by Lisa Schauer
The Hancock Arts Council hosted a hoedown in the Performing Arts Center at Town Hall in Hancock on Sunday, July 21.
All were welcome, and no experience was needed, to learn how to square dance and line dance for free.
“Dare to be square!” challenged the arts council in a post on social media.
You didn’t even need a partner, as that term is more fluid in square dancing, and its county cousin line dancing, according to professional caller, Art Lavigne of Hagerstown.
Lavigne and the angels, those experienced square dancers from area clubs such as the Gad Abouts and the Do Si Do’s, were there to show and tell you how it’s done.
When it comes to square dancing and any kind of line dancing, or contra dancing, as its known, from the Virginia Reel to the Cuban Shuffle, I’ve always considered myself more of a “do si don’t” than a “do si do” type of person. It seemed like I always had two left feet, so I’d make an excuse and sit out such choreographed dances.
How could I attempt to square dance now, at this stage in the game? After all, I was only there to take pictures and document what seemed like a lively social activity in Hancock.
After some relentless coercion from the group, I reluctantly joined them on the shiny wooden dance floor.
Suddenly, I found myself swinging, circling, sashaying, and promenading right along with the angels.
To my surprise, square dancing was easy and fun. It was just the right amount of exercise for my body and spirit.
“I like to move to music,” said a glowing Susan Michael of Everett, Pa., wearing a traditional square dance dress she thrifted at the Everett Church of Brethren.
On most Friday evenings from September to May, the Everett Do Si Dos square dance club is the host of two-dollar square dance lessons at the church.
Anyone interested in more information about square dance lessons can call or text Susan Michael at 240-291-2187.
Take a twirl, and you just might get hooked on this fun and wholesome group activity.
Next up on its event schedule, the Hancock Arts Council will sponsor a free bluegrass concert in the Performing Arts Center at Town Hall in Hancock on Sunday, August 4 at 2 p.m.
The mission of the Hancock Arts Council is to enrich the cultural life of Hancock and the surrounding area with art in its many forms.
