Rancheros joined a few members of the SaddleBrooke Squares to do a demo for the Rotary Club in the Sol Ballroom.
Rebecca Williams
Are you looking for an alternative to going to the gym? Want to make some new friends? Why not give square dancing a try? We all know exercise is good for you. Is there a form of exercise that is fun and lets you walk to music? Yes, there is. It’s called square dancing!
In the “2 Your Health” column of the July 2025 issue of the Ranch Roundup, Dr. Rose Bricker wrote, “Dancing: Movement benefits our body and mind in a huge way. Sitting for long periods of time is not good for the body. Dopamine is released through movement. This gives us a sense of pleasure and reward.” A 1994 Mayo Clinic health letter stated, “Dancing can burn as many calories as swimming, walking, or riding a bicycle.” Dr. Blackburn said square dancing is a low impact activity requiring constant movement and quick directional changes that help keep the body in shape.
The Rancheros Square Dance Club dances to live callers, Bob Asp and Dean Singleton, who bring a wide variety of music to the dance. For example, one dance in July featured Beach Boys and Beatles music.
On Thursday, Oct. 9, the Rancheros are offering an opportunity to try it for yourself for free! This special event allows you to “Give Us a Whirl” and will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. During this time you will learn some initial basic steps of square dancing and, believe it or not, you will soon be dancing to the music. There will be experienced dancers there to help you as well.
If you find this as fun as we do, we will be offering lessons to teach you square dancing. It is helpful to know that the caller will be letting you know what steps to take, so you don’t have to memorize a whole dance. You just need to listen for which steps are being called and enjoy walking to the music.
If you would like to attend this fun evening event on Thursday, Oct.9, please contact Kim Denny, class coordinator, at 812-360-6067 or email kim.denny81@gmail.com.