News Digest for Square Dancing in the United States

Square Dance News Digest

Recent examples of square dance news on a variety of topics from various publications around the United States. Excerpts appear below, please follow the link to the original article.

April, 2010

This Exists: Microsoft’s Official Humor Guide: Published in:
Geek O System
New York, New York
April 30th, 2010

Microsoft has turned its problem-solving prowess towards solving that most vexing of engineering problems: How to be funny. Microsoft’s education competency guide to humor points out what we already know: That humor is appropriate at some times, but not at others.; The humor guide is part of a broader series by Microsoft covering education competencies: "many of the attributes, behaviors, areas of knowledge, skills, and abilities required for successful job performance."; Among the suggestions made by the humor guide: Learn how to juggle, square-dance, shoot skeet, and even play video games.
Physical activity helps keep the brain fit
*** International ***: Published in:
The Enterprise-Bulletin
Collingwood
Canada
April 30th, 2010

People are increasingly realizing the importance of exercising the mind. The Oxford Dictionary defines exercise as "activity requiring physical effort carrying out for the sake of health and fitness." The importance of brain fitness cannot be underestimated, and physical movement has a role to play, in addition to popular "brain games" such as Suduko, brain teaser cards and crossword puzzles.; Movement anchors thought. Take note of the thoughts that come into your mind when you're taking the dog for a walk, preparing dinner or having a workout. Stimulated by physical activity the mind generates new ideas.; In older adults who regularly partake in dancing, whether it be slow dancing to love songs, square dancing or country line dancing, the signs of dementia/ Alzheimer's disease are decreased by 96 per cent, and for those who play a musical instrument, 69 per cent. These activities are both physical and use integrated, cross-lateral movements are playful and stimulating to the mind.
Square dancers circle around Biddeford: Published in:
Kennebunkport Post
Kennebunkport, Maine
April 30th, 2010

Skip Brown sat high in the bleachers, watching as dozens of couples twirled across the dance floor below. The 72-year-old Portland resident generally watches square dancing from a slightly different view: the caller’s stage.; Brown said he learned the art of calling while he was in the Navy and stationed in Germany. Since then, he has called too many dances to count. For years he took to the microphone nearly every day to lead dancers through their moves. Now, he calls at a dance in Alfred every Friday night and travels throughout New England for other events.; While Brown said calling can be difficult, he said it is also fun and provides happiness to many people. "We teach them 68 different figures and call them in any sequence we want," he said. "The calls must be executed in time to the music and the caller has to get dancers back to their original partner."; Brown said the best thing about square dancing is "virtually anyone can do it. It’s not really dancing, you’re walking to the music,” he said. "It’s good exercise. It’s wonderful for keeping a sharp mind."
Clay homeschoolers stage Jane Austen-era prom: Published in:
The Florida Times-Union
Jacksonville, Florida
April 29th, 2010

When Emily Albright and Lauren Bowen started dreaming of their senior prom, the two home-schooled friends decided they wanted to do something entirely different.; And so it was on April 24. About 80 fellow home-schoolers, friends and family members found themselves transported to an English Regency ball right in the middle of Clay County.; Some of the girls made their own gowns, while others headed to costume stores. The young men also found costumes of two centuries ago, some complete with tricorn hats. The Orange Park-based Full Circle band and caller Charlie Dyer of Jacksonville were brought on board to complete the scene.; College graduate Casey Flach, 21, attended the prom as a friend of other promgoers. He said he found the style of dance, something of a predecessor to square dancing, appealing. "I like the formality of it," he said. "It's not improv."
Square Dancing Rules: SoEx Hosts a Hootenanny: Published in:
SF Weekly
San Francisco, California
April 29th, 2010

In fifth grade, I dreaded the Square Dance Day. Not only did the logistics of switching partners and crossing hands to the right and walking backwards in a circle in front of thousands (exaggeration) of spectators freak me out, it had to be done in Western wear.; Now that I'm older, and I've come to terms with dancing in public and now love folk and old-timey things, I'm excited about the Homestead Hootenanny at Southern Exposure tonight. Because I want to go tonight, I'm psyching myself into five reasons why square dancing actually rules:; Exercise for brain and body; Swinging; There are clear instructions (If you screw up, blame it on your square-dance caller for not being direct); The outfits; The music.
Square Dance is Saturday: Published in:
The Daily News
Batavia, New York
April 29th, 2010

The Genesee Valley Council on the Arts has scheduled its annual round and square dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday at York Central School, Route 63. The dance, featuring Kelly’s Old Timers and the Geneseo String Band, will take place in the "old" gymnasium at York Central School (look for the yellow doors).; If you’ve never been to a square dance, you can come early at 7:15 pm and learn the basic steps. No special clothing or prior knowledge is required — beyond knowing one’s left from one’s right!
Enjoy a historic good time with your kids: Published in:
Belleville News-Democrat
Belleville, Illinois
April 29th, 2010

The Collinsville Recreation District and Artisan Guild of Southern Illinois will take you back to the turn of the century -- 1900, that is -- for a day of nature tours, old-time craft demonstrations, scavenger hunts and garden activities. Be sure to grab a hunk of the roast pig while you enjoy the live music.; Then, top off your day with an old-fashioned hoedown from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Don your best square-dancing togs and enjoy an evening of music and refreshments, complete with a live band and caller.
Enjoy unique ways to get fit: Published in:
Gulf Breeze News
Gulf Breeze, Florida
April 29th, 2010

One of the toughest challenges to losing weight and staying fit is boredom. Jogging for hours on a treadmill, walking around the same neighborhood blocks, repeating a fitness video for the hundredth time or even following a planned weight lifting routine get old really quickly. Experts usually recommend you vary your workout routines to keep the boredom at bay.; Plan a fun event that includes movement like walking, bike riding, inline skating or any other form of foot transportation. Sign up for classes in an unusual or adventure sport. Think about trying rock climbing to work the hand, arm and leg muscles. Or splash into different bodies of water while snorkeling or scuba diving. Consider signing up for a different style of dance class, like belly dancing or even square dancing.; You're more likely to be successful, lose weight and maintain a physically fit body if you enjoy the workout programs you're doing.
Round-up ranch has princely history: Published in:
North County Times
Escondido, California
April 27th, 2010

