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Swing into square dancing in Fort St. James

Square dancing continues at the United Church every Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Barbara Latkowski

Caledonia Courier

Square dancing continues at the United Church every Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Now, a few months in, a dedicated bunch of dancers continue to take part but they would like to see more participants come out and give dancing a whirl.

Dave Riske, organizer and avid square dancer is thrilled to see the dancing classes being offered in Fort St. James and is hoping to see some new faces come out.

“Square dancing is for everybody, whether you are young or old, single or divorced, it dosen’t matter.  And you don’t need to show up with a partner,” Riske says.

Square dancing is a social activity where participants dance a series of movements “called” by the square dance caller.

It’s often been said that square dancing is “friendship set to music.”

“We play all sorts of music,” Riske said. “We dance more modern types of square dancing so the music is also modern from rock and roll, country and western and even Halloween or Christmas themed music depending on the occasion.”

For Riske, square dancing has so many benefits to offer.

It’s proven that square dancing reduces the risk of dementia by 76 percent.

Other benefits include: increased lung capacity, improved muscle tone, bone density and joint flexibility. It also improves balance and coordination while developing new motor skills.

“But most of all, it’s about just getting together and having fun,” Riske said.

And dancer, Walter Liege, couldn’t agree more.

“It is so much fun and its great exercise. And we are so lucky to have instructors from Vanderhoof come and teach every week,” Liege said.

“It would be so great to have more people come and join us,” Liege said.

The dance group will continue every Sunday at the United Church in Fort St. James. All are welcome and donations are appreciated.