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.

May, 2010

'Bend the line': Telegraph Herald
Dubuque, Iowa
May 30, 2010
Includes Video Footage

Jerry Story grabbed the microphone and a stream of his rapid-fire instructions boomed out of the speakers. "Bend the line! Tack the line! Cloverleaf! Pass the ocean here!"; Couples spun and turned on the ballroom dance floor of the Dubuque County Fairgrounds on Saturday morning, heeding the call of Story, a square-dance caller with star power.; "This guy is probably the top square-dance caller in the world," said Bob Asp, of Rockton, Ill., himself a regionally renowned caller. During the morning session in Dubuque, more than 250 people circulated, wheeled and dealed, bent the line and promenaded during the second of three days of the River City Weekend Square Dance Festival at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds.
Moving moments: Democrat and Chronicle
Rochester, New York
May 30, 2010

Many adults can flash back (no doubt with sweaty palms) to that moment when they first heard the command, "Spin your partner 'round and 'round." That first dance with the opposite sex never seems to be an easy one.; "Traditionally, kids, when you say we are going to square dance or folk dance, they get all whiny and grouchy," says Kim Swaisgood, physical education teacher at Burger Middle School in Henrietta. "They ask, 'Why can't we play kickball today?'" Resistance can come from embarrassment or even an inkling that this is what grownups do, not kids. Either way, that first dance lesson is a step toward growing up — like it or not.; Eventually, some do like it. "By the end of the class," says Swaisgood, "they find out it is great exercise and they have had fun with their friends."
On the Courthouse Plaza: Summer concert series kicks off Tuesday night: The Daily Courier
Prescott, Arizona
May 29, 2010

Beginning on June 1, and continuing five evenings a week for the next three and a half months, the courthouse plaza will be Prescott's entertainment central. From karaoke singing to dance lessons to band performances to Prescott-themed movies, the city's downtown summer concert series aims to offer something for everyone in its newly expanded evening programs.; Saturdays will alternate between bands and a once-a-month showing of a movie filmed in Prescott, along with a square dancing performance. On June 5, the event will include a showing of the 1972 Prescott-filmed "Junior Bonner," preceded by a square dance performance.
A 101-year-old athlete's secrets: Concord Monitor
Concord, New Hampshire
May 29, 2010

Gentilhomme played tennis with Regis Philbin last summer, and the clip was later shown on Regis and Kelly. He's been featured on ABC News, in The Boston Globe and in European magazines.; That's what happens when you turn 100 years old and still play tennis every morning, compete in national tennis events, dance twice a week, bowl, play shuffleboard, play cards, read, walk, even drive.; And dancing, down in the senior center, part of Gentilhomme's independent living complex. Ballroom dancing on Monday nights, square dancing on Thursdays. "Many of the ladies come over and ask me to dance," Gentilhomme said.
Hundreds heed Story's square-dance call: Telegraph Herald
Dubuque, Iowa
May 29, 2010

More than 250 people circulated, wheeled and dealed, bent the line and promenaded Saturday morning during the second of three days of the River City Weekend Square Dance Festival at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. The morning session featured an appearance by Jerry Story of Maggie Valley, N.C. The Fairfield, Iowa native is among the preeminent square-dance callers in the world.
Square dance fundraiser scheduled for Saturday: Citizen Times
Ashville, North Carolina
May 28, 2010

Beginning at 5 p.m. May 29 will be a square dance fundraiser featuring The Martin Fox Bluegrass Band, with caller Franklin Sides. The event will be held at Sherrill’s Inn at Hickory Nut Gap Farm, U.S. 74A. Everyone should bring a dish to share for the potluck dinner. The event will also include a silent auction, pony cart rides, games, and tours of Sherrill’s Inn.; This is a fundraiser for The Lord’s Acre, a vegetable garden that was started in Fairview last year and has supplied food to Food for Fairview, MANNA FoodBank, Society of St. Andrew and the veterans home on Tunnel Road.
Lois Keeler reaches the century mark: Lewisboro Ledger
Lewisboro, New York
May 27, 2010

