Welcome to square dancing in the Blue Grass State of Kentucky. It is our desire to promote square dancing by providing information for square dancers as well as those who would like to learn more about this great activity.

This is the home page of the Lexington Dosidos. Our club dances from 8:00--10:30 every second and fourth Friday night at Beaumont Presbyterian Church, 1070 Lane Allen Road. We welcome all visitors. SEE DOSIDO PAGE for schedule and time.

Why Square Dance?

Square Dancing is A Social Form of Exercise

The physical benefits of square dancing are impressive, to be sure, but don't discount the social payoff, says Jerry Reed of Coca, Fla.

"The primary benefit [of square dancing] is the social interaction between people," says Reed, executive director of CALLERLAB, the international association of square-dance callers, with 2,000 members worldwide.

"Most of the activities that people do these days are individual, such as golfing, tennis, and bowling," he says. "Square dancing is kind of unique in that it involves touching hands -- we turn, we swing, and that seems to bring us closer together."

And the touching in itself can be beneficial to health, according to studies conducted at the Touch Research Institute in Miami, which showed that regular touching can reduce stress and depression and enhance immune system function.

What to Expect

"A typical evening is about two hours long and in that time we dance six 'tips,' " Reed says.

A tip includes a "hash calling" -- where the caller calls out some moves, which the dancers execute in smooth, choreographed routines -- and a "singing call," which can include all types of square-dance moves timed to fit popular songs. On any given evening, dancers will twirl across the floor to the music of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Road," the Bee Gee's "Stayin' Alive," Donna Summer's "She Works Hard for the Money," as well as songs by the Beatles and Elvis Presley.

Reed calls about four dances a week. Today's square dancing is hipper than what most people see in movies, he says, and more therapeutic than you might think.

"It takes your mind off of the day-to-day problems," he says. "All those other worries and thoughts disappear when you are dancing."

Ready to Sashay Your Way to Fitness?

You say you're tempted, but not sure if you've got what it takes? Don't underestimate yourself, says Reed.

"Square dancing is not as complex as it looks, he says. "We just learn one move at a time and go from there."

So what's stopping you from joining in all the fun? Square dance clubs are popping up all across the world, and they want you. Ask at your local community center or check your local Yellow Pages for information on square dancing clubs and events in your neighborhood. If you live in the Lexington Area Come dance with us or join us for lessons.

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