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.

March, 2010

Square dancing keeps WR club members stimulated: Square dancing is “music set to motion,” Tom Kimsey says. Kimsey and his wife, Linda, are the co-presidents of the Robins Ramblers, a square dancing club in Warner Robins.; Gladys Kersey has been a member of the Robins Ramblers since it started in 1980. She started square dancing overseas in Guam in 1965, where there were different clubs for military members and their spouses.; The group is holding special dances and going out in the community to dance in local events. In the past they have danced at nursing homes, the Galleria Mall and the Cherry Blossom Festival, and in Christmas parades. Members also participate in events that promote square dancing, and some will be attending competitions. From June 23-26, members can attend the 59th National Square Dancing Convention held in Louisville, Ky.
Square dancing — a fun calling: Want to get some exercise, work on your memory and have a great time, all while wearing a fabulous outfit? If so, square dancing may be for you. Far from the promenading done in elementary school gym classes, modern Western square dancing is an art form all its own.; Don and Ann Slocum of Bartow were newlyweds in the 1980s when Ann’s work supervisor mentioned how much fun she had square dancing. The athletic couple had tried bowling and disliked the overly-competitive aspect of the sport and the smoke in the alleys, and Ann thought they could try square dancing as a fun new hobby together. Now, more than 20 years later, the couple have found a calling.; "I can’t imagine being a golf widow," Ann said. "I just love that this is something we can do and enjoy together." The Slocums said they have met many of their best friends through their years of dance, and Don even told a story of seeing dancing friends from Florida on a mountaintop in Canada. This year’s Florida State Square and Round Dance Convention will be nearby in Lakeland in May, but often traveling is one of the best parts of dancing for the Slocums.; With the economy being down, and square dancing being such an inexpensive family activity, Ann said she hopes to see more families become interested. In addition to families, the dances are also great for individuals. At a recent Buttons and Bows dance in Lakeland, the Slocums were able to point to two couples who found love in the squares, and several individuals just out to be social, get some exercise and have fun.
Oh, the places they’ll go to make miracles: USD’s Dance Marathon raised more than $37,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network Saturday during their annual 24-hour fundraiser at the Muenster University Center.; The event began at 9 a.m. Saturday and lasted until 9 a.m. Sunday at the MUC. More than 150 people participated as dancers, Morale captains or in executive positions, and 12 families who have benefited from the Children’s Miracle Network attended to share their stories and celebrate with participants.; Participants in the Marathon traveled to different locations across Vermillion like the middle school and 4-H buildings that had been transformed into locations like Nashville, Las Vegas and Disney World, and participated in various activities at the location like themed dances.; Hanson said her daughters enjoyed the activities that were offered. "They’ve had a great time," she said. "They did some square dancing, and they love to dance, so we’re having a good time."
West Monroe announces plans for Southern Fried Festival: Northeastern Louisiana residents will get a taste of everything from lawn mower racing and Southern-style music to fried mountain oysters and barbecue at West Monroe’s new Louisiana Southern Fried Festival in late May.; The festival will feature music groups ranging from country and western to bluegrass, gospel and Christian, as well as food events and outdoor activities.; Hatten said the city has been able to put together a wide range of activities and events for the fledgling festival. Activities will be held in every area of the complex, both indoors and outdoors.; On Saturday, planned events include the Louisiana Lawnmower Association’s “Southern Fried 500” lawn mower race, a beauty pageant, cloggers and square dancing classes, pony rides, a horseshoeing demonstration, saddle making, a barbecue contest, a car show, a root beer station, a blacksmith and an old-fashioned barn dance.
Learn medieval dancing with the MARS: So you think you can dance old school and take it all the way back to Camelot? One University group can dance a Rufty Tufty that would win any knight’s heart.; Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about medieval dancing or regret not picking up that 12th Century gown at Party City on clearance after Halloween. The MARS members like to keep it casual during dance practice, and the main focus — besides fun — is on learning the dances. No dance experience is needed to have a good time.; Most modern dances have evolved from these classic dances that originated in the Renaissance and medieval periods. The Rufty Tufty, considered to be an old English country dance, is the ancestor of square dancing.; Medina believes that the basic ideas behind dancing haven’t changed much either. Rather than facing down an opponent in battle, it is a social way to connect with the person across from you, be it a friend or stranger, he said.
Let the dancing begin
*** International ***: Published in:
Northern News Services
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Canada
March 29th, 2010

