In 1996, when San Francisco hosted the International association of gay square dance clubs annual convention, I was commissioned to compose a song for the memorial tip, a dance to remember those who no longer physically dancing with us – “squares In the circle” was the result- Marty Mahler was that oboist, and his beautiful playing Is heard on the recording underscoring the voiceover prologue above – Marty Is playing “Gabriel’s horn”, from a recording by the San Francisco gay men’s chorus, which dissolves Into the square dance –

We are squares In the circle
Dancing below and above
Weaving an unending story
Squares In the circle of love

Writing the end of the square dance piece was the most difficult – what to instruct the dancers to do – I resolved to simplicity – bow to your partner, bow to your corner, all join hands – the dancers, standing quietly, then heard a short reprise of Marty’s playing which deliquesced Into the distance with the sound of wind – at that moment at the San Francisco convention there were 45 seconds of obstreperous silence – 1500 humble square dance souls, hands joined in circles, in squares of eight – the stillness then turned to applause.

Since 1996, “squares In the circle” has been used for memorial tips at various square dances, Including other conventions – what I have tried to present with this glass piece Is that moment – all those moments – silence – celebrating – beauty – sharing – square dancing – rejoicing – remembering – squares – circles - love

 What square dancing means to me

In elementary school it was an introduction to American folk dancing - but it was more like recess set to music

In my high school days it was more of a social activity - I was a member of the "square cats" In Orange County, California - we met weekly In one of the girl dancer's garage and practiced the set choreography which we would then "perform" as though extemporaneous In the covered wagon corral at Knott's Berry Farm every Friday night

Then for many years I forgot about it - I was a soldier, a vocational nurse, a pianist

About ten years ago, I was reintroduced to square dancing through a dear, now departed friend - I advanced about one level a year and now the thought of what I know scares and thrills me - how can I possibly interact with seven other people with gentleness, confidence, and helpfulness? - somehow, it works when I let all the "trying" go - It really doesn't matter what foot you're on.

Square dancing Is my solace - it gives me something to do almost any night of the week - it brings me back to health when I am ill - It puts a smile on my face when I see my dancing friends - it boosts my ego when I remember a difficult move - it warms my heart when I mentor a new dancer as a square dance caller, my credo -

· D delight the dancers

· A advance the art

· N nurture the tradition

· C celebrate the geometry

· E evolve the music

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