Longevity and the Keeler name go together. Elisha Keeler, proprietor of Happy Home Flowers in South Salem, well-known square dance caller, and local raconteur, died four years ago at the ripe old age of 98. On May 11, his widow and musical sidekick, Lois Mansfield Keeler, celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by flowers, balloons, her family, and her favorite dessert — a Boston cream pie.; Once the two Keeler children, Kenneth and Mollie, were old enough to perform, the family became the back-up band for their dad’s square dance calling — Kenneth on banjo, Mollie on the fiddle, and Mrs. Keeler on the accordion.
Dancers set for Vandalia Gathering: Charleston Daily Mail
Charleston, West Verginia
May 27, 2010

By day, Jennifer Cox lives the whirlwind life of a career woman and married mom of three: She's a nurse practitioner for Roane General Hospital, shuttling between the school-based health centers the hospital runs. Come weekends, Cox enjoys a dance hobby she first took up as a young 4-H student in her native Roane County.; She first learned Scottish dance from Jane George, the 4-H extension agent for Roane County who also happens to be her husband Rodney's grandmother. "Then I took Irish dance lessons through the Augusta Heritage Festival at (Davis & Elkins College) when I was about 16," Cox said.; And the rest is history - literally, because Cox has made her way through the dance traditions of several countries. This weekend, she leads groups who will be performing and giving little history lessons about traditional dance during the annual Vandalia Gathering at the Capitol Complex.; "We knew a lot of the dances, anyway," she said. "We do English-European, Scottish, Irish and Morris style, a style that came from England. Then we do some Middle Eastern and American folk and American square dancing." Cox said although the styles vary, it also is easy to see similarities. For example, she said you can see that moves from American square dancing came from Scottish country dances that are much older.
Dancers host 30th annual festival: Payson Roundup
Payson, Arizona
May 26, 2010

The Zane Grey Twirlers are sponsoring the 30th annual Square and Round Dance Festival June 11 and 12 at the Tonto Apache Recreation Center, southeast of the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino.; Square dancing begins at 8 p.m. with caller Mike Seastrom from Tarzana, Calif.
South Cariboo square dance news
*** International ***: 100 Mile Free Press
South Cariboo
British Columbia
Canada
May 25, 2010

On June 3, the 100 Mile Twirlers and the Lac la Hache Caribooters will be holding its South Cariboo Windup Dance at Creekside Seniors Activity Centre.; On the Labour Day long weekend, Sept. 4-6, many of the area dancers will be joining dancers from all over the province, Alberta and Washington at the Contra Dance weekend at Lac la Hache.; Square Dance Awareness Week will be celebrated the third week of September with a number of dances held in 100 Mile at several of the businesses, including Save-On-Foods and Safeway.
Starts Friday: 2nd Annual Brooklyn Folk Festival: NBC New York
New York
May 21, 2010

Yeah, you know you want to go to a square dance in Red Hook. Admittedly, swinging yer partner is just a small piece of Down Home Radio’s 2nd annual Brooklyn Folk Festival, taking over Columbia Street’s Jalopy Theatre/Music School for three days.
VGH Nursing and Rehab offers many activities; volunteers always welcome: Vinton Today
Vinton, Iowa
May 21, 2010

Virginia Gay Hospital Nursing and Rehab was a busy place last weekend as they hosted the Rapid 8 Square Dance group from Cedar Rapids on Friday night. The residents enjoyed the bright colored outfits and smooth, melodic voice of the square dance caller. The Rapid 8 Square Dancers have entertained at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab for the last five years.
Macedonia: High School Graduates from Around the Balkans Dance the Quadrille to Set Record
*** International ***: Balkan Travellers
Sofia 1000
Bulgaria
May 21, 2010

High school graduates from Macedonia, and their peers from neighbouring countries, will gather today in the centre of Skopje to dance the quadrille, a type of square dance, with the aim of setting a world record.; The participants will attempt to set the record and be written into the The Guinness Book of World Records with the number of people taking part in the synchronised dance.
Traditional Folk Music With a Brooklyn Accent: The Wall Street Journal
New York, New York
May 20, 2010