Square dancers and jiggers in Gjoa Haven are preparing for a big event this week. The community's second annual Square Dance Competition is scheduled from April 1 to 4. Local dancers will be joined by a couple of square dance groups from Rankin Inlet and perhaps other dancers from other communities.; "We've had interest from quite a few places all across Nunavut, but details are still being finalized," hamlet recreation co-ordinator Charlotte Jacklein said early last week. "The last dance really brought the community together and was a big success. We hope a lot of people will come and bring their dancing shoes because it's a lot of fun."
Square dancing enjoyed by all ages in Danvers: What do you think of when you think of square dancing? The answer for far too many is old people and ladies in big skirts. The Riverside Squares dance on Saturday, March 27 would have shown how wrong that impression can be. Yes, there were some very spry older people there and a few in traditional square dance attire but the ages ranged from Heather, age 13, to people no doubt in their 80s who one could say were probably not acting their age. It was not the diverse ages and dress of the dancers that made the dance unusual. What did that was the excellent caller for the evening.; The dance was called by Matt McGovern, a 16-year-old young man from Ludlow, Mass., who has to rely on his father to drive him to his caller jobs. Matt started square dancing with his grandmother when he was 11 and, with some encouragement from other callers in his area, gradually worked his way into becoming the talented caller he is today. As he says on his web site, "Overall square dancing in general has been a terrific experience for me, and has allowed me to meet great people from all over the world."
Be there and be square: Ann Carter has a square reputation. So does Dee Scott, and both are danged proud of it. Scott is sort of old-school, Carter sort of new. But their passions for square dancing are equally fervent. The most dreaded activity of fifth-grade gym class is actually a lot more fun than you remember, they'll tell you. And once you see it, you believe them.; Scene: Grandview Middle School auditorium in the western suburb of Mound. Dee Scott buzzes around the room, greeting fellow members of the Westonka Whirlers, one of the state's largest square-dance clubs. Attire is varied: regulation petticoats for maximum twirlage, long prairie skirts with red-fringed cowboy boots, knee-high nylons with orthopedic sandals.; Onstage, pro caller Abe Maier, sporting a Lincoln beard and impressively busy vest, calls out in a Johnny Cash baritone: "fox trot up the middle ... shoot that star ... prommennnaaade!" as groups of eight maneuver to his challenging commands.; Square dancing may be a truly American art form, but it's not the artistry that draws people. It's the company -- the hootin' and hollerin', the old-style social atmosphere, an antidote to the isolating elements of modern life.
All the world’s a square
*** Callerlab Convention ***: About 100 of the world’s most experienced square-dancers showed off their best do-si-dos, promenades and allemande lefts as they kicked off a four-day Callerlab convention Sunday in the Conference and Events Center Niagara Falls. They are among about 250 Callerlab members from six countries, most of them professional squaredance callers, who are attending this year’s 37th annual convention. Callerlab, headquartered in Topeka, Kan., is an international association of about 1,400 square-dance callers.; "Square-dancing is friendship set to music. People out there on the dance floor are having a great time," said Dana Schirmer, executive director of Callerlab. Among the dance callers at this year’s convention are members from Switzerland, Great Britain, Japan, Canada, Australia and the United States.; "Modern square-dancing is exercise for the body and mind," Schirmer said. "Moving in rhythm to the music keeps you physically fit," according to the organization’s recruiting pamphlet. "Reacting quickly to the square-dance caller's calls keeps you mentally on your toes. And your team of eight dancers depends on you to keep those toes moving."; "We are trying to attract more young people," he continued. "I do a lot of teenage parties. And we’re having a seminar here this week to talk about how to do more of that."
Calling all callers
*** Callerlab Convention ***: Square dancing aficionados from around the country and even world have gathered in Niagara Falls today to kick off the 37th Annual Callerlab Convention. Callerlab is an international association of square dance callers who share an interest in preserving and promoting square dancing and Sunday afternoon was all about do-si-doing and promenading to the beat at the Niagara Falls Conference Center.; "Most of the time what we do here, while it's an education experience, it's a way to help further your education and background of [square dancing]," said Callerlab committee member Tim Marriner. "It also kind of re-energizes your batteries."; The opening event of the convention featured a "Beginning Leadership Seminar," which teaches and trains the dancers on difference steps and calls. Almost every dancer participating Sunday was also a caller.
Wearin' of the green: Published in:
The St. Augustine Record
St. Augustine, Florida
March 28th, 2010

