Round dancing is couple dancing using choregraphed routines to definite arrangements of music, with all couples doing the same steps at the same time. While the most common rhythms used are two-step and waltz, all rhythms from folk and ballroom are used. Round Dancing is a non-competitive couple recreation, open to anyone.

While round dancing is historically rooted in and still is related to square dancing, it also has developed its own program. It gives everyone the joy and delight of moving to music and the opportunity to have fun with new friends. Though formal dance training is not necessary, as with any new skill, round dance lessons are required in order to understand the figures and language used.

Once the figures are learned, the dancers are led through the routines by verbal prompting (cueing). After lessons have been completed, dancers have the opportunity to join a round dancing club where they can continue to develop their proficiency of figures and/or increase their repertoire of dances. Often square dance clubs include round dancing in their program.