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.

February, 2010

SUNY Geneseo professor James Kimball knows world music: Published in:
ROCnow Democrat and Chronicle
Rochester, New York
February 28th, 2010

Online Music Samples

James Kimball’s cluttered office at the State University College of New York at Geneseo is the stuff of folklore — literally. Folk instruments from around the world hang on the walls, lean against corners, sit on top of stuffed cabinets and bulge out of boxes. But as instruments go, they’re not the usual suspects: There’s a Turkish drum, Chinese lute, Hungarian zither, Mongolian fiddle and a bumbass — a German folk drum with a single gut string on a long stick with bells on top that stands as tall as Kimball himself.; He was asked to perform music with local color from the Civil War years and beyond at the Genesee Country Museum, Farmers Museum in Cooperstown and other historical societies in the area. He became intrigued with excavating music from the region, much because it hadn’t been discovered the way other folk music had. "What did they play in Genesee County in 1870?" he says, describing how he set about doing his research. "It’s sort of the same thing that maybe some of the Eastman people do, the early music people do: What did they play in Venice in 1643?"; It meant digging around for surviving music, searching through old newspapers and reading old diaries that documented not only the music but also the social gatherings around the music. That’s how Kimball discovered the continuing tradition of square dancing that has survived in upstate New York unscathed.; When SUNY Geneseo started offering square dances, old-time square dancers from the region attended and requested songs they were used to dancing to. From those and other regional dances, Kimball picked up an oral tradition of square dance music that continues to be enjoyed in the rural parts of upstate New York even today — and his band, of about 20 members, still performs regularly.
Square Dance Club invites people from across Polk County to do-si-do: Published in:
The News Chief
Winterhaven, Florida
February 28th, 2010

Square dancing has become a widely popular participatory sport in Polk County. A large group of dance enthusiasts, who come from every township in Polk County, have made it a big part of their lives. A big group of the cowboy boot-wearing, bolo tie-sporting, dance wranglers have been meeting for 14 years every Monday night at the Hamptons in Auburndale.; The Canadians National Square Dance convention will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia in late July. A lot of U.S. dancers will be attending, including couples from Polk County. Dancers from as far away as Japan also will participate. Along with the square dancing, the calling workshops and new music, there also will be a fashion show at the convention.
Healthy steps: Organization uses dancing to raise health awareness: There are not many forms of exercise that can help bring back the spark in a couple’s relationship. Cathy Brown said learning to dance helps do that, and that it’s good for the heart — in more than one way. "Dancing can help you reconnect with your partner," Brown said. "It brings back some of those good feelings."; Plenty of dances will be on display Saturday at the Northpark Mall. During the Day of Dance for Health, the Freeman Spirit of Women group will hold dance performances, demonstrations and lessons from many area dancers.; Brown, coordinator of the Spirit of Women group, said the event was introduced last year and had a successful turnout. Because of the response, more dance groups wanted to participate, she said. Dance groups are the Webb City High School Redettes, Midwest Regional Ballet, Tanglefooters, Joplin Square Dance Center, Dance Hues, Zumba with Nikki Phillips and Anissa LaVelle, line dancing with Marie Spurk, Ovation Studios and Judy’s Ballroom Dance Lessons.; Some of the groups, such as the Redettes, will only perform, Brown said. Others, such as the Tanglefooters, will teach a few steps to participants. Though dancing may not be the most exciting thing for men to do, Brown said that a surprising number of guys take the floor regularly. "I see a lot of men doing Zumba, square dancing and line dancing," Brown said. "I was pleasantly surprised by the men who participate."
Dancers invited to Cityfolk event: "There are no bad dancers," insists Kathy Anderson, who has seen plenty of folks stepping and spinning during her career, first as a banjo player and now as a dance caller. After almost 30 years of calling out steps for square dances and contras, she can think of doing nothing else. "It’s the job I’ve always wanted," she said. Anderson will be on the stage at Flight of Fancy, a community dance day presented by Cityfolk.; The day begins with workshops about contra dancing and waltzing. During these sessions, beginners learn basic steps and experienced dancers polish their technique. "There’s not a lot of talking in the workshops," Anderson said. "There’s a lot of dancing."; Contra dancing has the same origins as square dancing, but lacks the formality and costumes, Holly Underwood of Cityfolk said. "There’s a very social spirit," she said. "It’s very welcoming." Before starting a dance, the caller describes the steps and everyone rehearses briefly. "It’s not like you’re expected to know what to do when the dance begins," Underwood said.
Dancing club shoots for nationals: Wednesday afternoons at the Wesley Foundation on Columbia Avenue are punctured by the sound of country tunes and Dan Graham’s melodic voice as he serenades his students while they dance in mathematical formations. Graham’s square dancing group has been working toward its goal of representing UK at the National Square Dance Convention in Louisville in June, but a lack of participants remains an obstacle.; "We would love to get about three squares of people so that we can go to the National Convention and represent UK," Graham said. "We want to promote square dancing and keep the heritage alive, but at the same time, we want to promote the university too."; When UK students at the Wesley Foundation decided to have a hoedown in September, they invited Graham to call the dancing. Afterward, he recruited about nine students to take a square dancing class through the foundation. Graham said he believes square dancing is a more wholesome alternative to the activities many college students participate in, such as drinking and partying.; Students are easy to teach because they learn so fast, Graham said. What takes most people up to 23 weeks to learn can take students as little as 10 weeks. Brooke Francis, an undecided freshman, said she grew up line dancing and enjoys attending square dances. "People don’t put square dancing and teenagers together," Francis said. "But I think that if they tried it, they would really like it."
Socialize while you exercise
: Picture an "athlete," and you might think of a lonely cyclist gliding along the highway or a runner pounding the treadmill. Some people do thrive on exercising in solitude. But playing a team sport or taking a dance class gives you powerful motivation to keep in shape.; Square dancing is an energetic form of dance. If you think it’s just too square, think again. "We do everything we can to attract people of all ages," said Steve Bell of the Saints & Aints, Coos Bay’s square dance club. "We’ve got members from 9 to 90 years old."; Square dancing offers as much or as little exercise as you want, Bell explained. "People can accomplish the moves by walking, but the more energetic people, like the teenagers — you’ve got to give them room."; Contra dancing, the East Coast’s equivalent of square dancing, takes place in lines instead of squares, and no lessons are needed. The caller teaches every dance. Live music from local and visiting bands keeps the energy high. "You can really work up a sweat at these dances — in fact, some of the guys bring a spare shirt to change into," said Stacy Rose, who sometimes serves as the caller at these dances. "But if you can walk, you can dance."
Top 5 weekend events: Published in:
The Norwich Bulletin
Norwich, Connecticut
February 19th, 2010