Kathleen Barnard and Julie Quinn of the Glas Tara Dancers entertained with an introduction to the history of Irish dance, and demonstrated several types of dance steps and patterns to authentic Irish instrumental music. Irish dance is acknowledged to be the ancestor of both modern clogging and square dancing.
Inaugural SCC Fiddlers Convention off to good start: Hosting an old-time fiddlers convention represents a first for Surry Community College, and organizers are confident it won’t be the last.; "You’re witnessing history," Robbie Ernhart Shaw said Friday night as the old-time group Backstep performed in the college gymnasium — its sounds luring a crowd of square-dancers to the floor.; "This could be going on 75 years from now — like Galax," Shaw added in reference to the long-running event in Virginia that is considered the granddaddy of all fiddlers conventions.; Shaw, a former 10-year employee of WPAQ, the Mount Airy radio station that has done much to promote old-time music, is serving as an adviser for the inaugural Surry Old-Time Fiddlers Convention in Dobson. It kicked off with a special concert in the gym Friday night featuring The Slate Mountain Ramblers and The Mountain Park Old-Time Band in addition to Backstep.
Shopping cart drill team on the move: Published in:
Sioux City Journal
Sioux City, Iowa
March 26th, 2010

Many have heard of the Farmall Promenade, the now-retired square-dancing tractor troupe from Nemaha, Iowa. Make way for Crofton's Shopping Cart Drill Team.; A creation of the Crofton Community Club, the shopping carts made a one-time appearance back in the 1990s for the homecoming coronation. The members, all dressed like bag ladies, wheeled the carts in precision to music.
10th Annual Summer On the Hudson Festival Opens 5/2: Published in:
Broadway World
New York
March 26th, 2010

Enjoy a little country right here in Manhattan and celebrate the change of seasons with carnival rides and games, music, square dancing, sideshow performers, a petting zoo, greenmarket and more! Visit the "Green Acre" environmental corner, with hands-on activities for kids about environmental awareness, green living, and animal care.
Do-si-do your partner: Published in:
Queens Chronicle
Rego Park, New York
March 25th, 2010

Square dance caller Jim Emory taught the traditional steps and then called the dances as everyone got in the act — from youngsters to senior citizens.; The nature center, located at 228-06 Northern Blvd., holds the dances periodically through the year to attract new members, entertain existing ones and as a way to raise funds.
Old Town School gets OK for $18 million expansion: The nation’s "largest community school of the arts" is about to get even bigger. The City Council’s Zoning Committee today gave Chicago’s wildly-popular Old Town School of Folk Music the cue to build an $18 million expansion — compete with new classrooms, dance studios and a 133-seat performance venue.; That’s across the street from the Old Town School’s primary home now serving an all-time record 7,296 students-a-week and turning away scores of others. The new building would mark a dramatic turning point for the school started in 1957 in a music teacher’s Oak Park basement.; The new performance venue will be "very flexible performance space for concerts and dance," complete with removable seats. "It could be a small concert hall or you could put a band on a bandstand and have a square dance," Hargadon said.
Preview calendar: Dance, galleries and museums for March 25-31: Published in:
North County Times
Escondido, California
March 24th, 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.
Boynton man honored 40 years after an early calling to square dancing: Without square dancing, Jack Lewis said he never would have come out of his shell in high school, never would have made so many great friends and most importantly, never would have met his wife. The 59-year-old suburban Boynton Beach resident recently was honored for 40 years of square dance. It called for a celebration at the Boynton Beach Civic Center, which brought together many of his friends and dancers.; "It's just one of the most fun social activities you can find," he said. "I find it so enjoyable to make people smile and help them have a good time."; In 1964, he and his family moved to Miami — but the transition wasn't easy. Lewis said he had a difficult time making new friends, so when one of his female high school classmates said she needed a square dancing partner, Lewis jumped at the chance.; Little did he know she would take him to an advanced square dancing group. "Everyone just pulled me around," he said. "I learned very quickly that way and had a lot of fun."; As he continued square dancing, he began to learn the calls by heart, and one day he found himself singing along with the caller, who was impressed. "He said, 'You really ought to consider calling. You have a knack for it,' " Lewis said. "And I've been calling ever since."
Devoted to dance
*** International ***: Mr Weise and his friend Clive discovered square-dancing when they were in the Young Farmers of Werribee group, and an instructor held a class for members. "I said to Clive, 'This isn’t too bad, but I can’t imagine us doing it'," Mr Weise said. However, the dancing style captured his imagination and he has been a devotee ever since.

