Right to left: Rancheros Rebecca Williams and Dan and Kim Denny join fellow dancers Jim and Judy Gray in a square.
Rita Fletcher and Rebecca Williams
Is it Pop Tennis? Can all ages play on the same team? Can everyone win?
No, yes, and yes! To learn about all the fun, take a look at the Rancheros Square Dance Club.
In conjunction with our sister club, the SaddleBrooke Squares, the Rancheros Square Dance Club will be holding a free introduction. The event will be on Thursday, Jan. 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the SaddleBrooke HOA 2 MountainView Ballroom. The free event will introduce you to the sport of modern square dancing.
There are two big changes. Music is one change. Today’s music is in—it’s no longer just old-time traditional bluegrass music. Modern square dance music is a variety of country, 50s, rock, techno, hip-hop, and Broadway. And we have two live callers!
A second big change is that square dance attire is not required. Come in casual comfy clothes and shoes, please!
Modern square dancing is indeed a sport. You are walking with eight on your team, each player moving in an easy formation; the caller/quarterback tells you what move/play to execute, like in football. The square/huddle then moves in a kaleidoscope of geometric patterns all coming together cohesively at the end for a win … amazingly!
If you line dance, ballroom dance, or don’t dance at all, you can enjoy modern square dancing. There are no complete routines to memorize and no set of positionally fancy dance steps. You don’t need to have any rhythm either! If you can walk, you can square dance. You learn basic moves, but you do not know in what order since they will be called by the caller. This makes for a constantly challenging and surprisingly fun time. The unknown or unexpected calls makes recovering from occasional mistakes a part of the fun with your square of eight friends all sharing a laugh.
Modern square dancing is social. You are constantly changing partners with the other people in your square of eight so you get to know a lot of people. We use computerized squares to be sure that everyone gets to mix and mingle.
Besides dancing, the Rancheros and the SaddleBrooke Squares are active social clubs. Our special Super Social Squad works to provide us with non-dancing activities that are a hoot to boot! Square dancing also offers many regional and national festivals, making it fun to travel and enjoy your skills with others across the nation.
Because modern square dancing is easy to learn and do, there are no age barriers. Some members who have danced more than 30 years enjoy dancing along-side those who have just learned. And they use the same calls all over the world! Club members have enjoyed dancing in Japan, Germany, and many others.
Look for more information on the Rancheros Squares link on the SBR Clubs website at www.saddlebrookeranch.org/rancherosSquareDance.
If you have questions, contact Rebecca Williams at 520-825-2466 or Kim Denny at 812-360-6067.