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
Modern western square dance dance, and to exercise. Modern western square dancing is found in many countries across the world. The main centers are where United States military servicemen spread the dance during the 1950s through 1980s. Modern square dancing is found in such diverse cultures as Japan, Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Spain, Germany and Australia. While calling was originally in English, local traditions are beginning to develop, as the influence of the American home of modern square dance becomes more distant. It is common to meet many international dancers at large gatherings of dancers. Once a person learns the Callerlab-defined calls,