Melrose Ranch may not ring a bell for too many people in these parts, but it has quite an interesting history. The ranch was once owned by an English lord. Among his guests were Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson, the women for whom the prince would later abdicate the English throne, said Wendy Barker, executive director of the Escondido History Center. Later, actor Errol Flynn filmed scenes of the ranch to portray the French countryside for the movie "Uncertain Glory."; People can see for themselves when the history center holds a Western Round-up at the ranch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Hay rides and carriage rides, blacksmith demonstrations, square dance lessons, a cowboy sharpshooter exhibition, old-fashioned games and the chance to see Texas longhorn cattle are among the planned activities.
Grab your partner for Friday’s Square Dance in Lake Wylie: Published in:
Lake Wylie Pilot
Lake Wylie, South Carolina
April 27th, 2010

For the second time since 2007, local supporters of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund plan to hold an old-fashioned square dance from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at River Hills Community Church life center, off S.C. 49.; "We did the first one two years ago," said Dave Decker, event organizers along with wife Sandy. "The thing was so popular that we didn’t promote it very well and people still kept saying, you’ve got to do it again."; "I didn’t know much about square dancing and both of my children had other plans and were not real happy to be there," Cullon said of the last event, "but once they got there, we had so much fun they stayed all night and had a ball."; Experienced dancers from local clubs will be there, too. "You can come as singles and you do not have to have any square dancing experience whatsoever," Cullon said. "That’s what they’re doing, is teaching."; Decker said appreciates a little help from the better dancers. "They’ll mix in with those of us who have no clue what we’re going to be doing," he said. "It’s unbelievable how much fun it is."
Town & Country Squares take last dance: Published in:
The Madison Daily Leader
Madison, South Dakota
April 27th, 2010

The Madison Town & Country Square Dance Club will take its last bow on Friday and Saturday when it hosts square dancers from across the state for the spring festival celebrated by the S.D. Square, Folk and Round Dance Association.; This weekend isn't the first time that the Town & Country Squares have hosted a square dance festival since the club organized in 1955. The club members hosted their first state festival in April 1955 and others during its history. Memories of Town & Country festivals recall that the dance group held one its largest festivals during the mid-1970s with 183 couples dancing in the school gym in Chester.; The Town & Country club was active in other areas of the Madison community. In 1956, its members started a children and teenagers program for square dancing. In the past, the youth group had as many as 200 members and a Petite Jamboree was held in the Downtown Armory.
Poulsbo Woman Still Dancing as Her 99th Birthday Nears: Published in:
Kitsap Sun
Bremerton, Washington
April 26th, 2010
Includes Video Footage

Nobody could blame a woman two days shy of her 99th birthday for sitting out a fourth round of square-dancing. Angy Parrish of Poulsbo said earlier that she was tired and wasn’t sure if she’d be up for it.; But dancers on the floor of the Kitsap Square Dance Center on Monday afternoon weren’t going to make it easy to sit. They needed another dancer. They reminded Parrish that she was the birthday girl.; When Angy was in high school in Iroquois, S.D., everybody came out to the house dances in town. "The whole family danced" back then, she said. It was the Depression. "You entertained yourself."; There are a variety of reasons she and the other club members come every Monday afternoon from 1 to 3 to this brightly lit hall off Old Belfair Highway. Friendship. That’s one of the things Parrish said has helped her live this long. "You never meet a stranger at a square dance," she said.; After the third tip on Monday, she sipped a half-cup of coffee and answered questions about why and how she’s still dancing at 99. "I had no idea I’d live to this age," she said. "Since I got up there, I just keep looking forward and not back."
Students dance their dissertations: Published in:
Minnesota Daily
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 26th, 2010

Dancing to volcanic booms and even a hoedown, doctoral candidates and professors did something very unusual Friday evening: They performed interpretive dances of their dissertations.; "Gonzo Scientist" John Bohannon, writer for the academic journal "Science," launched a workshop for the 2010 Dance Your Ph.D. competition at the University of Minnesota for doctoral candidates and professors who were interested in creating interpretive dances from their dissertations.; Thirty-year-old fifth-year doctoral student Anna Henderson and her group performed a hoedown incorporating traditional folk dancing and square dancing to portray her geology and geophysics thesis on the seasonal distribution of precipitation on ecosystems.
No squares at this dance: Published in:
Journal Tribune
Biddleford, Maine
April 26th, 2010

Rob Petit met his wife Sally on the dance floor when they were teenagers in 1970. They weren’t rock ’n’ rolling, though, they were square dancing. The Biddeford couple’s story of finding romance on the dance floor was mentioned often this weekend during the 52nd New England Square and Round Dance Convention in Biddeford.; Seven "dance halls" were set up in three of Biddeford’s public schools, including Biddeford Primary School, Biddeford Intermediate School and Biddeford Middle School, all located on Hill Street.; "I was 14 when I started (square dancing,)" said Rob Petit, one of the organizers of this year’s convention. "That’s how I met my wife and we’ve been dancing ever since." The couple did have to take a break from dancing when their second son was born, said Petit. However, when that son went off to college, the couple returned to the dance floor. Now that son and his wife square dance also, said Petit.
Square dancers bemoan a world where most just ... DO-SI-DON'T ANYMORE: Published in:
The Portland Press Herald
Portland, Maine
April 25th, 2010

Twenty years ago, the New England Square and Round Dance Convention would routinely draw up to 8,000 dancers to promenade, sashay and allemande (left or right) through a weekend. Organizers of this year's event – the 52nd annual – were keeping their fingers crossed Saturday, hoping to meet their goal of 1,200 attendees.; Bud Clifford, the Vermonter running this year's convention, has an easy explanation for the declining popularity of square dancing. To hear Clifford and others tell it, square dancing and its cousin, round dancing, are the latest casualties of the iPod, the iPad, the Internet, youth sports run amok and a pace of life that no longer allows a few hours a week to put on bolo ties or dresses pouffed up with lots of petticoats and form up squares with some friends.
Cancer survivors gather for ‘birthday’: Published in:
News and Sentinel
Parkersburg, West Virginia
April 26th, 2010

