What is Modern Square Dancing ?
Square dancing is a social activity where people in groups of eight
form squares with a couple on each side, then dance a series of
movements as "called" by the square dance caller. Often described as
"Friendship Set to Music", it is a healthy, recreational, fun filled
activity.
What is the difference between Old Time and Modern Square Dancing ?
In Old Time Square Dancing each dance followed a never varying pattern.
Usually, the first couple executed a number of moves with each of the
other couples in turn; then second, third and fourth couples repeated
the same moves with each of the other couples.
In Modern Square dancing there are no set patterns for a dance. The caller
puts together a sequence of learned moves and "calls" them out in time
with the music for the dancers to step to.
How do Modern Square Dancers learn the movements ?
Anyone can learn square dancing by joining a club where the basic movements
can be mastered. New dancers enjoy an evening of fun while being taught
the movements by the caller.
Are there square dance competitions ?
No, Square Dancing is done only for the fun of it. Dancers move at their
own pace through a progression of programs teaching an increasing number
of steps and movements. Participants progress in keeping with their levels
of skill.
COME JOIN US FOR SOME FUN !!!
You are warmly invited to get together with us for some healthy fun-filled evenings at the
Renaissance Seniors' Centre, 2 Veterans Way in Elliot Lake.
We gather on Monday evenings at 6:30 beginning in September. Dancers of all
levels are invited to attend. Beginners are especially welcome !.
For directions and more information, contact Sheila Darbyshire (705) 848-5481
or Bob/Faye Ferguson (705) 848-7275.
Membership fees are waived for the first three nights you attend.
Dancing and Dementia
A recent study by the Albert Einstein Centre in the Bronx, N.Y. found dancing
to be the only regular physical activity associated with a significant drop
in the incidence of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. In the research,
reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, subjects who danced three or
four times a week showed a 76 percent lower incidence of dementia than those
who onlydanced once a week or not at all. (taken from the Globe and Mail,
December4, 2003)
Dancing and Good Health
According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, social dancing provides the body
with many healthy benefits. It may help reduce stress, increase energy, and
improve strength, muscle tone, and co-ordination. dancing can also burn as
many calories as walking or riding a bike. One factor that determines how many
calories you use is the distance you travel while dancing. In one study,
researchers found that square dancers covered five miles in a single evening.
Thats a lot of do-si-doing !
Other aspects of dance that contribute to your cardio vascular conditioning depend
on how long, how often, and how intensely or vigorously you dance. The National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recognizes the benefits of dance in
lowering coronary heart disease risk, decreasing blood pressure and managing
weight.
Another positive result of dancing is that the weight bearing movements of your
your steps can strengthen the bones of your legs and hips, which is important
for maintaing bone health as you age. As a result, with appropriate supervision
dancing may be used as part of a rehabilitation program.
While we may not all be hip-hopping into our nineties, dancing is one activity
we can do for most of the rest of our lives. The social contact it provides is
part of its allure. Its a great way to make new friends, be creative and expressive
and enjoy life. The best part of dancing is the fun you can have while you're
doing something great for your body.
Now that you know that dancing is good for you, put on your dancing shoes, "Join
Hands, Circle Left, Allemande Left your Corner, Give her a Swing and Promenade !".
