Al Moody, the current president of the Dots and Dashers Square Dance Club, explains that many people have preconceived ideas of what square dancing is. But don’t be fooled: modern square dancing isn’t just an activity for grandma.
Square dancing is done with eight people, or four couples, making up each square. Modern square dancing is unique in that participants dance to the beat of a range of music. Moody explains that it’s not just country music: the music ranges from rock, folk, ballads, jazz, movie tunes and even rap. Before the music gets started, dancers run through the steps they’ll need that session to dance to the beat of the music.
Why We Recommend It
Square dancing might be something that your parents or grandparents liked to do in their spare time, but that doesn’t mean you should refuse to ever try it. The appeal of square dancing is that there is no age requirement. Everyone’s been at a party and felt too old – or too young – to be on the dance floor. Square dancing, however, breeds intergenerational dancing. And it’s a rare and wonderful thing usually only seen at weddings.
No matter what your age, square dancing is also a good form of exercise, both for the body and the brain. And the music and dancing makes for a social, party atmosphere. “Many lifelong friendships have come out of square dancing,” says Moody.
How to Get There
The Dots and Dashers Square Dance Club is located at 1627 10 Ave. S.W. and the club dances in the Sunalta community hall. Lessons are held on Tuesday nights from 7:30 p.m. Free, no obligation lessons continue for one more week.
Make a Note
Most square dancing sessions will last about two hours. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and comfortable, casual clothing. There’s no special clothing or gear that needs to be purchased to take part in square dancing.