This weekend's second annual Brooklyn Folk Festival doesn't aim to revive old-time folk music. That's because "folk music never went away since the revival in the '50s," says Geoff Wiley, who, along with his wife, Lynette, owns Red Hook's Jalopy Theatre, which will host the festival.; On Sunday afternoon some of the festivities will move to Carroll Park, at Court and President streets, where a square dance will be called.
‘Lotts’ of learning on Laura Ingalls Day: Farragut Press
Farragaut, Tennessee
May 20, 2010; Buggies, butter, fiddles and woodcarving churned together for Laura Ingalls Wilder Day at A.L. Lotts Elementary School Friday, May 7.; About 180 students dressed for the event. Many parents created look-a-like costumes from the 1800s for the children.; The day began with a play depicting a short story of Wilder’s life and square dancing. Rosemary Talley directed the square dances in front of about 300 to 400 parents.
Midweek Mystery: Square Dancing: Southeast Missourian
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
May 19, 2010

Photo: Square dancing at the Arena Building, perhaps during the 1950s, was photographed by G.D. Fronabarger. It might have been at a square dance carnival, such as this one from March 16, 1956 in the Southeast Missourian:; Twenty-five squares, or 200 persons, participated in the annual Square Dance Festival held Sunday afternoon at the Arena Building. In addition there were many spectators who did not participate in the dancing. Calling was by Les Gotcher.
Cloverdale goes country
*** International ***: Peace Arch News
Surrey, British Columbia
Canada
May 18, 2010

They’re putting the country back in Cloverdale starting tonight (Wednesday), when Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino helps kick of Rodeo Week with a good, old-fashioned hoedown.; This evening’s Country Hoedown and Country Dance, a new event, features an interactive line and square dance demonstration designed to encourage crowd participation.
Dancing away the weekend
*** International ***: Terrace Standard
Terrace, British Columbia
Canada
May 16, 2010

Last weekend was full of music and dance at Terrace's Annual Square Dance Jamboree. The event this year was held in the gym at Kiti KShan School May 7, 8 and 9, and the gym was decorated in the theme of a barnyard.; Overall the weekend event was well attended, a lot of fun and worth its weight in hoedown calls. Dancers enjoyed all aspects of square dance and in so doing exercised well, visited much and laughed often. Square dancing will start up again September 13, 2010 at Cassie Hall school at 7 p.m.
Raft, war canoe rides take over from dragon boat races at Cambridge Riverfest
*** International ***: The Record
Kitchener, Ontario
Canada
May 15, 2010

The 31st edition of Riverfest is set for Saturday, June 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Riverbluffs Park along George Street North.; Admission and entertainment remains no charge. Rides on the river – in inflatable boats like used for white-water rafting – will be by donation. The Ancient Mariners Canoe Club will also have a large canoe available for rides in the early afternoon.; As in past years, children’s entertainment and activities are planned, including a kids paddle boat adventure, and lessons in art, square dancing, fishing chess, martial arts and hip-hop dance.
Hoedown at Barnes Dance tonight?: The Washington Post
Washington, DC
May 14, 2010

The resurrection of the "Barnes Dance" method of pedestrian crossing at 7th and H streets NW after a decades-long hiatus was a throwback, but now a group of people is mobilizing on Facebook to wind back the wacky time machine even further: They're planning to turn the Barnes Dance into a barn dance tonight at 7p.m.--replete with cowboy boots, "overalls, plaid and straw hats."; The Barnes Dance, as The Post's Dr. Gridlock has written, is a free-form pedestrian crossing engineered in the middle of the last century in which all auto traffic comes to a halt, with no turns allowed, while pedestrians dart across the intersection in whatever direction pleases them, including diagonally--not unlike some urban version of a square-dance hoedown.
Enrich yourself for free at Edinboro festival: GoErie.com
Erie, Pennsylvania
May 14, 2010