Published in:
Star News Group
Pakenham, Victoria
Australia
March 23rd, 2010; He founded the Chemistry Sets Square Dancing Club, which meets every Saturday night in Deer Park, about 12 years ago. Chemistry Sets members attend state and national square-dancing conventions, which attract dancers from as far away as Sweden and Japan.; Mr Weise is a 'caller' of square-dancing, which means he tells dancers which moves to make as music plays. Standard square-dancing steps he calls out include allemande left, swing through, promenade, dos-a-dos and yellow rock.; Mr Weise said some people were surprised when they found out he was a square-dancer. "Some of them say, 'Is that still going? I did that at school'," he said.; The Weise's family friend and fellow Chemistry Sets member Gail Penaluna said it was important to involve young people with the dance style, as they were its future. She said the dancing was not difficult and she enjoyed the friendships she had made through the art. "If you walk, you can dance," she said.; Mr Weise has also started a square-dancing group for people in wheelchairs, which has five members including Ms Penaluna’s son. On Sunday (21 March) the group has combined with other square dancing clubs to host a fundraising event for the Royal Children’s Hospital from 4pm-midnight.
Introducing the men in Dancing with the Stars: Published in:
Lahontan Valley News
Fallon, Nevada
March 20th, 2010

Tickets are going fast for the Churchill County High School Fallon Swing Kids's presentation of Dancing with the Stars March 26 at 6:45 p.m. at the Churchill County Junior High School and at 7 p.m. at the high school. Swing Kids' coach Debbie Edwards said the competition has become so popular, it is being offered at two locations this year. She said dancers will begin at CCJHS and then rush to CCHS to perform again.; CCHS drama teacher Glen Perazzo is dancing with senior D'Anna West. Perazzo said he has some dance experience, but he doesn't catch on to choreography very well. Nevertheless, he said he has enjoyed watching the competitions and dancing in general. "I grew up square dancing with my family. A truly fun activity I still enjoy today," Perazzo said.; Edwards said West is in her second year in the Dancing with the Stars competition West she will make a good partner because of her Tango abilities. "D'Anna does very well with quick flicks — flicks of her feet," Edwards said. "She is a good performer."
Be there or be square!
*** International ***: Published in:
Sunshine Coast Daily
Maroochydore, Queensland
Australia
March 20th, 2010

Suncoasters Square Dance Club is celebrating its 40th year and coordinator Robi O’Keefe said there would be loads of fun on the way with a massive card of dance events over the coming months.; Coinciding with this celebration is the 25th birthday of Nev and Bev McLachlan’s Sunshine Coast Square Dance Centre at Buderim.; Starting today from 10am, all the different dance groups who call the centre home will put on 15-minute demonstrations in a frenetic exhibition of their skills.
The New Country Connection's Square Dance: Published in:
WBGH TV Channel 34
Binghampton, New York
March 18th, 2010