Surfside 8 Square Dance Club Hosts a Mardi Gras Dance from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at the Westerly Senior Center, 39 State St., Westerly, RI. The caller is Matt McGovern with Kathy Bryant doing the cueing. The donation is $5 for dancers. Observers are FREE. Additional information will be available at the dance or by calling ....
Teen of the Week: Rebecca Selle: "I'm applying to seven colleges," said Rebecca "Becky" Selle, 17, a senior at Severna Park High School. "They all have warm weather." Like everyone else in this area, the bright, outgoing teen is sick of all the snow. Since her sophomore year, Becky has served as president of the school's Global Concerns Club; On March 5, to raise funds for Haitian disaster relief, the club is organizing a Hoedown for Haiti. It will be an evening of square dancing in the school cafeteria, complete with a professional caller. All county high school students are urged to put on their best overalls or petticoat-puffed prairie skirts for the cause. "Come out y'all!" Becky urged.; Offering a square dance in the heart of hip-hop is pretty daring. But Becky is used to vaulting over the crowd with new ideas.; "She has a heart for helping others not only locally but also globally, seeking to improve the lives of less fortunate communities on an international scale," said Rebecca Pepperdine, Becky's guidance counselor.
Dancers can get on their do si do: Published in:
The Dispatch
Lexington, North Carolina
February 17th, 2010

The Old-Time Square Dance will be held on Saturday in the Denton Civic Center on West Salisbury Street. 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 February dance will be local bluegrass band The Oak Tree Boys with dances called by Ethan Hedrick. Noted for their timing and hard driving sound, the band has provided music for church services, homecomings, family gatherings, socials, and dances.; The dance is from 7 tp 10 p.m. Adult admission is $5, and children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge. In order to protect the dance floor and provide good listening for all, dancers are asked not to wear taps on their shoes. Door prizes will be given and refreshments are available. This is a family-oriented event and no alcohol is permitted.
Stellar Days and Nights to feature music, dance: Published in:
The Chaffee County Times
Chaffee County, Colorado
February 17th, 2010

