Deggendorf dancers impress at the international square dance in Prague!

Deggendorf dancers impress at the international square dance in Prague!

Last Friday morning, 13 passionate dancers from Danube Waves Deggendorf set off for an international square dance event in Prague. This excursion not only offered the opportunity to dance with like-minded people, but also to explore the beautiful Czech capital. After their arrival, the rooms were allocated and the group adjusted to the fact that this trip had to offer much more than just dancing.

The first stage of the sightseeing took the dancers to the magnificent Prague Castle. We took the tram through the city before finally walking along the royal garden to the entrance to the castle complex. Here they walked around the impressive St. Vitus Cathedral and treated themselves to a short coffee break - a welcome break before continuing on the Royal Route to the legendary Charles Bridge. This bridge, which impresses with its statues and views of the city, is known for its lively atmosphere and invites you to linger.

What is square dancing?

Anyone who thinks that square dancing is “just” about a dance is seriously mistaken! Square dancing has a rich history dating back to the Morris dances of England, where men danced in rows and music played from flute players. Over the years, this dance morphed into what we know today, especially in the United States, where the caller - the dance leader - took a central role. Potsdam Promenades knows that square dancing has gained popularity since the 18th century and is still anchored in the hearts of many dancers today.

Square dancing is a great way to experience community and the joy of dancing. There is also another interesting dance form: the round dance. This is a couple dance in which the dancing couples simultaneously perform the steps in a circle as announced by a cuer, i.e. the dance leader. The cuer gives the steps to the music just before the execution and often plays the role of a teacher. This ability to explain new steps and figures is extremely important and is practiced in many square and round dance clubs around the world. You can find out more about this at Danube Waves.

Dots decide the dancing

While the Deggendorf dancers in Prague experience the joy of square dancing, the history of these dances is just as fascinating. One has to imagine the beginnings of the dances in the United States, where experts suggest that many of today's dance styles emerged from traditional folk dances, such as Morris dances or country dance. Nowadays, square dancing and round dancing are closely intertwined and are highly valued by many dancers around the world.

However, there are also challenges: the round dance at the Danube Waves was discontinued in the past due to declining numbers of participants. But the enthusiasm for square dancing continues and shows how strong the community is among the dancers, who continue to find each other and dance together, just as they did during their stay in Prague.

In summary, the Deggendorf dancers not only demonstrated their skills on the dance floor, but also undertook a cultural journey that brought the history and tradition of dance to life. This makes these events a very special experience for everyone involved.