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What if...you want to dance now,and not waituntil later? |
In your 30's or 40's and thinking
that taking up dancing
is for "down the road?"
Don't wait until later.
You can enjoy it now! Why delay?
This page tells you about a great dance
form complete with a link at the endto various regions of British Columbia
and the cities where
you'll find the instruction.
Get out of the house. Bring on the fun!
- not too expensive to participate
- something aerobic that elevates the heart rate
- something really social where you can meet
lots of people and make new friends but, especially...
- something that's really fun, not just kinda, and...
- something that makes you laugh--really laugh!
- oh, ya... you may have to consider the kids...
but there's an easy solution there
You probably haven't discovered
today's style of square dancing
- now's the time to try it!
It has evolved considerably,
especially the music,
and you'll find it's better than the
stereotypical square dancing
you may have done at high school.
What if...learning might be easybut he sayshe's got two left feet! |
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It's common for a guy to drag his feet
when the prospect of going dancing comes along.
It’s important for him to understand
that this type of dance has no intricate steps --you simply walk.
The square dance mostly involves upper body movement
of the arms and hands. While saying that he has “two left feet,”
a guy’s real reasons for avoiding dance are probably
that he doesn’t feel natural on the dance floor
and he’s self-conscious about looking foolish in front of others.
He needs to be encouraged and trust that today's square dance
caller-teacher is patient with all who are learning and there's no pressure.
He'll be moving to the music the very first time.
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What if...the family budget is already stretched or your household's looking for work? |
Today’s style of square dancing is one of the
most economical activities to be found.
That is, at least in part,
because the hosting dance clubs are
not-for-profit. The fee, of course, depends
upon the facility that is booked for the sessions but
$5 to $8 per night on average per person is common.
Dance sessions operated under recreation centre
programs tend to cost a little more.
Many B.C. dance clubs (linked
below) are
offering
free introductory sessions
that allow you to see if you like it.
You can’t afford not to try it
given no immediate obligation and no pressure.
Furthermore, many clubs serve free refreshments
at the end of the sessions
(try getting that at a
movie theatre concession!)
If your household is
looking for work, you still need
to keep physically active and to raise your spirits.
The modern square dance is so much fun and
so reasonably priced that it can’t be beat.
Also, socializing with others allows
an opportunity for networking
where job openings may present themselves.
What if...you seek better healthand desire someregular aerobic exercise? |
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Many square dancers have moved around the dance floor
wearing pedometers. They've found that, in a single dance session,
they'll travel the equivalent of several kilometres. The great thing about
it is that you're moving to music, laughing and having fun,
and don't realize how many steps you've actually taken!
The dance form is mildly aerobic but, if you want to put extra energy into it,
you can keep your heart rate elevated over what is usually
a 2-hour dance session. Most dance clubs meet weekly but
there are often other dance events that can keep you
busy a couple or more days per week.
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What if...you're prone tobeing a wallflowerat social events? |
Many a person has come out of their shell on the square dance floor.
It's such a social form of dance where teams of 8 people
have to interact and co-operate with each other to be successful.
It fosters respect and courtesy. The dancers are kind and very friendly.
During breaks and after the dance everyone visits with each other,
often with a free drink (non-alcoholic) and snack,
asking each other how the day or week has gone.
The dancers sometimes car-pool together to dances in other cities.
Special travel includes large Festivals and Conventions and there are
even square dance vacations available that include cruises and world tours.
A wonderful thing about the square dance community is that
nobody's a stranger. If you're a square dancer, you're accepted
by other square dancers, worldwide, like a long-lost relative!
In B.C., several specialized square dance clubs operate
to serve singles, pre-teens and teens, the handi-capable
and the LGBT community. All are linked below.
What if...you've got kids? |
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Generally--bring them to dance
with you! Make it a family affair.
Toddlers can dance along with Mom or Dad in a backpack-style carrier.
Pre-teens and teens are welcome on the dance floor although,
due to developing attention spans, age 8 and above is suggested.
Watch out, though, because their ability to learn rapidly
might leave you asking them how to do it!
Inquire of the sponsoring dance club what they can do
for you in the way of a special family rate.
Also, some B.C. cities have youth square dance clubs
such as those located in
Those clubs can be found at the link shown
below under region and city name.
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What if...you prefercasual attire? |
That's all you need. Loose, comfortable clothing
and low-heeled footwear that won't marr the floor.
Men should wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
Traditional square dance wear is optional and
something that you might like to explore later.
Informed? Interested?
Discover today’s style of square dancing,
with its many benefits, for yourself!
New dancer sessions, linked below,
start usually in September or October;
some additional startups take place in January.
Most are offered by non-profit dance clubs
and some by square dance caller-teachers.
The sessions are usually weekly but some dance clubs
operate their new dancer sessions twice weekly.
Try it! The fun and laughter awaits!
Many dance clubs offer free introductions
with no obligation, no pressure
E-mail now to say "I'm interested in joining the fun!"
Please give your name, city and telephone number:
Click here to e-mailand reserve your spot on the dance floor!
See the link below to access a list
of cities and towns
throughout
Each offers sessions for new dancers.
Also, if you'd like to talk to a real person
by telephone, you can learn what's near
you by speaking directly to our
dancer volunteers, Brian & Rosalyn,
at this toll-free INFOLINE number
(B.C. only): 1-800-335-9433
or e-mail: info@squaredance.bc.ca
Enjoy this entertaining 10-minute video
about the many benefits
of learning to square dance
and showing the easy learning process:
Read an online printable 2-page poster,
titled "Your Prescription for Better Health,"
containing endorsements by many medical
professionals, detailing the physical, mental
and social health benefits of learning
to square dance:
www.BetterHealth.squaredance.bc.ca
The link below will transport you to
our main promotional page
with a list of the regions in B.C. and the cities
in which new dancer sessions are scheduled.
List of new dancer sessionsby region & city
A presentation of the non-profit
Produced by SQUAREUPB.C. - a marketing initiative
Photographic rights secured
