Congratulations to our graduates! Left to right: Donna Burton, Bill Burton, Katie Lundgren, Linda Wright, Marc Lundgren, Randy Wright, Pam Steube, Milan Steube, Carla Marquardt, and Debbie Trapp
Rebecca Williams and Mary Spittler
Graduating from a square dance class is a very special occasion for a new dancer. It signifies successful completion of a series of square dance lessons that are necessary prior to entering the activity as a qualified square dancer. It is an achievement; it is a reward; it represents a degree of accomplishment, but it does not represent the end of an activity. It means the beginning of fun and friendships as the graduates now embark on the social and fun adventure that is square dancing.
On June 18, 10 dancers were presented with a Rancheros Square Dance Club name badge as a symbol of their completion of the Mainstream and Plus square dance lessons. The graduation ceremony was led by Rick Beeble, president, and Kim Denny, assistant lesson coordinator, who congratulated each one individually and welcomed them as new members of the Rancheros Square Dance Club.
These new dancers came through the learning period like real troopers, giving their smiles and laughter and friendliness to those who had the pleasure of dancing and working with them. They discovered that there are many important considerations other than simply learning the steps. Each one learned to be patient and tolerant and developed the ability to react automatically to the calls. They learned the importance of a sense of humor while discovering when to whoop and holler and when to be respectfully quiet so that others may listen and learn. This group came to realize that a prime accomplishment of this class was the development of an attitude that makes each one a desirable member of the square.
With the completion of these lessons, they are now able to attend any club dances locally, nationally, and internationally! They can enjoy the weekly club dances, but also can choose to attend square dance festivals, weekends, and local and national conventions. That’s a lot of active fun that keeps your mind active, too! The Rancheros and their sister club, the Saddlebrooke Squares, will be offering a free Introduction to Square Dancing on Thursday, Oct. 5. It’s not too soon to mark your calendar and reserve your spot. Contact Rebecca Williams at [email protected] or Kim Denny at [email protected]. We will be happy to send a reminder when the time comes!