Ginger McConnell, another event coordinator with the cancer society, said she is excited about this year's Relay for Life event. "If we top $183,000 this year, we will reach the million-dollar club. There aren't many counties in the state that can say that," McConnell said.; There are no rules to how teams raise money. "One team just held a square dance, others have spaghetti dinners, bake sales... One group has a four-wheeler poker run," McConnell said. "Anything to raise money."
CHDC to hold sixth annual Community Health Fair: Published in:
The Log Cabin Democrat
Conway, Arkansas
April 25th, 2010

Virtually every facet of health care will be considered during the sixth annual Community Health Fair. The fair will be held in the center’s gymnasium. The event, open to the public, will offer a plethora of free health screenings, plus music, dancing, massages, door prizes and more, according to Jill Blankenship, CHDC’s health fair coordinator.; The latest state-of-the-art medical information will be dispensed throughout the morning, giving hundreds of visitors expected medical facts they need to know about many medical matters, Blankenship said. This health fair also has the makings of an entertaining venue with demonstrations of clogging and square dancing and Zumba — an aerobic dance.
It's time to bring dance to the White House, and Obama should take the lead: Published in:
The Washington Post
Washington, DC
April 25th, 2010

Anger, distrust, apprehension: America is caught up in a angry swirl of operatic passions it hasn't experienced in years. As a nation, we're becoming ever more fragmented. Which means there's never been a better time for the White House to showcase the performing arts -- especially dance, which demonstrates what unity, harmony and perfection look like. Goodness knows we could use a little collective loosening up.; There's a proud tradition of social dancing at the White House: George Washington loved the minuet, Benjamin Harrison waltzed, and William McKinley took to a trendy step called Goo-Goo Eyes, which had a ragtime bounce. Margaret Truman fancied square dancing.
Square dancers take a 'Promenade in the Pines': Square dancers will bow to a time-honored American institution when they gather this coming weekend for "Promenade in the Pines" in Prescott.; The fest is Prescott's 61st annual Mile-High Square and Round Dance Festival to bring aficionados of the pastime to town, and they will dance their hearts out April 30 and May 1 and 2 at the Grace Sparkes Activity Center. Carol Hills, president of the Mile-High Squares, expects up to 200 people from Arizona and beyond to attend.
St. Patrick School holds Immigrant Day: Fourth-grade students at St. Patrick School took a step back into history on April 14 when they celebrated the history and culture of immigrant groups that made their way into the United States and Wisconsin in the late 1800s.; Students researched the many different ethnic groups that make up the rich heritage of Wisconsin. They were then assigned a family name, chose their own first names, a destination in Wisconsin and an ethnic food they would share on the Immigrant Day.; Students came dressed in babushkas, shawls, caps and knickers, and were greeted by the Statue of Liberty (Principal Mary Piasecki) as they boarded the ferry that would take them to Ellis Island. Once on board, the captain (music teacher Cheryl Forester) led the students in traditional American melodies.; The families celebrated their hopes for the future with a schottische and square dance led by physical education teacher Tim Dejardin and a smorgasbord of ethnic foods.
Rockin' fundraisin': The Rural Heritage Center at the historic Geneva School House will be celebrating its annual Grand Opening BBQ Celebration on Saturday, May 15. This is the spring fundraiser for the center hosted by the Bren-Don Squares Square Dancers. If you are unfamiliar with the center, as you read this it sounds like everything is OK and we're just getting together to raise a little money. But honestly the center is in dire need of a steady stream of funds and leaders in order to keep operating. It is an all-volunteer effort and has been for the past year or two after its inception.; There have been a series of events, workshops, movies and more that have taken place in the beautiful center but some workshops have been canceled due to lack of participation. In order to raise funds for the long and short term we really need citizens from all the rural areas to step up and take a more active role in leadership with fundraising, administration, planning, maintenance and more. The roles are in place; we just need citizen participation to make it happen. If not for the tireless vision of President Christopher Stapleton, a small group of dedicated volunteers and directors, and the fantastic commitment of the Bren-Don Squares Square Dancers, we probably would have had to lock the doors months ago.
Muskegon-area volunteers pick up after highway litterbugs: Published in:
The Muskegon Chronicle
Muskegon, Michigan
April 22nd, 2010