The New Country Connection will be providing spirited music for your dancing pleasure. This is the band that backed up Bucky Moon for years and years. Bud Smiley, Bill Ely, Jerry Garrison, and Larry Bates are continuing that fine tradition and adding a few new songs and their own flair. All you square dancers (current and future) make sure to get out and swing your partner! The dance is free and open to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated. This square dance is made possible in part with funds from the Folk Arts Program of the NY State Council on the Arts and the Cooper Foundation.
At country dance weekend, you pick the country: Marchfest features styles from around the world: Young ladies who have always wanted to be escorted to "the ball" to dance like an extra in a Jane Austen adaptation, listen up. Those who love to learn new dance styles, take heed. Experienced square dancers looking for a new challenge, pay attention.; Neophyte dancers from all over Central Illinois will get their chance this weekend to observe, learn and dance the night away at the ninth annual Marchfest, a weekend of traditional dance and music organized by three Champaign-area groups working as "dance partners."; Marchfest committee members from both groups were quick to point out the differences between the two dances.; "The English dancing is more complicated and complex," said Jon Hanson, coordinator for the event. "There are more steps to know and different dance moves. It's more elegant." Couples at the English country ball sometimes dress in period clothing to replicate the feeling of a "civilized night on the town."; Contra dance, on the other hand, showcases American verve and experimentation with the older dance style. It is faster, less complicated and guaranteed to get a dancer's heart beating. Hanson compared it to "a square dance after too much caffeine."; Dancers with little or no experience will be able to learn each of the night's major dances by attending pre-dance lessons given by the leaders, or "callers."; Groups dedicated to similar styles of folk dance can be found elsewhere in Central Illinois. Bloomington has an active dance group called Hudson Square Dance, which performs square and contra dances, and the Springfield International Folk Dancers offer classes in a number of styles, including Greek, Mexican and South American.
Dancing birthday boy
*** International ***: Published in:
100 Mile Free Press
100 Mile House
British Columbia
Canada
March 16th, 2010

Jim Milliken shared his 89th birthday cake with his square-dancing friends on March 7 at Lac la Hache Pioneer Centre, when the Caribooters had their regular Monday afternoon dance. Jim is a longtime dancer and he dances at least three times a week.
Feet on fire for St. Patrick's Day: There was a céilí (pronounced KAY-lee) at the Crestview Public Library last Tuesday evening, and nearly 70 people of all ages turned out for the timely celebration. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it mattered not if they wore orange or green: When the music started playing, the toes started tapping and pretty soon, everyone was Irish for the evening.; Many library patrons were surprised to learn that American square dancing also has its roots in Irish traditional dance. Waves of Irish immigrants in the 19th century brought to their new homes cultural traditions that included community dances. However, Dave Sandlin said, as new generations of American-born descendants of Irish immigrants matured, they had no village elders to pass down the steps of native dance. "The American solution, being the ever-resourceful people we are, was the invention of the caller," he said.; At last it was time for those in the audience to learn a bit of Irish dance themselves. Youngsters, high schoolers, college kids, and moms and dads surged to the front of the room, where members of the Christian Céilí Club guided them through the steps. Steven Bozzay, a home-schooled 7-year-old, and his sister Sarah, 5, hadn’t really intended to get up and dance, he said. "Then I saw how much fun it was," he said. Grasping Sarah carefully by the hand, soon the kids were whirling around the floor, as their proud mom Stacy Bozzay watched.
Arts event showcases THS talent: With school districts across California and the nation proposing cuts to non-core curriculum, Crounse, a drama, band and chorus teacher, felt her students needed to highlight what could be lost. During the school’s Night of the Arts event on Thursday, March 11, she felt they did just that.; Students entertained a packed crowd in the high school cafeteria, unveiling vibrant dances, thoughtful monologues and a performance by the Warrior Band. Students performed a set of country-music-themed line and square dancing that brought raucous cheers from parents and other students.; Night of the Arts has improved with each year over its decade of existence, Horst said. "I’m inspired by (the students’) creativity," she said. "Their level of creativity is kind of special, as cliche as that sounds. I hope people walk away from this inspired by the students."
Square dancers swing their partners at Misawa
*** International ***: When Hiromichi Kaminishi retired from the Japan Air Self-Defense Forces in the early 90s, he began looking for something he could take up as a hobby. He said he was happy to discover the Misawa Torii Twirlers, a group of Japanese and American square dancers who practice on Misawa Air Base each week.; "I felt like I had lost everything after retirement," said Kaminishi, 70, during a break in dancing Saturday at the 49th annual Misawa Torii Twirlers Jamboree.; But with square dancing, Kaminishi said he found a way to stay mentally and physically fit and a way to interact with the American community on the base. For this weekend’s event, the Misawa club brought internationally acclaimed caller Gary Shoemake from the United States.
Newark Catholic schools: Published in:
Newark Advocate
Newark, Ohio
March 14th, 2010

