Learn to square dance from locals

DESERT AIRE - Dave Boggs, the caller for the Moses Lake 4-by-8s, is starting a square dance class at the Royal High School cafeteria.

Square dance lessons will held on Thursdays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., starting this Thursday, March 12. To learn more about the classes, you may call Boggs at 331-7138 or Leslie Fanning at 750-5665.

"I really enjoy teaching," said Boggs, who recently completed a six-month class in Moses Lake. Boggs works at the Wanapum Dam and lives in Desert Aire. His wife, Susan, cues round dance.

"It takes eight people to make a square dance square," Fanning said. "The lessons are free. So if you are interested, please come. At no cost, you can try it out and see if you like it."

Square dancing is for all ages, and it is a family activity. It gives you exercise without feeling as if that's what you're doing.

"Students from six to 70 participate. If you can walk, you can square dance," Boggs said.

Leslie and Gary Fanning just completed the Moses Lake classes. They will be helping with the new students at Royal.

According to Boggs, the words "square dance" bring to mind vivid images of hay, barns, petticoats, gingham prints and overalls. Add a banjo, a fiddle and a man wearing a string tie barking out the dance moves and the picture is complete.

Or is it?

"Square dancing has a very rich history, one as old as this great nation," Boggs said. "No wonder it's the country's official dance."

Just as the United States started as a melting pot of many different cultures so did its folk dancing. Several of today's dance moves reflect this in their names. Do-si-do for example came from the French for back to back.

As the pioneers moved west, so did the dancing. Reels and contras all contributed to the evolution of square dancing. In the early 1920s Henry Ford gave square dancing a big boost by insisting it be taught to his employees.

The father of modern square dance was a man named "Pappy" Lloyd Shaw. He, along with other callers in the '30s and '40s, developed the choreography and complex movements now known as Modern Western Square Dance, an activity enjoyed worldwide.

Regardless of where a square dance is held, all the dance moves are called in English, Boggs said. And it bears little resemblance to those long held stereo-types.

"Today's square dance is very family-friendly," Boggs said. "It is appropriate for children from as young as seven."

Utilizing a variety of modern, upbeat music, geared to fun and excitement, square dancing has returned to Royal City.

The free lessons will start Thursday, March 12, in the high school cafeteria at 6:30 pm. For additional information, call 509-750-5665 for Leslie.

"Parents and kids, grandparents and grandkids," she said, "this is a good activity to do together."