Surely you've seen them, especially this time of year -- those highway warriors who give up their weekends to pick up after the trashier members of society.; They are volunteers from service clubs, businesses, churches, and even a local square dancing club, who "adopt" a stretch of highway and then fill bag after bag of trash that others thoughtlessly throw out their car windows.
Square dancing club swirls into motion: Spectators cheerfully clap to the beat of the music as the energetic square dancers create a patchwork of color and movement across the floor. "Recycle round the olden bend, bear to the left, change down the line, girls trade with boys and courtesy turn," announces square dance caller Don Whitaker as he encourages the crowd.; Whitaker, a nationally known square dance caller originally from Oklahoma, came out of retirement last year to establish the dance club called the BrenDon Squares in Geneva. His wife, Brenda, said Don took about 24 years off from calling while they were raising their four children and running a local business.; Brenda credits their youngest daughter, Amber Dunson, now 26, with encouraging her father to return to his favorite pastime. "Last year she said, 'Dad, I want to learn to square dance, so you need to do this.' When we had a call saying about 12 people wanted to form a club, she told him, 'Dad, you're doing it,' " Brenda said.; Today, 36 BrenDon Squares club members meet nearly every Sunday evening in the Historic Geneva Schoolhouse at Rural Heritage Center for two hours of non-stop entertainment.
Madison to host state square dance festival: The South Dakota State Square, Folk and Round Dance Association is sponsoring the Spring State Square Dance Festival in Madison on April 30 and May 1. The event will be hosted by the Madison Town and Country Squares Square Dance Club.; The festival activities will begin with a trail-in dance on Friday at 8 p.m. with Dwayne Anderson of Sioux Falls and Wayne Wheeler for Pierre calling. All sessions will be held at the Downtown Armory, a half-block south of Sunshine Foods.
Addicted to the Shindig: Every month, locals cheat on their partners at the Arcata Veteran’s Hall. But, it is not what you think. At a hoedown, it is likely you will doh-si-doh with strangers. Last Saturday, more than a hundred people joined in the Barn Dance organized by the Humboldt Folklife Society.; But, who knows how to square dance these days? Not to worry- the caller explains every dance step-by-step prior to each set. "Now, gents, take that gal and stir the floor," instructs the main caller, Tara Stetz. The floor shakes as folks stomp to the rhythm of the string quartet.
Dancing for Gym Credit: State lawmakers are working to pass a bill that could make Missouri children feel like they're on "Dancing with the Stars." Lawmakers are considering making ballroom dancing an alternative to basketball or soccer in Missouri schools.; "Ballroom dance gives a child an experience in working as a team member with a member of the opposite gender," dance instructor Will Adams said. "And going through puberty, that's a good time to do that."; Sixth grader Steve Bailey said the tricky steps have taught him a valuable lesson: "Don't give up," he said. Bailey liked the program so much, he's back for a second year. For most of the others, it's only their third lesson.; Columbia Public Schools P.E. coordinator Patty Cornell isn't sold on the ballroom dance idea just yet. She worries about the time it takes to learn complicated steps and getting students' heart rates up in just a half hour of P.E. time. She said there's another big issue: "Touching each other. They're still in the cootie stage of life," Cornell said. "Even when we do square dancing, they do have some hand touching, but that's about the extent of it."
Run, Stretch, or Zumba To A Healthier Body: Engaging in physical activities has many benefits for people of all ages. Moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk for about 30 minutes benefits both men and women, as arduous activity is not necessary to benefit. However, increasing the amount of time spent engaging in moderate physical activities increases the benefits that can be gained.; According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Additional benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activities. Adults who maintain a regular routine of physical activity that is of greater intensity are likely to derive greater benefit."; Other benefits of being physically active include improving your mental health and mood. The CDC reports that research has shown that engaging in aerobic and muscle training activities each week for up to 60 minutes can maintain learning, thinking and judgment skills sharp as people grow older.; The department offers classes for everyone. Classes include modern dance, jazz dance, ballet, ballroom dancing, folk and square dance, among others.
It's hip to be square
*** International ***: The most dreaded activity of gym class is actually a lot more fun than you remember. Square dancing is like working a Sudoku puzzle during aerobics class. You need to know not only the moves, but the math.; Attire is varied: tie-dyed tees and cargo shorts, trucker caps and low-slung jeans, Dockers and polos. The moves of these 100 or so dancers are more improv than the ones you'll see from the Westonka bunch, but the mood is just as communal.; While the attendees of a recent Westonka event drew more seniors, there were several couples on the younger side of middle age. Peg Becker and her husband, Chuck, had completed 20 classes and were celebrating their "graduation" to the next level.; Peg and Chuck said they hadn't laughed so hard in years as when they started square dancing after seeing an announcement for beginners' classes in a neighbourhood paper.; Square dancing may be a truly North American art form, but it's not the artistry that draws people. It's the company -- the hootin' and hollerin', the old-style social atmosphere, an antidote to the isolating elements of modern life. "People are craving joyful connections," Carter said.
PNB's "All Balanchine" is Almost Tutu Beautiful to Bear: A few themes cut across each piece: Balanchine's regard for stillness, the way he uses it as a dash rather than a period at the end of a series. Here, you see too the way he uses the dancers to delineate space. When they chain hands and arms in 1957's Square Dance, they create human-sized, charged arcs and arches.; Mark Morris has a similar fondness for this, which isn't a Cunningham-esque abstraction, but an infusing of space with human presence. In fact, I don't think you can see Square Dance and not imagine a young Mark Morris's eyes widening as he sees what you can do. It's not especially folksy--it's ballet, 17th-century court dance, and what might be called the spirit of American folk dance.
Fit at Five: Square dancing: Published in:
WCSH - 6
Portland, Maine
April 19th, 2010
Includes Video Footage

Through the years we have seen workouts evolve and change. That holds the same for dancing too. On this Fit at Five we take a look at a dance that has been around since the 30's and 40's...Square Dancing. With a modern twist Square Dancing has come a long way. No gingham shirts or puffy skirts here. Kelly LaBrecque has more.
Thanks to all who helped with dance that supported Operation Feed program: Zanesville Times Recorder
Zanesville, Ohio
April 19, 2010

