Give square dancing a try

Otonabee Squares hope to attract new dancers with a free demo on May 18th at the Selwyn Outreach Centre

The Otonabee Squares, Peterborough’s beginner square dance club, is seeking new members. They hope to entice people of all ages to try square dancing for themselves on May 18th at 1:30 p.m. with a free demo dance at Selwyn Outreach Centre.

“This is absolutely the most fun thing ever,” said Glenda Bromell, who joined the Otonabee Squares in 2017 after a friend invited her to try square dancing with the club. “I walked in and it was just wonderful. You don’t need to come with a partner, and there is no dress code so it is really come as you are and people are so welcoming and generous.”

The Otonabee Squares gather in the basement of Emmanuel United Church every Monday evening from September to May, then take a break over the summer. They practice modern square dancing, where all of the dancers can participate in every step. This allows for a greater variety of moves in each dance than traditional square dancing.

“The main focus is to have fun and enjoy some physical activity and social connection,” said club president Elke Glaspell. “Square dancing is good for the brain too. It makes you think, especially as you move up in levels. Sometimes it’s challenging, but not too challenging.”

“Another thing more people should know about square dancing is that once you learn, you can go anywhere in the world,” Glaspell added. “All of the same calls are used internationally, and they call it in English no matter where you are.”

People are welcome to join the Otonabee Squares on May 18th to learn their first steps and try square dancing for themselves with no obligation to join the club.

The Otonabee Squares is a non-profit group, charging $10 for an annual membership and then $5 for each Monday evening dance attended.

To learn more, visit www.squaredanceatotonabeesquares.com