After a four-month break, the Williams Lake Square Dancers are eagerly looking forward to their 57th dance season.
Toes are beginning to tap as the dancers welcome the provincial government’s proclamation of Square and Round Dance Awareness Week, Sept. 14-20.
The proclamation is signed by the Lieutenant Governor and recognizes the many physical and mental health benefits of participating in this type of dancing.
Nick Turner, the club caller is quick to say: “What the proclamation doesn’t mention is how much fun square dancing is. Like many things in life, you won’t learn square dancing in a single evening but dancers laugh a lot while they are learning and they have a blast! Loneliness and stress disappear out the door. Friendships are made and a variety of good music is enjoyed.”
The Williams Lake Club will begin their season on Monday, Sept. 29 with a free session for new dancers to come and try it out.
It will be held at the Cariboo Arts Center at 7 p.m. The more the merrier!
Club president, Marie Gibbons, reminds everyone: “No special clothes are required.
Just wear something comfortable and that allows you to move with ease. No dance experience is needed, just to be able to walk briskly.
“No need to worry about leading, following, or maintaining a frame. Square dancing is walking to music, and following instructions to allow groups of eight people to move in interesting patterns.
“Come with an open mind and have an evening of fun moving to music that could include anything from Pop, Country, Bluegrass, Gospel, to Classical.”
The Williams Lake Stampede Whirlaways have been dancing in Williams Lake for 56 years now and are hoping to continue bringing fun, friendship and a healthy activity to the community for another 56 years.
To do this, they hope new people will come and join them - couples, singles, families, children over 12.
The more people on the dance floor, the more fun it is.
Square dancing is an example of legendary fun that has changed with the times.
The clothing has changed, the music has changed but the fun remains.
The health benefits of square and round dancing can be found at www.BetterHealth.squaredance.bc.ca
Club information can be found at http://www.wmslk.squaredance.bc.ca or contact Marie at 250-392-5360 or Nick at 250-392-2432.