Dancers Sheila Bray and Tom Griggs (in teal shirts) and Ronda Hayes (in paisley top) get ready to help some Rotarians learn a few square dance steps.
Rebecca Williams
On May 8, the Rancheros Square Dancers entertained the SaddleBrooke Rotarians at the Rotary’s Western themed social event. Caller Dean Singleton and 18 dancers from a combination of Rancheros and SaddleBrooke Squares showed the Rotarians what a typical square dance looks like from the initial “patter” or spoken calls set to various types of music, to the singing calls where the caller interjects the calls for the dance as he sings a song. Then the Rotarians were invited to come out and try for it themselves as the caller gave directions to some of the simpler basic calls. Soon everyone was laughing and having a good time.
Rotary is an international charitable organization and square dancing fits with that theme in that it is done in countries across the nation and around the world. The calls are the same anywhere you go, so if you have learned how to square dance, you can find a dance and enjoy meeting new people and enjoying good fellowship the world over. Some square dancers have danced in Japan, Germany, and Austria. There are also square dance cruises to Alaska in summer and Costa Rica in winter.
Most of today’s square dances are casual and attire is usually as you see it in the picture. At special weekend festivals that are held around the state and in many regions, or on special occasions, you might also see the ladies wearing skirts with fluffy petticoats underneath.
Lessons will be offered again starting with a free introductory lesson on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the MountainView Ballroom in SaddleBrooke. Because of the expense of hiring a live caller for the dances as well as for the lessons, the Rancheros and the SaddleBrooke Squares dance together. If you would like to learn more about square dancing, visit the Rancheros website on the Saddlebrooke HOA site under “Things to do,” “Dance,” or contact Rebecca Williams by email at rebdwill25@outlook.com.