Students in kindergarten through eighth grades studied of the art of square dancing. Children were introduced to square-dance terms and movements, experiencing intense physical and mental exercise and developing positive social skills.
Phys ed classes creatively adapted for disabled students: Seated in her power chair, 17-year-old Hailee Agnew looked as if she would never stop smiling. After all, Hailee, who lives in the Trinity Area School District, was motoring around, doing her favorite physical education class activity -- square dancing -- at The Day School of The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill.; Students at the school are challenged by severe and complex disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, neurological impairment and autism. In physical education classes there, the emphasis is on opportunities, not limitations. Square dancing, basketball, hockey, bicycling, football, track and swimming -- all are within reach of the students when the activities are adapted to each student's needs and abilities.; "It really helps the overall condition of the body if you're moving, just like regular physical education," said Judy Conroy, who has been teaching phys ed at the institute for 28 years. She said students learn skills that can help them socialize outside of school and join in family activities.; Carol Pollard, who teaches secondary academic subjects, also sees results beyond the school gym. "Anytime they can move, it's a good thing," she said. "They're learning group games, rules, cooperative behaviors. These things carry over into the classroom and life."
Around South County: Dancing event packs 'em in: There's an adage: "dance with them what brung you." But that saying doesn't seem to apply at the Galesville Community Square Dance, where those who show up seem to dance with whichever partner is handy. That might be a 7-year-old, a 30-year-old or a 75-year-old. It might be your cousin or your neighbor, or someone you've never even met.; Last Saturday, at the fourth of six dances scheduled this season, the dance hall was packed with both young and old. Some came to listen to the live music, some came to sample the potluck supper, some came to meet and socialize - but they all came to dance.; On Saturday, Leah and Gary played fiddle and guitar, respectively. They paired up with Ruben Dobbs on mandolin and Jenn Reichwein on bass. Leah and Gary are prominent musicians around town and call on their friends from other bands to join them at the dances.; The musicians play in a tradition called "old time" music. It is the oldest and most prominent form of traditional music in North America - aside from Native American music. It has an oral tradition, so there is no sheet music. Because of this practice, it is easy for other "old time" musicians to sit in on the sessions, which the house band welcomes.; Leah said that she took an interest in the old time form of music during the folk revival of the '60s, and enjoys playing at the dances especially for the children. "If children can have a real experience with live music - it's really good to see that because they spend so much time with videos and TV," Leah said.
4-H Dance Camp Weekend held at Jackson's Mill News Video: Published in:
WBOY Channel 12
Clarksburg, West Virginia
March 6th, 2010