When people ask Keith McManus why he plays old-time fiddle music, he offers a simple reply. "I tell them I'm in it for the money," he says. Then he lets that settle in and has a good laugh.; Truth is, the type of music featured at the Downtown Edinboro Art and Music Festival -- where McManus' band the Woodticks play this weekend --- will never top the charts, get showcased on "Saturday Night Live" or earn a splashy feature in Rolling Stone. This is music that lives far from the pop-culture mainstream, music that doesn't obsess about fashion or tout itself on TV.; This is rootsy, traditional, Americana: bluegrass, hootenanny, reggae, folk, square dance, Cajun, zydeco, mountain music and old-time country that prominently feature fiddles, mandolins, upright bass, banjo and more. The entire budget for the Edinboro festival -- roughly $25,000 -- wouldn't buy Lady Gaga a new outfit. While bands like the Woodticks, Born Old, the Bogarts and Skiffle Minstrels might never get rich, the music enriches you, says McManus.
National Music Week celebrated at elementary school: The Daily Dunklin Democrat
Kennett, Missouri
May 14, 2010

Students at South Elementary School recently took part in celebrating National Music Week through various music oriented activities. "National Music Week was May 2nd through May 9th," said South Elementary School Music Teacher Linda Collins. "The theme this year was 'Music: A Key to the Future.' It is sponsored annually by the National Federation of Music Clubs. Each year, South Elementary School music classes go all out to celebrate National Music Week." According to Collins, Ginny Smith's and Paula Caldwell's classes sang songs from the 1950's while playing the xylophones. Tammy Petty's class studied lines and spaces by playing Musical Kickball on the playground. Students in Sara Dye's class enjoyed square dancing.
Schools react to proposed nutrition, activity regulations: The Sentinel
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
May 14, 2010

Physical education is changing. Programs in many local schools have begun to gravitate away from the traditions of team sports like volleyball, dodgeball and square dancing toward lifetime fitness activities like biking, hiking and even Dance, Dance Revolution.; And should proposed amendments to the state’s student nutrition and physical activity standards pass, physical fitness in schools could change a lot more.
Senior Prom hearkens back to big band days: The Grand Island Independent
Grand Island, Nebraska
May 13, 2010

The Grand Generation Center hosted its second annual Senior Prom for senior citizens at 1 p.m. Thursday with the theme "Puttin' on the Ritz." Big band music and Frank Sinatra serenaded some seniors out of their seats to dance, while others enjoyed the music and socializing with friends.; Demonstrations of square dancing and other dances were provided by Russ and Gloria Craven of "Craven 2 Dance" before the prom-goers were encouraged to try the moves themselves.
Jackson Claim Jumpers celebrate 60th anniversary: Ledger Dispatch
Jackson, California
May 13, 2010

The Jackson Claim Jumpers of Amador County traded in their western garb for dressy attire as they celebrated their 60th diamond anniversary on March 20 at the American Legion Hall in Martell.; Jackson Claim Jumpers held its first hoedown on March 2, 1950. Jackson Claim Jumpers' roster boasted more than 100 members back in 1975, when they celebrated their silver anniversary. Square dancing waned in the 1980s and 90s, but the De Vrieses have seen it pick up in recent years. Their current roster lists 57 members.; The Jackson Claim Jumpers offer classes for beginners, intermediates and old-time pros, starting in September. "Dancing is for everyone. If you can walk, you can dance," Ed said. "If you know your right from your left, you can dance. It's that simple."; Local clubs support each other by attending themed hoedowns such as Wild West Days, Ides of March, luaus, New Year's celebrations, anniversaries and class graduations. There are also annual state and national conventions. "It's the warmest group of fun people I've met," said member Beverly Steele.
West Hill facility proves valuable services for those with lifelong developmental disabilities: The Ithica Journal
Ithica, New York
May 12, 2010

The relatively small, quiet building on West Hill, tucked between the Museum of the Earth and the Finger Lakes School of Massage, is a daily haven for approximately 70 Tompkins County adults with lifelong developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.; "The folks, they're the reason I keep coming back every day," Stuart said. "It sounds kind of corny, I'm sure, but it's the reality." You can believe it, walking through sunny, cheerfully decorated rooms and hearing the excitement about the Friday square dance program.
Students learn about Civil War, hog-tying, American history: The Orange County Register
Santa Ana, California
May 12, 2010

