I’ve done all sorts of social dancing over the years and I sometimes I get asked what form of dancing I recommend?

Mostly you should find a group where you enjoy the people. And, frankly, if you’re single, you’ll probably notice whether there are other single people there. And yes, dancing is a great way to meet people.

But beyond that very important consideration, here’s what I can add about the various different forms.

International Folk Dancing. This draws from any and all dancing from around the world. It’s actual dancing to the beat and sometimes it’s a tricky beat. If you have no sense of rhythm, you’ll probably be frustrated. It’s a skill and it will take time for you to develop mastery. More

Barn Dancing: Easy, simple patterns, done with a lot of energy and typically to live music. You’ll probably be able to get through the dances the first time you try.

English Country Dancing: More sedate, more subtle in its pleasures. The patterns are more complex than you’ll find in barn dancing, and to my mind that makes it more interesting. (Sometimes at barn dancing I get a little bored.) This is my favorite form of dance. More

Scottish Country Dance: There are two forms to Scottish, very fast and very slow. There is footwork to learn and they really care that it’s done well. Most groups do some stretching before they begin. It’s fairly athletic and it helps to be on the beat. The patterns are as complex as you’ll find at English Country Dance. More

Square Dancing: Nothing strenuous. It’s more fun if you dance on the beat, but there are many who don’t. You’re responding to calls from the caller and you never really know what’s coming next. And the calls come fast and furious. Initially there are perhaps 90 calls you need to know. So this is not a simple undertaking. You should expect to join a class and take lessons for a year before you’ll be able to pull it off. But the lessons are fun, and it’s a good journey with nice people. Highly recommended except for the square dance clothes. More

Irish Céilí Dance: Again you’re learning a set pattern for a dance. But this time there's footwork that goes with it. Helps to be on the beat and light on your feet. You’ll be joining a real live community with social connections to each other, but they’re very welcoming to outsiders.

Men, remember, if you want to hang out with your guy friends, watch football. If you want to meet women, they like to dance. Go dancing.