I would like to thank everyone, our seniors, area businesses and volunteers, who so graciously have given to help Muskingum County Center for Seniors' Operation Feed program through the center's round and square dance. Each is helping to give hunger the boot in 2010. Operation Feed supports Muskingum County Hunger Network, which consist of 15 pantries, two special needs (baby pantry and special needs taxable pantry) and four hot-meal programs. It is people like them a difference can be made in lives of others.
Swing your partner, do-si-do: "Smile at your opponent … here we go!" With that, caller Tom Roper launched another square dance Sunday afternoon at the F-M Labor Temple in Fargo.; Roper, an internationally known square dance caller from Omaha, Ill., was in Fargo at the invitation of the F-M Square Dancers Association, which is made up of four square dancing groups in the area. After 30 years in the business, Roper said he still travels about 40,000 miles a year doing square dance gigs around the world.; "You can go anyplace in the world and square dance. I call in Sweden and England and Norway, Japan, Germany. Square dancing is international," Roper said.; Square dancing, which gives the appearance of churning gears made of gingham skirts and western shirts, isn’t as difficult as it may look, said Roger McNeil, who is a caller for his club, L & M Squares. "You don’t have to have rhythm for your head and feet to work together," he said.; Dancing is good exercise, his wife added. "You’ll walk three to five miles in a night," she said.
Bare to headline festival: Bobby Bare –– yes the Grammy award winning country music superstar Bobby Bare who reached the top of the charts with such hits as "Marie Laveau," "Detroit City" and "Drop Kick Me Jesus (Through the Goalposts of Life)" –– will appear at the Pennington Festival in downtown Princeton. Bare is set to perform at the festival Saturday, June 5.; The festival actually kicks off Thursday, June 3, with a free square dance open to the public. The dance will be held at the parking lot of Central Presbyterian Church on West Main Street. The Princeton Rotary Club will hold a fish fry at the presbyterian church during the Thursday night square dance.
Swan song: After 39 years, Saginaw square dance club disbands: With all the swirling and twirling and promenading going on Sunday at Saginaw Township’s First Christian Church-West, it’s hard to believe caller Art Bentley was delivering the Paw and Taws Square Dance Club’s swan song. "We’re going out with a bang," said Betty VanOchten as members and guests celebrated its 39th anniversary with a cake and a last dance before calling it quits.; Paws and Taws actually began in the fall of 1970 when the City of Saginaw offered a class in Western square dance at the Audra Francis Center. Deciding this was no time to stop dancing, the nine couples who completed the lessons in April 1971 founded the Paws and Taws Square Dance Club. "Usually, it was the women who would tell the men, ‘Let’s go! Let’s go!’" Teall said. "But once you got into it, the men would be the ones pushing to keep it up."; Make no mistake about it, you have to take lessons to keep up with this crowd. Even with many in their 80s now, sporting new knees and hips, they step lively, and if someone takes a twirl left when they should have hinged right, it can turn the organized chaos of a whole dance floor into a collision course.
Hilltop gym teacher to retire this spring: At the end of this school year, Hilltop Elementary will have to give up its longtime physical education teacher to retirement. With 46 years in education under her belt, Dolores Saunders has decided it is time to hang up her whistle.; When asked what kept her teaching physical education classes for so many years, she replied, "I get to play games all day. What is better than that?" Saunders has also introduced and hosted cup stacking tournaments and introduced and hosted the Jump for Heart-a-thon. She has also incorporated line dancing and square dancing into her lesson plans for the elementary students.; Saunders also enjoyed teaching ballroom dancing to her high school students. She stated she would tell the boys, "Girls love guys with dance skills!"
Bikes, Balls in Class: How Phys Ed Transformed One School: Sound body, sound mind has long been the accepted wisdom. But schools have traditionally promoted brains and brawn separately. Not so at Naperville Central High School west of Chicago. Here the kids who struggle with math and reading go to gym class first.; This isn't your old-fashioned gym class, where the teacher is wearing a whistle acting like a drill sergeant. These kids are learning to square dance. And every one of them is getting a workout. The scientists say this sort of exercise is an ideal brain-builder: aerobic activity gets the heart rate up. Complicated movement stimulates thinking.; Sophomore Caitlyn Porcaro used to get C's and D's. Now she gets A's and B's. She says the exercise helps her focus.
Couples will square off with four days of dancing: More than 1,000 square dancers from all over New England are expected to converge on April 22-25 for camaraderie and dance, including modern Western square and round dancing.; The Petits teach weekly from September through April, with students learning a few new moves each week and building on them as the sessions progress. They will graduate a class of 14 dancers on Thursday evening - just in time for next weekend's convention.; While newer generations of square and round dancers advocate for blue jeans for the guys and prairie skirts for the gals, Sally Petit and Sue Wiggins prefer the traditional circle hoop skirts featuring yards and yards of bouncy under fabric billowing just below the surface. Sue has a closet full of outfits but likely will wear her club colors of red, white and blue.
Cross-cultural friendship: The Justice Online
Brandeis University
Waltham, Massachusetts
April 13, 2010

On Saturday night, I walked into the Zimmer Forum in the Heller School of Social Policy and Management to find a different scene than usual. A man was standing at the front of the forum yelling into a microphone, instructing pairs to "swing their partners 'round and 'round." Instead of seeing students studying in the school's characteristic red chairs, there were international Heller students and senior citizens square dancing together.; Saturday's square dance reflected the idea of "common humanity," that Sherbaz Ali Khan (GRAD), participated in the dance and frequently speaks of, as the students from all different ethnic backgrounds and the elderly, mostly Jewish, Brandeis Osher Lifelong Learning Institute members danced the night away together as if they were old friends.
Maple syrup lovers ready to converge on festival
*** International ***: Brockville Recorder & Times
Brockville
Canada
April 13, 2010

