Mary Klootwyk
That was the theme for the Third Annual Square Dance Weekend held in Albuquerque, N.M., Sept. 27-29, 2024, in the Albuquerque Square Dance Center. This center is the premiere dance hall in New Mexico and the United States. Dancers come to this dance hall, which features a floating hardwood floor, to enjoy square dancing, round dancing, ballroom, country and western, and contra dancing.
On this weekend, 54 dancers glided on the dance floor, including dancers from SaddleBrooke Squares, to square dance to two well-known callers. One caller is from California and the other is a popular local Albuquerque caller. Each caller guided dancers through the dance by calling out specific movements and sequences while providing entertainment and laughter.
In a relaxed yet upbeat setting with popular music, people are linking arms, sashaying, and dancing their way to longer, healthier, and happier times! Dancers also had the opportunity to meet new people and develop strong social ties, which contributes to self-esteem and a positive outlook. The energy put into square dancing has an effect on the heart rate, blood pressure, rate of calorie burn, and cholesterol profile.
Square dancing today is far from the grade school PE class kids remember mostly for the trauma of having to learn an old-fashioned dance and touch hands with the opposite sex. This kind of square dancing is organized and fast paced, and everyone on the dance floor blends naturally together. It’s more than just dancing, as the caller is responsible for “calling” out the square dance moves. The callers do not just stand on the stage yelling at dancers. They deliver rhythmic and upbeat instructions resembling more of a singer than an announcer. The dancers don’t know what the next call will be, making every dance a new challenge for each group of eight dancers. This is what makes square dancing a dance full of fun and variety that stimulates your concentration and reactions. Dancers left the weekend with newfound friends and plans to attend the 2025 dance.
For more information on how you can join in this great activity, visit www.saddlebrookesquares.com. Live Lively—Square Dance!