The Ten Commandments
for Square Dancers
All square dancers should learn and follow these guidelines...
I Thou Shalt
Honor thy callers and harken to their voices,
for thy success depends greatly upon their words.
Exchange greetings and be friendly to all in thy group lest thee be labeled as aloof and snobbish
and thereby unworthy of answering to the honorable title of Square Dancer.
Ridicule those dancers unable to distinquish between left and right,
but shall help those less fortunate than you find their way to the proper position in your sqaure.
Strive to dance in different squares, thereby giving one and all the benefit of thy personality and experience
- but do not join a square on thy own, thus forcing people to dance with you.
Anticipate nor dance ahead of the instructions issues by thy caller, for they are of a fiendish nature
and are possessed of powers such as will trip thee up and make thee appear an idiot in the eyes of thy fellow dancers.
Make excuses for thy stupid mistakes by demeaning and belittling thy calleror thy partner,
nor cast blame on the slippery floor or poor acoustics for the goofs thou makest.
Bathe diligently before each dance, thus creating a pleasant aura for thy fellow dancers
that leaves behind thy body's more earthly odor (those reminiscent of barnyard and stables).
Partake of strong drink before or during a dance,
lest thy mind become befuddled and lest thee wind up with thy foot in thine own overlarge mouth.
Cheerfully perform thy duties, such as helping with setup and cleanup,
and do provide tasty refreshments when called upon.
Above all, strive to observe these commandments, and when thou doesth so, the reward shall be great. Many friends shalt thou have, and thy name shall be listed prominently among the elite group known far and wide as SQUARE DANCERS.
III Thou Shalt Not
II Thou Shalt
IV Thou Shalt
V Thou Shalt Not
VI Thou Shalt Not
VII Thou Shalt Not
VII Thou Shalt
IX Thou Shalt
X Thou Shalt