It was a far cry from watching the New Year’s ball fall on TV. So where can you go for five hours of dining, musical entertainment, socializing with friends and vigorously dancing the New Year in all for $35 a couple? A hundred Mountaineers and friends from other local dance clubs did just that.
They hesitate to call it square dancing, but like to think of it as TEAM DANCING. Some people can’t get past the word square – but this isn’t your grandparent’s fiddler and petticoats dancing. Modern Square Dancing has evolved from the small town “only game in town” to a nationwide way for people in towns of all sizes to get out and enjoy an active social activity. Dancing also increases your stamina, agility and balance while at the same time challenging your brain to function more efficiently.
So what’s new? The music ranges from country to pop to classical. Unlike ballroom dancing, men don’t have to learn to lead. All steps are cued by a caller so everyone can just focus on having fun. The majority of women dancers wear long to mid-length skirts. – no more Grand Ole Opry costumes. Dancers come from all walks of life and are more likely to go to work wearing a tie than wearing bib overalls. More dancers enjoy the outdoors in their RV’s than from the porch of their farm house. Dancers come in all ages – including some clubs for the youth and others that cater to families.
While this was a special dance for New Year’s Eve, almost all weekly dances charge admission of only $5 – $8/person including light hors d’oeuvres and two and a half hours of fun dancing with your friends all while expending approximately 300 calories and improving the cardio-vascular system.
If you would like to “gear up” for a more active life-style next year, you are in luck as beginner classes are on any Monday from 7 -9 P.M. . For additional information, please call 303-797-8808 or 303-877-2442