On the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of every month, members gather at the Town Hall in old Shawnee Town with their flowing skirts and square dancing steps.
Kick up your heels Intended to encourage fellowship, friendship and good old-fashioned exercise, the Swingin’ Singles group has grown leaps and bounds since its humble beginnings. Members from all areas of Kansas City and beyond pour into the Town Hall in Old Shawnee Town to participate in colorful themed events like the Hawaiian Dance, Johnny Appleseed Dance or Chiefs Night. Despite what people may think, this isn’t your grandma’s dancing class. The Swingin’ Singles group incorporates modern Western square dancing with music from modern pop to country to Elvis. If it sounds simple, think again. “In order to participate in the dances, you need to take lessons,” Swingin’ Singles President Lois Edmiston says of the one requirement. “Once a year we offer mainstream lessons. They are a minimum of 20 weeks to complete, one night a week, two hours per class, and they teach all the basics you need to know.” Though classes may sound daunting, the members recommend giving it a try. Bill Hale, dance lessons chairman, puts it simply. “If you can walk, you can square dance,” says Hale. “It just takes time and concentration. If you know your right hand from your left, you can do it. Some of our dancers are even in their 80s.” Edmiston continues, “Mainstream lessons are the basics for square dancing. You can go even farther and take plus, advance and challenge lessons. The majority of the members in our club are actually plus dancers.”
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■