What is the Great Plain Squares Fun Night?

Our Fun Night events on September 23rd and 30th are the beginning of our club’s square dance classes where participants can get a solid introduction to Modern Square Dancing. These evenings are free to newcomers and will run from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. We promise you will have good fun, meet a lot of nice people and also get some exercise.

Where is the weekly dance class?

All Great Plain Squares events are held in the beautiful community gathering space in the basement of Carter Methodist Church. The address is 800 Highland Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts, which is easily accessible from Rte 95/128.

Park in the lot adjacent to the church and enter through the parking lot level door and go downstairs. Follow the square dance signs.

What Time Does the Dancing Start?

All Great Plain Squares events start at 7:00 p.m. We ask those attending our Fun Night events to arrive at 6:45 on their first evening of dancing to fill out a New Dancer Registration form.

Do I need a partner?

No. While having a partner is nice, it is not required. We often switch partners just for fun. For quicker learning, we encourage class members to dance with an experienced dancer from our club. However, if you come with a partner, you can dance together if you wish. Remember singles are welcome and you will be found a dance partner.

Is prior dance experience helpful?

While prior experience is always a good thing, many of our members have never danced before taking classes. Now they are proficient, confident square dancers.

Suppose I can’t come on the first day?

You may come to one or both of the Free Fun Nights.  After that, please contact Cindy Clark and Bill Mackey (co-Presidents) at GreatPlainSquares@gmail.com to inquire about joining the class in progress.

What to Wear

For classes, everyone wears comfortable, casual clothes. Shoes with leather soles are preferable for turning, although many people wear sneakers. It’s up to you. When you are ready and want to attend regular dances, you may decide to wear something fancier. There is no dress code.

Square Dance Classes After Fun Night

After the two Fun Nights, if you decide to continue taking classes, here is some information for you.

Our dance class program runs from September through the end of May. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm.  You will learn the Mainstream level of Modern Square Dancing. Each Wednesday’s class will build on what is taught in the previous weeks. There will be plenty of review time. Once you know enough, you will progress to dancing through complete songs.

Please note that we do not hold class on the Wednesday nights before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New year’s. Also, there is no class on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027.

In the event of inclement weather, we will notify you if class is cancelled.

Weekly Class Attendance

Weekly attendance is very important.  Each week you will review what was covered in the previous week and then be taught new material.  Obviously, there are occasions when you may have to miss a class.  The key is not to miss two classes in a row, because you will miss the review session and it becomes harder to catch up. 

Since Square Dancing involves 8 people dancing together in a square, if you fall behind, you will hinder other students. 

How much does it cost?

The first two classes are free.  After that, the cost is $10 per person each week. Some students prefer to prepay. If you choose this option, the cost will be $110 for 15 weeks. This is a savings to you of $40. When that subscription expires, you can renew or pay week to week. Cash and personal checks only. We cannot accept credit cards.

Do You Have Additional Questions?

Please feel free to reach out to Cindy Clark and Bill Mackey the club’s Co-Presidents at GreatPlainSquares@gmail.com. We will get back to you promptly with the answers to your questions.

Last updated 08/09/2026