Students learned about Civil War medicine, cowboys and how to square dance at school Tuesday during Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate's 13th annual American History Day.; Civil War artifacts from bullets and weaponry to clothing and other trinkets were on display for students to examine. Re-enactors fired cannons and muskets while cowboys taught students how to lasso, hog-tie and square dance. A Native American storyteller sang and danced.
Semmes Heritage Day Festival is May 15: Press-Register
Mobile, Alabama
May 12, 2010

The Semmes Heritage Day Festival will be May 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Heritage Park, 3871 Wulff Road. The event will include an open house at the 1902 Semmes Schoolhouse, the oldest continuously operating school in Alabama.; A square-dance demonstration by the Square Dealers, a troop of special-needs dancers, is on the schedule for a noon performance.
24th Annual Dogwood Days Festival this weekend: The News
Salem, Arkansas
May 12, 2010

The Horseshoe Bend Area Chamber of Commerce is ready for the biggest and greatest Dogwood Days Festival in 24 years, happening this weekend, May 8 and 9. There will be over 90 events, exhibitors and vendors throughout the day.; Throughout the day, the Gazebo will host live entertainment, including Square Dancing, a Southern Faith Gospel Group, a chainsaw wood carving demonstration from local artist, Martin Smith, the Good News Puppet Team and a chance to meet and greet local politicians.
Go Listen Boise's Grand Ol' Time: Boise Weekly
Boise, Idaho
May 12, 2010

To help dispel stereotypes and introduce old time music to Boise audiences, Go Listen Boise has linked arms with Boise Weekly, the Linen Building and the Record Exchange to put together Grand Ol' Time, a monthly concert series and square dance.; "We had the idea of doing a square dance, but doing it more than once so that it could sort of catch on a little bit and we could expose the community to this genre that doesn't really have a face here yet," said Ali Ward, Go Listen Boise organizer and percussionist for local act Hillfolk Noir.; For the inaugural event, locals Jonathan Warren and the Billy Goats and Bill Coffey will get toes tapping before the Hokum Hi-Flyers storm the stage for the square dance. Dorothy Shue, a founding member of the Idaho Folklore Society, will call the dances.; "For old time square dancing, you just teach everything on the spot," said Shue. "You try to make it as easy as possible so everyone can just get up if they have a basic idea of right and left."; According to Ward, square dancing is no longer the outdated, dowdy dance associated with grade-school gym class. With square dancing clubs popping up everywhere from Portland, Ore., to San Francisco, the dance is becoming no longer, well, square. "Apparently, it's a pretty young hip thing that's happening right now on the West Coast," said Ward.
An Old Fashioned Hoe Down, Kindergarten Style: Bedford-Katonah Patch
New York
May 11, 2010

On May 10, the gymnasium at Bedford Village Elementary School was transformed into a barn as the Kindergarten participated in a good old fashioned Hoe Down.; The boys and girls were dressed as cowboys and cowgirls as family and friends gathered to watch them perform several square dances, like "Old Man Tucker," and "Yee Haw," as well as circle dances like "The Bunny Hop," and "Cotton Eyed Joe." After the dance, there was a dessert reception to celebrate.; Rehearsals for the Hoe Down began in late February. Students learned basic square dance steps first, without music, and as they became more comfortable the dances increased in difficulty. Practices occured two to three times a week.; The Hoe Down is an example of interdisciplinary education—or teaching across several academic subjects. The physical education teachers participate by teaching the children the circle dances during class. Art is mixed in with the creation of farm animal decorations in art class, and back in their classrooms, students study the science of farm animals and living things. The experience culminates with a field trip to a farm later this month.
A kiss is just a kiss?: New Jersey Online
Jersey City, New Jersey
May 10, 2010

