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It was “anchors away” at square dancers jamboree

It was anchors away as about 70 square and round dancers gathered at Mountview Elementary School May 23-25 for a spring weekend jamboree.
19906tribuneSaturday-dancers
Square dancing to a nautical theme at spring jamboree.

It was anchors away as about 70 square and round dancers gathered at Mountview Elementary School May 23-25 for a spring weekend jamboree.

Let’s Get Nautical was the theme for this weekend of non-stop dancing fun with dancers attending from Williams Lake and as far away as the South Cariboo, Okanagan, Lower Mainland, Vanderhoof and Prince George.

The gym was transformed with seagulls, lighthouses, rocks, a pelican, pilings, a large ocean mural and a stage decorated to look like a ship at anchor.

Many dancers joined in the fun with red, white and blue outfits as well as sailor suits and hats.

Dustin McGifford, the featured guest square dance caller from Kelowna, was resplendent in his captain’s outfit, complete with gold braid.

McGifford, along with local callers, Nick and Mary Anne Turner, kept the dancers hopping for eight-and-a-half hours throughout the weekend.

A variety of nautical tunes such as Wave on Wave, Rockin’ in Rosalies’s Boat and Baby Beluga added to the fun.

During the Saturday night intermission, the Williams Lake dancers put on an evening show for their guest ‘passengers.’

There was much laughter as a brave troupe of men, calling themselves the Barishna-Flops, performed a ballet of sorts clad in tutus and feathered head bands.

Following that, the local club played ugly sticks to the tune Barney’s Reel.

The ugly stick is a traditional Newfoundland musical instrument made out of a mop handle with bottle caps, tin cans, small bells and other noise makers fastened to it.

A large tin head tops it off and the instrument is played with a smaller stick.

The Williams Lake dancers had displayed great creativity in making these funny looking instruments.

The guests enjoyed the parade of ugly sticks that preceded the performance.

It was a weekend of great fun with a lot of healthy exercise.

“We had a great time at the square dance,” reported Kevin and Pearl Blood of Prince George.

“We enjoyed all the dancing, entertainment, friendships and food. Your club did an exceptional job. We look forward to more dances in Williams Lake.”

It was such a social weekend and it was nice to dance again with old friends from around the province. It was the club’s 56th jamboree and we are looking forward to the 57th.

Now, the Williams Lake club is taking a well earned rest for the summer but will resume in the fall.

For information in how to join in on their square dance fun, check out their website at http://www.wmslk.squaredance.bc.ca

The benefits of this recreation can be explored at: www.TakeMeDancing.squaredance.bc.ca

Also, see the online video: www.DancingKeepsYouYoung.ca