A repeat of 2009's fair weather would be welcomed by organizers of the Delta Maple Syrup Festival in this picturesque Rideau Lakes Township village this weekend. One thing's for sure, the village will be awash in high-quality maple syrup from a good year of production, said Rollins.; At the Delta Legion, a square dancing demonstration takes place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. A dance is scheduled later, beginning at 9 p.m.
Arts and Ethnic Fest returns
*** International ***: The Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society presents the second annual Arts and Ethnic Fest April 17 and 18, a mixture of food, music and art. Last year’s event was a hit and organizers are aiming for another successful event.; "The response was literally overwhelming," said Kathy Wachs, the chair of the society. "It overwhelmed our venue. It was a wonderful day. Everybody had a lot of fun."; Also at the legion is plenty of live music and multicultural performances by Sandy Jasper, Deb Pinchbeck’s Gypsy Ladies, Bopama African Rhythms, the Saanich International Folk Dancers, Moon Dance Arts and the Heritage Academy of Performing Arts. Florence James will do a Coast Salish welcome. The last event is at 7:30 p.m. at the legion. It is a square dance. Tickets are available at the door for $15, or at the Chemainus Chamber of Commerce for $12 beforehand.
Contra Dance: Get moving in Elverson: With the Elverson Contra Line Dance club, it's all about the five "Fs." Footwork. Fun. Fellowship. Food. And Family. "Contra line dancing is similar to square dancing," said Ginny Cassidy, president of the Elverson Contra Dance club. 'There are lots of the same moves — such as the do-si-do, but everything is done in a line instead of a four-person square. You have the chance to meet all the dancers — instead of just the square."; The Elverson Contra Line Dance club is sponsored by the not-for-profit Conestoga Dance Association. Don't let the fancy, corporation-speak fool you though. This group is all about having fun.; March's dance was held after the area's big winter storms, and a quick headcount revealed at least 70 dancers in attendance and ready to dance by 7:30 p.m. "We welcome new members all the time," said Cassidy, "and we always have at least six to 10 people come to our dances that have never danced contra line dancing before." Newcomers are encouraged to arrive at 7 p.m. for a half-hour primer in contra line dancing. The caller of the evening slowly calls the steps, and more experienced members demonstrate the steps for beginners. The pace is friendly, and within a half-hour newcomers are familiar with the steps they'll need to use during each set.; Hutchinson stressed that new members do not need to come with a partner. "You really don't even have to know what is going on," he added, "because everyone is friendly and newcomers learn the steps quickly. Hutchinson said all dances are repeated after 32 beats, so there is always "room for improvement."
SQUARE-ROOT: Eighties rocker Huey Lewis was right, it’s hip to be square. At least, it is on Friday nights at the Palmer Salvation Army building. That’s when the local Paws and Taws group gathers to cavort, consume copious amounts of high-octane coffee and square dance like there’s no tomorrow.; Paws and Taws is square-dance lingo for guys and gals, said Larry McGee, president of the Valley Paws and Taws. "Square dancing is as good mental exercise as it is physical exercise," he said. "You never know what the caller’s going to call out next, and every caller is different, so it keeps you on your toes."; Calling the figures is an important undertaking, one Charles Feaster takes seriously. He’s attended three week-long sessions of caller school and enjoys what he says is his "calling." Feaster enjoys spending time with his family and participating in a wholesome activity. Also, the other Paws and Taws members share a unique perspective, he said. "It’s cheap exercise, plus square dancers are a different breed of cat. We have square dancer friends all over the countryside."; One of those friends is Renee Rieth, a widow who has a passion for square dancing. "It’s very OK to be square," she said. "I started square dancing in 1964 when I was in college. It was a college PE credit. Now that I’m a solo dancer, and I love square dancing, I’m here every Friday."
Be there and be square...dancing: The 2010 Western Square and Round Dance State Convention wrapped up Saturday night in Ottumwa. The statewide convention was held in southeast Iowa for the first time in the 48 years of the convention.; Tonight, two callers were inducted into the hall of fame. Before they showed off their talent, they walked in the Grand March. The Grand March includes state officials, past presidents, and members from the each of the state's federations.; Nearly 700 people signed in at the door. Besides the dancers, a number of community members came to watch and learn.
Pacific Northwest Ballet presents an all-Balanchine evening: "All Balanchine," opening Thursday, celebrates 75 years of the great choreographer's work in America. It will include three ballets: "The Four Temperaments," "Square Dance" and "Serenade." Each is an example of how Balanchine's ballets were living, fluid things: never set in stone, they would be changed by the choreographer as years went by, remaking them to suit his changing taste or changing dancers.; "Square Dance," created for NYCB in 1957, blends Balanchine's affection for American folk dance with ballet. In its original production, white-clad dancers performed sprightly solos and group dances accompanied by an onstage orchestra and a live square-dance caller, who shouted out such lines as "Now make your feet go wickety-whack! / Hurry up, girls, 'cause here comes Pat!" Balanchine revived the dance in 1976, with the caller removed, the orchestra returned to the pit and a new solo for the principal man.
Ballet San Jose focuses on pure dance in first of two Spring Repertory programs: The third work, Balanchine's "Square Dance," is a favorite whose lickety-split footwork and constantly shifting unions make the audience smile in awe at the bravura of it all. "Square Dance," a love letter to American popular culture, also acknowledges the roots of theatrical dance in the social dances of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.; Nahat goes back to Balanchine's 1957 original by putting the musicians onstage and using a square-dance caller. The dancers responded lustily to raspy-voiced Lauren Ingrassia's "Over once and away you go, left hand back and don't be slow."; "Oh my," Ingrassia exclaims when Alexsandra Meijer shows up to join the party, and Meijer's fiendishly fast footwork is a treat. She also charms the audience by making her ballerina an "aw shucks" country lass.
Contradance the night away: From one side of the hall to the other, six rows of about 20 dancers lined up, ready to set their feet to flying. Onstage, caller Chrissy Fowler and the Henry Road Bandits, a young, energetic contradance band from Whitefield, started the first number, playing the bouncy blend of bluegrass, Celtic and maritime music that typifies such bands — with a slightly nontraditional dash of hot jazz and swing thrown in for good measure. Dancers ranged from elementary school-age kids to retired couples, with nearly half the crowd composed of those in their 20s and 30s.; "I think a lot of the roots of contradance in Maine had to do with the back-to-the-land revival in the early ’70s," said Fowler. "They wanted wholesome, family kind of entertainment that wasn’t from a radio or TV. In Blue Hill, it was a lot of families at those early dances. There would be piles of sleeping kids in the corner of the hall, and the adults would keep dancing into the night. It was a nice atmosphere."; "You see cycles of popularity," said Chrissy Fowler, who began calling dances in the early ’90s, and now calls up to six dances a month. "You get waves of young people who rediscover it. We’re definitely in the middle of another wave right now."; "My dance friends range from 10 to 80 years old," said Dill. "When I first started, it was so I could meet guys, when I was going to class 40 hours a week in grad school. I think that’s still true for a lot of people at dances. It’s not as intimidating as a bar. It’s a lot less expensive, too."
Ballet San Jose makes close call for 'Square Dance': George Balanchine's "Square Dance" premiered in 1957 with Kansan Elisha Keeler onstage doing the "call." Today, the "call" portion of the work is rarely performed, but Ballet San Jose — which has "Square Dance" as part of the Spring Repertory show that opened Thursday — wanted to do it the original way.; After sending out messages to square dance clubs and professional callers all over the state, they auditioned about a dozen people and found some good candidates. Then Lauren Ingrassia, a pianist with the ballet school, asked if she could try out. I'm told she blew everyone away.; "She had something that none of the other people had: a real understanding of the Vivaldi and Corelli music," Ballet spokesman Lee Kopp said. "She blended that classical sound with the Western call so well that we just had to give her the job."
Local couple finds love through square dancing, teaches others: Wayne and Jan Pelmear are a square dancing couple ready to make you move — and they have been for more than 40 years. The Lake Isabella residents put modern western square dancing into motion at the Isabella County Commission on Aging two years ago. It is what they say they have a passion for.; Wayne is a member of the International Association of Square Dance Callers, which includes people who direct square dancers. He said he learned to call as a member of his local 4-H club at age 13. Callers inspire and ensure participating dancers move at the same time.; Thomas Holland, 11, said anyone and any age can participate. "I never been here before and I am out there," he said. It is 10-year-old Holly Chudej’s second year with the group. Her father, Marvin Chudej, is her dancing partner. "I started last year at this time," she said. "I try to make it every Monday night." Her favorite move is the "grand right and left." "It is when you go in a circle, alternating right and left hands, until you come back to your partner," she said.
Square and Round Dance Convention: The 2010 Western Square and Round Dance State Convention is taking place at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa. In the 48 years of this statewide convention, this is the first time it is being held anywhere in Southeast Iowa. An estimated 800 to 850 people are taking part in the annual convention.; "Visitors are welcome to come. There's no charge. We would like for them to check in at the registration desk," said Bob Orman. "It's a lot of fun so everybody should get involved," added Barbara Orman.
Marston students dance the solar system: Third-grade students at Marston Elementary School do-si-doed their way around the universe last Friday as the culmination of a project that integrated music and science. "I saw all the concepts were rotating and revolving in space," said music teacher Gus Carlson. "I thought of square dancing because of the moves."; Carlson played the guitar and University of New Hampshire student Jamie Sokolowski, who is interning at Winnacunnet High School, played the fiddle. Three students also served as announcers.; They worked on the program since January, according to Carlson, attending extra music classes. In addition, they had three rehearsals in the gym to master the square dancing moves, illustrating the movement of the eight planets and the sun. "Here at Marston, we've been doing a big push on integrating art into the curriculum," Carlson said. "I think it's really important that we can make it fun for the kids. For a lot of them, depending on their learning style, if they physically learn it, it will stick."
Communication studies professor moonlights as folk musician: Jeff Kerssen-Griep's four-piece band Wild Hair recently released its new album "Buzz Cuts" featuring folk and contra dance music. Kerssen-Griep came from a background in rock, but is now playing folk and contra dance music. "Mostly, we just play regional dances," he said. "There are dances from Seattle to Corvallis."; According to Kerssen-Griep, contra dancing closely resembles square dancing, but participants dance every other number with a different partner. Dances are simple to learn, and people of all ages come out to try them. "It's not technical, like learning the tango," Kerssen-Griep said.; Sophomore Erica Havey looked on as dozens of couples danced intricate numbers around the Portland Road House to the tunes of Joy Ride. "The whole thing just looks like so much fun!" she said. "I was asked to dance a few times, and the music was so cheerful. It was an awesome environment, though I was kind of scared to dance because everybody seemed to know what they were doing."
American Opera, 'Susannah' comes to UF: The UF Opera Theatre Workshop presents "Susannah" tonight through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the Nadine McGuire Black Box Theatre. Choreographer and Appalachian dance expert Andy Howard directed the dancing in "Susannah," a UF Opera Theatre Workshop production being staged tonight through Sunday at McGuire Black Box Theatre. The opera is fortunate to present authentic Appalachian social dancing, choreographed by bona-fide expert Andy Howard.; "My background is in traditional rural arts," says Howard, "which are challenging to be taken seriously - not only by academics but by performing artists. The academic problem is how the fine arts are classified; we aren't contemporary, we aren't classical."; "The only type of square dancing people generally see is what is really only contemporary Western square dancing, which is not what the characters of 'Susannah' would know or do. Depictions of this genre of dancing also tend to get really slap-sticky and rowdy, which wouldn't make sense for 'Susannah,' as the dancing takes place in a churchyard.; "What we tend to call square dancing is in this case actually known as south Appalachian big-set dancing, though it was really more closely aligned with a form of round dancing," Howard explains. "It was a regal, serious pursuit that wasn't so rowdy, reckless and fun as we think of it, but more structured. It was used in the early 20th century as a cotillion to teach social reform, everything from how to ask your partner to dance, how to escort her back to her seat afterwards, and the appropriate ways to touch or not touch each other. The dance very specifically regulated the interaction between couples, and was often promoted as a response to jazz, which allowed a much closer physical interaction."
Chico square dancing interest session to be held Wednesday: Chico Enterprise Record
Chico, California
April 8, 2010

