With fall approaching, the Jolly Promenader Square Dance Club is starting up again, giving people the opportunity to enjoy some old-fashioned square dancing.A great American tradition, square dancing is basically walking forward and executing simple moves, or ìcalls,î as instructed by a ìcaller.î A ìsquareî consists of four couples facing each other in the shape of a square.
ìCalls are set to a variety of music, but square dancers arenít expected to do any fancy footwork,î says Lessons Coordinator Denny Hebrink of Wyoming. ìThe point is to follow the pattern of the calls and to have fun while youíre doing it. Our motto is ëSquare Dancing is Friendship Set to Music.íî
While primarily an adult activity, square dance clubs do encourage youth involvement.
As for attire, itís not always fancy skirts with puffy petticoats. ìWomen can also wear long skirts that are often referred to as ìprairie style,î says Hebrink. ìDuring lessons, attire is completely casual.î
The Jolly Promenaders host dances on the third Saturday of each month, September through May at the Forest Lake Senior Center. Visitors are always welcome.
Lessons start on Sunday, Sept. 19, at the Wyoming United Methodist Church, and the first lesson is free. To sign up, contact Community Education at 651-982-8110.
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