West Coast Dance Join the Powell River revolution! By Heather Allan
S
quare dancing has always been an evolving dance form. Originally it was an amalgam of English, Scottish and Irish folk dancing, as interpreted by immigrants to North America. Eventually it became somewhat standardized with callers controlling the moves. But over the years that became a little stale, and so it was modified again, with more intricate moves. And instead of just the opposite couples dancing while the other four dancers watched, everyone became involved, making it as entertaining to watch as it was fun to dance. Now there's another very recent twist, a West Coast revolution. The local Stardusters Club caller, Gord Ruedig, has developed this new teaching method for this year’s crop of dancers. The fall dancers are due to 'graduate' by Christmas, and then a new session will begin in January. The key factor is that Gord's course is much shorter than the previous one; 10 sessions rather than the usual 30. 'Less lessons, more fun' is the mantra. Square dancing has come a long way from its roots. Crinolines are no longer de rigeur, and you don't even have to have a horse hitched outside the hall to gain entrance. Classes are held at the Rancho Hall every Tuesday night, and once the 10 lessons are completed, dancers can then also come on the first and third Thursday of each month. Plus, these dancers can go further afield — each club on Vancouver Island from Nanaimo to Campbell River will take turns hosting dancers trained in this way. Gord's Powell River dance revolution is spreading. Presently his program is used by six square dance clubs on Vancouver
DANCIN’ UP A STORM: Alison and Bob Butkus enjoy the fun and friendship and exercise they get square dancing.
Island. And recently he presented it in Surrey to a seminar hosted jointly by the Vancouver and District Caller Teachers’ Association and the Fraser Valley Square and Round Dance Association. A new session of this program will start in Powell River on Tuesday, January 15 at 7:30 pm in the Rancho Hall at 5399 Timberlane Avenue. The first class is free, and the full 10-week program is $55. People with two left feet are welcome! More information is available from Laurel Bennett at 604 485-7262.
West Coast Square Dancing Presented by Gord Ruedig • Sponsored by the Stardusters Dance Club
Sign up for 10 sessions starting January 15, 2013 Call Laurel Bennett at 604.485.7262
UnivErSiTy COUrSES Spring 2013 • English 115 & 125 • Criminology • Psychology • Creative Writing • Liberal Studies
D on ’t Miss out ! sign up today!
new format!
e AutomotiviciAn n ch Service te 2013 Feb 4, Program starts day! to up n ig S heavy duty ain elements of nt co May nology and hybrid tech
Got lunch plans?
Future Chefs Café
NOW OPEN!
VANCOUVER ISLAN D U N I V E R S I T Y
www.pr.viu.ca
16 •
www.PRLiving.ca
604.485.2878
Call 483-7967 to reserve your table. ElderCollege Health Online Trades University Upgrading Human Ser vices and much more