Square dance awareness week

Dancers in the Westsyde Squares -- the Central Okanagan’s only square and round dance club -- have been busy spreading the word.

They’ve been bringing attention to the B.C. Government’s proclamation and declaration of “Square and Round Dance Awareness Week,” September 14 to 20.

New dancer sessions are starting now throughout B.C.; so the timing is perfect for the provincial government to encourage newcomers to square and round dancing. Many square and round dance clubs are presenting free introductory nights to try it out, including those in Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops.

The Westsyde Squares, serving the area from Lake Country to Peachland, will open the regular dance season at 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 1 in the hall at the Westbank United Church. The sessions will be for those dancers accomplished in the “Mainstream Program” of modern square dancing and “Phases 1 to 3” in round dancing.

The government's proclamation endorses the many benefits of the social recreation. “In brief,” says Brian Elmer of West Kelowna, the club publicity volunteer, “the dance forms deliver fun, fitness and friendship for a great experience.” He says that today’s style of square dancing is done to popular music in casual attire.

The week of awareness not only identifies today’s style of square dancing, enjoyed by interactive teams of eight moving to modern music, but it also introduces round dancing which is choreographed ballroom dancing guided throughout by live “cues.”

The proclamation elaborates to read, in part:

“Whereas square and round dancing is a relaxing and enjoyable form of exercise to improve the physical and mental health of young and old alike, and…

Whereas square and round dancing takes place in many cities across British Columbia and Canada and helps relieve stress, develop flexibility, strength and coordination, and…

Whereas square and round dancing allows dancers to meet and enjoy the company of people from all walks of life;

Now Know Ye That We do by these presents proclaim and declare that September 14 to 20, 2014, shall be known as ‘Square and Round Dance Awareness Week’ in the Province of British Columbia.”

Affixed to the proclamation are the signatures of The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of B.C. and the province’s Attorney General, The Honourable Suzanne Anton.