The weekend schedule includes several types of dance but Fahrney said that most people who come have a real desire to contra dance, which is a form somewhat similar to square dancing that derived from English country dancing and has one person calling each movement.; "It's one of the most accessible forms of dancing. It gets people into it. With everyone moving in the same direction they can guide you. And by dancing in a long line, by the end of the evening, you dance with everybody," she said.
Footloose Club hosts dance Sunday: Published in:
The Herald Bulletin
Anderson, Indiana
February 17th, 2010

Square dancers are invited to a Footloose Club dance Sunday at Rangeline Community Center, 1405 N. Rangeline Road. New dancers are admitted free. The caller is Darrin Henry; the cuer is Judy Mouton.; Pre-rounds at 6 p.m. and square dance 6:30 to 9 p.m. There will be a food table and door prizes. Anyone interested in learning more about square dancing is welcome as a guest.
Dance for the health of it: Published in:
Neosho Daily News
Joplin, Missouri
February 16th, 2010

The closest Day of Dance will be two hours away in Upland, California (near Pomona) at the San Antonio Community Hospital. Advance registration required, $10 admission fee.

The second annual Day of Dance for Health offered by Freeman Spirit of Women is set for 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at Northpark Mall in the JC Penney court. The event is open to the public and is free of charge, except if one wants to participate in the low-cost health screenings.; The health screenings begin at 9:30 a.m., with the dance beginning at 10 a.m. Dance groups scheduled to perform include Webb City High School Dance Team, Midwest Regional Ballet, Tangle Footers, Joplin Square Dance Center, MSSU, Dance Hues, Zumba with Nikki Phillips and Anissa LaVelle, Line Dancing with Marie Spurk, Ovation Studios and Judy’s Ballroom Dance Lessons.; Spirit of Women affiliate hospitals, such as Freeman, present Day of Dance for Health events in more than 65 cities across the United States. Nationwide, more than 75,000 are expected to participate in Day of Dance events and activities. National Day of Dance presented by Spirit of Women Health Network, Good Housekeeping magazine and The Heart Truth® campaign.
Round and Square Dances with Terry Rockwell: Published in:
WBGH TV 34 Website
Binghampton, New York
February 16th, 2010

The Tioga County Council on the Arts kicks off the 2010 season of Round and Square Dances with Terry Rockwell performing at the North Barton Grange. It’s a great time to learn the uniquely American Folk Art of square dancing. And if you’re already an expert, what a great way to shake off the winter blues! On Friday, March 5th, the dance will be at the North Barton Grange Hall in Barton, New York from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Participation is free, but there is a $5 suggested donation.
Madison to host state square dance festival: Published in:
The Madison Daily Leader
Madison, South Dakota
February 15th, 2010

Madison will host the South Dakota Square Folk and Round Dance Association Winter Square Dance Festival on Saturday. The event will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Downtown Armory. Members of the South Dakota Callers Association will do the calling with Ernie (Helen) Hoefert of Sioux Falls as emcee and round dance cuer.; Association meetings will be held with the evening program starting at 7:30 p.m. Don (Bev) Nugent of Madison will be emcee and Cal (Nyra) Brown of Watertown will be round dance cuer. Other callers on the program are Hank (Dottie) Prasnicki of Big Stone City, Gene (Janice) Hofmann of Dawson, Minn., Lelia Guilbert of Mitchell, Dwayne (Mary) Anderson of Sioux Falls, and Chuck and Debbie Veldhuizen of Sioux City, Iowa.; Spectators are welcome at all sessions.
Franklin students donate quilt to N.H. Veterans Home: What do quilting, square dancing, and math have in common? Students from the Franklin Middle School Sixth Grade Arts Integration Project found out recently during a special project led by Ellen Carlson, a fiddler and former math teacher who is a member of the Artist in Education Roster for the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.; "Quilting provides great ways to explore math in a hands-on way," she said. "The music and dancing fit in as well — many quilt patterns are named after square dance steps or songs. This project provided opportunities for so much collaboration, learning and fun."; Sponsored by The Middle New Hampshire Arts and Entertainment Center, located in the Franklin Opera House, and a matching grant from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, the students designed and made quilts, learning about square dancing, old-time music, quilting bees, and the colonial era — along with math concepts and other skills. At the end of the project, students donated handmade quilts to the New Hampshire Veterans Home and other worthy organizations.
Conway to take oath on Wednesday: Published in:
St. Joe News
St. Joseph, Missouri
February 15th, 2010