The events of August 14, 1945, are a bit hazy for Ernest Dubay. You can't blame him -- on May 6 he turned 85, and it was almost 65 years ago. Japan had surrendered and World War II was officially over.; "I was coming down the street in Times Square," he said. "I saw this girl in a white dress ... and I just grabbed her and kissed her." "I never said a word to her," he said. "I kissed her and walked away."; If the scene sounds familiar, that's because it is -- Dubay claims he's the sailor whose impromptu smooch was captured in "V-J Day in Times Square," the famous Life magazine photo snapped by Alfred Eisenstaedt.; In the years following Aug. 14, 1945, he kept busy. He went to college on the G.I. Bill, eventually becoming a physical education teacher and principal in the Woodbridge school system. He and his wife raised three children, two boys and a girl, all while he coached golf, taught ballroom dancing and became a professional square dance caller.
Waxhaw teens show a quirky side: Charlotte Observer
Charlotte, North Carolina
May 9, 2010

Some cities have a problem with teens hanging out on street corners. In Waxhaw, that activity is actually encouraged, thanks to the Waxhaw Fiesta Band. The group broadcasts an eclectic mix of music on Friday nights at the corner of N.C. 75 and N.C. 16.; "We've got a couple rules," Harrison Dunn explained recently. "When a train comes by, everybody has to stop what they're doing and square dance..."; The other rule is that they have to walk or dance past the windows at nearby Rippingtons restaurant at least once every Friday. They've done it to the song "YMCA" before and got a good reaction, he said.; Mayor Pro Tem Martin Lane recently asked them to have an additional "fiesta" to greet traffic coming through town for the Queen's Cup Steeplechase in Mineral Springs. Mayor Daune Gardner posted on their Facebook page that it would show "the Steeplechase crowd Waxhaw's fun and quirky side..."
Mother's Day: That special gift: Press-Democrat
Santa Rosa, California
May 8, 2010

At 29, Rachel Steiner has seen Mother's Day from all sides — as a daughter, as a daughter-in-law and now as a young mom herself. But it was her experience as a restaurant worker that convinced her that Mother's Day is in need of a makeover.; Steiner said she and her husband, a restaurant manager, both worked many a Mother's Day shift. They would cringe watching families that seemed to be awkwardly forcing their way through a stilted and expensive brunch simply because that's what you're supposed to do on Mother's Day. "We're missing the point," the Petaluma mom laments.; Carolyn Mahoney mothered 12 children, now ranging in age from 29 to 47. The former pediatric nurse and pre-school director feels so secure in that role, and in the love of her many offspring, that she doesn't feel the need for special acknowledgment on any single day of the year. "I've already made an announcement that we're going to a square dance festival on Mother's Day," said Mahoney, whose husband, Stephen, is a retired physician. "We'd make a terrible advertisement for Hallmark."
Barn Dance to benefit Bridgewater teenager with rare brain malformation: The Messenger-Gazette
Somerville, New Jersey
May 7, 2010

A barn dance will be held to benefit a Bridgewater teenager who has a rare brain malformation.; Even if you have never square danced before, organizers promise a rollicking good time square dancing at the Bridgewater Senior Center on Saturday, June 5, 7-10 p.m. It will be preceded by a dinner at 6.; Roy Leber, with 36 years’ experience, will be the caller and instructor for newbies and advanced dancers alike.
Dixon May Fair stage to host square dancers tonight: The Reporter
Vacaville, California
May 7, 2010

The Vacavalley Ramblers Square-dance Club will be on stage at the Dixon May Fair at 7 p.m. today on the Leber Stage.; The group will provide square dancing with guests from surrounding cities to the caller, Bill Silver of Sacramento, and round dancing (a form of ballroom dancing) to Phil Smith of Roseville.
Pennsylvania Ballet Keeps Audiences on Their Toes with Four Contemporary Classics: Philly2Philly.com
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 6, 2010

