Square Dancing
Lamplighter’s Oldest Tradition
Square dancing is Lamplighter’s oldest and most cherished tradition. An integral part of the Kindergarten physical education curriculum, it reflects the School’s mission and the vision of its founders while continuing to engage today’s students in a meaningful and memorable way.
Why Square Dancing?
Square dancing offers young learners a unique opportunity to grow cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally through movement and music.
As students learn dance patterns and sequences, they strengthen memory, listening skills, sequencing, and early mathematical concepts such as counting, rhythm, and timing. The physical movements help develop coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and overall confidence. At the same time, students practice teamwork, cooperation, communication, turn-taking, and respectful interactions with their peers.
Following dance calls and multi-step directions also encourages focus, self-control, and perseverance. Most importantly, square dancing fosters joy, self-expression, confidence, and a sense of belonging. It is an engaging and active way to support the development of the whole child.
Spring Performance
The square dancing unit begins each October as part of the Kindergarten P.E. curriculum. Over several months, students learn and practice traditional dance steps such as the swing, do-si-do, and promenade while developing valuable life skills along the way.
The program culminates each May with a special performance for parents and guests. Dressed in Western attire, students proudly showcase the dances they have mastered throughout the year.
In addition to traditional square dances, each Kindergarten class learns a line dance, which may include favorites such as the “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” “Virginia Reel,” “Kindy Rock Hoedown,” or “Country Walkin’.” The celebration concludes with all four Kindergarten classes joining together for a grand finale, symbolizing unity, collaboration, and community.
A Tradition Since the Beginning
Square dancing has been part of Lamplighter since the School’s first year of operation at the Churchill Way campus. In its inaugural year, Lamplighter enrolled just 23 five- and six-year-old students. Founders Natalie Murray and Sandy Swain introduced square dancing to those first Kindergarten students, establishing a tradition that has continued for more than six decades.
One beloved element of the tradition is the song “Pretty Little Robin,” which has served as the soundtrack for Lamplighter square dancing for generations. Originally played from a vinyl record, the music continued to accompany classes well into the early 2000s using a record player. Former music teacher Claude White later transferred the recording to a CD to support practice sessions more easily. Today, students still learn and perform to the same familiar tune, connecting each new generation of Kindergarteners to the many who have danced before them.