The House Tourism Committee heard testimony last week on a bill, sponsored by state Rep. Jason Brown, R-Platte City, that would designate the Newfoundland dog as the official state canine breed. The proposal notes that Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, accompanied Lewis and Clark on their voyage of exploration that started in Missouri.; If approved, the Newfoundland would join official state symbols that include a fossil (crinoid), animal (mule), folk dance (square dance), aquatic animal (paddlefish), fish (channel catfish), horse (Missouri fox trotter), grape (Norton/Cynthiana grape), amphibian (American bullfrog), bird (bobwhite quail), invertebrate (crayfish), grass (big bluestem) and dessert (ice cream cone).
A LOVE STORY: 76 years in the making: Roy Welch couldn't help himself. Some 76 years ago, while driving down - and backing up on - Gurley Street next to the Elks Theater in downtown Prescott, he spotted a young girl about his age, and didn't think twice about asking her out on a date. "I backed up and wouldn't let her go around the car," Roy said from the couple's longtime house in northwest Chino Valley this past week. Added Alice with a chuckle, "He said he wanted to take me to the theater and I said (to my girlfriend), 'Well, it will save us a dime.'"; In the 1950s and '60s, the Welches loved to go fishing in area lakes and joined a square dancing club in Prescott. Roy even enjoyed deer hunting. Their similar interests have been a strong point of their marriage. "We liked getting with other people and meeting new people," said Alice, who has a group picture of them and their square dancing friends from the mid-1960s.; For 20 years, the couple would square dance at the old Fairgrounds and at the Courthouse Plaza. Alice sewed Roy's shirts and her own dresses to match. "Dancing's kind of like shopping - it's hard to quit," Roy said with a slight Southern drawl.
Valentine's Square Dance takes the floor (Sixth entry on page): Published in:
The Daily News
Newburyport, Massachusetts
February 11th, 2010

First Congregational Church of Georgetown kicks up its heels for a Community Valentine's Square Dance Saturday at the 7 Andover St. church. Callers Al and France Rouff will be on hand to teach square dancing to all ages.; A family dance for all ages goes from 7 to 8 p.m. Instruction will be included. Then the floor is open for an adult dance from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., with youth in grades 4 and up through adults welcome to take the floor.
Dads and daughters square off for night of fun: The veteran dads were hardly discernible among the first-timers at the Dads & Daughters Dance at White Pines Middle School on Monday evening.; "This is our third year coming to the dance," said Scott Clark of Grand Haven, who brought his daughter, Alonna, 7. "We wouldn't miss it. We love it." However, Alonna said her dad still isn't very good at square dancing, the highlight of the annual event sponsored by the Northwest Ottawa Recreation Authority.; The girls received a corsage, and the couples enjoyed Cold Stone Creamery treats and "some quality time together," NORA Coordinator Jill Vander Stel said. "We've been doing the dance in the rec department for 23 years and Mr. John Cook's been the square dance caller for that many years," Vander Stel said.
The people of Norwich just love to dance
*** International ***: the BBC's latest offering encouraging people to showcase their movement skills - dancing, of any kind, is increasingly becoming one of the favourite past times not only for reality television makers but for ordinary people across the country. And it seems Norwich is no different.; Spin 'n' Wheel Dance Club, which focuses on American Square Dancing, takes place at Nelson Road Infant School in Northumberland Street, in the north of the city, every Tuesday between 8pm and 9pm. The group currently has more than 20 regular members after seeing its numbers rise steadily over the last two years.; Richard Motley is head caller there, calling out the dance directions for everyone to follow. He said: "Why do people enjoy this activity so much? It's because it is a lively fun-centred hobby that has social benefits in that many members become good friends meeting people from different walks of life and sharing a common interest."
Square roots: Dance festival celebrates 60th: Get ready Yuma: It's almost time to swing your partner and do-si-do. The annual Yuma Square and Round Dance Festival kicks off this weekend, bringing about 1,000 dancers from around the nation to Yuma's dance floor. The festival is obviously a hit with local dancers, along with folks who just like to sit and watch all the swirling, twirling action.; "This is a great chance for people to just come and watch. We welcome any spectators," said Marilyn Partiss, one of the event's organizers. "Oh, people love to see all the ladies in their costumes and all the colors, plus the music is always just happy and good foot-tapping music!"; To celebrate the 60th anniversary some internationally-known men and women who cue and call the various dances have been invited to the festival. The three featured callers are Tony Oxendine and Jerry Story, both from North Carolina, and Jerry Jestin of Yuma. Teaching and cueing the round dancing will be Gert-Jan and Susie Rotscheid from the Netherlands, along with Kristine and Bruce Nelson of Yuma.; Spectators will be allowed to attend free of charge. Dancers are coming from all over Canada and the U.S to attend the festival. "I personally knew people one year where a couple flew in from Virginia and one lady drove down from North Dakota to dance," Partiss said. "This festival has an outstanding reputation. I've heard people say that for your first festival you've got to go to Yuma and see how it's supposed to be."
Swing your partner: Elementary hosts square dance, chili cook-off: Published in:
Michigan Live
Kalamazoo, Michigan
February 6th, 2010