The Pennsylvania Ballet took the stage of the Merriam Theater with Program IV on Wednesday night, presenting premieres by Jerome Robbins and William Forsythe, a timeless Balanchine piece and a dynamic encore presentation of a work commissioned by the Company in 2009.; "When creating a program, I strive to choose ballets that will make our dancers better artists while simultaneously engaging our audience with moving, energetic work," said Roy Kaiser, Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Ballet. "Program IV accomplishes each of these goals beautifully."; Program IV begins with George Balanchine’s "Square Dance." Last performed by the Company during the 1992-1993 season, this work marries classical ballet and American folk dances. While it is inspired by square dancing, Balanchine uses traditional ballet to express the intricate and formal patterns of folk dancing. In the original version, Balanchine set musicians on stage with a square dance caller to call out the steps; however, in the 1976 revival (seen this week in Philadelphia) Balanchine omitted these two elements and added a virtuosic solo for the principal male dancer.
Harlandale teacher uses music to change lives: KENS-5 TV
San Antonio, Texas
May 6, 2010
Includes Video Footage

In the Harlandale Independent School District, teachers at the Jewel Wietzel Center are helping students live independent lives. The Center is for special needs students. Gary Henson uses music to transform his students lives.; His goal for every young person in his class is the same. "To get them to be as independent as they possibly can be in life." Henson explained.; To do that he uses music and movement. Other teachers and aides assist so the students in wheelchairs can experience square dancing. "Obviously our kids can't dance. We try to get them as involved in normal activities that you and I could do," said Henson as the students are whirled around the gym. He is seeing success.
Wider Horizons presents 'Friday Night Live': St. Petersburg Times
St. Petersburg, Florida
May 6, 2010

Wider Horizons School students will present their annual "Friday Night Live" program this week. They have been preparing dances, skits and songs in preparation for the show to be held at Springstead High School Theater at 7 p.m. Everyone from prekindergarten students to seniors will be part of an act.; The acts include a fifth-, sixth- and seventh-grade dance about Henry Ford, a high school production called Website Story, choreographed by sophomore Sabrina Jerrels, 14, and a fourth-grade story about West-settling pioneers, complete with a fiddler.; Fourth-grader Taylor Blacklidge, 10, has been at Wider Horizons since prekindergarten. She said this year's show helped her "learn how the pioneers went to Oregon and how to square dance (and) get a little bit more confidence."
Square dancers will meet in Denton: The Dispatch
Lexington, North Carolina
May 5, 2010

The Old-Time Square Dance will be held on May 15 in the Denton Civic Center on West Salisbury Street in Denton. The dance features regional old-time and bluegrass bands, with an experienced caller. There are opportunities for other dances such as waltzes, two-steps, flat footing, and clogging, in addition to the called dances. Those who just want to listen to the music are always welcome.; Providing music for the May dance will be local bluegrass band The Oak Tree Boys, with dances called by Ethan Hedrick.
Entertainment News: Vindy.com
Youngstown, Ohio
May 5, 2010

Lydia Byard, the 2008 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle champion, will accompany the Greenville Symphony at its Saturday concert, which will also include local dance troupes.; The concert will begin at 8 p.m. in Passavant Center on the Thiel College campus. The dancing will cover a broad spectrum from jazz to ballet and line dancing to square dancing, swing dancing, clogging and tap.
Folkways to feature Surry County music: The Mount Airy News
Mount Airy, North Carolina
May 4, 2010

This Thursday, a program called The Music of Surry County will be featured on UNC-TVs Folkways program hosted by David Holt willing air on PBS at 9:30 p.m. The Folkways premier explains how a group of fiddle and banjo players from Surry County created a worldwide impact on old-time music.; Following the premier episode featuring Surry County, the next show will show the energy of square dancing, flat footing, and clogging from a Swannanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson College steps up on Dance. The program can be downloaded for free from UNC-TVs Web site. It can also be viewed and downloaded from iTunes.
'Meet Your Farmer' dance set: Mail Tribune
Medford, Oregon
May 3, 2010

Local farmers and dancing fans come together this month in a "Meet Your Farmer" barn dance planned by the community organization Thrive.; The dance is from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at the historic Hanley Farm hay barn, 1053 Hanley Road, between Medford and Jacksonville.; J Doomis will call contra and square dances to the music of the No-Name String Band. Chili and cornbread from First Street Cafe will be available for $5.
Raleigh City Museum Presents It’s a Good ‘Ole Fashioned Square Dance, Ya’ll!: Raleigh Downtowner Magazine
Raleigh, North Carolina
May 3, 2010