350 teenagers from around the state were in Lewis County for the 4-H Dance Camp Weekend. Teens spent the weekend learning all kinds of dancing such as Scottish, Appalachian, square dancing and even disco. There was also a live band.; The dance camp is held at Jackson's Mill every year. Organizers say the camp allows teens to make memories and share what they learned with their local 4-H clubs.
Square dancers gather in Odessa: People from all over the state gathered at the American Legion in Odessa to dance round and round — but mostly square. The Permian Basin Square and Round Dancing Association brought the 49th annual Conclave of the Texas State Federation of Square and Round Dancers to town, and dozens of officials and dancers along with it.; The Conclave is one of four annual meetings conducted by the federation, where they elect new officers for the upcoming year and finish planning for the June festival. This year, the theme is the "Dance by the Bay," in Galveston.; Ed Ewbank, Conclave chairman and 2004-’05 president of the federation, explained that when they have to get together for meetings, they make sure to enjoy themselves, too. "Every time we have a meeting, we throw in a dance as well," Ewbank joked. "It’s mostly dancing with a little business."
Dancers step out at Wing Ding: Jim Rammel stood on a small, raised stage Tuesday night in the Soulsbyville Elementary School gym. Microphone in hand, he sang out instructions in a country twang to 24 dancers arranged in three squares scattered equidistant across the dance floor.; "And take your ladies home!" Rammel crowed after a long exchange of moves, and dancers met their partners and brought them to their original positions in the square.; Rammel is a caller for the Twain Harte Twirlers, one of the few remaining square dancing clubs in the area. Sharon Rammel, his wife, is a cuer (pronounced "Q-er"). She calls out commands in round dancing, a related form of American folk dancing.; Both the Rammels and many of the Twain Harte Twirlers will participate in Wing Ding 2010, a three-day square dancing festival held at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds that begins today and runs through Sunday.
Specialty Plates Sing to Vehicle Owners: One of the earlier groups to jump on the specialty license plate bandwagon were the state’s square dancers, whose design featuring a whirling couple was approved in 1991.; Roger Spiese, who teaches at the Kitsap Square Dance Center in Belfair, said the plates serve as a way to connect with others of like mind ... and feet. He and his wife, Jill, own one of the 36 vehicles with square dancer plates in Kitsap County. As they drive around the state, they scout out vehicles similarly adorned and honk or wave as they go by.; "That’s what square dancing is all about anyway. The milieu is about camaraderie," Spiese said.
Be Glad: Boot-Scootin’ Bill Fischer ’66: Newcomers to Yale graduate (that was a lifetime ago) Bill Fischer’s ’66 contra dance in Bethany, Connecticut will feel they’ve ridden a cyclone in reverse and plopped smack in the middle of a Kansas cornfield, plumb out of place in a sea of gingham and bustling smiles and instruments from hither and yon, who need merely declare their names — hog fiddle, bottle-bell-shawm, and the good ol’ washboard — to claim their righteous place in the barn-turned-dancehall.; The monthly Bethany Music and Dance events (BMAD, pronounced "Be Mad" by those in-the-know) began in 1993, when Yale’s current generation was also knee-high to a grasshopper. This was the year that Fischer, an erstwhile doctor, bought a spot on the Litchfield turnpike, began to let his hair grow out, and started covering the walls with art and memorabilia. Now with tangled blond dreadlocks reaching past his shoulders, he is a man in his element, standing at the center of the swirling room, directing friends and strangers alike in the swinging abandon of a Virginia Reel.; It’s hard to move across the dance floor, jam-packed with delegates from every age, spanning the better part of a century. We squeeze together, tighter than pickles in a crock. The pickle next to me has a Stetson hat and a gap between each tooth, and is keeping time with his Justins on the down of two and four. It’s a wonder that, under the stomping of so many feet — booted, be-sneakered, bare — the streamers and art and newspaper clippings don’t all topple off the walls and bury everyone in a big dusty heap.
Hootenany raises $3,500 in funds for Haiti relief and UNICEF: Carnival games, square-dancing and donations for Haiti flooded the UC on Friday night. Sigma Phi Epsilon and Kappa Kappa Gamma collaborated to create a country-western themed fundraiser called the "Cowtown Throwdown" to raise money for UNICEF. Students dressed as hillbillies, cowgirls, cowboys and even farm animals attended the fundraiser with overwhelming enthusiasm.; Mid-way through the dancing festivities, Ruffles and Bows, a professional group of square dancers, led a step-by-step lesson on how to do traditional square dancing. The square dancing group expressed their excitement to teach an old-school dance to a younger generation.; When asked if the Cowtown Throwdown will become an annual event, Toyama said, "Given the amazing response from the student body and the experience of putting this on, I think the second annual Cowtown Throwdown has a nice ring to it."
Mr. Ellis Dances His Way Into Retirement: Published in:
The Whitman Word
Rushville, New York
March 2nd, 2010

Who can forget promenading your partner around the circle and finishing it all with a do-si-do? One person who will certainly never forget is Mr. Bob Ellis. After forty five years of teaching dance to students, of all ages, Mr. Ellis has decided to retire. Mr. Ellis has taught at so many schools that when I asked him what schools he couldn’t remember all of them.; I asked Mr. Ellis, "What will you miss most about teaching students?" He replied, "I will miss working with them and seeing what such young children are capable of. I will also miss seeing the children’s speed of learning."

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