Square dancing and round dancing are returning to Castlegar.
In years past, cities like Montrose, Trail, Castlegar and Nelson had very active non-profit clubs presenting the dance forms of square dancing and round dancing. There was also a coordinating regional dance association that published a monthly newsletter called The Kootenay Square Dancer. The area also presented an annual Dance Jamboree that was attended by square and round dancers from all over the province.
Organizers say the two very social dance forms are particularly valuable as the regional population seeks more social interaction after the long period of pandemic isolation.
The dancing will be taking place on Thursday evenings at the Kinnaird Hall in Castlegar.
The new reinvention of the square dance now takes the form of Social Square Dancing.
"It's a shorter, easier entry program that aligns square dancing with the time dancers have to learn here in the 21st Century," says B.C. Square & Round Dance Federation volunteer Brian Elmer.
"Proficiency on the square dance floor can now be taught in just 18 to 22 hours, instead of the older program that committed a dancer to almost eight months."
The reintroduction of the two dance forms has been made possible by two talented instructors moving from Vancouver Island to Castlegar.
Ray and Debbie Schmidt have a considerable amount of experience. They taught square and round dancing in Parksville and managed a dance club known as the Sand Dollars. Ray teaches dancers as a square dance caller/teacher and Deb instructs the round dancing as teacher/cuer.
The initial introduction of the dance forms took place at a free, fun night of dancing on Sept. 12.
Now, the plan is to conduct 12 weekly sessions at the Kinnaird Hall starting Sept. 19. Newcomers are welcome and are invited to come see the fun and, if so inclined, step onto the dance floor to try the style of dance or dances of interest to them.
Once dancers commit to weekly participation, a reasonable admission fee will apply.
All ages, including singles, are welcome although children accompanied by adults should be at least eight years of age. Comfortable, dressy-casual clothing is appropriate and indoor shoes with soft soles are recommended.
In order to provide adequate instruction time for each of the two dance forms, square dance sessions will start at 6:30 p.m. then, after a 15 minute break at 8 p.m., round dance instruction will begin at 8:15 p.m. and run to 9:30 p.m. Dancers can attend one or both sessions.
Organizers say this type of social dancing is an avenue toward better health and fitness. Although low impact aerobic exercise, it resembles more intense physical activity. Dancers gain many physical, mental and social health benefits. Social interaction and making new friends are key benefits to participation.
More information is available by emailing ray_deb@telus.net.
These square and round dance lessons in Castlegar are supported provincially by the non-profit British Columbia Square & Round Dance Federation. They have a 10-minute promotional video available online at DancingKeepsYouYoung.ca.