Kick up your heels at the Raleigh City Museum’s first-ever Square Dance! On Friday, June 11, from 7:00p.m. to 10:00p.m., dance the night away with the museum and Southern String Band. Band member Ron Raxter will call the Simple Square and Round dances. New and inexperienced dancers are welcome, and no partners are necessary. Refreshments will be available throughout the evening. If the dance goes well it could become a regular event at the museum!
M/S Mount Washington is shaking things up for its 138th Cruising Season: NewHampshire.com
Manchester, New Hampshire
May 3, 2010

The Mount Washington Cruises 2010 summer season started today with the departure of the annual "Shakedown Cruise." This is the 138th cruising season for the Lakes Region’s cruise line. The M/S Mount Washington is shaking things up by featuring new environmentally friendly engines, upgrades, and cruises. The ship’s engineers and crew had been very busy getting ready for today’s launch at 10 A.M.; This year’s cruising season also features new specialty cruises to offer passengers more unique experiences for all ages. The "Brewed in New England" cruise will feature an assortment of sample tastings from local breweries. Cruisers can try new dance steps and watch professional square dancers perform on the "Square Dancing Cruise."
MayFest to hold Texas-style celebration: The Tribune
Humble, Texas
May 3, 2010

The Harris County Precinct 4 May Community Center invites area residents to dance to live music, eat barbecue and see a show at the annual MayFest Barbecue and Country Dance starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 8.; The director of the May Community Center, Diana Weaver, said MayFest will have "good food, good music, good people." The event will feature traditional Texan performances.; The evening will begin with a square dancing exhibition by local performers, the Crosby Swinging Squares. "This is the first year the Crosby Swinging Squares have performed at May Fest," said Weaver. "We believe they will be a perfect addition to the festivities."
Student News: The Ledger
Lakeland, Florida
May 2, 2010

Hillcrest Elementary in Lake Wales held its annual Physical Education Showcase. All students at Hillcrest performed in different things they have learned in physical education class.; Kindergarten did movement to 'Tony Chestnut' and 'The Dragon.' First grade did a square dance to 'Hoe Down.' Second grade did a parachute routine to 'Circle of Life.'
Melrose Ranch gives first public tour in decades: North County Times
Escondido, California
May 1, 2010

The famous Melrose Ranch in Valley Center was a fitting site for the Escondido History Center's Western roundup fundraiser Saturday afternoon.; More than 200 people showed up to enjoy a day filled with fun, nature and history. Among the festivities were horse-drawn wagon rides, square dancing, blacksmith demonstrations, a barbecue lunch, cowboy sharp-shooting demonstrations, old-fashioned games and vintage cars and carriages.
Oakland Museum Reopens: KCBS - 740 AM
San Francisco, California
May 1, 2010

The Oakland Museum of California has reopened following a $62 million renovation. Following the first major renovation in more than 40 years, the museum opened with much fanfare this weekend.; The museum is celebrating the reopening by remaining open for 31 straight hours this weekend, until 6 p.m. Sunday night, all in honor of California being the 31st state. "We have a celebration of California first, we have hula hooping, yo- yoing, we have hip hop and musical performances," said Museum Executive Director Lori Fogarty. "We have square dancing, the California state dance."
Town and Country: Caton revs up for Community Days party: Star Gazette
Elmira, New York
May 1, 2010

Two years ago, Caton residents Diane Card and Deb Van Etten weren't sure what kind of response they would get when they attempted to revive Caton Community Days, a 20-year tradition that faded away in the late 1990s. But the response that first year was overwhelming, and it was even better last year.; For the third year of the event, Card and Van Etten aren't worried about community support. They've just been running ragged trying to pull everything together. "We've got a new participant coming in from Rochester, the Rochester Area Square Dance Federation. They will have 10 to 20 members here," Van Etten said.

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