To celebrate the end of an annual community reading event, students, staff, faculty, parents and the rest of the Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary School community held a chili and cornbread cook-off and square dance on Jan. 29.; At the cook-off, there were 17 different varieties of chili and cornbread as participants vied for prizes like embroidered aprons, flavored olive oils and a massive jar of salsa. Jerry Sleeman was the square dance caller for the evening.
Rockin' rollers spin the night away
** International **: When Al Deby calls for "fancy footwork" from the Swinging Spokes, he expects both fast feet and snappy steering. Half of the square dance troupe get around in wheelchairs and nimble rolling is essential. That and quick wits, to help navigate a setup that's more rhombus than square.; Modelled after Vancouver's Wheeling Eights and run through the Paralympic Sports Association, the group has been dancing since 1976 and have travelled cross-country to boogie at jamborees, nursing homes, shopping malls, and every Canadian National Square and Round Dance convention, held biennially.; In his wheelchair, 54-year-old Patrick McGuinness happily nods his head to the music. Not far away, Walker's front wheels, modified with multicoloured lights, flash festively as she rolls to meet her girl and promenade. One wheel nicks another, but it's the only minor collision of the night. The Spokes go right, go left, and circulate smoothly. Yes, they know exactly what they're doing: they're swinging.
Preview calendar: Dance, galleries and museums for Feb. 4-10: Published in:
The North County Times
Escondido, California
February 3rd, 2010

Square dance classes ---- Sandpipers Square Dance Club in Encinitas is offering beginners lessons in square dancing at 7 p.m. Thursdays; Encinitas Recreation Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas; $48 for Encinitas residents; $58 for non-residents
Square dancing at Hertingfordbury
** International **: Published in:
The Hertfordshire Mercury
Hertford, Herts
United Kingdom
February 2nd, 2010

ALMOST 100 dancers enjoyed an evening of square dancing hosted by Waggoner’s Square Dance Club at St Joseph’s in the Park School in Hertingfordbury.; The evening was a chance for four trainee callers, Paul Radcliffe from Northampton, Alex Stillwell from Sussex, Granville Spencer from Hemel Hempstead and Matt Baldry from Essex, to showcase their talents alongside the club’s resident square dance callers, Simon and Trudy Fielding, and professional caller Walt Burr, who hails from Georgia, USA.
Swing Your Partner: Published in:
The Sierra Sun
Truckee, California
February 2nd, 2010

Beginning Square Dance lessons for school students over 12 years of age and adults. Singles and couples are welcome. Dancers who have not danced for a while are encouraged to come and enjoy us. Our caller is Jim Marwin from Reno. He has called Square Dancing for many years. Experienced dancers will be there to help you. Each class is $4 and we will take beginners Mondays through Feb. 8, 7 p.m., Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District, New Community Center, Highway 80 and Highway 89 North. Please call ....

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