Square dancing: An unexpected source of smiles, laughter and friendship

In 2000, a friend of mine asked me to go to square dance lessons with her. I frowned, that did not sound like fun at all. I didn’t want someone telling me what to do. I am a two-stepper and dance to my own beat. I shake my head, but she begs me to go with her. “Okay, I guess.”

We head to the first lesson and it is not too bad, kinda fun. I did notice my cheeks were sore. I found that strange, I thought my feet would be sore, not my cheeks.

By the third lesson, I am looking forward to going, but my friend gets sick and does not go with me. I had a great time and was tired as I headed home that night. As I drove home, I thought of something that happened at the lessons and smiled to myself. My cheeks were sore again! I finally understood why my cheeks were so sore. It was from all the smiling and laughing I had done at the lessons.

Everyone there was so nice and welcoming, ready to help each new dancer.

The caller repeated calls (moves) so we could learn them, there was no pressure, just fun.  Even when we messed up, it was just another reason to smile and laugh.

The friend who asked me to go with her to lessons decided that square dancing was not for her, and quit attending. She said she had two left feet. I didn’t understand that since square dancing is like walking to music.

I attended all 14 lessons and was sorry the lessons had come to an end. Experienced dancers asked me to attend their dances. They said they were more fun than the lessons.  I asked a few of the people I met while at lessons to call me when they had the next dance. They did, and I attended. They were right, I had more fun than I could have ever imagined.

I have been dancing ever since. I have met some absolutely wonderful people and developed strong, lasting friendships.

Square dancing has been around for a long time, it began in Europe in the 1500's, in the form of the quadrille and Virginia reel. Once in the U.S. it mutated into our modern square dance. The term “square dance” came from the USA in (I think, the 1930’s).

Thirty-one out of the 50 states have declared square dancing as their official dance. There is a movement to make it the official dance of the United States.

I found out that you can square dance in all 50 states and most countries around the world. The best part is that all dances are called in English. You can go to Germany, Japan, or Spain, and all the calls will be in English. What fun! The calls (moves) are standardized, so you will fit right in wherever you go.

I am now president of one of the four square dance clubs in Wichita Falls. Two of the Wichita Falls clubs are going together to offer Square Dance Lessons.

Lessons will begin 7 p.m., March 10. The lessons will be held at our dance hall, Square Dance Land at 812 Travis. Cost for Couples is $35, Singles $25 and any additional person, or child over 12, is $10. First night is free.

Come and see the fun and meet your new friends. It is like walking to music.