Paradise square dance caller Donn Thomson will host a free square dancing interest session at 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Chico Grange Hall. The session is open to all adults, couples and singles. No previous dance experience of any kind is necessary.; The objective is to determine if there is interest in establishing a regular square dancing group in Chico. The future dance day, time, and venue has not been determined. Thomson will gather input on those factors at next week's meeting.
Benoit Schryer to take a bow at Friday concert
*** International ***: Benoit Schryer knows his way around the strings and bow. The 15-year-old has been a performer and avid student of the fiddle and violin since he was seven. And it's paying off.; The Grade 10 student at Central Algoma Secondary School has been invited to perform in the Junior Showcase at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship in Ottawa in August.; Closer to home, Benoit will crank out the tunes at the Johnson Township Square Dance Friday, accompanied by his mother, Julie Schryer, on piano, and his brother, Zach, on guitar, cello and whistle.
Square dance is set for April 17 in Denton: The Old-Time Square Dance will be held April 17 in the Denton Civic Center on West Salisbury Street. The dance features regional old-time and bluegrass bands with an experienced caller.; Providing music for the April dance will be local bluegrass band The Oak Tree Boys with dances called by Ken Beck. Noted for their timing and hard-driving sound, the band has provided music for church services, homecomings, family gatherings, socials and dances. They have been the house band for the Old Time Square Dance since its beginning in 1996 and for the former Farmer Dance that was held at the old Farmer Grange Hall during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
What You Missed: Pre-Easter Candy Delights – Carolina Chocolate Drops: After a short hiatus, What You Missed is back with a verbal slap in the face for you if you happened to miss North Carolina’s Carolina Chocolate Drops rock Hub-Bub’s Showroom on Friday April 2nd. As always, I hope to shy away from too much editorializing or being too opinionated, but I will warn you in advance, this show was very good and I might be obligated to tell you that many times during this article. With that gentle warning, let’s get to it.; Throughout the rest of the show, I found myself wishing that there had been more open room in which to dance, especially square dance. So many of the songs contained so much raw energy that the least the audience could do was clap their hands and stamp their feet. During a waltz, one couple actually found room to get up and dance, and the whole band spent the song watching the dancing couple while they played. After the song, the band told us that they love dancers at their shows because "dancers keep you in line to keep the beat and keep them dancing."
Hip to be square (dancing): A group of Milwaukie-based square dancers gave a veteran caller a new experience last year at the national square dance convention in Long Beach, Calif. "A caller from Oklahoma City said he had been calling for 35 years and he’d never seen anything like this ever," said Ed Cummings, one of the dancers.; And what caused the caller’s jaw to drop? The dancers, who call themselves the River City Riders, perform while atop miniature horses. They are not real horses, of course, but are instead made from padded barrels that each dancer individualizes, noted Ed’s wife Jolene.
Town square: Spartan Spinners hosts dance for charity: Herald-Journal / GoUpstate.com
Spartanburg, South Carolina
April 7, 2010

