Club dues are collected when you join, then during the month of October. Current dues (2026) are $120.00 per person per year plus insurance and ASDSC fees. Dues and other fees are subject to change each year.

Classes are extra: see Schedules & Events for details.
•  Do I have to have special clothes? There’s no dress code for square dancing. Traditional outfits are optional — wear anything loose and comfortable that lets you move easily. Choose shoes that feel good for standing and walking and that glide well on a wooden floor. Jeans, T‑shirts, skirts, shorts, and slacks are fine. Please avoid strong fragrances. •  Where can I get square dance clothes if I want them? We occasionally host a "Clothes Closet” where members sell slightly used square dance clothing. Listen for Club announcements of this event or visit the ASDSC calendar. •  Where do you meet? All club sponsored activities, classes, dances, board meetings, etc. are held at Veterans Memorial Hall, Royer Park, 110 Park Drive, Roseville, CA 95678. •  When do you meet?
  • Mavericks club members meet regularly to dance on Monday evenings (with round dance classes earlier in the evening).
  • Our “Learning to Square Dance” beginner classes meet on Wednesday evenings.
  • We also have occasional special events, usually on a Saturday or Sunday.
  • Please refer to the Schedule and Events page for more detailed information.
•  Do I have to have a partner? You don’t need to bring a partner — we’ll always match you with someone. We also have “angels,” our experienced dancers who are happy to step in as partners. If you’re coming on your own, we’ll make sure you feel comfortable and supported. •  What is expected of a person dancing with the Mavericks?
  1. No alcohol is permitted; no drinking on site and no alcohol or drug-induced behavior.
  2. Be courteous and respectful to others.
  3. Have FUN!
•  How can I get more involved?
  1. It is customary for members to occasionally bring snacks (finger-foods) to share with others.
  2. Help with cleaning the hall at the end of the evening; putting away chairs, sweeping the floor, taking out the garbage, etc.
  3. Hold an office on the club board.
•  What do I do if I think I can’t dance? AKA: I have two left feet. I can’t dance. The caller tells you what move to make next, and you simply walk to the beat of the music. During lessons, we’ll have experienced dancers in the squares with you — we call them “angels.” The caller does the teaching and cues all the movements, while the angels are there to gently guide you along. Square dancers are wonderfully forgiving, and everyone — even the experienced dancers — makes mistakes. No worries at all. •  I had to square dance in school. Is it like that? Square dancing is not the same as it was in elementary or middle school. Sure, some of the calls are the same (do-si-do, promenade, circle left, ...) but there is more to it than you were likely exposed to. Wipe out those junior high memories and create some new square dancing memories. It’s fun and you will meet some of the friendliest people around. There are several levels of square dancing: Mainstream, Plus, Advanced and Challenge. Calls get more complicated as you move up and more challenging. It keeps you sharp and alert and mentally focused on what’s coming next. •  What type of music do you dance to? We dance to a variety of music, anything with a four count beat can be used. We dance to modern music, pop music, oldies, county music & gospel music. We've danced to songs by the Beatles, Adele, Lee Greenwood, Elvis, Garth Brooks and Lady Gaga to name a few. •  What is a "tip"? A "tip" is a set of two songs. The first is a "patter call" in which there are no words to the music. A caller tells the dancers what to do and you stay with the same partner throughout the dance. The second song is a “singing call" with the caller singing to the music and making the calls. In a singing call, you change partners throughout the dance (you progress around the square and your "corner" becomes your next partner). The caller gets you back to your original "home" and partner.
Here is a fun testimonial which might inspire you:

"It's funny how preconceived ideas can get in the way of having fun. I thought square dancing would be too old-fashioned and was of no interest to me. It took my husband a year to talk me into trying it. Boy was I wrong, we are having so much fun! Who knew that square dancing would challenge me both mentally and physically; all the while providing me with pure enjoyment." — New square dancer