Modern western square dance dance, like traditional square dance, is directed by a "caller". In modern western square dance the caller strings together a sequence of individual "square dance calls" to make a figure or sequence. These calls are the building blocks of the choreography that is danced by the individuals – square dancers – in the squares. There are eight people (four pairs of males and females, traditionally) in each square; at a dance there may be many squares. Generally speaking, each of these squares dances independently of each other, with the exception of specialty or "gimmick" dances, where there might be some
Contra dance the traditionally male-role dancers would wear armbands and be called "armbands" or just "bands," and the traditionally female-role dancers would be called "bare arms" or just "bares." In the past few years, the terms "larks" (person on the left) and "ravens" (person on the right) have become the predominant gender-free role terms, and are being used at an increasing number of dances (especially in urban areas). This trend has been widely embraced by many dancers (especially youth), but it has also sparked controversy among traditionalists. Unless explicitly labeled otherwise, contra dance events are open to all, regardless of experience. They