Nonprofit keeps square dancing tradition alive in Buffalo

The sound of rhythmic movement, the clapping of hands, and the call of “do-si-do” are alive and well in Buffalo, thanks to B&B Squares, a local nonprofit dedicated to teaching and promoting the joy of square dancing.    

B&B Squares is a 501©3 that operates under Square Dance Minnesota Inc., whose mission is to “promote and teach square dancing in all its heritage forms.” 

The volunteer-led group began teaching lessons and hosting dances in Buffalo last year. Currently in its second year, the group has 39 members and is looking to spread awareness with a goal of sharing the fun, fellowship, and tradition of square dancing with people of all ages. 

Each week, the group gathers at Buffalo Community Middle School for lessons on Tuesday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., along with hosting community dances on Saturday nights, which often draw over 100 people from a variety of area square dancing clubs. 

“It’s about connection, fun, and getting out,” said organizer Michelle Neutz, of Maple Lake. “People have different reasons for square dancing. There’s laughter. It’s a good activity.” 

Member Gael Zachman has been square dancing for 33 years and shared that her favorite thing about the group is meeting people. “We meet people from all over and see them at different things we do. Square dancing is a social activity, people enjoy visiting with one another.”

In case you’re curious, the letters “B” and “B,” in B&B Squares, stand for Bill VanBergen, of Buffalo, and Brad Neutz, of Maple Lake, two callers for the group. 

“A caller guides the dancers,” said Brad Neutz. “We give them the language of square dancing.”

“We’re essentially the dance leaders,” highlighted Bill VanBergen. “When dancers come out to form the squares, we throw out a command for them to follow. The dancers don’t know what’s coming. As we start calling, it’s going to put them into certain formations, and we keep throwing the calls at them. The goal is to move them around, you want them dancing with all the people in the square, and at the end of the round, you want to get them back home. They start at a certain position; we go in and mix them up and get them right back home to where they were. In a way, it’s almost like doing a puzzle with people that’s set to music.”

Learning the language of square dancing takes a bit of practice. Instructors guide newcomers through the basics while longtime dancers offer encouragement. 

“That’s where our lessons come in. On the main list we currently have 64 calls. Depending on the formation, if I call it, they’ll be able to do it. There are certain formations that you can’t do certain calls with. It’s the caller’s job to make sure we are throwing the right command that they can do,” said VanBergen, highlighting the intricacies involved with square dancing.

Movement and motion are key. A caller must have a keen awareness of all the moving parts in the square in order to facilitate and guide a smooth rhythmic dance. 

“It’s essentially improvisation. You have 64 calls to work with, and the dancers don’t know what’s coming. It’s our job to get the calls to them in a smooth manner so as they are finishing up the first call, we have to deliver the second call in time. You want the dances to be a nice walking motion that never stops. It’s our job to keep the calls coming and to get them back home.”

“The idea is to be moving all the time,” stated Neutz. “Certain calls only work out of certain formations. The formations are always changing.”

One doesn’t need to be an expert dancer to participate. B&B Squares also hosts beginner and introduction dances which use a limited set of calls rather than the full range of 64. This gives new dancers the opportunity to learn the basics while establishing a foundation to build upon. Once calls are learned, others are added into the mix. 

“It’s essentially walking to music, learning the calls, and having fun,” said VanBergen. “It’s very much a social event. We get people moving and having fun.” 

A new season of lessons began Tuesday, Sept. 16. B&B Squares invites the community to step onto the dance floor. No partner or experience is needed—just a willingness to try and the ability to have fun while doing so.

For more information about upcoming events or how to get involved, visit the B&B Squares Facebook page, email BandBSquares@gmail.com, or call 320-420-9444.