The Spartan Spinners held a benefit dance for SPIHN (Spartanburg Interfaith Hospitality Network) March 6.; The Spinners donated $1,105 to the assistant director of SPIHN, Beth Rutherford. During the evening, everyone who came was given a chance to get up and dance with the club members.
Church moves services to dance hall: Living Word Ministries is conducting worship services in the square dance room of Friendship Hall in Fultondale while they look for a new building.; Although the church is doing well attendance-wise, Owens said he hopes they find a new building soon. He said it’s a hassle to have to set up for every worship service, only to have to put everything up again after it’s over. Also, people sometimes have trouble finding the church.
Sugar Creek Square Dance Club to host another event April 17: The Paper of Montgomery County
Crawfordsville, Indiana
April 5, 2010

The March dance of the Sugar Creek Squares Square Dance Club was held at the Boys and Girls Club of Montgomery County on Saturday, March 20. Forty-two guests joined 28 members of Sugar Creek Squares for a "Come Fly With Me" dance called by club caller, John Holman.
Group's last dance is on the horizon: They'd meet every Thursday night at the old McDonald's Barn in North Hollywood to square dance and socialize. The ladies in their colorful dresses with the big slips underneath, the men in their western shirts, jeans, and string ties.; The Silver Dollar Square Dancer's, they called themselves when they started in 1960 - eight dancers a square - 18 squares on a full night. On Thursday night, April 15, the Silver Dollar's will have their last square dance at the Granada Hills Women's Club. Fifty years of keeping alive a great American tradition that came west with the pioneers is ending for the local group.; Square dancing itself is still popular, says Mike Seastrom, a Tarzana dentist who has been a square dance caller since he was 12. "My parents square danced, and I joined a teenage club with 150 members in the early 60s," he says. "Our caller took ill and I took over. "The key is to keep the dancers moving, make it interesting and fun. There are no fancy steps to learn. It's more teamwork."
A do-si-do and a social affair: Although square dancing is designated as the official dance in 19 U.S. states, it’s popularity has waned in California over the past couple of decades, but that hasn’t stopped the members of the Martinez Swingers from enjoying their tri-weekly dances and weekend hoe-downs.; Founded in 1962 by two Shell workers, the club met weekly for years at the Shell Clubhouse and other venues until they moved to their current home at the Martinez Adult Education facility on Alhambra Avenue.; "Square dancing is a much misunderstood activity," said Dick Mazyrac, a 17-year member of the Martinez Swingers. "Imagine if you will, learning to take commands and put them into coordinated actions in concert with seven other individuals, such that smooth flowing patterns form a well choreographed, yet unrehearsed configuration. As one progresses, more commands (or square dance calls as they are referred to) are introduced by a professional square dance caller/teacher adding complexity to the dance. This is both the challenge and the joy of square dancing."; With members as young as 8 and 13, the Martinez Swingers are open to all ages. "The youth are the blood of square dancing," said club member Carole Wright. "But it doesn’t matter your age, square dancing is such a fun activity, it’s social and it’s exercise." For Wright, who is single, the club offers a "safe, welcoming atmosphere, and a wide group of friends."
Dance dance dance: If you love to dance, but can't take late nights out, check out some of the suburbs' dance scenes where you can have fun, meet new people and still make it to work in the morning.; "Square dancers are friendly people, so everyone is welcome," said Mary Gorden, co-president of the Naper Squares square dance club, one of several modern western square dance clubs in the area.; Club members put on demonstrations at community events and socialize together before and after dances, she said. "It is good exercise and a great activity," Gorden said.; Contra dance, originally from New England, is related to English and Scottish dancing, but with some twists. Billed as barn dances at Fermilab, there are two a month, with live old-time music from local musicians.; Gary Blankenship of Naperville started contra dancing about 25 years ago when he lived in Texas. "The way a lot of people start is, a friend drags them there, which is what happened to me," he said. "Two women friends in Dallas told me, you need to come, this is fun."; He didn't have a clue what he was doing at first, but the other dancers made it easy to come back. "All the people were really friendly and there was no sense of getting it wrong or right," he said. "I had two, three, four left feet at first."; No matter how many left feet a person has, mistakes are no big deal, especially in international dancing, where the steps can be complicated.
'Guys and Dolls' graduates 12 dancers: The Guys and Dolls Square Dance Club graduated 12 new enthusiastic dancers on Sunday March 14 at the Haxtun Community Center.; As part of the graduation ceremony, Presidents Keith and Racheite Davis gave the welcome and introduced the new graduates, leading them on an imaginary journey to the four corners of the square. They were then presented their diplomas by their teacher, Miller Kelly from Sterling. The graduates were then presented with their badges and folders by Presidents Keith and Rachelle Davis.; An evening of fun, food, socializing and dancing was enjoyed by 50 dancers and guests. Supper, cake and homemade ice cream concluded the evening. Come and join us once again this fall when a new season of lessons will start.

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