For the past several years, Stardusters Square Dance Club has hosted a street dance as part of the Blackberry Street Party. Local and visiting dancers alike enjoy the celebration, which attracts the attention of many spectators. Club members hope that some of these spectators might one day consider square dancing as a fun fitness option in their lives.
“Everyone who gives square dancing a try comes away with a sense of just how much fun it is,” said Stardusters member Laurel Bennett. “In a time when our society is becoming increasingly sedentary, square dancing most definitely has a number of health benefits for body, mind and soul. It is a very sociable activity that gets participants off the couch and back into ‘community mode.’”
Stardusters is very fortunate to have Gord Ruedig as its caller, said Bennett. “Gord is an accomplished singer and musician who is working locally and provincially to promote square dancing.”
“You can square dance to pretty much any music that you can walk briskly to,” said Ruedig, who enjoys adapting all different kinds of music to fit square dance. His innovation is earning him a reputation with other BC clubs, who are hiring him to call for their special dances.
The fall season of dance lessons is held from 7:30 to 9:30 pm Tuesdays, beginning October 4, at Rancho Hall, 5399 Timberlane Avenue. The club welcomes everyone of any age, couples or singles and suggests participants wear casual comfortable clothing. The first lesson is free.
“It has been said that if we all danced every day, it would save the health care system millions of dollars,” said Bennett. “We would all be healthier and happier. Happy people don’t fight, which would lead to a more peaceful planet. It might just be that simple.”
For more information, interested readers can contact Ruedig at 604.487.9565 or Bennett 604.485.7262.
