Social Square Dance Lessons and Club

Presenting upcoming sessions for absolute newcomers is the Star Country Squares dance club, the only square dance club currently operating in the Okanagan Valley. They’re celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year. The club was formed as an amalgamation of the Vernon Stardusters, which originated in the 1960’s, and the Sun Country Squares dance clubs.
The square dance fun starts at 7 pm Thursday January 23rd and newcomers are also welcome on subsequent Thursdays: January 30, February 6 & 13. The venue is the Halina Activity Centre at the back of the Vernon Recreation Complex, 3310 37th Ave. No pre-registration is required, just drop in for a modest fee of $10/night to discover the vibrant activity. Instructing as the Caller-Teacher will be the very friendly Allan Peterson of Salmon Arm.
The structure of the square dance is for paired-off teams of 8 people, standing in a square formation, to interact with each other as they hear various moves or “calls” from a Caller. They step to a steady beat of music wherein the rhythms range from pop to country and show tunes to golden oldies.
Furthermore, the square dance program called Social Square Dancing has been revitalized from its heritage roots into a condensed program of fewer calls taught in less time, therefore getting dancers moving and having fun sooner.
While some of the calls are choreographed to a particular piece of music, other routines are comprised of random calls where the dancer has to listen carefully to know which way to go. Those can be a source of spontaneous laughter because dancers often anticipate the direction only to find themselves going another way.
The Star Country dance club supports the North Okanagan community, including the annual Vernon Winter Carnival. Join in on Thursday February 13th at 7 pm for a special free Open House square dance in celebration of the Carnival. The “Hip to be Square” dance event will correspond with the Carnival’s 1980’s theme. Participants in the Carnival event who try square dancing and discover the fun will be welcome to return on the following Thursdays for weekly instruction.
Casual attire is advised and footwear should be low heel and soft-soled. Most ages are welcome at the lessons in Social Square Dancing including singles, couples and families. Youth must be aged 12 years or up and accompanied by an adult. As a special welcome to youth dancers, a half price fee will apply for those aged 12 to 19 years inclusive.
For adults, there’s a special offer in place regarding admission upon starting on January 23rd. Call or text the club for details about the program and the membership fee.
Social Square Dancing really is all about the fun. North Okanagan residents are warmly welcomed to come give it a try.